《福尔摩斯探案集·铜山毛榉案》第9节
“‘I should be happy to make myself useful.’ “‘Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you know—faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. Heh?’ “‘No,’ said I, considerably astonished at his words. “‘Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to you?’ “‘Oh, no.’ “‘Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?’ “I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. “‘I am afraid that that is quite impossible,’ said I. He had been watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a shadow pass over his face as I spoke. “‘I am afraid that it is quite essential,’ said he. ‘It is a little fancy of my wife’s, and ladies’ fancies, you know, madam, ladies’ fancies must be consulted. And so you won’t cut your hair?’ “‘No, sir, I really could not,’ I answered firmly.
注释摘要
这段对话发生在一个看似寻常的家庭女教师面试中，却处处透着不对劲。鲁卡斯尔先生刚刚用一百英镑的年薪——一个远超市场价的数字——砸晕了处境窘迫的维奥莱特·亨特小姐，此刻正一步步亮出这份工作的附加条件。 亨特小姐说愿意让自己有用，这句客气话立刻被对方当作了许可。鲁卡斯尔先生顺势抛出了第一个条件：穿他们指定的裙子。他用faddy这个词来自我解嘲——这个词在当时的中…