【英文原著类】agnes grey(艾格尼丝·格累).pdf

AGNES GREY
AGNES GREY
By Anne Bronte
1
AGNES GREY
CHAPTER I - THE PARSONAGE
ALL true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure
may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity, that the dry,
shrivelled kernel pensates for the trouble of cracking the nut.
Whether this be the case with my history or not, I am petent to
judge. I sometimes think it might prove useful to some, and entertaining
to others; but the world may judge for itself. Shielded by my own
obscurity, and by the lapse of years, and a few fictitious names, I do not
fear to venture; and will candidly lay before the public what I would not
disclose to the most intimate friend.
My father was a clergyman of the north of England, who was
deservedly respected by all who knew him; and, in his younger days, lived
fortably on the joint e of a small incumbency and a snug
little property of his own. My mother, who married him against the
wishes of her friends, was a squire's daughter, and a woman of spirit. In
vain it was represented to her, that if she became the poor parson's wife,
she must relinquish her carriage and her lady's-maid, and all the luxuries
and elegancies of affluence; which to her were little less than the
necessaries of life. A carriage and a lady's-maid were great conveniences;
but, thank heaven, she had feet to carry her, and hands to minister to her
own necessities. An elegant house and spacious grounds were not to be
despised; but she would rather live in a cottage with Richard Grey than in
a palace with any other man in the world.
Finding arguments of no avail, her father, at length, told the lovers
they might marry if they pleased; but, in so doing, his daughter would
forfeit every fraction of her fortune. He expected this would cool the
ardour of both; but he was mistaken. My father knew too well my
mother's superior worth not to be sensible that she was a valuable fortune
in herself: and if she would but consent to embel