northanger abbey(诺桑觉奇)-第54章
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charming young man in the world。 Any further definition of his
merits must be unnecessary； the most charming young man in the
world is instantly before the imagination of us all。 Concerning the
one in question； therefore； I have only to add—（aware that the
rules of composition forbid the introduction of a character not
connected with my fable）—that this was the very gentleman whose
negligent servant left behind him that collection of washing…bills；
resulting from a long visit at Northanger； by which my heroine
was involved in one of her most alarming adventures。
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The influence of the Viscount and Viscountess in their brother’s
behalf was assisted by that right understanding of Mr。 Morland’s
circumstances which； as soon as the General would allow himself
to be informed； they were qualified to give。 It taught him that he
had been scarcely more misled by Thorpe’s first boast of the
family wealth than by his subsequent malicious overthrow of it；
that in no sense of the word were they necessitous or poor； and
that Catherine would have three thousand pounds。 This was so
material an amendment of his late expectations that it greatly
contributed to smooth the descent of his pride； and by no means
without its effect was the private intelligence； which he was at
some pains to procure； that the Fullerton estate； being entirely at
the disposal of its present proprietor； was consequently open to
every greedy speculation。
On the strength of this； the General； soon after Eleanor’s
marriage； permitted his son to return to Northanger； and thence
made him the bearer of his consent； very courteously worded in a
page full of empty professions to Mr。 Morland。 The event which it
authorized soon followed： Henry and Catherine were married； the
bells rang； and everybody smiled； and； as this took place within a
twelvemonth from the first day of their meeting； it will not appear；
after all the dreadful delays occasioned by the General’s cruelty；
that they were essentially hurt by it。 To begin perfect happiness at
the respective ages of twenty…six and eighteen is to do pretty well；
and professing myself moreover convinced that the General’s
unjust interference； so far from being really injurious to their
felicity； was perhaps rather conducive to it； by improving their
knowledge of each other； and adding strength to their attachment；
I leave it to be settled； by whomsoever it may concern； whether the
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tendency of this work be altogether to recommend parental
tyranny； or reward filial disobedience。
FINIS
Classics in Literature： Jane Austen ElecBook
