The Tigers Bride-2
Acellhadbeenpreparedforme,averitablecell,windowless,airless,lightless,inthevisceraofthepalace.Thevaletlitalampforme;anarrowbed,adarkcupboardwithfruitandflowerscarvedonitbulkedoutofthegloom.
"Ishalltwistaofmybedlinenandhangmyselfwithit,"Isaid.
"Oh,no,"saidthevalet,fixinguponmewideandsuddenlymelancholyeyes."Oh,no,youwillnot.Youareawomanofhonour."
Andwhatwashedoinginmybedroom,thisjiggingcaricatureofaman?WashetobemywarderuntilIsubmittedtoTheBeastswhimorhetomine?AmIinsuchreducedcircumstahatImaynothavealadysmaid?Asifiomyunspokendemand,thevaletclappedhishands.
"Toassuageyourloneliness,madame..."
Aknogandclatteringbehindthedoorofthecupboard;thedoorswingsopenandoutglidesasoubrettefromaa,withglossy,nut-browncurls,rosycheeks,blue,rollitakesmeamomenttniseher,itlecap,herwhitestogs,herfrilledpetticoats.Shecarriesalookingglassinonehandandapowderpuffiherandthereisamusicalboxwhereherheartshouldbe;shetinklesassherollstowardsmeoinywheels.
"Nothinghumanliveshere,"saidthevalet.
Mymaidhalted,bowed;fromasplitseamatthesideofherbodiceprotrudesthehandleofakey.Sheisamarvellousmae,themostdelicatelybalancedsystemofcordsandpulleysintheworld.
"Wehavedispehservants,"thevaletsaid."Wesurroundourselvesinstead,forutilityandpleasure,withsimuladfinditnolessvehandomostgentlemen."
Thisclockworktwinofmiedbeforeme,herbowelsingoutasettei,andofferedmetheboldationofhersmile.Click,click--sheraisesherarmandbusilydustsmycheekswithpink,powderedchalkthatmakesmecough,thenthruststowardsmeherlittlemirror.
Isawwithinitnotmyowhatofmyfather,asifIhadputonhisfacewhenIarrivedatTheBeastspalaceasthedischargeofhisdebt.What,youself-deludingfool,areystill?Anddrunk,too.Hetossedbackhisgrappaandhurledthetumbleraway.
Seeingmyastonishedfright,thevalettookthemirrorawayfromme,breathedonit,polisheditwiththehamofhisglovedfist,habae.NowallIsawwasmyself,haggardfromasleeplessnight,paleenoughtoneedmymaidssupplye.
Iheardthekeyturnintheheavydoorandthevaletsfootstepspatterdowonepassage.Meanwhile,mydoubletiopowdertheair,emittingherjanglingtu,asittur,shewasnotinexhaustible;soonshemoreamorelanguorously,hermetalheartslowedinimitationoffatigue,hermusicalboxrandownuntilthenotesseparatedthemselvesoutofthetuneandploppedlikesingleraindropsand,asifsleephadovertakelastshemovednolonger.Asshesuccumbedtosleep,Ihadnooptionbuttodosotoo.Idroppedonthenarrowbedasiffelled.
TimepassedbutIdonotknowhowmuch;thenthevaletwokemewithrollsandhoney.Igesturedthetrayawaybuthesetitdownfirmlybesidethelampandtookfromitalittleshagreenbox,whichheofferedtome.
Iturnedawaymyhead.
"Oh,mylady!"Suchhurtcrackedhishigh-pitchedvoice!Hedextrouslyunfastehegoldclasp;onabedofcrimsolayasinglediamondearring,perfectasatear.
Isheboxshutandtosseditintoaer.Thissudden,sharpmovementmusthavedisturbedthemeismofthedoll;shejerkedherarmalmostasiftoreprimatingoutaripplingfartofgavotte.Thenshewasstillagain.
"Verywell,"saidthevalet,putout.Andindicateditwastimeformetovisitmyhostagain.Hedidmewashoryhair.TherewassolittlenaturallightieriorofthepalacethatIcouldnottellwhetheritwasdayht.
YouwouldnotthinktheBeasthadbudgedaninceIlastsawhim;hesatinhishugechair,withhishandsinhissleeves,andtheheavyairnevermoved.Imighthavesleptanhour,anight,oramonth,buthissculpturedcalm,thestiflingairremainedjustasithadbeen.Theinserosefromthepot,stilltracedthesamesignatureontheair.Thesamefireburned.
Takeoffmyclothesforyou,likeaballetgirl?Isthatallyouwantofme?
"Thesightofayoungladysskinthatnomanhasseenbefore--"stammeredthevalet.
IwishedIdrolledinthehaywitheveryladonmyfathersfarm,todisqualifymyselffromthishumiliatingbargain.ThatheshouldwantsolittlewasthereasonwhyIcouldnotgiveit;IdidospeakforTheBeasttouandme.
Atearcamefromhisothereye.Andthenhemoved;heburiedhiscardboardivalheadwithitsribbooffalsehairin,Iwouldsay,hisarms;hewithdrewhis,Imightsay,handsfromhissleevesandIsawhisfurredpads,hisexcoriatingclaws.
Thedroppedtearcaughtuponhisfurandshone.AndinmyroomforhoursIheardthosepawspadbadforthoutsidemydoor.
