[English-Japanese Annotation Book]

Little Women

若草物語

by Louisa May Alcott

sections=47, paragraphs=3845, sentences=9016

words=186032, characters=991971, annotations=18083

Contents

1. CHAPTER ONE: PLAYING PILGRIMS

2. CHAPTER TWO: A MERRY CHRISTMAS

3. CHAPTER THREE: THE LAURENCE BOY

4. CHAPTER FOUR: BURDENS

5. CHAPTER FIVE: BEING NEIGHBORLY

6. CHAPTER SIX: BETH FINDS THE PALACE BEAUTIFUL

7. CHAPTER SEVEN: AMY’S VALLEY OF HUMILIATION

8. CHAPTER EIGHT: JO MEETS APOLLYON

9. CHAPTER NINE: MEG GOES TO VANITY FAIR

10. CHAPTER TEN: THE P.C. AND P.O.

11. CHAPTER ELEVEN: EXPERIMENTS

12. CHAPTER TWELVE: CAMP LAURENCE

13. CHAPTER THIRTEEN: CASTLES IN THE AIR

14. CHAPTER FOURTEEN: SECRETS

15. CHAPTER FIFTEEN: A TELEGRAM

16. CHAPTER SIXTEEN: LETTERS

17. CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: LITTLE FAITHFUL

18. CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: DARK DAYS

19. CHAPTER NINETEEN: AMY’S WILL

20. CHAPTER TWENTY: CONFIDENTIAL

21. CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: LAURIE MAKES MISCHIEF, AND JO MAKES PEACE

22. CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: PLEASANT MEADOWS

23. CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: AUNT MARCH SETTLES THE QUESTION

24. CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: GOSSIP

25. CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: THE FIRST WEDDING

26. CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: ARTISTIC ATTEMPTS

27. CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN: LITERARY LESSONS

28. CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: DOMESTIC EXPERIENCES

29. CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE: CALLS

30. CHAPTER THIRTY: CONSEQUENCES

31. CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE: OUR FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT

32. CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO: TENDER TROUBLES

33. CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE: JO’S JOURNAL

34. CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR: FRIEND

35. CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE: HEARTACHE

36. CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX: BETH’S SECRET

37. CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN: NEW IMPRESSIONS

38. CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT: ON THE SHELF

39. CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE: LAZY LAURENCE

40. CHAPTER FORTY: THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW

41. CHAPTER FORTY-ONE: LEARNING TO FORGET

42. CHAPTER FORTY-TWO: ALL ALONE

43. CHAPTER FORTY-THREE: SURPRISES

44. CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR: MY LORD AND LADY

45. CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE: DAISY AND DEMI

46. CHAPTER FORTY-SIX: UNDER THE UMBRELLA

47. CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN: HARVEST TIME

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This book was automatically generated by extracting sentences from the original text and applying machine translation for each sentence. Therefore, translation quality should not be considered to be the same level as translation by human. Annotations were also generated automatically with an AI model.

CHAPTER ONE: PLAYING PILGRIMS

one (1) [数] the number 1

chapter (章) [名] a main division of a book

play (ごっこ) [動] engage in an activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose

pilgrim (巡礼) [名] a person who makes a religious journey

第1章: 巡礼ごっこ

“Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.

Christmas (クリスマス) [名] an annual festival

present (プレゼント) [名] a gift

grumble (不平を言う) [動] complain or protest

lie (横たわる) [動] be in or assume a horizontal or resting position

rug (敷物) [名] a piece of thick, heavy fabric used as a floor covering

「プレゼントがなければクリスマスはクリスマスじゃない」とジョーは敷物の上に横たわりながら不平を言った。

“It’s so dreadful to be poor!” sighed Meg, looking down at her old dress.

dreadful (ひどい) [形] extremely bad or serious

poor (貧乏) [形] having little or no money

sigh (ため息をつく) [動] let out a long, deep breath, usually expressing sadness, tiredness, or relief

look down (見下ろす) [動] direct one's gaze downward

dress (ドレス) [名] a one-piece garment for a woman or girl that covers the body and extends down over the legs

「貧乏って本当にひどい!」とメグは自分の古いドレスを見下ろしながらため息をついた。

“I don’t think it’s fair for some girls to have plenty of pretty things, and other girls nothing at all,” added little Amy, with an injured sniff.

fair (公平) [形] just or impartial

plenty of (たくさん) [名] a lot of

pretty (きれい) [形] pleasing to the eye or the ear

nothing at all (何も) [名] not anything; no single thing

add (付け加える) [動] say or write something further

little (小さな) [形] small in size

Amy (エイミー) [名] a female given name

injured (傷ついた) [形] physically or mentally harmed

sniff (鼻を鳴らす) [動] to inhale through the nose with a snorting sound

「ある女の子はきれいなものをたくさん持っているのに、他の女の子は何も持っていないなんて公平じゃないと思う」と小さなエイミーは傷ついたように鼻を鳴らしながら付け加えた。

“We’ve got Father and Mother, and each other,” said Beth contentedly from her corner.

Father (パパ) [名] a male parent

Mother (ママ) [名] a female parent

each other (お互い) [代] one another

corner (隅) [名] the place where two walls meet

contentedly (満足そうに) [副] in a satisfied manner

「私たちにはパパとママがいるし、お互いがいるよ」とベスは自分の隅から満足そうに言った。

The four young faces on which the firelight shone brightened at the cheerful words, but darkened again as Jo said sadly, “We haven’t got Father, and shall not have him for a long time.”

four (4人) [名] the number 4

young (若い) [形] having lived or existed for only a short time

face (顔) [名] the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

firelight (暖炉の明かり) [名] the light of a fire

brighten (明るくなる) [動] become brighter

cheerful (陽気な) [形] noticeably happy and optimistic

word (言葉) [名] a unit of language

darken (暗くなる) [動] become dark or darker

sadly (悲しそうに) [副] in a sad manner

long (長い) [形] having or being of great physical length

time (時間) [名] the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole

暖炉の明かりに照らされた4人の若い顔は、その陽気な言葉に明るくなったが、ジョーが悲しそうに「パパはいない、そして長い間会えない」と言うと、再び暗くなった。

She didn’t say “perhaps never,” but each silently added it, thinking of Father far away, where the fighting was.

say (言う) [動] express (something) in words

perhaps (もしかしたら) [副] possibly; maybe

never (二度と) [副] at no time in the past or future; on no occasion; not ever

silently (心の中で) [副] in a quiet way

think (考える) [動] direct one's mind toward someone or something; use one's mind actively to form connected ideas

彼女は「もしかしたら二度と」とは言わなかったが、それぞれが心の中でそれを付け加えて、遠くで戦っているパパのことを考えた。

Nobody spoke for a minute; then Meg said in an altered tone, “You know the reason Mother proposed not having any presents this Christmas was because it is going to be a hard winter for everyone;

nobody (誰も) [代] no person

speak (口をきく) [動] say something

minute (しばらく) [名] a unit of time equal to 60 seconds

then (やがて) [副] after that; afterwards

Meg (メグ) [名] the eldest of the four March sisters

tone (口調) [名] the quality of a person's voice

know (知っている) [動] be aware of

reason (理由) [名] a cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event

propose (提案する) [動] put forward a plan or suggestion

not have (贈らない) [動] be without

this (今年の) [形] the present; current

be going to (なる) [助] have something already planned or arranged; have something that is bound to happen; will

hard (厳しい) [形] requiring a great deal of effort

winter (冬) [名] the season of the year between autumn and spring

誰もしばらく口をきかなかったが、やがてメグが口調を変えて言った、「ママが今年のクリスマスにプレゼントを贈らないことを提案したのは、誰にとっても厳しい冬になるからだということは知っているよ。

and she thinks we ought not to spend money for pleasure, when our men are suffering so in the army.

ought (べきである) [助] should

spend (使う) [動] pay out (money)

pleasure (楽しみ) [名] an activity that you enjoy doing

army (軍隊) [名] an organized military force equipped for fighting on land

それに、私たちの男性が軍隊で苦しんでいるときに、楽しみのためにお金を使うべきではないと彼女は思っているの。

We can’t do much, but we can make our little sacrifices, and ought to do it gladly.

can't (できない) [助] be unable to

much (多く) [副] to a great extent or degree

make (払う) [動] give or pay

sacrifice (犠牲) [名] an act of giving up something important for the sake of achieving something else

ought to (するべきだ) [助] should

gladly (喜んで) [副] willingly; with pleasure

私たちにできることは多くはないけれど、小さな犠牲を払うことはできるよ、そして喜んでそうするべきよ。

But I am afraid I don’t,” and Meg shook her head, as she thought regretfully of all the pretty things she wanted.

be afraid (思えない) [動] be scared or frightened

shake one's head (首を振る) [動] move one's head from side to side

regretfully (後悔しながら) [副] with a feeling of sadness or being sorry

think of (考える) [動] direct one's mind toward someone or something; turn one's thoughts to

want (欲しい) [動] feel a need or a wish for

でも、そうは思えないよ」とメグは首を振り、欲しいと思っているきれいなものをすべて後悔しながら考えた。

“But I don’t think the little we should spend would do any good.

little (わずかな) [形] small in size, amount, or degree

do any good (役に立つ) [動] be of any use or benefit

「でも、私たちが使うべきわずかなお金が何かの役に立つとは思えないよ。

We’ve each got a dollar, and the army wouldn’t be much helped by our giving that.

each (それぞれ) [形] every one of two or more people or things

got (持っている) [動] have or possess

dollar (ドル) [名] the basic monetary unit of the United States

wouldn't (ならない) [助] would not

help (助け) [名] the action of helping someone by sharing work, providing money, or doing a favor

私たちはそれぞれ1ドル持っているけど、それを寄付したところで軍隊の助けにはならないよ。

I agree not to expect anything from Mother or you, but I do want to buy Undine and Sintran for myself.

agree (同意する) [動] have the same opinion about something

expect (期待する) [動] regard something as likely to happen

anything (何も) [代] something, no matter what

Undine (ウンディーネ) [名] a water nymph

Sintran (シントラン) [名] a town in Portugal

ママやあなたに何も期待しないことには同意するけど、自分のためにウンディーネとシントランは買いたいよ。

I’ve wanted it so long,” said Jo, who was a bookworm.

bookworm (本の虫) [名] a person who reads a lot

ずっと欲しかったんだ」と本の虫のジョーは言った。

“I planned to spend mine in new music,” said Beth, with a little sigh, which no one heard but the hearth brush and kettle-holder.

plan (予定する) [動] decide on and make arrangements for in advance

music (楽譜) [名] the written or printed signs representing vocal or instrumental music

sigh (ため息) [名] a long, deep, audible breath that expresses sadness, tiredness, relief, etc.

hear (聞く) [動] perceive with the ear the sound made by (someone or something)

hearth (暖炉) [名] the floor of a fireplace

brush (ブラシ) [名] an implement with bristles or other filaments, used for cleaning, grooming, or painting

kettle (やかん) [名] a covered pot with a spout and handle, used for boiling water

「私は新しい楽譜を買おうと思ってたんだけど」とベスは小さくため息をついたが、それを聞いたのは暖炉のブラシとやかん掛けだけだった。

“I shall get a nice box of Faber’s drawing pencils;

get (買う) [動] obtain by purchase

nice (素敵な) [形] very good; excellent

box (箱) [名] a container with a flat base and sides, typically with a lid

Faber (ファーバー) [名] a German manufacturer of art supplies

「私は素敵なファーバーの色鉛筆を買うよ。

I really need them,” said Amy decidedly.

really (本当に) [副] in reality; in fact

need (必要) [名] a requirement for something

本当に必要なの」とエイミーは決然と言った。

“Mother didn’t say anything about our money, and she won’t wish us to give up everything.

money (お金) [名] a current medium of exchange in the form of coins and banknotes

give up (諦める) [動] stop trying to do or achieve something

「ママは私たちのお金については何も言わなかったし、私たちがすべてを諦めることを望んではいないだろう。

Let’s each buy what we want, and have a little fun;

let's (~しましょう) [動] a suggestion to do something

buy (買う) [動] obtain in exchange for payment

have (持つ) [動] experience; feel

それぞれ欲しいものを買って、少し楽しみましょう。

I’m sure we work hard enough to earn it,” cried Jo, examining the heels of her shoes in a gentlemanly manner.

work hard (一生懸命働く) [動] work with a lot of effort

earn (稼ぐ) [動] obtain (money) in return for labor or services

examine (調べる) [動] inspect closely and thoroughly

heel (かかと) [名] the end of a shoe that is under the back of the foot

gentlemanly (紳士的な) [形] befitting a gentleman

manner (態度) [名] a way of behaving

私たちはそれを稼ぐのに十分に働いていると確信している」とジョーは叫び、紳士的な態度で靴のかかとを調べた。

“I know I do—teaching those tiresome children nearly all day, when I’m longing to enjoy myself at home,” began Meg, in the complaining tone again.

do (する) [動] perform, execute, or accomplish

teach (教える) [動] impart knowledge to or instruct (someone) as to how to do something

tiresome (退屈な) [形] causing boredom or annoyance

nearly (一日中) [副] almost

all day (一日中) [副] throughout the day

when (のに) [接] at or during the time that

be longing to (楽しみたい) [動] have a strong wish or desire for

enjoy (楽しむ) [動] take delight or pleasure in

at home (家で) [副] in one's house

begin (話し始めた) [動] start to do something

in (で) [前] expressing the location of something

the complaining tone (不満げな口調) [名] a manner of speaking that expresses dissatisfaction or annoyance

「そうね、家で楽しみたいのに、一日中あの退屈な子供たちに教えているのは大変だよ」とメグは再び不満げな口調で話し始めた。

“You don’t have half such a hard time as I do,” said Jo.

half (半分) [名] one of two equal parts that together form a whole

hard time (大変な思い) [名] a difficult period

said (言った) [動] utter words so as to convey information, an opinion, a feeling, etc.

「あなたは私ほど大変な思いをしていないよ」とジョーは言った。

“How would you like to be shut up for hours with a nervous, fussy old lady, who keeps you trotting, is never satisfied, and worries you till you’re ready to fly out the window or cry?”

shut up (閉じ込められる) [動] confine or imprison

hour (時間) [名] a period of time equal to 60 minutes

nervous (神経質な) [形] easily agitated or anxious

fussy (うるさい) [形] excessively particular or careful about details

old lady (老婦人) [名] an elderly woman

keep (走り回らせる) [動] cause to remain in a specified state

satisfied (満足する) [形] pleased or contented

worry (悩む) [動] feel or cause to feel troubled or anxious

fly out (飛び出す) [動] move or travel quickly

cry (泣く) [動] shed tears

「神経質で、うるさい老婦人と何時間も閉じ込められて、走り回らされて、決して満足せず、窓から飛び出したり泣き出しそうになるまで悩まされるのはどんな気分?」

“It’s naughty to fret, but I do think washing dishes and keeping things tidy is the worst work in the world.

fret (イライラする) [動] be anxious or worried

naughty (いけない) [形] disobedient; badly behaved

wash (洗う) [動] clean with water

dish (皿) [名] a flat or shallow container with raised edges that is used to hold or serve food

keep (片付ける) [動] have or retain possession of

tidy (整頓する) [形] arranged neatly and in order

world (世界) [名] the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

「イライラするのはいけないことだけど、お皿を洗ったり、物を片付けたりするのは世界で一番嫌な仕事だと思う。

It makes me cross, and my hands get so stiff, I can’t practice well at all.”

make (させる) [動] cause to be or become

cross (イライラする) [形] annoyed or angry

hand (手) [名] the end of an arm

get (なる) [動] become

stiff (硬い) [形] not easily bent or changed in shape

practice (練習する) [動] perform (an activity) or exercise (a skill) repeatedly in order to improve or maintain one's proficiency

イライラするし、手が硬くなって、全然練習できないよ」

And Beth looked at her rough hands with a sigh that any one could hear that time.

look at (見る) [動] direct one's gaze toward

rough (荒れた) [形] having a texture that is not smooth or regular

そしてベスは、誰にでも聞こえるようなため息をつきながら、自分の荒れた手を見ました。

“I don’t believe any of you suffer as I do,” cried Amy, “for you don’t have to go to school with impertinent girls, who plague you if you don’t know your lessons, and laugh at your dresses, and label your father if he isn’t rich, and insult you when your nose isn’t nice.”

suffer (苦しむ) [動] experience or be subjected to something bad or unpleasant

cry (叫ぶ) [動] say something loudly

believe (思う) [動] accept that (something) is true, especially without proof

go to school (学校に行く) [動] attend an institution for educating children

impertinent (生意気な) [形] rude and not showing respect

plague (いじめる) [動] cause continual trouble or problems for

laugh at (笑う) [動] make fun of

label (レッテルを貼る) [動] attach a label to

insult (侮辱する) [動] speak to or treat with disrespect or scornfully

「誰も私ほど苦しんでいないと思うよ」とエイミーは叫びました。「あなたたちは、授業がわからないときにいじめたり、服を笑ったり、父親が金持ちでないとレッテルを貼ったり、鼻がきれいじゃないと侮辱したりする、生意気な女の子たちと一緒に学校に行かなくてもいいんだもの」

“If you mean libel, I’d say so, and not talk about labels, as if Papa was a pickle bottle,” advised Jo, laughing.

libel (名誉毀損) [名] a published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation

label (ラベル) [名] a small piece of paper or fabric with a name, address, or other information written on it, that is attached to an object

pickle (ピクルス) [名] a cucumber that has been preserved in vinegar

bottle (瓶) [名] a container made of glass or plastic with a narrow neck that is used for storing liquids

「名誉毀損のつもりならそう言いなさいよ、パパがピクルスの瓶みたいにラベルを貼るなんて言わないで」とジョーは笑いながら忠告しました。

“I know what I mean, and you needn’t be statirical about it.

know what I mean (言っていることがわかる) [動] understand what I am trying to say

needn't (必要はない) [助] not need to

be statirical (皮肉を言う) [動] use irony to mock or convey contempt

「私は自分の言っていることがわかっているよ、あなたは皮肉を言う必要はないよ。

It’s proper to use good words, and improve your vocabilary,” returned Amy, with dignity.

proper (正しい) [形] in accordance with established rules or standards

use (使う) [動] convert to one's own purposes

improve (増やす) [動] make or become better

vocabulary (語彙) [名] the body of words used in a language

return (言い返す) [動] say something in reply

dignity (威厳) [名] the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect

良い言葉を使い、語彙を増やすのは正しいことよ」とエイミーは威厳をもって言い返しました。

“Don’t peck at one another, children.

peck (つつき合う) [動] strike or bite with the beak

one another (お互いに) [代] each other

child (子供) [名] a young human being below the age of puberty or below the legal age of majority

「子供たち、お互いにつつき合うのはやめなさい。

Don’t you wish we had the money Papa lost when we were little, Jo?

wish (願う) [動] feel or express a strong desire or hope for something that is not easily attainable

lose (失う) [動] be deprived of or cease to have or retain

Jo (ジョー) [名] a character in the story

私たちが小さい頃にパパが失ったお金があったらよかったのに、ジョー?

Dear me! How happy and good we’d be, if we had no worries!” said Meg, who could remember better times.

dear me (なんてこと) [間] an expression of surprise, disappointment, or disgust

how happy (どれほど幸せ) [形] feeling or showing pleasure or contentment

good (良い) [形] to be desired or approved of

worry (心配事) [名] a state of anxiety and uncertainty over actual or potential problems

remember (思い出せる) [動] have in or be able to bring to one's mind an awareness of

better (より良い) [形] of a more excellent or effective type or quality

なんてこと! 心配事がなければ、私たちはどれほど幸せで良い人になれるだろうか!」と、より良い時代を思い出せるメグは言った。

“You said the other day you thought we were a deal happier than the King children, for they were fighting and fretting all the time, in spite of their money.”

the other day (この前) [名] a few days ago

a deal (ずっと) [名] a great deal; a lot

happier (幸せだ) [形] feeling or showing pleasure or contentment

King (キング) [名] a surname

children (子供たち) [名] a young human being below the age of puberty or below the legal age of majority

「この前、あなたはキング家の子供たちよりも私たちの方がずっと幸せだと思ったと言っていたよ。彼らはお金があるにもかかわらず、いつも喧嘩したり、イライラしたりしているから」

“So I did, Beth. Well, I think we are.

so (そう) [副] in the manner or to the extent indicated

Beth (ベス) [名] a female given name

think (思う) [動] have an opinion about something

「そう言ったよ、ベス。私たちはそうだと思うよ。

For though we do have to work, we make fun of ourselves, and are a pretty jolly set, as Jo would say.”

have to (しなければならない) [助] be obliged to; must

work (働く) [動] be engaged in physical or mental activity in order to achieve a purpose of result

make fun of (からかう) [動] ridicule or make jokes about

ourselves (自分たち) [代] we or us

pretty (かなり) [副] very or extremely

jolly (陽気な) [形] happy and cheerful

set (集団) [名] a group of people with a shared interest

私たちは働かなければならないけど、自分たちで楽しんで、ジョーが言うように、かなり陽気な集団だから」

“Jo does use such slang words!” observed Amy, with a reproving look at the long figure stretched on the rug.

slang (俗語) [名] very informal usage in vocabulary and idiom that is characteristically more metaphorical, playful, elliptical, vivid, and ephemeral than ordinary language

observe (言う) [動] notice or perceive

reproving (非難するような) [形] expressing disapproval

look (目) [名] the act of directing one's gaze

「ジョーは本当にそんな俗語を使うのね!」とエイミーは敷物の上に長く伸びた姿を非難するような目で見て言った。

Jo immediately sat up, put her hands in her pockets, and began to whistle.

immediately (すぐに) [副] at once; instantly

sit up (起き上がる) [動] rise from a lying position to a sitting position

put (入れる) [動] move something to a specified location

pocket (ポケット) [名] a small bag sewn into or on clothing so as to form part of it, used for carrying small articles

ジョーはすぐに起き上がり、ポケットに手を入れて口笛を吹き始めた。

“Don’t, Jo. It’s so boyish!”

boyish (男の子みたい) [形] like a boy

「やめて、ジョー。男の子みたい!」

“That’s why I do it.”

that (それ) [代] the thing mentioned before

be (だ) [動] to be

why (なぜ) [副] for what reason or purpose

「だからやるのよ。」

“I detest rude, unladylike girls!”

rude (無礼な) [形] offensively impolite or ill-mannered

unladylike (女性らしくない) [形] lacking the qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of a lady

girl (女の子) [名] a young female human being

「私は無礼で女性らしくない女の子が大嫌い!」

“I hate affected, niminy-piminy chits!”

hate (大嫌い) [動] dislike intensely

affected (気取った) [形] behaving in an artificial way to impress others

niminy-piminy (気取った) [形] affectedly delicate or overrefined

chit (小娘) [名] a young, inexperienced girl

「私は気取った、気取った小娘が大嫌い!」

“Birds in their little nests agree,” sang Beth, the peacemaker, with such a funny face that both sharp voices softened to a laugh, and the “pecking” ended for that time.

bird (鳥) [名] a warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate distinguished by having feathers and wings

nest (巣) [名] a structure or place made or chosen by a bird for laying eggs and sheltering its young

peacemaker (仲裁役) [名] a person who brings about peace, especially by reconciling parties at variance

funny (おかしな) [形] causing laughter or amusement

voice (声) [名] the sound produced in a person's larynx and uttered through the mouth, as speech or song

soften (和らぐ) [動] make or become less hard, harsh, or severe

laugh (笑い) [名] the action or sound of laughing

end (終わる) [動] come or bring to a final point; finish

「小さな巣の鳥たちは仲良し」と仲裁役のベスが歌い、とてもおかしな顔をしたので、2人の鋭い声が笑い声に変わり、その時は「つつき合い」は終わった。

“Really, girls, you are both to be blamed,” said Meg, beginning to lecture in her elder-sisterly fashion.

both (二人とも) [限] the two people or things mentioned

be to blame (悪い) [動] be responsible for something that is wrong or bad

lecture (説教) [名] a speech given to an audience

elder-sisterly (お姉さんらしい) [形] like an elder sister

「本当に、あなたたち、二人とも悪いのよ」とメグは言い、お姉さんらしく説教を始めた。

“You are old enough to leave off boyish tricks, and to behave better, Josephine.

old enough (十分に年をとっている) [形] having reached an age that allows one to do something

leave off (やめる) [動] stop doing something

boyish (男の子のような) [形] of or like a boy

trick (いたずら) [名] a mischievous act or prank

behave (ふるまう) [動] act or conduct oneself in a specified way

better (もっと) [副] to a greater extent or degree

「ジョセフィン、あなたはもう男の子のようないたずらを卒業して、もっと行儀よくする年齢よ。

It didn’t matter so much when you were a little girl, but now you are so tall, and turn up your hair, you should remember that you are a young lady.”

little girl (小さい頃) [名] a young female child

matter (問題) [名] a subject of concern

tall (背が高い) [形] of more than average height

turn up (結う) [動] to arrange (hair) in an upswept style

young lady (お嬢さん) [名] a young woman of good breeding

あなたが小さい頃はそれほど問題ではなかったけど、今は背も高くなって髪も結うようになったし、自分がお嬢さんだということを忘れないでね」

“I’m not! And if turning up my hair makes me one, I’ll wear it in two tails till I’m twenty,” cried Jo, pulling off her net, and shaking down a chestnut mane.

two (二つ) [形] one more than one

twenty (20歳) [形] the cardinal number that is the product of two and ten

pull off (外す) [動] to remove something from something else

shake down (振り下ろす) [動] to cause to fall by shaking

「違うよ! 髪を結えばお嬢さんになるなら、20歳になるまで二つ結びにするよ」とジョーは叫び、髪のネットを外して栗色のたてがみを振り下ろした。

“I hate to think I’ve got to grow up, and be Miss March, and wear long gowns, and look as prim as a China Aster!

grow up (大人になる) [動] become an adult

Miss March (ミス・マーチ) [名] the eldest daughter of the March family

wear (着る) [動] have on one's person

long gown (長いドレス) [名] a formal dress that is long

look (見える) [動] seem or appear

prim (上品な) [形] formally precise or proper

China Aster (シナノキ) [名] a plant with daisy-like flowers

「大人になって、ミス・マーチになって、長いドレスを着て、シナノキのように上品に振る舞わなきゃいけないなんて考えたくないよ!

It’s bad enough to be a girl, anyway, when I like boy’s games and work and manners!

bad enough (ひどい) [形] very bad

like (好き) [動] find agreeable, enjoyable, or satisfactory

boy (男の子) [名] a male child

game (遊び) [名] a form of play or sport, especially a competitive one played according to rules and decided by skill, strength, or luck

work (仕事) [名] an activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose of result

男の子の遊びや仕事やマナーが好きなのに、女の子であることはとにかくひどいことだよ!

I can’t get over my disappointment in not being a boy.

get over (乗り越える) [動] to recover from

disappointment (失望) [名] the feeling of being disappointed

男の子ではないという失望を乗り越えられないよ。

And it’s worse than ever now, for I’m dying to go and fight with Papa.

worse (ひどい) [形] of a lower standard or quality

ever (これまで) [副] at any time in the past or future; on any occasion; at all

for (だって) [接] because

die to (たまらない) [動] be extremely eager to do something

fight (戦う) [動] take part in a violent confrontation with another person or group

そして今はこれまで以上にひどいよ、だってパパと戦いに行きたくてたまらないんだもの。

And I can only stay home and knit, like a poky old woman!”

stay home (家でじっとしている) [動] not go out

knit (編み物をする) [動] make something by knitting

poky (のろまな) [形] slow-moving

でも、私は家でじっとしていて、のろまな老婆のように編み物しかできないのよ!」

And Jo shook the blue army sock till the needles rattled like castanets, and her ball bounded across the room.

shake (振り回す) [動] move or cause to move up and down or from side to side with small rapid movements

needle (編み針) [名] a thin, pointed piece of metal with a hole at one end for thread, used in sewing

rattle (音を立てる) [動] make a rapid succession of short, sharp sounds

castanet (カスタネット) [名] a pair of small concave pieces of wood or plastic, held in the hand and clicked together to make a sharp sound, especially as an accompaniment to Spanish dancing

ball (毛糸玉) [名] a round or roundish object with a smooth or even surface

bound (飛び回る) [動] move or cause to move with a series of leaps or bounces

そしてジョーは青い軍用靴下を振り回し、編み針がカスタネットのように音を立て、毛糸玉が部屋を飛び回った。

“Poor Jo! It’s too bad, but it can’t be helped.

poor (かわいそうな) [形] deserving of pity

too bad (ひどい) [形] very unfortunate

can't be helped (仕方がない) [動] be inevitable

「かわいそうなジョー! ひどいことだよ、でも仕方がないよ。

So you must try to be contented with making your name boyish, and playing brother to us girls,” said Beth, stroking the rough head with a hand that all the dish washing and dusting in the world could not make ungentle in its touch.

make one's name (名前をつける) [動] give a name to

play brother (兄弟役をする) [動] act as a brother

dish washing (皿洗い) [名] the act of washing dishes

dusting (掃除) [名] the act of removing dust

rough (乱れた) [形] not smooth or even

head (髪) [名] the top part of the body

touch (撫でる) [動] come into or be in contact with

だから、自分の名前を男の子っぽくして、私たち女の子の兄弟役をすることに満足するようにしなくちゃ」とベスは言い、世界中の皿洗いや掃除をしても優しさを失うことのない手で、ジョーの乱れた髪を撫でた。

“As for you, Amy,” continued Meg, “you are altogether too particular and prim.

as for (については) [前] with regard to; concerning

continue (続ける) [動] keep doing something

altogether (全体的に) [副] in total; completely

particular (几帳面) [形] having or showing a great deal of care about details

prim (気取っている) [形] excessively formal or proper

「エイミーは」とメグは続けた、「全体的に几帳面で気取っているよ。

Your airs are funny now, but you’ll grow up an affected little goose, if you don’t take care.

air (態度) [名] the way someone behaves or the way they seem to behave

take care (気を付ける) [動] be careful or cautious

あなたの気取った態度は今は面白いけど、気をつけないと、気取った小さなガチョウに育ってしまうよ。

I like your nice manners and refined ways of speaking, when you don’t try to be elegant.

nice (上品な) [形] pleasant; agreeable; satisfactory

refined (洗練された) [形] having a high degree of polish or refinement

way (話し方) [名] how something is done or how it happens

elegant (上品ぶっていない) [形] graceful and stylish in appearance or manner

あなたの上品な態度や洗練された話し方は、上品ぶっていない時なら好きよ。

But your absurd words are as bad as Jo’s slang.”

absurd (ばかげた) [形] ridiculously unreasonable, unsound, or incongruous

as bad as (同じくらいひどい) [形] to the same degree of badness

でも、あなたのばかげた言葉はジョーの俗語と同じくらいひどいよ。」

“If Jo is a tomboy and Amy a goose, what am I, please?” asked Beth, ready to share the lecture.

tomboy (男勝り) [名] a girl who behaves in a manner usually considered boyish

goose (ガチョウ) [名] a large water bird with a long neck

ask (尋ねる) [動] say something in order to obtain an answer or some information

「ジョーが男勝りでエイミーがガチョウなら、私は何なの?」とベスは尋ね、説教を受ける覚悟をした。

“You’re a dear, and nothing else,” answered Meg warmly, and no one contradicted her, for the ‘Mouse’ was the pet of the family.

nothing else (それだけ) [名] nothing more

answer (答える) [動] say something in reply

warmly (温かく) [副] in a warm manner

contradict (反論する) [動] deny the truth of

pet (ペット) [名] a domestic or tamed animal or bird kept for companionship or pleasure

「あなたは愛しい人よ、それだけよ」とメグは温かく答え、誰も彼女に反論しなかった、「ネズミ」は家族のペットだったからだ。

As young readers like to know ‘how people look’, we will take this moment to give them a little sketch of the four sisters, who sat knitting away in the twilight, while the December snow fell quietly without, and the fire crackled cheerfully within.

reader (読者) [名] someone who reads

like to know (知りたい) [動] want to know

how people look (人がどんな風に見えるか) [名] the appearance of people

take this moment (この機会に) [動] seize this opportunity

give (しておこう) [動] transfer possession of something

sketch (スケッチ) [名] a rough drawing representing the main features of an object or scene and often made as a preliminary study

four (4人の) [数] one more than three

sister (姉妹) [名] a girl or woman who has the same parents as another person

sit (座っている) [動] be in a position in which your weight is supported by your buttocks rather than your feet and your upper body is more or less upright

knit (編み物) [動] make by knitting

twilight (夕暮れ時) [名] the soft glowing light from the sky when the sun is below the horizon

December (12月) [名] the twelfth month of the year

snow (雪) [名] atmospheric water vapor frozen into ice crystals and falling in light white flakes

fall (降り) [動] move from a higher to a lower position

quietly (静かに) [副] making little or no noise

fire (火) [名] the state or fact of burning

crackle (パチパチ) [動] make a series of slight cracking sounds

cheerfully (陽気に) [副] in a cheerful manner

若い読者は「人がどんな風に見えるか」を知りたいので、この機会に、12月の雪が静かに降り、火が陽気にパチパチと音を立てる中、夕暮れ時に編み物をして座っている4人の姉妹のスケッチを少ししておこう。

It was a comfortable room, though the carpet was faded and the furniture very plain, for a good picture or two hung on the walls, books filled the recesses, chrysanthemums and Christmas roses bloomed in the windows, and a pleasant atmosphere of home peace pervaded it.

comfortable (居心地の良い) [形] providing physical ease and relaxation

carpet (カーペット) [名] a floor covering made of thick woven fabric

fade (色あせる) [動] lose brightness or vividness

furniture (家具) [名] the movable, generally functional, articles that equip a room, house etc

plain (普通の) [形] lacking in decoration or adornment

picture (絵) [名] a representation of a person, animal, or thing in a painting, drawing, photograph, etc

wall (壁) [名] a continuous vertical brick or stone structure that encloses or divides an area of land

book (本) [名] a written or printed work consisting of pages bound together between two covers

recess (くぼみ) [名] a small space created by building part of a wall further back from the rest

chrysanthemum (菊) [名] a plant with brightly colored flowers

Christmas rose (クリスマスローズ) [名] a plant with white or pink flowers

window (窓) [名] an opening in a wall or roof that allows light and air to come in

atmosphere (雰囲気) [名] the mood or tone of a place or situation

home (家庭) [名] the place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household

peace (安らぎ) [名] a state of tranquility or quiet

pervade (漂う) [動] spread or be diffused throughout

カーペットは色あせ、家具はごく普通のものだったが、壁には一つか二つの良い絵がかかり、くぼみには本がいっぱいで、窓には菊やクリスマスローズが咲き、家庭の安らぎの心地よい雰囲気が漂っていたので、居心地の良い部屋だった。

Margaret, the eldest of the four, was sixteen, and very pretty, being plump and fair, with large eyes, plenty of soft brown hair, a sweet mouth, and white hands, of which she was rather vain.

Margaret (マーガレット) [名] a female given name

eldest (長女) [名] the oldest child in a family

sixteen (16歳) [名] the number 16

plump (ふっくら) [形] having a full rounded shape

fair (色白) [形] light in color

large (大きい) [形] of considerable or relatively great size, extent, or capacity

eye (目) [名] an organ of vision

plenty (豊かな) [名] a state or condition of abundance

soft (柔らかい) [形] not hard or firm to the touch

brown (茶色) [形] of the color intermediate between red and yellow in the spectrum

hair (髪) [名] a threadlike structure that grows from the skin of humans and other mammals

sweet (愛らしい) [形] having a pleasant taste

mouth (口) [名] the opening and cavity in the lower part of the human face, surrounded by the lips, through which food is taken in and vocal sounds are emitted

white (白い) [形] of the color intermediate between black and gray in the spectrum

vain (自慢げ) [形] having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities, or worth

4人姉妹の長女マーガレットは16歳で、ふっくらとして色白で、大きな目、豊かな柔らかい茶色の髪、愛らしい口、白い手を持ち、かなり自慢げにしていた。

Fifteen-year-old Jo was very tall, thin, and brown, and reminded one of a colt, for she never seemed to know what to do with her long limbs, which were very much in her way.

fifteen-year-old (15歳の) [形] being 15 years old

very (非常に) [副] to a high degree; extremely

thin (痩せている) [形] having little flesh or fat on the body

remind (思い出させる) [動] cause someone to think of something

one (人) [名] a person

colt (子馬) [名] a young male horse

never (決して~ない) [副] not ever; at no time in the past or future; on no occasion; not at all

seem (~のようだ) [動] appear to be; give the impression of being

know (知る) [動] be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information

limb (手足) [名] an arm or leg

much (とても) [副] to a great extent; a lot

way (邪魔) [名] a method, style, or manner of doing something

15歳のジョーは非常に背が高く、痩せていて、褐色で、子馬を思い出させた、彼女は自分の長い手足をどうしたらいいかわからないようで、とても邪魔だった。

She had a decided mouth, a comical nose, and sharp, gray eyes, which appeared to see everything, and were by turns fierce, funny, or thoughtful.

have (持っている) [動] possess, own, or hold

nose (鼻) [名] the part of the face that projects above the mouth and contains the nostrils and olfactory organs

see (見える) [動] perceive with the eyes; discern visually

fierce (激しい) [形] violent or intense in strength or degree

thoughtful (思慮深い) [形] showing careful consideration for the feelings of others

彼女は決断力のある口、滑稽な鼻、そしてすべてを見通すような鋭い灰色の目を持っていて、激しく、おかしく、あるいは思慮深く見えた。

Her long, thick hair was her one beauty, but it was usually bundled into a net, to be out of her way.

thick (太い) [形] having a large diameter or circumference

one (唯一の) [形] being the only one

beauty (美しさ) [名] the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit

usually (たいてい) [副] more often than not; generally

bundle (束ねる) [動] tie or wrap together

net (ネット) [名] a mesh of cords or wires that is used to catch or hold something

out of one's way (邪魔にならないように) [副] not in one's way; not interfering with one's progress

彼女の長く太い髪は彼女の唯一の美しさだったが、邪魔にならないようにたいていはネットに束ねられていた。

Round shoulders had Jo, big hands and feet, a flyaway look to her clothes, and the uncomfortable appearance of a girl who was rapidly shooting up into a woman and didn’t like it.

round shoulder (丸い肩) [名] a shoulder that is not straight

big hand (大きな手) [名] a hand that is large

big foot (大きな足) [名] a foot that is large

flyaway look (だらしない外見) [名] an appearance that is not neat or tidy

uncomfortable appearance (ぎこちない外見) [名] an appearance that is not comfortable or relaxed

rapidly (急速に) [副] quickly or swiftly

shoot up (成長する) [動] grow or increase rapidly

like (好ましく思う) [動] find agreeable or attractive

ジョーは丸い肩を持ち、手足が大きく、服装はだらしなく、急速に女性へと成長しつつあり、それを好ましく思っていない少女のぎこちない外見をしていた。

Elizabeth, or Beth, as everyone called her, was a rosy, smooth-haired, bright-eyed girl of thirteen, with a shy manner, a timid voice, and a peaceful expression which was seldom disturbed.

Elizabeth (エリザベス) [名] a female given name

thirteen (13歳) [名] the number 13

shy (恥ずかしがり屋) [形] being reserved or having or showing nervousness or timidity in the company of other people

timid (臆病な) [形] showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened

peaceful (穏やかな) [形] free from disturbance; tranquil

expression (表情) [名] the way in which one expresses oneself; the look on one's face

エリザベス、または誰もが呼ぶようにベスは、恥ずかしがり屋で、臆病な声で、めったに乱されることのない穏やかな表情をした、バラ色の、なめらかな髪の、明るい目の13歳の少女だった。

Her father called her ‘Little Miss Tranquility’, and the name suited her excellently, for she seemed to live in a happy world of her own, only venturing out to meet the few whom she trusted and loved.

father (父親) [名] a man who has a child

call (呼ぶ) [動] give a name to

Little Miss Tranquility (小さなミス・トランキリティ) [名] a name

suit (似合う) [動] be appropriate or proper for

seem (ようである) [動] appear to be

live (住む) [動] have as one's home

venture (出る) [動] go somewhere or do something that is new, dangerous, or exciting

meet (会う) [動] come into the presence of

few (少数の) [形] a small number of

trust (信頼する) [動] have confidence in

love (愛する) [動] feel deep affection for

彼女の父親は彼女を「小さなミス・トランキリティ」と呼び、その名前は彼女にとてもよく似合っていた。なぜなら彼女は彼女自身の幸せな世界に住んでいるようで、彼女が信頼し愛する少数の人々に会うためにだけ外に出ていたからだ。

Amy, though the youngest, was a most important person, in her own opinion at least.

though (にもかかわらず) [接] despite the fact that

youngest (一番年下) [形] of the least age

most important (最も重要な) [形] of the greatest significance or value

person (人物) [名] a human being regarded as an individual

at least (少なくとも) [副] not less than; as much as

own (自身の) [形] belonging to (the person or thing mentioned)

opinion (考え) [名] a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge

エイミーは、一番年下だったが、少なくとも彼女自身の考えでは、最も重要な人物だった。

A regular snow maiden, with blue eyes, and yellow hair curling on her shoulders, pale and slender, and always carrying herself like a young lady mindful of her manners.

regular (典型的な) [形] conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected

snow maiden (雪の乙女) [名] a young woman who is very pale and delicate

blue eye (青い目) [名] an eye with a blue iris

yellow hair (黄色い髪) [名] hair that is yellow in color

curl (かかる) [動] form or cause to form into a curved or spiral shape

shoulder (肩) [名] the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

pale (青白い) [形] light in color

slender (ほっそりした) [形] thin and graceful

always (いつも) [副] at all times; on all occasions

carry oneself (振る舞う) [動] behave or conduct oneself

young lady (若い女性) [名] a young woman

mindful (気を配る) [形] conscious or aware of something

青い目と肩にかかる黄色い髪の、青白いほっそりした、いつも行儀作法に気を配る若い女性のような、典型的な雪の乙女だった。

What the characters of the four sisters were we will leave to be found out.

character (性格) [名] the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual

leave (明らかになっていく) [動] go away from a place

find out (明らかにする) [動] discover or notice something

4人の姉妹の性格がどのようなものだったかについては、これから明らかになっていくだろう。

The clock struck six and, having swept up the hearth, Beth put a pair of slippers down to warm.

strike (打つ) [動] hit or come into contact with forcibly

sweep (掃除する) [動] clean with a broom

時計が6時を打ったので、ベスは暖炉を掃除した後、スリッパを温めるために置いた。

Somehow the sight of the old shoes had a good effect upon the girls, for Mother was coming, and everyone brightened to welcome her.

somehow (どういうわけか) [副] in some way or manner

sight (光景) [名] something that is seen

old (古い) [形] having lived or existed for a long time

shoe (靴) [名] an outer covering for the foot

have a good effect (良い効果がある) [動] to be beneficial or helpful

girl (娘) [名] a female child

mother (母) [名] a woman in relation to her child or children

come (帰ってくる) [動] move or travel toward or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker

everyone (みんな) [代] every person

どういうわけか、古い靴を見ると、母が帰ってくるので、娘たちは明るく迎えることができた。

Meg stopped lecturing, and lighted the lamp, Amy got out of the easy chair without being asked, and Jo forgot how tired she was as she sat up to hold the slippers nearer to the blaze.

stop (やめる) [動] cease an action

light (ともす) [動] cause to burn or shine

get out of (立ち上がる) [動] leave or depart from

ask (頼む) [動] make a request for something

forget (忘れる) [動] be unable to remember

hold (近づける) [動] keep or maintain in a specified state, position, or course

near (近く) [前] at or within a short distance or interval

blaze (火) [名] a very large or destructive fire

メグは説教をやめてランプをともし、エイミーは頼まれなくても安楽椅子から立ち上がり、ジョーはスリッパを火に近づけるために起き上がったとき、自分がどれほど疲れているかを忘れた。

“They are quite worn out.

quite (すっかり) [副] to a certain extent; fairly

worn out (くたびれた) [形] exhausted; tired

「すっかりくたびれちゃったよね。

Marmee must have a new pair.”

must (必要だ) [助] be obliged to; be compelled to

pair (靴) [名] two things of the same type that are used together or are both needed

ママには新しい靴が必要ね。」

“I thought I’d get her some with my dollar,” said Beth.

「私の1ドルで何か買ってあげようと思ってたのよ」とベスが言った。

“No, I shall!” cried Amy.

「いいえ、私が買うよ!」とエイミーが叫んだ。

“I’m the oldest,” began Meg, but Jo cut in with a decided, “I’m the man of the family now Papa is away, and I shall provide the slippers, for he told me to take special care of Mother while he was gone.”

oldest (一番年上) [形] having lived or existed for the longest period of time

cut in (割って入る) [動] interrupt someone who is speaking

man (男) [名] an adult male human being

provide (用意する) [動] make available for use; supply

slipper (スリッパ) [名] a light indoor shoe

take care of (大事にする) [動] be responsible for the health, safety, and well-being of

while (留守の間) [名] a period of time

「私が一番年上だから」とメグが言い始めたが、ジョーは「パパがいない今、私がこの家の男だから、スリッパは私が用意するよ。パパは留守の間、ママを特別に大事にするように言ってたのよ」と決然と割って入った。

“I’ll tell you what we’ll do,” said Beth, “let’s each get her something for Christmas, and not get anything for ourselves.”

tell (言う) [動] communicate with words

nothing (何も) [代] not anything; no single thing

「こうしましょう」とベスが言った。「それぞれがママにクリスマスのプレゼントを買って、自分たちの分は何も買わないことにしましょう。」

“That’s like you, dear!

like (らしい) [形] similar to; having the same characteristics as

dear (あなた) [名] a term of endearment

「あなたらしいよね!

What will we get?” exclaimed Jo.

exclaim (叫ぶ) [動] cry out or say loudly, as in surprise, anger, or pain

何を買おうか?」とジョーは叫んだ。

Everyone thought soberly for a minute, then Meg announced, as if the idea was suggested by the sight of her own pretty hands, “I shall give her a nice pair of gloves.”

think soberly (真剣に考える) [動] think seriously

for a minute (しばらく) [名] a short period of time

announce (言う) [動] make a public and formal statement about

as if (まるで) [接] as though

idea (考え) [名] a thought or suggestion as to a possible course of action

suggest (思いつく) [動] cause someone to think of or consider

pretty (きれいな) [形] attractive in a delicate way

give (あげる) [動] freely transfer the possession of

glove (手袋) [名] a covering for the hand made of leather or other material

みんながしばらく真剣に考えた後、メグは自分のきれいな手を見たことから思いついたように「私は素敵な手袋をあげようと思う」と言った。

“Army shoes, best to be had,” cried Jo.

best (一番いい) [形] of the most excellent, effective, or desirable type or quality

「軍靴、手に入る中で一番いい」とジョーは叫んだ。

“Some handkerchiefs, all hemmed,” said Beth.

some (何枚か) [限] an unspecified number or amount of

handkerchief (ハンカチ) [名] a square of cloth used for wiping the nose or mouth

hem (縁かがり) [動] to fold and sew the edge of a piece of cloth

「ハンカチを何枚か、全部縁かがりしたもの」とベスは言った。

“I’ll get a little bottle of cologne.

get (もらう) [動] receive

cologne (オーデコロン) [名] a perfume made of a mixture of essential oils and alcohol

「私は小さなオーデコロンにするよ。

She likes it, and it won’t cost much, so I’ll have some left to buy my pencils,” added Amy.

cost (かかる) [動] require the payment of

ママは好きだし、そんなに高くないから、私の鉛筆を買うお金が残るよ」とエイミーは付け加えた。

“How will we give the things?” asked Meg.

「どうやって渡そうか?」とメグは尋ねた。

“Put them on the table, and bring her in and see her open the bundles.

table (テーブル) [名] a piece of furniture with a flat top and one or more legs, providing a level surface for eating, writing, or working at

bring (連れてくる) [動] cause to come to a place

open (開ける) [動] move a door or window so as to leave a space allowing access and vision

「テーブルに置いて、ママを連れてきて、包みを開けるのを見よう。

Don’t you remember how we used to do on our birthdays?” answered Jo.

birthday (誕生日) [名] the anniversary of the day on which a person was born

誕生日にどうしていたか覚えていないの?」とジョーは答えた。

“I used to be so frightened when it was my turn to sit in the chair with the crown on, and see you all come marching round to give the presents, with a kiss.

be frightened (怖がる) [動] be afraid

turn (番) [名] an opportunity to do something

crown (王冠) [名] a circular head ornament worn by a monarch

chair (椅子) [名] a seat with a back and usually four legs

marching (行進) [名] the action of marching

kiss (キス) [名] a touch with the lips in affection, greeting, or as a sign of respect

「王冠をつけて椅子に座る番になると、みんなが行進してプレゼントをくれてキスしてくれるのを見て、とても怖かったよ。

I liked the things and the kisses, but it was dreadful to have you sit looking at me while I opened the bundles,” said Beth, who was toasting her face and the bread for tea at the same time.

dreadful (恐ろしい) [形] causing or likely to cause great fear or suffering

sit (座る) [動] be in or assume a position in which one's weight is supported by one's buttocks rather than one's feet and one's upper body is more or less upright

look (見る) [動] direct one's gaze toward someone or something

bundle (包み) [名] a collection of things tied or wrapped together

bread (パン) [名] a food made of flour or meal that is mixed with a liquid, usually water, and kneaded, shaped, and baked

toast (トーストする) [動] cook by exposure to radiant heat

tea (お茶) [名] a hot drink made by infusing the dried, cured leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant in hot water

プレゼントもキスも好きだったけど、包みを開けている間、みんなが座って私を見ているのは恐ろしかったよ」と、顔とパンを同時にトーストしていたベスが言った。

“Let Marmee think we are getting things for ourselves, and then surprise her.

let (思わせよう) [動] allow or permit

surprise (驚かせよう) [動] cause to feel astonishment or amazement

「ママに自分たちのものを買っていると思わせて、驚かせよう。

We must go shopping tomorrow afternoon, Meg.

must (~しなければならない) [助] be obliged to; be required to

go shopping (買い物に行く) [動] go to a store to buy things

tomorrow afternoon (明日の午後) [名] the afternoon of the day after today

明日の午後、買い物に行かなくちゃね、メグ。

There is so much to do about the play for Christmas night,” said Jo, marching up and down, with her hands behind her back, and her nose in the air.

Christmas night (クリスマスの夜) [名] the night of December 24

march (行進する) [動] walk in a military manner with regular and measured tread

back (後ろ) [名] the rear part of the human body

air (空中) [名] the mixture of gases that surrounds the earth and forms its atmosphere

クリスマスの夜の劇のためにやることがたくさんある」と、手を後ろに回し、鼻を空中に突き出して行進しながら言った。

“I don’t mean to act any more after this time.

mean to (するつもり) [動] have as one's intention

act (演技) [名] the art or practice of representing a character on stage or in a movie, television show, or radio program

「今度が最後で、もう演技はしないつもり。

I’m getting too old for such things,” observed Meg, who was as much a child as ever about ‘dressing-up’ frolics.

get too old (歳を取りすぎる) [動] become too old

as much as ever (相変わらず) [副] to the same extent as before

dressing-up (着せ替え) [名] the activity of putting on clothes

frolic (遊び) [名] a playful activity

私、そんなにはしゃぐには歳を取りすぎちゃったよ」と、メグは言ったが、彼女は「着せ替え」遊びについては相変わらず子供だった。

“You won’t stop, I know, as long as you can trail round in a white gown with your hair down, and wear gold-paper jewelry.

trail round (歩き回る) [動] walk around

white gown (白いドレス) [名] a long dress, typically worn by a woman

hair down (髪を下ろす) [動] let one's hair down

gold-paper jewelry (金紙の宝石) [名] jewelry made of gold paper

「あなたは、髪を下ろして白いドレスを着て、金紙の宝石を身に着けて歩き回れる限り、やめないだろうことはわかっているよ。

You are the best actress we’ve got, and there’ll be an end of everything if you quit the boards,” said Jo.

best (最高の) [形] of the highest quality, excellence, or standing

actress (女優) [名] a woman whose profession is acting

quit (辞める) [動] leave a job, post, or position voluntarily

board (舞台) [名] a raised platform on which theatrical performances are given

end (終わり) [名] the final part of something

everything (すべて) [名] all that exists; the whole world

あなたは私たちが持っている最高の女優で、あなたが舞台を辞めたらすべてが終わってしまうよ」とジョーは言った。

“We ought to rehearse tonight.

rehearse (リハーサルをする) [動] practice a play, piece of music, or other work before a public performance

「今夜はリハーサルをするべきだよ。

Come here, Amy, and do the fainting scene, for you are as stiff as a poker in that.”

come here (こっちに来て) [動] move toward the speaker

fainting scene (気絶する場面) [名] a scene in a play or movie in which someone faints

poker (棒) [名] a metal rod used to stir a fire

こっちに来て、エイミー、気絶する場面をやって、あなたはその場面では棒のように硬いから。」

“I can’t help it.

can't help (仕方がない) [動] be unable to prevent or avoid something

「仕方がないよ。

I never saw anyone faint, and I don’t choose to make myself all black and blue, tumbling flat as you do.

faint (気絶する) [動] lose consciousness temporarily

black and blue (青あざだらけ) [形] bruised

tumble (転ぶ) [動] fall suddenly

flat (平らな) [形] having a level surface

誰も気絶するのを見たことがないし、あなたみたいに転んで全身を青あざだらけにするなんて嫌だよ。

If I can go down easily, I’ll drop.

go down (倒れる) [動] fall to the ground

easily (楽に) [副] without difficulty or effort

drop (倒れる) [動] fall to the ground

楽に倒れられるなら、倒れるよ。

If I can’t, I shall fall into a chair and be graceful.

fall into (倒れ込む) [動] collapse into

be graceful (優雅にやる) [動] be elegant or refined in movement or manner

できないなら、椅子に倒れ込んで優雅にやるよ。

I don’t care if Hugo does come at me with a pistol,” returned Amy, who was not gifted with dramatic power, but was chosen because she was small enough to be borne out shrieking by the villain of the piece.

come at (向かってくる) [動] move towards

pistol (ピストル) [名] a small firearm that can be held in one hand

dramatic (演劇の) [形] of or relating to drama or the theater

power (才能) [名] the ability or capacity to perform or act effectively

small (小さい) [形] of a size that is less than average or usual

shriek (悲鳴) [名] a high-pitched piercing cry

villain (悪役) [名] a character in a play, film, or novel who opposes the hero

ヒューゴがピストルを持って私に向かってきてもかまわないよ」とエイミーは答えたが、彼女は演劇の才能に恵まれていなかったが、この劇の悪役に悲鳴を上げながら連れ去られるには十分に小さかったために選ばれた。

“Do it this way. Clasp your hands so, and stagger across the room, crying frantically, ‘Roderigo! Save me! Save me!’”

do it this way (こうやって) [動] do it in this manner

clasp (組む) [動] hold something tightly in one's hand

stagger (よろめく) [動] walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall

frantically (狂ったように) [副] in a frantic manner

save (助ける) [動] rescue from harm or danger

「こうやって。手をこう組んで、部屋をよろめきながら、狂ったように叫ぶの。「ロデリゴ! 助けて! 助けて!」」

and away went Jo, with a melodramatic scream which was truly thrilling.

away (去っていった) [副] from a place

go (行く) [動] move from one place to another

melodramatic (メロドラマのような) [形] exaggeratedly emotional or sentimental

scream (悲鳴) [名] a loud, high-pitched cry

thrilling (スリリングな) [形] causing a strong feeling of excitement

そしてジョーは、本当にスリリングなメロドラマのような悲鳴を上げて去っていった。

Amy followed, but she poked her hands out stiffly before her, and jerked herself along as if she went by machinery, and her “Ow!” was more suggestive of pins being run into her than of fear and anguish.

follow (後に続く) [動] go after someone or something

poke (突き出す) [動] push or thrust quickly or roughly

stiffly (突き出して) [副] in a stiff manner

jerk (ぐいと動かす) [動] move or cause to move with a sudden sharp movement

machinery (機械) [名] a machine or machines

anguish (苦悩) [名] severe mental or physical pain or suffering

エイミーは後に続いたが、彼女は自分の前に手を突き出し、機械で動いているかのように体をぐいと動かし、彼女の「痛い!」は恐怖や苦悩というよりは、針が刺さったように聞こえた。

Jo gave a despairing groan, and Meg laughed outright, while Beth let her bread burn as she watched the fun with interest.

give (上げる) [動] produce or emit

despairing (絶望的な) [形] having lost all hope

groan (うめき声) [名] a low, deep sound of pain or suffering

outright (声を出して) [副] openly and without concealment

burn (焦がす) [動] be on fire

watch (見る) [動] look at or observe attentively

ジョーは絶望的なうめき声を上げ、メグは声を出して笑い、ベスはパンを焦がしながら興味津々でその様子を見ていた。

“It’s no use! Do the best you can when the time comes, and if the audience laughs, don’t blame me. Come on, Meg.”

it's no use (無駄だ) [句] it is pointless

do the best (できるだけのことをする) [句] do the best that one can

when the time comes (本番では) [句] when the time is right

audience (観客) [名] the assembled spectators or listeners at a public event

laugh (笑う) [動] smile and make sounds that show you are happy or amused

blame (責める) [動] assign responsibility for a fault or wrong

come on (行こう) [句] let's go

「無駄だ! 本番ではできるだけのことをしてくれ、もし観客が笑っても、私を責めるな。メグ、行こう」

Then things went smoothly, for Don Pedro defied the world in a speech of two pages without a single break.

go smoothly (順調に進む) [動] proceed without problems or difficulties

Don Pedro (ドン・ペドロ) [名] a character in the story

defy (挑戦する) [動] openly resist or disobey

speech (スピーチ) [名] a public address or talk

break (間違える) [動] fail to keep or fulfill

それから物事は順調に進み、ドン・ペドロは2ページにわたるスピーチで、一言も間違えずに世界に挑戦した。

Hagar, the witch, chanted an awful incantation over her kettleful of simmering toads, with weird effect.

Hagar (ハガル) [名] a biblical character

witch (魔女) [名] a woman who practices witchcraft

chant (唱える) [動] say or shout repeatedly in a rhythmic way

awful (恐ろしい) [形] very bad or unpleasant

incantation (呪文) [名] a series of words said as a magic spell

kettleful (鍋一杯) [名] the amount that a kettle can hold

simmer (煮込む) [動] cook slowly over low heat

toad (ヒキガエル) [名] a froglike amphibian with a rough, dry skin

weird (奇妙な) [形] strange or unusual

魔女ハガルは、ヒキガエルを煮込んだ鍋の上で恐ろしい呪文を唱え、奇妙な効果をもたらした。

Roderigo rent his chains asunder manfully, and Hugo died in agonies of remorse and arsenic, with a wild, “Ha! Ha!”

Roderigo (ロデリゴ) [名] a character in the story

rent (引きちぎる) [動] tear or pull apart

chain (鎖) [名] a series of connected metal links

asunder (引きちぎる) [副] into pieces

manfully (男らしく) [副] in a brave or manly way

Hugo (ヒューゴ) [名] a character in the story

die (死ぬ) [動] stop living

agony (苦しみ) [名] extreme physical or mental suffering

remorse (後悔) [名] a feeling of sadness and being sorry for something you have done

arsenic (ヒ素) [名] a highly poisonous chemical element

wild (叫びながら) [形] not controlled or disciplined

Ha! Ha! (ハ! ハ!) [間] an expression of laughter

ロデリゴは鎖を男らしく引きちぎり、ヒューゴは後悔とヒ素の苦しみの中で「ハ! ハ!」と叫びながら死んだ。

“It’s the best we’ve had yet,” said Meg, as the dead villain sat up and rubbed his elbows.

the best (一番よかった) [名] the most excellent or desirable

we've had (今までで) [動] we have had

yet (今まで) [副] up to the present time; so far

dead (死んだ) [形] no longer alive

sat up (起き上がった) [動] sit up from a lying position

rubbed (こすった) [動] move (something) against something else with pressure

「今までで一番よかったよ」とメグは言い、死んだ悪役は起き上がって肘をこすった。

“I don’t see how you can write and act such splendid things, Jo.

write (書く) [動] mark (letters, words, or other symbols) on a surface, typically paper, with a pen, pencil, or similar implement

act (演じる) [動] play the part of (a character) in a play, film, or television production

splendid (素晴らしい) [形] magnificent; very impressive

「どうしてこんな素晴らしいものを書いて演じることができるのかわからないよ、ジョー。

You’re a regular Shakespeare!” exclaimed Beth, who firmly believed that her sisters were gifted with wonderful genius in all things.

Shakespeare (シェイクスピア) [名] an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist

firmly (固く) [副] in a way that is not easily moved or changed

wonderful (素晴らしい) [形] extremely good; marvelous

genius (才能) [名] exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural ability

あなたはまるでシェイクスピアみたい!」とベスは叫んだ。ベスは姉妹たちがあらゆる面で素晴らしい才能に恵まれていると固く信じていた。

“Not quite,” replied Jo modestly.

not quite (そこまでは) [副] not completely or entirely

reply (答える) [動] say something in response

modestly (控えめに) [副] in a way that is not too proud or confident

「そこまでは」とジョーは控えめに答えた。

“I do think The Witches Curse, an Operatic Tragedy is rather a nice thing, but I’d like to try Macbeth, if we only had a trapdoor for Banquo.

The Witches Curse (魔女の呪い) [名] a curse by a witch

Operatic Tragedy (オペラ悲劇) [名] a tragedy in the form of an opera

Macbeth (マクベス) [名] a tragedy by William Shakespeare

Banquo (バンクォー) [名] a character in Macbeth

「魔女の呪い、オペラ悲劇はむしろいいものだとは思うけど、バンクォー用の落とし穴さえあればマクベスを試してみたい。

I always wanted to do the killing part.

killing (殺す) [名] the act of causing someone or something to die

part (役) [名] a piece or segment of something such as an object, activity, or period of time

いつも殺す役をやりたいと思っていたんだ。

‘Is that a dagger that I see before me?” muttered Jo, rolling her eyes and clutching at the air, as she had seen a famous tragedian do.

dagger (短剣) [名] a short knife with a pointed and edged blade

mutter (つぶやく) [動] say something in a low voice

roll one's eyes (目を回す) [動] move one's eyes in a circular motion

clutch (つかむ) [動] grasp something tightly

tragedian (悲劇役者) [名] an actor who performs in tragedies

「あれは私の目の前にある短剣なのか?」とジョーはつぶやき、有名な悲劇役者がするのを見たことのあるように目を回して空をつかんだ。

“No, it’s the toasting fork, with Mother’s shoe on it instead of the bread.

No (いいえ) [間] a negative response

toasting fork (トーストフォーク) [名] a long-handled fork used for toasting bread

「いいえ、それはトーストフォークで、パンの代わりにママの靴が乗っています。

Beth’s stage-struck!” cried Meg, and the rehearsal ended in a general burst of laughter.

stage-struck (舞台に夢中になっている) [形] having a strong desire to become an actor

rehearsal (リハーサル) [名] a practice performance of a play or other work before its official presentation

laughter (爆笑) [名] the action or sound of laughing

ベスが舞台に夢中になっている!」とメグが叫び、リハーサルはみんなの爆笑で終わった。

“Glad to find you so merry, my girls,” said a cheery voice at the door, and actors and audience turned to welcome a tall, motherly lady with a ‘can I help you’ look about her which was truly delightful.

find (見つける) [動] discover or notice

merry (陽気な) [形] cheerful and lively

door (ドア) [名] a hinged barrier used to close an entrance

turn (振り返る) [動] change direction, position, or course

welcome (迎える) [動] greet or receive cordially

motherly (母性的な) [形] having or showing qualities or feelings appropriate to a mother

look (表情) [名] the way that someone's face appears

delightful (喜ばしい) [形] causing delight; charming

「娘たち、そんなに陽気でよかったよ」とドアから陽気な声がして、俳優と観客は振り返って、背の高い母性的な女性を迎えた。

She was not elegantly dressed, but a noble-looking woman, and the girls thought the gray cloak and unfashionable bonnet covered the most splendid mother in the world.

elegantly (上品に) [副] in an elegant manner

dressed (服を着た) [動] put on clothes

noble (気品のある) [形] belonging to a hereditary class with high social or political status; aristocratic

woman (女性) [名] an adult human female

gray (灰色の) [形] of a color intermediate between black and white

cloak (マント) [名] a loose outer garment

unfashionable (流行遅れの) [形] no longer in fashion

bonnet (ボンネット) [名] a woman's or child's hat

cover (覆う) [動] be or provide a covering for

彼女は上品な服装ではなかったが、気品のある女性で、娘たちは灰色のマントや流行遅れのボンネットが世界で最も素晴らしい母親を覆っていると思った。

“Well, dearies, how have you got on today?

dearie (娘) [名] a term of endearment

get on (どうだった) [動] to make progress or succeed

「さて、娘たち、今日はどうだった?

There was so much to do, getting the boxes ready to go tomorrow, that I didn’t come home to dinner.

so much (とても) [副] to a very great extent

get ready (準備する) [動] prepare oneself or something for a particular purpose or event

tomorrow (明日) [名] the day after today

come home (帰宅する) [動] return to one's home

dinner (夕食) [名] the last meal of the day

明日出発する箱の準備など、やることがたくさんあったので、夕食には帰宅しませんでした。

Has anyone called, Beth?

call (電話がある) [動] to communicate with (someone) by telephone

誰か電話があった? ベス。

How is your cold, Meg?

cold (風邪) [名] a common viral infection of the nose and throat

風邪はどう? メグ。

Jo, you look tired to death.

tired (疲れている) [形] in need of rest or sleep

death (死) [名] the end of all life or the end of all living matter

ジョー、死ぬほど疲れているように見えるよ。

Come and kiss me, baby.”

