《福尔摩斯探案集·铜山毛榉案》第11节
“‘The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. “‘DEAR MISS HUNTER,—Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of you. We are willing to give £ 30 a quarter, or £ 120 a year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. Yours faithfully,
注释摘要
这封信本身就是一个值得细读的文本对象。它并非单纯推进情节的工具，而是一封精心设计的劝说信，几乎可以当作维多利亚时代商业修辞与心理操控的微型样本来看。 先说字面信息。杰夫罗·鲁卡斯尔从汉普郡的铜山毛榉宅写信给维奥莱特·亨特，告知她地址来自职业介绍所的斯托珀小姐。他开门见山说妻子被他对亨特的描述吸引，十分盼望她能来，接着直接抛出价码：每季度三十英镑，全年一百二…