Whenthevaletarrivedagainwithhissilversalver,Ihadapairofdiamondearringsofthefiwaterintheworld;Ithrewtheotherintotheerwherethefirstonelay.ThevalettwitteredwithaggrievedregretbutdidnotoffertoleadmetoTheBeastagain.Instead,hesmiledingratiatinglyandfided:"Mymaster,hesay:iheyoungladytogoriding."
"Whatsthis?"
Hebrisklymimickedtheaofagallopand,tomyamazement,tunelesslycroaked:"Tantivy!tantivy!a-huntingwewillgo!"
"Illrunaway,Illridetothecity."
"Oh,no,"hesaid."Areyounotawomanofhonour?"
Heclappedhishandsandmymaidservantclickedandjaotheimitationoflife.Sherolledtowardsthecupboardwhereshehadefromandreachediofetchoutoverhersyicarmmyridinghabit.Ofallthings.Myveryownridinghabit,thatIdleftbehirunkinaloftinthetryhouseoutsidePetersburgthatwedlostlongago,before,eveoutonthiswildpilgrimagetothecruelSouth.Eithertheveryridinghabitmyoldnursehadsewnformeorelseacopyofitperfecttothelostbuttonontherightsleeve,therippedhemheldupin.Iturhewornclothaboutinmyhands,lookingforaclue.Thewindthatsprihroughthepalacemadethedoortrembleinitsframe;hadthenorthwindblownmygarmentsacrossEuropetome?Athome,thebearssoedthewindsathispleasure;whatdemocraagicheldthispaladthefirforestinon?Or,shouldIbepreparedtoacceptitasproofoftheaxiommyfatherhaddrummedihat,ifyouhaveenoughmoney,anythingispossible?
"Tantivy,"suggestedthenowtwinklingvalet,evidentlycharmedatthepleasuremixedwithmybewilderment.ThecloaidheldmyjacketouttomeandIallowedmyselftintoitasifrelutly,althoughIwashalfmadtogetoutintotheopenair,awayfromthisdeathlypalace,eveninsupany.
Thedoorsofthehallletthebrightdayin;Isawthatitwasm.Ourhorses,saddledandbridled,beastsinbondage,werewaitingforus,strikingsparksfromthetileswiththeirimpatienthooveswhiletheirstablemateslolledateaseamoraw,versingwithoheriespeechofhorses.Apigeonortwo,featherspuffedtokeepoutthecold,struttedabout,pegatearsof.ThelittleblackgeldingwhohadbroughtmeheregreetedmewitharingihatresonatedihemistroofasinasoundingboxandIknewhewasmeantformetoride.
Ialwaysadoredhorses,ofcreatures,suchwoundedsensitivityintheirwiseeyes,suchratioraintofenergyattheirhigh-strunghindquarters.Ilirrupedandhurrumphedtomyshiningblapanionandheaowledgedmygreetingwithakissontheforeheadfromhissoftlips.Therewasalittleshaggyponynuzzlingawayatthetrompeloeilfoliagebehehoovesofthepaintedhorsesonthewall,intowhosesaddlethevaletsprangwithaflourishasofthecircus.ThenTheBeastedinablackfur-linedcloak,cametoheavehimselfaloftagravegreymare.Nonaturalhorsemanhe;hegtohermanelikeashipwreckedsailortoaspar.
Cold,thatm,yetdazzlingwiththesharpwintersunlightthatwoundstheretina.Therewasascurryingwindaboutthatseemedtogowithus,asifthemasked,immenseonewhodidnotspeakcarrieditinsidehiscloakaoutathispleasure,foritstirredthehorsesmadidnotliftthelowlandmists.
Abereftlandscapeinthesadbrownsandsepiasofwinterlayallaboutus,themarshlanddrearilyprotragitselftowardsthewideriver.Thosedecapitatedwillows.Nowaheswoopofabird,itsirrecilablecry.
Aprofoundserangenessslowlybegantopossessme.Ikwopanionswerenot,inanyway,asothermen,thesimiaaineraerforwhomhespoke,theohclawedforepaasinaplotwiththewitcheswholetthewindsoutoftheirknottedhandkerchiefsuptowardstheFinnishborder.IkheylivedacctoadifferentlogiIhaddoilmyfatherabaothewildbeastsbyhishumancarelesshisknowledgegavemeacertainfearfulill;but,Iwouldsay,notmuch...Iwasayounggirl,avirgin,andthereforemendeniedmerationalityjustastheydeoallthosewhowerelylikethemselves,inalltheirunreason.IfIcouldseenotonesinglesoulinthatwildernessofdesolationallarouhenthesixofus--mountsandriders,both--couldboastamongstusnotonesoul,either,sihebestreligionsintheworldstatecategoricallythatsnorwomenwereequippedwiththeflimsy,insubstantialthingswhenthegoodLordopehegatesofEdenaEveandherfamiliarstumbleout.Uand,then,thatthoughIwouldnotsayIprivatelyengagediaphysicalspeculationaswerodethroughthereedyapproachestotheriver,Icertaiatedoureofmyownstate,howIhadbeenboughtandsold,passedfromhandtohand.Thatclockwirlwhopowderedmycheeksforme;hadInotbeenallottedonlythesamekindofimitativelifeamongstmenthatthedoll-makerhadgivenher?