おいで、キスして」

While making these maternal inquiries Mrs. March got her wet things off, her warm slippers on, and sitting down in the easy chair, drew Amy to her lap, preparing to enjoy the happiest hour of her busy day.

maternal (母親らしい) [形] of or relating to a mother

inquiry (質問) [名] a request for information

get off (脱ぐ) [動] remove something from one's body

warm (暖かい) [形] having or giving out heat

sit down (腰を下ろす) [動] move from a standing to a sitting position

easy chair (安楽椅子) [名] a comfortable padded armchair

draw (抱く) [動] move or cause to move toward or into a place

lap (膝) [名] the flat area between the waist and the knees of a seated person

prepare (準備する) [動] make ready for use or consideration

こういった母親らしい質問をしながら、マーチ夫人は濡れた服を脱ぎ、暖かいスリッパを履き、安楽椅子に腰を下ろして、エイミーを膝に抱き、忙しい一日で一番幸せな時間を楽しむ準備をした。

The girls flew about, trying to make things comfortable, each in her own way.

fly about (飛び回る) [動] move quickly and erratically

try (努める) [動] make an effort to do something

娘たちは、それぞれ自分のやり方で、快適に過ごせるようにと飛び回った。

Meg arranged the tea table, Jo brought wood and set chairs, dropping, over-turning, and clattering everything she touched.

arrange (整える) [動] put in order

tea table (お茶のテーブル) [名] a table for serving tea

bring (運ぶ) [動] take or carry from one place to another

wood (薪) [名] the hard fibrous substance under the bark of trees

set (並べる) [動] put in a certain place or position

drop (落とす) [動] let or cause to fall

over-turn (ひっくり返す) [動] turn over

clatter (音を立てる) [動] make a rattling sound

メグはお茶のテーブルを整え、ジョーは薪を運び、椅子を並べたが、触るものすべてを落としたり、ひっくり返したり、音を立てたりした。

Beth trotted to and fro between parlor kitchen, quiet and busy, while Amy gave directions to everyone, as she sat with her hands folded.

trot (小走りする) [動] run at a moderate pace

to and fro (行ったり来たり) [副] back and forth

parlor (居間) [名] a room in a house for entertaining guests

kitchen (台所) [名] a room or area where food is prepared and cooked

quiet (静かに) [形] making little or no noise

busy (忙しく) [形] having a great deal to do

give directions (指示を与える) [動] tell someone the way to go somewhere

fold (組む) [動] bend (something) over on itself so that one part lies on top of another

ベスは静かに忙しく居間と台所を行ったり来たりし、エイミーは手を組んで座り、みんなに指示を与えていた。

As they gathered about the table, Mrs. March said, with a particularly happy face, “I’ve got a treat for you after supper.”

gather (集まる) [動] come together

Mrs. March (マーチ夫人) [名] the wife of Mr. March

particularly (特に) [副] to a higher degree than is usual or average

happy (嬉しそうな) [形] feeling or showing pleasure or contentment

supper (夕食) [名] the last meal of the day, taken in the evening

treat (ごちそう) [名] something that is very special or enjoyable

みんながテーブルに集まると、マーチ夫人は特に嬉しそうな顔で、「夕食後にはごちそうがあるよ」と言った。

A quick, bright smile went round like a streak of sunshine.

quick (一瞬の) [形] done or occurring with great speed

bright (明るい) [形] giving out or reflecting much light; shining

smile (笑顔) [名] a pleased, kind, or amused expression, typically with the corners of the mouth turned up and the front teeth exposed

go round (広がる) [動] move in a circular motion

streak (日差し) [名] a long, thin line of a different color from its surroundings

一瞬、明るい笑顔が日差しのように広がった。

Beth clapped her hands, regardless of the biscuit she held, and Jo tossed up her napkin, crying, “A letter! A letter!

clap (叩く) [動] strike (one's hands) together, typically in order to applaud

regardless (持ったまま) [副] without being influenced by or taking account of

biscuit (ビスケット) [名] a small, flat, usually sweet cake

toss (投げ上げる) [動] throw or roll (something) around or over and over

napkin (ナプキン) [名] a piece of cloth or paper used at a meal to wipe the fingers and lips and to protect the clothes

letter (手紙) [名] a written message addressed to a person or organization and delivered by post

ベスはビスケットを手に持ったまま手を叩き、ジョーはナプキンを投げ上げて、「手紙だ! 手紙だ!

Three cheers for Father!”

three (三度) [名] the number 3

cheer (万歳) [名] a shout of approval or encouragement

パパに三度万歳!」

“Yes, a nice long letter.

yes (そう) [副] used to give a positive answer

「そう、長い手紙よ。

He is well, and thinks he shall get through the cold season better than we feared.

be well (元気だ) [動] be in good health

get through (乗り切る) [動] to manage to live through or deal with a difficult period of time

cold season (寒い季節) [名] the season of the year that is cold

fear (心配する) [動] be afraid of

パパは元気で、寒い季節も心配するほどではなさそうだ。

He sends all sorts of loving wishes for Christmas, and an especial message to you girls,” said Mrs. March, patting her pocket as if she had got a treasure there.

send (送る) [動] cause to go or be taken to a destination; arrange for the delivery of

all sorts of (いろいろな) [名] a variety of different things

loving (愛の) [形] feeling or showing love

wish (願い) [名] a hope or desire for something

especial (特別な) [形] exceptional in quality or degree

message (メッセージ) [名] a communication sent from one person to another

pat (撫でる) [動] stroke or tap gently with the hand

treasure (宝物) [名] a quantity of precious metals, gems, or other valuable objects

パパはクリスマスの愛の願いをいろいろと送ってくれているし、特にあなたたち娘たちにメッセージを送っているよ」とマーチ夫人は、宝物を入れているかのようにポケットを撫でながら言った。

“Hurry and get done!

hurry (急ぐ) [動] move or act quickly

get done (終わらせる) [動] finish doing something

「早く終わらせて!

Don’t stop to quirk your little finger and simper over your plate, Amy,” cried Jo, choking on her tea and dropping her bread, butter side down, on the carpet in her haste to get at the treat.

little finger (小指) [名] the smallest finger on the hand

quirk (曲げる) [動] to bend or turn suddenly or sharply

plate (お皿) [名] a flat dish with raised edges that is used to hold food

simper (笑いかける) [動] to smile in a silly, self-conscious way

choke (むせる) [動] to have difficulty breathing

butter (バター) [名] a yellow or white fatty food made from cream

treat (おやつ) [名] something that is given or done as a special pleasure or honor

小指を曲げてお皿に笑いかけるのはやめて、エイミー」とジョーは叫び、お茶を飲み込んで、急いでパンをバターが下になるようにカーペットに落とした。

Beth ate no more, but crept away to sit in her shadowy corner and brood over the delight to come, till the others were ready.

eat (食べる) [動] take into the body by the mouth

no more (もう~ない) [副] not any more; not any longer

creep (忍び寄る) [動] move slowly and carefully, especially in order to avoid being seen or heard

shadowy (影の) [形] full of shadows

brood (思いを馳せる) [動] think deeply about something

delight (楽しみ) [名] great pleasure

till (まで) [接] up to the point in time or space when

other (他の) [形] the remaining one or ones of a number of people or things

ready (準備が整う) [形] in a state of readiness

ベスは食べるのを止めて、影の隅に座り、他の人たちの準備が整うまで、これからの楽しみに思いを馳せた。

“I think it was so splendid in Father to go as chaplain when he was too old to be drafted, and not strong enough for a soldier,” said Meg warmly.

too old (年を取りすぎ) [形] having lived for a long time

be drafted (徴兵される) [動] be conscripted into the military

not strong enough (体力が足りない) [形] lacking the power to perform

go as (行く) [動] travel, move, or proceed

chaplain (従軍牧師) [名] a member of the clergy attached to a military unit

「徴兵されるには年を取りすぎ、兵士になるには体力が足りない時に従軍牧師として行くなんて、パパは本当に立派だと思うよ」とメグは熱く言った。

“Don’t I wish I could go as a drummer, a vivan—what’s its name?

drummer (太鼓を叩く人) [名] a person who plays the drums

vivan (ビバン) [名] a woman who accompanies an army and sells provisions to the soldiers

what's its name (なんて言うんだっけ) [名] the word or set of words using which a person is referred to

「私が太鼓を叩く人、ビバン、なんて言うんだっけ?

Or a nurse, so I could be near him and help him,” exclaimed Jo, with a groan.

nurse (看護師) [名] a person who is trained to care for sick or infirm people

near (そば) [前] close to; not far from

help (助ける) [動] make it easier for someone to do something; make a contribution to the success of

あるいは看護師として行けたらいいのに、そうすれば彼のそばにいて助けてあげられるのに」とジョーはうめき声を上げながら叫んだ。

“It must be very disagreeable to sleep in a tent, and eat all sorts of bad-tasting things, and drink out of a tin mug,” sighed Amy.

sleep (寝る) [動] rest with the eyes closed

tent (テント) [名] a portable shelter made of fabric

bad-tasting (まずい) [形] having a bad taste

drink (飲む) [動] take into the body by the mouth

tin mug (ブリキのマグカップ) [名] a mug made of tin

「テントに寝て、まずいものを食べて、ブリキのマグカップで飲むなんて、とても不愉快に違いないよ」とエイミーはため息をついた。

“When will he come home, Marmee?” asked Beth, with a little quiver in her voice.

Marmee (ママ) [名] a child's word for mother

「いつ帰ってくるの、ママ?」ベスは声を少し震わせながら尋ねた。

“Not for many months, dear, unless he is sick.

many months (何ヶ月も) [名] a period of time

sick (病気) [形] affected by a disease or illness

「病気にならない限り、何ヶ月も帰ってこないよ。

He will stay and do his work faithfully as long as he can, and we won’t ask for him back a minute sooner than he can be spared.

stay (いる) [動] remain in a place

faithfully (忠実に) [副] loyally, devotedly

long (できる限り) [副] for a great period of time

back (帰って来るように) [副] to the place or person that is being talked about

sooner (早く) [副] earlier

spare (帰れる) [動] give up or do without something

彼はできる限りそこにいて、忠実に仕事をするだろうし、私たちは彼が帰れる時まで一分たりとも早く帰って来るように頼むつもりはない。

Now come and hear the letter.”

さあ、手紙を聞きに来なさい。」

They all drew to the fire, Mother in the big chair with Beth at her feet, Meg and Amy perched on either arm of the chair, and Jo leaning on the back, where no one would see any sign of emotion if the letter should happen to be touching.

draw to (近寄る) [動] move or come closer to

fire (暖炉) [名] a place in a room where a fire is made

big (大きな) [形] of great size or extent

foot (足元) [名] the end of the leg below the ankle

perch (腰掛ける) [動] sit or rest on something

lean (寄りかかる) [動] be in or move into a sloping position

touch (感動的) [動] move or affect someone emotionally

みんな暖炉のそばに集まり、母は大きな椅子に座り、ベスは足元に、メグとエイミーは椅子の両方の肘掛けに腰掛け、ジョーは手紙が感動的だったとしても誰も感情の兆候を見ることができない後ろに寄りかかった。

Very few letters were written in those hard times that were not touching, especially those which fathers sent home.

very few (ほとんどない) [形] not many; a small number of

hard time (苦しい時代) [名] a period of difficulty or hardship

あの苦しい時代に書かれた手紙で、感動的でないもの、特に父親が家に送ったものはほとんどなかった。

In this one little was said of the hardships endured, the dangers faced, or the homesickness conquered.

hardship (苦難) [名] a state of severe want or difficulty

endure (耐え忍ぶ) [動] tolerate something unpleasant

danger (危険) [名] the possibility of suffering harm or injury

face (直面する) [動] be confronted with

conquer (克服する) [動] overcome and take control of a country or area by force

homesickness (ホームシック) [名] a feeling of longing for one's home

この手紙には、耐え忍んだ苦難や直面した危険、克服したホームシックについてはほとんど触れられていなかった。

It was a cheerful, hopeful letter, full of lively descriptions of camp life, marches, and military news, and only at the end did the writer’s heart over-flow with fatherly love and longing for the little girls at home.

cheerful (明るい) [形] happy and positive

hopeful (希望に満ちた) [形] feeling or showing hope

full of (満ちた) [形] having a lot of something

lively (生き生きとした) [形] full of life or energy

description (描写) [名] a statement or account giving the characteristics of someone or something

camp life (キャンプ生活) [名] the life of a person who lives in a camp

march (行進) [名] a long, steady walk

military (軍事) [形] of or relating to the armed forces

news (ニュース) [名] a report of recent events

only at the end (手紙の最後にだけ) [副] not until the end

writer (書き手) [名] a person who writes

heart (心) [名] the organ that pumps blood around the body

over-flow (溢れる) [動] flow over the brim of

fatherly love (父親の愛) [名] the love of a father for his child

longing (憧れ) [名] a strong desire or wish for something

それは明るく希望に満ちた手紙で、キャンプ生活や行進、軍事ニュースの生き生きとした描写に満ちていて、手紙の最後にだけ、書き手の心が父親の愛と家にいる幼い娘たちへの憧れで溢れていた。

“Give them all of my dear love and a kiss.

give (届ける) [動] transfer the possession of something to someone

all (みんな) [代] the whole amount of

love (愛) [名] a strong feeling of affection

「みんなに私の愛とキスを届けてください。

Tell them I think of them by day, pray for them by night, and find my best comfort in their affection at all times.

by day (昼) [副] during the day

by night (夜) [副] during the night

at all times (いつも) [副] on all occasions; always

comfort (慰め) [名] a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint

昼はみんなのことを考え、夜はみんなのために祈り、いつもみんなの愛情に最高の慰めを見出していると言ってください。

A year seems very long to wait before I see them, but remind them that while we wait we may all work, so that these hard days need not be wasted.

a year (一年) [名] the period of time during which the earth makes one complete revolution around the sun

very long (とても長い) [形] of great or more than average length

wait (待つ) [動] stay where one is or delay action until a particular time or until something else happens

need (ならない) [動] be obliged to

waste (無駄にする) [動] use or expend carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose

みんなに会うまで一年待つのはとても長いように思えるが、待っている間にみんなが働けることを思い出させてほしい、そうすればこのつらい日々も無駄にはならない。

I know they will remember all I said to them, that they will be loving children to you, will do their duty faithfully, fight their bosom enemies bravely, and conquer themselves so beautifully that when I come back to them I may be fonder and prouder than ever of my little women.”

duty (義務) [名] a moral or legal obligation

enemy (敵) [名] a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something

bravely (勇敢に) [副] in a courageous manner

beautifully (美しく) [副] in a way that is pleasing to the eye or the ear

come back (戻ってくる) [動] return to a place

be fond of (愛する) [動] like or love

proud (誇りに思う) [形] feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements, qualities, or possessions or those of someone with whom one is closely associated

みんなは私が言ったことをすべて覚えていて、あなたを愛する子供たちであり、忠実に義務を果たし、勇敢に心の敵と戦い、美しく自分を征服してくれるでしょう、だから私が戻ってきたときには、私の小さな女性たちをこれまで以上に愛し、誇りに思うことができるでしょう」

Everybody sniffed when they came to that part.

everybody (みんな) [代] every person

sniff (鼻をすする) [動] draw air audibly through the nose

そこまで来ると、みんな鼻をすすった。

Jo wasn’t ashamed of the great tear that dropped off the end of her nose, and Amy never minded the rumpling of her curls as she hid her face on her mother’s shoulder and sobbed out, “I am a selfish girl!

be ashamed of (恥ずかしがる) [動] feel ashamed or embarrassed about

great (大きな) [形] of major significance or importance

tear (涙) [名] a drop of the saline fluid secreted by the lacrimal glands

drop off (落ちる) [動] fall or cause to fall

never mind (気にしない) [動] not care about or worry about

rumpling (しわくちゃ) [名] the state of being crumpled or wrinkled

curl (カール) [名] a lock of hair that has been curled

hide (隠す) [動] put or keep out of sight; conceal

sob (すすり泣く) [動] cry with short convulsive gasps

out (声を出して) [副] aloud; audibly

ジョーは鼻の先から落ちた大きな涙を恥ずかしがらず、エイミーは母親の肩に顔を隠して「私はわがままな女の子だ!

But I’ll truly try to be better, so he mayn’t be disappointed in me by-and-by.”

be disappointed (がっかりする) [動] feel unhappy because someone or something has not done what you hoped or expected

by-and-by (そのうち) [副] before long; soon

でも、もっといい子になるように努力するから、そのうち私にがっかりしなくなるかもしれないよ」

“We all will,” cried Meg.

「みんなそうするよ」とメグは叫んだ。

“I think too much of my looks and hate to work, but won’t any more, if I can help it.”

think too much of (気にしすぎる) [動] have too high an opinion of

any more (もう) [副] no more; not any longer

if I can help it (できれば) [条] if it is possible for me to do so

「私は自分の外見を気にしすぎて、働くのが嫌いだけど、できればもうそうしないよ」

“I’ll try and be what he loves to call me, ‘a little woman’ and not be rough and wild, but do my duty here instead of wanting to be somewhere else,” said Jo, thinking that keeping her temper at home was a much harder task than facing a rebel or two down South.

wild (野性的) [形] living or growing in the natural environment

keep (保つ) [動] continue to have

temper (気分) [名] a state of mind or feeling

much (はるかに) [副] to a great extent

harder (難しい) [形] requiring a great deal of effort

task (仕事) [名] a piece of work to be done

rebel (反逆者) [名] a person who rises in opposition or armed resistance against an established government or ruler

「私は彼が私を呼ぶのが大好きなものになろうと思うよ、「小さな女性」で、荒々しくなく、野性的ではなく、どこか別の場所にいたいと思うのではなく、ここで私の義務を果たすよ」とジョーは言い、家で自分の気分を保つことは、南部の反逆者や2人の反逆者に直面するよりもはるかに難しい仕事だと思った。

Beth said nothing, but wiped away her tears with the blue army sock and began to knit with all her might, losing no time in doing the duty that lay nearest her, while she resolved in her quiet little soul to be all that Father hoped to find her when the year brought round the happy coming home.

say nothing (何も言わない) [動] not say anything

wipe away (ぬぐい去る) [動] remove by wiping

blue (青い) [形] of the color intermediate between green and violet, as of the sky or sea on a sunny day

sock (靴下) [名] a garment for the foot and lower part of the leg

might (全力) [名] great and impressive power or strength

lie (ある) [動] be in a specified state or condition

nearest (すぐそば) [形] closest in space or time

while (一方で) [接] during the time that; at the same time that

resolve (決意する) [動] make a firm decision about

soul (魂) [名] the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being or animal

hope (望む) [動] want something to happen or be the case

year (年) [名] the period of time during which the earth makes one revolution around the sun

bring (もたらす) [動] cause to come or occur

round (めぐる) [動] move in a circular path

ベスは何も言わなかったが、青い軍用靴下で涙をぬぐい、全力で編み始め、彼女のすぐそばにある義務を果たすのに時間を無駄にせず、静かな小さな魂の中で、父が幸せに帰宅したときに彼女に見つけてほしいと望むすべてになることを決意した。

Mrs. March broke the silence that followed Jo’s words, by saying in her cheery voice, “Do you remember how you used to play Pilgrims Progress when you were little things?

break the silence (沈黙を破る) [動] to end a period of silence

follow (続く) [動] to come after something in time

cheery (陽気な) [形] happy and cheerful

used to (かつて) [助] did or was something in the past

play (演じる) [動] to act out the part of a character in a play, movie, or television show

Pilgrims Progress (巡礼者の進歩) [名] an allegorical novel by John Bunyan

マーチ夫人はジョーの言葉に続く沈黙を破り、陽気な声で言った、「あなたたちが小さい頃に巡礼者の進歩をどのように演じていたか覚えている?

Nothing delighted you more than to have me tie my piece bags on your backs for burdens, give you hats and sticks and rolls of paper, and let you travel through the house from the cellar, which was the City of Destruction, up, up, to the housetop, where you had all the lovely things you could collect to make a Celestial City.”

piece bag (小物袋) [名] a bag for carrying small items

burden (重荷) [名] a heavy load

hat (帽子) [名] a covering for the head

stick (棒) [名] a long thin piece of wood

roll of paper (紙の束) [名] a quantity of paper sheets rolled up together

cellar (地下室) [名] a room below ground level in a house

City of Destruction (破壊の町) [名] a city in the Christian allegory The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

housetop (屋上) [名] the roof of a house

Celestial City (天の都) [名] the destination of the protagonist in the Christian allegory The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

私の小物袋を重荷として背中に縛り付け、帽子や棒や紙の束を渡して、破壊の町である地下室から家中を旅して、天の都を作るために集められる素敵なものをすべて持っている屋上まで行かせること以上に、あなたたちを喜ばせるものはなかった。」

“What fun it was, especially going by the lions, fighting Apollyon, and passing through the valley where the hob-goblins were,” said Jo.

fun (楽しみ) [名] light-hearted pleasure, enjoyment, or amusement

especially (特に) [副] to a great extent; very much

go by (通り過ぎる) [動] pass by

lion (ライオン) [名] a large carnivorous mammal of the cat family

Apollyon (アポリオン) [名] the angel of the bottomless pit in the Bible

pass through (通り抜ける) [動] go through

valley (谷) [名] an area of low land between hills

hob-goblin (ホブゴブリン) [名] a mischievous goblin

「特にライオンのそばを通り、アポリオンと戦い、ホブゴブリンのいる谷を通り抜けるのは、とても楽しかった」とジョーは言った。

“I liked the place where the bundles fell off and tumbled downstairs,” said Meg.

fall off (落ちる) [動] move or come down freely and rapidly

tumble (転がる) [動] fall or roll over and over

downstairs (階下) [名] the lower floor of a building

「私は荷物が落ちて階下に転がるところが好きだった」とメグは言った。

“I don’t remember much about it, except that I was afraid of the cellar and the dark entry, and always liked the cake and milk we had up at the top.

dark (暗い) [形] with little or no light

entry (入口) [名] an opening allowing access and vision

cake (ケーキ) [名] a sweet dessert made from ingredients such as flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder

milk (牛乳) [名] a white liquid produced by the mammary glands of female mammals

「私は地下室と暗い入口が怖かったことと、いつも屋上で食べたケーキと牛乳が好きだったこと以外はあまり覚えていない。

If I wasn’t too old for such things, I’d rather like to play it over again,” said Amy, who began to talk of renouncing childish things at the mature age of twelve.

such things (そんな遊び) [名] things of the same type or category

play it over again (もう一度遊ぶ) [動] play something again

begin to talk of (言い始める) [動] start to talk about

renounce (捨てる) [動] formally give up a claim, right, or possession

childish (子供じみた) [形] of or like a child

twelve (12歳) [名] the number 12

mature (成熟した) [形] fully developed

もし私がそんな遊びをするには年を取りすぎていなかったら、もう一度遊んでみたい」と、12歳という成熟した年齢で子供じみたことを捨てると言い始めたエイミーは言った。

“We never are too old for this, my dear, because it is a play we are playing all the time in one way or another.

play (劇) [名] a theatrical performance

all the time (いつも) [副] on every occasion; at all times

one way or another (何らかの形で) [副] in one way or in another way; by one method or by another method

「私たちはこれに年を取りすぎることはないよ、私の愛しい人、なぜならこれは私たちがいつも何らかの形で演じている劇だから。

Our burdens are here, our road is before us, and the longing for goodness and happiness is the guide that leads us through many troubles and mistakes to the peace which is a true Celestial City.

road (道) [名] a way on land between two places that has been paved to allow travel by transport

goodness (善) [名] the quality of being good

happiness (幸福) [名] the state of being happy

guide (道しるべ) [名] a person who shows the way to others

trouble (困難) [名] difficulty or problems

mistake (過ち) [名] an action or judgment that is misguided or wrong

私たちの重荷はここにある、道は目の前にある、そして善と幸福への憧れは、多くの困難や過ちを乗り越えて、真の天の都である平和へと導いてくれる道しるべである。

Now, my little pilgrims, suppose you begin again, not in play, but in earnest, and see how far on you can get before Father comes home.”

now (さて) [副] at the present time

suppose (始める) [動] assume that something is true for the sake of argument or discussion

again (もう一度) [副] once more; another time

play (遊び) [名] an activity that is done for enjoyment and not for a serious purpose

earnest (真剣に) [形] serious and intense

far (どれだけ先に) [副] a great distance

get (進める) [動] move or travel to a place

before (までに) [前] earlier than

さて、私の小さな巡礼者たち、遊びではなく真剣にもう一度始めて、パパが帰ってくるまでにどれだけ先に進めるか見てみましょう」

“Really, Mother? Where are our bundles?” asked Amy, who was a very literal young lady.

where (どこ) [副] in or to what place or position

「本当に、ママ? 私たちの荷物はどこにあるの?」と、非常に文字通りの若い女性であるエイミーは尋ねた。

“Each of you told what your burden was just now, except Beth.

except (除いて) [前] not including; other than

「ベスを除いて、あなたたちはそれぞれ自分の重荷が何であるかを話しました。

I rather think she hasn’t got any,” said her mother.

rather (むしろ) [副] more than the other thing mentioned

mother (母親) [名] a woman who has given birth to a child

彼女には何もないと思う」と母親は言った。

“Yes, I have. Mine is dishes and dusters, and envying girls with nice pianos, and being afraid of people.”

yes (はい) [副] a word used to give a positive response

duster (埃取り) [名] a cloth or brush used for removing dust

envy (羨ましがる) [動] feel envious of

piano (ピアノ) [名] a large keyboard musical instrument with a wooden case enclosing a soundboard and metal strings, which are struck by hammers when the keys are depressed

be afraid of (恐れる) [動] be frightened of

「はい、あります。私のは食器と埃取り、そして素敵なピアノを持っている女の子を羨ましがること、そして人を恐れることです」

Beth’s bundle was such a funny one that everybody wanted to laugh, but nobody did, for it would have hurt her feelings very much.

hurt (傷つける) [動] feel pain in a part of your body

feeling (気持ち) [名] an emotional state or reaction

ベスの束はとてもおかしなものだったので、みんな笑いたかったが、誰も笑わなかった。それは彼女の気持ちをとても傷つけるだろうからだ。

“Let us do it,” said Meg thoughtfully.

thoughtfully (思慮深く) [副] in a thoughtful manner

「そうしましょう」とメグは思慮深く言った。

“It is only another name for trying to be good, and the story may help us, for though we do want to be good, it’s hard work and we forget, and don’t do our best.”

only (ただ) [副] and no one or nothing more or else

another (別の) [形] different from the one or ones already mentioned or implied

name (名前) [名] a word or set of words using which a person is referred to

be good (善い人間である) [動] be well-behaved

do one's best (最善を尽くす) [動] make the greatest effort one can

「それは善い人間であろうとすることの別名にすぎません、そしてその物語は私たちの助けになるかもしれません、なぜなら私たちは善い人間であろうとはしていますが、それは大変な仕事で、私たちは忘れてしまい、最善を尽くさないからです」

“We were in the Slough of Despond tonight, and Mother came and pulled us out as Help did in the book.

tonight (今夜) [名] the night of the present day

Slough of Despond (絶望の沼) [名] a place of great depression or despondency

pull (引き上げる) [動] move or cause to move in a specified way, especially by exerting force

「私たちは今夜、絶望の沼にいました、そして本の中でヘルプがしたように、ママがやってきて私たちを引き上げてくれました。

We ought to have our roll of directions, like Christian.

have (もらう) [動] receive

roll (巻物) [名] a scroll

direction (道案内) [名] the course or line along which something moves, faces, or is aimed

Christian (クリスチャン) [名] a person who adheres to Christianity

私たちはクリスチャンのように、道案内をもらうべきだ。

What shall we do about that?” asked Jo, delighted with the fancy which lent a little romance to the very dull task of doing her duty.

do about (どうしたらいいでしょう) [動] take action concerning

lend (与える) [動] give to someone temporarily

romance (ロマンス) [名] a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love

私たちはどうしたらいいでしょう?」とジョーは尋ねた。義務を果たすという退屈な仕事に少しロマンスを与える空想に喜んだ。

“Look under your pillows Christmas morning, and you will find your guidebook,” replied Mrs. March.

look under (の下を見る) [動] look at the bottom of

pillow (枕) [名] a cushion for the head

Christmas morning (クリスマスの朝) [名] the morning of December 25th

guidebook (ガイドブック) [名] a book that gives information about a place

「クリスマスの朝に枕の下を見てごらん、ガイドブックが見つかるよ」とマーチ夫人は答えた。

They talked over the new plan while old Hannah cleared the table, then out came the four little work baskets, and the needles flew as the girls made sheets for Aunt March.

talk over (話し合う) [動] discuss something thoroughly

clear (片付ける) [動] remove all items from

come out (出てくる) [動] move or travel from inside to outside

work basket (仕事かご) [名] a basket for holding sewing materials and implements

fly (飛ぶ) [動] move through the air with wings

make (作る) [動] create or produce something

sheet (シーツ) [名] a large piece of cloth used as a bed covering

老ハンナがテーブルを片付けている間に、彼女たちは新しい計画について話し合った。それから4つの小さな仕事かごが出てきて、少女たちがマーチおばさんのためにシーツを作ると針が飛んだ。

It was uninteresting sewing, but tonight no one grumbled.

uninteresting (退屈な) [形] not interesting; dull

sewing (裁縫) [名] the art of stiching

no one (誰も) [代] not a single person

退屈な裁縫だったが、今夜は誰も不平を言わなかった。

They adopted Jo’s plan of dividing the long seams into four parts, and calling the quarters Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, and in that way got on capitally, especially when they talked about the different countries as they stitched their way through them.

adopt (採用する) [動] take up and use as one's own

divide (分割する) [動] separate into two or more parts

quarter (4つ) [名] one of four equal parts

Europe (ヨーロッパ) [名] a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere

Asia (アジア) [名] the world's largest and most populous continent

Africa (アフリカ) [名] the world's second largest and second most populous continent

America (アメリカ) [名] a land mass in the Western Hemisphere that is often considered a continent in its own right as well as a part of North America

get on (うまくいく) [動] make progress

capitally (とても) [副] in a way that is excellent or of the highest quality

talk about (話し合う) [動] discuss

different (さまざまな) [形] not the same as another or each other

country (国) [名] a nation with its own government, occupying a particular territory

stitch (縫い目) [名] a single pass of a needle and thread through fabric

彼女たちは長い縫い目を4つに分割し、その4つをヨーロッパ、アジア、アフリカ、アメリカと呼ぶというジョーの計画を採用し、そのようにして、特に縫い目を通しながらさまざまな国について話し合ったときには、とてもうまくいった。

At nine they stopped work, and sang, as usual, before they went to bed.

at nine (9時に) [副] at nine o'clock

as usual (いつものように) [副] in the usual way

before (前に) [副] earlier than; prior to

go to bed (寝る) [動] go to sleep

9時に彼女たちは仕事をやめ、いつものように寝る前に歌った。

No one but Beth could get much music out of the old piano, but she had a way of softly touching the yellow keys and making a pleasant accompaniment to the simple songs they sang.

but (以外は) [接] except

get (引き出す) [動] obtain or retrieve

much (多くの) [形] a large amount or quantity

music (音楽) [名] the art or science of combining vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion

out of (から) [前] from

but (しかし) [接] on the contrary

she (彼女) [代] a female person or animal that is being discussed

a way of (術) [名] a method, style, or manner of doing something

softly (そっと) [副] gently or quietly

yellow (黄色い) [形] of the color intermediate between green and orange in the spectrum

key (鍵盤) [名] a lever that is depressed to operate a mechanism

pleasant (心地よい) [形] giving or capable of giving joy or pleasure; delightful

accompaniment (伴奏) [名] a musical part that provides background and support for a solo instrument or voice

simple (シンプルな) [形] easily understood or done; presenting few difficulties

song (歌) [名] a short poem or other set of words set to music or meant to be sung

ベス以外は誰も古いピアノから多くの音楽を引き出すことができなかったが、彼女は黄色い鍵盤をそっと触り、彼女たちが歌うシンプルな歌に心地よい伴奏をつける術を持っていた。

Meg had a voice like a flute, and she and her mother led the little choir.

have a voice (声がある) [動] be able to sing

flute (フルート) [名] a musical instrument in the woodwind family

lead (率いる) [動] be in charge or command of

choir (聖歌隊) [名] an organized group of singers

メグはフルートのような声をしており、彼女と母親が小さな聖歌隊を率いていた。

Amy chirped like a cricket, and Jo wandered through the airs at her own sweet will, always coming out at the wrong place with a croak or a quaver that spoiled the most pensive tune.

chirp (さえずる) [動] make a short, high-pitched sound

cricket (コオロギ) [名] an insect related to the grasshoppers

wander (さまよう) [動] move about aimlessly or unsystematically

sweet will (甘い意志) [名] one's own free will

come out (出る) [動] move or travel outward

wrong place (間違った場所) [名] an inappropriate or unsuitable location

croak (しゃがれ声) [名] a deep, hoarse sound

quaver (震え声) [名] a trembling or shaking sound

spoil (台無しにする) [動] damage or harm something so that it is no longer good or useful

エイミーはコオロギのようにさえずり、ジョーは自分の甘い意志で空中をさまよい、いつも間違った場所でしゃがれ声や震え声を出して、最も物思いにふける曲を台無しにしていた。

They had always done this from the time they could lisp...

time (頃) [名] a point of time as measured in hours and minutes

彼女たちは舌足らずだった頃からいつもこうしていた。

Crinkle, crinkle, ’ittle ’tar,

crinkle (きらきら) [動] make or cause to make a rustling sound

’ittle ’tar (ちっちゃな星) [名] a small star

きらきら、きらきら、ちっちゃな星

and it had become a household custom, for the mother was a born singer.

become (なる) [動] come to be

household (家庭) [名] a group of people living together in one residence

custom (習慣) [名] a practice or behavior that is usual or expected

born (生まれながらの) [形] having a particular quality or skill from birth

そしてそれは家庭の習慣となっていた、というのも母親は生まれながらの歌手だったからだ。

The first sound in the morning was her voice as she went about the house singing like a lark, and the last sound at night was the same cheery sound, for the girls never grew too old for that familiar lullaby.

first (一番) [形] coming before all others in time or order

morning (朝) [名] the period of time from sunrise to noon

go about (歩き回る) [動] move from place to place

house (家) [名] a place where people live permanently, especially as a member of a family or household

sing (歌う) [動] make musical sounds with the voice, usually producing words

lark (ヒバリ) [名] a small brown and gray bird that sings

night (夜) [名] the period of darkness in each twenty-four hours

last (最後) [形] coming after all others in time or order

sound (音) [名] vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person's or animal's ear

familiar (おなじみの) [形] well known from long or close association

lullaby (子守唄) [名] a soothing song or piece of music intended to lull a child to sleep

朝一番に聞こえてくるのは、彼女がヒバリのように歌いながら家の中を歩き回る声で、夜の最後の音も同じ陽気な音だった。なぜなら、娘たちはそのおなじみの子守唄を聞くには決して年を取りすぎていなかったからだ。

CHAPTER TWO: A MERRY CHRISTMAS

CHAPTER TWO (第二章) [名] the second chapter

A MERRY CHRISTMAS (メリークリスマス) [名] a greeting used on or before Christmas Day

第二章: メリークリスマス

Jo was the first to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning.

wake (起きる) [動] stop sleeping

gray dawn (灰色の夜明け) [名] the time just before sunrise

クリスマスの朝、灰色の夜明けに最初に起きたのはジョーだった。

No stockings hung at the fireplace, and for a moment she felt as much disappointed as she did long ago, when her little sock fell down because it was crammed so full of goodies.

fireplace (暖炉) [名] a place in a room where a fire can be lit

stocking (靴下) [名] a close-fitting covering for the foot and lower part of the leg

hang (吊るす) [動] be suspended or held up

moment (一瞬) [名] a very brief period of time

long ago (昔) [副] in the distant past

fall down (落ちる) [動] move from a higher to a lower position

goody (お菓子) [名] a small gift or treat

暖炉には靴下が吊るされておらず、一瞬、彼女は昔、小さな靴下がお菓子を詰め込みすぎて落ちてしまった時と同じくらいがっかりした。

Then she remembered her mother’s promise and, slipping her hand under her pillow, drew out a little crimson-covered book.

promise (約束) [名] a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen

slip (入れる) [動] move or cause to move smoothly and quickly

draw (取り出す) [動] pull or move something toward oneself or in a specified direction

それから彼女は母親の約束を思い出し、枕の下に手を入れて、小さな深紅色の本を取り出した。

She knew it very well, for it was that beautiful old story of the best life ever lived, and Jo felt that it was a true guidebook for any pilgrim going on a long journey.

well (よく) [副] to a high standard; very well

beautiful (美しい) [形] pleasing to the senses or the mind

story (物語) [名] a tale or account of a series of events, true or fictional

life (人生) [名] the period of time during which a person is alive

feel (感じる) [動] be aware of (something) through touch

true (真の) [形] being in accordance with fact or reality

journey (旅) [名] an act of traveling from one place to another

彼女はそれをよく知っていた、それは今までに生きた中で最高の人生の美しい古い物語であり、ジョーはそれが長い旅に出る巡礼者にとって真のガイドブックであると感じていた。

She woke Meg with a “Merry Christmas,” and bade her see what was under her pillow.

wake (起こす) [動] cause to stop sleeping

Merry Christmas (メリークリスマス) [名] a greeting used on Christmas

彼女は「メリークリスマス」と言ってメグを起こし、枕の下にあるものを見てみるように言った。

A green-covered book appeared, with the same picture inside, and a few words written by their mother, which made their one present very precious in their eyes.

green-covered (緑色の表紙の) [形] having a green cover

appear (出てくる) [動] come into sight; become visible

inside (中に) [副] in or into the interior

緑色の表紙の本が出てきて、中には同じ絵と母親が書いた言葉がいくつかあり、その言葉が彼女たちの目にとても貴重なものに映った。

Presently Beth and Amy woke to rummage and find their little books also, one dove-colored, the other blue, and all sat looking at and talking about them, while the east grew rosy with the coming day.

presently (やがて) [副] soon; shortly

rummage (探し回る) [動] search something thoroughly

also (また) [副] in addition; too; as well

dove-colored (鳩色) [形] having a color like that of a dove

other (もう1冊) [形] used to refer to a different person or thing from the one already mentioned

talk (話す) [動] speak or converse

east (東の空) [名] the direction toward the point of the horizon where the sun rises at the equinoxes

grow (染まってきた) [動] become larger or greater over a period of time

やがてベスとエイミーも目を覚まし、自分たちの小さな本を探し回り、1冊は鳩色、もう1冊は青色で、みんな座って本を見ながら話していると、東の空が朝焼けに染まってきた。

In spite of her small vanities, Margaret had a sweet and pious nature, which unconsciously influenced her sisters, especially Jo, who loved her very tenderly, and obeyed her because her advice was so gently given.

in spite of (にもかかわらず) [前] without being influenced by; notwithstanding

small (小さな) [形] little in size

vanity (虚栄心) [名] excessive pride in one's appearance, qualities, abilities, achievements, etc.

pious (敬虔な) [形] devoutly religious

nature (性格) [名] the basic or inherent features, character, or qualities of something

unconsciously (無意識のうちに) [副] without conscious thought or intention

influence (影響を与える) [動] have an effect on

tenderly (優しく) [副] gently and lovingly

obey (従う) [動] act in accordance with the command, direction, or request of

advice (アドバイス) [名] guidance or recommendations concerning prudent future action

gently (優しく) [副] in a gentle manner

マーガレットは、小さな虚栄心にもかかわらず、優しく敬虔な性格で、無意識のうちに姉妹たちに影響を与えていたが、特にジョーは彼女をとても優しく愛し、彼女のアドバイスがとても優しく与えられたために彼女に従っていた。

“Girls,” said Meg seriously, looking from the tumbled head beside her to the two little night-capped ones in the room beyond, “Mother wants us to read and love and mind these books, and we must begin at once.

seriously (真面目な顔で) [副] in a serious manner

look (見ながら) [動] direct one's gaze

tumble (寝ぐせ) [名] a state of disorder

head (頭) [名] the upper part of the human body

beyond (向こうの) [前] on or to the farther side of

room (部屋) [名] a part of a building enclosed by walls, floor, and ceiling

read (読んで) [動] look at and understand the meaning of written or printed matter by interpreting the characters or symbols of which it is composed

love (愛して) [動] have a strong feeling of affection for

mind (心に留めてほしい) [動] be careful or concerned about

「みんな」とメグは真面目な顔で、横にいる寝ぐせ頭から、向こうの部屋にいるナイトキャップをかぶった2人の小さな頭を見ながら言った、「ママは私たちにこの本を読んで、愛して、心に留めてほしいと思っているのだから、すぐに始めなくてはいけないよ。

We used to be faithful about it, but since Father went away and all this war trouble unsettled us, we have neglected many things.

used to (以前は) [助] did or was in the past

faithful (忠実に) [形] loyal, constant, or steadfast

since (以来) [接] in the intervening period between (the time mentioned) and the time under consideration

go away (行ってしまう) [動] leave

unsettle (落ち着かなくなる) [動] make anxious or uneasy

neglect (怠る) [動] fail to care for properly

以前は忠実に守っていたけど、パパが行ってしまって、この戦争のトラブルで落ち着かなくなってからは、いろいろなことを怠ってしまったよ。

You can do as you please, but I shall keep my book on the table here and read a little every morning as soon as I wake, for I know it will do me good and help me through the day.”

do as you please (好きなようにする) [動] do whatever you want

keep (置く) [動] have or maintain in one's possession

every morning (毎朝) [名] the time of day from sunrise to noon

as soon as (すぐに) [接] at the moment that; immediately after

do good (いい気分で過ごす) [動] be beneficial to

みんなは好きなようにすればいいけど、私はこの本をここに置いて、毎朝起きたらすぐに少しずつ読むつもりよ。そうすれば、一日中いい気分で過ごせると思うから」

Then she opened her new book and began to read.

それから彼女は新しい本を開いて読み始めた。

Jo put her arm round her and, leaning cheek to cheek, read also, with the quiet expression so seldom seen on her restless face.

put one's arm round (腕を抱く) [動] put one's arm around someone

cheek (頬) [名] the side of the face below the eye and between the ear and the mouth

seldom (めったに~ない) [副] not often; rarely

restless (落ち着きのない) [形] unable to relax or be still

ジョーは彼女の腕を抱き、頬を寄せ合って、落ち着きのない顔にめったに見られない静かな表情で、また読んだ。

“How good Meg is!

「メグはなんていい子なんだろう!

Come, Amy, let’s do as they do.

do as (真似をする) [動] imitate or copy the actions of

they (彼ら) [代] the people or things previously mentioned or easily identified

さあ、エイミー、彼らの真似をしよう。

I’ll help you with the hard words, and they’ll explain things if we don’t understand,” whispered Beth, very much impressed by the pretty books and her sisters’ example.

hard (難しい) [形] not easy; requiring much effort

explain (説明する) [動] make (something) clear or easy to understand

understand (理解する) [動] perceive the intended meaning of (words, a language, or a speaker)

whisper (ささやく) [動] speak softly

impress (感動させる) [動] affect deeply

example (手本) [名] a thing characteristic of its kind or illustrating a general rule

難しい言葉は私が手伝うし、私たちが理解できない場合は彼らが説明してくれるよ」と、きれいな本と姉妹たちの手本にとても感動したベスはささやいた。

“I’m glad mine is blue,” said Amy.

be glad (よかった) [動] feel pleased about something

mine (私の) [代] belonging to or connected with the speaker

blue (青) [名] a color intermediate between green and violet, as of the sky or sea on a sunny day

「私のは青でよかった」とエイミーは言った。

and then the rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned, and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting.

still (静か) [形] making little or no noise

page (ページ) [名] one side of a sheet of paper in a book, magazine, or newspaper

turn (めくる) [動] move around an axis or a center

sunshine (日差し) [名] direct sunlight unbroken by cloud, especially over a comparatively large area

creep in (差し込む) [動] enter slowly and carefully

serious (真面目な) [形] requiring much thought or work

greeting (挨拶) [名] a polite expression of goodwill, especially on meeting or parting or when sending a message

そして、ページがそっとめくられる間、部屋はとても静かで、冬の日差しが差し込んで、明るい頭と真面目な顔にクリスマスの挨拶を添えた。

“Where is Mother?” asked Meg, as she and Jo ran down to thank her for their gifts, half an hour later.

half an hour (30分) [名] a period of time equal to thirty minutes

run down (駆け下りる) [動] move quickly by running

thank (お礼を言う) [動] express gratitude to

gift (贈り物) [名] something that is given

「ママはどこ?」とメグは尋ね、彼女とジョーは30分後に贈り物のお礼を言いに駆け下りた。

“Goodness only knows.

「神のみぞ知る。

Some poor creeter came a-beggin’, and your ma went straight off to see what was needed.

creeter (人) [名] a person

come a-beggin' (物乞いに来る) [動] ask for money or food as charity

go straight off (すぐに行く) [動] go immediately

ある貧しい人が物乞いに来たので、お母さんはすぐに何が必要かを見に行きました。

There never was such a woman for givin’ away vittles and drink, clothes and firin’,” replied Hannah, who had lived with the family since Meg was born, and was considered by them all more as a friend than a servant.

give away (あげてしまう) [動] give something to someone for free

vittles (食べ物) [名] food

drink (飲み物) [名] a liquid that can be drunk

clothes (衣服) [名] things that people wear

firin' (薪) [名] wood that is used as fuel

live with (一緒に暮らす) [動] share a home with

family (家族) [名] a group of people who are related to each other

be born (生まれる) [動] come into existence

consider (見なす) [動] think of as being

servant (召使) [名] a person who performs duties for others, especially a person employed in a house on domestic duties

食べ物や飲み物、衣服や薪をあげてしまうような女性はいなかった」とハンナは答えた。ハンナはメグが生まれてから家族と一緒に暮らしており、家族全員から召使というよりは友人と見なされていた。

“She will be back soon, I think, so fry your cakes, and have everything ready,” said Meg, looking over the presents which were collected in a basket and kept under the sofa, ready to be produced at the proper time.

be back (戻ってくる) [動] return to a place

soon (すぐに) [副] in a short time

fry (揚げる) [動] cook in hot fat

look over (眺める) [動] examine or inspect

collect (集める) [動] gather together

basket (バスケット) [名] a container made from wood, straw, or other flexible material with an open top, used to carry things

sofa (ソファ) [名] a long upholstered piece of furniture for several people to sit on

produce (出す) [動] make or manufacture from components or raw materials

proper (適切な) [形] of the required type or standard

「彼女はすぐに戻ってくると思うから、ケーキを揚げて、すべてを用意して」とメグは言い、バスケットに集められてソファの下に置かれ、適切な時に出せるようになっているプレゼントを眺めた。

“Why, where is Amy’s bottle of cologne?” she added, as the little flask did not appear.

cologne (香水) [名] a perfumed liquid used by men

appear (見当たらない) [動] be visible or noticeable

「あれ、エイミーの香水瓶はどこ?」と彼女は付け加えた。小さな瓶が見当たらなかったからだ。

“She took it out a minute ago, and went off with it to put a ribbon on it, or some such notion,” replied Jo, dancing about the room to take the first stiffness off the new army slippers.

take out (取り出す) [動] remove something from a place

a minute ago (少し前) [名] a short time ago

go off (行く) [動] leave

put on (付ける) [動] place something on top of something else

ribbon (リボン) [名] a long, narrow piece of fabric that is used for decoration

notion (考え) [名] an idea or belief

dance (踊る) [動] move rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps

take off (取り除く) [動] remove something

stiffness (硬さ) [名] the quality or state of being stiff

「彼女は少し前にそれを取り出して、リボンを付けるか何かそんな考えでそれを持って行きました」とジョーは答え、新しい軍用スリッパの最初の硬さを取り除くために部屋を踊り回った。

“How nice my handkerchiefs look, don’t they?

don't (でしょう) [助] used in speech to ask a question

「私のハンカチ、素敵でしょう?

Hannah washed and ironed them for me, and I marked them all myself,” said Beth, looking proudly at the somewhat uneven letters which had cost her such labor.

iron (アイロンをかける) [動] press with a heated iron

mark (刺繍する) [動] make a mark on

labor (労力) [名] physical or mental effort

ハンナが洗濯してアイロンをかけてくれたの、そして全部自分で刺繍したの」とベスは言い、彼女にそんな労力を要したやや不揃いの文字を誇らしげに眺めた。

“Bless the child!

bless (なんて) [動] to make holy; to consecrate

「なんて子なの!

She’s gone and put ‘Mother’ on them instead of ‘M. March’.

put (刺繍する) [動] to make a design on fabric using a needle and thread

instead of (代わりに) [前] as an alternative to

M. March (M.マーチ) [名] the name of a character in the story

彼女は「M.マーチ」の代わりに「ママ」と刺繍してしまった。

How funny!” cried Jo, taking one up.

take up (手に取る) [動] pick up

なんて面白いの!」とジョーは叫び、1枚手に取った。

“Isn’t that right?

right (そう) [副] correctly; in the right way

「そうでしょう?

I thought it was better to do it so, because Meg’s initials are M.M., and I don’t want anyone to use these but Marmee,” said Beth, looking troubled.

initial (イニシャル) [名] the first letter of a word

troubled (困った) [形] worried or anxious

メグのイニシャルはM.M.だから、そうした方がいいと思ったの。ママ以外に誰も使わないでほしいよ」とベスは困った顔で言った。

“It’s all right, dear, and a very pretty idea, quite sensible too, for no one can ever mistake now.

all right (大丈夫) [形] satisfactory; in good condition

sensible (賢い) [形] based on or acting on good judgment or reason

mistake (間違える) [動] to be wrong about something

「大丈夫よ、ベス。とても素敵な考えだし、とても賢い考えでもあるよ。これで誰も間違えないよね。

It will please her very much, I know,” said Meg, with a frown for Jo and a smile for Beth.

please (喜ぶ) [動] make someone happy

very much (とても) [副] to a great extent or degree

frown (眉をひそめる) [動] wrinkle one's brow in displeasure or concentration

smile (微笑む) [動] form one's features into a pleased, kind, or amused expression, typically with the corners of the mouth turned up and the front teeth exposed

ママは喜んでくれるよ、きっと」とメグはジョーに眉をひそめ、ベスに微笑みかけた。

“There’s Mother. Hide the basket, quick!” cried Jo, as a door slammed and steps sounded in the hall.

there be (いる) [動] be present

slam (バタンと閉まる) [動] shut or be shut with a loud noise

step (足音) [名] the sound of a footstep

hall (廊下) [名] a long, wide passage in a building

「ママだよ。かごを隠して、早く!」とジョーは叫び、ドアがバタンと閉まり、廊下で足音がした。

Amy came in hastily, and looked rather abashed when she saw her sisters all waiting for her.

come in (入ってくる) [動] enter

hastily (急いで) [副] quickly

rather (かなり) [副] to some extent

abashed (当惑した) [形] embarrassed

エイミーが急いで入ってきて、姉妹たちがみんな自分を待っているのを見て、かなり当惑したようだった。

“Where have you been, and what are you hiding behind you?” asked Meg, surprised to see, by her hood and cloak, that lazy Amy had been out so early.

where have you been (どこに行ってたの) [他] a question asking about the location of a person in the past

what are you hiding (何を隠してるの) [他] a question asking about the thing that a person is hiding

asked (尋ねた) [動] say something in order to obtain an answer or some information

surprised (驚いた) [形] feeling or showing surprise

hood (フード) [名] a covering for the head and neck

lazy (怠け者) [形] unwilling to work or use energy

early (早く) [副] before the usual or expected time

「どこに行ってたの、後ろに隠してるのは何?」とメグは尋ね、怠け者のエイミーがそんなに早く外出していたことに驚いた。

“Don’t laugh at me, Jo!

「私を笑わないで、ジョー!

I didn’t mean anyone should know till the time came.

mean (意味する) [動] intend to convey, indicate, or refer to (something)

anyone (誰も) [代] any person

時が来るまで誰にも知られたくなかった。

I only meant to change the little bottle for a big one, and I gave all my money to get it, and I’m truly trying not to be selfish any more.”

change (変える) [動] make or become different

big (大きい) [形] large in size

selfish (わがまま) [形] concerned chiefly with one's own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others

小さい瓶を大きい瓶に変えようと思っただけで、それを買うために私のお金を全部あげたのよ、そして私はもうわがままにならないように本当に努力してるの。」

As she spoke, Amy showed the handsome flask which replaced the cheap one, and looked so earnest and humble in her little effort to forget herself that Meg hugged her on the spot, and Jo pronounced her ‘a trump’, while Beth ran to the window, and picked her finest rose to ornament the stately bottle.

as she spoke (そう言いながら) [接] while she was speaking

show (見せる) [動] cause or allow to be seen

handsome (立派な) [形] very good-looking

flask (瓶) [名] a container used to hold liquids

replace (代わりに買った) [動] take the place of

cheap (安物の) [形] low in price or value

earnest (真剣な) [形] very serious

humble (謙虚な) [形] not proud or arrogant

effort (努力) [名] a vigorous or determined attempt

herself (自分) [代] the female person who is being discussed

that (その) [接] used to introduce a clause

hug (抱きしめる) [動] hold closely in one's arms

on the spot (その場で) [副] immediately

pronounce (言う) [動] make a statement

trump (切り札) [名] a playing card of the suit that is declared to rank higher than the other suits for the duration of a game

run (走る) [動] move at a speed faster than a walk

to (へ) [前] in the direction of

pick (摘む) [動] take hold of and remove with the fingers

finest (一番きれいな) [形] of the highest quality

rose (バラ) [名] a type of flower

ornament (飾る) [動] decorate

stately (立派な) [形] dignified and impressive

そう言いながら、エイミーは安物の瓶の代わりに買った立派な瓶を見せ、自分を忘れようとする小さな努力にとても真剣で謙虚に見えたので、メグはその場で彼女を抱きしめ、ジョーは彼女を「切り札」と言い、ベスは窓に走って行き、立派な瓶を飾るために一番きれいなバラを摘んだ。

“You see I felt ashamed of my present, after reading and talking about being good this morning, so I ran round the corner and changed it the minute I was up, and I’m so glad, for mine is the handsomest now.”

feel ashamed of (恥ずかしくなる) [動] feel shame or guilt about

this morning (今朝) [名] the morning of the current day

talk about (話す) [動] discuss or speak about

run round (走り回る) [動] run around

glad (嬉しい) [形] feeling or showing pleasure or contentment

handsome (素敵な) [形] good-looking

「今朝、善い行いについて読んだり話したりした後、自分のプレゼントが恥ずかしくなっちゃったから、起きたらすぐに角を曲がって交換してきたの、今は私のが一番素敵だからとても嬉しいよ。」

Another bang of the street door sent the basket under the sofa, and the girls to the table, eager for breakfast.

another (もう一度) [形] one more; an additional

bang (バン) [名] a loud, sudden noise

eager (待ちわびる) [形] strongly wanting to do or have something

玄関のドアがもう一度バンと鳴ったので、バスケットはソファの下に隠され、娘たちは朝食を待ちわびてテーブルについた。

“Merry Christmas, Marmee! Many of them!

「メリークリスマス、ママ! たくさん!

Thank you for our books.

本をありがとう。

We read some, and mean to every day,” they all cried in chorus.

mean (つもり) [動] intend to do something

every day (毎日) [副] on each day; daily

少しは読んでるし、毎日読むつもりよ」とみんなで声をそろえて叫んだ。

“Merry Christmas, little daughters!

daughter (娘) [名] a female offspring of a human being

「メリークリスマス、娘たち!

I’m glad you began at once, and hope you will keep on.

at once (すぐに) [副] immediately

keep on (続ける) [動] continue doing something

すぐに始めたのはよかったし、続けてくれるといいな。

But I want to say one word before we sit down.

one word (一言) [名] a single word

sit down (座る) [動] be in or assume a sitting position

でも、座る前に一言言いたいことがある。

Not far away from here lies a poor woman with a little newborn baby.

not far away (そう遠くない) [副] a short distance away

newborn (生まれたばかりの) [形] recently born

baby (赤ちゃん) [名] a very young child

ここからそう遠くないところに、生まれたばかりの赤ちゃんを抱えた貧しい女性が横たわっている。

Six children are huddled into one bed to keep from freezing, for they have no fire.

six (6人の) [形] the number 6

huddle (身を寄せ合う) [動] crowd together

bed (ベッド) [名] a place to sleep

keep from (しないように) [動] prevent from doing something

freeze (凍える) [動] be very cold

6人の子供達は、火がないので凍えないように1つのベッドに身を寄せ合っている。

There is nothing to eat over there, and the oldest boy came to tell me they were suffering hunger and cold.

over there (あそこ) [副] in or to that place

そこには食べるものが何もなくて、一番上の男の子が飢えと寒さに苦しんでいると私に言いに来たの。

My girls, will you give them your breakfast as a Christmas present?”

Christmas present (クリスマスプレゼント) [名] a gift given on Christmas

娘たちよ、あなたたちはクリスマスプレゼントとして朝食を彼らにあげるか?」

They were all unusually hungry, having waited nearly an hour, and for a minute no one spoke, only a minute, for Jo exclaimed impetuously, “I’m so glad you came before we began!”

unusually (とても) [副] to an unusual degree

hungry (お腹が空いて) [形] feeling a need or wish to eat

only (だけ) [副] and no more

impetuously (衝動的に) [副] impulsively

みんな1時間近くも待っていたので、とてもお腹が空いていて、1分間誰も口をきかなかったが、ジョーが衝動的に叫んだ。「食べ始める前に来てくれてよかった!」

“May I go and help carry the things to the poor little children?”

carry (運ぶ) [動] take or support from one place to another

thing (荷物) [名] an object that one can touch or hold

「私も一緒に行って、貧しい子供達に荷物を運ぶのを手伝ってもいい?」

asked Beth eagerly.

eagerly (熱心に) [副] in a very enthusiastic manner

ベスが熱心に尋ねた。

“I shall take the cream and the muffings,” added Amy, heroically giving up the article she most liked.

shall (する) [助] will

take (持っていく) [動] carry or bring with oneself

cream (クリーム) [名] a dairy product made from the high-fat part of milk

muffin (マフィン) [名] a small cake made from batter, baking powder, eggs, and milk

heroically (英雄的に) [副] in a heroic manner

「私はクリームとマフィンを持って行くよ」とエイミーが付け加えた。彼女は英雄的に一番好きなものを諦めた。

Meg was already covering the buckwheats, and piling the bread into one big plate.

buckwheat (そば粉) [名] a plant with small dark seeds that are used to make flour

pile (積み重ねる) [動] to put things on top of each other

plate (皿) [名] a flat dish on which food is served

メグはすでにそば粉を覆い、パンを1つの大きな皿に積み重ねていた。

“I thought you’d do it,” said Mrs. March, smiling as if satisfied.

thought (思った) [名] an idea or opinion produced by thinking or occurring suddenly in the mind

satisfied (満足した) [形] feeling or showing fulfillment or contentment

「そうするだろうと思ったよ」とマーチ夫人は満足そうに微笑んだ。

“You shall all go and help me, and when we come back we will have bread and milk for breakfast, and make it up at dinnertime.”

shall (~するつもりだ) [助] expressing a strong intention or determination

have (食べる) [動] eat

breakfast (朝食) [名] the first meal of the day

make up (埋め合わせる) [動] compensate for something

「みんな一緒に行って手伝ってちょうだい。帰ってきたら朝食にパンとミルクを食べて、夕食の時に埋め合わせしましょう」

They were soon ready, and the procession set out.

be ready (準備が整う) [動] be prepared or available

set out (出発する) [動] start a journey

彼女たちはすぐに準備が整い、行列が出発した。

Fortunately it was early, and they went through back streets, so few people saw them, and no one laughed at the queer party.

fortunately (幸いにも) [副] luckily

early (早朝) [形] happening or done before the usual or expected time

go through (通る) [動] move through or across

back street (裏通り) [名] a street that is not a main road

queer (奇妙な) [形] strange or odd

party (一行) [名] a group of people

幸いにも早朝で、裏通りを通ったので、彼女たちを見る人はほとんどおらず、誰もこの奇妙な一行を笑わなかった。

A poor, bare, miserable room it was, with broken windows, no fire, ragged bedclothes, a sick mother, wailing baby, and a group of pale, hungry children cuddled under one old quilt, trying to keep warm.

bare (むき出しの) [形] not covered or clothed

miserable (惨めな) [形] wretchedly unhappy or uncomfortable

broken (割れた) [形] damaged or altered by breaking

ragged (ぼろぼろの) [形] old and torn

sick (病気の) [形] affected by or suffering from an illness

wailing (泣き叫ぶ) [形] crying loudly and uncontrollably

hungry (飢えた) [形] feeling a need or desire to eat

cuddle (寄り添う) [動] hold close in one's arms

貧しく、むき出しで、惨めな部屋で、窓は割れ、火はなく、寝具はぼろぼろで、病気の母親、泣き叫ぶ赤ん坊、そして青白く飢えた子供たちが一枚の古いキルトの下に寄り添って暖を取ろうとしていた。

How the big eyes stared and the blue lips smiled as the girls went in.

stare (じっと見つめる) [動] look fixedly or intently

lip (唇) [名] either of the two fleshy parts that form the upper and lower edges of the opening of the mouth

少女たちが入っていくと、大きな目がじっと見つめ、青い唇が微笑んだ。

“Ach, mein Gott! It is good angels come to us!”

Ach (ああ) [間] an exclamation of surprise, disgust, or pain

mein Gott (なんてことだ) [間] an exclamation of surprise, disgust, or pain

angel (天使) [名] a spiritual being superior to humans in power and intelligence

「ああ、なんてことだ! 天使が来てくれたんだ!」

said the poor woman, crying for joy.

joy (喜び) [名] a feeling of great pleasure or happiness

と貧しい女性は喜びのあまり泣きながら言った。

“Funny angels in hoods and mittens,” said Jo, and set them to laughing.

mitten (ミトン) [名] a glove that covers the whole hand but not the fingers separately

set to (~し始める) [動] start doing something

laughing (笑う) [動] make the sounds and movements of laughter

「フードとミトンをつけたおかしな天使たち」とジョーは言って、みんなを笑わせた。

In a few minutes it really did seem as if kind spirits had been at work there.

a few minutes (数分) [名] a small number of minutes

kind (優しい) [形] having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature

spirit (精霊) [名] a supernatural being or essence

数分のうちに、本当に優しい精霊が働いていたかのように思えた。

Hannah, who had carried wood, made a fire, and stopped up the broken panes with old hats and her own cloak.

Hannah (ハンナ) [名] a female given name

make (起こす) [動] cause to happen or exist

stop up (はめ込む) [動] close or block up

pane (窓) [名] a sheet of glass in a window or door

ハンナは薪を運び、火を起こし、古い帽子や自分のマントを割れた窓にはめ込んだ。

Mrs. March gave the mother tea and gruel, and comforted her with promises of help, while she dressed the little baby as tenderly as if it had been her own.

give (与える) [動] cause someone to have something

gruel (粥) [名] a thin liquid food of oatmeal or other meal boiled in water or milk

comfort (慰める) [動] make someone feel less unhappy, worried, or upset

dress (服を着せる) [動] put clothes on someone

マーチ夫人は母親にお茶と粥を与え、助けを約束して慰め、自分の子供であるかのように優しく赤ちゃんに服を着せた。

The girls meantime spread the table, set the children round the fire, and fed them like so many hungry birds, laughing, talking, and trying to understand the funny broken English.

meantime (その間に) [副] in the intervening period

spread (広げる) [動] stretch out so as to cover a wider area

set (座らせる) [動] put, lay, or stand (something) in a specified place or position

feed (食べさせる) [動] give food to

broken (片言の) [形] not working properly

English (英語) [名] the language of England

その間に娘たちはテーブルを広げ、子供たちを火の周りに座らせ、たくさんの空腹の鳥に餌をやるように食べさせ、笑ったり、話したり、おかしな片言の英語を理解しようとした。

“Das ist gut!” “Die Engel-kinder!” cried the poor things as they ate and warmed their purple hands at the comfortable blaze.

Das ist gut (Das ist gut) [名] German for "That is good"

Die Engel-kinder (Die Engel-kinder) [名] German for "The angel children"

thing (子供たち) [名] a person or animal

warm (温める) [動] make or become warm

purple (紫色の) [形] of a color intermediate between red and blue

comfortable (心地よい) [形] providing comfort

blaze (炎) [名] a very hot fire

「Das ist gut!」「Die Engel-kinder!」と、貧しい子供たちは食べながら叫び、心地よい炎で紫色の手を温めた。

The girls had never been called angel children before, and thought it very agreeable, especially Jo, who had been considered a ‘Sancho’ ever since she was born.

be called (呼ばれる) [動] to be given a name or title

never (これまで) [副] not ever; on no occasion; at no time in the past or future; not at all

Sancho (サンチョ) [名] a character in the novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

娘たちはこれまで天使の子供と呼ばれたことはなかったので、とても嬉しく思った。特に、生まれてからずっと「サンチョ」と呼ばれていたジョーはそうだった。

That was a very happy breakfast, though they didn’t get any of it.

