Venetian [vq`nJs(q)n], inhabitant [In`hxbIt(q)nt], argue [`RgjH], solitude [`sOlItjHd], conventual [kqn`ventjVql], prison [`prIz(q)n]

Studying the place from between the boards of the Venetian shutters, which he durst not open for fear of attracting attention, Francis observed but little to indicate the manners of the inhabitants, and that little argued no more than a close reserve and a taste for solitude. The garden was conventual, the house had the air of a prison. The green blinds were all drawn down upon the outside; the door into the verandah was closed; the garden, as far as he could see it, was left entirely to itself in the evening sunshine. A modest curl of smoke from a single chimney alone testified to the presence of living people.

In order that he might not be entirely idle (чтобы не быть совершенно праздным; in order — с тем чтобы), and to give a certain colour to his way of life (и чтобы придать некоторую краску своему образу жизни = скрасить свой образ жизни), Francis had purchased Euclid's Geometry in French (Фрэнсис приобрел Евклидову «Геометрию» на французском), which he set himself to copy and translate (которую он положил себе переписать и перевести) on the top of his portmanteau and seated on the floor against the wall (верхом на чемодане, сидя на полу, прислонившись к стене: «против стены»); for he was equally without chair or table (так как у него не было ни стула, ни стола; equally — равно). From time to time he would rise and cast a glance into the enclosure of the house with the green blinds (время от времени он вставал и бросал взгляд на ограду дома с зелеными жалюзи); but the windows remained obstinately closed and the garden empty (но окна оставались неизменно закрытыми, а сад — пустым; obstinate — упрямый).

idle [aIdl], Euclid [`jHklId], geometry [GI`OmItrI], copy [`kOpI], portmanteau [pLt`mxntqV], empty [`em(p)tI]

In order that he might not be entirely idle, and to give a certain colour to his way of life, Francis had purchased Euclid's Geometry in French, which he set himself to copy and translate on the top of his portmanteau and seated on the floor against the wall; for he was equally without chair or table. From time to time he would rise and cast a glance into the enclosure of the house with the green blinds; but the windows remained obstinately closed and the garden empty.

Only late in the evening did anything occur to reward his continued attention (лишь поздно вечером случилось что-то, что вознаградило его постоянное внимание). Between nine and ten the sharp tinkle of a bell aroused him from a fit of dozing (между девятью и десятью резкое звяканье колокольчика пробудило его от дремы); and he sprang to his observatory (и он кинулся на свой наблюдательный пункт; to spring — прыгать; бросаться) in time to hear an important noise of locks being opened and bars removed (как раз вовремя, чтобы услышать внушительный скрежет отпираемых замков и убираемых засовов; important — важный, значительный, существенный), and to see Mr. Vandeleur, carrying a lantern (и увидеть, как мистер Венделер, несущий фонарь) and clothed in a flowing robe of black velvet with a skull-cap to match (и одетый в мягкий халат из черного бархата и такую же шапочку; to match — подходить, соответствовать), issue from under the verandah (выходит из-под /крыши/ веранды) and proceed leisurely towards the garden gate (и шагает неспешно к садовой калитке). The sound of bolts and bars was then repeated (скрип задвижек и засовов затем повторился); and a moment after Francis perceived the Dictator escorting into the house (и секунду спустя Фрэнсис увидел диктатора, ведущего в дом), in the mobile light of the lantern (в неверном свете фонаря), an individual of the lowest and most despicable appearance (человека самого низкого и жалкого вида; low — низкий; низкого происхождения, сословия; despicable — презренный, жалкий).

reward [rI`wLd], arouse [q`raVz], observatory [qb`zWvqtrI], leisurely [`leZqlI]

Only late in the evening did anything occur to reward his continued attention. Between nine and ten the sharp tinkle of a bell aroused him from a fit of dozing; and he sprang to his observatory in time to hear an important noise of locks being opened and bars removed, and to see Mr. Vandeleur, carrying a lantern and clothed in a flowing robe of black velvet with a skull-cap to match, issue from under the verandah and proceed leisurely towards the garden gate. The sound of bolts and bars was then repeated; and a moment after Francis perceived the Dictator escorting into the house, in the mobile light of the lantern, an individual of the lowest and most despicable appearance.