Yet,astothetruenatureofthebeingofthisclawedmaguswhorodehispalehorseinastylethatmademerecallhowKublaiKhansleopardswentouthuntingonhorseback,ofthatIhadnonotion.
Wecametothebankoftheriverthatwassowidewecouldnotseeacrossit,sostillwithwihatitscarcelyseemedtoflow.Thehorsesloweredtheirheadstodrink.Thevaletclearedhisthroat,abouttospeak;wewereinaplaceofperfectprivacy,beyondabrakeofwinter-barerushes,ahedgeofreeds.
"Ifyouwillhimseeyouwithoutyourclothes--"
Iinvoluntarilyshookmyhead--
"--youmust,then,prepareyourselfforthesightofmymaster,naked."
Theriverbrokeonthepebbleswithadiminishingsigh.Myposuredesertedme;allatonceIwasonthebrinkofpanic.IdidnotthinkthatIcouldbearthesightofhim,whateverhewas.Themareraisedherdrippingmuzzleandlookedatmekeenly,asifurgiheriverbrokeagainatmyfeet.Iwasfarfromhome.
"You,"saidthevalet,"must."
WhenIsawhowscaredhewasImightrefuse,Ihereedboweddowninasuddensnarlofwindthatbroughtwithitagustoftheheavyodourofhisdisguise.Thevaletheldouthismasterscloaktoshimfrommeasheremovedthemask.Thehorsesstirred.Thetigerwillneverliedownwiththelamb;heaowledgesnopactthatisnotreciprocal.Thelambmustlearntorunwiththetigers.
Agreat,feliawnyshapewhosepeltwasbarredwithasavagegeometryofbarsthecolourofburnedwood.Hisdomed,heavyhead,soterriblehemusthideit.Howsubtlethemuscles,howprofouread.Theannihilatingvehemenceofhiseyes,liketwinsuns.
IfeltmybreastrippedapartasifIsufferedamarvellouswound.Thevaletmovedforwardasiftocoveruphismasternowthegirlhadaowledgedhim,butIsaid:"No."Thetigersatstillasaheraldicbeast,ihehadmadewithhisownferocitytodomenoharm.HewasfarlargerthanIcouldhaveimagined.Fromthepoor,shabbythingsIdseeheCzarsmenagerieatPetersburg,thegoldenfruitoftheireyesdimming,witheringinthefarNorthofcaptivity.Nothingabouthimremindedmeofhumanity.
Itherefore,shivering,nowunfastenedmyjacket,toshowhimIwoulddohimnoharm.YetIwasclumsyandblushedalittle,fornomanhadseenmenakedandIroudgirl.Prideitwas,notshame,thatthwartedmyfingersso;aaintrepidatiohisfraillittleartianupholsterybeforehimmightnotbe,initself,grandenoughtosatisfyhisexpectationsofus,sihose,forallIknew,mighthavegrowninfiniteduringtheeimehehadbeenwaiting.Thewindclatteredintherushes,purledandeddiedintheriver.
Ishowedhisgravesilencemywhiteskin,myrednipples,andthehorsesturheirheadstowatchme,also,asifthey,too,werecourteouslycuriousastothefleshlynatureofwomeheBeastloweredhismassivehead;Enough!saidthevaletwithagesture.Thewinddieddown.Allwasstillagain.
Thentheywentofftogether,thevaletonhispony,thetigerrunningbeforehimlikeahound,andIwalkedalongtheriverbankforawhile.IfeltIwasatlibertyforthefirsttimeinmylife.Theersuotarnish,afewflakesofsnowdriftedfromthedarkeningskyand,wheurhehorses,IfoundTheBeastmountedagainonhisgreymare,cloakedandmaskedandoncemore,toallappearances,aman,whilethevalethadafichofwaterfowldanglingfromhishandandthecorpseofayoungroebuckslungbehindhissaddle.Iclimbedupontheblackgeldinginsilendsowereturhepalaceasthesnowfellmoreandmoreheavily,obsgthetracksthatwehadleftbehindus.
Thevaletdiduromycellbut,ioa,ifold-fashionedboudoirwithsofasoffadedpinkbrocade,ajinnstreasuryofOrientalcarpets,tintinnabulationofcut-glassdeliers.dlesinantleredholdersstruckrainbowsfromtheprismaticheartsofmydiamondearrings,thatlayonmynewdressingtableatwhichmyattentivemaidstoodreadywithherpowderpuffandmirror.Intendingtofixtheorsinmyears,Itookthelookingglassfromherhand,butitwasinthemidstofosmagicfitsagainandIdidnotseemyowbutthatofmyfather;atfirstIthoughthesmiledatme.ThenIsawhewassmilingwithpuregratification.
Hesat,Isaw,intheparlourings,attheverytablewherehehadlostme,butnowhewasbusilyengagedintingoutatremendouspileofbanknotes.Myfatherscircumstanceshadgedalready;well-shavelybarbered,smartnewclothes.Afrostedglassofsparklingwiveohishandbesideanicebucket.TheBeasthadclearlypaidcashonthenailflimpseofmybosomandpaiduppromptly,asifithadnotbeenasightImighthavediedofshowing.ThenIsawmyfatherstrunkswerepacked,readyfordeparture.Couldhesoeasilyleavemehere?