自分たちは何も食べなかったが、とても幸せな朝食だった。

And when they went away, leaving comfort behind, I think there were not in all the city four merrier people than the hungry little girls who gave away their breakfasts and contented themselves with bread and milk on Christmas morning.

go away (去っていく) [動] leave a place

leave behind (残す) [動] not take with one when one leaves

city (街) [名] a large human settlement

merrier (陽気な) [形] cheerful and lively

people (人々) [名] human beings in general or considered collectively

give away (譲る) [動] give something as a present

content (満足する) [動] be happy with

そして、彼らが去っていき、安らぎを残したとき、私は街全体で、クリスマスの朝に朝食を譲り、パンと牛乳で満足した空腹の少女たちよりも陽気な人々はいなかったと思う。

“That’s loving our neighbor better than ourselves, and I like it,” said Meg, as they set out their presents while their mother was upstairs collecting clothes for the poor Hummels.

neighbor (隣人) [名] a person who lives next door or near you

better (より) [副] to a higher standard or more advanced degree

ourselves (自分) [代] the person or thing that is being discussed

set out (用意する) [動] to start a journey

upstairs (二階) [副] on or to an upper floor

Hummel (フンメル) [名] a German surname

「それは自分よりも隣人を愛することね、私は好きよ」とメグは言った。母親が二階で貧しいフンメル一家のために服を集めている間に、娘たちはプレゼントを用意した。

Not a very splendid show, but there was a great deal of love done up in the few little bundles, and the tall vase of red roses, white chrysanthemums, and trailing vines, which stood in the middle, gave quite an elegant air to the table.

not very (あまり) [副] to a small extent

show (見世物) [名] a public entertainment

a great deal of (たくさんの) [名] a large amount of

done up (こもる) [動] to be wrapped up

vase (花瓶) [名] a container used to hold flowers or other plants

red (赤い) [形] of the color red

trailing (つる草) [形] growing along the ground

vine (つる草) [名] a plant with a stem that climbs or trails

middle (真ん中) [名] the point or part that is equally distant from all sides, ends, or surfaces of something

quite (とても) [副] to a very great extent

air (雰囲気) [名] the general mood or tone of a place or situation

あまり豪華な見世物ではなかったが、いくつかの小さな包みにはたくさんの愛情がこもっていたし、真ん中に置かれた赤いバラ、白い菊、つる草の背の高い花瓶は、テーブルにとても優雅な雰囲気を与えていた。

“She’s coming! Strike up, Beth!

strike up (始める) [動] start to play a piece of music

「ママが来る! 始めよう、ベス!

Open the door, Amy!

ドアを開けて、エイミー!

Three cheers for Marmee!” cried Jo, prancing about while Meg went to conduct Mother to the seat of honor.

prance (飛び跳ね回る) [動] to walk or move in a proud, showy way

conduct (案内する) [動] to direct or guide the course of

seat (席) [名] a place where someone may sit

ママに三度万歳!」とジョーは叫び、メグが母を席に案内する間、飛び跳ね回った。

Beth played her gayest march, Amy threw open the door, and Meg enacted escort with great dignity.

play (弾く) [動] perform music on a musical instrument

gayest (一番陽気な) [形] very happy and full of fun

march (行進曲) [名] a piece of music with a strong regular rhythm suitable for marching to

throw open (開け放つ) [動] open wide

enact (演じる) [動] act out the part of

escort (エスコート) [名] a person who accompanies another for protection, guidance, or as a courtesy

ベスは一番陽気な行進曲を弾き、エイミーはドアを開け放ち、メグは威厳をもってエスコートを演じた。

Mrs. March was both surprised and touched, and smiled with her eyes full as she examined her presents and read the little notes which accompanied them.

touched (感動する) [形] moved emotionally

note (メモ) [名] a short written message

マーチ夫人は驚き、感動し、プレゼントを調べて、それに添えられた短いメモを読むと、目を潤ませて微笑んだ。

The slippers went on at once, a new handkerchief was slipped into her pocket, well scented with Amy’s cologne, the rose was fastened in her bosom, and the nice gloves were pronounced a perfect fit.

go on (履く) [動] put on

scent (香り) [名] a distinctive, typically pleasant smell

cologne (コロン) [名] a perfume made of alcohol and essential oils

bosom (胸) [名] a woman's chest

スリッパはすぐに履かれ、エイミーのコロンの香りがする新しいハンカチがポケットに入れられ、バラは胸に留められ、素敵な手袋はぴったりだと言われた。

There was a good deal of laughing and kissing and explaining, in the simple, loving fashion which makes these home festivals so pleasant at the time, so sweet to remember long afterward, and then all fell to work.

a good deal of (多くの) [名] a large amount or number of

laughing (笑い) [名] the action of laughing

kissing (キス) [名] the action of kissing

explaining (説明) [名] the action of explaining

fashion (方法) [名] a manner of doing something

festival (祝祭) [名] an event, usually and ordinarily recurring, that is celebrated by a community and centers on some characteristic aspect of that community and its religion or traditions

pleasant (楽しい) [形] giving a feeling of happy satisfaction or enjoyment

sweet (甘い) [形] having the taste characteristic of sugar or honey; not salty, sour, or bitter

fell to (取りかかる) [動] start doing something vigorously

笑い、キス、説明が、家庭の祝祭をその時とても楽しく、ずっと後になっても思い出すのがとても甘い、シンプルで愛情のこもった方法で行われ、それからみんな仕事に取りかかった。

The morning charities and ceremonies took so much time that the rest of the day was devoted to preparations for the evening festivities.

charity (慈善活動) [名] the voluntary giving of help, typically in the form of money, to those in need

ceremony (儀式) [名] a formal religious or public occasion, typically one celebrating a particular event or anniversary

take (かかる) [動] require (a period of time) to be completed

rest (残り) [名] the remaining part of something

day (日) [名] a period of time from one sunrise to the next

devote (費やす) [動] give all of one's time or energy to

preparation (準備) [名] the action or process of making ready or being made ready for use or consideration

evening (夕方) [名] the period of a day from the end of the afternoon to the beginning of night

festivity (祝祭) [名] a day or period of celebration

午前中の慈善活動や儀式に時間がかかりすぎたため、その日の残りは夕方の祝祭の準備に費やされた。

Being still too young to go often to the theater, and not rich enough to afford any great outlay for private performances, the girls put their wits to work, and necessity being the mother of invention, made whatever they needed.

be too young to (若すぎて~できない) [動] be not old enough to do something

go to the theater (劇場に行く) [動] go to a place where plays, and sometimes movies, are performed

afford (余裕がある) [動] have enough money to pay for

great outlay (大金) [名] a large amount of money spent on something

private performance (私的な公演) [名] a performance that is not open to the public

put one's wits to work (知恵を働かせる) [動] use one's intelligence to solve a problem

necessity (必要) [名] something that is needed

be the mother of invention (発明の母である) [動] be the cause of something

whatever (必要なもの) [代] anything or everything that

まだ若すぎて劇場に頻繁に行けるわけではなく、私的な公演に大金を費やすほど裕福でもなかったので、少女たちは知恵を働かせ、必要は発明の母であるとして、必要なものは何でも作った。

Very clever were some of their productions, pasteboard guitars, antique lamps made of old-fashioned butter boats covered with silver paper, gorgeous robes of old cotton, glittering with tin spangles from a pickle factory, and armor covered with the same useful diamond shaped bits left in sheets when the lids of preserve pots were cut out.

clever (巧妙な) [形] having or showing an ability to learn and understand things quickly and easily

production (作品) [名] something that is produced

pasteboard (ボール紙) [名] a thin, stiff material made from layers of paper

guitar (ギター) [名] a musical instrument with six strings

antique (アンティーク) [形] an object having special value because of its considerable age

lamp (ランプ) [名] a device for producing light

silver (銀) [名] a precious metal with atomic number 47

paper (紙) [名] a material made of cellulose pulp

gorgeous (豪華な) [形] very beautiful or impressive

robe (ローブ) [名] a long, loose garment

cotton (綿) [名] a soft, white substance that grows in a boll around the seeds of the cotton plant

glitter (きらめく) [動] to shine brightly

tin (ブリキ) [名] a soft, silvery-white metal

spangle (スパンコール) [名] a small, thin, shiny, circular piece of metal or plastic

factory (工場) [名] a building or group of buildings where goods are manufactured

armor (鎧) [名] a covering of metal or other hard material worn to protect the body

diamond (ダイヤモンド) [名] a hard, transparent precious stone

bit (切れ端) [名] a small piece of something

sheet (シート) [名] a large, thin piece of material

preserve (保存する) [動] to keep something in its original state

pot (容器) [名] a round, deep container with a handle, used for cooking or storing things

cut out (切り取る) [動] to remove something by cutting

ボール紙のギター、銀紙で覆った昔ながらのバターボート製のアンティークのランプ、漬物工場のブリキのスパンコールがきらめく古い綿の豪華なローブ、保存容器の蓋を切り取ったときに残った同じ便利なダイヤモンド型の切れ端で覆われた鎧など、彼女たちの作品の中にはとても巧妙なものがあった。

The big chamber was the scene of many innocent revels.

chamber (部屋) [名] a room in a house or other building

scene (舞台) [名] the place where an event occurs

innocent (無邪気な) [形] not guilty of a crime or other harmful act

revel (歓楽) [名] a wild party

大きな部屋は多くの無邪気な歓楽の舞台だった。

No gentleman were admitted, so Jo played male parts to her heart’s content and took immense satisfaction in a pair of russet leather boots given her by a friend, who knew a lady who knew an actor.

gentleman (男性) [名] a man who is well mannered, courteous, or honorable

admit (入場を許す) [動] allow to enter

heart's content (心ゆくまで) [名] as much as one wants

take satisfaction (満足する) [動] be pleased with

russet (赤褐色) [形] reddish brown

leather (革) [名] a material made from the skin of an animal

boot (ブーツ) [名] a covering for the foot and lower leg

friend (友人) [名] a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection

actor (俳優) [名] a person whose profession is acting

男性は入場を許されなかったので、ジョーは心ゆくまで男性役を演じ、俳優を知っている女性を知っている友人からもらった赤褐色の革のブーツに大いに満足した。

These boots, an old foil, and a slashed doublet once used by an artist for some picture, were Jo’s chief treasures and appeared on all occasions.

foil (剣) [名] a light sword with a blunt edge and a pointed tip

doublet (ダブレット) [名] a man's close-fitting jacket with or without sleeves

occasion (場面) [名] a particular time or event

このブーツ、古い剣、そしてかつて芸術家が絵に使った切り込みの入ったダブレットは、ジョーの主な宝物であり、あらゆる場面で登場した。

The smallness of the company made it necessary for the two principal actors to take several parts apiece, and they certainly deserved some credit for the hard work they did in learning three or four different parts, whisking in and out of various costumes, and managing the stage besides.

smallness (小ささ) [名] the state or quality of being small

company (劇団) [名] a group of actors, singers, dancers, etc., who work together and travel around to different places to perform

make it necessary (必要とする) [動] cause to be necessary

two (二人) [名] the number 2

principal (主演) [形] first in rank or importance

take (こなす) [動] perform or carry out

apiece (それぞれ) [副] each; to or for each

certainly (確かに) [副] without doubt; definitely

deserve (値する) [動] be worthy of

credit (評価) [名] recognition or praise given to someone or something

hard work (大変な努力) [名] a great deal of effort or endurance

learn (覚える) [動] gain knowledge or skill by studying, practicing, being taught, or experiencing something

different (異なる) [形] not the same as each other

whisk (着たり脱いだり) [動] move or cause to move quickly and lightly with a brushing or sweeping motion

in and out (着たり脱いだり) [副] into and out of a place

various (様々な) [形] different from each other

costume (衣装) [名] a set of clothes that are worn to create a character

manage (管理する) [動] be in charge of or responsible for

stage (舞台) [名] a raised floor on which actors, entertainers, or speakers perform or make speeches

劇団が小さかったため、主演の二人はそれぞれ何役もこなす必要があり、三、四役を覚え、様々な衣装を着たり脱いだり、さらには舞台を管理したりと、大変な努力をしたことは確かに評価に値する。

It was excellent drill for their memories, a harmless amusement, and employed many hours which otherwise would have been idle, lonely, or spent in less profitable society.

excellent (素晴らしい) [形] extremely good

drill (訓練) [名] a training exercise

memory (記憶) [名] the retention of information over time

harmless (無害な) [形] not causing or capable of causing harm

amusement (娯楽) [名] something that provides entertainment or enjoyment

employ (費やす) [動] use or spend

idle (怠惰な) [形] not working or active

lonely (孤独な) [形] without companions; solitary

profitable (有益な) [形] yielding a financial gain

society (交際) [名] the aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community

それは彼女たちの記憶のための素晴らしい訓練であり、無害な娯楽であり、そうでなければ怠惰で孤独で、あるいはあまり有益でない交際で過ごしていたであろう多くの時間を費やした。

On Christmas night, a dozen girls piled onto the bed which was the dress circle, and sat before the blue and yellow chintz curtains in a most flattering state of expectancy.

dozen (十数) [名] a group of twelve

pile onto (積み重なる) [動] to be heaped or stacked on top of each other

dress circle (ドレスサークル) [名] the first or lowest balcony in a theater

chintz (更紗) [名] a cotton fabric with a glazed finish and a floral pattern

curtain (カーテン) [名] a piece of material suspended at the top to form a screen, typically one of a pair at a window

expectation (期待) [名] a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future

クリスマスの夜、十数人の少女たちがドレスサークルであるベッドに積み重なり、青と黄色の更紗のカーテンの前に座って、期待に胸を膨らませていた。

There was a good deal of rustling and whispering behind the curtain, a trifle of lamp smoke, and an occasional giggle from Amy, who was apt to get hysterical in the excitement of the moment.

a good deal of (かなりの) [名] a large amount or extent of

rustling (ざわめき) [名] a light noise as of dry leaves being stirred by the wind

whispering (ささやき) [名] a soft or confidential tone of voice

behind (向こう) [前] at the back of

trifle (少し) [名] a thing of little value or importance

smoke (煙) [名] a visible suspension of carbon or other particles in the air

occasional (時折) [形] happening or done infrequently and irregularly

giggle (くすくす笑う) [動] laugh lightly or nervously

apt (なりがちな) [形] having a tendency to do something

hysterical (ヒステリック) [形] affected by or characteristic of hysteria

excitement (興奮) [名] a feeling of great happiness or pleasure

カーテンの向こうでは、かなりのざわめきとささやきがあり、ランプの煙が少し出ていて、興奮のあまりヒステリックになりがちなエイミーが時折くすくす笑っていた。

Presently a bell sounded, the curtains flew apart, and the operatic tragedy began.

sound (鳴る) [動] make or cause to make a noise

fly apart (開く) [動] move or cause to move quickly in different directions

operatic (オペラの) [形] of or relating to opera

tragedy (悲劇) [名] a play dealing with tragic events and having an unhappy ending

やがてベルが鳴り、カーテンが開き、オペラの悲劇が始まった。

“A gloomy wood,” according to the one playbill, was represented by a few shrubs in pots, green baize on the floor, and a cave in the distance.

gloomy (陰鬱な) [形] dark or poorly lit

wood (森) [名] a large area of land covered with trees

playbill (芝居のビラ) [名] a poster advertising a play

represent (表現する) [動] to be a symbol of

shrub (低木) [名] a woody plant that is smaller than a tree

pot (鉢) [名] a container for growing plants

floor (床) [名] the lower surface of a room

cave (洞窟) [名] a natural underground chamber

ある芝居のビラによると、「陰鬱な森」は、鉢植えの低木数本、床に敷かれた緑の毛織物、遠くの洞窟で表現されていた。

This cave was made with a clothes horse for a roof, bureaus for walls, and in it was a small furnace in full blast, with a black pot on it and an old witch bending over it.

roof (屋根) [名] the structure forming the upper covering of a building or vehicle

furnace (炉) [名] an enclosed structure in which heat is produced

full blast (全開) [名] at full power or speed

この洞窟は、屋根に物干し台、壁に箪笥を使い、中には小さな炉が全開で、その上に黒い鍋が置かれ、老魔女がその上にかがみこんでいる。

The stage was dark and the glow of the furnace had a fine effect, especially as real steam issued from the kettle when the witch took off the cover.

glow (輝き) [名] a light that is not very bright

fine (素晴らしい) [形] very good

effect (効果) [名] a change that is a result or consequence of an action or other cause

kettle (釜) [名] a metal container with a handle and a spout, used for boiling water

steam (蒸気) [名] water in a gaseous form

issue (出る) [動] come out of or from

舞台は暗く、炉の輝きは素晴らしい効果を上げていた。特に魔女が蓋をとったときに釜から本物の蒸気が出てきたときはそうだった。

A moment was allowed for the first thrill to subside, then Hugo, the villain, stalked in with a clanking sword at his side, a slouching hat, black beard, mysterious cloak, and the boots.

allow (待つ) [動] to permit to have or do something

subside (静まる) [動] become less intense or violent

stalk (大股で歩く) [動] walk or move stealthily or threateningly

clanking (ぶら下げる) [動] make a sound of metal striking metal

sword (剣) [名] a weapon with a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard

side (腰) [名] the part of a person's body on or below the waist

slouching (つばの広い) [形] having a drooping or slovenly posture

black (黒い) [形] of the color intermediate between white and gray

beard (ひげ) [名] the hair growing on a man's face

mysterious (謎めいた) [形] difficult or impossible to understand, explain, or identify

最初の興奮が静まるのを待って、悪役のヒューゴが、腰に剣をぶら下げ、つばの広い帽子をかぶり、黒いひげを生やし、謎めいたマントを羽織り、ブーツを履いて、大股で歩いてきた。

After pacing to and fro in much agitation, he struck his forehead, and burst out in a wild strain, singing of his hatred for Roderigo, his love for Zara, and his pleasing resolution to kill the one and win the other.

pace (歩き回る) [動] walk with slow or regular steps

fro (行ったり来たり) [副] back and forth

agitation (興奮) [名] a state of anxiety or nervous excitement

forehead (額) [名] the part of the face above the eyes

burst out (歌い出す) [動] suddenly start to do something

wild (荒々しく) [形] not subject to control or discipline

strain (歌) [名] a short burst of music

hatred (憎しみ) [名] intense dislike or ill will

resolution (決意) [名] a firm decision to do or not to do something

kill (殺す) [動] cause the death of

win (勝ち取る) [動] be victorious in

other (もう一方) [代] the remaining one of two or more people or things

興奮して行ったり来たり歩き回った後、彼は額を打ち、ロデリゴへの憎しみ、ザラへの愛、そして一方を殺してもう一方を勝ち取るという喜ばしい決意を歌い、荒々しく歌い出した。

The gruff tones of Hugo’s voice, with an occasional shout when his feelings overcame him, were very impressive, and the audience applauded the moment he paused for breath.

gruff (荒々しい) [形] rough and unfriendly in manner or speech

tone (音色) [名] the quality of a sound

shout (叫び声) [名] a loud cry or yell

impressive (印象的) [形] having a strong effect on the mind or emotions

applaud (拍手喝采する) [動] show approval or praise by clapping

pause (一時停止する) [動] temporarily stop an activity

ヒューゴの声の荒々しい音色と、感情が高ぶったときに時折発する叫び声は非常に印象的で、彼が息継ぎのために一時停止した瞬間に観客は拍手喝采した。

Bowing with the air of one accustomed to public praise, he stole to the cavern and ordered Hagar to come forth with a commanding, “What ho, minion! I need thee!”

bow (お辞儀をする) [動] bend the head or body as a sign of respect, greeting, or shame

public praise (公衆の賞賛) [名] praise from the public

steal (忍び込む) [動] move or go stealthily

cavern (洞窟) [名] a large cave

order (命じる) [動] give an order to

come forth (出てくる) [動] come out

command (命令する) [動] give an order to

minion (手下) [名] a follower or underling of a powerful person

need (必要とする) [動] require (something) because it is essential or very important

公衆の賞賛に慣れた人の態度でお辞儀をしながら、彼は洞窟に忍び込み、ハガルに「おい、手下! あなたが必要だ!」と命令して出るように命じた。

Out came Meg, with gray horsehair hanging about her face, a red and black robe, a staff, and cabalistic signs upon her cloak.

horsehair (馬の毛) [名] the hair from a horse's mane or tail

hang (垂らす) [動] be suspended or be suspended from

staff (杖) [名] a stick or pole used as a support or weapon

cabalistic (カバラの) [形] of or relating to the Kabbalah

sign (印) [名] an object, quality, or event whose presence or occurrence indicates the probable presence or occurrence of something else

メグが出てきて、顔の周りに灰色の馬の毛を垂らし、赤と黒のローブを着て、杖を持ち、マントにはカバラの印をつけた。

Hugo demanded a potion to make Zara adore him, and one to destroy Roderigo.

demand (要求する) [動] ask authoritatively or urgently

potion (薬) [名] a liquid with healing, magical, or poisonous properties

adore (崇拝する) [動] love and respect someone deeply

destroy (滅ぼす) [動] cause (something) to cease to exist or be in a usable condition

ヒューゴはザラに自分を崇拝させる薬とロデリゴを滅ぼす薬を要求した。

Hagar, in a fine dramatic melody, promised both, and proceeded to call up the spirit who would bring the love philter.

dramatic (劇的な) [形] sudden and striking

melody (メロディー) [名] a sequence of single notes that is musically satisfying

promise (約束する) [動] assure someone that one will definitely do, give, or arrange something; undertake or declare that one will do something

proceed (進む) [動] follow a certain course

call up (呼び起こす) [動] cause to be remembered

spirit (霊) [名] the nonphysical part of a person that is the seat of emotions and character; the soul

ハガルは、素晴らしい劇的なメロディーで、両方を約束し、愛の媚薬をもたらす霊を呼び起こした。

Hither, hither, from thy home,

hither (こっちへ) [副] to or toward this place

こっちへ、こっちへ、あなたの家から、

Airy sprite, I bid thee come!

airy (風の) [形] of or like air

sprite (精霊) [名] an elf or fairy

bid (来てください) [動] ask someone to come

風の精霊よ、来てください!

Born of roses, fed on dew,

be born of (生まれる) [動] come into existence

feed on (食べる) [動] eat or consume

dew (露) [名] moisture condensed from the atmosphere that appears in small drops on cool surfaces in the morning

バラから生まれ、露を食べて、

Charms and potions canst thou brew?

charm (魔法) [名] a magical object

brew (作る) [動] make (beer) by boiling and fermentation

あなたは魔法や薬を作れるの?

Bring me here, with elfin speed,

here (ここ) [副] in this place

elfin (妖精の) [形] of or relating to elves

speed (速さ) [名] the rate at which someone or something moves or operates, or with which something happens or changes

妖精の速さで、ここに連れて来て、

The fragrant philter which I need.

fragrant (香りのする) [形] having a pleasant smell

philter (媚薬) [名] a potion, drug, or charm that is supposed to cause a person to fall in love with another

私が必要としている香りのする媚薬を。

Make it sweet and swift and strong,

swift (速い) [形] moving or capable of moving with great speed

strong (強い) [形] having the power to perform well or to withstand force, pressure, or wear

甘くて、速くて、強力なものにして、

Spirit, answer now my song!

精霊よ、今私の歌に答えて!

A soft strain of music sounded, and then at the back of the cave appeared a little figure in cloudy white, with glittering wings, golden hair, and a garland of roses on its head.

strain (鳴り響く) [名] a melody or air

back (奥) [名] the rear part of something

figure (人影) [名] a person's bodily shape

cloudy (曇った) [形] (of the sky) filled with clouds

white (白) [名] the color of milk or fresh snow

glittering (きらめく) [形] shining or sparkling brightly

wing (翼) [名] an organ of flight

golden (金色の) [形] made of or colored like gold

garland (花輪) [名] a wreath of flowers or leaves

柔らかい音楽が鳴り、洞窟の奥に、きらめく翼、金色の髪、頭にバラの花輪をつけた、曇った白の小さな人影が現れた。

Waving a wand, it sang...

wave (振る) [動] move one's hand to and fro in greeting or as a signal

wand (杖) [名] a thin stick or rod used in magic or conjuring

杖を振りながら、歌った。

Hither I come,

hither (ここに) [副] to this place

ここに来た、

From my airy home,

airy (風通しの良い) [形] having or allowing much fresh air and light

私の風通しの良い家から、

Afar in the silver moon.

afar (遠く) [副] at or to a great distance

遠く銀の月の中。

Take the magic spell,

take (受け取る) [動] get into one's possession, power, or control

magic (魔法) [名] the power of apparently influencing the course of events by using mysterious or supernatural forces

spell (呪文) [名] a word or formula believed to have magic power

魔法の呪文を受け取り、

And use it well,

そしてそれを上手く使い、

Or its power will vanish soon!

power (力) [名] the ability to do something or act in a particular way

vanish (消える) [動] disappear suddenly and completely

さもなければその力はすぐに消えてしまう!

And dropping a small, gilded bottle at the witch’s feet, the spirit vanished.

gilded (金色の) [形] covered with a thin layer of gold

そして魔女の足元に小さな金色の瓶を落として、精霊は消えてしまった。

Another chant from Hagar produced another apparition, not a lovely one, for with a bang an ugly black imp appeared and, having croaked a reply, tossed a dark bottle at Hugo and disappeared with a mocking laugh.

chant (呪文) [名] a repeated rhythmic phrase

produce (作り出す) [動] make or create

apparition (幻影) [名] a ghost or other supernatural being

lovely (美しい) [形] very attractive or pleasing

bang (ドン) [名] a sudden loud noise

ugly (醜い) [形] unpleasant to look at

imp (小悪魔) [名] a small mischievous devil

reply (返事) [名] an answer or response

dark (黒い) [形] of the color black

disappear (消える) [動] cease to be visible

mocking (嘲笑) [名] making fun of someone or something

ハガーの別の呪文は別の幻影を作り出した、それは美しいものではなかった、というのも、醜い黒い小悪魔がドンと現れ、返事をかえしてから、ヒューゴに黒い瓶を投げつけ、嘲笑しながら消えてしまったからだ。

Having warbled his thanks and put the potions in his boots, Hugo departed, and Hagar informed the audience that as he had killed a few of her friends in times past, she had cursed him, and intends to thwart his plans, and be revenged on him.

warble (歌う) [動] sing or utter in a trilling or quavering voice

thanks (感謝) [名] a feeling of gratitude

depart (去る) [動] leave a place

inform (告げる) [動] give (someone) facts or information

past (過去) [名] the time that has already happened

curse (呪う) [動] use a word or phrase to invoke a supernatural power to inflict harm or punishment on someone or something

thwart (阻止する) [動] prevent (someone or something) from accomplishing a goal or from progressing

intend (つもりである) [動] have as one's purpose or intention

revenge (復讐) [名] the action of hurting someone for a wrong suffered at their hands

感謝を歌い、薬をブーツに入れて、ヒューゴは去り、ハガーは観客に、彼が過去に彼女の友人を何人か殺したので、彼女は彼を呪い、彼の計画を阻止し、彼に復讐するつもりだと告げた。

Then the curtain fell, and the audience reposed and ate candy while discussing the merits of the play.

repose (休憩する) [動] lie or be at rest

candy (キャンディ) [名] a sweet food made from sugar or chocolate

discuss (議論する) [動] talk about

merit (長所) [名] the quality of being good and deserving praise

それから幕が下り、観客は休憩してキャンディを食べながら劇の長所について議論した。

A good deal of hammering went on before the curtain rose again, but when it became evident what a masterpiece of stage carpentery had been got up, no one murmured at the delay.

hammering (槌音) [名] the sound of a hammer

go on (続く) [動] continue

rise (上がる) [動] go up

masterpiece (傑作) [名] a work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship

stage carpentery (舞台大工) [名] the art or occupation of building stage sets

get up (完成する) [動] complete

delay (遅れ) [名] the time during which something is delayed or postponed

幕が再び上がるまでかなりの槌音が続いたが、舞台大工の傑作が完成したことが明らかになると、誰も遅れをつぶやくことはなかった。

It was truly superb.

truly (本当に) [副] in a true manner

superb (すばらしい) [形] extremely good; excellent

それは本当にすばらしかった。

A tower rose to the ceiling, halfway up appeared a window with a lamp burning in it, and behind the white curtain appeared Zara in a lovely blue and silver dress, waiting for Roderigo.

tower (塔) [名] a tall narrow building, either freestanding or forming part of a building such as a church or castle

rise (そびえる) [動] go up or increase

ceiling (天井) [名] the upper interior surface of a room or other similar compartment

halfway (途中) [副] at or to the middle point

behind (後ろ) [前] at or to the rear of

Zara (ザラ) [名] a Spanish clothing and accessories retailer based in Arteixo, Galicia

塔が天井までそびえ、途中にランプが灯った窓が現れ、白いカーテンの後ろに美しい青と銀のドレスを着たザラが現れ、ロデリゴを待っていた。

He came in gorgeous array, with plumed cap, red cloak, chestnut lovelocks, a guitar, and the boots, of course.

array (衣装) [名] an impressive display or range of a particular type of thing

plumed (羽飾りのついた) [形] having a plume

cap (帽子) [名] a head covering with a brim and no earflaps

chestnut (栗色) [名] a reddish-brown color

lovelock (愛の鍵) [名] a long lock of hair

彼は、羽飾りのついた帽子、赤いマント、栗色の愛の鍵、ギター、そしてもちろんブーツを身に着けて、豪華な衣装でやって来た。

Kneeling at the foot of the tower, he sang a serenade in melting tones.

kneel (ひざまずく) [動] be in or assume a position in which the body is supported by a bent knee or knees

foot (ふもと) [名] the end of the leg on which a person or animal stands or walks

serenade (セレナーデ) [名] a piece of music, typically played on a guitar or sung, that is addressed to a lover

塔のふもとにひざまずき、彼はとろけるような音色でセレナーデを歌った。

Zara replied and, after a musical dialogue, consented to fly.

musical (音楽的な) [形] of or relating to music

dialogue (対話) [名] a conversation between two or more people

consent (同意する) [動] give permission for something to happen

ザラは答え、音楽的な対話の後、逃げることに同意した。

Then came the grand effect of the play.

grand (壮大な) [形] impressive or imposing in size, extent, or conception

そして、劇の壮大な効果が現れた。

Roderigo produced a rope ladder, with five steps to it, threw up one end, and invited Zara to descend.

rope ladder (縄梯子) [名] a ladder made of rope

five (5) [数] the number 5

step (段) [名] a unit of distance

throw up (投げ上げる) [動] to vomit

invite (誘う) [動] ask someone to go somewhere or do something with you

descend (降りる) [動] move or fall downward

ロデリゴは5段の縄梯子を用意し、片方の端を投げ上げてザラに降りるように誘った。

Timidly she crept from her lattice, put her hand on Roderigo’s shoulder, and was about to leap gracefully down when “Alas! Alas for Zara!” she forgot her train.

timidly (恐る恐る) [副] in a timid manner

lattice (格子) [名] a structure consisting of a network of strips of wood or metal

about to (しようとする) [動] be on the point of doing something

leap (飛び降りる) [動] jump or spring a long way

gracefully (優雅に) [副] in a graceful manner

alas (ああ) [間] an expression of grief, regret, or disappointment

彼女は恐る恐る格子から這い出し、ロデリゴの肩に手を置き、優雅に飛び降りようとしたとき、「ああ! ザラのために!」彼女は自分の列車を忘れていた。

It caught in the window, the tower tottered, leaned forward, fell with a crash, and buried the unhappy lovers in the ruins.

catch (引っかかる) [動] get caught or trapped

totter (よろめく) [動] walk or move unsteadily

crash (音を立てる) [名] a loud noise as of something breaking or exploding

bury (埋める) [動] put or hide under the ground

unhappy (不幸な) [形] not happy

lover (恋人) [名] a person having a sexual or romantic relationship with another

それは窓に引っかかり、塔はよろめき、前傾し、音を立てて倒れ、不幸な恋人たちを廃墟に埋めた。

A universal shriek arose as the russet boots waved wildly from the wreck and a golden head emerged, exclaiming, “I told you so! I told you so!”

arise (上がる) [動] come into existence or prominence

universal (一斉の) [形] of, affecting, or done by all people or things in the world or in a particular group; general

wildly (激しく) [副] in a wild manner

wreck (残骸) [名] the remains of something that has been destroyed

emerge (現れる) [動] come out into view or existence

赤褐色のブーツが残骸から激しく揺れ、金色の頭が現れ、「言った通りでしょう! 言った通りでしょう!」と叫ぶと、一斉に悲鳴が上がった。

With wonderful presence of mind, Don Pedro, the cruel sire, rushed in, dragged out his daughter, with a hasty aside...

presence of mind (落ち着き払った態度) [名] the ability to think and act calmly and sensibly in a difficult situation

cruel (残酷な) [形] causing pain or suffering to others

sire (父) [名] a father

rush in (急いで入る) [動] to enter a place quickly

drag out (引きずり出す) [動] to pull something or someone out of a place with difficulty

hasty (急いで) [形] done or made too quickly and without enough thought or care

aside (脇に寄る) [名] a remark made in an undertone by an actor to the audience

残酷な父であるドン・ペドロは、素晴らしい落ち着き払った態度で、急いで娘を引きずり出し、急いで脇に寄った。

“Don’t laugh! Act as if it was all right!” and, ordering Roderigo up, banished him from the kingdom with wrath and scorn.

act (振る舞う) [動] behave in a specified way

banish (追放する) [動] expel from a country or place

kingdom (王国) [名] a country, state, or territory ruled by a king or queen

「笑うな! 何事もなかったように振る舞え!」と言い、ロデリゴに立ち上がるように命じ、怒りと軽蔑を込めて彼を王国から追放した。

Though decidedly shaken by the fall from the tower upon him, Roderigo defied the old gentleman and refused to stir.

shake (動揺する) [動] tremble or cause to tremble

defy (反抗する) [動] openly resist or refuse to obey

stir (動く) [動] change position, posture, or place

塔から落ちてきたことで明らかに動揺していたロデリゴは、老紳士に反抗し、動こうとしなかった。

This dauntless example fired Zara. She also defied her sire, and he ordered them both to the deepest dungeons of the castle.

dauntless (勇敢な) [形] showing a fearless and resolute spirit

example (例) [名] a particular thing, fact, or event that is used to illustrate a general rule

fire (興奮させる) [動] to make or become very enthusiastic or excited

deepest (最も深い) [形] of great depth

dungeon (地下牢) [名] a dark, damp underground prison cell

この勇敢な例にザラは興奮した。彼女も父に反抗し、父は二人を城の最も深い地下牢に連行するよう命じた。

A stout little retainer came in with chains and led them away, looking very much frightened and evidently forgetting the speech he ought to have made.

stout (頑丈な) [形] strong and thick

retainer (家臣) [名] a servant who is employed in a house

lead away (連れ去る) [動] take someone away

frightened (怯えた) [形] afraid

evidently (明らかに) [副] in a way that is obvious or easily seen or understood

make (言う) [動] say

頑丈な小柄な家臣が鎖を持って入ってきて、二人を連れ去ったが、とても怯えた様子で、言うべき言葉を忘れているようだった。

Act third was the castle hall, and here Hagar appeared, having come to free the lovers and finish Hugo.

act third (第三幕) [名] the third act of a play

castle hall (城の広間) [名] the main room of a castle

appear (登場した) [動] come into sight

free (解放する) [動] release from captivity or slavery

finish (倒す) [動] bring to an end; complete

第三幕は城の広間で、恋人たちを解放してヒューゴを倒すためにハガルが登場した。

She hears him coming and hides, sees him put the potions into two cups of wine and bid the timid little servant, “Bear them to the captives in their cells, and tell them I shall come anon.”

hide (隠れる) [動] be or go out of sight; be concealed

cup (杯) [名] a small bowl-shaped container with a handle, used for drinking from

wine (ワイン) [名] an alcoholic drink typically made from fermented grape juice

bid (言う) [動] utter (words)

bear (運ぶ) [動] carry

captive (捕虜) [名] a person who has been taken prisoner, especially in war

cell (独房) [名] a small room in a prison or police station where a prisoner is locked up

anon (すぐに) [副] soon; shortly

彼女は彼がやってくるのを聞き、隠れて、彼が薬を二杯のワインに入れて、臆病な小さな召使に「それを独房の捕虜たちに運んで、私がすぐに来ると伝えなさい」と言うのを見ます。

The servant takes Hugo aside to tell him something, and Hagar changes the cups for two others which are harmless.

take aside (脇に連れて行く) [動] take someone to a private place to talk to them

tell (告げる) [動] communicate information, facts, or news to someone in spoken or written words

召使はヒューゴを脇に連れて行き、何かを告げると、ハガルはカップを無害な別の二つと取り替える。

Ferdinando, the ‘minion’, carries them away, and Hagar puts back the cup which holds the poison meant for Roderigo.

Ferdinando (フェルディナンド) [名] a male given name

carry away (運び去る) [動] take or carry something to another place

put back (元に戻す) [動] return something to its original place

cup (カップ) [名] a small container with a handle, used for drinking from

poison (毒) [名] a substance that is harmful or fatal if ingested or absorbed

手下」のフェルディナンドがそれらを運び去り、ハガルはロデリゴに渡す毒の入ったカップを元に戻す。

Hugo, getting thirsty after a long warble, drinks it, loses his wits, and after a good deal of clutching and stamping, falls flat and dies, while Hagar informs him what she has done in a song of exquisite power and melody.

get thirsty (喉が渇く) [動] become thirsty

warble (歌) [名] a song or call of a bird

wit (正気) [名] the ability to think and reason in a clear and intelligent way

clutch (飲み込む) [動] grasp or hold something tightly

stamp (踏みつける) [動] bring down (one's foot) heavily on the ground

fall flat (倒れる) [動] fall to the ground

exquisite (絶妙な) [形] extremely beautiful or delicate

ヒューゴは長い歌の後に喉が渇き、それを飲んで、正気を失い、かなりの量を飲み込んで踏みつけた後、倒れて死んでしまうが、ハガルは絶妙な力とメロディーの歌で自分がしたことを彼に告げる。

This was a truly thrilling scene, though some persons might have thought that the sudden tumbling down of a quantity of long red hair rather marred the effect of the villain’s death.

scene (場面) [名] a place where an event occurs

person (人) [名] a human being

might (かもしれない) [助] have the possibility of

have thought (思う) [動] have as one's opinion

sudden (突然の) [形] happening or done quickly and without warning

tumbling down (落ちる) [動] fall suddenly

quantity (量) [名] a specified or indefinite number or amount

mar (損なう) [動] impair the quality of

これは本当にスリリングな場面だったが、長い赤毛が突然落ちてきたことで悪役の死の効果が損なわれたと思う人もいるかもしれない。

He was called before the curtain, and with great propriety appeared, leading Hagar, whose singing was considered more wonderful than all the rest of the performance put together.

propriety (適切) [名] the state or quality of being proper or suitable

appear (登場する) [動] to come into sight

lead (先導する) [動] to show the way to

singing (歌) [名] the act of producing musical sounds with the voice

performance (演奏) [名] the act of performing

put together (合わせる) [動] to combine or join

彼はカーテンの前に呼ばれ、ハガルを先導して、とても適切に登場したが、ハガルの歌は他のすべての演奏を合わせたよりも素晴らしいと考えられていた。

Act fourth displayed the despairing Roderigo on the point of stabbing himself because he has been told that Zara has deserted him.

act fourth (第四幕) [名] the fourth act of a play

display (描く) [動] to show or make visible

on the point of (しようとする) [副] very close to doing something

stab (刺す) [動] to pierce or wound with a pointed weapon

himself (自分) [代] the male person or animal who is being discussed

because (ので) [接] for the reason that

desert (捨てる) [動] to leave someone who needs or depends on you

第四幕では、ザラが自分を捨てたと聞かされた絶望したロデリゴが自らを刺そうとする場面が描かれた。

Just as the dagger is at his heart, a lovely song is sung under his window, informing him that Zara is true but in danger, and he can save her if he will.

heart (心臓) [名] a hollow muscular organ that pumps blood through the blood vessels by rhythmic contraction and dilation

save (救う) [動] make or keep safe or rescue from harm, risk, or loss

短剣が彼の心臓に突き刺さったちょうどその時、彼の窓の下で美しい歌が歌われ、ザラは真実だが危険にさらされていること、そして彼が望むなら彼女を救うことができることを告げる。

A key is thrown in, which unlocks the door, and in a spasm of rapture he tears off his chains and rushes away to find and rescue his lady love.

throw in (投げ込む) [動] throw something into something

unlock (開ける) [動] open something that is locked

tear off (引きちぎる) [動] pull something off something with force

rush away (駆け出す) [動] run away quickly

rescue (救い出す) [動] save someone or something from danger or harm

鍵が投げ込まれ、ドアの鍵が開けられ、彼は歓喜のあまり鎖を引きちぎり、愛する女性を見つけて救い出すために駆け出す。

Act fifth opened with a stormy scene between Zara and Don Pedro.

act fifth (第五幕) [名] the fifth act of a play

open (幕を開ける) [動] start or begin

stormy (嵐の) [形] characterized by strong winds and usually rain, snow, or hail

scene (シーン) [名] a division of a play

第五幕はザラとドン・ペドロの間の嵐のシーンで幕を開けた。

He wishes her to go into a convent, but she won’t hear of it, and after a touching appeal, is about to faint when Roderigo dashes in and demands her hand.

convent (修道院) [名] a community of nuns living together

hear of (聞く) [動] be told or informed about

after (後に) [前] later or following (the event mentioned)

appeal (訴え) [名] a serious or urgent request, typically one made to the public

about to (しそうになる) [動] very likely to do or experience something very soon

dash (駆け込む) [動] run or travel somewhere in a great hurry

彼は彼女に修道院に入ることを望むが、彼女はそれを聞いてくれず、感動的な訴えの後、ロデリゴが駆け込んで彼女の手を要求したときには気絶しそうになる。

Don Pedro refuses, because he is not rich.

refuse (断る) [動] express unwillingness to do or accept something

ドン・ペドロは金持ちではないので断る。

They shout and gesticulate tremendously but cannot agree, and Rodrigo is about to bear away the exhausted Zara, when the timid servant enters with a letter and a bag from Hagar, who has mysteriously disappeared.

shout (叫ぶ) [動] utter a loud cry

gesticulate (身振り手振りで訴える) [動] make gestures

bear away (連れ去る) [動] carry away

exhausted (疲れ果てた) [形] extremely tired

enter (入る) [動] come or go into

bag (袋) [名] a container made of flexible material with an opening at the top

mysteriously (謎の) [副] in a way that is mysterious

彼らは激しく叫び、身振り手振りで訴えるが、合意には至らず、ロドリゴが疲れ果てたザラを連れ去ろうとしたとき、臆病な召使が、謎の失踪を遂げたハガルからの手紙と袋を持って入ってくる。

The latter informs the party that she bequeaths untold wealth to the young pair and an awful doom to Don Pedro, if he doesn’t make them happy.

latter (後者) [名] the second of two things mentioned

bequeath (遺贈する) [動] leave (something) to someone in a will

untold (莫大な) [形] too much or too many to be counted

wealth (富) [名] a large amount of money or valuable possessions

pair (二人) [名] two people or things of the same sort considered together

doom (運命) [名] death, destruction, or some other terrible fate

後者は、彼女が若い二人に莫大な富を遺贈し、ドン・ペドロが彼らを幸せにしなければ恐ろしい運命をたどることを一行に告げる。

The bag is opened, and several quarts of tin money shower down upon the stage till it is quite glorified with the glitter.

several (数) [形] more than two but not very many

quart (クォート) [名] a unit of liquid volume equal to two pints

shower (降り注ぐ) [動] fall or cause to fall in large quantities

stage (ステージ) [名] a raised floor or platform on which actors, entertainers, or speakers perform

glitter (キラキラ) [名] a bright, sparkling light

袋が開けられ、数クォートものブリキのお金がステージに降り注ぎ、キラキラと輝くようになる。

This entirely softens the stern sire.

entirely (すっかり) [副] completely

stern (厳しい) [形] strict or severe in manner or attitude

sire (父親) [名] a father, especially of an animal

これで厳しい父親もすっかり丸くなる。

He consents without a murmur, all join in a joyful chorus, and the curtain falls upon the lovers kneeling to receive Don Pedro’s blessing in attitudes of the most romantic grace.

murmur (つぶやく) [動] say something in a low voice

join (加わる) [動] become a member of

chorus (合唱) [名] a group of people who sing together

receive (受ける) [動] be given, presented with, or paid something

blessing (祝福) [名] a prayer asking for divine favor and protection

attitude (態度) [名] a way of thinking or feeling about someone or something

romantic (ロマンチックな) [形] having or showing an interest in or a feeling of love

grace (優雅さ) [名] a way of moving that is smooth and attractive

彼はつぶやくこともなく同意し、皆が喜びの合唱に加わり、幕は恋人たちが最もロマンチックな優雅な態度でドン・ペドロの祝福を受けるためにひざまずくところで下りる。

Tumultuous applause followed but received an unexpected check, for the cot bed, on which the dress circle was built, suddenly shut up and extinguished the enthusiastic audience.

tumultuous (大喝采) [形] very loud or violent

applause (拍手) [名] the clapping of hands as a sign of approval

unexpected (予想外) [形] not expected or regarded as likely to happen

check (チェック) [名] a mark (✓) to show that something has been noted or completed

cot bed (簡易ベッド) [名] a small bed, especially one with a folding frame

shut up (閉まる) [動] close or be closed

extinguish (消す) [動] cause to stop burning or shining

enthusiastic (熱狂的) [形] having or showing great interest or excitement

大喝采が続いたが、ドレスサークルが作られた簡易ベッドが突然閉まって熱狂的な観客を消してしまったため、予想外のチェックを受けた。

Roderigo and Don Pedro flew to the rescue, and all were taken out unhurt, though many were speechless with laughter.

rescue (救助) [名] the action of saving someone or something from danger or distress

all (全員) [代] the whole quantity or extent

unhurt (無傷で) [形] not injured or damaged

many (多くの) [形] a large number of

speechless (言葉を失う) [形] unable to speak

ロデリゴとドン・ペドロが救助に飛び、多くの人が笑いすぎて言葉を失っていたが、全員が無傷で救出された。

The excitement had hardly subsided when Hannah appeared, with “Mrs. March’s compliments, and would the ladies walk down to supper.”

hardly (ほとんどない) [副] almost not

compliment (挨拶) [名] a polite expression of praise or admiration

lady (お嬢様) [名] a well-mannered and considerate woman

walk down (降りる) [動] go down

興奮が収まらないうちにハンナが現れ、「奥様がご挨拶を申し上げます。お嬢様方、夕食にいらしてください」と言った。

This was a surprise even to the actors, and when they saw the table, they looked at one another in rapturous amazement.

surprise (驚き) [名] an unexpected event

rapturous (狂喜した) [形] feeling or expressing great happiness or joy

amazement (驚き) [名] a feeling of great surprise or wonder

これは俳優たちにとっても驚きであり、テーブルを見たとき、彼らは狂喜して驚きながら互いに顔を見合わせた。

It was like Marmee to get up a little treat for them, but anything so fine as this was unheard of since the departed days of plenty.

get up (用意する) [動] prepare or make ready

unheard of (聞いたことがない) [形] not known or not experienced before

ママが彼女たちのためにちょっとしたごちそうを用意するのはよくあることだったが、これほど素晴らしいものは、豊かな時代が去って以来聞いたことがなかった。

There was ice cream, actually two dishes of it, pink and white, and cake and fruit and distracting French bonbons and, in the middle of the table, four great bouquets of hot house flowers.

ice cream (アイスクリーム) [名] a frozen dessert made from milk, cream, and other ingredients

actually (実際に) [副] in fact; really

pink (ピンク) [名] a light shade of red

fruit (フルーツ) [名] the sweet and fleshy product of a tree or other plant that contains seed and can be eaten as food

distracting (気を散らす) [形] causing someone to lose concentration

French (フランスの) [形] of or relating to France or its people or language

bonbon (ボンボン) [名] a small, round, hard candy

bouquet (花束) [名] a bunch of flowers arranged together

hot house (温室) [名] a heated building in which plants are grown

アイスクリームはピンクと白の2皿、ケーキ、フルーツ、気を散らすフランスのボンボン、そしてテーブルの真ん中には温室の花の大きな花束が4つあった。

It quite took their breath away, and they stared first at the table and then at their mother, who looked as if she enjoyed it immensely.

take one's breath away (息もつかせない) [動] to be very impressive or beautiful

stare (見つめる) [動] to look fixedly or intently

first (まず) [副] before anything else; initially

immensely (とても) [副] to a great extent; extremely

彼女たちは息もつかせず、まずテーブルを見つめ、それから母親を見つめたが、母親はそれをとても楽しんでいるようだった。

“Is it fairies?” asked Amy.

fairy (妖精) [名] a small imaginary being of human form that has magical powers and lives in the woods

「妖精?」とエイミーが尋ねた。

“Santa Claus,” said Beth.

Santa Claus (サンタクロース) [名] a legendary figure who brings presents to children on Christmas Eve

「サンタクロース」とベスが言った。

“Mother did it.”

「ママがやったの」

And Meg smiled her sweetest, in spite of her gray beard and white eyebrows.

gray beard (灰色の髭) [名] a beard that is gray in color

white eyebrows (白い眉毛) [名] eyebrows that are white in color

sweetest (最高の) [形] very pleasing or delightful

そしてメグは、灰色の髭と白い眉毛にもかかわらず、最高の笑顔を見せた。

“Aunt March had a good fit and sent the supper,” cried Jo, with a sudden inspiration.

Aunt March (マーチおばさん) [名] the aunt of the March sisters

have a good fit (気分が良くなる) [動] to be in a good mood

inspiration (ひらめき) [名] a sudden brilliant, creative, or timely idea

「マーチおばさんが気分が良くなって夕食を送ってくれたのよ」とジョーは突然ひらめいて叫んだ。

“All wrong. Old Mr. Laurence sent it,” replied Mrs. March.

all wrong (全部間違ってる) [形] completely incorrect

old (老) [形] having lived for a long time

Mr. Laurence (ローレンス老氏) [名] the old man who lives next door

「全部間違ってる。ローレンス老氏が送ってくれたのよ」とマーチ夫人は答えた。

“The Laurence boy’s grandfather!

Laurence (ローレンス) [名] a family name

boy (少年) [名] a male child or young man

grandfather (おじいさん) [名] the father of one's father or mother

「ローレンス家の少年のおじいさん!

What in the world put such a thing into his head?

what in the world (いったい何) [名] an expression of surprise or annoyance

such a thing (そんな考え) [名] something of the type mentioned

いったい何が彼の頭にそんな考えを入れたのでしょう?

We don’t know him!” exclaimed Meg.

私たちは彼を知らないよ!」とメグは叫んだ。

“Hannah told one of his servants about your breakfast party.

one (一人) [名] the lowest cardinal number

party (会) [名] a social gathering of invited guests

「ハンナが彼の召使の一人にあなたたちの朝食会のことを話したんだ。

He is an odd old gentleman, but that pleased him.

odd (風変わりな) [形] different from what is usual or expected

please (喜ばせる) [動] cause to feel happy or satisfied

彼は風変わりな老紳士だが、それが彼を喜ばせた。

He knew my father years ago, and he sent me a polite note this afternoon, saying he hoped I would allow him to express his friendly feeling toward my children by sending them a few trifles in honor of the day.

years ago (昔) [副] a long time ago

this afternoon (今日の午後) [名] the afternoon of the current day

note (手紙) [名] a short letter

polite (丁寧な) [形] showing good manners

express (表現する) [動] show or convey (a thought or feeling)

friendly (友好的な) [形] kind and pleasant

trifle (ささいなもの) [名] something of little value or importance

honor (記念する) [動] regard with great respect

彼は昔私の父を知っていて、今日の午後私に丁寧な手紙を送り、この日を記念して私の子供たちにいくつかのささいなものを送ることで、子供たちに対する友好的な気持ちを表現させてほしいと言ってきました。

I could not refuse, and so you have a little feast at night to make up for the bread-and-milk breakfast.”

make up for (埋め合わせる) [動] compensate for

feast (ごちそう) [名] a large meal, typically one in celebration of something

私は断ることができなかったので、パンとミルクの朝食の埋め合わせに夜はちょっとしたごちそうを食べなさい。」

“That boy put it into his head, I know he did!

put (吹き込む) [動] cause to be in a specified state

「あの子が彼の頭にそれを吹き込んだのよ、そうに違いないよ!

He’s a capital fellow, and I wish we could get acquainted.

capital (素晴らしい) [形] of the highest quality

fellow (仲間) [名] a man or boy

get acquainted (知り合いになる) [動] come to know someone or something

彼は素晴らしい仲間で、知り合いになれたらいいなと思う。

He looks as if he’d like to know us but he’s bashful, and Meg is so prim she won’t let me speak to him when we pass,” said Jo, as the plates went round, and the ice began to melt out of sight, with ohs and ahs of satisfaction.

look as if (~のように見える) [動] appear to be

bashful (恥ずかしがり屋) [形] shy

pass (通り過ぎる) [動] go past

ice (氷) [名] water in its solid form

melt (溶ける) [動] change from a solid to a liquid

sight (視界) [名] the ability to see

satisfaction (満足) [名] the feeling of fulfillment or happiness

彼は私たちと知り合いになりたいと思っているように見えるけど、恥ずかしがり屋で、メグはすまし顔で、私たちが通り過ぎるときに彼に話しかけさせてくれないんだ」とジョーは言い、お皿が回り、満足の声を上げながら氷が溶け始めた。

“You mean the people who live in the big house next door, don’t you?” asked one of the girls.

mean (言っている) [動] intend to convey

live (住んでいる) [動] have as one's permanent home

ask (つぶやいた) [動] say something in a low voice

「隣の大きな家に住んでいる人のことね?」と少女の一人がつぶやいた。

“My mother knows old Mr. Laurence, but says he’s very proud and doesn’t like to mix with his neighbors.

Mr. Laurence (ローレンス氏) [名] a man

mix (交わる) [動] be or become combined or mixed

「私の母はローレンス老人を知っているけど、彼はとてもプライドが高くて近所の人と交わるのを好まないらしいよ。

He keeps his grandson shut up, when he isn’t riding or walking with his tutor, and makes him study very hard.

keep (閉じ込める) [動] to cause to remain in a specified state

shut up (閉じ込める) [動] to confine or imprison

grandson (孫) [名] the son of one's son or daughter

ride (乗馬) [名] the activity of riding a horse

walk (散歩) [名] the activity of going for a walk

tutor (家庭教師) [名] a private teacher

study (勉強) [名] the devotion of time and attention to gaining knowledge especially by means of books

彼は孫を、家庭教師と乗馬や散歩をしていないときは閉じ込めて、とても熱心に勉強させている。

We invited him to our party, but he didn’t come.

invite (招待する) [動] ask someone to come to an event

私たちは彼をパーティーに招待したけど、彼は来なかった。

Mother says he’s very nice, though he never speaks to us girls.”

speak (話す) [動] make sounds with the vocal organs

母は、彼は私たち女の子とは話さないけど、とても良い人だと言っていよ。」

“Our cat ran away once, and he brought her back, and we talked over the fence, and were getting on capitally, all about cricket, and so on, when he saw Meg coming, and walked off.

cat (猫) [名] a small domesticated carnivorous mammal with soft fur, a short snout, and retractile claws

run away (逃げ出す) [動] leave a place or situation hurriedly

bring back (連れ戻す) [動] cause to return

fence (塀) [名] a barrier enclosing an area of ground to control access or escape

cricket (クリケット) [名] a game played with a ball and bat by two teams of 11 players on a field at the center of which is a 22-yard (20-meter) pitch with a wicket at each end

walk off (歩き去る) [動] leave a place by walking

「うちの猫が一度逃げ出したんだけど、彼が連れ戻してくれたの。それで私たちは塀越しに話しをして、クリケットのことなど、とてもうまくやっていたのに、彼はメグが来るのを見ると、歩き去ってしまったよ。

I mean to know him some day, for he needs fun, I’m sure he does,” said Jo decidedly.

some day (いつか) [副] at some unspecified time in the future

I'm sure (きっと) [副] certainly; definitely

decidedly (断言した) [副] in a manner that shows that one is determined and not going to change one's mind

いつか彼と知り合いになるつもりよ、だって彼には楽しみが必要だもの、きっとそうよ」とジョーは断言した。

“I like his manners, and he looks like a little gentleman, so I’ve no objection to your knowing him, if a proper opportunity comes.

look like (見える) [動] have the appearance of

no objection (反対しない) [名] a statement that you do not disagree with or oppose something

proper (適当な) [形] suitable or appropriate in the circumstances

opportunity (機会) [名] a time or set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something

「彼の態度は気に入っているし、彼は小さな紳士のように見えるから、適当な機会があれば、彼と知り合うことに反対はしないよ。

He brought the flowers himself, and I should have asked him in, if I had been sure what was going on upstairs.

bring (持ってくる) [動] cause to come or go with oneself

flower (花) [名] the seed-bearing part of a plant

himself (自分で) [代] that male person or animal

ask (招き入れる) [動] request to come or go with oneself

in (中) [副] to or toward the inside

彼は自分で花を持ってきたの、もし二階で何が起こっているか分かっていたら、彼を招き入れたんだけど。

He looked so wistful as he went away, hearing the frolic and evidently having none of his own.”

wistful (物欲しそう) [形] having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing

frolic (はしゃぎ声) [名] a cheerful, lively, or playful activity

彼は、はしゃぎ声を聞きながら、自分は何も持っていないことを明らかにしながら、去っていくとき、とても物欲しそうに見えたよ。」

“It’s a mercy you didn’t, Mother!” laughed Jo, looking at her boots.

mercy (よかった) [名] compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm

「そうしなくてよかったよ、ママ!」とジョーは自分のブーツを見ながら笑った。

“But we’ll have another play sometime that he can see.

have (やる) [動] perform

sometime (いつか) [副] at some unspecified or unknown time in the future

「でも、いつか彼が見られる別の劇をやろう。

Perhaps he’ll help act.

もしかしたら彼が演技を手伝ってくれるかもしれない。

Wouldn’t that be jolly?”

be jolly (楽しい) [動] full of fun and good humor

それは楽しいことじゃない?」

“I never had such a fine bouquet before!

fine (素敵な) [形] of high quality

「こんな素敵な花束をもらったのは初めて!

How pretty it is!”

how (なんて) [副] to what extent or degree

なんてきれいなの!」

And Meg examined her flowers with great interest.

great interest (興味深そうに) [名] a feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone

そしてメグは花を興味深そうに調べた。

“They are lovely.

lovely (きれい) [形] very beautiful or attractive

「きれい。

But Beth’s roses are sweeter to me,” said Mrs. March, smelling the half-dead posy in her belt.

smell (匂いをかぐ) [動] perceive or detect the odor of

half-dead (半分枯れた) [形] almost dead

posy (花束) [名] a small bunch of flowers

でもベスのバラの方が私には甘く感じるよ」とマーチ夫人はベルトにさした半分枯れた花束の匂いをかいだ。

Beth nestled up to her, and whispered softly, “I wish I could send my bunch to Father.

nestle up to (寄り添う) [動] move or sit close to someone or something

bunch (花束) [名] a collection of things

ベスは彼女に寄り添い、そっとささやいた。「私の花束をパパに送れたらいいのに。

I’m afraid he isn’t having such a merry Christmas as we are.”

be afraid (思う) [動] to think or believe

have (過ごす) [動] experience

merry Christmas (楽しいクリスマス) [名] a Christmas that is full of joy and happiness

パパは私たちほど楽しいクリスマスを過ごしていないと思うの。」

CHAPTER THREE: THE LAURENCE BOY

CHAPTER THREE (第3章) [名] the third chapter

LAURENCE BOY (ローレンス家の少年) [名] a boy from the Laurence family

第3章: ローレンス家の少年

“Jo! Jo! Where are you?” cried Meg at the foot of the garret stairs.

foot (下) [名] the lowest part of something

garret (屋根裏部屋) [名] a room in the attic

「ジョー! ジョー! どこにいるの?」屋根裏部屋の階段の下でメグが叫んだ。

“Here!” answered a husky voice from above, and, running up, Meg found her sister eating apples and crying over the Heir of Redclyffe, wrapped up in a comforter on an old three-legged sofa by the sunny window.

run up (駆け上がる) [動] go up quickly

wrap up (巻き付ける) [動] cover or enclose with paper or other material

comforter (掛け布団) [名] a thick, warm quilt

three-legged (三本足の) [形] having three legs

sunny (日当たりの良い) [形] exposed to the sun

「ここよ!」と上からかすれた声が答え、メグが駆け上がると、妹は日当たりの良い窓際の古い三本足のソファに掛け布団を巻き付け、リンゴを食べながらレッドクリフの相続人を読んで泣いていた。

This was Jo’s favorite refuge, and here she loved to retire with half a dozen russets and a nice book, to enjoy the quiet and the society of a pet rat who lived near by and didn’t mind her a particle.

favorite (お気に入り) [形] preferred before all others

refuge (隠れ場所) [名] a place that provides shelter or protection

half a dozen (半ダース) [名] six

russet (ラセット) [名] a reddish-brown color

mind (気にする) [動] be worried or concerned about

ここはジョーのお気に入りの隠れ場所で、彼女はここに半ダースのラセットと素敵な本を持って引退し、近くに住んでいて彼女を少しも気にしないペットのネズミとの静かな交際を楽しむのが好きだった。

As Meg appeared, Scrabble whisked into his hole.

メグが現れると、スクラブルは穴に飛び込んだ。

Jo shook the tears off her cheeks and waited to hear the news.

shake off (振り払う) [動] get rid of

ジョーは頬から涙を振り払い、知らせを聞くのを待った。

“Such fun! Only see! A regular note of invitation from Mrs. Gardiner for tomorrow night!” cried Meg, waving the precious paper and then proceeding to read it with girlish delight.

such fun (なんて楽しいの) [名] a lot of fun

only see (見て) [動] look at

regular note (正式な招待状) [名] a formal invitation

Mrs. Gardiner (ガーディナー夫人) [名] the wife of Mr. Gardiner

tomorrow night (明日の夜) [名] the night of the day after today

wave (振り回す) [動] to move something up and down or from side to side

precious (大切な) [形] of great value or worth

proceed (読み始める) [動] to go on to do something

girlish (少女のような) [形] like a girl

delight (喜び) [名] a feeling of great pleasure

「なんて楽しいの! 見て! 明日の夜のガーディナー夫人からの正式な招待状よ!」とメグは叫び、大切な紙を振り回してから、少女のような喜びでそれを読み始めた。

“‘Mrs. Gardiner would be happy to see Miss March and Miss Josephine at a little dance on New Year’s Eve.’

be happy to (光栄に思う) [動] be glad or pleased to

Miss Josephine (ジョセフィン嬢) [名] the second daughter of the March family

New Year's Eve (大晦日) [名] the day before New Year's Day

「『ガーディナー夫人は、大晦日の小さなダンスパーティーでマーチ嬢とジョセフィン嬢にお会いできることをとても光栄に思っています。』

Marmee is willing we should go, now what shall we wear?”

be willing (許可する) [動] be ready, eager, or prepared to do something

ママは私たちが行くのを許可してくれているよ、何を着ようかしら?」

“What’s the use of asking that, when you know we shall wear our poplins, because we haven’t got anything else?”

use (使い道) [名] the purpose for which something is designed or intended

poplin (ポプリン) [名] a strong fabric of cotton with a corded surface

「他に何も持っていないから、ポプリンを着るしかないのに、そんなことを尋ねてどうするの?」

answered Jo with her mouth full.

full (いっぱい) [形] containing or holding as much or as many as possible

と口いっぱいに食べ物を頬張りながらジョーが答えた。

“If I only had a silk!” sighed Meg.

silk (絹) [名] a fine, strong, soft, lustrous fiber produced by silkworms and used to make textiles and clothing

「絹のドレスがあったら!」とメグはため息をついた。

“Mother says I may when I’m eighteen perhaps, but two years is an everlasting time to wait.”

eighteen (18歳) [名] the number 18

two years (2年) [名] the number 2

everlasting (永遠に感じる) [形] lasting forever; eternal

「ママは私が18歳になったら着てもいいかもしれないと言っているけれど、2年待つのは永遠に感じるよ。」

“I’m sure our pops look like silk, and they are nice enough for us.

「私たちのポプリンは絹のように見えるし、私たちには十分素敵よ。

Yours is as good as new, but I forgot the burn and the tear in mine.

as good as new (新品同様) [形] in as good a condition as when new

burn (焦げ目) [名] a mark or injury caused by burning

tear (破れ目) [名] a hole or gap caused by tearing

あなたのは新品同様だけど、私は自分のドレスの焦げ目と破れ目を忘れていたよ。

Whatever shall I do?

whatever (どうしたらいいのかしら) [名] no matter what

私はどうしたらいいのかしら?

The burn shows badly, and I can’t take any out.”

show (目立つ) [動] be noticeable or prominent

badly (ひどく) [副] in a bad manner

焦げ目がひどく目立つし、取り除くこともできないよ。」

“You must sit still all you can and keep your back out of sight.

sit still (じっと座る) [動] to sit without moving

keep out of sight (見えないようにする) [動] to remain hidden or unseen

「できるだけじっと座って、背中が見えないようにしなくちゃ。

The front is all right.

front (前) [名] the side or part of something that faces forward or toward the viewer

前は大丈夫よ。

I shall have a new ribbon for my hair, and Marmee will lend me her little pearl pin, and my new slippers are lovely, and my gloves will do, though they aren’t as nice as I’d like.”

pearl (真珠) [名] a hard, roundish object produced within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk

pin (ピン) [名] a small, thin, sharp piece of metal with a pointed end and a round head, used especially for fastening pieces of cloth together

do (これでいい) [動] be satisfactory or acceptable

髪に新しいリボンを結び、ママは小さな真珠のピンを貸してくれるし、新しいスリッパは素敵だし、手袋は私の望むほど素敵ではないけれど、これでいいよ。」

“Mine are spoiled with lemonade, and I can’t get any new ones, so I shall have to go without,” said Jo, who never troubled herself much about dress.

spoil (汚れる) [動] become bad or rotten

lemonade (レモネード) [名] a drink made from lemon juice, sugar, and water

go without (なしで行く) [動] not have or use something

trouble (気をつかう) [動] worry or be worried

dress (服装) [名] the way that someone dresses

「私のはレモネードで汚れちゃったし、新しいのは買えないから、なしで行かなきゃ」と、服装にあまり気を使わないジョーは言った。

“You must have gloves, or I won’t go,” cried Meg decidedly.

decidedly (断固として) [副] in a determined manner

「手袋をしないと行かないよ」とメグは断固として言った。

“Gloves are more important than anything else.

important (大事) [形] of great significance or value

「手袋は何よりも大事よ。

You can’t dance without them, and if you don’t I should be so mortified.”

without (なしで) [前] not having or not accompanied by

if (もし) [接] on the condition or supposition that; in the event that

don't (しなければ) [助] do not

should (だろう) [助] used to express a duty or obligation

be mortified (恥ずかしい) [動] feel very embarrassed or ashamed

手袋なしで踊れないし、踊らなかったら私はとても恥ずかしいよ。」

“Then I’ll stay still.

stay still (行かない) [動] not move

「じゃあ、行かないよ。

I don’t care much for company dancing.

care (気にする) [動] feel concern or interest

company (社交) [名] the fact or condition of being with another person or other people

社交ダンスなんてどうでもいいよ。

It’s no fun to go sailing round.

go sailing (ぐるぐる回る) [動] to sail around

no fun (楽しくない) [形] not enjoyable

ぐるぐる回るのは楽しくないよ。

I like to fly about and cut capers.”

cut capers (はしゃぐ) [動] act in a playful manner

飛び回って、はしゃぐのが好きだよ。」

“You can’t ask Mother for new ones, they are so expensive, and you are so careless.

new (新しい) [形] recently made, produced, or created

expensive (高価な) [形] costing a lot of money

careless (不注意な) [形] not giving sufficient attention or care to avoiding harm or errors

「ママに新しいのを頼むわけにはいかないよ、とても高価だし、君は不注意すぎる。

She said when you spoiled the others that she shouldn’t get you any more this winter.

this winter (今冬) [名] the season of winter in the current year

ママは君が他のものを台無しにした時、今冬はもう君に買わないと言っていた。

Can’t you make them do?”