Half-an-hour afterwards the visitor was reconducted to the street (полчаса спустя посетитель был выпровожен на улицу); and Mr. Vandeleur, setting his light upon one of the rustic tables (а мистер Венделер, поставив фонарь на один из садовых столов; rustic — деревенский, сельский; грубый, грубо сработанный: rustic furniture — грубая деревянная мебель), finished a cigar with great deliberation under the foliage of the chestnut (докурил: «закончил» сигару с большой неторопливостью под листвой каштана). Francis, peering through a clear space among the leaves (Фрэнсис, всматривавшийся в просвет среди листвы; to peer — вглядываться, вперять взгляд), was able to follow his gestures as he threw away the ash (мог следить за его жестами, когда он стряхивал пепел; able — способный; to throw — бросать) or enjoyed a copious inhalation (или наслаждался сильной затяжкой); and beheld a cloud upon the old man's brow (и видел мрачность: «тучу» на лице старика; to behold — созерцать) and a forcible action of the lips (и сильные движения губ; forcible — насильственный, принудительный), which testified to some deep and probably painful train of thought (что свидетельствовало о напряженном и, возможно, тягостном ходе мыслей; deep — глубокий). The cigar was already almost at an end (сигара была уже почти докурена: «у конца»), when the voice of a young girl was heard suddenly (когда внезапно послышался голос юной девушки) crying the hour from the interior of the house (сообщающей /который/ час изнутри дома).

cigar [sI`gR]

Half-an-hour afterwards the visitor was reconducted to the street; and Mr. Vandeleur, setting his light upon one of the rustic tables, finished a cigar with great deliberation under the foliage of the chestnut. Francis, peering through a clear space among the leaves, was able to follow his gestures as he threw away the ash or enjoyed a copious inhalation; and beheld a cloud upon the old man's brow and a forcible action of the lips, which testified to some deep and probably painful train of thought. The cigar was already almost at an end, when the voice of a young girl was heard suddenly crying the hour from the interior of the house.

"In a moment," replied John Vandeleur (секунду, — ответил Джон Венделер).

And, with that, he threw away the stump (и с этими /словами/ он отшвырнул окурок) and, taking up the lantern, sailed away under the verandah for the night (и, подхватив фонарь, уплыл = проследовал под /крышу/ веранды на ночь). As soon as the door was closed (как только дверь закрылась), absolute darkness fell upon the house (полная темнота охватила дом; to fall — падать); Francis might try his eyesight as much as he pleased (Фрэнсис мог напрягать свое зрение сколько хотел), he could not detect so much as a single chink of light below a blind (он не мог различить ни единого проблеска света за жалюзи); and he concluded, with great good sense (и он здраво заключил: «с хорошим здравым смыслом»), that the bed-chambers were all upon the other side (что все спальни находились на другой стороне).

chamber [`CeImbq]

"In a moment," replied John Vandeleur.

And, with that, he threw away the stump and, taking up the lantern, sailed away under the verandah for the night. As soon as the door was closed, absolute darkness fell upon the house; Francis might try his eyesight as much as he pleased, he could not detect so much as a single chink of light below a blind; and he concluded, with great good sense, that the bed-chambers were all upon the other side.

Early the next morning (рано утром) (for he was early awake after an uncomfortable night upon the floor (так как он рано проснулся после неудобной ночи на полу)), he saw cause to adopt a different explanation (он увидел причину принять = дать /этому/ другое объяснение). The blinds rose, one after another (жалюзи поднялись одно за другим), by means of a spring in the interior (посредством пружины внутри), and disclosed steel shutters such as we see on the front of shops (и открыли стальные ставни, какие мы видим на витринах магазинов); these in their turn were rolled up by a similar contrivance (они, в свою очередь, были подняты схожим механизмом; contrivance — изобретение; выдумка, затея; хитроумный план; to contrive — придумывать, изобретать; разрабатывать); and for the space of about an hour (и в течение примерно часа), the chambers were left open to the morning air (комнаты оставались открытыми утреннему воздуху). At the end of that time Mr. Vandeleur, with his own hand, once more closed the shutters (по истечении этого времени мистер Венделер собственноручно снова закрыл ставни) and replaced the blinds from within (и вернул на место жалюзи изнутри).