Therewasahetablewiththemoney,inafinehand.Icouldreaditquiteclearly."Theyoungladywillarriveimmediately."Someharlotwithwhomhedbrisklyiatedaliaisonorengthofhisspoils?Notatall.For,atthatmoment,thevaletkmydoortoannouImightleavethepalaceatanytimehereafter,andheboreoverhisarmahandsomesableyveryownlittlegratuity,TheBeastsmgift,inwhichheproposedtopackmeupandsendmeoff.
WhenIlookedatthemirrain,myfatherhaddisappearedandallIsaale,hollow-eyedgirlwhomIscarcelyreised.Thevaletaskedpolitelywhenheshouldpreparethecarriage,asifhedidnotdoubtthatIwouldleavewithmybootyatthefirstopportunitywhilemymaid,whosefacewasnolohespitofmyown,tinuedbonnilytobeam.Iwilldressherinmyownclothes,windherup,sendherbacktoperformthepartofmyfathersdaughter.
"Leavemealone,"Isaidtothevalet.
Hedidolockthedoor,now.Ifixedtheearringsinmyears.Theywereveryheavy.ThenItookoffmyridinghabit,leftitwhereitlayonthefloor.But,whenIgotdowntomyshift,myarmsdroppedtomysides.Iwasunacedtonakedness.Iwassouomyownskinthattotakeoffallmyclothesinvolvedakindofflaying.IthoughtTheBeasthadwantedalittlethingparedwithwhatIreparedtogivehim;butitisnotnaturalforhumankindtogonaked,notsincefirstwehidourloinswithfigleaves.Hehaddemaheabominable.IfeltasmuchatrociouspainasifIwasstrippingoffmyownunderpeltandthesmilinggirlstoodpoisedintheoblivionofherbalkedsimulationoflife,watgmepeeldowntothecold,whitemeatoftrad,ifshedidnotseeme,thensomuchmorelikethemarketplace,wheretheeyesthatwatchyoutakenoatofyourexistence.
Anditseemedmyentirelife,sinceIhadlefttheNorth,hadpasseduheindifferentgazeofeyeslikehers.ThenIwasflingstark,exceptforhisirreproachabletears.IhuddledinthefursImustreturntohim,tokeepmefromthelaceratingwindsthatracedalongthecorridors.Ikhewaytohisdenwithoutthevalettoguideme.
Norespoomytentativeraponhisdoor.
Thenthewihevaletwhirlingalongthepassage.Hemusthavedecidedthat,ifoneshouldgohenallshouldgonaked;withouthislivery,herevealedhimself,asIhadsuspected,adelicatecreature,coveredwithsilkenmoth-greyfur,brownfingerssuppleasleather,chocolatemuzzle,thegecreatureintheworld.HegibberedalittletoseemyfinefursandjewelsasifIweredressedupfortheoperaand,withagreatdealoftenderceremony,removedthesablesfrommyshoulders.Thesablesthereuponresolvedthemselvesintoapackofblacksqueakingratsthatrattledimmediatelydowairsontheirhardlittlefeetandwerelosttosight.ThevaletbowedmeiheBeastsroom.
Thepurpledressinggown,themask,thewig,werelaidoutonhischair;aglovelantedoneacharm.Theemptyhouseofhisappearancewasreadyforhimbuthehadaba.Therewasareekoffurandpiss;theinsepotlaybrokeninpiethefloor.Half-burickswerescatteredfromtheextinguishedfire.Adlestuckbyitsowothemantelpiecelittwonarrowflamesinthepupilsofthetigerseyes.
Heagbackwardsandforwards,backwardsandforwards,thetipofhisheavytailtwitgashepacedoutthelengthahofhisimprisobetweenthegnawedandbloodybones.Hewillgobbleyouup.
Nurseryfearsmadefleshandsinew;earliestandmostarchaicoffears,fearofdevourment.ThebeastandhisivorousbedofboneandI,white,shaking,raroaghimasif,ihekeytoapeaceablekingdominwhichhisappetitebemyextin.
Hewentstillasstone.HewasfarmhtenedofmethanIwasofhim.
Isquattedostrawandstretyhand.Iwasnowwithinthefieldofforceofhisgoldeneyes.Hegrowledatthebackofhisthroat,loweredhishead,sankontohisforepaws,snarled,showedmehisredgullet,hisyellowteeth.Inevermoved.Hesnuffledtheair,asiftosmellmyfear;hecouldnot.
Slowly,slowlyhebeganthisheavy,gleamiacrossthefloortowardsme.
Atremendousthrobbing,asoftheemakestheearthturn,filledthelittleroom;hehadbeguntopurr.
Thesweetthuhispurrshooktheoldwalls,madetheshuttersbatterthewindowsuntiltheyburstapartahewhitelightofthesnowymoon.Tilescamecrashingdownfromtheroof;Iheardthemfallintothecourtyardfarbelow.Thereverberationsofhispurringrockedthefoundationsofthehouse,thewallsbegantodahought:"Itwillallfall,everythingwilldisie."
Hedraggedhimselfcloserandclosertome,untilIfelttheharshvelvetofhisheadagainstmyhand,thenatongue,abrasiveassandpaper."Hewilllicktheskinoffme!"
Andeachstrokeofhistonguerippedoffskinaftersuccessiveskin,alltheskinsofalifeintheworld,abehindapatinaofshinyhairs.Myearringsturnedbacktowaterandtrickleddownmyshoulders;Ishruggedthedropsoffmybeautifulfur.松语文学www.16sy.coM免费小说阅读
"Ishalltwistaofmybedlinenandhangmyselfwithit,"Isaid.
