《傲慢与偏见》第 13 期

Mr. Bingley inherited property to the amount of nearly a hundred thousand pounds from his father, who had intended to purchase an estate, but did not live to do it. Mr. Bingley intended it likewise, and sometimes made choice of his county; but, as he was now provided with a good house and the liberty of a manor, it was doubtful to many of those who best knew the easiness of his temper, whether he might not spend the remainder of his days at Netherfield, and leave the next generation to purchase.

彬格莱先生从父亲那里继承了将近十万英镑的财产。他的父亲原本打算购置一处庄园，却未能活到实现这一愿望。彬格莱先生也有同样的打算，有时还会选定郡县；但由于如今他已经拥有一所好房子和一座庄园的使用权，许多最了解他随和性情的人都不免怀疑，他是否会在尼日斐花园度过余生，把购置庄园的事留给下一代。

His sisters were very anxious for his having an estate of his own; but though he was now established only as a tenant, Miss Bingley was by no means unwilling to preside at his table; nor was Mrs. Hurst, who had married a man of more fashion than fortune, less disposed to consider his house as her home when it suited her. Mr. Bingley had not been of age two years when he was tempted, by an accidental recommendation, to look at Netherfield House. He did look at it, and into it, for half an hour; was pleased with the situation and the principal rooms, satisfied with what the owner said in its praise, and took it immediately.

他的姐妹们非常希望他能拥有自己的庄园；不过，虽然他目前只是租户，彬格莱小姐却丝毫不介意在他的餐桌旁主持家务；赫斯特太太嫁给了一个身份高于财富的男人，也同样乐于在合适的时候把他的宅邸视为自己的家。彬格莱先生成年还不到两年时，因一次偶然的推荐，受到诱惑去看尼日斐花园。他确实去看了，也在屋内看了半个小时；他喜欢那里的环境和主要房间，对房主对它的赞誉也感到满意，于是当即租了下来。

Between him and Darcy there was a very steady friendship, in spite of a great opposition of character. Bingley was endeared to Darcy by the easiness, openness, and ductility of his temper, though no disposition could offer a greater contrast to his own, and though with his own he never appeared dissatisfied. On the strength of Darcy’s regard, Bingley had the firmest reliance, and of his judgment the highest opinion. In understanding, Darcy was the superior. Bingley was by no means deficient; but Darcy was clever. He was at the same time haughty, reserved, and fastidious; and his manners, though well bred, were not inviting. In that respect his friend had greatly the advantage. Bingley was sure of being liked wherever he appeared; Darcy was continually giving offence.

尽管性格大相径庭，彬格莱和达西之间却有着十分稳固的友谊。彬格莱那随和、坦率而又易于受影响的性情使达西十分喜爱他，尽管这种性情与达西自己的性格形成了最鲜明的对比，而且达西似乎从未对自己的性情感到不满。凭借达西对他的情谊，彬格莱对达西抱有最坚定的信赖，对他的判断也有最高的评价。在理解力方面，达西更胜一筹。彬格莱绝非缺乏才智，只是达西更为聪明。他同时傲慢、矜持而又挑剔；他的举止虽受过良好教养，却并不讨人喜欢。在这一点上，他的朋友占有极大的优势。无论彬格莱出现在什么地方，都一定会受到喜爱；而达西却总是在得罪人。