similar [`sImIlq], contrivance [kqn`traIv(q)ns]

Early the next morning (for he was early awake after an uncomfortable night upon the floor), he saw cause to adopt a different explanation. The blinds rose, one after another, by means of a spring in the interior, and disclosed steel shutters such as we see on the front of shops; these in their turn were rolled up by a similar contrivance; and for the space of about an hour, the chambers were left open to the morning air. At the end of that time Mr. Vandeleur, with his own hand, once more closed the shutters and replaced the blinds from within.

While Francis was still marvelling at these precautions (пока Фрэнсис еще дивился этим предосторожностям), the door opened and a young girl came forth (дверь открылась, и вышла юная девушка) to look about her in the garden (чтобы оглядеться = побыть в саду). It was not two minutes before she re-entered the house (не прошло и двух минут, прежде чем она снова вошла в дом), but even in that short time he saw enough to convince him (но даже за это короткое время он увидел достаточно, чтобы /это могло/ убедить его) that she possessed the most unusual attractions (что она обладала весьма необычайной привлекательностью). His curiosity was not only highly excited by this incident (не только его любопытство было сильнейшим образом возбуждено этим происшествием), but his spirits were improved to a still more notable degree (но и его настроение улучшилось в еще бóльшей степени; notable — значительный).

excite [Ik`saIt], notable [`nqVtqbl]

While Francis was still marvelling at these precautions, the door opened and a young girl came forth to look about her in the garden. It was not two minutes before she re-entered the house, but even in that short time he saw enough to convince him that she possessed the most unusual attractions. His curiosity was not only highly excited by this incident, but his spirits were improved to a still more notable degree.

The alarming manners and more than equivocal life of his father (тревожные = странные привычки и более чем двусмысленная жизнь его отца) ceased from that moment to prey upon his mind (перестала с этого момента терзать его мысли); from that moment he embraced his new family with ardour (с этого момента он прижал к груди = полюбил свою новую семью с пылкостью); and whether the young lady should prove his sister or his wife (и окажется ли эта молодая дама его сестрой или женой), he felt convinced she was an angel in disguise (он чувствовал себя убежденным, что она — переодетый ангел; disguise — маскировка; переодевание). So much was this the case (настолько это было так: «случаем») that he was seized with a sudden horror (что он был охвачен внезапным ужасом) when he reflected how little he really knew (когда он подумал, как мало он на самом деле знает), and how possible it was that he had followed the wrong person (и как возможно, что он последовал не за тем человеком) when he followed Mr. Vandeleur (когда он последовал за мистером Венделером).

equivocal [I`kwIvqk(q)l], cease [sJs], seize [sJz], angel [`eInG(q)l]

The alarming manners and more than equivocal life of his father ceased from that moment to prey upon his mind; from that moment he embraced his new family with ardour; and whether the young lady should prove his sister or his wife, he felt convinced she was an angel in disguise. So much was this the case that he was seized with a sudden horror when he reflected how little he really knew, and how possible it was that he had followed the wrong person when he followed Mr. Vandeleur.

The porter, whom he consulted, could afford him little information (привратник, к которому он обратился, мог дать ему мало сведений); but, such as it was, it had a mysterious and questionable sound (но какими бы /скудными/ они ни были, звучало это все таинственно и сомнительно: «это имело таинственный… звук»). The person next door was an English gentleman of extraordinary wealth (человек, /живший/ по соседству, был английским джентльменом необычайного богатства), and proportionately eccentric in his tastes and habits (и столь же: «пропорционально /этому/» эксцентричным в своих вкусах и привычках; proportionate — соразмерный, пропорциональный). He possessed great collections, which he kept in the house beside him (он владел огромными коллекциями, которые он хранил в доме, подле себя); and it was to protect these that he had fitted the place with steel shutters (и это чтобы защитить их, он оснастил дом стальными ставнями), elaborate fastenings, and chevaux-de-frise along the garden wall (хитроумными засовами и битым стеклом с гвоздями на садовой ограде). He lived much alone (он жил весьма уединенно), in spite of some strange visitors (несмотря на некоторых странных посетителей) with whom, it seemed, he had business to transact (с которыми, казалось, у него водились дела; to transact — вести дела); and there was no one else in the house, except Mademoiselle and an old woman servant (и в доме никого больше не было, кроме барышни и старой служанки).