"Oh,no,"saidthevalet,fixinguponmewideandsuddenlymelancholyeyes."Oh,no,youwillnot.Youareawomanofhonour."
Andwhatwashedoinginmybedroom,thisjiggingcaricatureofaman?WashetobemywarderuntilIsubmittedtoTheBeastswhimorhetomine?AmIinsuchreducedcircumstahatImaynothavealadysmaid?Asifiomyunspokendemand,thevaletclappedhishands.
"Toassuageyourloneliness,madame..."
Aknogandclatteringbehindthedoorofthecupboard;thedoorswingsopenandoutglidesasoubrettefromaa,withglossy,nut-browncurls,rosycheeks,blue,rollitakesmeamomenttniseher,itlecap,herwhitestogs,herfrilledpetticoats.Shecarriesalookingglassinonehandandapowderpuffiherandthereisamusicalboxwhereherheartshouldbe;shetinklesassherollstowardsmeoinywheels.
"Nothinghumanliveshere,"saidthevalet.
Mymaidhalted,bowed;fromasplitseamatthesideofherbodiceprotrudesthehandleofakey.Sheisamarvellousmae,themostdelicatelybalancedsystemofcordsandpulleysintheworld.
"Wehavedispehservants,"thevaletsaid."Wesurroundourselvesinstead,forutilityandpleasure,withsimuladfinditnolessvehandomostgentlemen."
Thisclockworktwinofmiedbeforeme,herbowelsingoutasettei,andofferedmetheboldationofhersmile.Click,click--sheraisesherarmandbusilydustsmycheekswithpink,powderedchalkthatmakesmecough,thenthruststowardsmeherlittlemirror.
Isawwithinitnotmyowhatofmyfather,asifIhadputonhisfacewhenIarrivedatTheBeastspalaceasthedischargeofhisdebt.What,youself-deludingfool,areystill?Anddrunk,too.Hetossedbackhisgrappaandhurledthetumbleraway.
Seeingmyastonishedfright,thevalettookthemirrorawayfromme,breathedonit,polisheditwiththehamofhisglovedfist,habae.NowallIsawwasmyself,haggardfromasleeplessnight,paleenoughtoneedmymaidssupplye.
Iheardthekeyturnintheheavydoorandthevaletsfootstepspatterdowonepassage.Meanwhile,mydoubletiopowdertheair,emittingherjanglingtu,asittur,shewasnotinexhaustible;soonshemoreamorelanguorously,hermetalheartslowedinimitationoffatigue,hermusicalboxrandownuntilthenotesseparatedthemselvesoutofthetuneandploppedlikesingleraindropsand,asifsleephadovertakelastshemovednolonger.Asshesuccumbedtosleep,Ihadnooptionbuttodosotoo.Idroppedonthenarrowbedasiffelled.
TimepassedbutIdonotknowhowmuch;thenthevaletwokemewithrollsandhoney.Igesturedthetrayawaybuthesetitdownfirmlybesidethelampandtookfromitalittleshagreenbox,whichheofferedtome.
Iturnedawaymyhead.
"Oh,mylady!"Suchhurtcrackedhishigh-pitchedvoice!Hedextrouslyunfastehegoldclasp;onabedofcrimsolayasinglediamondearring,perfectasatear.
Isheboxshutandtosseditintoaer.Thissudden,sharpmovementmusthavedisturbedthemeismofthedoll;shejerkedherarmalmostasiftoreprimatingoutaripplingfartofgavotte.Thenshewasstillagain.
"Verywell,"saidthevalet,putout.Andindicateditwastimeformetovisitmyhostagain.Hedidmewashoryhair.TherewassolittlenaturallightieriorofthepalacethatIcouldnottellwhetheritwasdayht.
YouwouldnotthinktheBeasthadbudgedaninceIlastsawhim;hesatinhishugechair,withhishandsinhissleeves,andtheheavyairnevermoved.Imighthavesleptanhour,anight,oramonth,buthissculpturedcalm,thestiflingairremainedjustasithadbeen.Theinserosefromthepot,stilltracedthesamesignatureontheair.Thesamefireburned.
Takeoffmyclothesforyou,likeaballetgirl?Isthatallyouwantofme?
"Thesightofayoungladysskinthatnomanhasseenbefore--"stammeredthevalet.
IwishedIdrolledinthehaywitheveryladonmyfathersfarm,todisqualifymyselffromthishumiliatingbargain.ThatheshouldwantsolittlewasthereasonwhyIcouldnotgiveit;IdidospeakforTheBeasttouandme.
Atearcamefromhisothereye.Andthenhemoved;heburiedhiscardboardivalheadwithitsribbooffalsehairin,Iwouldsay,hisarms;hewithdrewhis,Imightsay,handsfromhissleevesandIsawhisfurredpads,hisexcoriatingclaws.
Thedroppedtearcaughtuponhisfurandshone.AndinmyroomforhoursIheardthosepawspadbadforthoutsidemydoor.
Whenthevaletarrivedagainwithhissilversalver,Ihadapairofdiamondearringsofthefiwaterintheworld;Ithrewtheotherintotheerwherethefirstonelay.ThevalettwitteredwithaggrievedregretbutdidnotoffertoleadmetoTheBeastagain.Instead,hesmiledingratiatinglyandfided:"Mymaster,hesay:iheyoungladytogoriding."