なんとかならないの?」

“I can hold them crumpled up in my hand, so no one will know how stained they are.

hold (握りしめる) [動] grasp and keep

crumple (くしゃくしゃにする) [動] crush or become crushed into a mass of wrinkles

stain (汚れる) [動] make or become dirty or discolored

「手でくしゃくしゃに握りしめてしまえば、誰もどれだけ汚れているかわからないよ。

That’s all I can do.

be all (全てである) [動] be the only thing available

can do (できる) [動] be able to do

それが私にできる全てよ。

No! I’ll tell you how we can manage, each wear one good one and carry a bad one.

いいえ! どうすればいいか教えてあげる、それぞれ良いものを履いて、悪いものを持てばいいのよ。

Don’t you see?”

わからない?」

“Your hands are bigger than mine, and you will stretch my glove dreadfully,” began Meg, whose gloves were a tender point with her.

stretch (伸ばす) [動] to extend or be extended

dreadfully (ひどく) [副] in a dreadful manner

begin (言い始める) [動] to start to do something

tender (弱い) [形] easily damaged or injured

point (点) [名] a particular place, especially one with an established purpose

「あなたの手は私より大きいし、私の手袋をひどく伸ばしてしまうよ」とメグは言い始めたが、手袋は彼女にとって弱点だった。

“Then I’ll go without.

「それなら手袋なしで行くよ。

I don’t care what people say!” cried Jo, taking up her book.

take up (取り上げる) [動] start doing or studying something

人が何を言おうと気にしないよ!」とジョーは叫び、本を取り上げた。

“You may have it, you may!

may (あげてもいいよ) [助] be allowed to; be permitted to

「あなたにあげてもいいよ、あげてもいいよ!

Only don’t stain it, and do behave nicely.

汚さないで、行儀よくしてね。

Don’t put your hands behind you, or stare, or say ‘Christopher Columbus!’ will you?”

put one's hands behind (手を後ろに回す) [動] put one's hands behind one's back

Christopher Columbus (クリストファー・コロンブス) [名] Italian explorer who led the first European expeditions to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America

手を後ろに回したり、じろじろ見たり、「クリストファー・コロンブス!」なんて言ったりしないでね?」

“Don’t worry about me.

worry (心配する) [動] feel or show concern or anxiety

「私のことは心配しないで。

I’ll be as prim as I can and not get into any scrapes, if I can help it.

as prim as I can (できるだけ上品に) [副] as properly as I can

get into (巻き込まれる) [動] become involved in

scrape (トラブル) [名] a difficult or unpleasant situation

できるだけ上品にして、できればトラブルに巻き込まれないようにするよ。

Now go and answer your note, and let me finish this splendid story.”

answer (返事する) [動] say or write something in reply

さあ、行って返事してきなさい。私はこの素晴らしい物語を終わらせるよ。」

So Meg went away to ‘accept with thanks’, look over her dress, and sing blithely as she did up her one real lace frill, while Jo finished her story, her four apples, and had a game of romps with Scrabble.

accept (お受けする) [動] take or receive something offered

blithely (陽気に) [副] in a cheerful manner

do up (着ける) [動] fasten or close

real (本物の) [形] not imitation or artificial; genuine

lace (レース) [名] a delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open pattern

frill (フリル) [名] a strip of gathered or pleated material used as a trimming

finish (書き終える) [動] bring to an end

apple (リンゴ) [名] a round fruit with red, green, or yellow skin and sweet white flesh

romp (追いかけっこ) [名] a game of play or sport, especially a competitive one played according to rules and decided by skill, strength, or luck

メグは「喜んでお受けします」と返事しに行って、ドレスを点検し、本物のレースのフリルを着けながら陽気に歌い、その間にジョーは物語を書き終え、リンゴを4つ食べ、スクラブルと追いかけっこをした。

On New Year’s Eve the parlor was deserted, for the two younger girls played dressing maids and the two elder were absorbed in the all-important business of ‘getting ready for the party’.

desert (空っぽ) [形] empty

younger (下の) [形] having lived or existed for a shorter period of time

play (遊ぶ) [動] engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose

dressing maid (着せ替え人形) [名] a doll with a variety of clothes that can be put on and taken off

elder (上の) [形] of or relating to a person of advanced age

be absorbed in (没頭する) [動] be deeply interested in

all-important (大事な) [形] of the greatest importance

business (仕事) [名] a person's regular occupation, profession, or trade

get ready (準備) [動] prepare oneself for something

大晦日には居間は空っぽだった。下の二人の娘は着せ替え人形で遊び、上の二人は「パーティーの準備」という大事な仕事に没頭していた。

Simple as the toilets were, there was a great deal of running up and down, laughing and talking, and at one time a strong smell of burned hair pervaded the house.

simple (簡単) [形] easy to understand or do

toilet (身支度) [名] the process of dressing and preparing oneself

run up and down (走り回る) [動] run around

at one time (一時) [副] formerly

smell (匂い) [名] the property of a substance that has an effect on the olfactory organs

身支度は簡単だったが、大いに走り回り、笑い、話し、一時、焼けた髪の強い匂いが家中に充満した。

Meg wanted a few curls about her face, and Jo undertook to pinch the papered locks with a pair of hot tongs.

undertake (挟む) [動] to attempt or try to do something

pinch (挟む) [動] to grip tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points

lock (髪) [名] a strand or portion of hair

tong (トング) [名] a tool for grasping and holding consisting of two parts joined at one end by a pivot or hinge

メグは顔の周りに少しカールした髪が欲しかったので、ジョーは熱いトングで紙を巻いた髪を挟んだ。

“Ought they to smoke like that?” asked Beth from her perch on the bed.

smoke (吸う) [動] inhale and exhale the smoke of a burning or smoldering substance, especially tobacco

like that (あんなに) [副] to that extent; so much

「あんなに煙草を吸っていいの?」ベスがベッドの上の止まり木から尋ねた。

“It’s the dampness drying,” replied Jo.

dampness (湿気) [名] a small amount of water or other liquid diffused or condensed in a small area

dry (乾く) [動] become dry or drier

「湿気が乾く音よ」とジョーは答えた。

“What a queer smell!

「変な匂い!

It’s like burned feathers,” observed Amy, smoothing her own pretty curls with a superior air.

feather (羽) [名] one of the light appendages growing from a bird's skin

smooth (撫でる) [動] make smooth or even

superior (優越感のある) [形] higher in rank, status, or quality

焦げた羽の匂いみたい」とエイミーは自分のきれいなカールを優越感のある態度で撫でながら言った。

“There, now I’ll take off the papers and you’ll see a cloud of little ringlets,” said Jo, putting down the tongs.

take off (外す) [動] remove

cloud (雲) [名] a visible mass of condensed water vapor floating in the atmosphere typically high above the general level of the ground

put down (置く) [動] place in a lower position

「ほら、紙を外すよ、そうしたら小さな巻き毛の雲が見えるよ」とジョーはトングをおろしながら言った。

She did take off the papers, but no cloud of ringlets appeared, for the hair came with the papers, and the horrified hairdresser laid a row of little scorched bundles on the bureau before her victim.

ringlet (巻き毛) [名] a long curl of hair

come with (取れる) [動] be included or provided with

horrified (恐れおののいた) [形] filled with horror

hairdresser (美容師) [名] a person who cuts and styles hair

lay (並べる) [動] put or set down

row (列) [名] a series of things arranged in a straight line

scorched (焦げた) [形] burnt or damaged by heat or fire

bureau (机) [名] a chest of drawers with a flat top

victim (犠牲者) [名] a person who has been harmed or killed by another

彼女は紙を外したが、巻き毛の雲は現れなかった、髪の毛が紙と一緒に取れたためで、恐れおののいた美容師は犠牲者の前の机に小さな焦げた束を並べた。

“Oh, oh, oh! What have you done? I’m spoiled! I can’t go!

oh (ああ) [間] an expression of surprise, disappointment, or disgust

what (何) [代] the thing that

「ああ、ああ、ああ! 何をしたの? 私は台無しだ! 行けない!

My hair, oh, my hair!” wailed Meg, looking with despair at the uneven frizzle on her forehead.

wail (泣き叫ぶ) [動] cry or lament loudly

look (見つめる) [動] direct one's gaze at

despair (絶望) [名] the complete loss or absence of hope

uneven (不揃い) [形] not level or smooth

frizzle (縮れ毛) [名] a small curl or twist

私の髪、ああ、私の髪!」とメグは額の不揃いな縮れ毛を絶望的な目で見つめながら泣き叫んだ。

“Just my luck! You shouldn’t have asked me to do it.

just my luck (なんて運が悪いの) [名] an expression of disappointment

「なんて運が悪いの! 私にそれを頼むべきではなかった。

I always spoil everything.

everything (全て) [名] all that exists; all that is included in a group or category

私はいつも全てを台無しにする。

I’m so sorry, but the tongs were too hot, and so I’ve made a mess,” groaned poor Jo, regarding the little black pancakes with tears of regret.

be sorry (ごめんなさい) [動] feel regret or guilt

hot (熱い) [形] having a high temperature

make a mess (ぐちゃぐちゃにする) [動] create disorder or confusion

groan (うめく) [動] make a deep inarticulate sound in response to pain or despair

regard (見つめる) [動] look at attentively

regret (後悔) [名] a feeling of disappointment or dissatisfaction with oneself or one's actions

ごめんなさい、でもトングが熱すぎて、ぐちゃぐちゃにしてしまったの」と、小さな黒いパンケーキを後悔の涙で見つめながら、かわいそうなジョーはうめいた。

“It isn’t spoiled.

be spoiled (台無しになる) [動] be ruined or spoiled

「台無しになってないよ。

Just frizzle it, and tie your ribbon so the ends come on your forehead a bit, and it will look like the last fashion.

frizzle (カールさせる) [動] curl or form into small curls

tie (結ぶ) [動] fasten or secure with a cord, string, or lace

fashion (ファッション) [名] a popular trend, especially in styles of dress and ornament

髪をカールさせて、リボンの端が額に少しかかるように結べば、最新のファッションのように見えるよ。

I’ve seen many girls do it so,” said Amy consolingly.

consolingly (慰め) [副] in a way that provides comfort or consolation

たくさんの女の子がそうしているのを見たことあるよ」とエイミーは慰めの言葉をかけた。

“Serves me right for trying to be fine.

serve (罰が当たる) [動] to be deserved by

right (罰) [名] a just or deserved punishment

「おしゃれしようとした罰が当たったよ。

I wish I’d let my hair alone,” cried Meg petulantly.

let alone (そのままにしておく) [動] not to mention

petulantly (不機嫌そうに) [副] in a bad-tempered and impatient way

髪の毛をそのままにしておけばよかった」とメグは不機嫌そうに叫んだ。

“So do I, it was so smooth and pretty.

smooth (なめらか) [形] having a surface or texture that is even and regular

「私もそう思うよ、とてもなめらかできれいだったよ。

But it will soon grow out again,” said Beth, coming to kiss and comfort the shorn sheep.

grow out (伸びる) [動] become longer

kiss (キスする) [動] touch or caress with the lips as a sign of love, sexual desire, or greeting

でもすぐにまた伸びるよ」とベスは言い、毛を刈られた羊にキスをして慰めた。

After various lesser mishaps, Meg was finished at last, and by the united exertions of the entire family Jo’s hair was got up and her dress on.

various (いろいろ) [形] several or many different

lesser (小さな) [形] smaller in size, amount, or value

mishap (失敗) [名] an unlucky accident

at last (ようやく) [副] finally

by (によって) [前] through the agency or means of

united (一致団結した) [形] joined or connected together

exertion (努力) [名] a vigorous or determined attempt

entire (全員) [形] with no part left out; whole

get up (整える) [動] to rise from a lying, sitting, or kneeling position

いろいろと小さな失敗を重ねた後、メグはようやく準備を終え、家族全員の一致団結した努力で、ジョーの髪の毛を整え、ドレスを着せた。

They looked very well in their simple suits, Meg’s in silvery drab, with a blue velvet snood, lace frills, and the pearl pin.

look very well (とてもよく似合う) [動] appear very attractive

suit (スーツ) [名] a set of clothes consisting of a jacket and trousers or skirt

silvery (銀色の) [形] having the color or luster of silver

drab (単色の) [形] lacking in color or brightness

velvet (ベルベットの) [名] a fabric with a thick, soft, smooth surface

snood (スヌード) [名] a type of head covering

二人はシンプルなスーツを着てとてもよく似合っていた。メグは銀色の単色のスーツに青いベルベットのスヌード、レースのフリル、真珠のピンを合わせた。

Jo in maroon, with a stiff, gentlemanly linen collar, and a white chrysanthemum or two for her only ornament.

maroon (栗色) [名] a dark reddish-brown color

linen (リネン) [名] a cloth made from the fibers of the flax plant

collar (襟) [名] a band of material around the neck of a garment

ornament (飾り) [名] an object that is used to decorate something

ジョーは栗色のスーツに、紳士的な堅いリネンの襟、そして白い菊を1つか2つ飾っただけだった。

Each put on one nice light glove, and carried one soiled one, and all pronounced the effect “quite easy and fine”.

put on (はめる) [動] to put something on one's body

nice (きれいな) [形] pleasant; attractive; good

light (薄手の) [形] of little weight

soil (汚れた) [動] to make or become dirty

easy (楽な) [形] able to be achieved without great effort

それぞれが片手にきれいな薄手の手袋をはめ、もう片方の手には汚れた手袋を持ち、みんなその効果を「とても楽で素敵」と宣言した。

Meg’s high-heeled slippers were very tight and hurt her, though she would not own it, and Jo’s nineteen hairpins all seemed stuck straight into her head, which was not exactly comfortable, but, dear me, let us be elegant or die.

high-heeled (ハイヒールの) [形] having a high heel

tight (きつい) [形] fitting closely or too closely

own (認める) [動] recognize as belonging to oneself

nineteen (19) [数] the number 19

hairpin (ヘアピン) [名] a U-shaped piece of wire that is used for holding the hair in position

stick (刺さる) [動] be or become embedded in

straight (まっすぐ) [形] without a bend or curve

dear (ああ) [間] an expression of surprise, disappointment, or disgust

メグのハイヒールのスリッパは非常にきつくて痛かったが、彼女はそれを認めようとせず、ジョーの19本のヘアピンはすべて頭にまっすぐ刺さっているように見え、あまり快適ではなかったが、優雅に振る舞うか死ぬかしかない。

“Have a good time, dearies!” said Mrs. March, as the sisters went daintily down the walk.

have a good time (楽しんでおいで) [動] enjoy oneself

go down (歩いて行く) [動] move from a higher to a lower place

daintily (優雅に) [副] in a delicate or elegant way

「楽しんでおいで、あなたたち!」とマーチ夫人は言い、姉妹は優雅に歩いて行った。

“Don’t eat much supper, and come away at eleven when I send Hannah for you.”

come away (帰ってくる) [動] leave a place

eleven (11時) [名] the number 11

「夕食は食べ過ぎないように、11時に迎えにハンナを送るから帰ってきなさい。」

As the gate clashed behind them, a voice cried from a window...

gate (門) [名] a hinged barrier used to close an opening in a wall, fence, or hedge

clash (閉まる) [動] shut noisily

門が後ろで閉まると、窓から声がした。

“Girls, girls! Have you you both got nice pocket handkerchiefs?”

pocket handkerchief (ハンカチ) [名] a handkerchief that is small enough to be carried in a pocket

「お嬢さんたち、お嬢さんたち! 二人ともきれいなハンカチを持っているの?」

“Yes, yes, spandy nice, and Meg has cologne on hers,” cried Jo, adding with a laugh as they went on, “I do believe Marmee would ask that if we were all running away from an earthquake.”

spandy (きれいな) [形] very clean

go on (歩く) [動] to continue

earthquake (地震) [名] a sudden and violent shaking of the ground, typically caused by movement along a fault line that runs through the Earth's crust

「はい、はい、きれいですよ、メグはコロンを振りかけています」とジョーは叫び、歩きながら笑いながら付け加えた。「私たちが地震から逃げている時でもママはそう尋ねると思うよ。」

“It is one of her aristocratic tastes, and quite proper, for a real lady is always known by neat boots, gloves, and handkerchief,” replied Meg, who had a good many little ‘aristocratic tastes’ of her own.

aristocratic taste (貴族趣味) [名] a preference for things associated with the upper class

real lady (本物の淑女) [名] a woman who is well-mannered and well-bred

neat (きれいな) [形] tidy, clean, and organized

good many (かなりの) [形] a large number or amount

「それはママの貴族趣味の一つで、本物の淑女はいつもきれいなブーツ、手袋、ハンカチを持っているものだから、とても正しいことよ」と、自分自身もかなりの「貴族趣味」を持つメグは答えた。

“Now don’t forget to keep the bad breadth out of sight, Jo.

keep out of sight (隠す) [動] to not be seen

bad breath (悪い息) [名] an unpleasant odor when breathing out

「ジョー、悪い息を隠すのを忘れないでね。

Is my sash right?

sash (帯) [名] a long piece of cloth worn around the waist or over the shoulder

right (大丈夫) [形] correct or good

私の帯は大丈夫?

And does my hair look very bad?” said Meg, as she turned from the glass in Mrs. Gardiner’s dressing room after a prolonged prink.

bad (ひどい) [形] of poor quality or a low standard

turn (離れる) [動] move or cause to move in a circular motion

glass (鏡) [名] a hard and brittle substance that is usually transparent or translucent

dressing room (化粧室) [名] a room in a theater or other public building where performers can change their clothes and put on makeup

prolonged (長時間) [形] continuing for a long time

prink (身づくろい) [動] dress or groom oneself with elaborate care

私の髪はひどく見えるかしら?」とメグは、ガーディナー夫人の化粧室で長時間身づくろいをした後、鏡から離れながら言った。

“I know I shall forget.

「忘れてしまうよ。

If you see me doing anything wrong, just remind me by a wink, will you?”

wrong (間違った) [形] not correct or right

wink (ウィンク) [名] a brief closing of one eye, typically to indicate that something is a joke or a secret or as a signal of affection or greeting

私が何か間違ったことをしたら、ウィンクして思い出させてね」

returned Jo, giving her collar a twitch and her head a hasty brush.

return (答える) [動] say or write something as an answer

give (ひっぱる) [動] cause someone or something to receive or have something

twitch (ひっぱる) [動] move or cause to move with a short, sudden jerk

brush (梳く) [動] clean, smooth, or tidy with a brush

とジョーは答え、襟をひっぱって頭を急いでブラシで梳いた。

“No, winking isn’t ladylike.

wink (ウィンクする) [動] shut one eye briefly, typically to indicate that something is a joke or secret or as a signal of affection or greeting

「いいえ、ウィンクするのは上品ではありません。

I’ll lift my eyebrows if any thing is wrong, and nod if you are all right.

lift (上げる) [動] move something to a higher position

eyebrow (眉) [名] the strip of hair growing on the ridge above a person's eye socket

nod (うなずく) [動] move your head to show that you agree or understand

何か間違ったことをしたら眉を上げ、大丈夫ならうなずきます。

Now hold your shoulder straight, and take short steps, and don’t shake hands if you are introduced to anyone.

hold (持つ) [動] keep in a certain position

take (取る) [動] move or travel in a specified direction

step (歩幅) [名] the distance covered by a step

肩をまっすぐにして、歩幅を短くして、誰かに紹介されても握手はしないのよ。

It isn’t the thing.”

be not the thing (そういうものではありません) [動] be not the right thing to do

そういうものではありません。」

“How do you learn all the proper ways? I never can.

「どうやって正しい方法を全部学ぶの? 私には絶対できないよ。

Isn’t that music gay?”

gay (陽気な) [形] lighthearted and carefree

あの音楽は陽気じゃない?」

Down they went, feeling a trifle timid, for they seldom went to parties, and informal as this little gathering was, it was an event to them.

informal (非公式な) [形] not official or formal

gathering (集まり) [名] an assembly or meeting of people

event (イベント) [名] a thing that happens or takes place, especially one of importance

彼女たちは、少し臆病な気分で降りていった。というのも、彼女たちはめったにパーティーに行かなかったし、この小さな集まりは非公式なものだったが、彼女たちにとっては一大イベントだったからだ。

Mrs. Gardiner, a stately old lady, greeted them kindly and handed them over to the eldest of her six daughters.

greet (迎える) [動] to meet and welcome someone

kindly (親切に) [副] in a friendly or generous way

hand over (引き合わせる) [動] to give something to someone

堂々とした老婦人であるガーディナー夫人は、彼女たちを親切に迎え、六人の娘の長女に引き合わせた。

Meg knew Sallie and was at her ease very soon, but Jo, who didn’t care much for girls or girlish gossip, stood about, with her back carefully against the wall, and felt as much out of place as a colt in a flower garden.

Sallie (サリー) [名] a friend of Meg

at ease (くつろぐ) [形] feeling relaxed and comfortable

gossip (噂話) [名] casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true

stand (立つ) [動] be in or assume a position in which you put your weight on your feet but not on your knees or other parts of your body and your upper body is more or less upright

back (背中) [名] the part of a person's body between the neck and the top of the legs

out of place (場違い) [形] unsuitable in the circumstances

flower garden (花畑) [名] a garden where flowers are grown

メグはサリーを知っていたので、すぐにくつろいだが、女の子や女の子の噂話にあまり関心のないジョーは、壁に背を向けて立っていて、花畑にいる子馬のように場違いな感じがした。

Half a dozen jovial lads were talking about skates in another part of the room, and she longed to go and join them, for skating was one of the joys of her life.

jovial (陽気な) [形] cheerful and friendly

lad (若者) [名] a boy or young man

skate (スケート) [名] a device with a blade or wheels that is attached to the foot and used for moving rapidly over ice or a hard surface

long (思う) [動] feel a strong desire or wish for

部屋の別の場所では、半ダースほどの陽気な若者がスケートについて話していたが、彼女はスケートが人生の楽しみの一つだったので、彼らの輪に加わりたいと思った。

She telegraphed her wish to Meg, but the eyebrows went up so alarmingly that she dared not stir.

telegraph (伝える) [動] send a message by telegraph

wish (希望) [名] a desire or hope for something

go up (上がる) [動] move from a lower to a higher position

alarmingly (驚くほど) [副] in a way that causes fear or worry

dare (しようとする) [動] have the courage to do something

彼女はメグに自分の希望を伝えたが、眉が驚くほど上がったので、彼女は動こうとしなかった。

No one came to talk to her, and one by one the group dwindled away till she was left alone.

talk (話しかける) [動] speak or converse with

dwindle (減っていく) [動] become smaller or fewer

alone (一人ぼっち) [形] having no one else present

誰も彼女に話しかけに来ず、一人また一人とグループが減っていき、彼女は一人ぼっちになった。

She could not roam about and amuse herself, for the burned breadth would show, so she stared at people rather forlornly till the dancing began.

roam (歩き回る) [動] walk or travel around or through a place

amuse (楽しむ) [動] cause to laugh or smile

breadth (部分) [名] the distance or measurement from side to side of something

forlornly (寂しそうに) [副] in a sad and lonely way

dance (踊り) [名] a series of movements that match the speed and rhythm of a piece of music

彼女は歩き回って楽しむことはできなかった、なぜなら焼けた部分が見えてしまうからで、踊りが始まるまで彼女は人々をかなり寂しそうに見つめていた。

Meg was asked at once, and the tight slippers tripped about so briskly that none would have guessed the pain their wearer suffered smilingly.

ask (誘う) [動] request to do something

trip (踊り回る) [動] move lightly and quickly

briskly (軽快に) [副] quickly and energetically

pain (痛み) [名] a highly unpleasant physical sensation caused by illness or injury

suffer (耐える) [動] experience something bad

smilingly (笑顔で) [副] with a smile

メグはすぐに誘われ、きついスリッパがとても軽快に踊り回ったので、誰もその持ち主が笑顔で耐えている痛みを推測することはできなかった。

Jo saw a big red headed youth approaching her corner, and fearing he meant to engage her, she slipped into a curtained recess, intending to peep and enjoy herself in peace.

headed (頭の) [形] having a head

youth (若者) [名] the time of life when one is young

approach (近づく) [動] come near or nearer in space or time

engage (誘う) [動] attract and hold the attention of

peep (覗き見する) [動] look quickly or furtively

ジョーは大きな赤毛の若者が自分の隅に近づいてくるのを見て、彼が自分を誘おうとしているのではないかと恐れ、カーテンで仕切られた休憩室に滑り込み、覗き見して平和に楽しもうとした。

Unfortunately, another bashful person had chosen the same refuge, for, as the curtain fell behind her, she found herself face to face with the ‘Laurence boy’.

unfortunately (不幸なことに) [副] it is unlucky that

another (もう一人の) [限] an additional person or thing

bashful (内気な) [形] shy or timid

choose (選ぶ) [動] pick out or select from a number of alternatives

same (同じ) [形] being the same one or ones

find (気づく) [動] become aware of

face to face (向かい合う) [形] in each other's presence

不幸なことに、もう一人の内気な人が同じ隠れ場所を選んでいたので、カーテンが彼女の後ろに落ちると、彼女は「ローレンス家の少年」と向かい合っていることに気づいた。

“Dear me, I didn’t know anyone was here!” stammered Jo, preparing to back out as speedily as she had bounced in.

stammer (どもる) [動] speak or say something with difficulty

back out (退散する) [動] withdraw from an agreement or undertaking

speedily (素早く) [副] quickly

bounce in (飛び込む) [動] enter a place in a lively or energetic way

「あら、誰かいるなんて知らなかったよ!」ジョーはどもり、飛び込んだのと同じくらい素早く退散する準備をした。

But the boy laughed and said pleasantly, though he looked a little startled, “Don’t mind me, stay if you like.”

pleasantly (愛想よく) [副] in a pleasant manner

startled (驚いた) [形] surprised or alarmed

しかし、少年は少し驚いたように見えたが、笑って愛想よく言った、「私は気にしないから、好きなだけいてください」

“Shan’t I disturb you?”

disturb (邪魔をする) [動] to interfere with the peace or quiet of

「邪魔にならない?」

“Not a bit. I only came here because I don’t know many people and felt rather strange at first, you know.”

not a bit (全然) [副] not at all

at first (最初は) [副] in the beginning; initially

「全然。私はここに来たばかりで、あまり知り合いがいなくて、最初はちょっと変な感じがしたんだ」

“So did I. Don’t go away, please, unless you’d rather.”

please (お願い) [動] make or try to make someone happy or satisfied

unless (なら) [接] except if

「私もそうだった。行かないで、お願い、あなたが行きたいなら別だけど」

The boy sat down again and looked at his pumps, till Jo said, trying to be polite and easy, “I think I’ve had the pleasure of seeing you before.

easy (気さくな) [形] not difficult or hard

before (以前) [副] at a time in the past

少年は再び腰を下ろして自分の靴を眺めたが、ジョーは礼儀正しく気さくな態度で「以前にお会いしたことがあると思います。

You live near us, don’t you?”

don't (~ですよね) [助] used in questions to express a negative assumption

私たちの近くにお住まいですよね?」と言った。

“Next door.”

next door (隣) [名] the house or building next to the one you live in

「隣です」

And he looked up and laughed outright, for Jo’s prim manner was rather funny when he remembered how they had chatted about cricket when he brought the cat home.

look up (顔を上げる) [動] raise one's head

laugh outright (大笑いする) [動] laugh loudly

prim manner (上品な態度) [名] a way of behaving that is very formal and correct

rather funny (かなりおかしい) [形] somewhat amusing

bring home (連れて帰る) [動] take or carry something to one's home

そして彼は顔を上げて大笑いしたが、猫を連れて帰ったときにクリケットについて話したことを思い出すと、ジョーの上品な態度がかなりおかしかった。

That put Jo at her ease and she laughed too, as she said, in her heartiest way, “We did have such a good time over your nice Christmas present.”

put at ease (安心させる) [動] make someone feel less worried or anxious

heartiest (心からの) [形] very warm and friendly

ジョーは安心して笑い、「あなたの素敵なクリスマスプレゼントでとても楽しい時間を過ごしました」と心から言った。

“Grandpa sent it.”

grandpa (おじいちゃん) [名] one's grandfather

「おじいちゃんが送ってくれたんだ」

“But you put it into his head, didn’t you, now?”

put (植え付ける) [動] place something somewhere

didn't (でしょう) [助] did not

「でも、あなたは彼の頭にそれを植え付けたのでしょう?」

“How is your cat, Miss March?” asked the boy, trying to look sober while his black eyes shone with fun.

sober (真面目そう) [形] not affected by alcohol; not drunk

shine (輝く) [動] be bright; be radiant

「猫は元気ですか、マーチさん?」と少年は黒い目を輝かせながら真面目そうに尋ねた。

“Nicely, thank you, Mr. Laurence.

nicely (元気) [副] in a pleasant manner

「元気です、ありがとうございます、ローレンスさん。

But I am not Miss March, I’m only Jo,” returned the young lady.

Miss March (マーチさん) [名] the eldest of the four March sisters in Louisa May Alcott's novel Little Women

でも私はマーチさんではありません、ただのジョーです」と若い女性は答えた。

“I’m not Mr. Laurence,

「私はローレンスさんではありません。

I’m only Laurie.”

Laurie (ローリー) [名] a male given name

ただのローリーです」

“Laurie Laurence, what an odd name.”

Laurie Laurence (ローリー・ローレンス) [名] a character in the story

「ローリー・ローレンス、なんて変わった名前」

“My first name is Theodore, but I don’t like it, for the fellows called me Dora, so I made them say Laurie instead.”

first name (名前) [名] the name that comes first when a person's full name is written or spoken

Theodore (セオドア) [名] a male given name

don't like (嫌い) [動] not like

Dora (ドラ) [名] a female given name

instead (代わりに) [副] as an alternative or substitute for

「私の名前はセオドアですが、仲間が私をドラと呼ぶので嫌いなんです、だから代わりにローリーと呼ばせています」

“I hate my name, too, so sentimental!

sentimental (感傷的) [形] expressing or appealing to sentiment or feeling

「私も自分の名前が嫌い、とても感傷的!

I wish every one would say Jo instead of Josephine.

every one (みんな) [名] each person

say (呼ぶ) [動] utter words so as to convey information, an opinion, a feeling or an intention

みんながジョセフィンの代わりにジョーと呼んでくれたらいいのに」

How did you make the boys stop calling you Dora?”

男の子たちにドラと呼ぶのをやめさせるにはどうしたの?」

“I thrashed ’em.”

thrash (打ちのめす) [動] beat or hit repeatedly and violently

「彼らを打ちのめした」

“I can’t thrash Aunt March, so I suppose I shall have to bear it.”

bear (我慢する) [動] to tolerate or endure

「私はマーチおばさんを打ちのめすことはできないよ、だから我慢するしかないと思う」

And Jo resigned herself with a sigh.

resign (諦める) [動] give up

そしてジョーはため息をつきながら諦めた。

“Don’t you like to dance, Miss Jo?” asked Laurie, looking as if he thought the name suited her.

「踊るのは好きではないのですか、ジョーさん?」とローリーは尋ね、その名前が彼女に似合っていると思っているかのような顔をした。

“I like it well enough if there is plenty of room, and everyone is lively.

plenty of (十分な) [形] more than enough

「十分なスペースがあって、みんなが元気なら、私は十分に好きよ。

In a place like this I’m sure to upset something, tread on people’s toes, or do something dreadful, so I keep out of mischief and let Meg sail about.

in a place like this (こんな場所では) [副] in a place like this

upset (ひっくり返す) [動] knock over

tread on (踏む) [動] step on

keep out of (~しない) [動] not do something

mischief (いたずら) [名] playful misbehavior

let (任せる) [動] allow to do something

こんな場所では、私はきっと何かをひっくり返したり、人の足を踏んだり、何か恐ろしいことをしたりするので、私はいたずらをせずにメグに任せておくよ。

Don’t you dance?”

踊らないの?」

“Sometimes. You see I’ve been abroad a good many years, and haven’t been into company enough yet to know how you do things here.”

abroad (海外) [副] in or to a foreign country

many years (長年) [名] a long period of time

haven't been into (まだ十分に~していない) [動] have not been in or into

company (社交界) [名] a social gathering of invited guests

know how (やり方) [名] the ability to do something well

「時々ね。ご存じのとおり、私は長年海外に住んでいて、まだ十分に社交界に出ていないので、ここでのやり方がわからないのです。」

“Abroad!” cried Jo.

「海外に!」とジョーは叫んだ。

“Oh, tell me about it!

「ああ、それについて教えて!

I love dearly to hear people describe their travels.”

dearly (とても) [副] very much

describe (話す) [動] give an account of something

travel (旅) [名] the action of going from one place to another

人が旅のことを話すのを聞くのが大好きなんです。」

Laurie didn’t seem to know where to begin, but Jo’s eager questions soon set him going, and he told her how he had been at school in Vevay, where the boys never wore hats and had a fleet of boats on the lake, and for holiday fun went on walking trips about Switzerland with their teachers.

where to begin (どこから始めればいいのか) [名] the starting point

question (質問) [名] a statement asking for information

set (乗り気になって) [動] cause to be in a specified state

how (時のことを) [副] the way in which

school (学校) [名] an institution for educating children

Vevay (ヴェヴェイ) [名] a town in Switzerland

boys (男の子たち) [名] a male child

never (かぶらず) [副] not ever

fleet (船団) [名] a group of ships

boat (船) [名] a small vessel for traveling on water

lake (湖) [名] a large body of water surrounded by land

holiday (休日) [名] a day on which people do not work

fun (楽しんでいた) [名] enjoyment, amusement, or lighthearted pleasure

trip (旅行) [名] a journey, especially for pleasure

Switzerland (スイス) [名] a country in Europe

teacher (教師) [名] a person who teaches

ローリーはどこから始めればいいのかわからないようだった。しかし、ジョーの熱心な質問にすぐに乗り気になって、ヴェヴェイの学校に通っていた時のことを話してくれた。そこでは、男の子たちは帽子をかぶらず、湖に船団を持ち、休日には教師と一緒にスイスを歩き回って楽しんでいた。

“Don’t I wish I’d been there!” cried Jo.

「私もそこに行きたかった!」とジョーは叫んだ。

“Did you go to Paris?”

Paris (パリ) [名] the capital of France

「パリに行った?」

“We spent last winter there.”

last winter (去年の冬) [名] the winter of the year before the present one

spend (過ごす) [動] pass or occupy (time) in a specified way

「去年の冬はそこで過ごしました。」

“Can you talk French?”

French (フランス語) [名] the Romance language of France

「フランス語は話せる?」

“We were not allowed to speak anything else at Vevay.”

be allowed to (許される) [動] be permitted to

「ヴェヴェイではそれ以外の言葉を話すことは許されませんでした。」

“Do say some! I can read it, but can’t pronounce.”

pronounce (発音する) [動] make the sounds of (words or parts of words)

「何か言ってみて! 読むことはできるけど、発音できないの。」

“Quel nom a cette jeune demoiselle en les pantoufles jolis?”

Quel nom (どなたですか) [名] what name

a (は) [動] have

cette (あの) [形] that

jeune (若い) [形] young

demoiselle (お嬢さん) [名] young lady

en (履いた) [動] wear

les (きれいな) [形] pretty

pantoufles (スリッパ) [名] slipper

jolis (きれいな) [形] pretty

「あのきれいなスリッパを履いた若いお嬢さんはどなたですか?」

“How nicely you do it!

「なんて上手なの!

Let me see ... you said, ‘Who is the young lady in the pretty slippers’, didn’t you?”

let me see (ええと) [間] used to express that one is thinking or trying to remember something

didn't you (だよね) [助] used in speech as a tag question, especially when the speaker expects the listener to agree

ええと...「きれいなスリッパを履いた若いお嬢さんはどなたですか?」って言ったよね?」

“Oui, mademoiselle.”

mademoiselle (お嬢さん) [名] a French word for an unmarried woman

「そうです、お嬢さん。」

“It’s my sister Margaret, and you knew it was!

「私の妹のマーガレットよ、あなた知ってたのよ!

Do you think she is pretty?”

彼女はきれいだと思う?」

“Yes, she makes me think of the German girls, she looks so fresh and quiet, and dances like a lady.”

make one think of (思い出させる) [動] cause one to remember

German (ドイツ) [形] of or relating to Germany

fresh (新鮮) [形] recently produced or harvested

「はい、彼女はドイツの女の子を思い出させます、とても新鮮で静かに見え、女性のように踊ります。」

Jo quite glowed with pleasure at this boyish praise of her sister, and stored it up to repeat to Meg.

glow (輝く) [動] shine brightly

pleasure (喜び) [名] a feeling of satisfaction or enjoyment

praise (賞賛) [名] an expression of approval or admiration

store up (蓄える) [動] accumulate or save for future use

repeat (繰り返す) [動] do or say again

ジョーは妹に対するこの少年のような賞賛に喜びで輝き、それをメグに繰り返すために蓄えた。

Both peeped and criticized and chatted till they felt like old acquaintances.

criticize (批評する) [動] find fault with

chat (おしゃべりする) [動] talk in a light, informal, and familiar manner

feel like (~のように感じる) [動] have a feeling or sensation of

old acquaintance (古くからの知り合い) [名] a person whom one has known for a long time

二人は覗き込み、批評し、おしゃべりをして、まるで古くからの知り合いのように感じた。

Laurie’s bashfulness soon wore off, for Jo’s gentlemanly demeanor amused and set him at his ease, and Jo was her merry self again, because her dress was forgotten and nobody lifted their eyebrows at her.

wear off (消え去る) [動] gradually disappear or diminish

demeanor (態度) [名] the way that someone behaves

set at ease (安心させる) [動] make someone feel less worried or anxious

forget (忘れ去られる) [動] not be able to remember

lift one's eyebrows (眉をひそめる) [動] raise one's eyebrows

ローリーの恥ずかしさはすぐに消え去った、ジョーの紳士的な態度が彼を楽しませ、安心させたからだ、そしてジョーは再び陽気な自分を取り戻した、なぜなら彼女の服装は忘れ去られ、誰も彼女に眉をひそめなかったからだ。

She liked the ‘Laurence boy’ better than ever and took several good looks at him, so that she might describe him to the girls, for they had no brothers, very few male cousins, and boys were almost unknown creatures to them.

better than ever (今まで以上に) [副] to a greater degree than ever before

take a good look (よく見る) [動] look at carefully

brother (兄弟) [名] a male sibling

cousin (いとこ) [名] the child of one's uncle or aunt

unknown (未知の) [形] not known or familiar

creature (生き物) [名] a living being

彼女は「ローレンス家の少年」が今まで以上に好きになり、彼のことをよく見ていた、そうすれば彼のことを娘たちに説明できるからだ、なぜなら彼女たちには兄弟がいなかったし、男のいとこもほとんどいなかったし、男の子というものは彼女たちにとってほとんど未知の生き物だったからだ。

“Curly black hair, brown skin, big black eyes, handsome nose, fine teeth, small hands and feet, taller than I am, very polite, for a boy, and altogether jolly.

curly (巻き毛の) [形] having or forming curls

skin (肌) [名] the outer layer of the body of a person or animal

teeth (歯) [名] a hard, bony structure in the mouth used for biting and chewing

「巻き毛の黒髪、褐色の肌、大きな黒い目、ハンサムな鼻、きれいな歯、小さな手足、私より背が高く、男の子にしてはとても礼儀正しく、全体的に陽気。

Wonder how old he is?”

wonder (思う) [動] to be curious or in doubt about

how old (何歳くらい) [名] the age of a person

彼は何歳くらいかしら?」

It was on the tip of Jo’s tongue to ask, but she checked herself in time and, with unusual tact, tried to find out in a round-about way.

on the tip of one's tongue (聞こうと思った) [熟] about to be said

check oneself (こらえる) [動] restrain oneself

in time (ぐっと) [副] soon enough

with unusual tact (珍しく機転を利かせて) [副] in a way that is not usual or expected

in a round-about way (遠回しに) [副] in a way that is not direct or straightforward

ジョーは聞こうと思ったが、ぐっとこらえて、珍しく機転を利かせて、遠回しに聞き出そうとした。

“I suppose you are going to college soon?

suppose (思う) [動] think or believe that something is true or probable

go to (行く) [動] move or travel toward or into

college (大学) [名] an institution of higher education that grants the bachelor's degree in liberal arts, science, and professional studies

「もうすぐ大学に行くのでしょうね?

I see you pegging away at your books, no, I mean studying hard.”

peg away (勉強する) [動] work hard and continuously

hard (一生懸命) [副] with a great deal of effort

本を一生懸命勉強しているのを見かけます、いや、一生懸命勉強しているのです。」

And Jo blushed at the dreadful ‘pegging’ which had escaped her.

blush (顔を赤らめる) [動] become red in the face

escape (口から出る) [動] get free from a place or situation

そしてジョーは、口から出てしまったひどい「勉強」という言葉に顔を赤らめた。

Laurie smiled but didn’t seem shocked, and answered with a shrug.

shocked (驚いた) [形] surprised and upset

shrug (肩をすくめる) [動] to raise your shoulders briefly, as a way of showing that you do not know or care about something

ローリーは微笑んだが、驚いた様子もなく、肩をすくめて答えた。

“Not for a year or two.

a year or two (1、2年) [名] a period of time lasting from one to two years

「1、2年は行きません。

I won’t go before seventeen, anyway.”

seventeen (17歳) [名] the number 17

anyway (とにかく) [副] in any case; regardless of the circumstances

とにかく17歳になるまでは行きません。」

“Aren’t you but fifteen?” asked Jo, looking at the tall lad, whom she had imagined seventeen already.

fifteen (15歳) [名] the number 15

「あなたまだ15歳じゃないの?」とジョーは、すでに17歳だと思っていた背の高い少年を見ながら尋ねた。

“Sixteen, next month.”

next month (来月) [名] the month after this month

「来月で16歳になります。」

“How I wish I was going to college!

「私も大学に行けたらいいのに!

You don’t look as if you liked it.”

あなたはそれを好きそうには見えませんね。」

“I hate it! Nothing but grinding or skylarking.

nothing but (しかしていない) [副] only; just

grinding (勉強) [名] the act of studying hard

skylarking (遊び) [名] the act of playing or having fun

「嫌いだ! 勉強か遊びしかしていない。

And I don’t like the way fellows do either, in this country.”

それにこの国での仲間のやり方も好きじゃない。」

“What do you like?”

「何が好きなの?」

“To live in Italy, and to enjoy myself in my own way.”

Italy (イタリア) [名] a republic in southern Europe

myself (自分) [名] the person that is speaking or writing

「イタリアに住んで、自分のやり方で楽しむこと。」

Jo wanted very much to ask what his own way was, but his black brows looked rather threatening as he knit them, so she changed the subject by saying, as her foot kept time, “That’s a splendid polka!

want (聞きたがる) [動] wish or desire

rather (どちらかというと) [副] to some extent; slightly

threatening (威圧的) [形] expressing or suggesting a threat

so (そこで) [接] therefore

subject (話題) [名] the topic of a conversation or discussion

keep (とる) [動] maintain or cause to continue

time (拍子) [名] the space or span of time

polka (ポルカ) [名] a lively dance of Bohemian origin in duple time

ジョーは彼のやり方がどんなものかをとても聞きたかったが、彼の黒い眉がひそめられた様子はどちらかというと威圧的だったので、彼女は足で拍子をとりながら「それは素晴らしいポルカね!

Why don’t you go and try it?”

try (踊ってみる) [動] make an attempt at doing something

踊ってみない?」と言って話題を変えた。

“If you will come too,” he answered, with a gallant little bow.

too (も) [副] in addition; also; as well

bow (お辞儀) [名] a bending of the head or body in greeting, respect, submission, or shame

「君も来てくれるなら」と彼は優雅に軽くお辞儀をしながら答えた。

“I can’t, for I told Meg I wouldn’t, because...”

「できないよ、メグに踊らないって言ったから、だって・・・」

There Jo stopped, and looked undecided whether to tell or to laugh.

undecided (迷っている) [形] not having made a decision

そこでジョーは言葉を切り、話そうか笑おうか迷っているように見えた。

“Because, what?”

「だって、何?」

“You won’t tell?”

won't (言わない) [助] will not

「言わない?」

“Never!”

「絶対に言わない!」

“Well, I have a bad trick of standing before the fire, and so I burn my frocks, and I scorched this one, and though it’s nicely mended, it shows, and Meg told me to keep still so no one would see it.

stand before (立つ) [動] be in or move into a position in front of

frock (ドレス) [名] a woman's dress

scorch (焦がす) [動] burn or be burned slightly

mend (繕う) [動] repair

keep still (じっとしている) [動] not move

「えっと、私は火の前に立つという悪い癖があって、それでドレスを焦がしてしまうの、それでこれを焦がしてしまったの、きれいに繕ってあるけど、目立つから、メグは誰にも見られないようにじっとしていろって言ったのよ。

You may laugh, if you want to.

may (してもいい) [助] be allowed to

want to (したい) [動] wish or desire to do something

笑いたければ笑ってもいいよ。

It is funny, I know.”

笑えるよね、わかってる。」

But Laurie didn’t laugh.

しかしローリーは笑わなかった。

He only looked down a minute, and the expression of his face puzzled Jo when he said very gently, “Never mind that.

puzzle (困惑させる) [動] cause to be uncertain or perplexed

never mind (気にしないで) [動] do not worry about or be concerned with

彼はただ一瞬下を向いただけで、彼の顔の表情はジョーを困惑させた、彼がとても優しく言ったとき、「気にしないで。

I’ll tell you how we can manage.

私たちがどうやってやっていくか教えてあげる。

There’s a long hall out there, and we can dance grandly, and no one will see us.

grandly (堂々と) [副] in an impressive or imposing manner

そこには長い廊下があって、私たちは堂々と踊れるし、誰も私たちを見ることはできない。

Please come.”

please (来てください) [動] request politely

来てください。」

Jo thanked him and gladly went, wishing she had two neat gloves when she saw the nice, pearl-colored ones her partner wore.

neat (きちんとした) [形] tidy, organized, or smart in appearance

partner (パートナー) [名] a person who takes part in an undertaking with another or others, especially in a business or company with shared risks and profits

ジョーは彼に感謝して喜んで行き、彼女のパートナーが着けている素敵な真珠色の手袋を見たとき、彼女は2つのきちんとした手袋があればいいのにと思った。

The hall was empty, and they had a grand polka, for Laurie danced well, and taught her the German step, which delighted Jo, being full of swing and spring.

hall (ホール) [名] a large room for meetings, concerts, etc.

empty (空) [形] containing nothing

grand (盛大な) [形] impressive or magnificent in appearance or style

well (上手) [副] in a good or satisfactory manner

step (ステップ) [名] a movement of the foot in walking or dancing

swing (スイング) [名] a style of jazz or dance music characterized by a strong rhythm with a basic pattern of two beats to the bar and with improvisation

spring (バネ) [名] a device made of a metal that can be bent or compressed and then released to resume its original shape, used for storing energy

delight (喜ばせる) [動] give great pleasure or satisfaction to

ホールは空で、彼らは盛大にポルカを踊った。ローリーは踊りが上手で、彼女にドイツのステップを教えてくれた。それはスイングとバネに満ちていて、ジョーを喜ばせた。

When the music stopped, they sat down on the stairs to get their breath, and Laurie was in the midst of an account of a students’ festival at Heidelberg when Meg appeared in search of her sister.

stop (止まる) [動] come to an end

breath (息) [名] the air taken into or expelled from the lungs

in the midst of (の最中に) [名] the middle part of something

account (話) [名] a statement of the facts or events of a situation

student (学生) [名] a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution

festival (祭り) [名] an event ordinarily celebrated by a community and centering on some characteristic aspect of that community and its religion or traditions

search (探す) [動] try to find something by looking or otherwise seeking carefully and thoroughly

音楽が止まると、彼らは息を整えるために階段に腰を下ろし、ローリーがハイデルベルクの学生祭の話をしている最中に、メグが妹を探しに現れた。

She beckoned, and Jo reluctantly followed her into a side room, where she found her on a sofa, holding her foot, and looking pale.

beckon (手招きする) [動] to signal with a gesture

reluctantly (しぶしぶ) [副] unwillingly

side room (横の部屋) [名] a room off to the side

hold (抱える) [動] to keep or maintain in a certain state

彼女は手招きし、ジョーはしぶしぶ彼女について横の部屋に入ると、彼女はソファに座って足を抱え、青ざめていた。

“I’ve sprained my ankle.

sprain (捻挫する) [動] to wrench or twist a ligament or muscle without breaking it

ankle (足首) [名] the joint connecting the foot with the leg

「足首を捻挫しちゃった。

That stupid high heel turned and gave me a sad wrench.

あのばかげたハイヒールがひっくり返って、悲しいねじれを与えた。

It aches so, I can hardly stand, and I don’t know how I’m ever going to get home,” she said, rocking to and fro in pain.

ache (痛む) [動] to feel a dull, persistent pain

get home (家に帰る) [動] to return to one's home

rock (揺れる) [動] to move or cause to move back and forth or from side to side

痛くて立っていられないし、どうやって家に帰ればいいのかわからない」と彼女は痛みで前後に揺れながら言った。

“I knew you’d hurt your feet with those silly shoes. I’m sorry.

silly (ばかげた) [形] foolish or stupid

sorry (ごめんなさい) [形] feeling regret or guilt

「そんなばかげた靴を履いて足を痛めるだろうと思った。ごめんなさい。

But I don’t see what you can do, except get a carriage, or stay here all night,” answered Jo, softly rubbing the poor ankle as she spoke.

carriage (馬車) [名] a wheeled vehicle pulled by a horse

all night (一晩中) [副] for the entire night

rub (さする) [動] move one's hand or an object over a surface with firm pressure

でも、馬車に乗るか、ここに一晩中いる以外に何ができるかわからない」とジョーは答え、話しながら痛めた足首をそっとさすった。

“I can’t have a carriage without its costing ever so much.

ever so much (とても) [副] to a very great extent

「馬車に乗るにはお金がかかりすぎる。

I dare say I can’t get one at all, for most people come in their own, and it’s a long way to the stable, and no one to send.”

dare say (思う) [動] to be fairly sure

at all (全く) [副] in any way; to any extent

most (ほとんど) [形] the majority of

long way (遠い) [名] a great distance

stable (馬小屋) [名] a building in which horses are kept

ほとんどの人が自分の馬車で来ているし、馬小屋まで遠いし、誰も行かせられないから、馬車を借りることはできないと思う。」

“I’ll go.”

「私が行くよ。」

“No, indeed! It’s past nine, and dark as Egypt.

No, indeed! (いいえ、本当に!) [間] an expression of strong denial

It's past nine (9時を過ぎている) [動] be more than a specified time

「いいえ、本当に! 9時を過ぎているし、エジプトのように暗い。

I can’t stop here, for the house is full.

stop (泊まる) [動] stay somewhere temporarily

ここに泊まることはできない、家がいっぱいだから。

Sallie has some girls staying with her.

サリーは彼女と一緒に泊まる何人かの女の子がいる。

I’ll rest till Hannah comes, and then do the best I can.”

rest (休む) [動] cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength

ハンナが来るまで休んで、それからできる限りのことをするよ。」

“I’ll ask Laurie.

「ローリーに頼むよ。

He will go,” said Jo, looking relieved as the idea occurred to her.

relieved (安心した) [形] free from anxiety or distress

occur (思いつく) [動] come to mind

彼なら行くよ」とジョーは言い、その考えを思いついた時、安心したように見えた。

“Mercy, no! Don’t ask or tell anyone.

「慈悲、だめ! 誰にも尋ねたり話したりしないで。

Get me my rubbers, and put these slippers with our things.

get (取って) [動] obtain by care, effort, or the use of special means

rubber (ゴム靴) [名] a waterproof overshoe made of rubber

私のゴム靴を取って、このスリッパを私たちの荷物と一緒に入れて。

I can’t dance anymore, but as soon as supper is over, watch for Hannah and tell me the minute she comes.”

anymore (もう) [副] any longer; now

as soon as (~したらすぐに) [接] immediately after

be over (終わる) [動] be finished

watch for (~を探す) [動] look out for

the minute (~したらすぐに) [名] the moment

もう踊れないけど、夕食が終わったらすぐにハンナを探して、彼女が来たらすぐに教えて。」

“They are going out to supper now.

go out (出かける) [動] leave one's home to go somewhere

「彼らは今夕食に出かけるところよ。

I’ll stay with you.

stay with (一緒にいる) [動] remain in the company of

私も一緒にいるよ。

I’d rather.”

むしろそうしたいの。」

“No, dear, run along, and bring me some coffee.

run along (行って) [動] go away

bring (持ってきて) [動] take or carry something to a place

「いいえ、あなた、行って、コーヒーを持ってきてください。

I’m so tired I can’t stir.”

とても疲れて動けないの。」

So Meg reclined, with rubbers well hidden, and Jo went blundering away to the dining room, which she found after going into a china closet, and opening the door of a room where old Mr. Gardiner was taking a little private refreshment.

recline (横になる) [動] lean or lie back in a relaxed position

blunder (歩き回る) [動] move or act clumsily or blindly

dining room (食堂) [名] a room where meals are eaten

china closet (食器棚) [名] a cabinet with shelves for storing dishes

old Mr. Gardiner (老ガーディナー氏) [名] a character in the story

refreshment (休憩) [名] a light snack or drink

それでメグはゴム靴を隠して横になり、ジョーは食堂へ向かって歩き回り、食器棚に入り、老ガーディナー氏が少し休憩している部屋のドアを開けた後、食堂を見つけた。

Making a dart at the table, she secured the coffee, which she immediately spilled, thereby making the front of her dress as bad as the back.

make a dart (ダーツを投げる) [動] throw a dart

secure (確保する) [動] fasten or attach securely

coffee (コーヒー) [名] a hot drink made from the roasted and ground beans of a tropical shrub

spill (こぼす) [動] cause or allow (liquid) to flow over the edge of its container

thereby (それによって) [副] as a result of that; consequently

テーブルにダーツを投げ、コーヒーを確保したが、すぐにこぼしてしまい、ドレスの前も後ろと同じくらいひどい状態になってしまった。

“Oh, dear, what a blunderbuss I am!” exclaimed Jo, finishing Meg’s glove by scrubbing her gown with it.

finish (使い切る) [動] bring to an end; come to the end of

gown (ドレス) [名] a long, formal dress

「ああ、なんて私はドジなんだろう!」とジョーは叫び、メグの手袋でドレスをこすって手袋を使い切った。

“Can I help you?” said a friendly voice.

「何かお手伝いしましょうか?」と親切な声がした。

And there was Laurie, with a full cup in one hand and a plate of ice in the other.

one hand (片手) [名] one of the two hands of a person

そして、片手にいっぱいのカップ、もう片方の手に氷の皿を持ったローリーがいた。

“I was trying to get something for Meg, who is very tired, and someone shook me, and here I am in a nice state,” answered Jo, glancing dismally from the stained skirt to the coffee-colored glove.

get something (何かを取る) [動] obtain or retrieve something

nice state (素敵な状態) [名] a pleasant or desirable situation

glance (ちらっと見る) [動] take a brief or hurried look

dismally (悲しげに) [副] in a gloomy or depressing manner

stained (汚れた) [形] marked or discolored with a stain

coffee-colored (コーヒー色の) [形] of a dark brown color like that of coffee

「とても疲れているメグのために何かを取ろうとしていたら、誰かが私を揺さぶったので、こんな素敵な状態になってしまったんです」とジョーは答え、汚れたスカートからコーヒー色の手袋まで悲しげにちらっと見た。

“Too bad! I was looking for someone to give this to.

too bad (残念) [間] an expression of disappointment

look for (探す) [動] try to find

「残念! これをあげる人を探していたんだ。

May I take it to your sister?”

君の妹さんに持っていってもいいかな?」

“Oh, thank you! I’ll show you where she is.

show (案内する) [動] guide or direct

where (場所) [名] the place that someone or something is in or occupies

「ああ、ありがとう! 彼女のいる場所を案内するよ。

I don’t offer to take it myself, for I should only get into another scrape if I did.”

offer (申し出る) [動] present or suggest something for consideration or discussion

自分で持っていこうとは思わないよ、そうしたらまた別のトラブルに巻き込まれるだけだから。」

Jo led the way, and as if used to waiting on ladies, Laurie drew up a little table, brought a second installment of coffee and ice for Jo, and was so obliging that even particular Meg pronounced him a ‘nice boy’.

lead the way (先頭に立って歩く) [動] go in front of others to show them the way

wait on (給仕する) [動] serve food and drink to

draw up (引き寄せる) [動] move or pull something closer

second installment (もう一度) [名] a second part of something

ice (アイス) [名] frozen water

obliging (親切な) [形] willing to do things for others

particular (几帳面な) [形] very careful about details

ジョーは先頭に立って歩き、ローリーは女性に給仕することに慣れているかのように、小さなテーブルを引き寄せ、ジョーのためにコーヒーとアイスをもう一度持ってきて、とても親切だったので、几帳面なメグでさえ彼を「いい子」だと言った。

They had a merry time over the bonbons and mottoes, and were in the midst of a quiet game of Buzz, with two or three other young people who had strayed in, when Hannah appeared.

have a merry time (陽気な時間を過ごす) [動] have a lot of fun

motto (モットー) [名] a short sentence or phrase that expresses a belief or purpose

Buzz (バズ) [名] a game in which players take turns saying a number, and if the number has a 7 in it or is divisible by 7, the player must say "Buzz" instead of the number

stray (迷い込む) [動] move away from a path or course

彼らはボンボンとモットーをめぐって陽気な時間を過ごし、ハンナが現れたときには、迷い込んだ他の2、3人の若者たちと静かにバズのゲームをしている最中だった。

Meg forgot her foot and rose so quickly that she was forced to catch hold of Jo, with an exclamation of pain.

rise (立ち上がる) [動] get up from a lying, sitting, or kneeling position

quickly (素早く) [副] at a fast speed

catch hold of (つかまざるを得ない) [動] grab or grip something or someone

exclamation (叫び声) [名] a sudden cry or remark, especially expressing surprise, anger, or pain

メグは足のことを忘れてあまりに素早く立ち上がったので、痛みの叫び声を上げてジョーをつかまざるを得なかった。

“Hush! Don’t say anything,” she whispered, adding aloud, “It’s nothing. I turned my foot a little, that’s all,” and limped upstairs to put her things on.

hush (シーッ) [間] be quiet

aloud (声を大きくして) [副] with a loud voice

nothing (何でもない) [名] not anything

limp (足を引きずる) [動] walk with difficulty

put on (着る) [動] dress oneself in

「シーッ! 何も言わないで」と彼女はささやき、声を大きくして「何でもないよ。足を少しひねっただけよ」と言い、足を引きずりながら二階に上がって着替えた。

Hannah scolded, Meg cried, and Jo was at her wits’ end, till she decided to take things into her own hands.

scold (叱る) [動] rebuke or criticize sharply

be at one's wit's end (途方に暮れる) [動] be at a loss as to what to do

take something into one's own hands (自分で何とかする) [動] take responsibility for something

ハンナは叱り、メグは泣き、ジョーは途方に暮れていたが、ついに自分で何とかしようと決心した。

Slipping out, she ran down and, finding a servant, asked if he could get her a carriage.

slip out (抜け出す) [動] leave quietly or secretly

run down (走り降りる) [動] go quickly to a lower level

彼女はそっと抜け出して階下に走り、召使を見つけると馬車を呼んでくれるよう頼んだ。

It happened to be a hired waiter who knew nothing about the neighborhood and Jo was looking round for help when Laurie, who had heard what she said, came up and offered his grandfather’s carriage, which had just come for him, he said.

happen to be (たまたま~である) [動] occur by chance

hired waiter (雇われのウェイター) [名] a person who works in a restaurant and serves food and drinks to customers

know nothing about (何も知らない) [動] have no knowledge of

neighborhood (近所) [名] the area around one's home

look round (あたりを見回す) [動] turn one's head or body in order to see in all directions

come up (近づいてくる) [動] move or travel toward or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker

offer (貸そうかと言ってくれる) [動] present or proffer (something) for (someone) to accept or reject

たまたまその召使は近所のことを何も知らない雇われのウェイターだったので、ジョーは助けを求めてあたりを見回していたが、彼女の言うことを聞いたローリーが近づいてきて、ちょうど迎えに来た祖父の馬車を貸そうかと言ってくれた。

“It’s so early! You can’t mean to go yet?” began Jo, looking relieved but hesitating to accept the offer.

go (帰る) [動] move or travel from one place to another

relieved (ほっとした) [形] freed from anxiety or distress

hesitate (ためらう) [動] be reluctant to do something

accept (受ける) [動] receive or take something offered

offer (申し出) [名] an expression of readiness to do or give something if desired

「まだ早い! まだ帰るつもりはないんですか?」とジョーは言いかけ、ほっとした様子だったが、申し出を受けるのをためらった。

“I always go early, I do, truly!

truly (本当) [副] in a truthful manner

「いつも早く帰るんです、本当です!

Please let me take you home.

take (送る) [動] carry or transport

家まで送らせてください。

It’s all on my way, you know, and it rains, they say.”

on one's way (道すがら) [副] while traveling to a place

rain (雨) [名] water falling in drops from the sky

私の道すがらだし、雨が降るらしいし」

That settled it, and telling him of Meg’s mishap, Jo gratefully accepted and rushed up to bring down the rest of the party.

settle (決まる) [動] decide or agree about something

gratefully (感謝して) [副] in a way that shows you are grateful

rush (急ぐ) [動] move or act very quickly

bring down (連れてくる) [動] cause to come or go to a lower place

それで決まり、メグの災難を彼に告げて、ジョーは感謝して受け入れ、急いで残りの一行を連れてきた。

Hannah hated rain as much as a cat does so she made no trouble, and they rolled away in the luxurious close carriage, feeling very festive and elegant.

make trouble (文句を言う) [動] cause difficulty or problems

roll away (乗り込む) [動] move or cause to move on wheels

luxurious (豪華な) [形] extremely comfortable or elegant

close carriage (密閉馬車) [名] a carriage with a roof and sides

festive (華やかな) [形] relating to a festival

ハンナは猫と同じくらい雨が嫌いだったので、彼女は文句を言わず、彼らは豪華な密閉馬車に乗り込み、とても華やかで優雅な気分になった。

Laurie went on the box so Meg could keep her foot up, and the girls talked over their party in freedom.

go on (乗り込む) [動] get on or into

box (御者台) [名] a seat for the driver of a horse-drawn vehicle

freedom (自由に) [名] the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint

ローリーはメグが足を上げておくことができるように御者台に乗り、娘たちは自由にパーティーについて話し合った。

“I had a capital time.

have a capital time (とても楽しむ) [動] have a great time

「とても楽しかったよ。

Did you?” asked Jo, rumpling up her hair, and making herself comfortable.

make oneself comfortable (くつろぐ) [動] make oneself relaxed

あなたは?」とジョーは髪をくしゃくしゃにして、くつろぎながら尋ねた。

“Yes, till I hurt myself.

「ええ、怪我をするまでは。

Sallie’s friend, Annie Moffat, took a fancy to me, and asked me to come and spend a week with her when Sallie does.

Sallie's friend (サリーの友達) [名] a friend of Sallie

Annie Moffat (アニー・モファット) [名] a friend of Sallie

take a fancy to (気に入る) [動] to develop a liking for

week (一週間) [名] a period of seven days

サリーの友達のアニー・モファットが私を気に入って、サリーが来るとき一緒に一週間過ごさないかと誘ってくれたの。

She is going in the spring when the opera comes, and it will be perfectly splendid, if Mother only lets me go,” answered Meg, cheering up at the thought.

spring (春) [名] the season of the year between winter and summer

opera (オペラ) [名] a drama set to music and made up of vocal pieces with orchestral overtures, interludes, and accompaniments

perfectly (最高に) [副] in a perfect manner

cheer up (元気づく) [動] become more cheerful

彼女はオペラが来る春に行くの、ママが行かせてくれたら最高に素晴らしいよ」とメグは答え、その考えに元気づいた。

“I saw you dancing with the red headed man I ran away from. Was he nice?”

「私が逃げ出した赤毛の男性と踊っているのを見ました。彼は素敵でしたか?」

“Oh, very! His hair is auburn, not red, and he was very polite, and I had a delicious redowa with him.”

red (赤毛) [形] of a color intermediate between orange and violet, as of blood, fire, or rubies

delicious (おいしい) [形] highly pleasing to the sense of taste

redowa (レドワ) [名] a Bohemian dance in triple time

「ああ、とても! 彼の髪は赤毛ではなく赤褐色で、とても礼儀正しく、彼とおいしいレドワを踊りました。」

“He looked like a grasshopper in a fit when he did the new step.

look like (~のようである) [動] have the same appearance as

grasshopper (バッタ) [名] a plant-eating insect with long hind legs

fit (発作) [名] a sudden attack of illness

「彼は新しいステップを踏んだ時、発作を起こしたバッタのようでした。

Laurie and I couldn’t help laughing.

help (いられませんでした) [動] be of use to

ローリーと私は笑わずにはいられませんでした。

Did you hear us?”