consult [kqn`sAlt], wealth [welT], proportionately [prq`pLS(q)nqtlI], eccentric [Ik`sentrIk], elaborate (прилагательное) [I`lxb(q)rqt]

The porter, whom he consulted, could afford him little information; but, such as it was, it had a mysterious and questionable sound. The person next door was an English gentleman of extraordinary wealth, and proportionately eccentric in his tastes and habits. He possessed great collections, which he kept in the house beside him; and it was to protect these that he had fitted the place with steel shutters, elaborate fastenings, and chevaux-de-frise along the garden wall. He lived much alone, in spite of some strange visitors with whom, it seemed, he had business to transact; and there was no one else in the house, except Mademoiselle and an old woman servant.

"Is Mademoiselle his daughter?" inquired Francis (а мадемуазель — его дочь? — спросил Фрэнсис).

"Certainly," replied the porter (конечно, — ответил привратник). "Mademoiselle is the daughter of the house (мадемуазель — дочь /их/ рода = дочь хозяина дома); and strange it is to see how she is made to work (и странно видеть, как ее заставляют работать). For all his riches, it is she who goes to market (при всех его богатствах это она /сама/ ходит на рынок); and every day in the week you may see her going by (и каждый день недели вы можете увидеть ее идущей мимо) with a basket on her arm (с корзинкой в руке)."

"And the collections?" asked the other (а коллекции? — спросил тот).

"Sir," said the man, "they are immensely valuable (сир, — сказал привратник, — они невероятно ценны; immense — неизмеримый). More I cannot tell you (большего я не могу сказать вам). Since M. de Vandeleur's arrival no one in the quarter has so much as passed the door (с /самого/ приезда месье Венделера никто в квартале не прошел даже в дверь = он никого даже на порог не пускает)."

daughter [`dLtq]

"Is Mademoiselle his daughter?" inquired Francis.

"Certainly," replied the porter. "Mademoiselle is the daughter of the house; and strange it is to see how she is made to work. For all his riches, it is she who goes to market; and every day in the week you may see her going by with a basket on her arm."

"And the collections?" asked the other.

"Sir," said the man, "they are immensely valuable. More I cannot tell you. Since M. de Vandeleur's arrival no one in the quarter has so much as passed the door."

"Suppose not," returned Francis (уж я думаю!: «полагаю, что нет», — ответил Фрэнсис), «you must surely have some notion (вы наверняка имеете некоторое представление /о том/) what these famous galleries contain (что содержат эти славные коллекции). Is it pictures, silks, statues, jewels, or what (это картины, шелка, статуи, драгоценности или что-то другое)?»

«My faith, sir,» said the fellow with a shrug (как на духу, сир, — сказал парень, пожав плечами; faith — вера; shrug — пожимание плечами), «it might be carrots, and still I could not tell you (это могут быть и морковки, я все равно не мог бы вам сказать). How should I know (откуда бы мне знать)? The house is kept like a garrison, as you perceive (этот дом держат, как гарнизон, как вы видите; to perceive — воспринимать).”

And then as Francis was returning disappointed to his room (а затем, когда Фрэнсис возвращался, разочарованный, к себе в комнату), the porter called him back (привратник позвал его назад).

“I have just remembered, sir,” said he (я только что вспомнил, сир, — сказал он). “M. de Vandeleur has been in all parts of the world (месье де Венделер бывал во всех частях света), and I once heard the old woman declare (и я однажды слышал, как старуха заявляет) that he had brought many diamonds back with him (что он привез с собой много бриллиантов). If that be the truth (если это правда), there must be a fine show behind those shutters (то за этими ставнями есть на что посмотреть: «там должно быть превосходное зрелище…»).»

suppose [sq`pqVz], picture [`pIkCq], statue [`stxCH], garrison [`gxrIsqn], disappointed [dIsq`pOIntId]

"Suppose not," returned Francis, "you must surely have some notion what these famous galleries contain. Is it pictures, silks, statues, jewels, or what?"