"Whatsthis?"
Hebrisklymimickedtheaofagallopand,tomyamazement,tunelesslycroaked:"Tantivy!tantivy!a-huntingwewillgo!"
"Illrunaway,Illridetothecity."
"Oh,no,"hesaid."Areyounotawomanofhonour?"
Heclappedhishandsandmymaidservantclickedandjaotheimitationoflife.Sherolledtowardsthecupboardwhereshehadefromandreachediofetchoutoverhersyicarmmyridinghabit.Ofallthings.Myveryownridinghabit,thatIdleftbehirunkinaloftinthetryhouseoutsidePetersburgthatwedlostlongago,before,eveoutonthiswildpilgrimagetothecruelSouth.Eithertheveryridinghabitmyoldnursehadsewnformeorelseacopyofitperfecttothelostbuttonontherightsleeve,therippedhemheldupin.Iturhewornclothaboutinmyhands,lookingforaclue.Thewindthatsprihroughthepalacemadethedoortrembleinitsframe;hadthenorthwindblownmygarmentsacrossEuropetome?Athome,thebearssoedthewindsathispleasure;whatdemocraagicheldthispaladthefirforestinon?Or,shouldIbepreparedtoacceptitasproofoftheaxiommyfatherhaddrummedihat,ifyouhaveenoughmoney,anythingispossible?
"Tantivy,"suggestedthenowtwinklingvalet,evidentlycharmedatthepleasuremixedwithmybewilderment.ThecloaidheldmyjacketouttomeandIallowedmyselftintoitasifrelutly,althoughIwashalfmadtogetoutintotheopenair,awayfromthisdeathlypalace,eveninsupany.
Thedoorsofthehallletthebrightdayin;Isawthatitwasm.Ourhorses,saddledandbridled,beastsinbondage,werewaitingforus,strikingsparksfromthetileswiththeirimpatienthooveswhiletheirstablemateslolledateaseamoraw,versingwithoheriespeechofhorses.Apigeonortwo,featherspuffedtokeepoutthecold,struttedabout,pegatearsof.ThelittleblackgeldingwhohadbroughtmeheregreetedmewitharingihatresonatedihemistroofasinasoundingboxandIknewhewasmeantformetoride.
Ialwaysadoredhorses,ofcreatures,suchwoundedsensitivityintheirwiseeyes,suchratioraintofenergyattheirhigh-strunghindquarters.Ilirrupedandhurrumphedtomyshiningblapanionandheaowledgedmygreetingwithakissontheforeheadfromhissoftlips.Therewasalittleshaggyponynuzzlingawayatthetrompeloeilfoliagebehehoovesofthepaintedhorsesonthewall,intowhosesaddlethevaletsprangwithaflourishasofthecircus.ThenTheBeastedinablackfur-linedcloak,cametoheavehimselfaloftagravegreymare.Nonaturalhorsemanhe;hegtohermanelikeashipwreckedsailortoaspar.
Cold,thatm,yetdazzlingwiththesharpwintersunlightthatwoundstheretina.Therewasascurryingwindaboutthatseemedtogowithus,asifthemasked,immenseonewhodidnotspeakcarrieditinsidehiscloakaoutathispleasure,foritstirredthehorsesmadidnotliftthelowlandmists.
Abereftlandscapeinthesadbrownsandsepiasofwinterlayallaboutus,themarshlanddrearilyprotragitselftowardsthewideriver.Thosedecapitatedwillows.Nowaheswoopofabird,itsirrecilablecry.
Aprofoundserangenessslowlybegantopossessme.Ikwopanionswerenot,inanyway,asothermen,thesimiaaineraerforwhomhespoke,theohclawedforepaasinaplotwiththewitcheswholetthewindsoutoftheirknottedhandkerchiefsuptowardstheFinnishborder.IkheylivedacctoadifferentlogiIhaddoilmyfatherabaothewildbeastsbyhishumancarelesshisknowledgegavemeacertainfearfulill;but,Iwouldsay,notmuch...Iwasayounggirl,avirgin,andthereforemendeniedmerationalityjustastheydeoallthosewhowerelylikethemselves,inalltheirunreason.IfIcouldseenotonesinglesoulinthatwildernessofdesolationallarouhenthesixofus--mountsandriders,both--couldboastamongstusnotonesoul,either,sihebestreligionsintheworldstatecategoricallythatsnorwomenwereequippedwiththeflimsy,insubstantialthingswhenthegoodLordopehegatesofEdenaEveandherfamiliarstumbleout.Uand,then,thatthoughIwouldnotsayIprivatelyengagediaphysicalspeculationaswerodethroughthereedyapproachestotheriver,Icertaiatedoureofmyownstate,howIhadbeenboughtandsold,passedfromhandtohand.Thatclockwirlwhopowderedmycheeksforme;hadInotbeenallottedonlythesamekindofimitativelifeamongstmenthatthedoll-makerhadgivenher?
Yet,astothetruenatureofthebeingofthisclawedmaguswhorodehispalehorseinastylethatmademerecallhowKublaiKhansleopardswentouthuntingonhorseback,ofthatIhadnonotion.
