"Well, then, I know who it is from, Colonel. And I hope she is well. "

“噢，那么，我知道是谁寄来的了。上校，但愿她安然无恙。”

"Whom do you mean, ma'am?" said he, colouring a little.

“你这是说谁呀，太太？”上校问道，脸色有点发红。

"Oh! you know who I mean. "

“哦！你知道我说谁。”

"I am particularly sorry, ma'am, " said he, addressing Lady Middleton, "that I should receive this letter today, for it is on business which requires my immediate attendance in town. "

“我非常抱歉，夫人，”上校对米德尔顿夫人说，“今天竟然收到这封信。这是封公函，要我马上到城里去。”

"In town!" cried Mrs. Jennings. "What can you have to do in town at this time of year?"

“到城里去！”詹宁斯太太大声嚷道，“在这个时节，你到城里会有什么贵干？”

"My own loss is great, " he continued, "in being obliged to leave so agreeable a party; but I am the more concerned, as I fear my presence is necessary to gain your admittance at Whitwell. "

“我们大家如此合得来，”上校接着说，“离开你们真是我的莫大损失。而使我感到更加不安的是：你们要进惠特韦尔，恐怕需要我亲自引见才行。”

What a blow upon them all was this!

这对众人是当头一击：

"But if you write a note to the housekeeper, Mr. Brandon, " said Marianne, eagerly, "will it not be sufficient?"

“布兰登先生，你要是给女管家写个条子，”玛丽安性急地说道，“这还不行吗？”

He shook his head.

上校摇摇头。