"My faith, sir," said the fellow with a shrug, "it might be carrots, and still I could not tell you. How should I know? The house is kept like a garrison, as you perceive."

And then as Francis was returning disappointed to his room, the porter called him back.

"I have just remembered, sir," said he. "M. de Vandeleur has been in all parts of the world, and I once heard the old woman declare that he had brought many diamonds back with him. If that be the truth, there must be a fine show behind those shutters."

By an early hour on Sunday Francis was in his place at the theatre (в воскресенье в ранний час = задолго до начала спектакля Фрэнсис был на своем месте в театре). The seat which had been taken for him (место, которое было занято для него) was only two or three numbers from the left-hand side (было лишь в двух или трех креслах: «номерах» от левой стены: «стороны»), and directly opposite one of the lower boxes (и прямо напротив одной из нижних лож). As the seat had been specially chosen (так как это место было выбрано специально) there was doubtless something to be learned from its position (можно было, без сомнения, кое-что понять из его положения); and he judged by an instinct (и он инстинктивно рассудил) that the box upon his right was, in some way or other, to be connected with the drama (что ложа справа от него должна была быть так или иначе связана с драмой) in which he ignorantly played a part (в которой он, сам того не ведая, играл роль: «невежественно»). Indeed, it was so situated (в самом деле, она = ложа была расположена так) that its occupants could safely observe him from beginning to end of the piece (что занимающие ее люди могли в безопасности наблюдать за ним с начала до конца пьесы), if they were so minded (если они были так расположены = если бы им этого хотелось); while, profiting by the depth (а пользуясь глубиной /ложи/), they could screen themselves sufficiently well from any counter-examination on his side (они могли достаточно хорошо закрыть себя от какого-либо ответного наблюдения с его стороны; screen — ширма, щит, доска, /каминный/ экран). He promised himself not to leave it for a moment out of sight (он пообещал себе не упускать ее = ложу ни на секунду из вида); and whilst he scanned the rest of the theatre (и пока он осматривал остальной театр), or made a show of attending to the business of the stage (или делал вид, будто занят действием на сцене), he always kept a corner of an eye upon the empty box (он всегда смотрел краем глаза на пустую ложу: «держал уголок глаза на пустой ложе»).

opposite [`OpqzIt], connect [kq`nekt], piece [pJs]

By an early hour on Sunday Francis was in his place at the theatre. The seat which had been taken for him was only two or three numbers from the left-hand side, and directly opposite one of the lower boxes. As the seat had been specially chosen there was doubtless something to be learned from its position; and he judged by an instinct that the box upon his right was, in some way or other, to be connected with the drama in which he ignorantly played a part. Indeed, it was so situated that its occupants could safely observe him from beginning to end of the piece, if they were so minded; while, profiting by the depth, they could screen themselves sufficiently well from any counter-examination on his side. He promised himself not to leave it for a moment out of sight; and whilst he scanned the rest of the theatre, or made a show of attending to the business of the stage, he always kept a corner of an eye upon the empty box.

The second act had been some time in progress (второй акт шел уже некоторое время), and was even drawing towards a close (и даже приближался к завершению), when the door opened and two persons entered (когда дверь открылась и два человека вошли) and ensconced themselves in the darkest of the shade (и устроились в самой тени: «в самой тьме тени»; to ensconce — укрывать/ся/, прятать/ся/; устраивать/ся/ /обыкн. удобно или уютно/). Francis could hardly control his emotion (Фрэнсис едва смог сдержать свои чувства). It was Mr. Vandeleur and his daughter (это был мистер Венделер и его дочь). The blood came and went in his arteries and veins with stunning activity (кровь струилась: «приливала и оттекала» в его артериях и венах с поразительной силой; to stun — оглушать /ударом/; ошеломлять; activity — активность; энергичность); his ears sang (его уши пели = в ушах у него шумело; to sing — петь); his head turned (его голова плыла: «вращалась»). He dared not look lest he should awake suspicion (он не осмеливался взглянуть, чтобы не пробудить подозрения); his play-bill, which he kept reading from end to end and over and over again (его программка, которую он постоянно прочитывал от корки до корки снова и снова; bill — список; инвентарь; программа /концерта и т. п./), turned from white to red before his eyes (стала из белой — красной у него на глазах); and when he cast a glance upon the stage, it seemed incalculably far away (а когда он бросил взгляд на сцену, она показалась неисчислимо далекой), and he found the voices and gestures of the actors to the last degree impertinent and absurd (и он нашел голоса и жесты актеров до крайности нелепыми и абсурдными; impertinent — дерзкий, наглый, нахальный, грубый; неуместный, нелепый; не относящийся к делу).