Wecametothebankoftheriverthatwassowidewecouldnotseeacrossit,sostillwithwihatitscarcelyseemedtoflow.Thehorsesloweredtheirheadstodrink.Thevaletclearedhisthroat,abouttospeak;wewereinaplaceofperfectprivacy,beyondabrakeofwinter-barerushes,ahedgeofreeds.
"Ifyouwillhimseeyouwithoutyourclothes--"
Iinvoluntarilyshookmyhead--
"--youmust,then,prepareyourselfforthesightofmymaster,naked."
Theriverbrokeonthepebbleswithadiminishingsigh.Myposuredesertedme;allatonceIwasonthebrinkofpanic.IdidnotthinkthatIcouldbearthesightofhim,whateverhewas.Themareraisedherdrippingmuzzleandlookedatmekeenly,asifurgiheriverbrokeagainatmyfeet.Iwasfarfromhome.
"You,"saidthevalet,"must."
WhenIsawhowscaredhewasImightrefuse,Ihereedboweddowninasuddensnarlofwindthatbroughtwithitagustoftheheavyodourofhisdisguise.Thevaletheldouthismasterscloaktoshimfrommeasheremovedthemask.Thehorsesstirred.Thetigerwillneverliedownwiththelamb;heaowledgesnopactthatisnotreciprocal.Thelambmustlearntorunwiththetigers.
Agreat,feliawnyshapewhosepeltwasbarredwithasavagegeometryofbarsthecolourofburnedwood.Hisdomed,heavyhead,soterriblehemusthideit.Howsubtlethemuscles,howprofouread.Theannihilatingvehemenceofhiseyes,liketwinsuns.
IfeltmybreastrippedapartasifIsufferedamarvellouswound.Thevaletmovedforwardasiftocoveruphismasternowthegirlhadaowledgedhim,butIsaid:"No."Thetigersatstillasaheraldicbeast,ihehadmadewithhisownferocitytodomenoharm.HewasfarlargerthanIcouldhaveimagined.Fromthepoor,shabbythingsIdseeheCzarsmenagerieatPetersburg,thegoldenfruitoftheireyesdimming,witheringinthefarNorthofcaptivity.Nothingabouthimremindedmeofhumanity.
Itherefore,shivering,nowunfastenedmyjacket,toshowhimIwoulddohimnoharm.YetIwasclumsyandblushedalittle,fornomanhadseenmenakedandIroudgirl.Prideitwas,notshame,thatthwartedmyfingersso;aaintrepidatiohisfraillittleartianupholsterybeforehimmightnotbe,initself,grandenoughtosatisfyhisexpectationsofus,sihose,forallIknew,mighthavegrowninfiniteduringtheeimehehadbeenwaiting.Thewindclatteredintherushes,purledandeddiedintheriver.
Ishowedhisgravesilencemywhiteskin,myrednipples,andthehorsesturheirheadstowatchme,also,asifthey,too,werecourteouslycuriousastothefleshlynatureofwomeheBeastloweredhismassivehead;Enough!saidthevaletwithagesture.Thewinddieddown.Allwasstillagain.
Thentheywentofftogether,thevaletonhispony,thetigerrunningbeforehimlikeahound,andIwalkedalongtheriverbankforawhile.IfeltIwasatlibertyforthefirsttimeinmylife.Theersuotarnish,afewflakesofsnowdriftedfromthedarkeningskyand,wheurhehorses,IfoundTheBeastmountedagainonhisgreymare,cloakedandmaskedandoncemore,toallappearances,aman,whilethevalethadafichofwaterfowldanglingfromhishandandthecorpseofayoungroebuckslungbehindhissaddle.Iclimbedupontheblackgeldinginsilendsowereturhepalaceasthesnowfellmoreandmoreheavily,obsgthetracksthatwehadleftbehindus.
Thevaletdiduromycellbut,ioa,ifold-fashionedboudoirwithsofasoffadedpinkbrocade,ajinnstreasuryofOrientalcarpets,tintinnabulationofcut-glassdeliers.dlesinantleredholdersstruckrainbowsfromtheprismaticheartsofmydiamondearrings,thatlayonmynewdressingtableatwhichmyattentivemaidstoodreadywithherpowderpuffandmirror.Intendingtofixtheorsinmyears,Itookthelookingglassfromherhand,butitwasinthemidstofosmagicfitsagainandIdidnotseemyowbutthatofmyfather;atfirstIthoughthesmiledatme.ThenIsawhewassmilingwithpuregratification.
Hesat,Isaw,intheparlourings,attheverytablewherehehadlostme,butnowhewasbusilyengagedintingoutatremendouspileofbanknotes.Myfatherscircumstanceshadgedalready;well-shavelybarbered,smartnewclothes.Afrostedglassofsparklingwiveohishandbesideanicebucket.TheBeasthadclearlypaidcashonthenailflimpseofmybosomandpaiduppromptly,asifithadnotbeenasightImighthavediedofshowing.ThenIsawmyfatherstrunkswerepacked,readyfordeparture.Couldhesoeasilyleavemehere?
Therewasahetablewiththemoney,inafinehand.Icouldreaditquiteclearly."Theyoungladywillarriveimmediately."Someharlotwithwhomhedbrisklyiatedaliaisonorengthofhisspoils?Notatall.For,atthatmoment,thevaletkmydoortoannouImightleavethepalaceatanytimehereafter,andheboreoverhisarmahandsomesableyveryownlittlegratuity,TheBeastsmgift,inwhichheproposedtopackmeupandsendmeoff.