聞こえましたか?」

“No, but it was very rude.

but (でも) [接] on the contrary; yet; however

rude (失礼な) [形] lacking good manners or respect for others

「いいえ、でもとても失礼でした。

What were you about all that time, hidden away there?”

all that time (ずっと) [名] the entire time

hidden away (隠れて) [動] keep out of sight; conceal

ずっとそこに隠れて何をしていたの?」

Jo told her adventures, and by the time she had finished they were at home.

adventure (冒険) [名] an exciting or unusual experience

by the time (頃には) [副] at or before the time that

ジョーは冒険を話し、話し終わる頃には家に着いていました。

With many thanks, they said good night and crept in, hoping to disturb no one, but the instant their door creaked, two little nightcaps bobbed up, and two sleepy but eager voices cried out...

many thanks (何度も礼を言って) [名] a polite expression of gratitude

good night (おやすみなさい) [名] a farewell said at night

creep in (忍び足で入る) [動] move slowly and carefully

disturb (起こす) [動] to interrupt the peace or quiet of

instant (すぐに) [名] a very short space of time

creak (きしむ) [動] to make a harsh, high-pitched sound

nightcap (ナイトキャップ) [名] a cap worn in bed

bob up (跳ね上がる) [動] to move up and down in a liquid

sleepy (眠たげな) [形] ready or inclined to sleep

何度も礼を言って、おやすみなさいと言って、誰も起こさないようにと忍び足で入りましたが、ドアがきしむとすぐに、2つの小さなナイトキャップが跳ね上がり、2つの眠たげだが熱心な声が叫びました。

“Tell about the party!

「パーティーのことを教えて!

Tell about the party!”

パーティーのことを教えて!」

With what Meg called ‘a great want of manners’ Jo had saved some bonbons for the little girls, and they soon subsided, after hearing the most thrilling events of the evening.

what Meg called (メグが言うように) [名] what Meg said

great want of manners (マナーに欠ける) [名] lack of manners

save (取っておく) [動] keep for future use

メグが「マナーに欠ける」と言うように、ジョーは小さな女の子たちのためにボンボンを取っておいていたので、その夜の最もスリリングな出来事を聞いた後、彼女たちはすぐに落ち着きました。

“I declare, it really seems like being a fine young lady, to come home from the party in a carriage and sit in my dressing gown with a maid to wait on me,” said Meg, as Jo bound up her foot with arnica and brushed her hair.

declare (宣言する) [動] make a formal statement about a fact or situation

dressing gown (ドレッシングガウン) [名] a loose robe worn over nightclothes or underwear

maid (メイド) [名] a female domestic servant

wait on (待つ) [動] serve or attend to

bind up (縛る) [動] tie up or fasten

arnica (アルニカ) [名] a plant of the sunflower family

brush (とかす) [動] move or stroke with a brush

「パーティーから馬車で帰ってきて、ドレッシングガウンを着て、メイドが待っているなんて、本当に立派な若い女性になったみたい」とメグは言い、ジョーは足をアルニカで縛り、髪をとかしました。

“I don’t believe fine young ladies enjoy themselves a bit more than we do, in spite of our burned hair, old gowns, one glove apiece and tight slippers that sprain our ankles when we are silly enough to wear them.”

lady (女性) [名] a woman of good breeding, refinement, and gentle manners

a bit more (少しでも) [副] to a small extent

「髪の毛が焼けたり、古いドレスを着たり、片方だけの手袋をしたり、履くと足首を捻挫するようなきついスリッパを履いたりしても、上品な若い女性が私たちよりも少しでも楽しんでいるとは信じられないよ」

And I think Jo was quite right.

right (正しい) [形] correct or true

そして、私はジョーが正しかったと思う。

CHAPTER FOUR: BURDENS

CHAPTER FOUR (第4章) [名] the fourth chapter

BURDENS (重荷) [名] a heavy load

第4章: 重荷

“Oh, dear, how hard it does seem to take up our packs and go on,” sighed Meg the morning after the party, for now the holidays were over, the week of merrymaking did not fit her for going on easily with the task she never liked.

go on (続ける) [動] to continue doing something

the morning after (翌朝) [名] the morning after a particular event

merrymaking (お祭り騒ぎ) [名] a lot of noisy, cheerful activity

fit (向いている) [動] to be suitable for a particular purpose or situation

「ああ、なんて、荷物をまとめて出かけるのは大変そう」と、パーティーの翌朝、メグはため息をつきました。休日が終わり、一週間の楽しいお祭り騒ぎは、彼女が決して好きではなかった仕事を簡単にこなすには向いていませんでした。

“I wish it was Christmas or New Year’s all the time.

New Year's (お正月) [名] the first day of the year

「いつもクリスマスやお正月だったらいいのに。

Wouldn’t it be fun?” answered Jo, yawning dismally.

be fun (楽しい) [動] be enjoyable

yawn (あくび) [名] an involuntary opening of the mouth and taking a deep breath due to tiredness or boredom

楽しくない?」とジョーは悲しげにあくびをしながら答えた。

“We shouldn’t enjoy ourselves half so much as we do now.

so much (そんなに) [副] to such a great extent or degree

「今ほどは楽しめないよ。

But it does seem so nice to have little suppers and bouquets, and go to parties, and drive home, and read and rest, and not work.

drive (車で行く) [動] operate and control the course of a vehicle

でも、ちょっとした夕食や花束を用意して、パーティーに行ったり、車で帰ったり、本を読んだり、休んだりして、仕事をしないのは、とても素敵なことに思えるよ。

It’s like other people, you know, and I always envy girls who do such things, I’m so fond of luxury,” said Meg, trying to decide which of two shabby gowns was the least shabby.

other people (他の人) [名] people other than oneself

luxury (贅沢) [名] the state of great comfort and extravagant living

shabby (ぼろぼろの) [形] in bad condition through neglect or long use

decide (決める) [動] reach, make, or come to a decision about something

他の人みたいで、そういうことをする女の子をいつも羨ましく思っているの、私は贅沢が大好きだから」とメグは言い、2着のぼろぼろのドレスのどちらがましかを決めようとした。

“Well, we can’t have it, so don’t let us grumble but shoulder our bundles and trudge along as cheerfully as Marmee does.

have (手に入れる) [動] to possess, own, or hold

shoulder (担ぐ) [動] to carry on one's shoulders

trudge (歩く) [動] to walk slowly and with difficulty

「まあ、私たちはそれを手に入れる事はできないのだから、不平を言うのはやめて、荷物を肩に担いで、ママがするように元気に歩きましょう。

I’m sure Aunt March is a regular Old Man of the Sea to me, but I suppose when I’ve learned to carry her without complaining, she will tumble off, or get so light that I shan’t mind her.”

Old Man of the Sea (海の老人) [名] a character in the story of Sinbad the Sailor who clung to Sinbad's back and refused to get off

complain (文句を言う) [動] express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something

tumble off (転げ落ちる) [動] fall or cause to fall suddenly

get light (軽くなる) [動] become less heavy

私にとってマーチおばさんは間違いなく海の老人だけど、私が文句を言わずに彼女を運ぶことを学んだら、彼女は転げ落ちるか、私が気にしなくなるほど軽くなると思うよ。」

This idea tickled Jo’s fancy and put her in good spirits, but Meg didn’t brighten, for her burden, consisting of four spoiled children, seemed heavier than ever.

tickle (くすぐる) [動] touch or stroke lightly with the fingers or a feather, causing laughter or pleasure

fancy (空想) [名] a mental image or representation of something that is not real or present

good spirits (元気) [名] a cheerful or optimistic mood

consist of (なる) [動] be composed or made up of

spoiled (甘やかされた) [形] damaged or flawed

この考えはジョーの空想をくすぐり、彼女を元気づけたが、メグは明るくならなかった、なぜなら4人の甘やかされた子供たちからなる彼女の重荷は、これまで以上に重く思えたからだ。

She had not heart enough even to make herself pretty as usual by putting on a blue neck ribbon and dressing her hair in the most becoming way.

neck (首) [名] the part of a person's or animal's body that connects the head to the rest of the body

dress (整える) [動] put clothes on

彼女は青い首のリボンをつけて、髪を一番似合うように整えて、いつものように自分をきれいに見せることさえできなかった。

“Where’s the use of looking nice, when no one sees me but those cross midgets, and no one cares whether I’m pretty or not?” she muttered, shutting her drawer with a jerk.

midget (小人) [名] a person of very small stature

shut (閉める) [動] move a door or window so as to leave no space or gap

drawer (引き出し) [名] a sliding container under a table or in a cupboard

「あの気難しい小人たち以外に誰も私を見ていないし、私がきれいかどうか誰も気にしていないのに、きれいに見えても何の役に立つの?」彼女はつぶやき、引き出しをぐいと閉めた。

“I shall have to toil and moil all my days, with only little bits of fun now and then, and get old and ugly and sour, because I’m poor and can’t enjoy my life as other girls do. It’s a shame!”

toil (苦労する) [動] work extremely hard

moil (働く) [動] work hard

all my days (一日中) [名] the whole day

only little bits of (少しだけ) [名] a small amount of

now and then (時々) [副] occasionally

get old (年老いる) [動] become old

sour (気難しい) [形] bad-tempered and unfriendly

shame (恥) [名] a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior

「私は貧乏で他の女の子たちのように人生を楽しむことができないので、時々少しだけ楽しみながら、一日中苦労して働き、年老いて醜く、気難しい人間になるしかないよ。恥ずかしいよ!」

So Meg went down, wearing an injured look, and wasn’t at all agreeable at breakfast time.

wasn't at all (全く~ない) [副] not at all; not in the least

agreeable (愛想がよい) [形] pleasant and willing to agree to something

それでメグは傷ついた表情で降りていき、朝食の時間には全く愛想がよくなかった。

Everyone seemed rather out of sorts and inclined to croak.

out of sorts (調子が悪い) [形] not feeling well

inclined (しそう) [形] likely to do something

croak (不平を言う) [動] complain

みんな調子が悪そうで、不平を言いそうだった。

Beth had a headache and lay on the sofa, trying to comfort herself with the cat and three kittens.

have a headache (頭痛がする) [動] to experience pain in the head

lay on (横になる) [動] to be in or assume a horizontal or resting position

try (しようとする) [動] to make an attempt or effort to do something

kitten (子猫) [名] a young cat

ベスは頭痛がしてソファに横になり、猫と三匹の子猫と共に自分を慰めようとしていた。

Amy was fretting because her lessons were not learned, and she couldn’t find her rubbers.

lesson (勉強) [名] a period of time during which a student is taught a particular subject or skill

rubber (オーバーシューズ) [名] a piece of rubber that is worn over a shoe to protect it from water

エイミーは勉強が終わっていないし、オーバーシューズが見つからないのでイライラしていた。

Jo would whistle and make a great racket getting ready.

whistle (口笛を吹く) [動] make a whistling sound

make a great racket (大騒ぎする) [動] make a lot of noise

ジョーは口笛を吹き、準備に大騒ぎだった。

Mrs. March was very busy trying to finish a letter, which must go at once, and Hannah had the grumps, for being up late didn’t suit her.

be busy (忙しい) [動] having a great deal to do

go (出す) [動] move or travel

have the grumps (不機嫌である) [動] be in a bad mood

be up late (夜更かしする) [動] stay up late

didn't suit (苦手である) [動] be unsuited to

マーチ夫人はすぐに出さなければならない手紙を書き終えようと大忙しだったし、ハンナは夜更かしが苦手なので不機嫌だった。

“There never was such a cross family!” cried Jo, losing her temper when she had upset an inkstand, broken both boot lacings, and sat down upon her hat.

cross (ひどい) [形] angry or annoyed

lose one's temper (かんしゃくを起こす) [動] become angry

break (切る) [動] cause to separate into pieces

「こんなひどい家族はいない!」とジョーは叫び、インクスタンドをひっくり返し、ブーツの紐を両方とも切ってしまい、帽子の上に座ってしまったので、かんしゃくを起こした。

“You’re the crossest person in it!” returned Amy, washing out the sum that was all wrong with the tears that had fallen on her slate.

wash out (消す) [動] remove or eliminate

sum (計算) [名] the total amount resulting from the addition of two or more numbers, amounts, or items

slate (石板) [名] a fine-grained, homogeneous metamorphic rock that is easily split into thin slabs

「あなたはこの中で一番ひどい人よ!」とエイミーは言い返し、石板に落ちた涙で間違った計算を消した。

“Beth, if you don’t keep these horrid cats down cellar I’ll have them drowned,” exclaimed Meg angrily as she tried to get rid of the kitten which had scrambled up her back and stuck like a burr just out of reach.

horrid (ひどい) [形] causing or likely to cause horror; shocking

down (下に) [副] to or in a lower place or position

have (させる) [動] cause to be done

drown (溺れさせる) [動] die through submersion in and inhalation of water

angrily (怒って) [副] in an angry manner

get rid of (追い払う) [動] eliminate or remove

scramble up (登る) [動] climb quickly and awkwardly

stick (引っかかる) [動] be or become fixed or attached

burr (とげ) [名] a rough or prickly seed case or flower head

just (ちょうど) [副] exactly

out of reach (届かない) [形] not able to be reached

「ベス、このひどい猫を地下室に閉じ込めないなら、私はこの猫を溺れさせるよ」とメグは怒って叫び、背中に登って手の届かないところに引っかかっている子猫を追い払おうとした。

Jo laughed, Meg scolded, Beth implored, and Amy wailed because she couldn’t remember how much nine times twelve was.

implore (懇願する) [動] beg someone to do something

nine (九) [名] the number 9

ジョーは笑い、メグは叱り、ベスは懇願し、エイミーは九九の十二の段を思い出せなかったので泣き叫んだ。

“Girls, girls, do be quiet one minute!

「娘たち、娘たち、ちょっと静かにしなさい!

I must get this off by the early mail, and you drive me distracted with your worry,” cried Mrs. March, crossing out the third spoiled sentence in her letter.

get off (出す) [動] send

early mail (早朝の郵便) [名] mail that is sent early in the morning

drive (困らせる) [動] cause someone to be in a particular state

cross out (消す) [動] draw a line through something written

third (三つ目) [形] coming after two others in a series

sentence (文) [名] a set of words that forms a grammatically complete expression

これを早朝の郵便で出さなければならないのに、あなたは心配ばかりして私を困らせる」と叫び、手紙の中の三つ目の文を消した。

There was a momentary lull, broken by Hannah, who stalked in, laid two hot turnovers on the table, and stalked out again.

momentary (一瞬の) [形] lasting for a very short time

lull (静けさ) [名] a temporary period of quiet or inactivity

break (破る) [動] cause to come apart by force

stalk (足音を立てる) [動] walk in a stiff, proud, or angry manner

turnover (パイ) [名] a small pie made of puff pastry with a fruit or meat filling

一瞬の静けさがあったが、ハンナが足音を立てて入ってきて、テーブルの上に熱いパイを二つ置き、また足音を立てて出て行った。

These turnovers were an institution, and the girls called them ‘muffs’, for they had no others and found the hot pies very comforting to their hands on cold mornings.

institution (習慣) [名] an established custom, practice, or law

cold (寒い) [形] having a low temperature

このパイは習慣になっていて、娘たちはそれを「マフ」と呼んでいた。なぜなら、他にマフがなかったし、寒い朝に熱いパイを手に持つととても心地よかったからだ。

Hannah never forgot to make them, no matter how busy or grumpy she might be, for the walk was long and bleak.

no matter (どんなに) [副] regardless of

grumpy (不機嫌) [形] bad-tempered and complaining

walk (道のり) [名] the action of traveling by foot

bleak (寒い) [形] lacking in warmth or brightness

ハンナはどんなに忙しくても、どんなに不機嫌でも、それを作るのを忘れることはなかった。なぜなら、道のりは長く、寒かったからだ。

The poor things got no other lunch and were seldom home before two.

poor thing (かわいそうに) [名] a person who is in a bad situation

get (食べる) [動] receive or obtain

lunch (昼食) [名] a meal eaten in the middle of the day

かわいそうに、娘たちは他に昼食を食べる場所がなく、二時前に帰宅することはめったになかった。

“Cuddle your cats and get over your headache, Bethy. Goodbye, Marmee.

get over (治す) [動] recover from

headache (頭痛) [名] a continuous pain in the head

goodbye (さようなら) [間] a phrase used to express a farewell

「猫を抱っこして頭痛を治しなさい、ベシー。さようなら、ママ。

We are a set of rascals this morning, but we’ll come home regular angels.

rascal (悪党) [名] a mischievous person

regular (天使) [形] normal or standard

今朝は私たちは悪党の集まりだけど、帰宅する頃には天使になっているよ。

Now then, Meg!”

now then (さあ) [間] used to express encouragement or to introduce a new topic

さあ、メグ!」

And Jo tramped away, feeling that the pilgrims were not setting out as they ought to do.

ought to (そうあるべきだ) [助] should; must

そしてジョーは、巡礼者たちがそうあるべきように出発していないと感じながら、歩き去った。

They always looked back before turning the corner, for their mother was always at the window to nod and smile, and wave her hand to them.

look back (振り返る) [動] turn one's head and body to look behind oneself

turn the corner (角を曲がる) [動] change direction

角を曲がる前にいつも振り返った。母親がいつも窓際にいて、うなずき、微笑み、手を振っていたからだ。

Somehow it seemed as if they couldn’t have got through the day without that, for whatever their mood might be, the last glimpse of that motherly face was sure to affect them like sunshine.

mood (気分) [名] a temporary state of mind or feeling

glimpse (ちらっと見る) [名] a brief, incomplete view or look

どういうわけか、それがなければ一日を乗り切れないかのようだった。どんな気分であろうと、最後にちらっと見た母親の顔は、必ず日差しのように彼女たちに影響を与えた。

“If Marmee shook her fist instead of kissing her hand to us, it would serve us right, for more ungrateful wretches than we are were never seen,” cried Jo, taking a remorseful satisfaction in the snowy walk and bitter wind.

fist (拳) [名] a hand with the fingers bent in towards the palm, typically in order to strike a blow

serve (当然の報い) [動] be of use to

right (当然) [形] morally good, justified, or acceptable

ungrateful (恩知らず) [形] not feeling or showing gratitude

wretch (人間) [名] an unfortunate or unhappy person

take (覚える) [動] experience or feel

remorseful (後悔の念) [形] feeling or showing remorse

satisfaction (満足感) [名] fulfillment of one's wishes and expectations

snowy (雪道) [形] covered with snow

bitter (厳しい) [形] causing a sharp, stinging pain

「ママが私たちに手を振る代わりに拳を振りかざしたとしても、私たちには当然の報いだろう。私たちほど恩知らずな人間はいないだろう」とジョーは叫び、雪道と厳しい風に後悔の念を抱きながら満足感を覚えた。

“Don’t use such dreadful expressions,” replied Meg from the depths of the veil in which she had shrouded herself like a nun sick of the world.

expression (表現) [名] a word or phrase that describes or represents something

veil (ベール) [名] a piece of fine material worn by a woman over her head and face

nun (尼僧) [名] a member of a religious community of women

「そんなひどい表現を使わないで」と、世をはかなむ尼僧のように身を包んだベールの奥からメグが答えた。

“I like good strong words that mean something,” replied Jo, catching her hat as it took a leap off her head preparatory to flying away altogether.

catch (キャッチする) [動] intercept and hold or seize

fly away (飛び去る) [動] leave quickly or suddenly

altogether (すっかり) [副] completely; totally

「私は何か意味のある強くて良い言葉が好きだ」とジョーは答え、帽子が頭から飛び跳ねて飛び去ろうとするのをキャッチした。

“Call yourself any names you like, but I am neither a rascal nor a wretch and I don’t choose to be called so.”

wretch (卑劣な人間) [名] a despicable or contemptible person

「自分を好きなように呼べばいいけど、私は悪党でも卑劣な人間でもないし、そう呼ばれるのは嫌だ」

“You’re a blighted being, and decidedly cross today because you can’t sit in the lap of luxury all the time.

blighted (不幸な) [形] affected by blight

being (人間) [名] a living thing or entity

decidedly (明らかに) [副] in a manner that is decided or definite

today (今日) [名] the present day

lap (生活) [名] the front of the body from the waist to the knees of a seated person

「あなたは不幸な人間だ。いつも贅沢な生活を送れないから、今日は明らかに不機嫌だ。

Poor dear, just wait till I make my fortune, and you shall revel in carriages and ice cream and high-heeled slippers, and posies, and red-headed boys to dance with.”

dear (かわいそうに) [名] a beloved person

just (ただ) [副] only

make one's fortune (成功する) [動] become rich

red-headed (赤毛の) [形] having red hair

かわいそうに、私が成功するまで待っててごらん、馬車やアイスクリームやハイヒールのスリッパや花束や一緒に踊る赤毛の男の子たちを思う存分楽しめるようになるよ」

“How ridiculous you are, Jo!”

ridiculous (ばかげた) [形] causing laughter because of being foolish or absurd

「ジョー、あなたはなんてばかげたことを言うの!」

But Meg laughed at the nonsense and felt better in spite of herself.

nonsense (ナンセンス) [名] words or language having no meaning or conveying no intelligible ideas

feel better (気分が良くなる) [動] feel more cheerful or optimistic

しかしメグはそのナンセンスな話に笑い、思わず気分が良くなった。

“Lucky for you I am, for if I put on crushed airs and tried to be dismal, as you do, we should be in a nice state.

lucky (幸せ) [形] having good luck

put on (ふりをする) [動] to pretend to have or feel

crushed (落ち込んだ) [形] feeling very sad or disappointed

dismal (陰気な) [形] causing sadness or gloom

state (ことになる) [名] a situation or condition

「あなたは幸せね、私があなたみたいに落ち込んだふりをして陰気な態度をとったら、私たちは大変なことになるよ。

Thank goodness, I can always find something funny to keep me up.

thank goodness (ありがたいことに) [間] an expression of relief

keep up (元気づける) [動] maintain or improve the condition or standard of

ありがたいことに、私はいつも自分を元気づける何か面白いことを見つけられる。

Don’t croak any more, but come home jolly, there’s a dear.”

croak (ぐずぐず言う) [動] to make a low, hoarse sound

もうぐずぐず言わないで、元気に帰ってらっしゃい、ねえ。」

Jo gave her sister an encouraging pat on the shoulder as they parted for the day, each going a different way, each hugging her little warm turnover, and each trying to be cheerful in spite of wintry weather, hard work, and the unsatisfied desires of pleasure-loving youth.

encouraging (励ます) [形] giving courage or confidence

pat (軽く叩く) [動] touch or stroke gently with the hand

part (別れる) [動] go away from each other

different (別の) [形] not the same

spite (にもかかわらず) [名] a desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone

wintry (冬の) [形] characteristic of winter

weather (天候) [名] the state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place

unsatisfied (満たされない) [形] not satisfied

desire (欲望) [名] a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen

loving (愛する) [形] feeling a deep or constant affection for a person

ジョーは妹の肩を励ますように軽く叩き、その日別れた。それぞれが別の道を行き、それぞれが小さな温かいパイを抱きしめ、それぞれが冬の天候、重労働、快楽を愛する若者の満たされない欲望にもかかわらず元気でいようとした。

When Mr. March lost his property in trying to help an unfortunate friend, the two oldest girls begged to be allowed to do something toward their own support, at least.

Mr. March (マーチ氏) [名] the father of the March family

property (財産) [名] a thing or things belonging to someone; possessions collectively

try (試みる) [動] make an attempt or effort to do something

unfortunate (不幸な) [形] having or marked by bad luck

beg (懇願する) [動] ask someone earnestly or humbly for something

allow (許す) [動] give (someone) permission to do something

something (何か) [代] an unspecified or unknown thing

toward (のために) [前] in the direction of

support (生活) [名] a means of providing for or maintaining oneself

マーチ氏が不幸な友人を助けようとして財産を失ったとき、一番上の二人の娘は、少なくとも自分たちの生活のために何かをさせてほしいと懇願した。

Believing that they could not begin too early to cultivate energy, industry, and independence, their parents consented, and both fell to work with the hearty good will which in spite of all obstacles is sure to succeed at last.

cultivate (養う) [動] grow or tend

energy (気力) [名] the ability to be active

industry (勤勉さ) [名] the quality of being hard-working

independence (自立心) [名] the quality or state of being independent

parent (両親) [名] a father or mother

fall to (取りかかる) [動] start doing something

hearty (心からの) [形] very warm and friendly

good will (善意) [名] a friendly, helpful, or cooperative attitude

obstacle (障害) [名] something that blocks one's way or prevents or hinders progress

succeed (成功する) [動] achieve the desired aim or result

両親は、娘たちが早いうちから気力、勤勉さ、自立心を養い始めることはできないと信じていたので、娘たちの懇願に同意し、娘たちはどんな障害があろうとも最後には必ず成功するであろう心からの善意をもって仕事に取りかかった。

Margaret found a place as nursery governess and felt rich with her small salary.

nursery (保育園) [名] a place where young children are cared for during the day

governess (家庭教師) [名] a woman employed to teach children in a private household

rich (豊か) [形] having a great deal of money or assets

マーガレットは保育園の家庭教師として働き口を見つけ、少ない給料でも豊かに感じていた。

As she said, she was ‘fond of luxury’, and her chief trouble was poverty.

as (ように) [接] in the way that

be fond of (が好き) [動] like very much

chief (主な) [形] most important

彼女が言うように、彼女は「贅沢が好き」で、彼女の主な悩みは貧困だった。

She found it harder to bear than the others because she could remember a time when home was beautiful, life full of ease and pleasure, and want of any kind unknown.

find (感じる) [動] experience or feel

hard (耐え難い) [形] not easy; difficult

bear (耐える) [動] carry or support

life (生活) [名] the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter, including the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death

ease (安楽) [名] freedom from difficulty or effort

want (不足) [名] a lack or deficiency of something

彼女は家が美しく、生活が安楽で楽しみに満ち、どんな種類の不足も知らなかった時代を覚えていたので、他の人よりも耐え難いと感じていた。

She tried not to be envious or discontented, but it was very natural that the young girl should long for pretty things, gay friends, accomplishments, and a happy life.

envious (嫉妬する) [形] feeling or showing envy

discontented (不満を抱く) [形] unhappy about something

natural (自然な) [形] existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind

long for (切望する) [動] want something very much

accomplishment (功績) [名] something that has been achieved successfully

彼女は嫉妬したり不満を抱かないように努めたが、若い娘がきれいな物、陽気な友人、功績、幸せな生活を切望するのはごく自然なことだった。

At the Kings’ she daily saw all she wanted, for the children’s older sisters were just out, and Meg caught frequent glimpses of dainty ball dresses and bouquets, heard lively gossip about theaters, concerts, sleighing parties, and merrymakings of all kinds, and saw money lavished on trifles which would have been so precious to her.

at the Kings' (キング家では) [名] the home of the King family

daily (毎日) [副] every day

she wanted (彼女が欲しいもの) [名] the thing that she desired

the children's (子供たちの) [名] the young people of a family

older sisters (姉たち) [名] the female siblings of a person's parents

were just out (ちょうど外出していた) [動] were not at home

caught (目にする) [動] perceive with the eyes

frequent (頻繁に) [形] happening often

glimpses (ちらっと見る) [名] a brief or incomplete view

dainty (優雅な) [形] of delicate beauty

ball dresses (舞踏会のドレス) [名] a formal gown worn to a ball

bouquets (花束) [名] a bunch of flowers

heard (聞く) [動] perceive with the ears

about (についての) [前] on the subject of

theaters (劇場) [名] a building or area for dramatic performances and spectacles

concerts (コンサート) [名] a musical performance given in public, typically by several performers or of several compositions

sleighing parties (そり遊び) [名] an event where people ride in sleighs

merrymakings (陽気な催し) [名] a festive occasion

of all kinds (あらゆる種類の) [名] of every type

saw (見る) [動] perceive with the eyes

lavished (費やされる) [動] spend or give in generous amounts

on (に) [前] in a position on top of

trifles (些細なこと) [名] something of little value or importance

which (であろう) [代] that

would have been (だったであろう) [動] would have existed or happened

so (とても) [副] to a great extent

キング家では、彼女は毎日自分の欲しいものをすべて目にしていた。子供たちの姉たちがちょうど外出していたからで、メグは優雅な舞踏会のドレスや花束を頻繁に目にし、劇場、コンサート、そり遊び、あらゆる種類の陽気な催しについての活発な噂を聞き、自分にとってとても貴重なものだったであろう些細なことにお金が費やされているのを見た。

Poor Meg seldom complained, but a sense of injustice made her feel bitter toward everyone sometimes, for she had not yet learned to know how rich she was in the blessings which alone can make life happy.

injustice (不公平) [名] unfairness

sense (感覚) [名] a faculty by which the body perceives an external stimulus; one of the five senses

bitter (苦々しい) [形] having a sharp, pungent taste or smell

sometimes (時々) [副] occasionally; at times

かわいそうなメグはめったに不平を言わなかったが、不公平感から時々誰に対しても苦々しく感じることがあった。なぜなら、彼女は人生を幸せにすることができる祝福にどれほど恵まれているかをまだ知らなかったからだ。

Jo happened to suit Aunt March, who was lame and needed an active person to wait upon her.

happen to (たまたま) [動] occur by chance

suit (合う) [動] be appropriate or satisfactory for

lame (足が不自由) [形] unable to walk normally because of an injury or illness affecting the leg or foot

active (活動的な) [形] characterized by energetic action or movement

ジョーはたまたま足が不自由で、世話をしてくれる活動的な人を必要としていたマーチおばさんに合っていた。

The childless old lady had offered to adopt one of the girls when the troubles came, and was much offended because her offer was declined.

childless (子供のいない) [形] having no children

adopt (引き取る) [動] legally take another's child and bring it up as one's own

decline (断る) [動] refuse to accept

offend (腹を立てる) [動] cause to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful

子供のいない老婦人は、トラブルが起こったときに娘の一人を引き取ると申し出たが、その申し出を断られたのでとても腹を立てていた。

Other friends told the Marches that they had lost all chance of being remembered in the rich old lady’s will, but the unworldly Marches only said...

March (マーチ) [名] the third month of the year

chance (可能性) [名] a possibility or probability

lady (老婦人) [名] a woman of refinement, good breeding, and high social position

will (遺言) [名] a legal declaration by which a person, the testator, names one or more persons to manage his or her estate and provides for the transfer of his or her property at death

unworldly (世間知らず) [形] not concerned with this world or with practical matters

他の友人たちは、マーチ家が金持ちの老婦人の遺言に残される可能性をすべて失ったと告げたが、世間知らずのマーチ家はただこう言っただけだった。

“We can’t give up our girls for a dozen fortunes.

fortune (財産) [名] a large amount of money or property

「私たちは娘たちを何十もの財産と引き換えにすることはできない。

Rich or poor, we will keep together and be happy in one another.”

keep (いる) [動] remain in a specified state

together (一緒に) [副] with or in the company of another person or other people

金持ちでも貧乏でも、私たちは一緒にいて、お互いに幸せになる」

The old lady wouldn’t speak to them for a time, but happening to meet Jo at a friend’s, something in her comical face and blunt manners struck the old lady’s fancy, and she proposed to take her for a companion.

wouldn't speak (口をきかなかった) [動] refuse to talk

for a time (しばらく) [副] for a short period of time

happen to meet (偶然出会う) [動] meet by chance

comical face (滑稽な顔) [名] a face that is funny or amusing

blunt manner (無愛想な態度) [名] a manner that is direct and without subtlety

strike one's fancy (気に入る) [動] to appeal to one's taste or liking

propose (申し出る) [動] to suggest or offer

take for a companion (連れ添いに迎える) [動] to take someone as a companion

老婦人はしばらく彼らと口をきかなかったが、友人宅でジョーと偶然出会い、彼女の滑稽な顔と無愛想な態度が老婦人の気に入り、彼女を連れ添いに迎えたいと申し出た。

This did not suit Jo at all, but she accepted the place since nothing better appeared and, to every one’s surprise, got on remarkably well with her irascible relative.

suit (向いている) [動] be appropriate or acceptable to

to one's surprise (驚いたことに) [副] surprisingly

remarkably (驚くほど) [副] very much; extremely

これはジョーには全く向いていなかったが、これ以上良いものが見つからなかったので、彼女はその場所を受け入れ、誰もが驚いたことに、彼女は短気な親戚と驚くほどうまくやっていた。

There was an occasional tempest, and once Jo marched home, declaring she couldn’t bear it longer, but Aunt March always cleared up quickly, and sent for her to come back again with such urgency that she could not refuse, for in her heart she rather liked the peppery old lady.

tempest (嵐) [名] a violent windy storm with rain, snow, or hail

once (一度) [副] on one occasion or for one time only

march (歩く) [動] walk with a regular and measured tread

clear up (機嫌を直す) [動] become fine or sunny after a period of rain or snow

send for (迎えに来させる) [動] cause to come or be brought

urgency (緊急性) [名] the quality of requiring immediate action or attention

peppery (辛口の) [形] having a sharp, pungent taste

時折嵐が起こり、一度ジョーは家まで歩いて帰り、もう我慢できないと宣言したが、マーチおばさんはいつもすぐに機嫌を直し、彼女が断れないほどの緊急性を持ってまた戻ってくるように迎えに来させた。なぜなら、彼女は心の中では、この辛口の老婦人が好きだったからだ。

I suspect that the real attraction was a large library of fine books, which was left to dust and spiders since Uncle March died.

real (本当の) [形] not fake or false

attraction (魅力) [名] the quality of being attractive or appealing

large (大きな) [形] of great size or extent

library (図書室) [名] a place where books, magazines, and other materials are kept for people to read, borrow, or refer to

dust (ほこり) [名] fine, dry powder consisting of tiny particles of earth or waste matter

spider (蜘蛛) [名] an eight-legged predatory arachnid with an unsegmented body that spins webs to catch prey

本当の魅力は、マーチおじさんが亡くなって以来、ほこりと蜘蛛の巣に覆われたままになっている、立派な本が揃った大きな図書室だったのではないかと私は疑っている。

Jo remembered the kind old gentleman, who used to let her build railroads and bridges with his big dictionaries, tell her stories about queer pictures in his Latin books, and buy her cards of gingerbread whenever he met her in the street.

kind (親切な) [形] of a good or benevolent nature or disposition

build (造る) [動] construct or make

railroad (鉄道) [名] a track or set of tracks with rails on which trains run

bridge (橋) [名] a structure making a path between two ends of an obstacle

dictionary (辞書) [名] a book or electronic resource that lists the words of a language typically in alphabetical order and gives their meaning, or gives the equivalent words in a different language, often also providing in...

story (話) [名] an account of imaginary or real people and events told for entertainment

street (道) [名] a public road in a city, town, or village, typically with houses and buildings on one or both sides

ジョーは、親切な老紳士を思い出した。彼は、大きな辞書で鉄道や橋を造らせてくれたり、ラテン語の本に載っている奇妙な絵の話をしてくれたり、道で会うたびにジンジャーブレッドのカードをおごってくれたりした。

The dim, dusty room, with the busts staring down from the tall bookcases, the cozy chairs, the globes, and best of all, the wilderness of books in which she could wander where she liked, made the library a region of bliss to her.

dim (薄暗い) [形] not bright or well lit

dusty (埃っぽい) [形] covered with dust

bust (胸像) [名] a sculpture of a person's head, neck, and upper torso

stare down (見下ろす) [動] look at someone or something intently or angrily

bookcase (本棚) [名] a piece of furniture with shelves for storing books

cozy (居心地の良い) [形] comfortable and warm

globe (地球儀) [名] a spherical representation of the earth

wilderness (荒野) [名] an uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region

wander (歩き回る) [動] walk or move around aimlessly or unhurriedly

bliss (至福) [名] perfect happiness; great joy

薄暗く埃っぽい部屋、背の高い本棚から見下ろす胸像、居心地の良い椅子、地球儀、そして何よりも、彼女が好きな場所を歩き回ることができる本の荒野は、図書館を彼女にとって至福の場所にした。

The moment Aunt March took her nap, or was busy with company, Jo hurried to this quiet place, and curling herself up in the easy chair, devoured poetry, romance, history, travels, and pictures like a regular bookworm.

take a nap (昼寝をする) [動] sleep for a short period of time during the day

be busy with (忙しくなる) [動] be occupied with

curl up (丸まる) [動] lie with the knees bent and the arms around the legs

devour (むさぼり読む) [動] read eagerly

poetry (詩) [名] a piece of writing that partakes of the nature of both speech and song that is nearly always rhythmical, usually metaphorical, and often exhibits such formal elements as meter, rhyme, and stanzaic str...

romance (恋愛小説) [名] a novel or other prose narrative with a love story and an optimistic ending

history (歴史) [名] the study of past events

travel (旅行記) [名] a book about a journey

picture (絵本) [名] a book containing pictures

regular (まるで) [形] usual or normal

マーチおばさんが昼寝をしたり、来客で忙しくなったりすると、ジョーは急いでこの静かな場所に行き、安楽椅子に丸まって、詩、恋愛小説、歴史、旅行記、絵本などを、まるで本の虫のようにむさぼり読んだ。

But, like all happiness, it did not last long, for as sure as she had just reached the heart of the story, the sweetest verse of a song, or the most perilous adventure of her traveler, a shrill voice called, “Josy-phine! Josy-phine!” and she had to leave her paradise to wind yarn, wash the poodle, or read Belsham’s Essays by the hour together.

last (続く) [動] continue or be able to continue for a specified period of time

reach (たどり着く) [動] arrive at a destination

heart (核心) [名] the central or most important part of something

shrill (甲高い) [形] high-pitched and piercing

wind (巻く) [動] move in a twisting or spiral course

しかし、すべての幸せがそうであるように、それは長くは続かなかった。彼女が物語の核心にたどり着いたとき、歌の最も甘い一節、あるいは彼女の旅人の最も危険な冒険にたどり着いたとき、「ジョージーフィン! ジョージーフィン!」という甲高い声が聞こえ、彼女は楽園を離れて糸を巻いたり、プードルを洗ったり、ベルシャムのエッセイを一緒に読んだりしなければならなかった。

Jo’s ambition was to do something very splendid.

ambition (野望) [名] a strong desire to achieve something

ジョーの野望は、何かとても素晴らしいことをすることだった。

What it was, she had no idea as yet, but left it for time to tell her, and meanwhile, found her greatest affliction in the fact that she couldn’t read, run, and ride as much as she liked.

have no idea (全く分かっていない) [動] not know at all

leave (放っておく) [動] go away from

greatest (最大の) [形] of the highest quality or eminence

affliction (悩み) [名] a cause of great suffering

fact (事実) [名] a thing that is known or proved to be true

ride (乗馬する) [動] sit on and control the movement of a horse

それが何なのか、彼女はまだ全く分かっていなかったが、時が経てば分かるだろうと放っておき、その間に、彼女の最大の悩みは、好きなだけ本を読んだり、走ったり、乗馬したりできないことにあると分かった。

A quick temper, sharp tongue, and restless spirit were always getting her into scrapes, and her life was a series of ups and downs, which were both comic and pathetic.

quick temper (短気) [名] a tendency to get angry easily

sharp tongue (口が悪い) [名] a tendency to say things that are unkind or critical

restless spirit (落ち着きのない性格) [名] a tendency to be unable to stay still or calm

series (連続) [名] a number of things that are arranged or happen in a certain order

ups and downs (山あり谷あり) [名] a series of good and bad times

comic (滑稽) [形] causing laughter

pathetic (哀れ) [形] causing feelings of sadness or sympathy

短気で、口が悪く、落ち着きのない性格の彼女は、いつもトラブルに巻き込まれ、彼女の人生は山あり谷ありで、滑稽でもあり、哀れでもあった。

But the training she received at Aunt March’s was just what she needed, and the thought that she was doing something to support herself made her happy in spite of the perpetual “Josy-phine!”

training (訓練) [名] the action of teaching a person or animal a particular skill or type of behavior

support (支える) [動] give assistance to, especially financially

perpetual (絶え間ない) [形] never ending or changing

Josy-phine (ジョージーフィン) [名] a nickname for Josephine

しかし、マーチおばさんのところで受けた訓練は、彼女が必要としていたものであり、自分を支えるために何かをしているという考えは、絶え間ない「ジョージーフィン!」にもかかわらず、彼女を幸せにした。

Beth was too bashful to go to school.

ベスは恥ずかしがり屋で学校に行けなかった。

It had been tried, but she suffered so much that it was given up, and she did her lessons at home with her father.

give up (あきらめる) [動] stop trying to do something

do (勉強する) [動] study or read

試してみたことはあったが、彼女はひどく苦しんだので、あきらめて、家で父親と一緒に勉強した。

Even when he went away, and her mother was called to devote her skill and energy to Soldiers’ Aid Societies, Beth went faithfully on by herself and did the best she could.

even when (~の時でさえ) [接] although

skill (技術) [名] the ability to do something well

Soldiers' Aid Societies (兵士援助協会) [名] an organization that helps soldiers

by oneself (一人で) [副] without help

彼が去り、母親が兵士援助協会に彼女の技術とエネルギーを捧げるように呼ばれた時でさえ、ベスは一人で忠実に進み、彼女ができる限りのことをした。

She was a housewifely little creature, and helped Hannah keep home neat and comfortable for the workers, never thinking of any reward but to be loved.

housewifely (主婦のような) [形] of or relating to a housewife

worker (働く人) [名] a person who works

reward (報酬) [名] a thing given in recognition of one's service, effort, or achievement

be loved (愛される) [動] be the object of someone's love

彼女は主婦のような小さな生き物で、ハンナが家をきちんと整え、働く人々にとって快適な場所に保つのを手伝い、愛されること以外に何の報酬も考えていなかった。

Long, quiet days she spent, not lonely nor idle, for her little world was peopled with imaginary friends, and she was by nature a busy bee.

imaginary (想像上の) [形] existing only in the imagination

by nature (生まれつき) [副] by natural character or disposition

bee (蜂) [名] a winged insect that is closely related to the wasps and ants

彼女は長く静かな日々を過ごしたが、孤独でも怠惰でもなかった。彼女の小さな世界には想像上の友人が住んでおり、彼女は生まれつき忙しい蜂だった。

There were six dolls to be taken up and dressed every morning, for Beth was a child still and loved her pets as well as ever.

take up (抱き上げる) [動] lift or pick up

still (まだ) [副] up to and including the present time

ベスはまだ子供で、相変わらずペットを愛していたので、毎朝6体の人形を抱き上げ、着替えさせなければならなかった。

Not one whole or handsome one among them, all were outcasts till Beth took them in, for when her sisters outgrew these idols, they passed to her because Amy would have nothing old or ugly.

whole (完全な) [形] complete in every part

handsome (美しい) [形] pleasing to the eye or the ear

outcast (捨て子) [名] a person who is rejected by society

take in (引き取る) [動] to accept or receive someone or something

outgrow (卒業する) [動] to grow too big for

idol (人形) [名] an object of extreme devotion

pass (渡る) [動] to move or cause to move in a specified direction

その中に完全なものや美しいものは一つもなく、ベスが引き取るまではすべて捨て子だった。姉妹がこれらの人形を卒業すると、エイミーは古いものや醜いものは何も欲しがらなかったので、ベスのところに渡ってきたのだ。

Beth cherished them all the more tenderly for that very reason, and set up a hospital for infirm dolls.

cherish (大切にする) [動] to hold or treat as dear or valuable

set up (設立する) [動] to establish or create

hospital (病院) [名] an institution providing medical and surgical treatment

ベスはまさにその理由で、それらをより優しく大切にし、病弱な人形のための病院を設立した。

No pins were ever stuck into their cotton vitals, no harsh words or blows were ever given them, no neglect ever saddened the heart of the most repulsive, but all were fed and clothed, nursed and caressed with an affection which never failed.

vitals (臓器) [名] the body parts that are essential for life

harsh (厳しい) [形] unpleasantly rough or violent; severe

blow (打撃) [名] a sudden, forceful stroke with a hand or weapon

neglect (怠慢) [名] the state or fact of being uncared for

sadden (悲しませる) [動] to make unhappy

repulsive (嫌悪感を抱く) [形] causing strong feelings of dislike or disgust

feed (食べ物を与える) [動] to give food to

clothe (服を着せる) [動] to put clothes on

nurse (看護する) [動] to care for a sick or injured person

caress (愛撫する) [動] to touch or stroke in a loving or gentle way

affection (愛情) [名] a feeling of liking and caring for someone or something

綿の臓器にピンが刺さったり、厳しい言葉や打撃を与えられたり、最も嫌悪感を抱く人の心を悲しませるような怠慢は決してなかったが、すべてが食べ物を与えられ、服を着せられ、看護され、愛情を込めて愛撫された。

One forlorn fragment of dollanity had belonged to Jo and, having led a tempestuous life, was left a wreck in the rag bag, from which dreary poorhouse it was rescued by Beth and taken to her refuge.

forlorn (悲惨な) [形] pitifully sad and abandoned or lonely

fragment (断片) [名] a small part broken or separated off from something

belong (属する) [動] be a member of or be connected with

lead (送る) [動] cause to go with oneself by holding and guiding

tempestuous (激動の) [形] stormy or turbulent

rag bag (ぼろ袋) [名] a bag containing scraps of fabric

dreary (悲惨な) [形] sad or dull

poorhouse (救貧院) [名] a place formerly maintained at public expense to house and feed the very poor

人形の悲惨な断片の1つはジョーのもので、激動の人生を送った後、ぼろ袋に残骸として残されていたが、ベスによってその悲惨な救貧院から救い出され、彼女の避難所に連れて行かれた。

Having no top to its head, she tied on a neat little cap, and as both arms and legs were gone, she hid these deficiencies by folding it in a blanket and devoting her best bed to this chronic invalid.

have no top (てっぺんがない) [動] lack the uppermost part

tie on (かぶせる) [動] put on or around

as (ので) [接] because

both (両方) [限] the two

arm (腕) [名] an upper limb

leg (脚) [名] a lower limb

be gone (なくなっていた) [動] no longer present

these (これらの) [限] the

deficiency (欠陥) [名] a lack or shortage

fold (包む) [動] bend (something flexible and relatively flat) over on itself so that one part of it covers another

in (に) [前] inside

blanket (毛布) [名] a large piece of woollen or similar material used as a bed covering

this (この) [限] the

chronic (慢性的な) [形] (of a disease) persisting for a long time or constantly recurring

invalid (病人) [名] a person made weak or disabled by illness or injury

頭のてっぺんがないので、彼女はきれいな小さな帽子をかぶせ、両腕と両脚がなくなっていたので、毛布に包んでこの慢性的な病人に一番いいベッドを捧げて、これらの欠陥を隠した。

If anyone had known the care lavished on that dolly, I think it would have touched their hearts, even while they laughed.

care (愛情) [名] the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or something

lavish (注ぐ) [動] give or spend in generous or extravagant quantities

dolly (人形) [名] a child's toy representing a human figure

touch (打たれる) [動] move emotionally

もし誰かがあの人形に注がれた愛情を知っていたなら、笑いながらも心を打たれたと思う。

She brought it bits of bouquets, she read to it, took it out to breathe fresh air, hidden under her coat, she sang it lullabies and never went to bed without kissing its dirty face and whispering tenderly, “I hope you’ll have a good night, my poor dear.”

breathe (吸う) [動] take air into the lungs and then expel it

fresh air (新鮮な空気) [名] air that is clean and unpolluted

coat (コート) [名] a garment worn on the upper body for warmth

dirty (汚れた) [形] not clean

have a good night (おやすみなさい) [動] sleep well

彼女は人形に花束の切れ端を持ってきて、本を読んで聞かせ、コートの下に隠して新鮮な空気を吸わせ、子守唄を歌い、その汚れた顔にキスして優しく「おやすみなさい、私のかわいそうな人形ちゃん」とささやくことなしに寝ることはなかった。

Beth had her troubles as well as the others, and not being an angel but a very human little girl, she often ‘wept a little weep’ as Jo said, because she couldn’t take music lessons and have a fine piano.

as well as (だけでなく) [接] in addition to; also

human (人間的な) [形] of or characteristic of humankind or human beings

little girl (少女) [名] a young female human being

often (よく) [副] many times; frequently

weep (泣く) [動] shed tears

music lesson (音楽のレッスン) [名] a period of time during which a student is taught music

fine piano (立派なピアノ) [名] a piano of high quality

ベスも他の人と同じように悩みがあり、天使ではなくとても人間的な少女だったので、音楽のレッスンを受けられず、立派なピアノも持てなかったので、ジョーが言うようによく「少し泣いた」。

She loved music so dearly, tried so hard to learn, and practiced away so patiently at the jingling old instrument, that it did seem as if someone (not to hint Aunt March) ought to help her.

away (根気よく) [副] continuously or steadily

patiently (根気よく) [副] in a patient manner

jingling (音の狂った) [形] making a light, ringing sound

instrument (楽器) [名] a tool or implement, especially one for delicate or scientific work

someone (誰か) [代] some person

ought to (べきである) [助] used to express moral obligation or desirability

彼女は音楽をとても愛し、一生懸命に学ぼうとし、音の狂った古い楽器でとても根気よく練習したので、誰か(マーチおばさんにはほのめかさないが)が彼女を助けるべきであるように思われた。

Nobody did, however, and nobody saw Beth wipe the tears off the yellow keys, that wouldn’t keep in tune, when she was all alone.

do (そうする) [動] perform an action

wipe (ぬぐう) [動] clean or dry by rubbing with a cloth or the hand

tune (調律) [名] the correct pitch of a musical instrument

しかし、誰もそうしなかったし、ベスが一人きりの時に、調律の合わない黄色い鍵盤から涙をぬぐうのを見た人は誰もいなかった。

She sang like a little lark about her work, never was too tired for Marmee and the girls, and day after day said hopefully to herself, “I know I’ll get my music some time, if I’m good.”

too (あまりにも) [副] to a higher degree than is desirable, permissible, or possible

day after day (毎日毎日) [副] on each successive day

hopefully (希望を抱いて) [副] in a hopeful manner

get (習える) [動] receive, obtain, or acquire

some time (いつか) [副] at some point in the future

彼女は仕事の合間にヒバリのように歌い、ママや姉妹のために疲れ果てることはなく、毎日毎日「いい子にしていたら、いつか音楽を習えるよ」と希望を抱いて自分に言い聞かせていた。

There are many Beths in the world, shy and quiet, sitting in corners till needed, and living for others so cheerfully that no one sees the sacrifices till the little cricket on the hearth stops chirping, and the sweet, sunshiny presence vanishes, leaving silence and shadow behind.

There are (いる) [動] exist

live (生きる) [動] be alive

other (他人) [名] a person other than oneself

stop (止める) [動] cease from doing something

presence (存在) [名] the state or fact of existing, occurring, or being present

silence (沈黙) [名] complete absence of sound or noise

shadow (影) [名] a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface

世の中には、恥ずかしがり屋で静かなベスのような人がたくさんいて、必要とされるまで隅っこに座って、他人のために明るく生きているので、暖炉の小さなコオロギが鳴き止み、甘く陽気な存在が消えて、沈黙と影を残すまで、誰も犠牲に気づかない。

If anybody had asked Amy what the greatest trial of her life was, she would have answered at once, “My nose.”

anybody (誰か) [名] any person

trial (試練) [名] a test of the quality of something

もし誰かがエイミーに人生最大の試練は何かと尋ねたら、彼女はすぐに「私の鼻」と答えただろう。

When she was a baby, Jo had accidently dropped her into the coal hod, and Amy insisted that the fall had ruined her nose forever.

when she was a baby (彼女が赤ん坊の頃) [名] when she was a baby

accidently (誤って) [副] by chance; unintentionally

coal hod (石炭入れ) [名] a container for holding coal

insist (言い張る) [動] demand or assert something forcefully

fall (落下) [名] the action of falling

ruin (だめになる) [動] damage or destroy something

彼女が赤ん坊の頃、ジョーは誤って彼女を石炭入れに落としてしまったことがあり、エイミーはその落下で鼻が永遠にだめになったと言い張った。

It was not big nor red, like poor ‘Petrea’s’, it was only rather flat, and all the pinching in the world could not give it an aristocratic point.

poor (哀れな) [形] having little money or few possessions

all the pinching (どんなにつまんでも) [名] the action of squeezing something tightly between the fingers and thumb

aristocratic (貴族的な) [形] belonging to or characteristic of the aristocracy

大きくも赤くもなく、哀れな「ペトリア」のように、ただ平らで、どんなにつまんでも貴族的な尖りを与えることはできなかった。

No one minded it but herself, and it was doing its best to grow, but Amy felt deeply the want of a Grecian nose, and drew whole sheets of handsome ones to console herself.

herself (彼女自身) [代] the female person or animal previously mentioned as the object of a verb or preposition

deeply (深く) [副] to a great extent

Grecian (ギリシャの) [形] of or relating to Greece or its people or language or culture

draw (描く) [動] produce a picture or diagram of

whole (何枚も) [形] complete; entire

sheet (枚) [名] a rectangular piece of paper

console (慰める) [動] comfort (someone) at a time of great distress or sadness

誰も気にしていなかったが、彼女自身は気にしていたし、鼻は成長しようと最善を尽くしていたが、エイミーはギリシャ鼻の欠如を深く感じ、自分を慰めるために美しい鼻を何枚も描いた。

“Little Raphael,” as her sisters called her, had a decided talent for drawing, and was never so happy as when copying flowers, designing fairies, or illustrating stories with queer specimens of art.

Little Raphael (小さなラファエル) [名] a nickname for Amy March

have a decided talent for (才能に恵まれている) [動] to be very good at something

drawing (絵を描く) [名] the art or technique of representing objects or forms on a surface

be never so happy as when (これほど幸せなことはない) [動] to be happiest when

copy (写生する) [動] to make an identical version of

design (描く) [動] to create the look and function of (something)

illustrate (描く) [動] to provide (a book, magazine, etc.) with pictures

specimen (作品) [名] an example of something

姉妹たちが呼ぶところの「小さなラファエル」は、絵を描く才能に恵まれていて、花を写生したり、妖精を描いたり、奇妙な芸術作品で物語を描いたりする時ほど幸せなことはなかった。

Her teachers complained that instead of doing her sums she covered her slate with animals, the blank pages of her atlas were used to copy maps on, and caricatures of the most ludicrous description came fluttering out of all her books at unlucky moments.

cover (埋め尽くす) [動] extend over the whole surface of

animal (動物) [名] a living organism of the kingdom Animalia

blank (白紙) [形] not written or printed on

atlas (地図帳) [名] a book of maps

copy (写し) [名] a thing made to be similar or identical to another

map (地図) [名] a diagrammatic representation of an area of land or sea showing physical features, cities, roads, etc.

caricature (風刺画) [名] a representation of a person or thing in which certain striking characteristics are exaggerated in order to create a comic or grotesque effect

ludicrous (滑稽な) [形] so foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing

flutter (飛び出す) [動] move or cause to move with a light irregular or trembling motion

unlucky (不運な) [形] having or marked by bad luck

moment (時) [名] a particular period of time

彼女の教師たちは、彼女が計算をする代わりに石板を動物で埋め尽くし、地図帳の白紙のページを地図の写しに使ったり、最も滑稽な説明の風刺画が不運な時に彼女の本から飛び出してきたと不満を漏らした。

She got through her lessons as well as she could, and managed to escape reprimands by being a model of deportment.

get through (こなす) [動] complete or finish

as well as (できる限り) [接] to the same degree or extent as

manage to (なんとか~する) [動] succeed in doing something

escape (免れる) [動] get free from

reprimand (叱責) [名] a severe reproof or rebuke

彼女はできる限り授業をこなし、行儀の模範生であることで叱責を免れることができた。

She was a great favorite with her mates, being good-tempered and possessing the happy art of pleasing without effort.

be a great favorite (とても好かれる) [動] be liked a lot

mate (仲間) [名] a friend or companion

good-tempered (気立てがよい) [形] having a pleasant and friendly personality

possess (身につける) [動] have as a quality or characteristic

happy art (幸せな術) [名] a skill or ability that brings happiness

pleasing (喜ばせる) [動] cause to be happy or satisfied

彼女は気立てがよく、努力せずに喜ばせるという幸せな術を身につけていたため、仲間からとても好かれていた。

Her little airs and graces were much admired, so were her accomplishments, for besides her drawing, she could play twelve tunes, crochet, and read French without mispronouncing more than two-thirds of the words.

admire (賞賛する) [動] regard with respect or warm approval

besides (以外にも) [前] in addition to; as well as

drawing (絵) [名] a picture or diagram made with a pencil, pen, or crayon

play (演奏する) [動] perform music on an instrument

tune (曲) [名] a melody or song

crochet (かぎ針編み) [名] a type of needlework in which loops of yarn are made with a hooked needle

mispronounce (間違える) [動] pronounce incorrectly

more than (以上) [前] greater in number or amount than

two-thirds (3分の2) [数] the fraction equal to two divided by three

彼女の小さな態度や優雅さは、彼女の功績と同様に大いに賞賛された。彼女は絵を描く以外にも、12曲を演奏したり、かぎ針編みをしたり、言葉の3分の2以上を間違えずにフランス語を読むことができたのだ。

She had a plaintive way of saying, “When Papa was rich we did so-and-so,” which was very touching, and her long words were considered ‘perfectly elegant’ by the girls.

plaintive (悲しげな) [形] expressing sorrow or melancholy

perfectly (完璧に) [副] in a manner or to a degree that is entirely satisfactory

彼女は「パパが金持ちだった頃は、私たちはこんなことをした」と悲しげに言うのがとても印象的で、彼女の長い言葉は少女たちから「完璧に優雅」だと考えられていた。

Amy was in a fair way to be spoiled, for everyone petted her, and her small vanities and selfishnesses were growing nicely.

be in a fair way to (しそうである) [動] be likely to

be spoiled (甘やかされる) [動] be treated with too much indulgence

pet (かわいがる) [動] stroke or caress

selfishness (利己主義) [名] the quality of being selfish

エイミーは誰もが彼女をかわいがっていたため、甘やかされそうになっており、彼女の小さな虚栄心と利己主義は順調に成長していた。

One thing, however, rather quenched the vanities.

one thing (1つの事) [名] something

however (しかし) [副] nevertheless; yet; still; though

quench (打ち消す) [動] to put out or extinguish

しかし、1つのことが虚栄心を打ち消した。

She had to wear her cousin’s clothes.

彼女はいとこの服を着なければならなかった。

Now Florence’s mama hadn’t a particle of taste, and Amy suffered deeply at having to wear a red instead of a blue bonnet, unbecoming gowns, and fussy aprons that did not fit.

Florence (フローレンス) [名] a city in northern Italy

mama (ママ) [名] mother

particle (かけら) [名] a very small piece of something

taste (センス) [名] the ability to judge what is of good quality

unbecoming (似合わない) [形] not attractive or appropriate

fussy (サイズの合わない) [形] excessively elaborate or ornate

apron (エプロン) [名] a garment worn over other clothes to protect them

フローレンスのママにはセンスというものが全くなく、エイミーは青いボンネットの代わりに赤いボンネットを被ったり、似合わないドレスやサイズの合わないエプロンを着なければならなかったりして、とても苦しんだ。

Everything was good, well made, and little worn, but Amy’s artistic eyes were much afflicted, especially this winter, when her school dress was a dull purple with yellow dots and no trimming.

good (上等) [形] of high quality

little (あまり) [副] to a small extent

worn (着古した) [形] damaged or deteriorated by wear

afflicted (苦痛) [形] affected by a disease or other problem

dress (服) [名] a garment for a woman or girl that covers the body and extends down over the legs

dull (くすんだ) [形] lacking interest or excitement

purple (紫色) [名] a color intermediate between red and blue

dot (水玉模様) [名] a small round mark

trimming (飾り) [名] an ornament or decoration

どれも上等で、よくできていて、あまり着古していなかったが、エイミーの芸術的な目にはひどく苦痛で、特にこの冬は、学校の服が黄色い水玉模様のくすんだ紫色で、飾りがなかった。

“My only comfort,” she said to Meg, with tears in her eyes, “is that Mother doesn’t take tucks in my dresses whenever I’m naughty, as Maria Parks’s mother does.

take tucks (折り返す) [動] to fold or turn up

whenever (するたびに) [接] at whatever time; on whatever occasion

naughty (いたずら) [形] disobedient; mischievous

Maria Parks (マリア・パークス) [名] a character in the story

「私の唯一の慰めは」と彼女は目に涙を浮かべてメグに言った、「ママは私がいたずらをしても、マリア・パークスのママがするように私の服を折り返さないことだ。

My dear, it’s really dreadful, for sometimes she is so bad her frock is up to her knees, and she can’t come to school.

so bad (ひどく) [副] to a very great degree

up to (まで) [前] as far as

knee (膝) [名] the joint between the thigh and the lower leg

ねえ、本当にひどいことで、時々彼女はひどくいたずらをするので、ドレスが膝まで上がってしまい、学校に来られないの。

When I think of this deggerredation, I feel that I can bear even my flat nose and purple gown with yellow sky-rockets on it.”

deggerredation (堕落) [名] a falling away from a higher or better state

sky-rocket (花火) [名] a firework that rises high into the air and explodes

私がこの堕落した行為を考えると、私は自分の平らな鼻と黄色い花火のついた紫のドレスに耐えることができると思う。」

Meg was Amy’s confidant and monitor, and by some strange attraction of opposites Jo was gentle Beth’s.

confidant (親友) [名] a person with whom one shares a secret or private matter, trusting them not to repeat it to others

monitor (監督役) [名] a person who supervises or observes

opposite (正反対) [名] something that is the reverse of something else

attraction (親友) [名] a quality or feature of someone or something that makes them appealing or interesting

メグはエイミーの親友であり、監督役で、ジョーは正反対の性格の優しいベスの親友だった。

To Jo alone did the shy child tell her thoughts, and over her big harum-scarum sister Beth unconsciously exercised more influence than anyone in the family.

to Jo alone (ジョーだけに) [副] only to Jo

over (以上に) [前] more than

harum-scarum (無鉄砲な) [形] reckless or irresponsible

sister (姉) [名] a female sibling

exercise (与える) [動] use or apply

influence (影響) [名] the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself

内気な子供はジョーだけに自分の考えを話し、ベスは無意識のうちに家族の誰よりも、この無鉄砲な姉に影響を与えていた。

The two older girls were a great deal to one another, but each took one of the younger sisters into her keeping and watched over her in her own way, ‘playing mother’ they called it, and put their sisters in the places of discarded dolls with the maternal instinct of little women.

older (年上の) [形] of greater age

great deal (とても) [副] to a high degree

take (引き取る) [動] to get into one's possession, power, or control

younger (年下の) [形] of less age

keeping (面倒) [名] care, supervision, or maintenance

watch over (面倒を見る) [動] to take care of

own way (自分なりの方法) [名] one's own method or manner

put (代わりにする) [動] to place in a specified position

discarded (捨てられた) [形] thrown away

doll (人形) [名] a small model of a human figure

maternal instinct (母性本能) [名] the inherent inclination of a mother to nurture and protect her offspring

little woman (小さな女性) [名] a young woman

年上の二人の娘は互いにとても仲が良かったが、それぞれが妹の一人を引き取って、自分なりの方法で面倒を見ていた。彼女たちはそれを「お母さんごっこ」と呼び、妹たちを捨てられた人形の代わりにして、小さな女性の母性本能を発揮していた。

“Has anybody got anything to tell?

anything (何か) [代] any thing

「誰か何か話したいことはある?