progress [`prqVgres], ensconce [In`skOns], control [kqn`trqVl], blood [blAd], artery [`Rt(q)rI], absurd [qb`zWd]

The second act had been some time in progress, and was even drawing towards a close, when the door opened and two persons entered and ensconced themselves in the darkest of the shade. Francis could hardly control his emotion. It was Mr. Vandeleur and his daughter. The blood came and went in his arteries and veins with stunning activity; his ears sang; his head turned. He dared not look lest he should awake suspicion; his play-bill, which he kept reading from end to end and over and over again, turned from white to red before his eyes; and when he cast a glance upon the stage, it seemed incalculably far away, and he found the voices and gestures of the actors to the last degree impertinent and absurd.

From time to time he risked a momentary look (время от времени он отваживался на быстрый взгляд) in the direction which principally interested him (в направлении, которое более всего интересовало его); and once at least he felt certain (и по крайней мере один раз он был уверен) that his eyes encountered those of the young girl (что его глаза встретились с глазами юной девушки). A shock passed over his body (удар = дрожь прошла у него по телу), and he saw all the colours of the rainbow (и он увидел все цвета радуги). What would he not have given to overhear (чего бы он не отдал, чтобы подслушать) what passed between the Vandeleurs (что происходит между Венделерами)? What would he not have given for the courage to take up his opera-glass (чего бы он не отдал за храбрость поднять свой бинокль) and steadily inspect their attitude and expression (и внимательно изучить их позы и выражения лиц; attitude — позиция; отношение; поза)? There, for aught he knew, his whole life was being decided (там, насколько он знал, решалась вся его жизнь) — and he not able to interfere (а он неспособен вмешаться), not able even to follow the debate (даже неспособен следить за беседой), but condemned to sit and suffer where he was, in impotent anxiety (но приговорен сидеть и страдать на месте: «где он был» в бессильной тревоге).

momentary [`mqVmqnt(q)rI], courage [`kArIG], steadily [`stedIlI], aught [Lt], condemn [kqn`dem], impotent [`Impqtqnt]

From time to time he risked a momentary look in the direction which principally interested him; and once at least he felt certain that his eyes encountered those of the young girl. A shock passed over his body, and he saw all the colours of the rainbow. What would he not have given to overhear what passed between the Vandeleurs? What would he not have given for the courage to take up his opera-glass and steadily inspect their attitude and expression? There, for aught he knew, his whole life was being decided — and he not able to interfere, not able even to follow the debate, but condemned to sit and suffer where he was, in impotent anxiety.

At last the act came to an end (наконец акт подошел к концу). The curtain fell (занавес упал), and the people around him began to leave their places, for the interval (и люди вокруг него начали уходить со своих мест на антракт). It was only natural that he should follow their example (было только естественно, чтобы он последовал их примеру); and if he did so, it was not only natural but necessary (а если он сделает так, будет не только естественно, но и необходимо) that he should pass immediately in front of the box in question (чтобы он прошел прямо перед этой ложей; in question — рассматриваемый, данный: «в вопросе»). Summoning all his courage, but keeping his eyes lowered (собрав все свое мужество, но держа глаза опущенными), Francis drew near the spot (Фрэнсис приблизился к этому месту; to draw near — приблизиться). His progress was slow (его продвижение было медленным), for the old gentleman before him moved with incredible deliberation (так как старый господин перед ним двигался с невероятной медлительностью), wheezing as he went (тяжело дыша на ходу: «пока он шел»; to wheeze — дышать с присвистом; хрипеть).