WhenIlookedatthemirrain,myfatherhaddisappearedandallIsaale,hollow-eyedgirlwhomIscarcelyreised.Thevaletaskedpolitelywhenheshouldpreparethecarriage,asifhedidnotdoubtthatIwouldleavewithmybootyatthefirstopportunitywhilemymaid,whosefacewasnolohespitofmyown,tinuedbonnilytobeam.Iwilldressherinmyownclothes,windherup,sendherbacktoperformthepartofmyfathersdaughter.
"Leavemealone,"Isaidtothevalet.
Hedidolockthedoor,now.Ifixedtheearringsinmyears.Theywereveryheavy.ThenItookoffmyridinghabit,leftitwhereitlayonthefloor.But,whenIgotdowntomyshift,myarmsdroppedtomysides.Iwasunacedtonakedness.Iwassouomyownskinthattotakeoffallmyclothesinvolvedakindofflaying.IthoughtTheBeasthadwantedalittlethingparedwithwhatIreparedtogivehim;butitisnotnaturalforhumankindtogonaked,notsincefirstwehidourloinswithfigleaves.Hehaddemaheabominable.IfeltasmuchatrociouspainasifIwasstrippingoffmyownunderpeltandthesmilinggirlstoodpoisedintheoblivionofherbalkedsimulationoflife,watgmepeeldowntothecold,whitemeatoftrad,ifshedidnotseeme,thensomuchmorelikethemarketplace,wheretheeyesthatwatchyoutakenoatofyourexistence.
Anditseemedmyentirelife,sinceIhadlefttheNorth,hadpasseduheindifferentgazeofeyeslikehers.ThenIwasflingstark,exceptforhisirreproachabletears.IhuddledinthefursImustreturntohim,tokeepmefromthelaceratingwindsthatracedalongthecorridors.Ikhewaytohisdenwithoutthevalettoguideme.
Norespoomytentativeraponhisdoor.
Thenthewihevaletwhirlingalongthepassage.Hemusthavedecidedthat,ifoneshouldgohenallshouldgonaked;withouthislivery,herevealedhimself,asIhadsuspected,adelicatecreature,coveredwithsilkenmoth-greyfur,brownfingerssuppleasleather,chocolatemuzzle,thegecreatureintheworld.HegibberedalittletoseemyfinefursandjewelsasifIweredressedupfortheoperaand,withagreatdealoftenderceremony,removedthesablesfrommyshoulders.Thesablesthereuponresolvedthemselvesintoapackofblacksqueakingratsthatrattledimmediatelydowairsontheirhardlittlefeetandwerelosttosight.ThevaletbowedmeiheBeastsroom.
Thepurpledressinggown,themask,thewig,werelaidoutonhischair;aglovelantedoneacharm.Theemptyhouseofhisappearancewasreadyforhimbuthehadaba.Therewasareekoffurandpiss;theinsepotlaybrokeninpiethefloor.Half-burickswerescatteredfromtheextinguishedfire.Adlestuckbyitsowothemantelpiecelittwonarrowflamesinthepupilsofthetigerseyes.
Heagbackwardsandforwards,backwardsandforwards,thetipofhisheavytailtwitgashepacedoutthelengthahofhisimprisobetweenthegnawedandbloodybones.Hewillgobbleyouup.
Nurseryfearsmadefleshandsinew;earliestandmostarchaicoffears,fearofdevourment.ThebeastandhisivorousbedofboneandI,white,shaking,raroaghimasif,ihekeytoapeaceablekingdominwhichhisappetitebemyextin.
Hewentstillasstone.HewasfarmhtenedofmethanIwasofhim.
Isquattedostrawandstretyhand.Iwasnowwithinthefieldofforceofhisgoldeneyes.Hegrowledatthebackofhisthroat,loweredhishead,sankontohisforepaws,snarled,showedmehisredgullet,hisyellowteeth.Inevermoved.Hesnuffledtheair,asiftosmellmyfear;hecouldnot.
Slowly,slowlyhebeganthisheavy,gleamiacrossthefloortowardsme.
Atremendousthrobbing,asoftheemakestheearthturn,filledthelittleroom;hehadbeguntopurr.
Thesweetthuhispurrshooktheoldwalls,madetheshuttersbatterthewindowsuntiltheyburstapartahewhitelightofthesnowymoon.Tilescamecrashingdownfromtheroof;Iheardthemfallintothecourtyardfarbelow.Thereverberationsofhispurringrockedthefoundationsofthehouse,thewallsbegantodahought:"Itwillallfall,everythingwilldisie."
Hedraggedhimselfcloserandclosertome,untilIfelttheharshvelvetofhisheadagainstmyhand,thenatongue,abrasiveassandpaper."Hewilllicktheskinoffme!"
Andeachstrokeofhistonguerippedoffskinaftersuccessiveskin,alltheskinsofalifeintheworld,abehindapatinaofshinyhairs.Myearringsturnedbacktowaterandtrickleddownmyshoulders;Ishruggedthedropsoffmybeautifulfur.松语文学www.16sy.coM免费小说阅读
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并不代表本站立场!本站亦无法严格审:The Bloody chamber And Other Stories最新章节其版权归属。如您对The Bloody chamber And Other StoriesTXT下载持有版权方面的异议，请联系本站客服。我们将于72小时内处理。
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