It’s been such a dismal day I’m really dying for some amusement,” said Meg, as they sat sewing together that evening.

sew (縫う) [動] work with a needle and thread

とても陰気な一日だったから、何か楽しいことがしたくてたまらないよ」と、その夜、みんなで一緒に座って裁縫をしながらメグは言った。

“I had a queer time with Aunt today, and, as I got the best of it, I’ll tell you about it,” began Jo, who dearly loved to tell stories.

have a queer time (奇妙な時間を過ごす) [動] have a strange or unusual experience

aunt (おばさん) [名] the sister of one's father or mother

get the best of (一番良かったこと) [動] to defeat or overcome

「今日はおばさんと奇妙な時間を過ごしたんだ。その中で一番良かったことを話そう」と、物語を語るのが大好きなジョーは話し始めた。

“I was reading that everlasting Belsham, and droning away as I always do, for Aunt soon drops off, and then I take out some nice book, and read like fury till she wakes up.

everlasting (永遠に続く) [形] lasting forever

Belsham (ベルシャム) [名] a surname

drone away (ぼんやりと過ごす) [動] to spend time in a lazy or inactive way

drop off (寝てしまう) [動] to fall asleep

read like fury (夢中になって読む) [動] to read with great intensity or concentration

「私はいつものようにあの永遠に続くベルシャムを読んで、ぼんやりと過ごしていた。おばさんはすぐに寝てしまうから、私は何かいい本を取り出して、彼女が起きるまで夢中になって読むんだ。

I actually made myself sleepy, and before she began to nod, I gave such a gape that she asked me what I meant by opening my mouth wide enough to take the whole book in at once.”

make oneself sleepy (眠くなる) [動] become sleepy

nod (居眠りをする) [動] move one's head to show understanding or approval

give (する) [動] perform

gape (大きく口を開ける) [動] open one's mouth wide

wide (大きく) [形] having a large distance from one side to the other

take in (飲み込む) [動] eat or drink

実際、私は眠くなって、彼女が居眠りを始める前に、大きく口を開けたので、彼女は、本を全部一気に飲み込めるほど口を開けてどうしたのか、と私に尋ねた。」

“I wish I could, and be done with it,” said I, trying not to be saucy.

be done with (済む) [動] to be finished with something

saucy (生意気な) [形] bold and confident in a way that is rude or disrespectful

「そうして、それで済めばいいのに」と私は生意気にならないように言った。

“Then she gave me a long lecture on my sins, and told me to sit and think them over while she just ‘lost’ herself for a moment.

sin (罪) [名] an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law

over (以上) [前] finished or done with

「それから、彼女は私の罪について長い説教をして、彼女がちょっと「自分を見失った」間に、座ってそれらについて考えるよう言った。

She never finds herself very soon, so the minute her cap began to bob like a top-heavy dahlia, I whipped the Vicar of Wakefield out of my pocket, and read away, with one eye on him and one on Aunt.

find oneself (自分を取り戻す) [動] to become aware of one's own character, abilities, and limitations

begin (始まる) [動] start

bob (揺れる) [動] move up and down

top-heavy (頭でっかちな) [形] having a disproportionately large upper part

dahlia (ダリア) [名] a tuberous-rooted Mexican plant of the aster family, having showy, variously colored flowers

whip (取り出す) [動] move or take out suddenly and quickly

Vicar of Wakefield (ウェイクフィールドの牧師) [名] a novel by Oliver Goldsmith

read away (読み始める) [動] start reading

one eye (片目) [名] one of the two organs of vision

彼女はすぐに自分を取り戻すことは決してないので、彼女の帽子が頭でっかちなダリアのように揺れ始めた瞬間、私はウェイクフィールドの牧師をポケットから取り出し、片目で彼を、もう片方の目でおばさんを見ながら読み始めた。

I’d just got to where they all tumbled into the water when I forgot and laughed out loud.

get to (来た) [動] reach a place

laugh out loud (大声で笑う) [動] laugh loudly

みんなが水に落ちるところまで来た時、私は我を忘れて大声で笑ってしまった。

Aunt woke up and, being more good-natured after her nap, told me to read a bit and show what frivolous work I preferred to the worthy and instructive Belsham.

wake up (目を覚ます) [動] stop sleeping

nap (昼寝) [名] a short sleep during the day

frivolous (軽薄な) [形] not having any serious purpose or value

work (作品) [名] a book or other piece of writing

prefer (好む) [動] like (one thing or person) better than another

worthy (価値がある) [形] deserving effort, attention, or respect

instructive (ためになる) [形] providing useful information or knowledge

おばさんが目を覚まし、昼寝の後で機嫌が良くなったので、少し読んで、価値があってためになるベルシャムよりもどんな軽薄な作品を好むのか見せるように言った。

I did my very best, and she liked it, though she only said...

like (気に入る) [動] to find agreeable or attractive

私は最善を尽くし、彼女はそれを気に入ったが、彼女はただ言っただけだった。

“‘I don’t understand what it’s all about.

all about (何が何だか) [名] the whole story or situation

「何が何だかわからない。

Go back and begin it, child.’”

go back (戻る) [動] return to a previous place or state

戻って始めなさい、子供よ」

“Back I went, and made the Primroses as interesting as ever I could.

interesting (面白い) [形] holding or catching the attention

「私は戻って、できる限りサクラソウを面白くした。

Once I was wicked enough to stop in a thrilling place, and say meekly, ‘I’m afraid it tires you, ma’am.

wicked (意地悪) [形] deliberately cruel or malicious

stop (立ち止まる) [動] cease moving

thrilling (スリリング) [形] causing a feeling of excitement

place (場所) [名] a particular position or point in space

meekly (おとなしく) [副] in a quiet and gentle way

afraid (恐れる) [形] feeling fear or worry

tire (疲れる) [動] become exhausted

一度、私はスリリングな場所で立ち止まって、おとなしく「お疲れになったでしょう、奥様。

Shan’t I stop now?’”

shan't (やめましょうか) [動] shall not

もうやめましょうか?」と言うほど意地悪だった。」

“She caught up her knitting, which had dropped out of her hands, gave me a sharp look through her specs, and said, in her short way, ‘Finish the chapter, and don’t be impertinent, miss’.”

catch up (拾い上げる) [動] to reach the same level as someone or something

knitting (編み物) [名] the activity or hobby of making clothes or other articles by knitting

sharp (鋭い) [形] having a fine edge or point

short (短く) [形] having little length

miss (お嬢さん) [名] a young unmarried woman

「彼女は手から落ちた編み物を拾い上げ、眼鏡越しに私を鋭く見据えて、短く「章を終わらせなさい、生意気なことを言うんじゃない、お嬢さん」と言った。」

“Did she own she liked it?”

「彼女は気に入ったと認めたの?」

asked Meg.

メグが尋ねた。

“Oh, bless you, no!

bless (とんでもない) [動] to make holy or sacred

you (あなた) [代] the person being spoken to

「ああ、とんでもない!

But she let old Belsham rest, and when I ran back after my gloves this afternoon, there she was, so hard at the Vicar

let (休ませる) [動] allow to

run back (走って戻る) [動] run in the opposite direction

there (そこに) [副] in or at that place

vicar (牧師) [名] a cleric in charge of a parish

でも彼女は古いベルシャムを休ませ、私が今日の午後手袋を取りに戻ったとき、彼女はそこにいて、牧師に熱中していた。

that she didn’t hear me laugh

彼女は私が笑うのを聞かなかった。

as I danced a jig in the hall

私がホールでジグを踊ったとき

because of the good time coming.

because of (ので) [前] for the reason that

good time (楽しい時) [名] a time of enjoyment

楽しい時が来るので。

What a pleasant life she might have

彼女はどんなに楽しい人生を送れるだろう。

if only she chose!

if only (もし~なら) [接] used to express a wish

彼女が選ぶだけなら!

I don’t envy her much, in spite of her money, for after all rich people have about as many worries as poor ones, I think,” added Jo.

after all (結局のところ) [副] in spite of everything; nevertheless

as many as (同じくらい) [副] to the same extent or degree

お金があるにもかかわらず、私は彼女をあまり羨ましく思わない、結局のところ、金持ちは貧乏人と同じくらい多くの心配事があると思う」とジョーは付け加えた。

“That reminds me,” said Meg, “that I’ve got something to tell.

「そういえば」とメグは言った、「何か話したいことがあるの。

It isn’t funny, like Jo’s story, but I thought about it a good deal as I came home.

ジョーの話みたいに面白くはないんだけど、帰宅するまでずっと考えていたの。

At the Kings’ today I found everybody in a flurry, and one of the children said that her oldest brother had done something dreadful, and Papa had sent him away.

in a flurry (慌てている) [形] in a state of confusion or agitation

brother (兄) [名] a man or boy in relation to other sons and daughters of his parents

今日キング家に行ったら、みんなが慌てていて、子供の一人が一番上の兄が何かひどいことをして、パパが彼を追い出したと言っていた。

I heard Mrs. King crying and Mr. King talking very loud, and Grace and Ellen turned away their faces when they passed me, so I shouldn’t see how red and swollen their eyes were.

Mrs. King (キング夫人) [名] the wife of Mr. King

Mr. King (キング氏) [名] the husband of Mrs. King

Grace (グレース) [名] a female given name

Ellen (エレン) [名] a female given name

turn away (背ける) [動] move or cause to move in a different direction

pass (通る) [動] move or cause to move in a specified direction

shouldn't (できない) [助] should not

swollen (腫れた) [形] bulging or protruding abnormally

キング夫人が泣き、キング氏がとても大きな声で話しているのが聞こえたし、グレースとエレンは私の前を通るときに顔を背けたので、私は彼女たちの目がどれほど赤く腫れているのか見ることができなかった。

I didn’t ask any questions, of course, but I felt so sorry for them and was rather glad I hadn’t any wild brothers to do wicked things and disgrace the family.”

feel sorry for (気の毒に思う) [動] feel compassion for

wicked (悪い) [形] morally bad

disgrace (恥) [名] loss of reputation as the result of a dishonorable action

もちろん何も聞かなかったけど、とても気の毒に思ったし、悪いことをして家族の恥になるような乱暴な兄弟がいなくてよかったと思ったよ。」

“I think being disgraced in school is a great deal tryinger than anything bad boys can do,” said Amy, shaking her head, as if her experience of life had been a deep one.

disgrace (恥をかく) [動] bring shame or dishonor to

bad (悪い) [形] not good

experience (経験) [名] practical contact with and observation of facts or events

deep (深い) [形] having a specified distance from the top to the bottom

「学校で恥をかくのは、悪い男の子がすることよりもずっとつらいことだよ」とエイミーは、人生経験が深いかのように首を振りながら言った。

“Susie Perkins came to school today with a lovely red carnelian ring.

Susie Perkins (スージー・パーキンス) [名] a character in the story

come to school (学校に来る) [動] arrive at school

carnelian (カーネリアン) [名] a reddish-brown variety of chalcedony

ring (リング) [名] a small circular band of precious metal, with or without gemstones, worn on a finger as an ornament or a token of marriage, engagement, or authority

「スージー・パーキンスが今日、素敵な赤いカーネリアンリングをつけて学校に来たのよ。

I wanted it dreadfully, and wished I was her with all my might.

dreadfully (とても) [副] to a very great degree

私はそれがとても欲しくて、全力で彼女になりたいと願った。

Well, she drew a picture of Mr. Davis, with a monstrous nose and a hump, and the words, ‘Young ladies, my eye is upon you!’ coming out of his mouth in a balloon thing.

draw a picture (絵を描く) [動] make a drawing of

monstrous (巨大な) [形] extremely and shockingly bad or evil

hump (瘤) [名] a rounded protuberance on the back

come out of (出てくる) [動] move or travel from the inside of something to the outside

balloon (風船) [名] a small rubber sac that can be inflated with air or gas

彼女はデイビス先生の絵を描いたんだけど、巨大な鼻と瘤があって、口から「お嬢さんたち、私はあなたたちを見ているよ!」という言葉が風船のように出ているの。

We were laughing over it when all of a sudden his eye was on us, and he ordered Susie to bring up her slate.

all of a sudden (突然) [副] without warning

bring up (持ってくる) [動] carry or take to a higher place

私たちがそれを笑っていると、突然彼の目が私たちに向けられ、スージーに石板を持ってくるように命じた。

She was parrylized with fright, but she went, and oh, what do you think he did?

be parrylized with (麻痺する) [動] be unable to move or feel

fright (恐怖) [名] a sudden intense feeling of fear

彼女は恐怖で麻痺していたが、彼女は行った、そして、ああ、彼が何をしたと思う?

He took her by the ear—the ear!

take by the ear (耳をつかむ) [動] to grab someone by the ear

ear (耳) [名] the organ of hearing and balance in humans and other vertebrates

彼は彼女の耳をつかんだ—耳を!

Just fancy how horrid!—and led her to the recitation platform, and made her stand there half an hour, holding the slate so everyone could see.”

fancy (想像する) [動] to form a mental image of something

lead (連れて行く) [動] to take or guide someone or something to a destination

recitation (朗読) [名] the action of reciting something

platform (台) [名] a raised level surface on which people or things can stand

どれだけ恐ろしいことか想像してみて!—そして彼女を朗読台に連れて行き、石板をみんなに見えるように持たせて、30分そこに立たせたんだ。」

“Didn’t the girls laugh at the picture?” asked Jo, who relished the scrape.

relish (喜ぶ) [動] enjoy greatly

scrape (失態) [名] a difficult or embarrassing situation

「女の子たちはその絵を見て笑わなかった?」と、その失態を喜んだジョーは尋ねた。

“Laugh? Not one! They sat still as mice, and Susie cried quarts, I know she did.

not one (誰も) [代] no one

mouse (ネズミ) [名] a small rodent which typically has a pointed snout, large ears, and a long tail

「笑う? 誰も! みんなネズミのようにじっと座って、スージーは泣きじゃくった、そうに違いない。

I didn’t envy her then, for I felt that millions of carnelian rings wouldn’t have made me happy after that.

million (何百万) [名] a thousand thousands

carnelian ring (カーネリアンリング) [名] a ring made of carnelian

make happy (幸せにする) [動] cause to be happy

私はその時彼女を羨ましく思わなかった、なぜなら何百万ものカーネリアンリングがその後私を幸せにしてくれなかっただろうと感じたからだ。

I never, never should have got over such a agonizing mortification.”

agonizing (苦しい) [形] causing great physical or mental pain

mortification (屈辱) [名] a feeling of shame or humiliation

私は決して、決してこんな苦しい屈辱を乗り越えるべきではなかった。」

And Amy went on with her work, in the proud consciousness of virtue and the successful utterance of two long words in a breath.

consciousness (意識) [名] the state of being aware of and responsive to one's surroundings

virtue (美徳) [名] behavior showing high moral standards

utterance (発音) [名] the action of uttering words

そしてエイミーは、美徳と一息で二つの長い言葉をうまく発音できたという誇り高い意識の中で、仕事を続けた。

“I saw something I liked this morning, and I meant to tell it at dinner, but I forgot,” said Beth, putting Jo’s topsy-turvy basket in order as she talked.

at dinner (夕食に) [名] the main meal of the day, typically eaten in the evening

topsy-turvy (ぐちゃぐちゃの) [形] in a state of confusion or disorder

「今朝気に入ったものを見たの、夕食の時に話そうと思ったんだけど、忘れちゃった」とベスは言い、話しながらジョーのぐちゃぐちゃのバスケットの中を片付けた。

“When I went to get some oysters for Hannah, Mr. Laurence was in the fish shop, but he didn’t see me, for I kept behind the fish barrel, and he was busy with Mr. Cutter the fish-man.

go to get (買いに行く) [動] go to a place to obtain something

oyster (牡蠣) [名] a bivalve mollusk

fish shop (魚屋) [名] a store that sells fish

fish barrel (魚の樽) [名] a barrel used to store fish

fish-man (魚屋) [名] a man who sells fish

「ハンナのために牡蠣を買いに行った時、ローレンスさんが魚屋さんにいたんだけど、私が魚の樽の後ろに隠れていたし、彼は魚屋のカッターさんと忙しくしていたので、私には気づかなかったよ。

A poor woman came in with a pail and a mop, and asked Mr. Cutter if he would let her do some scrubbing for a bit of fish, because she hadn’t any dinner for her children, and had been disappointed of a day’s work.

pail (バケツ) [名] a cylindrical container with a handle

mop (モップ) [名] a tool with a long handle and a head of coarse strings or a sponge, used for cleaning floors

Mr. Cutter (カッターさん) [名] a man

scrubbing (掃除) [名] the action of cleaning something by rubbing it hard

bit (少し) [名] a small piece

fish (魚) [名] a cold-blooded vertebrate animal that lives in water

貧しい女性がバケツとモップを持って入ってきて、カッターさんに、子供たちの夕食がなくて、一日の仕事に失望してしまったので、魚を少しもらうために掃除をさせてもらえないかと頼んだの。

Mr. Cutter was in a hurry and said ‘No’, rather crossly, so she was going away, looking hungry and sorry, when Mr. Laurence hooked up a big fish with the crooked end of his cane and held it out to her.

crossly (不機嫌そうに) [副] in a bad-tempered way

sorry (悲しそう) [形] feeling sadness, sympathy, or regret

hook up (引っ掛ける) [動] catch or fasten with a hook

crooked (曲がった) [形] not straight

cane (杖) [名] a stick used to help a person walk

hold out (差し出す) [動] offer or give something to someone

カッターさんは急いでいて、かなり不機嫌そうに「いいえ」と言ったので、彼女は空腹そうで悲しそうな顔をして帰ろうとした時、ローレンスさんが杖の曲がった端で大きな魚を引っ掛けて、彼女に差し出したの。

She was so glad and surprised she took it right into her arms, and thanked him over and over.

be glad (嬉しい) [動] feeling or showing pleasure or contentment

be surprised (驚く) [動] feel or show surprise

take (抱きかかえる) [動] hold in one's arms

right (すぐに) [副] immediately

over and over (何度も何度も) [副] repeatedly

彼女はとても嬉しくて驚いて、すぐにそれを抱きかかえ、何度も何度もお礼を言った。

He told her to ‘go along and cook it’, and she hurried off, so happy!

go along (帰る) [動] go with someone or something

cook (料理する) [動] prepare food by heating it

彼は彼女に「帰って料理しなさい」と言い、彼女は急いで帰っていった、とても幸せそうに!

Wasn’t it good of him?

彼は親切だったでしょう?

Oh, she did look so funny, hugging the big, slippery fish, and hoping Mr. Laurence’s bed in heaven would be ‘aisy’.”

look funny (おかしく見える) [動] appear strange or amusing

slippery (つるつるした) [形] having a smooth or wet surface that is difficult to hold or walk on

heaven (天国) [名] the place where God lives and where good people go after they die

ああ、彼女は大きくてつるつるした魚を抱きしめて、天国のローレンスさんのベッドが「楽」であることを願って、とてもおかしく見えたよ。」

When they had laughed at Beth’s story, they asked their mother for one, and after a moments thought, she said soberly, “As I sat cutting out blue flannel jackets today at the rooms, I felt very anxious about Father, and thought how lonely and helpless we should be, if anything happened to him.

ask for (頼む) [動] request something

after a moment (少し考えてから) [名] a short period of time

soberly (真面目な顔で) [副] in a serious manner

feel anxious (心配になる) [動] feel fear, worry, or nervousness

helpless (無力な) [形] unable to defend oneself or to act without help

happen (起こる) [動] take place; occur

ベスの話を笑い終えると、彼女たちは母に話を頼み、母は少し考えてから、真面目な顔で言った、「今日、部屋で青いフランネルのジャケットを裁断していた時、私はお父さんのことがとても心配になって、もしお父さんに何かあったら、私たちはどれほど孤独で無力になるだろうと思ったの。

It was not a wise thing to do, but I kept on worrying till an old man came in with an order for some clothes.

wise (賢い) [形] having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment

come in (来る) [動] arrive

order (注文) [名] an instruction to make or supply something

それは賢いことではなかったけど、私はある老人が服の注文を持って来るまで心配し続けた。

He sat down near me, and I began to talk to him, for he looked poor and tired and anxious.

anxious (不安な) [形] experiencing worry, nervousness, or unease

彼は私の近くに座り、私は彼と話し始めた、というのも彼は貧しく、疲れ、不安そうに見えたからだ。

“‘Have you sons in the army?’ I asked, for the note he brought was not to me.”

me (私) [代] the speaker or writer

「『息子さんは軍隊にいますか?』と私は尋ねた、というのも彼が持ってきた手紙は私宛ではなかったからだ。」

“Yes, ma’am. I had four, but two were killed, one is a prisoner, and I’m going to the other, who is very sick in a Washington hospital.’

Washington (ワシントン) [名] the capital of the United States

「はい、奥様。4人いましたが、2人は戦死し、1人は捕虜で、もう1人はワシントンの病院でとても具合が悪く、そちらに向かっています。」

he answered quietly.”

彼は静かに答えた。」

“‘You have done a great deal for your country, sir,’ I said, feeling respect now, instead of pity.”

do a great deal (尽くす) [動] do a lot

respect (尊敬) [名] a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities or achievements

pity (哀れみ) [名] a feeling of sympathy and sadness for someone else's misfortune

「『あなたは国のためにとても尽くされましたね』と私は言った、今や哀れみではなく尊敬を感じながら。」

“‘Not a mite more than I ought, ma’am.

not a mite (少しも) [副] not at all

more than (より多く) [副] to a greater extent than

ma'am (奥様) [名] a term of respect for a woman

「『私がすべきことより少しも多くはありません、奥様。

I’d go myself, if I was any use.

myself (自分で) [代] I or me

use (役に立つ) [名] the ability or power to do something or to achieve a particular end

私に何か役に立つことがあれば、自分で行くんだけど。

As I ain’t, I give my boys, and give ’em free.’”

ain't (役に立たない) [動] am not; are not; is not

free (喜んで) [形] not costing or charging anything

私には役に立たないので、息子たちを差し出します、喜んで差し出します』」

“He spoke so cheerfully, looked so sincere, and seemed so glad to give his all, that I was ashamed of myself.

sincere (誠実) [形] free from pretense or deceit

all (全て) [名] the whole amount

ashamed (恥ずかしい) [形] feeling shame or guilt

「彼はとても元気に話し、とても誠実そうに見え、自分の全てを差し出すことをとても喜んでいるようだったので、私は自分を恥じた。

I’d given one man and thought it too much, while he gave four without grudging them.

too much (多すぎる) [形] more than enough

four (四人) [名] the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

without (惜しむことなく) [前] not having or showing any

grudge (惜しむ) [動] be unwilling to give or allow

私は一人の男性を差し出し、それを多すぎると思ったのに、彼は四人を惜しむことなく差し出した。

I had all my girls to comfort me at home, and his last son was waiting, miles away, to say good-by to him, perhaps!

son (息子) [名] a male child or offspring

mile (マイル) [名] a unit of length equal to 1.609 kilometers

say good-by (別れを告げる) [動] express a farewell

私には家で慰めてくれる娘たちが全員いるし、彼の最後の息子は、もしかしたら彼に別れを告げるために何マイルも離れたところで待っているかもしれない!

I felt so rich, so happy thinking of my blessings, that I made him a nice bundle, gave him some money, and thanked him heartily for the lesson he had taught me.”

blessing (恵み) [名] something that brings happiness or good fortune

heartily (心から) [副] in a sincere or hearty manner

lesson (教訓) [名] a thing learned by a person through being taught

私はとても豊かで、自分の恵みを考えるととても幸せだったので、彼に素敵な包みを作り、お金を渡し、彼が教えてくれた教訓に心から感謝した」

“Tell another story, Mother, one with a moral to it, like this.

moral (教訓) [名] a lesson in right conduct

「ママ、こんな風に教訓のある別の話をして。

I like to think about them afterward, if they are real and not too preachy,” said Jo, after a minute’s silence.

afterward (後で) [副] at a later time

real (現実的) [形] not imaginary; having objective existence

preachy (説教臭い) [形] giving moral advice in a boring or annoying way

それが現実的で説教臭くなければ、後でそれらについて考えるのが好きだ」と、一分間の沈黙の後、ジョーは言った。

Mrs. March smiled and began at once, for she had told stories to this little audience for many years, and knew how to please them.

little audience (小さな聴衆) [名] a small group of people who are listening to something

how to please (喜ばせる方法) [名] the way to make someone happy

マーチ夫人は微笑んですぐに始めた、というのも彼女はこの小さな聴衆に長年物語を語り、彼らを喜ばせる方法を知っていたからだ。

“Once upon a time, there were four girls, who had enough to eat and drink and wear, a good many comforts and pleasures, kind friends and parents who loved them dearly, and yet they were not contented.” (Here the listeners stole sly looks at one another, and began to sew diligently.)

once upon a time (昔々) [副] at some time in the past

enough (十分) [形] as much or as many as required

contented (満足している) [形] in a state of peaceful happiness

listener (聞き手) [名] a person who listens

steal (盗む) [動] take (something) without permission or legal right and without intending to return it

sly (ずるい) [形] having or showing a cunning and deceitful nature

one another (お互い) [代] each of two or more people or things considered in relation to the other or others

diligently (熱心に) [副] in a way that shows care and effort

「昔々、食べ物も飲み物も着るものも十分にあり、多くの快適さと楽しみ、親切な友人や両親にとても愛されていた4人の少女がいましたが、それでも満足していませんでした」(ここで聞き手たちはお互いにちらっと盗み見し、熱心に縫い始めた)

“These girls were anxious to be good and made many excellent resolutions, but they did not keep them very well, and were constantly saying, ‘If only we had this,’ or ‘If we could only do that,’ quite forgetting how much they already had, and how many things they actually could do.

anxious (切望する) [形] very eager or worried about something

keep (守る) [動] continue to have, do, or use

constantly (いつも) [副] continuously over a period of time; always

「この少女たちは善い子になりたいと切望し、多くの素晴らしい決意をしましたが、あまり守れず、いつも『これさえあれば』とか『あれさえできれば』と言って、すでにどれだけ持っているか、実際にどれだけ多くのことができるかをすっかり忘れていました。

So they asked an old woman what spell they could use to make them happy, and she said, ‘When you feel discontented, think over your blessings, and be grateful.’” (Here Jo looked up quickly, as if about to speak, but changed her mind, seeing that the story was not done yet.)

old woman (老婆) [名] a woman who is old

think over (考える) [動] consider carefully

grateful (感謝する) [形] feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness

about to (言いそうになる) [動] on the point of doing something

change one's mind (気が変わる) [動] decide to do something different from what one had previously intended

そこで彼女たちは老婆に、幸せになるためにどんな呪文を使えばいいのか尋ねると、老婆は「不満を感じたら、自分の恵みについて考え、感謝しなさい」と言いました」(ここでジョーは何か言いたげに素早く顔を上げたが、話がまだ終わっていないのを見て気が変わった)

“Being sensible girls, they decided to try her advice, and soon were surprised to see how well off they were.

advice (忠告) [名] an opinion or recommendation offered as a guide to action, conduct, or procedure

well off (恵まれている) [形] having a great deal of money; rich

「賢い少女たちだったので、彼女たちは老婆の忠告を試してみることにし、すぐに自分たちがどれほど恵まれているかに気づいて驚きました。

One discovered that money couldn’t keep shame and sorrow out of rich people’s houses, another that, though she was poor, she was a great deal happier, with her youth, health, and good spirits, than a certain fretful, feeble old lady who couldn’t enjoy her comforts, a third that, disagreeable as it was to help get dinner, it was harder still to go begging for it

sorrow (悲しみ) [名] a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune suffered by oneself or others

discover (知る) [動] find out or notice

another (もう一人) [代] used to refer to an additional person or thing

youth (若さ) [名] the period between childhood and adulthood

health (健康) [名] the state of being free from illness or injury

fretful (気難しい) [形] easily worried or annoyed

feeble (弱々しい) [形] lacking physical strength

third (三人目) [名] the number 3 in a series

disagreeable (嫌なこと) [形] causing annoyance or disapproval

get (手に入れる) [動] come to have or hold

beg (乞う) [動] ask for something, typically food or money, as charity or a gift

一人はお金では金持ちの家から恥や悲しみを遠ざけることができないことを知り、もう一人は貧しいながらも若さと健康と元気で、自分の快適さを享受できないある気難しい老婦人よりもずっと幸せであることを知り、三人目は夕食の支度を手伝うのは嫌なことだが、それを乞いに行くのはもっと大変だということを知った。

and the fourth, that even carnelian rings were not so valuable as good behavior.

fourth (四人目) [名] the number 4 in a series

valuable (価値がない) [形] worth a great deal of money

そして四人目は、カーネリアンリングでさえ良い行いほど価値がないことを知った。

So they agreed to stop complaining, to enjoy the blessings already possessed, and try to deserve them, lest they should be taken away entirely, instead of increased, and I believe they were never disappointed or sorry that they took the old woman’s advice.”

already (すでに) [副] before or by now or the time in question

possess (持っている) [動] have as belonging to one

lest (ないように) [接] for fear that

entirely (完全に) [副] wholly; completely

take away (奪う) [動] remove or take from a place

increase (増える) [動] become or make greater in size, amount, intensity, or degree

disappointed (がっかりする) [形] unhappy because someone or something has failed to meet your expectations

そこで彼女たちは、不平を言うのをやめ、すでに持っている恵みを享受し、それが増えるどころか完全に奪われないように、それに値するように努力することに同意しました。そして、彼女たちが老婆の忠告を聞いたことを後悔したり、残念に思ったりすることはなかったと思います」

“Now, Marmee, that is very cunning of you to turn our own stories against us, and give us a sermon instead of a romance!” cried Meg.

turn against (不利に利用する) [動] become hostile to

「ママ、私たちの話を私たちに不利に利用して、ロマンスの代わりに説教をするなんて、とてもずるいよ」とメグは叫んだ。

“I like that kind of sermon.

kind (種類) [名] a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

sermon (説教) [名] a speech or discourse on a religious or moral subject, especially one delivered by a preacher or minister

「私はそういう説教が好きよ。

It’s the sort Father used to tell us,” said Beth thoughtfully, putting the needles straight on Jo’s cushion.

sort (ようなもの) [名] a kind, type, or category

used to (よく~したものだ) [助] did or experienced something regularly in the past

パパがよく言っていたような説教だよ」とベスは考え深げに言い、針をジョーのクッションにまっすぐ刺した。

“I don’t complain near as much as the others do, and I shall be more careful than ever now, for I’ve had warning from Susie’s downfall,” said Amy morally.

as much as (ほど) [副] to the same extent or degree

the others (他の人) [名] the other people

do (言う) [動] say

be careful (気を付ける) [動] take care to avoid danger or mistakes

have warning (警告を受ける) [動] be warned

downfall (失敗) [名] a loss of power, prosperity, or status

「私は他の人ほど不平を言わないよ、それにこれからはもっと気をつけようと思うの、スージーの失敗から警告を受けたから」とエイミーは道徳的に言った。

“We needed that lesson, and we won’t forget it.

「私たちにはその教訓が必要だったよ、忘れないよ。

If we do so, you just say to us, as old Chloe did in Uncle Tom, ‘Tink ob yer marcies, chillen!’

do so (そうする) [動] do the same thing

say to (言う) [動] express (something) in words

old Chloe (クロエおばあちゃん) [名] a character in Uncle Tom's Cabin

Uncle Tom (アンクル・トム) [名] a character in Uncle Tom's Cabin

Tink ob yer marcies (自分の恵みを思い出しなさい) [動] remember your blessings

chillen (子供たち) [名] children

もし私たちがそうしたら、アンクル・トムのクロエおばあちゃんが言ったように「自分の恵みを思い出しなさい、子供たち!」と言ってちょうだい。

‘Tink ob yer marcies!’” added Jo, who could not, for the life of her, help getting a morsel of fun out of the little sermon, though she took it to heart as much as any of them.

for the life of (どうしても) [副] no matter how hard one tries

morsel (少し) [名] a small piece of food

take (刻む) [動] have an effect on

to heart (心に) [副] seriously

any of (誰も) [代] one, some, or all indiscriminately of whatever quantity

「自分の恵みを思い出しなさい!」」とジョーは付け加えた。彼女は他の誰よりもこの説教を心に刻んだが、それでもこの説教から少しの楽しみを得ずにはいられなかった。

CHAPTER FIVE: BEING NEIGHBORLY

CHAPTER FIVE (第五章) [名] the fifth chapter

BEING NEIGHBORLY (隣人として) [動] act as a neighbor

第五章: 隣人として

“What in the world are you going to do now, Jo?” asked Meg one snowy afternoon, as her sister came tramping through the hall, in rubber boots, old sack, and hood, with a broom in one hand and a shovel in the other.

one snowy afternoon (ある雪の降る午後) [名] an afternoon when it is snowing

tramp (ドタドタと歩く) [動] walk heavily or noisily

hall (玄関) [名] an area just inside the front entrance of a house

rubber boots (ゴム長靴) [名] boots made of rubber

old sack (古い袋) [名] a bag made of a strong material

broom (ほうき) [名] a long-handled brush of bristles or twigs for sweeping

shovel (シャベル) [名] a tool with a long handle and a broad blade for moving earth, snow, or other material

「いったい何をするつもりなの、ジョー?」とメグはある雪の降る午後、妹がゴム長靴を履き、古い袋を被り、頭巾を被って、片手にほうき、もう片方の手にシャベルを持って玄関をドタドタと歩いてきた時に尋ねた。

“Going out for exercise,” answered Jo with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

exercise (運動) [名] physical activity that is done in order to become or remain fit and healthy

mischievous (いたずらっぽい) [形] causing trouble in a playful way

twinkle (輝く) [動] shine or sparkle intermittently

「運動に出かけるの」とジョーはいたずらっぽく目を輝かせて答えた。

“I should think two long walks this morning would have been enough!

「今朝の長い散歩を二回で十分だと思うけど!

It’s cold and dull out, and I advise you to stay warm and dry by the fire, as I do,” said Meg with a shiver.

stay warm (暖かくする) [動] keep oneself warm

dry (乾かす) [動] make or become dry

shiver (震え) [名] a slight trembling movement

外は寒くて退屈だし、私みたいに暖炉のそばで暖かくして乾かしておいたほうがいいよ」とメグは震えながら言った。

“Never take advice!

take (聞く) [動] receive or accept something offered

「忠告なんて聞かないよ!

Can’t keep still all day, and not being a pussycat,

not being (~ではない) [動] not be

pussycat (猫ちゃん) [名] a cat

一日中じっとしていられないし、猫ちゃんでもないし、

I don’t like to doze by the fire.

doze (うたた寝する) [動] sleep lightly or fitfully

暖炉のそばでうたた寝するのは好きじゃない。

I like adventures, and I’m going to find some.”

私は冒険が好きだし、何か見つけに行くよ」

Meg went back to toast her feet and read Ivanhoe, and Jo began to dig paths with great energy.

toast (温める) [動] make or become warm

dig (掘る) [動] break up and move earth with a tool or machine

path (小道) [名] a track or way on land between two places that people walk along

メグは足を温めに戻ってアイヴァンホーを読み、ジョーは元気いっぱいに小道を掘り始めた。

The snow was light, and with her broom she soon swept a path all round the garden, for Beth to walk in when the sun came out and the invalid dolls needed air.

path (道) [名] a way on land between two places that has been paved to make travel easier

garden (庭) [名] a piece of land where plants (such as flowers or vegetables) are grown

sun (太陽) [名] the star that is the source of light and heat for the earth's solar system

invalid (病気の) [形] not well or healthy

雪は軽く、彼女はすぐに庭の周りの道をほうきで掃き、太陽が出て病気の人形が空気を必要とした時にベスが歩けるようにした。

Now, the garden separated the Marches’ house from that of Mr. Laurence.

separate (隔てる) [動] keep apart or divide

さて、庭はマーチ家の家とローレンス氏の家を隔てていた。

Both stood in a suburb of the city, which was still country-like, with groves and lawns, large gardens, and quiet streets.

suburb (郊外) [名] an outlying district of a city

country (田舎) [名] the land of a nation

grove (木立) [名] a small group of trees

lawn (芝生) [名] an area of short, regularly mown grass in the garden of a house or park

street (通り) [名] a road in a city, town, or village, typically with houses and buildings on one or both sides

どちらも街の郊外にあり、木立や芝生、大きな庭、静かな通りなど、まだ田舎のようだった。

A low hedge parted the two estates.

low (低い) [形] not high

hedge (生垣) [名] a fence or boundary formed by closely growing bushes or shrubs

part (分ける) [動] divide into two or more pieces

estate (敷地) [名] a large area of land in the country with a large house on it

低い生垣が2つの敷地を分けていた。

On one side was an old, brown house, looking rather bare and shabby, robbed of the vines that in summer covered its walls and the flowers, which then surrounded it.

on one side (一方には) [副] in one direction

shabby (みすぼらしい) [形] in poor condition through neglect or long use

rob (取り払う) [動] take something away from someone by force

vine (つる) [名] a climbing or trailing woody plant

summer (夏) [名] the season of the year between spring and autumn

surround (取り囲む) [動] be around something on all sides

一方には古い茶色の家があり、夏には壁を覆っていたつるや花が取り払われ、むき出しでみすぼらしい感じがした。

On the other side was a stately stone mansion, plainly betokening every sort of comfort and luxury, from the big coach house and well-kept grounds to the conservatory and the glimpses of lovely things one caught between the rich curtains.

on the other side (反対側に) [副] on the opposite side

stone (石造りの) [名] a hard solid nonmetallic mineral matter of which rock is made, especially as a building material

mansion (邸宅) [名] a large, impressive house

plainly (はっきりと) [副] in a clear and simple manner

betoken (示す) [動] be a sign of

coach house (馬車置き場) [名] a building for housing carriages and other vehicles

well-kept (手入れの行き届いた) [形] in good condition

ground (敷地) [名] the land on which a building is constructed

conservatory (温室) [名] a room or building with a glass roof and walls, used for growing plants

thing (もの) [名] an object that one need not, cannot, or does not wish to give a specific name to

catch (見える) [動] perceive with the eyes

反対側には堂々とした石造りの邸宅があり、大きな馬車置き場や手入れの行き届いた敷地から温室、豪華なカーテンの間に見える素敵なものまで、あらゆる快適さと贅沢をはっきりと示していた。

Yet it seemed a lonely, lifeless sort of house, for no children frolicked on the lawn, no motherly face ever smiled at the windows, and few people went in and out, except the old gentleman and his grandson.

lifeless (活気のない) [形] without life

frolic (はしゃぐ) [動] play in a cheerful way

motherly (母親のような) [形] of or like a mother

old gentleman (老紳士) [名] a polite term for an elderly man

それでも、芝生で子供たちがはしゃぐこともなく、窓辺で母親のような顔が微笑むこともなく、老紳士とその孫以外に出入りする人もほとんどいなかったので、孤独で活気のない家のように見えた。

To Jo’s lively fancy, this fine house seemed a kind of enchanted palace, full of splendors and delights which no one enjoyed.

kind (一種の) [名] a type or category

enchanted (魔法の) [形] under a spell or magical influence

palace (宮殿) [名] a large, impressive building, usually made of stone, which was historically built for a king or queen

splendor (壮麗さ) [名] the state or quality of being splendid; magnificence

ジョーの活発な空想では、この立派な家は誰も楽しんでいない壮麗さと喜びに満ちた一種の魔法の宮殿のように思えた。

She had long wanted to behold these hidden glories, and to know the Laurence boy, who looked as if he would like to be known, if he only knew how to begin.

behold (眺める) [動] to hold the attention of; to fascinate

glory (栄光) [名] high renown or honor won by notable achievements

彼女は長い間、これらの隠された栄光を眺めたいと思っていたし、ローレンスの少年を知りたいと思っていた。彼は、もし始め方さえ知っていれば、知られたいと思っているように見えた。

Since the party, she had been more eager than ever, and had planned many ways of making friends with him, but he had not been seen lately, and Jo began to think he had gone away, when she one day spied a brown face at an upper window, looking wistfully down into their garden, where Beth and Amy were snow-balling one another.

make friends (友達になる) [動] become friends with

lately (最近) [副] recently; not long ago

begin to think (思い始める) [動] start to think

one day (ある日) [名] at some unspecified time in the future

spy (見つける) [動] catch sight of

brown (褐色) [形] of a color produced by mixing red, yellow, and black

wistfully (物欲しそう) [副] in a way that shows a feeling of sadness and a wish for something that you cannot have

snow-balling (雪合戦) [名] a game in which people throw snowballs at each other

パーティー以来、彼女はこれまで以上に熱心になり、彼と友達になるための多くの方法を計画していたが、最近は彼の姿が見えなかったので、ジョーは彼がどこかへ行ってしまったのではないかと思い始めていた。そんなある日、彼女は上の方の窓に褐色の顔が見え、ベスとエイミーが雪合戦をしている自分たちの庭を物欲しそうに見下ろしているのを見つけた。

“That boy is suffering for society and fun,” she said to herself.

say to oneself (独り言を言う) [動] talk to oneself

「あの子は社交と楽しみに飢えている」と彼女は独り言を言った。

“His grandpa does not know what’s good for him, and keeps him shut up all alone.

grandpa (おじいさん) [名] the father of one's father or mother

all alone (一人ぼっち) [形] without any companions

「彼のおじいさんは彼にとって何が良いのか知らないし、彼をずっと一人ぼっちにしている。

He needs a party of jolly boys to play with, or somebody young and lively.

somebody (誰か) [代] some person

lively (元気な) [形] full of life and energy

彼には一緒に遊ぶ陽気な男の子たちの集まりか、若くて元気な誰かが必要だ。

I’ve a great mind to go over and tell the old gentleman so!”

go over (行く) [動] move or travel toward or into a place

私には向こうに行って、老紳士にそう言う気概がある!」

The idea amused Jo, who liked to do daring things and was always scandalizing Meg by her queer performances.

daring (大胆な) [形] willing to do dangerous or risky things

performance (パフォーマンス) [名] an act of presenting a play, a piece of music, or some other entertainment

その考えは、大胆なことをするのが好きで、いつも奇妙なパフォーマンスでメグを驚かせていたジョーを面白がらせた。

The plan of ‘going over’ was not forgotten.

plan (計画) [名] a detailed proposal for doing or achieving something

向こうに行く」計画は忘れ去られなかった。

And when the snowy afternoon came, Jo resolved to try what could be done.

snowy (雪の降る) [形] having snow

afternoon (午後) [名] the time from noon to evening

そして雪の降る午後が来ると、ジョーは何ができるか試してみようと決心した。

She saw Mr. Lawrence drive off, and then sallied out to dig her way down to the hedge, where she paused and took a survey.

drive off (車で出かける) [動] leave in a vehicle

take a survey (見回す) [動] look around

彼女はローレンス氏が車で出かけるのを見ると、生け垣まで道を掘り進み、そこで立ち止まって見回した。

All quiet, curtains down at the lower windows, servants out of sight, and nothing human visible but a curly black head leaning on a thin hand at the upper window.

down (下りる) [副] from a higher to a lower position

lower (下の) [形] situated below another thing

out of sight (見えない) [形] not visible

human (人間) [名] a human being

visible (見える) [形] able to be seen

but (以外) [接] except; other than

すべてが静かで、下の窓のカーテンは下り、召使は見えず、上の窓に細い手に寄りかかる巻き毛の黒い頭以外に人間は見えなかった。

“There he is,” thought Jo, “Poor boy! All alone and sick this dismal day. It’s a shame!

there he is (あそこにいる) [句] used to express the fact that someone or something has been found

dismal (ひどい) [形] causing gloom or despondency

「あそこにいる」とジョーは思った。「かわいそうな子! こんなにひどい日に一人ぼっちで病気だなんて。恥ずかしい!

I’ll toss up a snowball and make him look out, and then say a kind word to him.”

toss up (投げる) [動] throw something up in the air

snowball (雪玉) [名] a ball of snow

look out (外を見る) [動] look outside

say (かける) [動] utter or pronounce

雪玉を投げて彼を外を見させ、それから彼に優しい言葉をかけよう。」

Up went a handful of soft snow, and the head turned at once, showing a face which lost its listless look in a minute, as the big eyes brightened and the mouth began to smile.

handful (一握り) [名] the quantity that can be held in the hand

listless (無気力な) [形] lacking energy or enthusiasm

brighten (輝く) [動] become or make brighter

一握りの柔らかい雪が投げ上げられると、すぐに頭が振り向き、大きな目が輝き、口が微笑み始めると、一瞬で無気力な表情が消えた顔を見せた。

Jo nodded and laughed, and flourished her broom as she called out...

flourish (振り回す) [動] wave or swing something around

call out (声をかける) [動] shout to attract someone's attention

ジョーはうなずいて笑い、ほうきを振り回しながら声をかけた。

“How do you do? Are you sick?”

how do you do (こんにちは) [句] a greeting

be sick (具合が悪い) [動] to be ill or unwell

「こんにちは。具合が悪いの?」

Laurie opened the window, and croaked out as hoarsely as a raven...

croak (しわがれた声で言う) [動] make a deep hoarse sound

hoarsely (しわがれた声で) [副] in a hoarse manner

raven (カラス) [名] a large black bird of the crow family

ローリーは窓を開け、カラスのようにしわがれた声で言った。

“Better, thank you.

better (良くなりました) [形] more desirable, satisfactory, or effective

「良くなりました、ありがとう。

I’ve had a bad cold, and been shut up a week.”

have a cold (風邪をひく) [動] be sick with a cold

shut up (閉じこもる) [動] be or remain in a place without leaving it

ひどい風邪をひいて、一週間閉じこもっていました」

“I’m sorry. What do you amuse yourself with?”

yourself (自分) [代] the person that you are

「ごめんなさい。何をして楽しんでいますか?」

“Nothing. It’s dull as tombs up here.”

tomb (墓場) [名] a grave or other place of burial

「何も。ここは墓場のように退屈です」

“Don’t you read?”

「本は読まないのですか?」

“Not much. They won’t let me.”

not much (あまり) [副] to a small extent

「あまり。彼らは私に読ませてくれません」

“Can’t somebody read to you?”

read (読んでくれる) [動] to be able to understand the written word

「誰かあなたに本を読んでくれる人はいないのですか?」

“Grandpa does sometimes, but my books don’t interest him, and I hate to ask Brooke all the time.”

interest (興味) [名] a feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone

「おじいちゃんが時々読んでくれるけど、私の本には興味がないみたいだし、いつもブルックに頼むのは嫌なの」

“Have someone come and see you then.”

have someone come (誰か来てもらう) [動] cause someone to come

「誰かあなたに会いに来てもらうようにしたら?」

“There isn’t anyone I’d like to see.

like to (したい) [動] want to

「会いたい人はいないよ。

Boys make such a row, and my head is weak.”

make a row (騒がしい) [動] make a lot of noise

weak (弱い) [形] lacking the power to perform; lacking in force or effectiveness

男の子たちはとても騒がしくて、私の頭は弱いの」

“Isn’t there some nice girl who’d read and amuse you?

amuse (楽しませてくれる) [動] to cause to laugh or smile

「あなたに本を読んでくれたり、楽しませてくれるような素敵な女の子はいないの?

Girls are quiet and like to play nurse.”

play (真似をする) [動] pretend to be

女の子は静かで、看護師の真似をするのが好きよ」

“Don’t know any.”

don't know (知らない) [動] be not aware of

any (誰も) [代] one, some, or all indiscriminately of whatever quantity; one or some indiscriminately of whatever quantity

「誰も知らない」

“You know us,” began Jo, then laughed and stopped.

「私たちのこと知ってるでしょ」とジョーは言い始め、それから笑ってやめた。

“So I do! Will you come, please?” cried Laurie.

do (そうだった) [動] perform or execute

please (お願いだ) [動] make happy or satisfied

cry (叫んだ) [動] utter a loud, piercing sound or series of sounds

「そうだった! 来てくれる? お願いだ」とローリーは叫んだ。

“I’m not quiet and nice, but I’ll come, if Mother will let me. I’ll go ask her.

「私はおとなしくも優しくもないけれど、ママが許してくれるなら行くよ。ママに聞いてみよう。

Shut the window, like a good boy, and wait till I come.”

good boy (いい子) [名] a child who behaves well

いい子だから窓を閉めて、私が来るまで待ってて」

With that, Jo shouldered her broom and marched into the house, wondering what they would all say to her.

with that (そう言うと) [副] having said that

shoulder (肩にかける) [動] carry on one's shoulders

そう言うと、ジョーはほうきを肩にかけ、みんなが何と言うだろうかと思いながら家に入った。

Laurie was in a flutter of excitement at the idea of having company, and flew about to get ready, for as Mrs. March said, he was ‘a little gentleman’, and did honor to the coming guest by brushing his curly pate, putting on a fresh color, and trying to tidy up the room, which in spite of half a dozen servants, was anything but neat.

be in a flutter of excitement (興奮して) [動] be in a state of nervous excitement

at the idea of (という考えに) [前] with the intention of

having company (客が来るという) [動] have a guest

to get ready (準備に) [動] prepare oneself for something

for as Mrs. March said (マーチ夫人が言うように) [接] because

he was 'a little gentleman' (彼は「小さな紳士」で) [名] a boy who behaves in a polite and kind way

do honor to (敬う) [動] show respect for

by brushing his curly pate (カールした頭を磨き) [動] brush one's hair

putting on a fresh color (新鮮な色を着て) [動] put on new clothes

trying to tidy up the room (部屋を片付けようとすることで) [動] make a room neat and organized

was anything but neat (決してきれいとは言えない) [形] not neat or tidy

ローリーは客が来るという考えに興奮して、準備に飛び回った。マーチ夫人が言うように、彼は「小さな紳士」で、カールした頭を磨き、新鮮な色を着て、半ダースの召使がいるにもかかわらず、決してきれいとは言えない部屋を片付けようとすることで、来客を敬った。

Presently there came a loud ring, then a decided voice, asking for ‘Mr. Laurie’, and a surprised-looking servant came running up to announce a young lady.

loud (大きな) [形] having a high volume or intensity

ring (呼び出し音) [名] the sound of a bell

announce (告げる) [動] make a public and typically formal statement about a fact, occurrence, or intention

やがて大きな呼び出し音が鳴り、それから「ローリーさん」を尋ねる決然とした声が聞こえ、驚いた様子の召使が駆け寄ってきて、若い女性を告げた。

“All right, show her up, it’s Miss Jo,” said Laurie, going to the door of his little parlor to meet Jo, who appeared, looking rosy and quite at her ease, with a covered dish in one hand and Beth’s three kittens in the other.

All right (分かった) [間] an expression of agreement

show up (通す) [動] arrive

Miss Jo (ジョーさん) [名] a young woman

rosy (バラ色の) [形] of a color intermediate between red and pink

ease (悠々と) [名] a state of being comfortable

「分かった、通して、ジョーさんだ」とローリーは言い、小さな応接間のドアまで行き、ジョーを迎えた。ジョーは片手に蓋をした皿を持ち、もう片方の手にはベスの子猫を3匹抱えて、バラ色の顔で悠々と現れた。

“Here I am, bag and baggage,” she said briskly.

here I am (来ました) [間] used to announce one's arrival

bag and baggage (荷物) [名] all of one's belongings

「荷物を持って来ました」と彼女は元気よく言った。

“Mother sent her love, and was glad if I could do anything for you.

「ママがよろしくと言っていました。何かできることがあれば嬉しいと言っていました。

Meg wanted me to bring some of her blanc mange, she makes it very nicely, and Beth thought her cats would be comforting.

blanc mange (ブランマンジェ) [名] a sweet dessert made with milk, sugar, and cornstarch

メグは彼女のブランマンジェを少し持ってきて欲しいと言っていました、彼女はそれをとても上手に作ります、そしてベスは彼女の猫が慰めになるだろうと思いました。

I knew you’d laugh at them, but I couldn’t refuse, she was so anxious to do something.”

anxious (心配している) [形] experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness

あなたが笑うだろうことは分かっていましたが、断ることはできませんでした、彼女は何かをしたいと思っていました」

It so happened that Beth’s funny loan was just the thing, for in laughing over the kits, Laurie forgot his bashfulness, and grew sociable at once.

loan (貸し物) [名] something that is lent or borrowed

just the thing (ちょうどいい具合) [名] exactly what is needed

kit (子猫) [名] a young cat

bashfulness (恥ずかしさ) [名] the quality of being shy or easily embarrassed

grow (なる) [動] become

ベスのおかしな貸し物はちょうどいい具合で、子猫を笑っているうちにローリーは恥ずかしさを忘れ、すぐに社交的になった。

“That looks too pretty to eat,” he said, smiling with pleasure, as Jo uncovered the dish, and showed the blanc mange, surrounded by a garland of green leaves, and the scarlet flowers of Amy’s pet geranium.

too pretty to eat (食べられないほどきれいだ) [形] too beautiful to be eaten

uncover (覆いを取る) [動] remove the cover from

green leaves (緑の葉) [名] the leaves of a plant that are green

scarlet flowers (緋色の花) [名] the flowers of a plant that are scarlet

geranium (ゼラニウム) [名] a plant with pink, red, or white flowers

「それは食べられないほどきれいだ」と彼は喜んで微笑みながら言い、ジョーは皿の覆いを取り、緑の葉の花輪とエイミーのペットのゼラニウムの緋色の花に囲まれたブランマンジェを見せた。

“It isn’t anything, only they all felt kindly and wanted to show it.

anything (大したこと) [名] something of importance

feel (思う) [動] have a feeling or opinion about something

show (示す) [動] make visible or noticeable

「大したことではありません、ただみんな親切に思ってそれを示したいと思っただけです。

Tell the girl to put it away for your tea.

put away (取っておく) [動] save for future use

メイドにそれをお茶のために取っておくように言いなさい。

It’s so simple you can eat it, and being soft, it will slip down without hurting your sore throat.

slip down (飲み込む) [動] go down easily

sore throat (喉の痛み) [名] a painful or irritated throat

とてもシンプルなので食べられるし、柔らかいので喉の痛みを悪化させることなく飲み込めるでしょう。

What a cozy room this is!”

なんて居心地の良い部屋なんだろう!」

“It might be if it was kept nice, but the maids are lazy, and I don’t know how to make them mind.

mind (言うことを聞く) [名] the ability to think, reason, and learn

「きれいにしておけばそうかもしれないけど、メイドが怠惰で、どうやって言うことを聞かせたらいいかわからないの。

It worries me though.”

でも、それが心配なの。」

“I’ll right it up in two minutes, for it only needs to have the hearth brushed, so—and the things made straight on the mantelpiece, so—and the books put here, and the bottles there, and your sofa turned from the light, and the pillows plumped up a bit.

right (片付ける) [動] put in order

two minutes (2分) [名] a unit of time equal to 60 seconds

brush (掃除する) [動] clean with a brush

mantelpiece (マントルピース) [名] a shelf above a fireplace

light (光) [名] the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible

plump (ふっくらさせる) [動] make or become rounder or fuller

「2分で片付けます、暖炉を掃除するだけでいいので、マントルピースの上のものをまっすぐにして、本をここに置いて、瓶をそこに置いて、ソファを光から遠ざけて、枕を少しふっくらさせれば。

Now then, you’re fixed.”

now then (これで) [副] used to introduce a new topic or to return to a previous topic

be fixed (整いました) [動] be repaired or put in good order

これで、整いました。」

And so he was, for, as she laughed and talked, Jo had whisked things into place and given quite a different air to the room.

and so (確かに) [副] indeed; truly

as (ながら) [接] while

into place (所定の位置に) [副] to the correct or appropriate place

give (変える) [動] cause to be or become different

確かにそうだった、ジョーは笑いながら話しながら、物を所定の位置に動かして、部屋の雰囲気をすっかり変えていた。

Laurie watched her in respectful silence, and when she beckoned him to his sofa, he sat down with a sigh of satisfaction, saying gratefully...

respectful (敬意を込めて) [形] showing or expressing respect

silence (黙って) [名] the absence of sound or noise

gratefully (感謝の気持ちを込めて) [副] in a grateful manner

ローリーは敬意を込めて黙って彼女を見ていたが、彼女がソファに手招きすると、満足そうにため息をつきながら腰を下ろし、感謝の気持ちを込めて言った。

“How kind you are!

how kind (なんて親切な) [形] very kind

you are (んですか) [動] you are

「なんて親切なんですか!

Yes, that’s what it wanted.

そうだ、それが欲しかったんだ。

Now please take the big chair and let me do something to amuse my company.”

take (座る) [動] sit on

さあ、どうぞ大きな椅子に座って、私が客をもてなすために何かさせてもらいましょう」

“No, I came to amuse you.

「いいえ、私はあなたを楽しませるために来たのです。

Shall I read aloud?”

read aloud (声を出して読む) [動] read something so that other people can hear it

声を出して読みましょうか?」

and Jo looked affectionately toward some inviting books near by.

affectionately (愛情を込めて) [副] in a loving or caring manner

inviting (魅力的な) [形] attractive or tempting

そしてジョーは近くにある魅力的な本を愛情を込めて眺めた。

“Thank you! I’ve read all those, and if you don’t mind,

「ありがとう! 私はそれらを全部読んだことがあるの、もしあなたが気にしないなら、

I’d rather talk,” answered Laurie.

話したいんだけど」とローリーは答えた。

“Not a bit. I’ll talk all day if you’ll only set me going.

set me going (話させてくれる) [動] cause me to start talking

「全然。あなたが私を話させてくれるなら、私は一日中話すよ。

Beth says I never know when to stop.”

when (いつ) [副] at what time

ベスは私がいつやめたらいいかわからないって言うのよ。」

“Is Beth the rosy one, who stays at home good deal and sometimes goes out with a little basket?”

stay at home (家にいる) [動] not go out

「ベスって、よく家にいて、時々小さなバスケットを持って出かける、バラ色のほっぺの娘さん?」

asked Laurie with interest.

ローリーは興味深そうに尋ねた。

“Yes, that’s Beth.

that (それが) [代] the person or thing mentioned or referred to

「そう、それがベスよ。

She’s my girl, and a regular good one she is, too.”

私の娘で、本当にいい子なのよ。」

“The pretty one is Meg, and the curly-haired one is Amy, I believe?”

curly-haired (巻き毛の) [形] having hair that curls naturally

「きれいなのがメグで、巻き毛なのがエイミーだね?」

“How did you find that out?”

「どうしてわかったの?」

Laurie colored up, but answered frankly, “Why, you see I often hear you calling to one another, and when I’m alone up here, I can’t help looking over at your house, you always seem to be having such good times.

color up (顔を赤らめる) [動] blush

frankly (率直に) [副] in a direct and honest way

look over (見ずにはいられない) [動] to examine or inspect

have a good time (楽しそうにする) [動] to enjoy oneself

ローリーは顔を赤らめたが、率直に答えた。「ええと、君たちがお互いに呼び合っているのをよく聞くんだ。それに、ここにいる時、君たちの家を見ずにはいられないんだ。君たちはいつもとても楽しそうにしているように見える。

I beg your pardon for being so rude, but sometimes you forget to put down the curtain at the window where the flowers are.

beg your pardon (申し訳ない) [動] apologize

put down (下ろす) [動] move something to a lower position

失礼な言い方をして申し訳ないけど、時々花のある窓のカーテンを下ろし忘れることがある。

And when the lamps are lighted, it’s like looking at a picture to see the fire, and you all around the table with your mother.

light (点く) [動] to become bright or bright

ランプが点くと、火が見えたり、君たちがみんな母親と一緒にテーブルを囲んでいるのが見えたりして、まるで絵を見ているようだ。

Her face is right opposite, and it looks so sweet behind the flowers, I can’t help watching it.

right (ちょうど) [副] exactly

opposite (正面) [名] a person or thing that is totally different from or the reverse of someone or something else

彼女の顔はちょうど正面で、花の後ろからとても愛らしく見えるので、つい見てしまうんだ。

I haven’t got any mother, you know.”

haven't got (いない) [動] do not have

私には母親がいないんだ。」

And Laurie poked the fire to hide a little twitching of the lips that he could not control.

poke (つつく) [動] push or jab with a finger or pointed object

twitch (ひきつり) [名] a sudden involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles

そしてローリーは、どうにも抑えきれない唇のわずかなひきつり隠すために、火をつついた。

The solitary, hungry look in his eyes went straight to Jo’s warm heart.

solitary (孤独な) [形] without companions or company

go straight to (直接訴えかける) [動] go directly to

彼の孤独で飢えたような目が、ジョーの温かい心に直接訴えかけた。

She had been so simply taught that there was no nonsense in her head, and at fifteen she was as innocent and frank as any child.

simply (単純に) [副] in a simple manner

frank (率直な) [形] open and honest in speech or writing

彼女は頭の中にナンセンスなものがないようにとても単純に教えられていて、15歳の時には他の子供と同じように無邪気で率直だった。

Laurie was sick and lonely, and feeling how rich she was in home and happiness, she gladly tried to share it with him.

lonely (孤独) [形] without company; solitary

share (分かち合う) [動] have or use (something) in common with others

ローリーは病気で孤独で、彼女は家庭と幸福にどれほど恵まれているかを感じ、喜んでそれを彼と分かち合おうとした。

Her face was very friendly and her sharp voice unusually gentle as she said...

gentle (優しい) [形] not rough or violent; mild, moderate, or slight

彼女の顔はとても友好的で、彼女の鋭い声は彼女が言うには異常に優しかった。

“We’ll never draw that curtain any more, and I give you leave to look as much as you like.

leave (許可) [名] permission to do something

「もうあのカーテンは引かないようにするよ、好きなだけ見ていいよ。

I just wish, though, instead of peeping, you’d come over and see us.

come over (来る) [動] move or travel toward or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker

でも、覗き見する代わりに、こっちに来て私たちに会いに来てくれたらいいのに。

Mother is so splendid, she’d do you heaps of good, and Beth would sing to you if I begged her to, and Amy would dance.

do good (良いことをする) [動] do something that is beneficial to others

ママはとても素晴らしい人で、あなたにたくさんの良いことをしてくれるでしょうし、ベスは私が頼めば歌ってくれるでしょうし、エイミーは踊ってくれるでしょう。

Meg and I would make you laugh over our funny stage properties, and we’d have jolly times.

make (笑わせる) [動] cause to laugh

stage property (舞台装置) [名] an object used on a stage in a play

jolly (楽しい) [形] full of fun and good humor

メグと私は面白い舞台装置であなたを笑わせるでしょうし、楽しい時間を過ごせるでしょう。

Wouldn’t your grandpa let you?”

おじいちゃんは許してくれないの?」

“I think he would, if your mother asked him.

「お母さんが頼めば許してくれると思うよ。

He’s very kind, though he does not look so, and he lets me do what I like, pretty much, only he’s afraid I might be a bother to strangers,” began Laurie, brightening more and more.

stranger (見知らぬ人) [名] a person whom one does not know

彼はとても優しいんだ、そうは見えないけど、私が好きなようにさせてくれるんだ、ただ、私が見知らぬ人に迷惑をかけるかもしれないと心配しているだけなんだ」とローリーは言い始め、ますます明るくなった。

“We are not strangers, we are neighbors, and you needn’t think you’d be a bother.

bother (迷惑) [名] a person or thing that causes trouble or annoyance

「私たちは見知らぬ人ではないよ、隣人よ、迷惑だなんて思う必要はないよ。

We want to know you, and I’ve been trying to do it this ever so long.

ever so long (ずっと) [副] for a very long time

私たちはあなたを知りたいのよ、私はずっとそうしようとしてきたのよ。

We haven’t been here a great while, you know, but we have got acquainted with all our neighbors but you.”

haven't been (来ていない) [動] have not been

a great while (あまり経っていない) [名] a long time

got acquainted (知り合いになった) [動] become familiar with

私たちはここに来てまだあまり経っていないけど、あなた以外の近所の人とはもうみんな知り合いになったのよ」

“You see, Grandpa lives among his books, and doesn’t mind much what happens outside.

live among (囲まれて暮らす) [動] live in the company of

「おじいちゃんは、本に囲まれて暮らしていて、外で何が起こっているかあまり気にしていないんだ。

Mr. Brooke, my tutor, doesn’t stay here, you know, and I have no one to go about with me, so I just stop at home and get on as I can.”

Mr. Brooke (ブルックさん) [名] the name of a person

stay (住む) [動] live in a place for a period of time

go about (出かける) [動] move from one place to another

stop (いる) [動] be in a place

get on (する) [動] do something

私の家庭教師のブルックさんはここには住んでいなくて、私と一緒に出かけてくれる人がいないので、私はただ家にいて、できる限りのことをしているんだ」

“That’s bad. You ought to make an effort and go visiting everywhere you are asked, then you’ll have plenty of friends, and pleasant places to go to.

make an effort (努力する) [動] use your energy to do something

everywhere (どこにでも) [副] in all places

「それはひどい。あなたは努力して、誘われたらどこにでも出かけるべきよ、そうすればたくさんの友達ができて、行くべき楽しい場所ができるよ。

Never mind being bashful.

never mind (気にするな) [動] do not worry about

be bashful (恥ずかしがる) [動] feel or show shyness or embarrassment

恥ずかしがらなくていいよ。

It won’t last long if you keep going.”

keep going (出かけ続ける) [動] continue to go

last long (長続きする) [動] continue for a long time

出かけ続ければ、長続きしないよ」

Laurie turned red again, but wasn’t offended at being accused of bashfulness, for there was so much good will in Jo it was impossible not to take her blunt speeches as kindly as they were meant.

turn red (赤くなる) [動] become red

be accused of (非難される) [動] be charged with

be offended (腹を立てる) [動] feel resentful or annoyed

there be (~がある) [動] exist

it be impossible (~は不可能だ) [動] be not possible

they be meant (意図されている) [動] be intended

ローリーはまた赤くなったが、恥ずかしがり屋だと非難されても腹を立てなかった、というのも、ジョーには善意がとてもあり、彼女の率直な言葉をその意図通りに親切に受け取らないことは不可能だったからだ。

“Do you like your school?” asked the boy, changing the subject, after a little pause, during which he stared at the fire and Jo looked about her, well pleased.

pause (間) [名] a temporary stop or rest

look (見回す) [動] direct one's gaze in a specified direction

about (周り) [前] on all sides of; surrounding

「学校は好きですか?」と少年は尋ね、少し間を置いて話題を変えた。その間、彼は火を見つめ、ジョーは満足そうに周りを見回した。

“Don’t go to school, I’m a businessman—girl, I mean.

businessman (ビジネスマン) [名] a person who works in business

「学校には行かない、私はビジネスマン、いやビジネスガールだ。

I go to wait on my great-aunt, and a dear, cross old soul she is, too,” answered Jo.

great-aunt (大叔母) [名] the sister of one's grandparent

dear (愛すべき) [形] regarded with deep affection

soul (人) [名] a human being

私は大叔母の世話をしに行くんだ、彼女もまた、愛すべき気難しい老婦人だ」とジョーは答えた。

Laurie opened his mouth to ask another question, but remembering just in time that it wasn’t manners to make too many inquiries into people’s affairs, he shut it again, and looked uncomfortable.

open one's mouth (口を開ける) [動] to speak

just in time (ちょうどいい時に) [副] at the last moment

inquiry (詮索) [名] an investigation or examination

shut (閉じる) [動] to move a door or window so as to leave no space

look (~そうにする) [動] to appear to be

uncomfortable (居心地が悪い) [形] causing discomfort

ローリーは別の質問をするために口を開けたが、人の事情をあまり詮索するのはマナー違反だということを思い出し、また口を閉じて、居心地が悪そうにした。

Jo liked his good breeding, and didn’t mind having a laugh at Aunt March, so she gave him a lively description of the fidgety old lady, her fat poodle, the parrot that talked Spanish, and the library where she reveled.

good breeding (育ちの良さ) [名] the result of being well brought up

laugh (笑い者) [名] the action of laughing

give (説明する) [動] provide someone with

fidgety (そわそわした) [形] unable to stay still or calm

fat (太った) [形] having a lot of flesh

poodle (プードル) [名] a breed of dog with a curly coat

parrot (オウム) [名] a type of bird that can be taught to repeat words

Spanish (スペイン語) [名] the language of Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries

revel (楽しむ) [動] take great pleasure in

ジョーは彼の育ちの良さを気に入り、マーチおばさんを笑い者にするのも気にしなかったので、そわそわした老婦人、太ったプードル、スペイン語を話すオウム、そして彼女が楽しんでいた図書館について生き生きと説明した。

Laurie enjoyed that immensely, and when she told about the prim old gentleman who came once to woo Aunt March, and in the middle of a fine speech, how Poll had tweaked his wig off to his great dismay, the boy lay back and laughed till the tears ran down his cheeks, and a maid popped her head in to see what was the matter.

woo (求婚する) [動] try to gain the love of

middle (途中) [名] the part of something that is equally distant from the ends, sides, or surfaces

how (方法) [副] in what way or manner

tweak (ひねり取る) [動] pull or twist sharply

off (取る) [前] away from

dismay (狼狽) [名] a feeling of fear or shock, especially at something unexpected

lay (横になる) [動] be in or assume a horizontal or resting position

pop (突っ込む) [動] go or come quickly or suddenly

be (である) [動] exist or occur

ローリーはそれをとても楽しんで、彼女がマーチおばさんに求婚するために一度来た上品な老紳士について話し、素晴らしいスピーチの途中で、ポールが彼の大きな狼狽に彼のかつらをひねり取った方法を話すと、少年は横になって涙が頬を伝うまで笑い、メイドが何が起こっているのかを見るために頭を突っ込んだ。

“Oh! That does me no end of good.

no end of (とても) [副] very much; a lot

「ああ! それは私にとってとても良いことだ。

Tell on, please,” he said, taking his face out of the sofa cushion, red and shining with merriment.

tell on (続ける) [動] continue

take (上げる) [動] lift

cushion (クッション) [名] a soft bag of feathers, foam, or other soft material used as a pillow or for comfort

merriment (陽気) [名] gaiety or lightheartedness

続けて、お願い」と彼はソファのクッションから顔を上げ、赤く輝いて陽気そうに言った。

Much elated with her success, Jo did ‘tell on’, all about their plays and plans, their hopes and fears for Father, and the most interesting events of the little world in which the sisters lived.

elate (高揚する) [動] make very happy

success (成功) [名] the accomplishment of an aim or purpose

tell on (語る) [動] to give information about someone or something

hope (希望) [名] a feeling of expectation and desire for something to happen

fear (恐れ) [名] an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm

彼女の成功に大いに高揚したジョーは、彼女たちの演劇や計画、父親に対する希望や恐れ、そして姉妹たちが住む小さな世界の最も興味深い出来事についてすべて「語った」。

Then they got to talking about books, and to Jo’s delight, she found that Laurie loved them as well as she did, and had read even more than herself.

get to (始める) [動] start doing something

それから彼らは本について話し始め、ジョーは喜んで、ローリーが自分と同じように本を愛し、自分よりももっと読んでいることを知った。

“If you like them so much, come down and see ours.

come down (来る) [動] move from a higher to a lower position

「そんなに好きなら、うちに来て見てください。

Grandfather is out, so you needn’t be afraid,” said Laurie, getting up.

be out (外出している) [動] not be at home

get up (立ち上がる) [動] rise from a sitting or lying position

おじいさんは外出しているので、恐れる必要はありません」とローリーは立ち上がった。

“I’m not afraid of anything,” returned Jo, with a toss of the head.

「私は何も恐れていません」とジョーは頭を振りながら答えた。

“I don’t believe you are!” exclaimed the boy, looking at her with much admiration, though he privately thought she would have good reason to be a trifle afraid of the old gentleman, if she met him in some of his moods.

I don't believe you are (信じられない) [句] I don't think that's true

admiration (感心) [名] a feeling of respect and approval

privately (内心では) [副] in a private manner

have good reason to (もっともなことだ) [句] have a valid reason to

「信じられない!」と少年は叫び、彼女をとても感心して見ていたが、内心では、彼女が老紳士と会ったら、彼の気分によっては、彼女が老紳士を少し恐れるのはもっともなことだと思っていた。

The atmosphere of the whole house being summerlike, Laurie led the way from room to room, letting Jo stop to examine whatever struck her fancy.

summerlike (夏のよう) [形] like summer

lead the way (案内する) [動] show the way to someone

fancy (気に入る) [動] like or be attracted to

家全体の雰囲気が夏のようだったので、ローリーは部屋から部屋へと案内し、ジョーは立ち止まって自分の気に入ったものを調べることができた。

And so, at last they came to the library, where she clapped her hands and pranced, as she always did when especially delighted.

prance (踊り回る) [動] move or walk in a lively, proud, or arrogant way

そして、ついに彼らは図書室にたどり着き、彼女はいつものように手を叩いて踊り回った。

It was lined with books, and there were pictures and statues, and distracting little cabinets full of coins and curiosities, and Sleepy Hollow chairs, and queer tables, and bronzes, and best of all, a great open fireplace with quaint tiles all round it.

line (並ぶ) [動] be arranged in a straight line

statue (彫像) [名] a three-dimensional work of art representing a person, animal, or thing

distract (気を散らす) [動] to cause (someone) to lose concentration

cabinet (キャビネット) [名] a cupboard with shelves or drawers, or a box with a door and shelves, used for storing or displaying articles

coin (コイン) [名] a piece of metal with an official stamp, used as money

curiosity (珍品) [名] a strange or unusual object

bronze (ブロンズ) [名] a yellowish-brown alloy of copper and tin

tile (タイル) [名] a thin square or rectangular piece of baked clay, stone, or other material, used in covering roofs, floors, or walls

本が並び、絵や彫像、コインや珍品がいっぱい入った小さなキャビネット、スリーピーホロウの椅子、奇妙なテーブル、ブロンズ、そして何よりも、周りに趣のあるタイルが貼られた大きな暖炉があった。

“What richness!” sighed Jo, sinking into the depth of a velour chair and gazing about her with an air of intense satisfaction.

richness (豪華さ) [名] the state of being rich

sink (沈む) [動] go down below the surface of a liquid

depth (奥深く) [名] the distance from the top to the bottom of something

velour (ビロード) [名] a closely woven fabric with a thick, soft pile

gaze (見回す) [動] look intently or steadily

「なんて豪華なんだろう!」ジョーはビロードの椅子の奥深くに沈み込み、とても満足した様子で周囲を見回しながらため息をついた。

“Theodore Laurence, you ought to be the happiest boy in the world,” she added impressively.

Theodore Laurence (セオドア・ローレンス) [名] a character in the story

happiest (一番幸せ) [形] most happy

impressively (印象的に) [副] in a way that makes a strong impression

「セオドア・ローレンス、あなたは世界で一番幸せな少年のはずよ」と彼女は印象的に付け加えた。

“A fellow can’t live on books,” said Laurie, shaking his head as he perched on a table opposite.

live on (だけで生きる) [動] to continue to live by eating only

perch (腰を下ろす) [動] to sit or rest on something, typically in a precarious way

「本だけで生きていけるわけじゃない」ローリーは向かいのテーブルに腰を下ろしながら首を横に振った。

Before he could say more, a bell rang, and Jo flew up, exclaiming with alarm, “Mercy me! It’s your grandpa!”

bell (ベル) [名] a hollow metal object that rings when struck

ring (鳴る) [動] make or cause to make a clear resonant sound

彼がそれ以上何かを言う前に、ベルが鳴り、ジョーは飛び上がって、「なんてことだ! おじいちゃんだ!」と叫んだ。

“Well, what if it is?

what if (どうする) [接] used to introduce a question about the possible result of an event or action

「そうね、そうだったらどうするの?

You are not afraid of anything, you know,” returned the boy, looking wicked.

return (言う) [動] say in reply

君は何も恐れていないじゃないか」と少年は意地悪そうに言った。

“I think I am a little bit afraid of him, but I don’t know why I should be.

a little bit (少し) [副] to a small extent

「私は彼を少し恐れていると思うけど、なぜそうなのかはわからない。

Marmee said I might come, and I don’t think you’re any the worse for it,” said Jo, composing herself, though she kept her eyes on the door.

might (来てもいい) [助] be allowed to

worse (悪くなる) [形] of poorer quality or lower standard

compose (落ち着く) [動] make or create

keep (目を離さない) [動] continue to have, hold, or use

ママは私が来てもいいって言ったし、あなたがそれで悪くなるとは思わないよ」とジョーは落ち着いて言ったが、ドアから目を離さなかった。

“I’m a great deal better for it, and ever so much obliged.

a great deal (ずっと) [副] by a large amount

obliged (感謝している) [形] grateful

「私はそれでずっと良くなったし、とても感謝している。

I’m only afraid you are very tired of talking to me.

be afraid (心配する) [動] be worried or anxious

be tired of (疲れている) [動] be bored with

talk to (話す) [動] speak to

私が心配なのは、君が私と話すのにとても疲れていることだけだ。

It was so pleasant, I couldn’t bear to stop,” said Laurie gratefully.

とても楽しかったから、やめることができなかったんだ」とローリーは感謝の気持ちを込めて言った。

“The doctor to see you, sir,” and the maid beckoned as she spoke.

doctor (お医者様) [名] a person qualified to practice medicine

「先生、お医者様がお見えになりました」とメイドは話しながら手招きした。

“Would you mind if I left you for a minute?

mind (かまう) [動] object to or feel troubled by

「ちょっと席を外してもかまわないかな?

I suppose I must see him,” said Laurie.

彼に会わなければならないと思う」とローリーは言った。

“Don’t mind me. I’m happy as a cricket here,” answered Jo.

「私のことは気にしないで。私はここでコオロギのように幸せよ」とジョーは答えた。

Laurie went away, and his guest amused herself in her own way.

guest (客) [名] a person who is staying temporarily in someone's home

ローリーは立ち去り、彼の客は彼女自身の方法で自分を楽しませた。

She was standing before a fine portrait of the old gentleman when the door opened again, and without turning, she said decidedly, “I’m sure now that I shouldn’t be afraid of him, for he’s got kind eyes, though his mouth is grim, and he looks as if he had a tremendous will of his own.

portrait (肖像画) [名] a painting, drawing, or photograph of a person

sure (確信する) [形] having or showing confidence and certainty

grim (厳しい) [形] stern or forbidding in appearance

tremendous (強い) [形] extremely great in amount, scale, or intensity

will (意志) [名] the faculty by which a person decides on and initiates action

彼女はドアが再び開いたとき、老紳士の立派な肖像画の前に立っていたが、振り返らずに断言した、「彼を恐れるべきではないと確信したよ、彼は口は厳しいけど優しい目をしているし、彼自身の強い意志があるように見えるよ。

He isn’t as handsome as my grandfather, but I like him.”

as handsome as (ほどハンサムではない) [形] not as good-looking as

彼は私の祖父ほどハンサムではないけれど、私は彼が好きだよ。」

“Thank you, ma’am,” said a gruff voice behind her, and there, to her great dismay, stood old Mr. Laurence.

ma'am (お嬢さん) [名] a term of respectful or polite address used for a woman

gruff (無愛想な) [形] rough or stern in manner or speech

「ありがとう、お嬢さん」と彼女の後ろで無愛想な声がして、そこには彼女がとても狼狽するほど、老ローレンス氏が立っていた。

Poor Jo blushed till she couldn’t blush any redder, and her heart began to beat uncomfortably fast as she thought what she had said.

beat (鼓動する) [動] to make a rhythmic sound

fast (速く) [副] at high speed

かわいそうなジョーはこれ以上赤くならないほど顔を赤らめ、自分の言ったことを思うと心臓が不快なほど速く鼓動し始めた。

For a minute a wild desire to run away possessed her, but that was cowardly, and the girls would laugh at her, so she resolved to stay and get out of the scrape as she could.

cowardly (臆病な) [形] lacking courage

stay (留まる) [動] remain in the same place

get out of (抜け出す) [動] leave or escape from

一瞬、逃げ出したいという激しい欲望が彼女を襲ったが、それは臆病なことで、娘たちは彼女を笑うだろうから、彼女は留まって、できる限りこの窮地から抜け出すことを決意した。

A second look showed her that the living eyes, under the bushy eyebrows, were kinder even than the painted ones, and there was a sly twinkle in them, which lessened her fear a good deal.

second look (二度見) [名] a second glance

living (生きた) [形] alive

bushy (もじゃもじゃの) [形] thick and spreading

painted (描かれた) [形] produced by applying paint or a similar substance to a surface

twinkle (輝き) [名] a sparkle or gleam

lessen (和らげる) [動] make or become less

二度見すると、もじゃもじゃの眉毛の下の生きた目は、描かれた目よりも優しく、そこには彼女の恐怖をかなり和らげる、いたずらっぽい輝きがあった。

The gruff voice was gruffer than ever, as the old gentleman said abruptly, after the dreadful pause, “So you’re not afraid of me, hey?”

abruptly (唐突に) [副] suddenly and without warning

恐ろしい沈黙の後、老紳士が唐突に言ったように、無愛想な声はこれまで以上に無愛想だった、「それで、君は私を恐れていないんだね?」

“Not much, sir.”

not much (あまりない) [副] not a lot; not a great amount

「あまり、ありません」

“And you don’t think me as handsome as your grandfather?”

as handsome as (ほどハンサムだ) [形] to the same degree or extent as

「そして、君は私を君のおじいさんほどハンサムだとは思っていないのかい?」

“Not quite, sir.”

sir (旦那様) [名] a respectful form of address for a man

「そうではありません」

“And I’ve got a tremendous will, have I?”

tremendous (ものすごい) [形] very great in amount, scale, or intensity

「そして、私はものすごい意志を持っているのかい?」

“I only said I thought so.”

「私はそう思うと言っただけです」

“But you like me in spite of it?”

「でも、君はそれにかかわらず私を好きかい?」

“Yes, I do, sir.”

「はい、そうです」

That answer pleased the old gentleman.

answer (答え) [名] a reply to a question

その答えは老紳士を喜ばせた。

He gave a short laugh, shook hands with her, and, putting his finger under her chin, turned up her face, examined it gravely, and let it go, saying with a nod, “You’ve got your grandfather’s spirit, if you haven’t his face.

give a short laugh (短く笑う) [動] laugh for a short time

shake hands (握手する) [動] clasp someone's right hand in one's own at meeting or parting, in reconciliation, or as a sign of agreement

put one's finger under one's chin (顎の下に指を置く) [動] place one's finger under someone's chin

turn up one's face (顔を上げる) [動] raise one's face

let go (手放す) [動] release one's hold on

彼は短く笑い、彼女と握手し、そして彼女の顎の下に指を置き、彼女の顔を上げ、それを真剣に調べ、そしてそれを手放し、うなずきながら言った、「君は祖父の顔は持っていなくても、彼の精神は持っている。

He was a fine man, my dear, but what is better, he was a brave and an honest one, and I was proud to be his friend.”

brave (勇敢な) [形] ready to face and endure danger or pain; showing courage

honest (正直な) [形] free of deceit and untruthfulness; sincere

彼は立派な男だったよ、でもそれ以上に、彼は勇敢で正直な人だった、そして私は彼の友人であることを誇りに思っていた。」

“Thank you, sir,” And Jo was quite comfortable after that, for it suited her exactly.

「ありがとうございます」そしてジョーはその後とても快適だった、なぜならそれは彼女にぴったりだったからだ。

“What have you been doing to this boy of mine, hey?” was the next question, sharply put.

what have you been doing (何をしたんだ) [動] what have you been doing

next (次の) [形] coming immediately after the one before

「私の息子に何をしたんだ?」というのが次の質問だった。

“Only trying to be neighborly, sir.”

neighborly (隣人らしい) [形] characteristic of a good neighbor

「ただ隣人らしくしようとしただけです」

And Jo told how her visit came about.

visit (訪問) [名] the act of going or coming to see a person or place socially, as a tourist, or on business

come about (起こる) [動] take place; happen

そしてジョーは彼女の訪問がどのようにして起こったかを話した。

“You think he needs cheering up a bit, do you?”

cheer up (元気づける) [動] make someone feel happier

a bit (少し) [副] a small amount or degree

do (思う) [動] think or believe

「彼は少し元気づける必要があると思うか?」

“Yes, sir, he seems a little lonely, and young folks would do him good perhaps.

a little (少し) [副] to a small extent

folks (人々) [名] people in general

do good (良い影響を与える) [動] have a beneficial effect on

「はい、彼は少し寂しそうで、若い人が彼に良い影響を与えるかもしれません。

We are only girls, but we should be glad to help if we could, for we don’t forget the splendid Christmas present you sent us,” said Jo eagerly.

be glad to (喜んで〜する) [動] be happy to

私たちはただの女の子ですが、もしできるなら喜んでお手伝いします、だってあなたが送ってくれた素晴らしいクリスマスプレゼントを忘れることはできません」とジョーは熱心に言った。

“Tut, tut, tut! That was the boy’s affair.

affair (仕事) [名] a matter or concern

「ちっ、ちっ、ちっ! それは男の子の仕事だった。

How is the poor woman?”

あのかわいそうな女性はどうしている?」

“Doing nicely, sir.”

do nicely (元気にしている) [動] to be in good health

「元気にしています、先生」

And off went Jo, talking very fast, as she told all about the Hummels, in whom her mother had interested richer friends than they were.

talk fast (早口で話す) [動] speak quickly

tell about (~について話す) [動] give an account of

Hummels (フンメル家) [名] a family in the story

interest (興味を持たせる) [動] attract or hold the attention of

そしてジョーは、母が自分たちよりも裕福な友人に興味を持たせていたフンメル家の人々について、早口で話しながら出かけていった。

“Just her father’s way of doing good.

good (善い行い) [名] something that is morally right or beneficial

「彼女の父親の善い行いの仕方だ。

I shall come and see your mother some fine day.

come and see (会いに行く) [動] visit

some fine day (いつか) [名] at some future time

いつかお母さんに会いに行こう。

Tell her so.

そう伝えて。

There’s the tea bell, we have it early on the boy’s account.

tea bell (お茶のベル) [名] a bell that is rung to signal that tea is ready

お茶のベルが鳴ったよ、男の子のために早めに食べるのよ。

Come down and go on being neighborly.”

降りてきて、近所付き合いを続けよう。」

“If you’d like to have me, sir.”

like (雇う) [動] be fond of; have a liking for

have (雇う) [動] be fond of; have a liking for

「もし私を雇ってくださるなら、」

“Shouldn’t ask you, if I didn’t.”

「そうでなければ頼まないさ」

And Mr. Laurence offered her his arm with old-fashioned courtesy.

offer (差し出す) [動] present for acceptance or rejection

old-fashioned (古風な) [形] of a style or type no longer current

courtesy (礼儀作法) [名] polite behavior that shows respect for other people

そしてローレンス氏は古風な礼儀作法で彼女に腕を差し出した。

“What would Meg say to this?” thought Jo, as she was marched away, while her eyes danced with fun as she imagined herself telling the story at home.

imagine (想像する) [動] form a mental image or concept of

「メグはこれに何と言うだろう?」とジョーは考えながら、家でこの話をする自分を想像して、目が楽しそうに踊り、行進していった。

“Hey! Why, what the dickens has come to the fellow?” said the old gentleman, as Laurie came running downstairs and brought up with a start of surprise at the astounding sight of Jo arm in arm with his redoubtable grandfather.

Hey (おい) [間] used to attract attention

Why (おい) [間] used to attract attention

what the dickens (いったい何) [名] used to express surprise or annoyance

come to (起こる) [動] happen to

said (言う) [動] utter words

come running (駆け下りてくる) [動] move at a fast pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

downstairs (階段を下りて) [副] to or on a lower floor

brought up (驚きの声を上げる) [動] to mention or discuss something

astounding (驚くべき) [形] causing great surprise or wonder

arm in arm (腕を組んで) [副] with arms linked together

redoubtable (恐ろしい) [形] causing fear or alarm

「おい! おい、いったい何が起こったんだ?」と老紳士が言うと、ローリーが階段を駆け下りてきて、ジョーが恐ろしい祖父と腕を組んでいるという驚くべき光景に驚きの声を上げた。

“I didn’t know you’d come, sir,” he began, as Jo gave him a triumphant little glance.

「おじいさまがいらっしゃるとは知りませんでした」と彼が言い始めると、ジョーは勝ち誇ったように彼をちらっと見た。

“That’s evident, by the way you racket downstairs.

be evident (明らかだ) [動] be obvious or easily seen or understood

by the way (ところで) [副] incidentally

racket (騒ぐ) [名] a loud unpleasant noise

「それは明らかだ、あなたが階下で騒いでいた様子から。

Come to your tea, sir, and behave like a gentleman.”

お茶にいらっしゃい、紳士らしく振る舞いなさい」

And having pulled the boy’s hair by way of a caress, Mr. Laurence walked on, while Laurie went through a series of comic evolutions behind their backs, which nearly produced an explosion of laughter from Jo.

pull (引っ張る) [動] exert force on (someone or something) so as to move or change position

caress (愛撫) [名] a gentle or loving touch

walk (歩く) [動] move at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

go through (繰り返す) [動] perform or carry out

series (一系列) [名] a number of things arranged or happening in a particular order

evolution (動作) [名] a process of change in a certain direction

そして、愛撫のつもりで少年の髪を引っ張った後、ローレンス氏は歩き続け、ローリーは彼らの背後で一系列の滑稽な動作を繰り返し、ジョーは思わず吹き出しそうになった。

The old gentleman did not say much as he drank his four cups of tea, but he watched the young people, who soon chatted away like old friends, and the change in his grandson did not escape him.

not say much (あまり口をきかない) [動] not talk a lot

four cups of tea (4杯のお茶) [名] four cups of a beverage made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant

young people (若者たち) [名] people who are relatively young

chat away (おしゃべりを始める) [動] talk in a friendly and informal way

old friends (旧友) [名] friends who have known each other for a long time

change (変化) [名] the act or instance of making or becoming different

not escape (見逃さない) [動] not fail to notice

老紳士は4杯のお茶を飲む間あまり口をきかなかったが、すぐに旧友のようにおしゃべりを始める若者たちを観察し、孫の変化を見逃さなかった。

There was color, light, and life in the boy’s face now, vivacity in his manner, and genuine merriment in his laugh.

color (色) [名] the property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of the way it reflects or emits light

vivacity (快活さ) [名] the quality or state of being lively or full of life

少年の顔には色、光、生気が宿り、態度には快活さ、笑いには真の陽気さがあった。

“She’s right, the lad is lonely.

「彼女の言う通り、あの子は寂しいんだ。

I’ll see what these little girls can do for him,” thought Mr. Laurence, as he looked and listened.

listen (聞く) [動] perceive with the ears

あの子たちが彼のために何ができるか見てみよう」とローレンス氏は考えながら、様子をうかがった。

He liked Jo, for her odd, blunt ways suited him, and she seemed to understand the boy almost as well as if she had been one herself.

blunt (率直な) [形] direct and outspoken

almost (ほとんど) [副] very nearly

one (自分) [代] a person or thing previously mentioned or easily identified

彼はジョーが好きだった。彼女の奇妙で率直な態度が彼に合っていたし、彼女はまるで自分が少年であるかのように彼を理解しているようだった。

If the Laurences had been what Jo called ‘prim and poky’, she would not have got on at all, for such people always made her shy and awkward.

Laurences (ローレンス家) [名] the Laurence family

what Jo called (ジョーの言う) [名] what Jo said

poky (退屈) [形] small and cramped

would not have got on (うまくいかなかっただろう) [動] would not have succeeded

such people (そういう人たち) [名] people like that

awkward (ぎこちない) [形] lacking skill or grace; clumsy

もしローレンス家がジョーの言う「堅苦しくて退屈」だったら、彼女は全くうまくいかなかっただろう。そういう人たちはいつも彼女を恥ずかしがらせ、ぎこちなくさせるからだ。

But finding them free and easy, she was so herself, and made a good impression.

free (自由) [形] not under the control or in the power of another; able to act or be done as one wishes

easy (気楽) [形] achieved without great effort; presenting few difficulties

impression (印象) [名] an idea, feeling, or opinion about something or someone, especially one formed without conscious thought or on the basis of little evidence

しかし、彼らが自由で気楽だと分かると、彼女もそうして、良い印象を与えた。

When they rose she proposed to go, but Laurie said he had something more to show her, and took her away to the conservatory, which had been lighted for her benefit.

take away (連れて行く) [動] carry or lead someone or something from one place to another

benefit (利益) [名] an advantage or profit gained from something

彼らが立ち上がったとき、彼女は帰ろうとしたが、ローリーは彼女に見せたいものがまだあると言って、彼女のために明かりをつけた温室に連れて行った。

It seemed quite fairylike to Jo, as she went up and down the walks, enjoying the blooming walls on either side, the soft light, the damp sweet air, and the wonderful vines and trees that hung about her, while her new friend cut the finest flowers till his hands were full.

go up and down (行ったり来たりする) [動] move from one place to another and back again

bloom (咲き誇る) [動] produce flowers

damp (湿った) [形] slightly wet

hang (垂れ下がる) [動] be suspended or supported from above

tree (木) [名] a woody perennial plant typically having a main stem or trunk and generally a distinct elevated crown

cut (切る) [動] penetrate with a sharp-edged tool

ジョーには、通路を行ったり来たりしながら、両側に咲き誇る花の壁、柔らかな光、湿った甘い空気、そして彼女の周りに垂れ下がる素晴らしいつるや木々を楽しみながら、新しい友人が両手いっぱいになるまで最高の花を切っている様子は、まるで妖精のようだった。

Then he tied them up, saying, with the happy look Jo liked to see, “Please give these to your mother, and tell her I like the medicine she sent me very much.”

tie up (束ねる) [動] fasten or bind together

medicine (薬) [名] a substance used to treat or prevent illness or disease

それから彼は花を束ねて、ジョーが見たかった幸せそうな表情で言った、「これをお母さんに渡して、送ってくれた薬がとても気に入ったと伝えてください。」

They found Mr. Laurence standing before the fire in the great drawing room, but Jo’s attention was entirely absorbed by a grand piano, which stood open.

drawing room (応接間) [名] a room in a house for entertaining guests

attention (注意) [名] the regarding of someone or something as interesting or important

absorb (奪う) [動] take up the whole of

grand piano (グランドピアノ) [名] a large piano with a horizontal soundboard and strings arranged in a horizontal plane

ローレンス氏が大きな応接間の暖炉の前に立っているのを見つけたが、ジョーの注意は開いたままのグランドピアノに完全に奪われた。

“Do you play?” she asked, turning to Laurie with a respectful expression.

turn to (~に尋ねる) [動] direct one's attention to

「弾くんですか?」彼女は敬意を表した表情でローリーに尋ねた。

“Sometimes,” he answered modestly.

「時々」彼は控えめに答えた。

“Please do now. I want to hear it, so I can tell Beth.”

do (弾く) [動] play a musical instrument

「今弾いてください。ベスに話せるように聴きたいんです。」

“Won’t you first?”

first (先に) [副] before anyone or anything else; before all others

「先に弾いてくれませんか?」

“Don’t know how. Too stupid to learn, but I love music dearly.”

don't know how (弾けません) [動] be unable to do something

too stupid (頭が悪すぎる) [形] lacking intelligence or good judgment

「弾けません。習うには頭が悪すぎるんです。でも音楽は大好きなんです。」

So Laurie played and Jo listened, with her nose luxuriously buried in heliotrope and tea roses.

listen (聴く) [動] give one's attention to a sound

heliotrope (ヘリオトロープ) [名] a plant with small fragrant purple or white flowers

tea rose (ティーローズ) [名] a type of rose

だからローリーは弾き、ジョーは鼻をヘリオトロープとティーローズに埋めて聴いた。

Her respect and regard for the ‘Laurence’ boy increased very much, for he played remarkably well and didn’t put on any airs.

regard (敬意) [名] a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities or achievements

put on (とる) [動] assume or adopt

彼女の「ローレンス」少年に対する尊敬と敬意は非常に増した。彼は驚くほど上手に弾き、気取った態度をとらなかったからだ。

She wished Beth could hear him, but she did not say so, only praised him till he was quite abashed, and his grandfather came to his rescue.

praise (褒める) [動] express warm approval or admiration of

abashed (恥ずかしくなる) [形] feeling or showing embarrassment or shame

rescue (助ける) [動] save from danger or harm

彼女はベスが彼の演奏を聞けたらいいのにと思ったが、そうは言わずに、彼が恥ずかしくなるまで褒め続け、彼の祖父が助けに来た。

“That will do, that will do, young lady.

do (いい) [動] be enough or sufficient

「もういい、もういい、お嬢さん。

Too many sugarplums are not good for him.

too many (食べすぎる) [形] more than needed or wanted

sugarplum (砂糖菓子) [名] a small round candy made of sugar

good for (よくない) [形] beneficial to

砂糖菓子を食べすぎるのは彼にはよくない。

His music isn’t bad, but I hope he will do as well in more important things.

彼の音楽は悪くないが、もっと大事なことでも同じようにうまくやってくれるといいのだが。

Going? well, I’m much obliged to you, and I hope you’ll come again.

be obliged to (感謝する) [動] be grateful for

帰るのか? そうか、どうもありがとう、また来てくれると嬉しいな。

My respects to your mother.

お母さんによろしく。

Good night, Doctor Jo.”

Doctor Jo (ジョー先生) [名] a doctor named Jo

おやすみなさい、ジョー先生。」

He shook hands kindly, but looked as if something did not please him.

kindly (優しく) [副] in a kind manner

please (気に入る) [動] cause to be happy or satisfied

彼は優しく握手したが、何か気に入らないことがあるようだった。

When they got into the hall, Jo asked Laurie if she had said something amiss.

get into (出る) [動] go into

amiss (失言) [名] something wrong or inappropriate

ホールに出ると、ジョーはローリーに何か失言をしたかと尋ねた。

He shook his head.

彼は首を横に振った。

“No, it was me. He doesn’t like to hear me play.”

「いいえ、私です。彼は私の演奏を聞くのが好きではないんです」

“Why not?”

why not (どうして) [副] for what reason not

「どうして?」

“I’ll tell you some day.

「いつか話すよ。

John is going home with you, as I can’t.”

John (ジョン) [名] a male given name

go home (帰る) [動] return to one's home

with (一緒に) [前] accompanied by

ジョンがあなたと一緒に帰るよ、私はできないから」

“No need of that.

no need of (必要はない) [名] not necessary

「そんな必要はない。

I am not a young lady, and it’s only a step.

only a step (すぐそこ) [名] a short distance

私は若い女性ではないし、すぐそこだもの」

Take care of yourself, won’t you?”

take care of (気をつける) [動] be careful or cautious about

気をつけてね」

“Yes, but you will come again, I hope?”

come again (また来る) [動] return to a place

「そうね、でもまた来てくれるよね?」

“If you promise to come and see us after you are well.”

after (〜したら) [接] following the time that; later or later than

well (元気) [形] in good health

「元気になったら私たちに会いに来てくれると約束してくれるなら」

“I will.”

will (約束する) [動] express a strong intention or determination

「約束する」

“Good night, Laurie!”

「おやすみ、ローリー!」

“Good night, Jo, good night!”

「おやすみ、ジョー、おやすみ!」

When all the afternoon’s adventures had been told, the family felt inclined to go visiting in a body, for each found something very attractive in the big house on the other side of the hedge.

feel inclined (気持ちになる) [動] be disposed or willing

visit (訪問する) [動] go to see someone or something

body (みんな) [名] the physical structure, including the bones, flesh and organs, of a person or an animal

attractive (惹かれる) [形] pleasing to the eye or the ear

午後の冒険のすべてが語られると、家族はみんなで訪問したいという気持ちになった。というのも、みんな生垣の向こう側にある大きな家にある何かにとても惹かれたからだ。

Mrs. March wanted to talk of her father with the old man who had not forgotten him, Meg longed to walk in the conservatory, Beth sighed for the grand piano, and Amy was eager to see the fine pictures and statues.

talk of (話す) [動] speak about

old man (老人) [名] an elderly man

long to (したいと思う) [動] wish or desire

eager to (したがる) [動] wish or desire

マーチ夫人は父のことを忘れていない老人と父のことを話したいと思い、メグは温室を歩きたいと思い、ベスはグランドピアノにため息をつき、エイミーは素晴らしい絵や彫像を見たがった。

“Mother, why didn’t Mr. Laurence like to have Laurie play?” asked Jo, who was of an inquiring disposition.

inquiring (好奇心旺盛な) [形] eager to learn or know

disposition (性格) [名] a person's inherent qualities of mind and character

「ママ、ローレンスさんはどうしてローリーにピアノを弾かせたくないの?」と、好奇心旺盛なジョーは尋ねた。

“I am not sure, but I think it was because his son, Laurie’s father, married an Italian lady, a musician, which displeased the old man, who is very proud.

not sure (よくわからない) [形] not having or showing confidence or certainty

marry (結婚する) [動] take as one's wife or husband

Italian (イタリア人) [名] a native or inhabitant of Italy

musician (音楽家) [名] a person who plays a musical instrument or is otherwise musically talented

displease (不快にする) [動] cause to be unhappy or angry

proud (プライドの高い) [形] having or showing a high or excessively high opinion of oneself or one's importance, achievements, or possessions

「よくわからないけど、息子、つまりローリーの父親がイタリア人の女性、音楽家と結婚したからだと思うよ。それがとてもプライドの高い老人を不快にさせたのね。

The lady was good and lovely and accomplished, but he did not like her, and never saw his son after he married.

lovely (愛らしい) [形] very pleasing to the eye or the ear

accomplished (教養がある) [形] having great skill or knowledge

その女性は善良で愛らしく、教養があったが、彼は彼女を気に入らず、結婚してから息子に会うことはなかった。

They both died when Laurie was a little child, and then his grandfather took him home.

ローリーが幼い頃に二人とも亡くなり、祖父が彼を引き取った。

I fancy the boy, who was born in Italy, is not very strong, and the old man is afraid of losing him, which makes him so careful.

fancy (思う) [動] to like or be fond of

careful (気を遣う) [形] taking care to avoid harm or damage

イタリアで生まれたその子は、あまり丈夫ではなくて、老人は彼を失うことを恐れているのだと思うよ。だからあんなに気を遣っているのよ。

Laurie comes naturally by his love of music, for he is like his mother, and I dare say his grandfather fears that he may want to be a musician.

come by (得る) [動] to obtain or acquire

naturally (自然に) [副] in a natural manner

ローリーは母親に似て音楽が大好きだから、祖父は彼が音楽家になりたがるかもしれないと恐れているのでしょうね。

At any rate, his skill reminds him of the woman he did not like, and so he ‘glowered’ as Jo said.”

at any rate (いずれにせよ) [副] in any case; whatever happens

glower (顔をしかめる) [動] to look or stare angrily or sullenly

いずれにせよ、彼の技能は彼が嫌いな女性を思い出させるので、ジョーが言ったように彼は「顔をしかめた」のです。」

“Dear me, how romantic!” exclaimed Meg.

how romantic (なんてロマンチックなの) [間] an expression of surprise or disgust

「まあ、なんてロマンチックなの!」とメグは叫んだ。

“How silly!” said Jo.

「なんてばかげた!」とジョーは言った。

“Let him be a musician if he wants to, and not plague his life out sending him to college, when he hates to go.”

「彼が望むなら音楽家にさせてあげればいいのに、行きたくない大学に行かせることで彼の人生を悩ませるなんて。」

“That’s why he has such handsome black eyes and pretty manners, I suppose.

that's why (だから) [接] for that reason

「だから彼はあんなにハンサムな黒い目と素敵なマナーを持っているのね。

Italians are always nice,” said Meg, who was a little sentimental.

sentimental (感傷的な) [形] having or showing a tendency to be influenced by emotions

イタリア人はいつも素敵ね」と、少し感傷的なメグは言った。

“What do you know about his eyes and his manners?

「彼の目やマナーについて何を知っているんだ?

You never spoke to him, hardly,” cried Jo, who was not sentimental.

hardly (ほとんど) [副] scarcely; barely

彼とほとんど話したこともないのに」と、感傷的ではないジョーは叫んだ。

“I saw him at the party, and what you tell shows that he knows how to behave.

「私はパーティーで彼を見たし、あなたの話から彼が行儀作法を知っていることが分かる。

That was a nice little speech about the medicine Mother sent him.”

ママが彼に送った薬について、あれは素敵な短いスピーチだったよ。」

“He meant the blanc mange, I suppose.”

「彼はブランマンジェのことを言っていたんだと思う。」

“How stupid you are, child!

stupid (愚かな) [形] lacking intelligence or common sense

「なんて愚かな子だ!

He meant you, of course.”

of course (もちろん) [副] as expected; naturally

彼はもちろんあなたのことを言っていたのよ。」

“Did he?”

did (そうだった) [助] used in questions to ask about something that has already happened

「そうだった?」

And Jo opened her eyes as if it had never occurred to her before.

open one's eyes (目を見開く) [動] to look at something with surprise

occur (起こる) [動] to take place; to happen

そしてジョーは、まるで今までそんなことが起こったことがないかのように目を見開いた。

“I never saw such a girl!

「こんな娘は見たことがない!

You don’t know a compliment when you get it,” said Meg, with the air of a young lady who knew all about the matter.

matter (こと) [名] a subject or situation under consideration

褒め言葉をもらってもわからないのね」と、メグは、そのことについてすべてを知っている若い女性の態度で言った。

“I think they are great nonsense, and I’ll thank you not to be silly and spoil my fun.

「私はそれらは大いにナンセンスだと思うし、私の楽しみを台無しにするような愚かなことをしないでくれるとありがたいよ。

Laurie’s a nice boy and I like him, and I won’t have any sentimental stuff about compliments and such rubbish.

rubbish (くだらないもの) [名] waste material; refuse; trash

ローリーはいい子で私は彼が好きだし、褒め言葉やそんなくだらないものについて感傷的なことは一切しないよ。

We’ll all be good to him because he hasn’t got any mother, and he may come over and see us, mayn’t he, Marmee?”

be good to (優しくする) [動] treat someone well

私たちみんな彼に優しくするよ、だって彼にはお母さんがいないんだし、彼はうちに来て私たちに会ってもいいよね、ママ?」

“Yes, Jo, your little friend is very welcome, and I hope Meg will remember that children should be children as long as they can.”

yes (そうよ) [副] used to express agreement or acceptance

welcome (大歓迎) [形] received with gladness or hospitality

should (であるべきだ) [助] used to express obligation, duty, or correctness

「そうよ、ジョー、あなたの小さな友達は大歓迎よ、そしてメグには子供はできる限り子供であるべきだということを覚えていてほしいよ」

“I don’t call myself a child, and I’m not in my teens yet,” observed Amy.

call oneself (自分を思う) [動] to refer to oneself as

teen (10代) [名] a person who is between 13 and 19 years old

「私は自分を子供だとは思っていないし、まだ10代にもなっていないよ」とエイミーは言った。

“What do you say, Beth?”

「ベスはどう思う?」

“I was thinking about our ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’,” answered Beth, who had not heard a word.

Pilgrim's Progress (天路歴程) [名] an allegory by John Bunyan

「私は私たちの『天路歴程』について考えていたよ」と、一言も聞いていなかったベスが答えた。

“How we got out of the Slough and through the Wicket Gate by resolving to be good, and up the steep hill by trying, and that maybe the house over there, full of splendid things, is going to be our Palace Beautiful.”

Slough (ぬかるみ) [名] a place of deep mud or mire

through (通り抜ける) [前] from one end or side of (an opening, channel, or location) to the other

Wicket Gate (狭い門) [名] a small gate

be good (善いことをしようと) [動] behave in a moral or proper manner

up (上る) [前] from a lower to a higher point on or in

steep hill (急な坂) [名] a hill with a large gradient

going to be (なる) [助] be going to; be about to; be on the point of

Palace Beautiful (美しい宮殿) [名] a palace that is beautiful

「私たちが善いことをしようと決意してぬかるみから抜け出し、狭い門を通り抜け、努力して急な坂を上り、あそこにある立派なものでいっぱいの家が私たちの美しい宮殿になるかもしれないということ」

“We have got to get by the lions first,” said Jo, as if she rather liked the prospect.

get by (通り抜ける) [動] pass by

prospect (見通し) [名] the possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring

「まずはライオンのそばを通り抜けなくちゃ」と、その見通しがかなり気に入ったかのようにジョーは言った。

CHAPTER SIX: BETH FINDS THE PALACE BEAUTIFUL

CHAPTER SIX (第六章) [名] the sixth chapter

第六章: ベスは美しい宮殿を見つける

The big house did prove a Palace Beautiful, though it took some time for all to get in, and Beth found it very hard to pass the lions.

big house (大きな家) [名] a large house

prove (確かに) [動] to be found to be; to turn out to be

take some time (時間がかかる) [動] to require a certain amount of time

get in (中に入る) [動] to enter

find (思う) [動] to discover or notice

very hard (とても難しい) [形] extremely difficult

pass (通り抜ける) [動] to go past or beyond

大きな家は確かに美しい宮殿だったが、全員が中に入るまでには時間がかかり、ベスはライオンのそばを通り抜けるのがとても難しいと思った。

Old Mr. Laurence was the biggest one, but after he had called, said something funny or kind to each one of the girls, and talked over old times with their mother, nobody felt much afraid of him, except timid Beth.

Old Mr. Laurence (ローレンス老人) [名] the old man who lives next door

biggest (一番大きな) [形] of the greatest size or extent

call (訪ねる) [動] go to see someone

old times (昔話) [名] a story about something that happened in the past

ローレンス老人が一番大きなライオンだったが、彼が訪ねてきて、娘たち一人一人に何かおかしなことや親切なことを言い、母親と昔話をした後では、臆病なベス以外は誰も彼をあまり恐れなくなった。

The other lion was the fact that they were poor and Laurie rich, for this made them shy of accepting favors which they could not return.

the other (もう一匹の) [形] the remaining one of two or more people or things

this (これ) [代] the thing that is being discussed

favor (好意) [名] an act of kindness beyond what is usual or expected

return (返す) [動] give, send, or put (something) back to a place or person

もう一匹のライオンは、自分たちが貧乏でローリーが金持ちだという事実だった。そのため、返せない好意を受け入れるのをためらった。

But, after a while, they found that he considered them the benefactors, and could not do enough to show how grateful he was for Mrs. March’s motherly welcome, their cheerful society, and the comfort he took in that humble home of theirs.

after a while (しばらくすると) [副] after a short period of time

consider (考える) [動] think carefully about

benefactor (恩人) [名] a person who gives money or other help to a person or cause

welcome (歓迎) [名] a kind or glad reception

humble (質素な) [形] modest or unpretentious in attitude or appearance

しかし、しばらくすると、彼が自分たちを恩人だと考えており、マーチ夫人の母親のような歓迎、彼女たちの陽気な交際、そして彼が彼女たちの質素な家で得た慰めにどれほど感謝しているかを示すのに十分なことができないことがわかった。

So they soon forgot their pride and interchanged kindnesses without stopping to think which was the greater.

pride (プライド) [名] a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements

interchange (交換する) [動] exchange (something) with another

kindness (親切) [名] the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate

そのため、彼女たちはすぐにプライドを忘れ、どちらがより大きいかを考えることなく親切を交換した。

All sorts of pleasant things happened about that time, for the new friendship flourished like grass in spring.

all sorts of (あらゆる) [名] a variety of

about (頃) [前] at or near (the time mentioned)

friendship (友情) [名] the emotions or conduct of friends

flourish (栄える) [動] grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly congenial environment

その頃は、あらゆる楽しいことが起こった。新しい友情が春の草のように栄えたからだ。

Every one liked Laurie, and he privately informed his tutor that “the Marches were regularly splendid girls.”

誰もがローリーを気に入り、彼は家庭教師に「マーチ家の娘たちは本当に素晴らしい」と内緒で告げた。

With the delightful enthusiasm of youth, they took the solitary boy into their midst and made much of him, and he found something very charming in the innocent companionship of these simple-hearted girls.

delightful (楽しい) [形] giving great pleasure

enthusiasm (熱意) [名] strong feeling for a person or thing

take (迎える) [動] bring or receive into a place

midst (真ん中) [名] the middle part or point

make much of (大事にする) [動] treat as important

charming (魅力的な) [形] very pleasant or attractive

companionship (交際) [名] the state of being with someone

simple-hearted (素朴な) [形] without much education or knowledge

若者の楽しい熱意で、彼女たちは孤独な少年を自分たちの真ん中に迎え入れ、彼を大事にした。そして彼は、これらの素朴な少女たちの無垢な交際にとても魅力的なものを見出した。

Never having known mother or sisters, he was quick to feel the influences they brought about him, and their busy, lively ways made him ashamed of the indolent life he led.

bring about (もたらす) [動] cause to happen

make (恥じる) [動] cause to feel ashamed

indolent (怠惰な) [形] lazy or inactive

母親や姉妹を知らなかった彼は、彼女たちが彼にもたらした影響をすぐに感じ、彼女たちの忙しく活発な態度に、彼は自分の怠惰な生活を恥じた。

He was tired of books, and found people so interesting now that Mr. Brooke was obliged to make very unsatisfactory reports, for Laurie was always playing truant and running over to the Marches’.

be obliged to (せざるを得ない) [動] be forced to

report (報告) [名] a statement of the results of an investigation or of any matter on which definite information is required

play truant (怠ける) [動] stay away from school without permission

run over to (走り回る) [動] go quickly to a place

彼は本に飽き、人々がとても面白いと思うようになったので、ブルック氏は非常に不満足な報告をせざるを得なくなった。ローリーはいつも怠けてマーチ家へ走り回っていたからだ。

“Never mind, let him take a holiday, and make it up afterward,” said the old gentleman.

take a holiday (休みを取る) [動] take a day off

「気にするな、休みを取って後で取り返せばいい」と老紳士は言った。

“The good lady next door says he is studying too hard and needs young society, amusement, and exercise.

next door (隣の) [形] in or to the next building or house

study (勉強する) [動] read and understand something

「隣の善良な婦人は、彼が勉強しすぎていて、若い仲間、娯楽、運動が必要だと言う。

I suspect she is right, and that I’ve been coddling the fellow as if I’d been his grandmother.

suspect (疑う) [動] have an idea or impression of the probable existence or truth of something without certain proof

coddle (甘やかす) [動] treat in an indulgent or overprotective way

grandmother (祖母) [名] the mother of one's father or mother

彼女の言う通りで、私が彼の祖母であるかのように彼を甘やかしてきたのではないかと疑っている。

Let him do what he likes, as long as he is happy.

as long as (限り) [接] on condition that; provided that

彼が幸せである限り、彼の好きなようにさせてやれ。

He can’t get into mischief in that little nunnery over there, and Mrs. March is doing more for him than we can.”

Mrs. (夫人) [名] a title used before the surname of a married woman

more (以上) [形] a greater or additional amount or degree

can (できる) [助] be able to

彼は向こうのあの小さな尼僧院でいたずらをすることはできないし、マーチ夫人は私たちにできる以上のことを彼のためにしてくれている。」

What good times they had, to be sure.

what (どんなに) [形] how much

to be sure (確かに) [副] without doubt

確かに、彼らはどんなに楽しい時間を過ごしただろうか。

Such plays and tableaux, such sleigh rides and skating frolics, such pleasant evenings in the old parlor, and now and then such gay little parties at the great house.

such (あんな) [形] of the type previously mentioned

tableau (活人画) [名] a group of people arranged in a scene

sleigh ride (そり遊び) [名] a ride in a sleigh

skating frolic (スケート遊び) [名] a playful activity involving skating

now and then (時折) [副] occasionally; from time to time

あんな芝居や活人画、あんなそり遊びやスケート遊び、古い客間でのあんなに楽しい夜、そして時折、大きな家で開かれるあんなに陽気な小さなパーティー。

Meg could walk in the conservatory whenever she liked and revel in bouquets, Jo browsed over the new library voraciously, and convulsed the old gentleman with her criticisms, Amy copied pictures and enjoyed beauty to her heart’s content, and Laurie played ‘lord of the manor’ in the most delightful style.

whenever (いつでも) [副] at whatever time

like (好きな) [形] having a feeling of attraction or desire for someone or something

browse (読み漁る) [動] read in a casual or leisurely way

voraciously (貪欲に) [副] in a way that shows a very great desire for something

convulse (悶絶させる) [動] cause to laugh uncontrollably

copy (模写する) [動] make an identical version of

beauty (美) [名] a combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight

lord (領主) [名] a person who has authority over others

manor (荘園) [名] a large country house with lands

メグはいつでも好きな時に温室を歩き回り、花束を堪能することができ、ジョーは新しい図書室を貪欲に読み漁り、その批評で老紳士を悶絶させ、エイミーは絵を模写して心ゆくまで美を楽しみ、ローリーは最も楽しいスタイルで「荘園領主」を演じた。

But Beth, though yearning for the grand piano, could not pluck up courage to go to the ‘Mansion of Bliss’, as Meg called it.

yearn (憧れる) [動] to long for something

pluck up courage (勇気を持つ) [動] to summon up courage

Mansion of Bliss (至福の館) [名] a place of great happiness

しかし、ベスはグランドピアノに憧れながらも、メグが言うところの「至福の館」に行く勇気を持つことができなかった。

She went once with Jo, but the old gentleman, not being aware of her infirmity, stared at her so hard from under his heavy eyebrows, and said “Hey!” so loud, that he frightened her so much her ‘feet chattered on the floor’, she never told her mother, and she ran away, declaring she would never go there any more, not even for the dear piano.

infirmity (弱点) [名] a physical or mental weakness

be aware of (気づく) [動] have knowledge or information about

heavy (濃い) [形] of great weight

loud (大声で) [副] with a great deal of noise

frighten (恐ろしくて) [動] make afraid

chatter (震える) [動] talk rapidly or incessantly

there (そこ) [副] in, at, or to that place or position

even (でも) [副] used to emphasize the more extreme of two alternatives

彼女は一度ジョーと一緒に行ったが、老紳士は彼女の弱点に気づかず、濃い眉の下から彼女をじっと見つめ、「おい!」と大声で言ったので、彼女は恐ろしさのあまり「足が床で震え」、母親には決して話さず、逃げ出してしまった。

No persuasions or enticements could overcome her fear, till, the fact coming to Mr. Laurence’s ear in some mysterious way, he set about mending matters.

persuasion (説得) [名] the act of persuading or seeking to persuade

enticement (誘惑) [名] something that attracts or tempts

overcome (克服する) [動] to prevail over

come to one's ear (耳に入る) [動] to be heard by someone

set about (乗り出す) [動] to begin doing something

mending (改善) [名] the act of repairing something that is damaged, faulty, or worn

どんな説得や誘惑も彼女の恐怖を克服することはできなかったが、ある日、不思議な経路でローレンス氏の耳にこのことが入り、彼は事態の改善に乗り出した。

During one of the brief calls he made, he artfully led the conversation to music, and talked away about great singers whom he had seen, fine organs he had heard, and told such charming anecdotes that Beth found it impossible to stay in her distant corner, but crept nearer and nearer, as if fascinated.

during (間に) [前] in or throughout the course of

brief (短い) [形] short in duration

call (訪問) [名] a brief visit

artfully (巧みに) [副] in a skillful or clever way

lead (導く) [動] cause to go in a specified direction

conversation (会話) [名] informal talk between two or more people

talk away (話し続ける) [動] talk continuously

singer (歌手) [名] a person who sings

organ (オルガン) [名] a keyboard instrument of one or more pipe divisions or other means for producing tones, each played with its own keyboard

anecdote (逸話) [名] a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person

impossible (不可能) [形] not possible; unable to be done

distant (遠くの) [形] far away in space or time

nearer (もっと近くに) [副] to or at a short distance

fascinated (魅了された) [形] extremely interested in or attracted by something

彼が行った短い訪問の1つで、彼は巧みに会話を音楽に導き、彼が見た偉大な歌手や聞いた素晴らしいオルガンについて話し、ベスが遠くの隅にいることが不可能だと感じ、魅了されたかのようにどんどん近づいてくるほど魅力的な逸話を語った。

At the back of his chair she stopped and stood listening, with her great eyes wide open and her cheeks red with excitement of this unusual performance.

at the back of (後ろで) [前] at the rear of

unusual (珍しい) [形] not habitually or commonly occurring or done

彼女は彼の椅子の後ろで立ち止まり、大きな目を大きく開き、この珍しい演奏に興奮して頬を赤らめながら、耳を傾けた。

Taking no more notice of her than if she had been a fly, Mr. Laurence talked on about Laurie’s lessons and teachers.

take notice of (気にする) [動] to pay attention to

fly (ハエ) [名] a small winged insect

talk on (話し続けた) [動] to continue talking

lesson (レッスン) [名] a period of learning or teaching

ローレンス氏は彼女がハエであるかのように彼女を気にせず、ローリーのレッスンや教師について話し続けた。

And presently, as if the idea had just occurred to him, he said to Mrs. March...

そして、今思いついたように、彼はマーチ夫人に言った。

“The boy neglects his music now, and I’m glad of it, for he was getting too fond of it.

「少年は今音楽を怠っているが、私はそれを喜んでいる、なぜなら彼は音楽を好きになりすぎたからだ。

But the piano suffers for want of use.

しかし、ピアノは使われずに困っている。

Wouldn’t some of your girls like to run over, and practice on it now and then, just to keep it in tune, you know, ma’am?”

some of (誰か) [名] an unspecified number or amount of

run over (走って来る) [動] move quickly by running

あなたの娘さんの誰かが、調律を保つために、時々走って練習に来てくれませんか?」

Beth took a step forward, and pressed her hands tightly together to keep from clapping them, for this was an irresistible temptation, and the thought of practicing on that splendid instrument quite took her breath away.

take a step forward (一歩前に出る) [動] move forward

press (握りしめる) [動] push against something with steady force

keep from (しないようにする) [動] prevent or stop from doing something

irresistible (抵抗できない) [形] too strong or pleasing to be resisted

temptation (誘惑) [名] a desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise

ベスは一歩前に出て、手を叩かないように両手をぎゅっと握りしめた、なぜならこれは抵抗できない誘惑であり、その素晴らしい楽器で練習するという考えは彼女の息を呑むほどだったからだ。

Before Mrs. March could reply, Mr. Laurence went on with an odd little nod and smile...

nod (うなずき) [名] a gesture in which the head is tilted downward

マーチ夫人が返事をする前に、ローレンス氏は奇妙な小さなうなずきと笑顔で続けた。

“They needn’t see or speak to anyone, but run in at any time.

run in (走って来る) [動] come or go quickly

「誰かに会ったり話したりする必要はないが、いつでも走って来なさい。

For I’m shut up in my study at the other end of the house,

study (書斎) [名] a room in a house for reading, writing, or studying

other end (反対側) [名] the opposite end

私は家の反対側の書斎に閉じこもっているからね。

Laurie is out a great deal, and the servants are never near the drawing room after nine o’clock.”

out (外出している) [副] away from home

a great deal (ほとんど) [副] to a great extent

ローリーはほとんど外出しているし、召使は九時以降は応接室には近寄らない。」

Here he rose, as if going, and Beth made up her mind to speak, for that last arrangement left nothing to be desired.

make up one's mind (決心する) [動] reach, make, or come to a decision about something

arrangement (取り決め) [名] an organized event or series of events

be desired (望まれる) [動] be wanted or wished for

ここで彼は立ち上がり、行くかのようだったので、ベスは話す決心をした。その最後の取り決めは何も望むべきことを残さなかったからだ。

“Please, tell the young ladies what I say, and if they don’t care to come, why, never mind.”

please (どうか) [副] used in polite requests

「どうか、お嬢さんたちに私の言うことを伝えてください。もし来たくないのなら、気にしないでください。」

Here a little hand slipped into his, and Beth looked up at him with a face full of gratitude, as she said, in her earnest yet timid way...

look up (見上げる) [動] direct one's gaze upward

gratitude (感謝) [名] the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness

ここで小さな手が彼の手に滑り込み、ベスは感謝の気持ちでいっぱいの顔で彼を見上げ、真剣だが臆病な態度で言った。

“Oh sir, they do care, very very much!”

「ああ、おじさま、みんなとてもとても気にしています!」

“Are you the musical girl?” he asked, without any startling “Hey!” as he looked down at her very kindly.

startle (驚かす) [動] cause to feel sudden shock or alarm

「君が音楽の少女か?」と彼は驚くこともなく尋ね、「やあ!」ととても親切に彼女を見下ろした。

“I’m Beth. I love it dearly, and I’ll come, if you are quite sure nobody will hear me, and be disturbed,” she added, fearing to be rude, and trembling at her own boldness as she spoke.

disturb (迷惑) [動] interfere with the peace or quiet of

tremble (震え) [動] shake or shiver slightly

「私はベスです。とても大好きです。誰にも聞こえなくて迷惑にならないと確信していただけるなら、行きます」と彼女は付け加えた。失礼になることを恐れ、話しているうちに自分の大胆さに震えてきた。

“Not a soul, my dear.

not a soul (誰もいない) [名] no one

「誰もいない、お嬢さん。

The house is empty half the day, so come and drum away as much as you like, and I shall be obliged to you.”

drum (ドラム) [名] a percussion instrument consisting of a hollow cylinder with a membrane stretched across one or both ends

away (好きなだけ) [副] to or at a distance

be obliged to (感謝します) [動] be grateful or thankful for

家は半日空っぽだから、好きなだけドラムを叩きに来てください。感謝します」

“How kind you are, sir!”

「なんて親切なんですか!」

Beth blushed like a rose under the friendly look he wore, but she was not frightened now, and gave the hand a grateful squeeze because she had no words to thank him for the precious gift he had given her.

look (視線) [名] the action of directing one's gaze

frightened (怖がる) [形] afraid or anxious

give (握りしめる) [動] move or cause to move into a position

squeeze (握りしめる) [動] press firmly and usually with both hands

ベスは彼の優しい視線にバラのように赤面したが、もう怖くはなかった。彼がくれた貴重な贈り物に感謝の言葉もなかったので、感謝の気持ちを込めて手を握りしめた。

The old gentleman softly stroked the hair off her forehead, and, stooping down, he kissed her, saying, in a tone few people ever heard...

stroke (撫でる) [動] move one's hand gently and smoothly over

stoop (かがむ) [動] bend one's head and shoulders forward and down

kiss (キスをする) [動] touch with the lips as a sign of love, affection, greeting, or reverence

老紳士は彼女の額の髪をそっと撫で、身をかがめて彼女にキスをし、ほとんど誰も聞いたことがないような口調で言った。

“I had a little girl once, with eyes like these.

once (かつて) [副] at some point in the past

「私にもこんな目をした小さな娘がいた。

God bless you, my dear!

God (神) [名] the creator and ruler of the universe and source of all moral authority; the supreme being

bless (祝福する) [動] ask God to look favorably on

dear (愛しい人) [名] a person who is loved or liked very much

神のご加護を、私の愛しい人!

Good day, madam.”

good day (ごきげんよう) [名] a polite greeting

madam (奥様) [名] a polite term of address for a woman

ごきげんよう、奥様」

And away he went, in a great hurry.

そして彼は大急ぎで立ち去った。

Beth had a rapture with her mother, and then rushed up to impart the glorious news to her family of invalids, as the girls were not home.

have a rapture (大喜びする) [動] be extremely happy

rush up (駆け上がる) [動] go up quickly

impart (伝える) [動] make known

glorious (素晴らしい) [形] having or worthy of glory; illustrious

ベスは母親と大喜びし、それから姉妹たちが家にいなかったので、急いで二階に駆け上がり、この素晴らしいニュースを病気の家族に伝えた。

How blithely she sang that evening, and how they all laughed at her because she woke Amy in the night by playing the piano on her face in her sleep.

その夜、彼女はどんなに陽気に歌ったことか、そして夜中にエイミーの顔の上でピアノを弾いて起こしてしまったので、みんながどんなに彼女を笑ったことか。

Next day, having seen both the old and young gentleman out of the house, Beth, after two or three retreats, fairly got in at the side door, and made her way as noiselessly as any mouse to the drawing room where her idol stood.

next day (翌日) [名] the day after today

two or three (二、三) [名] a small number

retreat (退却) [名] the act of withdrawing

fairly (堂々と) [副] justly or impartially

side door (横の扉) [名] a door on the side of a building

noiselessly (音を立てずに) [副] without making any noise

翌日、老紳士と若い紳士の両方が家から出て行くのを見届けたベスは、二、三度退却した後、堂々と横の扉から入り、ネズミのように音を立てずに、自分の偶像が立っている応接室へと向かった。

Quite by accident, of course, some pretty, easy music lay on the piano, and with trembling fingers and frequent stops to listen and look about, Beth at last touched the great instrument, and straightway forgot her fear, herself, and everything else but the unspeakable delight which the music gave her, for it was like the voice of a beloved friend.

quite by accident (まったくの偶然で) [副] by chance

trembling (震える) [形] shaking or quivering

finger (指) [名] any of the terminal members of the hand

frequent (何度も) [形] happening or occurring often

listen (耳を澄ます) [動] make an effort to hear something

look about (見回す) [動] look around

straightway (すぐに) [副] immediately

everything else (その他すべてのこと) [名] all the other things

unspeakable (言葉では言い表せない) [形] too bad or shocking to be expressed in words

beloved (愛する) [形] dearly loved

もちろん、まったくの偶然で、ピアノの上にきれいで簡単な楽譜が置いてあり、ベスは震える指で、何度も立ち止まって耳を澄ませたり、周りを見回したりしながら、ついにその素晴らしい楽器に触れ、すぐに恐怖も自分も、その他すべてのことを忘れ、音楽が与えてくれる言葉では言い表せないほどの喜びに浸った。それはまるで愛する友人の声のようだった。

She stayed till Hannah came to take her home to dinner, but she had no appetite, and could only sit and smile upon everyone in a general state of beatitude.

appetite (食欲) [名] a natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food

general (至福の) [形] affecting or concerning all or most people, places, or things; widespread

state (境地) [名] the condition of a person or thing, as with regard to circumstances or attributes

彼女はハンナが夕食に連れて帰るまでそこにいたが、食欲がなく、ただ座ってみんなに微笑みかけるだけで、至福の境地にいた。

After that, the little brown hood slipped through the hedge nearly every day, and the great drawing room was haunted by a tuneful spirit that came and went unseen.

after that (その後) [副] after that time

nearly (ほぼ) [副] very close to; almost

haunt (出入りする) [動] visit frequently

tuneful (音の) [形] melodious

その後、小さな茶色のフードはほぼ毎日生け垣をくぐり抜け、大きな応接室には目に見えない音の精霊が出入りするようになった。

She never knew that Mr. Laurence opened his study door to hear the old-fashioned airs he liked.

never know (知らなかった) [動] be unaware of

study door (書斎のドア) [名] the door to a room used for studying

old-fashioned (昔ながらの) [形] of a style or type formerly in vogue

air (曲) [名] a tune or melody

彼女は、ローレンス氏が書斎のドアを開けて、自分の好きな昔ながらの曲を聴いていることを知らなかった。

She never saw Laurie mount guard in the hall to warn the servants away.

mount guard (警備に立つ) [動] to stand guard

warn (警告する) [動] to give notice of danger or evil

away (近づかないように) [副] at a distance; far off

彼女は、ローリーが使用人たちに近づかないように警告するためにホールで警備に立っているのを見たことがなかった。

She never suspected that the exercise books and new songs which she found in the rack were put there for her especial benefit, and when he talked to her about music at home, she only thought how kind he was to tell things that helped her so much.

exercise book (練習帳) [名] a book with blank or ruled pages for writing in

new song (新しい歌) [名] a song that has not been heard before

rack (棚) [名] a framework with rails, bars, or pegs on which articles can be arranged or hung

especial benefit (特別な利益) [名] a benefit that is particularly advantageous or favorable

彼女は、棚にある練習帳や新しい歌が彼女のために特別に置かれているとは全く疑わず、彼が家で音楽の話をしたとき、彼女はただ、彼が自分を助けてくれることを話してくれるなんてなんて親切なんだろうと思っただけだった。

So she enjoyed herself heartily, and found, what isn’t always the case, that her granted wish was all she had hoped.

enjoy oneself (楽しむ) [動] have a pleasant time

case (場合) [名] an instance of something occurring

granted (叶えられた) [形] given or allowed

だから彼女は心から楽しんで、いつもそうとは限らないことだが、叶えられた願いはすべて自分が望んでいたことだとわかった。

Perhaps it was because she was so grateful for this blessing that a greater was given her.

be grateful for (感謝する) [動] be thankful for

greater (もっと大きな) [形] larger in size, amount, or degree

おそらく、彼女がこの恵みにとても感謝していたから、もっと大きな恵みが与えられたのだろう。

At any rate she deserved both.

いずれにせよ、彼女は両方に値した。

“Mother, I’m going to work Mr. Laurence a pair of slippers.

going to (するつもり) [助] have something already planned or arranged; have something that is bound to happen; will

work (編む) [動] make or produce something by knitting

「ママ、ローレンスさんにスリッパを編んであげようと思うの。

He is so kind to me, I must thank him, and I don’t know any other way.

be kind to (親切にする) [動] be friendly and pleasant to

彼は私にとても親切だから、お礼をしなければいけないし、他に方法がわからないの。

Can I do it?” asked Beth, a few weeks after that eventful call of his.

やってもいい?」とベスは、彼のあの波乱に富んだ訪問から数週間後に尋ねた。

“Yes, dear. It will please him very much, and be a nice way of thanking him.

thank (お礼) [名] an expression of gratitude

「いいよ、ベス。彼はとても喜ぶだろうし、お礼のいい方法ね。

The girls will help you about them, and I will pay for the making up,” replied Mrs. March, who took peculiar pleasure in granting Beth’s requests because she so seldom asked anything for herself.

pay (払う) [動] give money that is owed or due

take pleasure (嬉しかった) [動] be happy or glad about something

grant (聞き入れる) [動] give or allow something to someone

request (頼み) [名] an act of asking for something

姉妹たちが手伝ってくれるだろうし、材料費は私が払うよ」とマーチ夫人は答えた。ベスはめったに自分のために何かを頼むことがなかったので、彼女の頼みを聞き入れるのは格別に嬉しかった。

After many serious discussions with Meg and Jo, the pattern was chosen, the materials bought, and the slippers begun.

discussion (話し合い) [名] a conversation or debate about a specific topic

pattern (型紙) [名] a decorative design

material (材料) [名] the matter from which a thing is or can be made

メグやジョーと真剣に話し合った後、型紙を選び、材料を買い、スリッパを作り始めた。

A cluster of grave yet cheerful pansies on a deeper purple ground was pronounced very appropriate and pretty, and Beth worked away early and late, with occasional lifts over hard parts.

cluster (花束) [名] a collection of things

grave (落ち着いた) [形] serious or solemn

pansy (パンジー) [名] a plant with large, brightly colored flowers

ground (地) [名] the surface of the earth

appropriate (ふさわしい) [形] suitable or proper

work away (せっせと作る) [動] to continue working

early (朝早く) [副] before the usual time

late (夜遅くまで) [副] after the usual time

lift (手伝う) [動] to raise something to a higher position

濃い紫の地に、落ち着いた中にも明るさのあるパンジーの花束がとてもふさわしく、きれいだと言われ、ベスは朝早くから夜遅くまで、難しい部分は時々手伝ってもらいながら、せっせと作った。

She was a nimble little needlewoman, and they were finished before anyone got tired of them.

nimble (器用な) [形] quick and light in movement or action

needlewoman (針仕事師) [名] a woman who does needlework

get tired of (飽きる) [動] become bored with

彼女は手先の器用な小さな針仕事師で、誰も飽きる前にスリッパは完成した。

Then she wrote a short, simple note, and with Laurie’s help, got them smuggled onto the study table one morning before the old gentleman was up.

smuggle (忍び込ませる) [動] move or bring in or out of a country secretly and illegally

study table (書斎のテーブル) [名] a table in a study

それから短い簡単な手紙を書き、ローリーの助けを借りて、ある朝、老紳士が起きる前に書斎のテーブルに忍び込ませた。

When this excitement was over, Beth waited to see what would happen.

この興奮が終わると、ベスは何が起こるかと待ち構えた。

All day passed and a part of the next before any acknowledgement arrived, and she was beginning to fear she had offended her crochety friend.

pass (過ぎる) [動] go by

part (一部) [名] a piece or portion of something

acknowledgement (返事) [名] a statement that something is true or that you have received something

arrive (届く) [動] reach a destination

crochety (気難しい) [形] bad-tempered and complaining

一日が過ぎ、次の日の一部が過ぎても、何の返事も来ず、彼女は気難しい友人を怒らせてしまったのではないかと心配し始めた。

On the afternoon of the second day, she went out to do an errand, and give poor Joanna, the invalid doll, her daily exercise.

on the afternoon of (午後) [名] the time from noon to evening

the second day (二日目) [名] the day after the first day

do an errand (用事を済ませる) [動] perform a short journey for a specific purpose

give (させる) [動] cause to have, make, or do something

Joanna (ジョアンナ) [名] a female given name

daily (毎日の) [形] happening or done every day

二日目の午後、彼女は用事を済ませ、病気の人形、かわいそうなジョアンナに毎日の運動をさせるために出かけた。

As she came up the street, on her return, she saw three, yes, four heads popping in and out of the parlor windows, and the moment they saw her, several hands were waved, and several joyful voices screamed...

come up (出くわす) [動] to appear or occur

return (帰り道) [名] the action of going back to a place

pop in and out (出たり入ったり) [動] to go in and out of a place quickly or frequently

scream (叫ぶ) [動] to make a loud, high-pitched cry, especially of pain, fear, or anger

帰り道に通りに出ると、三つ、いや四つの頭が居間の窓から出たり入ったりしているのが見え、彼女を見た瞬間、何本もの手が振られ、何本もの喜びの声が叫んだ。

“Here’s a letter from the old gentleman!

「あの老紳士から手紙が来たよ!

Come quick, and read it!”

早く来て読んで!」

“Oh, Beth, he’s sent you...” began Amy, gesticulating with unseemly energy, but she got no further, for Jo quenched her by slamming down the window.

begin (言い始めた) [動] start to do or be something

unseemly (身振り手振りで) [形] inappropriate or unbecoming

further (それ以上) [副] to a greater extent or degree

quench (黙らせた) [動] extinguish a fire or light

slam (バタンと閉めて) [動] shut or close with a loud noise

「ああ、ベス、彼があなたに送ったわ・・・」とエイミーは身振り手振りで言い始めたが、それ以上は続けられなかった。ジョーが窓をバタンと閉めて彼女を黙らせたからだ。

Beth hurried on in a flutter of suspense.

flutter (ときめき) [名] a state of nervous excitement

suspense (不安) [名] a state or feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen

ベスは不安に胸をときめかせながら急いだ。

At the door her sisters seized and bore her to the parlor in a triumphal procession, all pointing and all saying at once, “Look there! Look there!”

at the door (ドアで) [副] at the entrance

seize (捕まえる) [動] take hold of suddenly and forcibly

bear (連れて行く) [動] carry or take

triumphal procession (勝利の行列) [名] a ceremonial procession celebrating a military victory

point (指さす) [動] direct someone's attention to something

at once (一斉に) [副] all together; simultaneously

ドアで姉妹たちは彼女を捕まえて、勝利の行列のように居間に連れて行き、みんなで指さしながら一斉に言った。「あそこを見て! あそこを見て!」

Beth did look, and turned pale with delight and surprise, for there stood a little cabinet piano, with a letter lying on the glossy lid, directed like a sign board to “Miss Elizabeth March.”

turn pale (青ざめる) [動] become pale

stand (立っている) [動] be in or assume an upright position

glossy (光沢のある) [形] having a shiny surface

lid (蓋) [名] a removable or hinged cover for closing the opening of a container

sign board (看板) [名] a board with a name or advertisement on it

Miss Elizabeth March (エリザベス・マーチ嬢) [名] the name of a person

ベスは見ると、喜びと驚きで青ざめた。そこには小さなキャビネットピアノがあり、光沢のある蓋の上に看板のように「エリザベス・マーチ嬢」宛ての手紙が置いてあった。

“For me?” gasped Beth, holding onto Jo and feeling as if she should tumble down, it was such an overwhelming thing altogether.

for me (私に) [代] the person who is speaking or writing

gasp (息を呑む) [動] catch one's breath with an open mouth

hold onto (つかむ) [動] grasp or grip something firmly

feel as if (~そうになる) [動] have a feeling or impression of

tumble down (倒れる) [動] fall or cause to fall suddenly

altogether (あまりにも) [副] to a great extent; very much

「私に?」ベスは息を呑み、ジョーをつかんで、今にも倒れそうになった。それはあまりにも圧倒的なことだった。

“Yes, all for you, my precious!

for (のために) [前] in order to get or reach

「そう、全部あなたのよ、私の宝物!

Isn’t it splendid of him?

of (の) [前] belonging to or connected with

彼って素晴らしいでしょう?

Don’t you think he’s the dearest old man in the world?

dearest (一番素敵な) [形] most beloved or cherished

彼は世界で一番素敵なおじいさんだと思わない?

Here’s the key in the letter.

key (鍵) [名] a small piece of shaped metal with incisions cut to fit the wards of a particular lock

手紙に鍵が入ってるよ。

We didn’t open it, but we are dying to know what he says,” cried Jo, hugging her sister and offering the note.

die to know (知りたくてたまらない) [動] be extremely curious about something

開けなかったけど、何て書いてあるのか知りたくてたまらないの」と叫び、妹を抱きしめて手紙を差し出した。

“You read it! I can’t, I feel so queer!

「読んで! できない、変な感じがする!

Oh, it is too lovely!”

ああ、素敵すぎるよ!」

and Beth hid her face in Jo’s apron, quite upset by her present.

そしてベスはジョのエプロンに顔を隠し、プレゼントにかなり動揺していた。

Jo opened the paper and began to laugh, for the first words she saw were...

ジョーは紙を開いて笑い始めた、最初に目にした言葉は...

“Miss March: “Dear Madam—”

Dear Madam (拝啓) [名] a polite way to start a letter

「ミス・マーチ様、拝啓」

“How nice it sounds!

how nice (なんて素敵な) [形] very pleasant

sound (響き) [名] the sensation produced by stimulation of the organs of hearing by vibrations transmitted through the air or other medium

「なんて素敵な響きでしょう!

I wish someone would write to me so!” said Amy, who thought the old-fashioned address very elegant.

address (宛名) [名] the particulars of the place where someone lives or an organization is situated

誰かが私にそう書いてくれたらいいのにな!」と古風な宛名をとても優雅だと思ったエイミーは言った。

“‘I have had many pairs of slippers in my life, but I never had any that suited me so well as yours,’” continues Jo.

「『私はこれまでにたくさんのスリッパを履いてきましたが、あなたのものほど私に似合うものはありませんでした』」とジョーは続ける。

“‘Heart’s-ease is my favorite flower, and these will always remind me of the gentle giver.

giver (贈り主) [名] a person who gives something

「『パンジーは私のお気に入りの花で、このスリッパはいつも優しい贈り主を思い出させてくれるでしょう。

I like to pay my debts, so I know you will allow ‘the old gentleman’ to send you something which once belonged to the little grand daughter he lost.

pay (返す) [動] give money that you owe to someone

debt (借り) [名] something, typically money, that is owed or due

belong (ものだった) [動] be in a proper situation or place

grand daughter (孫娘) [名] the daughter of one's son or daughter

私は借りを返すのが好きなので、あなたは『老紳士』がかつて亡くした小さな孫娘のものだったものをあなたに送ることを許してくれると知っています。

With hearty thanks and best wishes, I remain “‘Your grateful friend and humble servant, ‘JAMES LAURENCE’.”

best wishes (最高の願い) [名] a wish for the best

remain (のままです) [動] stay in the same place or condition

心からの感謝と最高の願いを込めて、私は「『あなたの感謝する友人であり、謙虚な召使である』ジェームズ・ローレンス」のままです。

“There, Beth, that’s an honor to be proud of, I’m sure!

There (ほら) [間] used to express satisfaction or approval

honor (名誉) [名] high respect; great esteem

be proud of (誇りに思う) [動] be pleased about something that you have done, something that belongs to you, or something that is connected with you

「ほら、ベス、それは誇りに思うべき名誉よ、間違いないよ!

Laurie told me how fond Mr. Laurence used to be of the child who died, and how he kept all her little things carefully.

carefully (大切に) [副] with care or caution

ローリーは、ローレンスさんが亡くなった子供をどれほど可愛がっていたか、そして彼女の小さなものすべてをどれほど大切に保管していたかを私に話してくれました。

Just think, he’s given you her piano.

just think (考えてみれば) [動] consider the possibility

考えてみれば、彼はあなたに彼女のピアノをくれたのよ。

That comes of having big blue eyes and loving music,” said Jo, trying to soothe Beth, who trembled and looked more excited than she had ever been before.

come of (からだ) [動] be the result of

soothe (なだめる) [動] make calmer or less anxious

tremble (震える) [動] shake or shiver

excited (興奮している) [形] very enthusiastic and eager

大きな青い目をしていて音楽を愛するからよ」とジョーは震え、今までにないほど興奮しているベスをなだめようと言った。

“See the cunning brackets to hold candles, and the nice green silk, puckered up, with a gold rose in the middle, and the pretty rack and stool, all complete,” added Meg, opening the instrument and displaying its beauties.

candle (ろうそく) [名] a solid stick of wax with a wick in the middle that is lit to produce light

bracket (ブラケット) [名] a piece of metal or wood that is fixed to a wall to support a shelf or other object

pucker (しわ) [動] to make small folds or wrinkles in

rack (ラック) [名] a frame with bars or shelves, used for storing or displaying things

stool (スツール) [名] a seat without a back or arms

complete (揃っている) [形] having all the necessary or appropriate parts

「ろうそくを立てる素敵なブラケットと、真ん中に金のバラが付いた素敵な緑の絹、そしてきれいなラックとスツール、すべて揃っているよ」とメグは楽器を開けてその美しさを披露しながら付け加えた。

“‘Your humble servant, James Laurence’.

James Laurence (ジェームズ・ローレンス) [名] a character in the story

「『あなたの謙虚な召使、ジェームズ・ローレンス』。

Only think of his writing that to you.

writing (書き物) [名] the activity or occupation of a writer

to (に) [前] toward; in the direction of

彼があなたにそれを書いたことを考えてみなさい。

I’ll tell the girls.

娘たちに話すよ。

They’ll think it’s splendid,” said Amy, much impressed by the note.

みんな素晴らしいと思うよ」とメモにとても感動したエイミーは言った。

“Try it, honey. Let’s hear the sound of the baby pianny,” said Hannah, who always took a share in the family joys and sorrows.

「試してみて、ハニー。赤ちゃんピアノの音を聞きましょう」といつも家族の喜びや悲しみを分かち合うハンナは言った。

So Beth tried it, and everyone pronounced it the most remarkable piano ever heard.

remarkable (素晴らしい) [形] worthy of attention; striking

それでベスは試し弾きし、みんなが今まで聞いた中で一番素晴らしいピアノだと言った。

It had evidently been newly tuned and put in apple-pie order, but, perfect as it was, I think the real charm lay in the happiest of all happy faces which leaned over it, as Beth lovingly touched the beautiful black and white keys and pressed the bright pedals.

newly (新しく) [副] recently; lately

tune (調律する) [動] adjust the pitch of a musical instrument

put in (整える) [動] place or insert into something

apple-pie order (完璧に) [名] a state of perfect order

perfect (完璧な) [形] having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be

charm (魅力) [名] the power or quality of giving delight or arousing admiration

happiest (最も幸せ) [形] extremely happy

over (上に) [前] above or higher than

as (として) [接] used to introduce a clause that indicates the time, reason, or result of something

lovingly (愛おしそうに) [副] in a loving manner

black (黒) [形] of the darkest color

press (踏む) [動] exert steady force on

明らかに新しく調律され、完璧に整えられていたが、完璧ではあったが、ベスが美しい黒と白の鍵盤を愛おしそうに触り、明るいペダルを踏むと、その上に寄りかかった幸せそうな顔が何よりも魅力的だったと思う。

“You’ll have to go and thank him,” said Jo, by way of a joke, for the idea of the child’s really going never entered her head.

joke (冗談) [名] something said or done to cause laughter

「お礼を言いに行かなきゃね」とジョーは冗談のつもりで言ったが、子供が本当に行くなんて考えは頭に浮かばなかった。

“Yes, I mean to. I guess I’ll go now, before I get frightened thinking about it.”

get frightened (怖くなる) [動] become scared

thinking about (考えすぎて) [動] consider or ponder

「そう、そうするつもり。考えすぎて怖くなる前に、今行こうかな」

And, to the utter amazement of the assembled family, Beth walked deliberately down the garden, through the hedge, and in at the Laurences’ door.

to the utter amazement of (びっくり仰天する) [句] to the great surprise of

assembled (集まった) [形] gathered together

deliberately (ゆっくりと) [副] done consciously and intentionally

in at (中に入る) [句] to go inside something

そして、集まった家族がびっくり仰天する中、ベスはゆっくりと庭を下り、生け垣を抜け、ローレンス家のドアから中に入った。

“Well, I wish I may die if it ain’t the queerest thing I ever see!

「いやはや、こんな奇妙なことは見たことがない!

The pianny has turned her head!

turn one's head (頭を狂わせる) [動] make someone crazy or insane

ピアノが彼女の頭を狂わせたんだ!

She’d never have gone in her right mind,” cried Hannah, staring after her, while the girls were rendered quite speechless by the miracle.

right mind (正気) [名] a state of mind in which one's thoughts and actions are normal and rational

miracle (奇跡) [名] an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs

正気だったら絶対に行かないよ」とハンナは叫び、彼女の後ろ姿を見つめたが、娘たちはこの奇跡に言葉を失っていた。

They would have been still more amazed if they had seen what Beth did afterward.

be amazed (驚く) [動] feel or show surprise

afterward (その後) [副] at a later time; subsequently

その後ベスがしたことを見たら、もっと驚いただろう。

If you will believe me, she went and knocked at the study door before she gave herself time to think, and when a gruff voice called out, “come in!” she did go in, right up to Mr. Laurence, who looked quite taken aback, and held out her hand, saying, with only a small quaver in her voice, “I came to thank you, sir, for...”

give oneself time (考える時間を与える) [動] allow oneself to have time

knock (ノックする) [動] strike a surface noisily, especially to attract attention

call out (呼ぶ) [動] say something loudly

go in (入る) [動] move or travel into

right up to (すぐ前に) [副] very close to

come to (来る) [動] reach a place

信じてもらえないだろうが、彼女は考える時間を与える前に書斎のドアをノックし、ぶっきらぼうな声で「入ってくれ!」と呼ばれた時、彼女は入って、かなりびっくりした様子のローレンス氏のすぐ前に行き、手を差し出し、声を少し震わせながら「お礼を言いに来ました」と言った。

But she didn’t finish, for he looked so friendly that she forgot her speech and, only remembering that he had lost the little girl he loved, she put both arms round his neck and kissed him.

put (回す) [動] move or cause to move into a specified position

round (回す) [前] around

しかし、彼女は言い終えなかった、彼がとても友好的に見えたので、彼女はスピーチを忘れ、彼が愛する小さな女の子を失ったことだけを思い出し、彼女は両腕を彼の首に回して彼にキスをした。

If the roof of the house had suddenly flown off, the old gentleman wouldn’t have been more astonished.

suddenly (突然) [副] quickly and without warning

fly off (飛んで行く) [動] move or travel quickly through the air

be astonished (驚く) [動] feel or show surprise or amazement

家の屋根が突然飛んで行ったとしても、老紳士はこれ以上驚かなかっただろう。

But he liked it.

しかし、彼はそれを気に入った。

Oh, dear, yes, he liked it amazingly!

amazingly (驚くほど) [副] in a way that causes surprise or wonder

ああ、そう、彼は驚くほどそれを気に入った!

And was so touched and pleased by that confiding little kiss that all his crustiness vanished, and he just set her on his knee, and laid his wrinkled cheek against her rosy one, feeling as if he had got his own little granddaughter back again.

confiding (信頼できる) [形] having or showing trust

crustiness (無愛想さ) [名] the quality of being bad-tempered and unfriendly

set (乗せる) [動] put in a specified place or position

wrinkled (しわの寄った) [形] having or marked with lines or folds

granddaughter (孫娘) [名] the daughter of one's son or daughter

back (取り戻す) [副] to or toward the place or time from which someone or something came

そして、その信頼できる小さなキスにとても感動し、喜んだので、彼の無愛想さはすべて消え、彼は彼女を膝に乗せ、しわの寄った頬を彼女のバラ色の頬に当て、まるで自分の小さな孫娘を取り戻したように感じた。

Beth ceased to fear him from that moment, and sat there talking to him as cozily as if she had known him all her life, for love casts out fear, and gratitude can conquer pride.

cease (やめる) [動] come or bring to an end

cozily (親しげに) [副] in a warm and comfortable way

cast out (追い払う) [動] drive out or expel

ベスはその時から彼を恐れなくなり、まるで彼のことをずっと知っていたかのように、そこに座って彼と親しげに話し始めた。愛は恐怖を追い払い、感謝はプライドを征服することができるからだ。

When she went home, he walked with her to her own gate, shook hands cordially, and touched his hat as he marched back again, looking very stately and erect, like a handsome, soldierly old gentleman, as he was.

walk with (一緒に歩く) [動] go somewhere with someone by walking

cordially (心から) [副] in a warm and friendly way

erect (直立した) [形] upright in position or posture

soldierly (軍人のような) [形] having qualities considered characteristic of a soldier

彼女が家に帰るとき、彼は彼女と一緒に彼女の門まで歩き、心から握手し、帽子に触れて、彼がそうであるように、ハンサムで軍人のような老紳士のように、とても堂々と直立して、再び行進した。

When the girls saw that performance, Jo began to dance a jig, by way of expressing her satisfaction, Amy nearly fell out of the window in her surprise, and Meg exclaimed, with up-lifted hands, “Well, I do believe the world is coming to an end.”

jig (ジグ) [名] a lively dance with leaping movements

come to an end (終わりに近づく) [動] reach a final point; finish

娘たちがそのパフォーマンスを見たとき、ジョーは満足感を表現するためにジグを踊り始め、エイミーは驚いて窓から落ちそうになり、メグは手を挙げて「まあ、世界は終わりに近づいていると思うよ」と叫んだ。

CHAPTER SEVEN: AMY’S VALLEY OF HUMILIATION

CHAPTER SEVEN (第七章) [名] the seventh chapter

HUMILIATION (屈辱) [名] a feeling of embarrassment and shame

第七章: エイミーの屈辱の谷

“That boy is a perfect cyclops, isn’t he?” said Amy one day, as Laurie clattered by on horseback, with a flourish of his whip as he passed.

cyclops (一つ目小僧) [名] a member of a race of giants with one eye in the middle of their forehead

on horseback (馬に乗って) [副] on the back of a horse

as he passed (通り過ぎるときに) [副] while passing

whip (鞭) [名] a strip of leather or a similar material used for striking a person or an animal

「あの子は完全な一つ目小僧ね」とエイミーはある日、ローリーが馬に乗って通り過ぎるときに鞭を鳴らしながら言った。

“How dare you say so, when he’s got both his eyes?

say so (そう言う) [動] say that

「彼は両目があるのに、よくもそんなことができますね?

And very handsome ones they are, too,” cried Jo, who resented any slighting remarks about her friend.

resent (憤慨する) [動] to feel bitter indignation at

slighting (軽蔑的な) [形] showing a lack of respect

remark (発言) [名] something that is said

しかもとてもハンサムな目よ」とジョーは叫んだ。彼女は友人に対する軽蔑的な発言に憤慨した。

“I didn’t say anything about his eyes, and I don’t see why you need fire up when I admire his riding.”

riding (乗馬) [名] the sport or activity of riding horses

「私は彼の目については何も言わなかったし、私が彼の乗馬を賞賛したときにあなたがなぜ怒るのかわからないよ」

“Oh, my goodness!

「ああ、なんてこと!

That little goose means a centaur, and she called him a Cyclops,” exclaimed Jo, with a burst of laughter.

centaur (ケンタウロス) [名] a creature with the head, arms, and torso of a man and the body and legs of a horse

burst (爆発) [名] a sudden and violent release of energy or force

あの小さなガチョウはケンタウロスを意味しているのに、彼女は彼をサイクロプスと呼んだのよ」とジョーは大笑いしながら叫んだ。

“You needn’t be so rude, it’s only a ‘lapse of lingy’, as Mr. Davis says,” retorted Amy, finishing Jo with her Latin.

lapse (間違い) [名] a slight error or mistake

lingy (言葉の) [形] of or relating to language

retort (言い返す) [動] say something in reply, usually angrily

Latin (ラテン語) [名] the language of ancient Rome

「そんなに失礼な言い方をしなくてもいいじゃない、デイビス先生が言うように、ただの「言葉の間違い」よ」とエイミーは言い返し、ラテン語でジョーを言い負かした。

“I just wish I had a little of the money Laurie spends on that horse,” she added, as if to herself, yet hoping her sisters would hear.

spend (かける) [動] pay out (money) in buying or hiring goods or services

horse (馬) [名] a large, four-legged mammal that has been domesticated by humans since prehistoric times

「ローリーがあの馬にかけるお金が少しでもあればいいのに」と彼女は独り言のように付け加えた。しかし、姉妹たちが聞いてくれることを期待していた。

“Why?” asked Meg kindly, for Jo had gone off in another laugh at Amy’s second blunder.

go off (笑い出す) [動] start laughing

second (二度目の) [形] coming after the first in position or time

blunder (失態) [名] a stupid or careless mistake

「どうして?」とメグが優しく尋ねた。ジョーはエイミーの二度目の失態にまた笑い出してしまったからだ。

“I need it so much.

「とても必要だから。

I’m dreadfully in debt, and it won’t be my turn to have the rag money for a month.”

in debt (借金がある) [形] owing money

rag money (ぼろきれのお金) [名] money earned by selling rags

for a month (1ヶ月後) [名] a period of time equal to 30 days

ひどく借金があって、ぼろきれのお金が私の番になるのは1ヶ月後なの。」

“In debt, Amy? What do you mean?”

in debt (借金) [名] money that you owe

what do you mean (どういうこと) [名] what is the meaning of what you just said

「借金? エイミー? どういうこと?」

And Meg looked sober.

sober (真面目な) [形] not drunk; not intoxicated

そしてメグは真面目な顔をした。

“Why, I owe at least a dozen pickled limes, and I can’t pay them, you know, till I have money, for Marmee forbade my having anything charged at the shop.”

owe (借金がある) [動] have a debt to

pickled lime (酢漬けライム) [名] a lime that has been preserved in vinegar

forbid (禁じる) [動] order (someone) not to do something

「だって、少なくとも1ダースの酢漬けライムの借金があって、お金ができるまで払えないの、だってママはお店でつけをすることを禁じたのよ。」

“Tell me all about it.

「全部話して。

Are limes the fashion now?

be the fashion (流行っている) [動] be in fashion; be fashionable

ライムが流行っているの?

It used to be pricking bits of rubber to make balls.”

prick (刺す) [動] pierce with a sharp point

bit (かけら) [名] a small piece or amount

rubber (ゴム) [名] a material that is elastic and flexible

以前はゴムのかけらを刺してボールを作っていた。」

And Meg tried to keep her countenance, Amy looked so grave and important.

keep one's countenance (真面目な顔を保つ) [動] to keep a straight face

そしてメグは真面目な顔を保とうとしたが、エイミーはとても真剣で偉そうに見えた。

“Why, you see, the girls are always buying them, and unless you want to be thought mean, you must do it too.

why (だって) [間] used to express surprise or indignation

be thought (~と思われる) [動] be of the opinion that

mean (意地悪) [形] unkind or spiteful

must (~しなきゃいけない) [助] be obliged to; have to

「だって、ほら、女の子たちはいつも買っているし、意地悪だと思われたくないなら、あなたも買わなきゃいけないよ。

It’s nothing but limes now, for everyone is sucking them in their desks in schooltime, and trading them off for pencils, bead rings, paper dolls, or something else, at recess.

nothing but (~しかない) [名] only

lime (ライム) [名] a small round green citrus fruit

suck (しゃぶる) [動] draw into the mouth by creating a vacuum

desk (机) [名] a piece of furniture with a flat or sloped surface and typically with drawers, at which one can read, write, or do other work

schooltime (授業中) [名] the time during which school is in session

trade (交換する) [動] exchange (something) for something else, typically as a commercial transaction

pencil (鉛筆) [名] an instrument for writing or drawing, consisting of a narrow, solid pigment core inside a protective casing

bead (ビーズ) [名] a small piece of glass, wood, or other material, typically rounded and with a hole through it, that is used as an ornament or for making jewelry

paper doll (紙人形) [名] a doll made of paper

something else (何か他のもの) [名] an unspecified or unknown thing

今はライムしかなくて、みんな授業中に机でしゃぶって、休み時間に鉛筆やビーズリング、紙人形などと交換しているの。

If one girl likes another, she gives her a lime.

one (ある) [形] a single person or thing

ある女の子が別の女の子を好きになったら、ライムをあげるの。

If she’s mad with her, she eats one before her face, and doesn’t offer even a suck.

be mad with (腹を立てる) [動] be angry with

before (前で) [前] in front of

彼女が彼女に腹を立てているなら、彼女は彼女の前でそれを食べて、一口も差し出さない。

They treat by turns, and I’ve had ever so many but haven’t returned them, and I ought for they are debts of honor, you know.”

treat (奢り合う) [動] pay for someone else's food or drink

by turns (交代で) [副] one after the other

so many (たくさん) [副] a lot

debt (借金) [名] something that is owed or due

みんな交代で奢り合うんだけど、私はたくさんもらったのに返したことがないの。返さなきゃいけないんだけど、だって名誉の借金だから」

“How much will pay them off and restore your credit?” asked Meg, taking out her purse.

pay off (払う) [動] give (someone) money that is owed

restore (取り戻す) [動] bring back to a former condition

credit (信用) [名] the ability of a customer to obtain goods or services before payment, based on the trust that the customer will pay for these goods or services in the future

「いくら払えば信用を取り戻せるの?」とメグは財布を取り出しながら尋ねた。

“A quarter would more than do it, and leave a few cents over for a treat for you.

quarter (25セント) [名] a coin worth 25 cents

「25セントあれば十分で、あなたへのおやつに数セント残るよ。

Don’t you like limes?”

ライムが好きじゃないの?」

“Not much. You may have my share.

share (分) [名] a portion of something that is divided among or contributed by a number of people

「あまり。私の分を食べてもいいよ。

Here’s the money.

お金はここにあるよ。

Make it last as long as you can, for it isn’t very plenty, you know.”

you can (できる) [動] be able to

it isn't (ない) [動] be not

very (あまり) [副] to a great degree

plenty (たくさん) [名] a lot; more than enough

できるだけ長持ちさせてね、あまりたくさんはないんだからね」

“Oh, thank you! It must be so nice to have pocket money!

pocket money (小遣い) [名] money given to a child for small personal expenses

「ああ、ありがとう! 小遣いがあるなんて、とても素敵なことね!

I’ll have a grand feast, for I haven’t tasted a lime this week.

have a grand feast (盛大に食べる) [動] eat a lot of food

haven't tasted (味わっていない) [動] have not experienced

this week (今週) [名] the week that is currently happening

盛大に食べるよ、今週はライムを味わってないんだもの。

I felt delicate about taking any, as I couldn’t return them, and I’m actually suffering for one.”

feel delicate about (気が引ける) [動] feel hesitant or reluctant about

suffer (欲しがる) [動] feel pain in one's body or mind

返せないから、どれも取るのは気が引けたし、実際、一つ欲しかったのに」

Next day Amy was rather late at school, but could not resist the temptation of displaying, with pardonable pride, a moist brown-paper parcel, before she consigned it to the inmost recesses of her desk.

rather late (かなり遅刻) [形] quite late

could not resist (抵抗できなかった) [動] be unable to stop oneself from doing something

displaying (見せびらかす) [動] show or make visible

pardonable (許されるべき) [形] able to be forgiven

moist (湿った) [形] slightly wet; damp

brown-paper (茶色の紙) [名] a type of paper that is made from recycled materials and is often used for packaging

parcel (包み) [名] a package

consigned (しまう) [動] send or deliver to a destination

inmost (奥の奥) [形] most inward; deepest

翌日、エイミーは学校にかなり遅刻したが、許されるべき誇りを持って、湿った茶色の紙の包みを机の奥の奥にしまう前に見せびらかしたいという誘惑に抵抗できなかった。

During the next few minutes the rumor that Amy March had got twenty-four delicious limes (she ate one on the way) and was going to treat circulated through her ‘set’, and the attentions of her friends became quite overwhelming.

during the next few minutes (その後数分の間に) [名] in the time that follows

rumor (噂) [名] a currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth

Amy March (エイミー・マーチ) [名] the youngest of the four March sisters

twenty-four (24個) [数] the number 24

on the way (途中で) [名] in the process of going from one place to another

treat (おごる) [動] provide with food, drink, or entertainment

circulate (広まる) [動] move or cause to move continuously or freely through a closed system or area

overwhelming (高まる) [形] very great in amount

その後数分の間に、エイミー・マーチが24個のおいしいライムを手に入れ(彼女は途中で1個食べた)、おごってくれるという噂が彼女の「仲間」の間に広まり、彼女の友人たちの関心は非常に高まった。

Katy Brown invited her to her next party on the spot.

Katy Brown (ケイティ・ブラウン) [名] a character in the story

ケイティ・ブラウンはその場で彼女を次のパーティーに招待した。

Mary Kingsley insisted on lending her her watch till recess, and Jenny Snow, a satirical young lady, who had basely twitted Amy upon her limeless state, promptly buried the hatchet and offered to furnish answers to certain appalling sums.

Mary Kingsley (メアリー・キングスリー) [名] a character in the story

recess (休み時間) [名] a short break

Jenny Snow (ジェニー・スノー) [名] a character in the story

satirical (皮肉屋の) [形] using satire

basely (卑劣に) [副] in a mean or low way

twit (からかう) [動] tease or taunt

limeless (ライムのない) [形] without lime

promptly (すぐに) [副] without delay

bury the hatchet (仲直りする) [動] make peace

furnish (提供する) [動] supply or provide

appalling (恐ろしい) [形] shocking or horrifying

メアリー・キングスレーは休み時間まで時計を貸そうとし、皮肉屋のジェニー・スノーは、ライムのないエイミーを卑劣にからかったが、すぐに仲直りして、ある恐ろしい計算の答えを教えようと申し出た。

But Amy had not forgotten Miss Snow’s cutting remarks about ‘some persons whose noses were not too flat to smell other people’s limes, and stuck-up people who were not too proud to ask for them’, and she instantly crushed ‘that Snow girl’s’ hopes by the withering telegram, “You needn’t be so polite all of a sudden, for you won’t get any.”

cutting remark (辛辣な言葉) [名] a remark that is unkind or critical

flat (平ら) [形] having a level or even surface

ask for (欲しがる) [動] request or demand

instantly (即座に) [副] immediately

crush (打ち砕く) [動] destroy or defeat completely

withering (冷たい) [形] scornful or dismissive

telegram (言葉) [名] a message sent by telegraph

all of a sudden (急に) [副] suddenly

しかし、エイミーはスノー嬢の「他人のライムの匂いを嗅ぐのに鼻が平らすぎない人や、ライムを欲しがるのにプライドが高くない人」という辛辣な言葉を忘れておらず、「あのスノーの娘」の希望を「急にそんなに礼儀正しくしなくてもいいよ、だってあなたは何ももらえないんだから」という冷たい言葉で即座に打ち砕いた。

A distinguished personage happened to visit the school that morning, and Amy’s beautifully drawn maps received praise, which honor to her foe rankled in the soul of Miss Snow, and caused Miss March to assume the airs of a studious young peacock.

distinguished (著名な) [形] having a high reputation; famous

personage (人) [名] a person of importance or distinction

that morning (その朝) [名] the morning of the day being discussed

foe (敵) [名] a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something

rankle (苛む) [動] cause annoyance or resentment

cause (原因) [動] make something happen

assume (とる) [動] suppose to be the case, without proof

studious (勤勉な) [形] devoted to studying or learning

peacock (孔雀) [名] a large ground-dwelling bird of the pheasant family, native to southern Asia, the male of which has a fanlike crest of feathers and brightly colored plumage

その朝、たまたま著名人が学校を訪れ、エイミーの美しく描かれた地図が賞賛されたが、敵に与えられた栄誉はスノー嬢の魂を苛み、マーチ嬢は勤勉な若い孔雀のような態度をとるようになった。

But, alas, alas!

しかし、ああ、ああ!

Pride goes before a fall, and the revengeful Snow turned the tables with disastrous success.

go before (前兆である) [動] precede

fall (転落) [名] a sudden loss of power, status, or reputation

revengeful (復讐心の強い) [形] seeking to harm someone in return for a perceived injury

Snow (スノー) [名] a frozen form of water

turn the tables (形勢を逆転させる) [動] reverse the relative positions or situations of two people or groups

disastrous (悲惨な) [形] causing great damage or misfortune

高慢は転落の前兆であり、復讐心の強いスノーは悲惨な成功を収めて形勢を逆転させた。

No sooner had the guest paid the usual stale compliments and bowed himself out, than Jenny, under pretense of asking an important question, informed Mr. Davis, the teacher, that Amy March had pickled limes in her desk.

no sooner (途端に) [副] immediately after

pay (述べる) [動] give or express

usual (いつもの) [形] happening or done frequently or habitually

stale (陳腐な) [形] lacking in originality or freshness

bow (退出する) [動] leave or depart

no sooner than (途端に) [副] immediately after

Jenny (ジェニー) [名] a female given name

under pretense of (ふりをして) [名] a false appearance or representation of something

Mr. Davis (デイビス氏) [名] a male given name

客がいつもの陳腐な賛辞を述べて退出した途端、ジェニーは重要な質問をするふりをして、エイミー・マーチが机の中にライムを漬けていることを教師のデイビス氏に告げた。

Now Mr. Davis had declared limes a contraband article, and solemnly vowed to publicly ferrule the first person who was found breaking the law.

contraband (禁制品) [名] goods that have been imported or exported illegally

solemnly (厳かに) [副] in a serious and dignified manner

vow (誓う) [動] make a solemn promise

publicly (公然と) [副] in a way that is known or seen by many people

ferrule (鉄輪) [名] a ring or cap of metal put around the end of a stick or tube

break (犯す) [動] act in defiance of or fail to comply with (a law, agreement, or contract)

デイビス氏はライムを禁制品と宣言し、法律を犯した最初の人物を公然と鉄輪で殴ると厳かに誓っていた。

This much-enduring man had succeeded in banishing chewing gum after a long and stormy war, had made a bonfire of the confiscated novels and newspapers, had suppressed a private post office, had forbidden distortions of the face, nicknames, and caricatures, and done all that one man could do to keep half a hundred rebellious girls in order.

much-enduring (忍耐強い) [形] able to endure much

banish (禁止する) [動] send (someone) away from a country or place as an official punishment

chewing gum (チューインガム) [名] a type of candy that is chewed but not swallowed

war (戦い) [名] a state of armed conflict between different nations or states or different groups within a nation or state

confiscate (没収する) [動] take or keep (something) from (someone) by force or authority

novel (小説) [名] a fictitious prose narrative of book length, typically representing character and action with some degree of realism

newspaper (新聞) [名] a printed publication consisting of folded unstapled sheets and containing news, articles, advertisements and correspondence

bonfire (焚き火) [名] a large open-air fire

private (私設) [形] belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group of people only

post office (郵便局) [名] the public department or corporation responsible for postal services and in some countries telecommunications

suppress (抑圧する) [動] forcibly put an end to

distortion (ゆがみ) [名] the action of distorting or the state of being distorted

nickname (あだ名) [名] a familiar or humorous name given to a person or thing instead of or as well as the real name

caricature (似顔絵) [名] a picture, description, or imitation of a person in which certain striking characteristics are exaggerated in order to create a comic or grotesque effect

rebellious (反抗的な) [形] showing a desire to resist authority, control, or convention

order (秩序) [名] the arrangement or disposition of people or things in relation to each other according to a particular sequence, pattern, or method

この忍耐強い男は、長く激しい戦いの末にチューインガムを禁止することに成功し、没収した小説や新聞を焚き火にし、私設郵便局を抑圧し、顔のゆがみ、あだ名、似顔絵を禁止し、50人もの反抗的な少女たちを秩序正しく保つために一人の男にできることをすべて行った。

Boys are trying enough to human patience, goodness knows, but girls are infinitely more so, especially to nervous gentlemen with tyrannical tempers and no more talent for teaching than Dr. Blimber.

patience (忍耐) [名] the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious

infinitely (ずっと) [副] to an unlimited degree or extent

tyrannical (横暴な) [形] exercising power in a cruel or arbitrary way

temper (気質) [名] a person's state of mind seen in terms of their being angry or calm

talent (才能) [名] a natural aptitude or skill

teaching (教えること) [名] the occupation, profession, or work of a teacher

Dr. Blimber (ブリンバー博士) [名] a character in the story

男の子も人間の忍耐力を試すには十分だが、女の子はもっとずっとそうであり、特にブリンバー博士のような横暴な気質で、教えることに才能のない神経質な紳士にはそうである。

Mr. Davis knew any quantity of Greek, Latin, algebra, and ologies of all sorts so he was called a fine teacher, and manners, morals, feelings, and examples were not considered of any particular importance.

Greek (ギリシャ語) [名] the language of Greece

algebra (代数) [名] a branch of mathematics

ology (学問) [名] a branch of knowledge

sort (種類) [名] a category of things

moral (道徳) [名] a lesson in right and wrong

feeling (感情) [名] an emotional state

example (模範) [名] a person or thing that is a perfect example of something

importance (重要性) [名] the quality of being important

デイビス氏はギリシャ語、ラテン語、代数、あらゆる種類の学問をよく知っていたので、立派な教師と呼ばれていたが、マナー、道徳、感情、模範は特に重要視されていなかった。

It was a most unfortunate moment for denouncing Amy, and Jenny knew it.

denounce (非難する) [動] publicly declare to be wrong or evil

エイミーを非難するには最も不幸な瞬間であり、ジェニーはそれを知っていた。

Mr. Davis had evidently taken his coffee too strong that morning, there was an east wind, which always affected his neuralgia, and his pupils had not done him the credit which he felt he deserved.

take (飲む) [動] drink

strong (濃い) [形] having a lot of flavor

there was (吹いていた) [動] exist

east wind (東風) [名] a wind that blows from the east

affect (影響する) [動] have an effect on

neuralgia (神経痛) [名] a sharp pain along a nerve

pupil (生徒) [名] a person who is studying at a school

do (与える) [動] make, produce, or create

credit (名誉) [名] a source of honor or distinction

デイビス氏はその朝、コーヒーを濃く飲みすぎたようだったし、いつも神経痛に影響する東風が吹いていたし、生徒たちは彼が受けるに値すると思っているほどの名誉を与えてくれなかった。

Therefore, to use the expressive, if not elegant, language of a schoolgirl, “He was as nervous as a witch and as cross as a bear”.

therefore (そのため) [副] for that reason; consequently

expressive (表現力豊かな) [形] effectively conveying thought or feeling

schoolgirl (女子学生) [名] a girl who attends school

cross (怒りっぽい) [形] angry and bad-tempered

そのため、優雅ではないにしても表現力豊かな女子学生の言葉を借りれば、「彼は魔女のように神経質で、熊のように怒りっぽかった」。

The word ‘limes’ was like fire to powder, his yellow face flushed, and he rapped on his desk with an energy which made Jenny skip to her seat with unusual rapidity.

like (ようなものだった) [前] similar to

powder (火薬) [名] a dry substance in the form of tiny particles

flush (紅潮する) [動] to become red in the face

rap (叩く) [動] to strike sharply and quickly

energy (勢い) [名] the strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity

skip (飛び乗る) [動] to move or jump lightly and quickly

ライム」という言葉は火薬に火をつけたようなものだった、彼の黄色い顔は紅潮し、彼はジェニーが異常な速さで席に飛び乗るほどの勢いで机を叩いた。

“Young ladies, attention, if you please!”

attention (注目) [名] the action of directing one's mind to something

if you please (してください) [動] please do something

「お嬢さん方、注目してください!」

At the stern order the buzz ceased, and fifty pairs of blue, black, gray, and brown eyes were obediently fixed upon his awful countenance.

order (命令) [名] a command or instruction

buzz (ざわめき) [名] a low, continuous humming sound

fifty (50) [名] the cardinal number that is equal to five times ten

gray (灰色) [名] a color intermediate between black and white

obediently (従順に) [副] in an obedient manner

fix (見つめる) [動] direct one's gaze steadily and intently on

countenance (顔) [名] the expression on a person's face

その厳しい命令にざわめきは止み、青、黒、灰色、茶色の50組の目が従順に彼の恐ろしい顔を見つめた。

“Miss March, come to the desk.”

come to (出てくる) [動] move or travel toward or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker

「マーチさん、机の前に出てきなさい」

Amy rose to comply with outward composure, but a secret fear oppressed her, for the limes weighed upon her conscience.

comply (従う) [動] act in accordance with a wish or command

outward (外見上の) [形] of or relating to the outer part or surface

composure (落ち着き) [名] the state or quality of being calm and in control of oneself

secret (密かな) [形] not known or seen or not meant to be known or seen by others

oppress (圧迫する) [動] keep down by unjust use of force or authority

conscience (良心) [名] a person's moral sense of right and wrong, viewed as acting as a guide to one's behavior

エイミーは外見上は落ち着いて従うために立ち上がったが、ライムが彼女の良心を重くしていたため、密かな恐怖が彼女を圧迫した。

“Bring with you the limes you have in your desk,” was the unexpected command which arrested her before she got out of her seat.

command (命令) [名] an authoritative order

arrest (捕らえる) [動] take or keep in custody by authority of law or to seize, capture specifically

「机の中にあるライムを持ってきなさい」という予想外の命令が、彼女が席を立つ前に彼女を捕らえた。

“Don’t take all.” whispered her neighbor, a young lady of great presence of mind.

great presence of mind (とても落ち着いた) [名] the ability to think and act calmly and effectively in a difficult situation

「全部持っていかないで」と、彼女の隣に座っていた、とても落ち着いた若い女性がささやいた。

Amy hastily shook out half a dozen and laid the rest down before Mr. Davis, feeling that any man possessing a human heart would relent when that delicious perfume met his nose.

shake out (取り出す) [動] to remove something from a container by shaking it

lay down (置く) [動] to put something in a resting position

any man (誰でも) [名] any person

possess (持つ) [動] to have as belonging to oneself or within one's power

human heart (人間の心) [名] the organ that pumps blood through the body

relent (心が和む) [動] to become less severe or intense

perfume (香り) [名] a pleasant smell

meet (届く) [動] to come into contact with

エイミーは急いで半ダースを取り出し、残りをデイビス氏の前に置いた。人間の心を持つ人なら誰でも、そのおいしい香りが鼻に届いたら、心が和むだろうと思ったからだ。

Unfortunately, Mr. Davis particularly detested the odor of the fashionable pickle, and disgust added to his wrath.

detest (嫌う) [動] dislike intensely

odor (匂い) [名] a quality of something that stimulates the olfactory organ

disgust (嫌悪感) [名] a feeling of intense aversion

add to (加わる) [動] increase the amount or number of

不幸なことに、デイビス氏は特に流行のピクルスの匂いを嫌っており、嫌悪感が彼の怒りに加わった。

“Is that all?”

be that all (それだけですか) [動] is that all there is to it

「それだけですか?」

“Not quite,” stammered Amy.

「そうではありません」とエイミーはどもった。

“Bring the rest immediately.”

「残りをすぐに持ってきてください」

With a despairing glance at her set, she obeyed.

with a glance (一瞥して) [名] a brief or hurried look

彼女は自分のセットを絶望的な目で見て、従った。

“You are sure there are no more?”

be sure (確かである) [動] be certain or confident about something

no more (これ以上ない) [副] not any more; no longer

「もうこれ以上はないのですね?」

“I never lie, sir.”

lie (嘘をつく) [動] make an untrue statement with deliberate intent to deceive; utter an untruth

「私は嘘はつきません」

“So I see. Now take these disgusting things two by two, and throw them out of the window.”

two by two (2つずつ) [副] in pairs

throw (投げる) [動] propel through the air with a rapid movement of the arm and hand

「そうか。さあ、この忌まわしいものを2つずつ取って、窓から投げ捨てなさい」

There was a simultaneous sigh, which created quite a little gust, as the last hope fled, and the treat was ravished from their longing lips.

simultaneous (一斉の) [形] happening or done at the same time

create (起こす) [動] cause to happen or exist

gust (突風) [名] a brief, strong rush of wind

flee (消える) [動] run away from a place or situation of danger

ravish (奪う) [動] take away by force

longing (憧れの) [形] having or showing a strong desire or wish for something

最後の望みが消え、おやつが彼女たちの憧れの唇から奪われたとき、一斉にため息がつき、かなりの小さな突風が起こった。

Scarlet with shame and anger, Amy went to and fro six dreadful times, and as each doomed couple, looking oh, so plump and juicy, fell from her reluctant hands, a shout from the street completed the anguish of the girls, for it told them that their feast was being exulted over by the little Irish children, who were their sworn foes.

Scarlet (真っ赤) [形] of a bright red color

anger (怒り) [名] a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility

go to and fro (往復する) [動] move or travel back and forth

six (6) [数] the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

couple (カップル) [名] two people who are married, engaged, or otherwise closely associated romantically or sexually

doomed (運命の) [形] fated to fail or be destroyed

juicy (ジューシー) [形] full of juice

reluctant (嫌がる) [形] unwilling and hesitant; disinclined

complete (完成する) [動] make or become whole or perfect

exult (大喜びする) [動] be extremely happy

Irish (アイルランドの) [形] of or relating to Ireland or its people

sworn (宿敵) [形] bound by or as if by an oath

恥ずかしさと怒りで真っ赤になって、エイミーは6回も恐ろしい往復を繰り返し、運命のカップルたちが、ああ、とてもふっくらとジューシーに見えて、彼女の嫌がる手から落ちるたびに、通りからの叫び声が少女たちの苦悩を完成させた。それは、彼女たちの宴が、彼女たちの宿敵である小さなアイルランドの子供たちによって大喜びされていることを告げるものだった。

This—this was too much.

this (これは) [代] the person or thing that is close to you or that you are talking about

too much (ひどすぎる) [形] more than is usual or desirable

これは、これはひどすぎる。

All flashed indignant or appealing glances at the inexorable Davis, and one passionate lime lover burst into tears.

flash (向ける) [動] to direct or send

indignant (憤慨した) [形] feeling or showing anger or annoyance at something unfair or unreasonable

appealing (訴えかけるような) [形] attractive or interesting

glance (視線) [名] a brief or hurried look

inexorable (容赦のない) [形] impossible to stop or prevent

burst into tears (泣き出してしまう) [動] to suddenly start crying

皆が憤慨したり、容赦のないデイビスに訴えかけるような視線を向け、ライムが大好きな一人は泣き出してしまった。

As Amy returned from her last trip, Mr. Davis gave a portentous “Hem!”

return (戻る) [動] go or come back to a place

trip (往復) [名] a journey to a place and back again

give (言う) [動] utter or produce

portentous (不吉な) [形] giving an indication of something important or calamitous

エイミーが最後の往復から戻ると、デイビス氏は不吉な「ヘム!」と言った。

and said, in his most impressive manner...

そして、彼の最も印象的な態度で言った。

“Young ladies, you remember what I said to you a week ago.

week ago (一週間前) [名] seven days ago

「お嬢さん方、一週間前に私が言ったことを覚えているでしょう。

I am sorry this has happened, but I never allow my rules to be infringed, and I never break my word.

rule (ルール) [名] a principle or regulation governing conduct, action, procedure, arrangement, etc.

infringe (侵害する) [動] act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or the rights of others

このようなことが起こって申し訳ありませんが、私は自分のルールを侵害されることを決して許しませんし、自分の言葉を破ることもありません。

Miss March, hold out your hand.”

hold out (出す) [動] stretch out or extend

マーチさん、手を出してください」

Amy started, and put both hands behind her, turning on him an imploring look which pleaded for her better than the words she could not utter.

start (びっくりする) [動] make a sudden movement

turn (見る) [動] change direction

エイミーはびっくりして、両手を後ろに回し、言葉では言い表せないほど懇願するような表情で彼を見た。

She was rather a favorite with ‘old Davis’, as, of course, he was called, and it’s my private belief that he would have broken his word if the indignation of one irrepressible young lady had not found vent in a hiss.

old Davis (デイビスじいさん) [名] a person's name

belief (信念) [名] something that you believe or think is true

word (約束) [名] a promise

irrepressible (抑えきれない) [形] too strong to be controlled or restrained

indignation (憤り) [名] anger or annoyance provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment

vent (発散) [名] an outlet for strong feelings

hiss (口笛) [名] a sharp sibilant sound made by forcing air through the teeth

彼女は「デイビスじいさん」と呼ばれていた彼のお気に入りだったし、もしある抑えきれない若い女性の憤りが口笛で発散されていなかったら、彼は約束を破っていただろうというのが私の個人的な信念だ。

That hiss, faint as it was, irritated the irascible gentleman, and sealed the culprit’s fate.

faint (かすか) [形] lacking brightness or vividness

irritate (苛立たせる) [動] make annoyed or slightly angry

irascible (短気な) [形] easily angered

seal (決定づける) [動] settle or decide finally and conclusively

culprit (犯人) [名] a person who is guilty of a crime or offense

fate (運命) [名] the development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power

その口笛は、かすかなものだったが、短気な紳士を苛立たせ、犯人の運命を決定づけた。

“Your hand, Miss March!” was the only answer her mute appeal received, and too proud to cry or beseech, Amy set her teeth, threw back her head defiantly, and bore without flinching several tingling blows on her little palm.

mute (無言の) [形] silent

too proud (プライドが高すぎた) [形] having too much pride

beseech (懇願する) [動] to ask for something in a very serious or emotional way

set one's teeth (歯を食いしばる) [動] to clench one's teeth

throw back (後ろに振り) [動] to move something to the back

defiantly (反抗的に) [副] in a way that shows that you are not willing to obey someone or something

bore (耐える) [動] to accept or tolerate something that is unpleasant or annoying

without flinching (ひるむことなく) [副] without showing any sign of fear or nervousness

tingling (ピリピリとした) [形] having a slight prickling or stinging sensation

「手を出してください、マーチさん!」というのが彼女の無言の訴えに対する唯一の答えであり、泣いたり懇願したりするにはプライドが高すぎたエイミーは、歯を食いしばり、反抗的に頭を後ろに振り、小さな手のひらに何度もピリピリとした打撃を受けてもひるむことなく耐えた。

They were neither many nor heavy, but that made no difference to her.

neither (どちらも) [接] not either

heavy (重い) [形] having a large mass or weight

make no difference (違いはない) [動] have no effect or impact

to (にとって) [前] for

数も多くなく、重くもなかったが、彼女にとっては何の違いもなかった。

For the first time in her life she had been struck, and the disgrace, in her eyes, was as deep as if he had knocked her down.

for the first time (初めて) [副] never before

in one's life (生まれて) [副] ever since one was born

be struck (殴られる) [動] be hit or hit by something

disgrace (屈辱) [名] a loss of reputation or respect

in one's eyes (~の目には) [副] in one's opinion

as deep as (~かのような) [副] to the same degree as

knock down (殴り倒す) [動] hit or strike someone so that they fall to the ground

彼女は生まれて初めて殴られたのだが、彼女の目には、彼に殴り倒されたかのような深い屈辱感があった。

“You will now stand on the platform till recess,” said Mr. Davis, resolved to do the thing thoroughly, since he had begun.

platform (壇上) [名] a raised floor or stage

thoroughly (徹底的に) [副] completely and in every detail

「休み時間まで壇上に立っていなさい」とデイビス先生は言い、始めたからには徹底的にやろうと決意した。

That was dreadful.

それはひどかった。

It would have been bad enough to go to her seat, and see the pitying faces of her friends, or the satisfied ones of her few enemies, but to face the whole school, with that shame fresh upon her, seemed impossible, and for a second she felt as if she could only drop down where she stood, and break her heart with crying.

pitying (哀れみの) [形] feeling or showing pity

face (向き合う) [動] be opposite to

second (一瞬) [名] a unit of time equal to one sixtieth of a minute

drop down (倒れ込む) [動] fall to the ground

自分の席に行って、友達の哀れみの顔や、数少ない敵の満足そうな顔を見るのも十分に嫌なことだったが、その恥ずかしさを引きずったまま、学校全体と向き合うことは不可能に思えたし、一瞬、彼女は立っている場所に倒れ込んで、泣き崩れるしかないような気がした。

A bitter sense of wrong and the thought of Jenny Snow helped her to bear it, and, taking the ignominious place, she fixed her eyes on the stove funnel above what now seemed a sea of faces, and stood there, so motionless and white that the girls found it hard to study with that pathetic figure before them.

wrong (不当) [名] an unjust or unfair act

take (着く) [動] to reach a destination

ignominious (不名誉な) [形] deserving or causing public disgrace or shame

fix (固定する) [動] to make or keep firm, stable, or stationary

stove (ストーブ) [名] a device that produces heat for cooking or heating

funnel (煙突) [名] a tube or pipe that is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, used for guiding something into a small opening

sea (海) [名] a large expanse of salt water covering most of the earth's surface and surrounding its land masses

motionless (動かない) [形] not moving

ひどい不当感とジェニー・スノーのことを考えることで、彼女はそれに耐えることができ、不名誉な場所に着くと、今や顔の海のように見えるものの上にあるストーブの煙突に目を固定し、そこに立っていたので、あまりにも動かず、青ざめていて、少女たちは目の前にいるその哀れな姿を見ながら勉強するのが難しいと感じた。

During the fifteen minutes that followed, the proud and sensitive little girl suffered a shame and pain which she never forgot.

during (の間に) [前] throughout the course or duration of

fifteen minutes (15分間) [名] a period of time equal to 15 minutes

sensitive (傷つきやすい) [形] easily hurt or offended

その後の15分間、プライドが高く、傷つきやすい少女は、決して忘れることのできない恥と痛みに耐えた。

To others it might seem a ludicrous or trivial affair, but to her it was a hard experience, for during the twelve years of her life she had been governed by love alone, and a blow of that sort had never touched her before.

to others (他人には) [名] people other than oneself

trivial (些細な) [形] of little value or importance

affair (事) [名] a matter or event

to her (彼女には) [名] a female person

hard (つらい) [形] causing difficulty or hardship

twelve years (12年間) [名] a period of twelve years

alone (だけ) [副] without anyone or anything else

govern (支配する) [動] conduct the policy, actions, and affairs of (a state, organization, or people) with authority

他人には滑稽で些細なことに思えるかもしれないが、彼女にとってはつらい経験だった。12年間の人生で彼女は愛だけで支配されてきたし、そのような打撃はこれまで彼女に触れたことがなかった。

The smart of her hand and the ache of her heart were forgotten in the sting of the thought, “I shall have to tell at home, and they will be so disappointed in me!”

smart (痛み) [名] a sharp, stinging pain

ache (痛み) [名] a dull, persistent pain

sting (痛み) [名] a sharp, stinging pain

手の痛みも心の痛みも、「家で話さなければならなくなるし、みんな私に失望するだろう」という考えの痛みに忘れ去られた。

The fifteen minutes seemed an hour, but they came to an end at last, and the word ‘Recess!’ had never seemed so welcome to her before.

fifteen minutes (15分) [名] a quarter of an hour

recess (休憩) [名] a short period of rest or relaxation

15分は1時間にも思えたが、ついに終わりを迎え、「休憩」という言葉がこれほどまでに嬉しいと思ったことはなかった。

“You can go, Miss March,” said Mr. Davis, looking, as he felt, uncomfortable.

Mr. Davis (デイビスさん) [名] the name of a person

uncomfortable (不快な) [形] causing discomfort or distress

「行っていいよ、マーチさん」とデイビスさんは不快そうに言った。

He did not soon forget the reproachful glance Amy gave him, as she went, without a word to anyone, straight into the anteroom, snatched her things, and left the place “forever,” as she passionately declared to herself.

reproachful (非難の) [形] expressing disapproval or criticism

into (の中へ) [前] to the inside of

anteroom (控え室) [名] a small room leading to a larger room

snatch (ひっつかむ) [動] grab suddenly or forcibly

forever (永遠に) [副] for all time

彼は、エイミーが誰にも一言も言わずに控え室に直行し、自分の荷物をひっつかんで、自分自身に熱烈に宣言したように「永遠に」その場を去ったときに、エイミーが彼に向けた非難のまなざしをすぐには忘れなかった。

She was in a sad state when she got home, and when the older girls arrived, some time later, an indignation meeting was held at once.

sad state (悲惨な状態) [名] a state of being unhappy or depressed

get home (帰宅する) [動] arrive at one's home

older girls (年上の娘たち) [名] girls who are older than the speaker

some time later (しばらくして) [副] after a short period of time

indignation meeting (憤慨の会合) [名] a meeting held to express anger or disapproval

彼女は家に帰ったときは悲惨な状態で、しばらくして年上の娘たちが帰宅すると、すぐに憤慨の会合が開かれた。

Mrs. March did not say much but looked disturbed, and comforted her afflicted little daughter in her tenderest manner.

not say much (多くは語らなかった) [動] be quiet

look disturbed (困惑した様子で) [動] appear troubled

tender (優しく) [形] expressing gentleness and warmth

マーチ夫人は多くは語らなかったが、困惑した様子で、苦しんでいる幼い娘を優しく慰めた。

Meg bathed the insulted hand with glycerine and tears,

bathe (洗う) [動] wash or clean with water

glycerine (グリセリン) [名] a colorless, odorless, sweet, viscous liquid obtained by the saponification of fats and oils

メグは侮辱された手をグリセリンと涙で洗い、

Beth felt that even her beloved kittens would fail as a balm for griefs like this,

even (でさえ) [副] to a greater extent than usual

fail (ならない) [動] be unsuccessful in achieving one's goal

balm (慰め) [名] something that soothes or comforts

grief (悲しみ) [名] a feeling of deep sorrow or regret

ベスは、愛する子猫たちでさえ、このような悲しみの慰めにはならないと感じ、

Jo wrathfully proposed that Mr. Davis be arrested without delay, and Hannah shook her fist at the ‘villain’ and pounded potatoes for dinner as if she had him under her pestle.

wrathfully (怒り) [副] in a very angry way

be arrested (逮捕される) [動] take or keep in custody by authority of law or to seize, capture specifically

without delay (即刻) [副] immediately

pound (叩き潰す) [動] hit or strike heavily and repeatedly

potato (ジャガイモ) [名] a starchy, tuberous crop from the perennial nightshade Solanum tuberosum

ジョーは怒り、デイビス氏を即刻逮捕するよう提案し、ハンナは「悪党」に向かって拳を振り上げ、夕食のジャガイモを、まるで彼をすりこぎの下に置いているかのように叩き潰した。

No notice was taken of Amy’s flight, except by her mates, but the sharp-eyed demoiselles discovered that Mr. Davis was quite benignant in the afternoon, also unusually nervous.

take notice (気づく) [動] become aware of

flight (逃亡) [名] the act of running away

sharp-eyed (目ざとい) [形] having or showing keen powers of observation

demoiselle (デモワゼル) [名] a young lady

benignant (優しい) [形] kind and gentle

エイミーの逃亡は、仲間以外には誰も気づかなかったが、目ざといデモワゼルたちは、デイビス氏が午後には非常に優しく、また異常に神経質になっていることに気づいた。

Just before school closed, Jo appeared, wearing a grim expression as she stalked up to the desk, and delivered a letter from her mother, then collected Amy’s property, and departed, carefully scraping the mud from her boots on the door mat, as if she shook the dust of the place off her feet.

just before (直前) [副] immediately preceding

close (終わる) [動] come or bring to an end

deliver (渡す) [動] take or send to the intended recipient

carefully (丁寧に) [副] taking care to avoid damage or risk

scrape (落とす) [動] drag or pull a hard or sharp object across (something)

mud (泥) [名] wet, soft earth

door mat (ドアマット) [名] a mat placed in front of a door for people to wipe their feet on

学校が終わる直前、ジョーが現れ、机まで歩み寄り、母親からの手紙を渡し、エイミーの持ち物を集めて、ドアマットにブーツの泥を丁寧に落として、まるで足元の埃を払うかのように立ち去った。

“Yes, you can have a vacation from school, but I want you to study a little every day with Beth,” said Mrs. March that evening.

have a vacation (休みを取る) [動] take a holiday

that evening (その夜) [名] the evening of that day

「そう、学校を休んでもいいけど、毎日ベスと一緒に少し勉強して欲しいよ」と、その夜、マーチ夫人は言った。

“I don’t approve of corporal punishment, especially for girls.

approve of (認める) [動] have a favorable opinion of

corporal punishment (体罰) [名] physical punishment, such as caning or flogging

「私は体罰は認めない、特に女の子にはね。

I dislike Mr. Davis’s manner of teaching and don’t think the girls you associate with are doing you any good, so I shall ask your father’s advice before I send you anywhere else.”

dislike (嫌い) [動] feel distaste for

manner (方法) [名] a way of doing something

teaching (教え方) [名] the profession of a teacher

associate with (付き合う) [動] be involved with

デイビス氏の教え方は嫌いだし、あなたが付き合っている女の子たちがあなたに何か良いことをしているとは思えないので、あなたをどこかに送る前にお父さんに相談しましょう」

“That’s good! I wish all the girls would leave, and spoil his old school.

「それはいいよ! 女の子たちがみんな辞めて、彼の古い学校を台無しにしてくれたらいいのに。

It’s perfectly maddening to think of those lovely limes,” sighed Amy, with the air of a martyr.

maddening (腹立たしい) [形] causing one to feel angry or frustrated

martyr (殉教者) [名] a person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs

あの素敵なライムのことを考えるのは本当に腹立たしい」とエイミーは殉教者のような態度でため息をついた。

“I am not sorry you lost them, for you broke the rules, and deserved some punishment for disobedience,” was the severe reply, which rather disappointed the young lady, who expected nothing but sympathy.

break the rules (規則を破る) [動] fail to obey a rule or law

punishment (罰) [名] a penalty imposed for a crime or other offense

disobedience (不従順) [名] failure or refusal to obey

disappoint (失望させる) [動] fail to meet the hopes or expectations of

「あなたがそれを失くしたことを残念には思わない、なぜならあなたは規則を破り、不従順に対する罰を受けるに値するからだ」という厳しい返答で、同情以外何も期待していなかった若い女性を失望させた。

“Do you mean you are glad I was disgraced before the whole school?” cried Amy.

be glad (喜ぶ) [動] feel pleased about

disgrace (恥をかかせる) [動] bring shame or discredit upon

whole (全体) [形] all of; the entire

「私が学校全体の前で恥をかかされたことを喜んでいるの?」とエイミーは叫んだ。

“I should not have chosen that way of mending a fault,” replied her mother, “but I’m not sure that it won’t do you more good than a bolder method.

should not have (べきではなかった) [助] used to express a negative opinion or criticism

mend (正す) [動] repair or restore

fault (過ち) [名] a mistake or an error

not sure (わからない) [形] uncertain

do good (良い結果をもたらす) [動] have a good effect

bold (大胆な) [形] not afraid to do or say things that other people might not approve of

「私は過ちを正すためにその方法を選ぶべきではなかった」と母親は答えた、「しかし、それがより大胆な方法よりもあなたにとってより良い結果をもたらさないかどうかはわからない。

You are getting to be rather conceited, my dear, and it is quite time you set about correcting it.

get to be (~になる) [動] become

conceited (うぬぼれた) [形] having too high an opinion of oneself

my dear (私の愛しい人) [名] a term of endearment

set about (~に取りかかる) [動] begin to do something

correct (正す) [動] make or become free from error

あなたは少しうぬぼれ始めている、私の愛しい人、そしてそれを正す時が来た。

You have a good many little gifts and virtues, but there is no need of parading them, for conceit spoils the finest genius.

good many (たくさんの) [名] a large number

gift (才能) [名] a natural ability or talent

there is no need of (必要はない) [名] there is no necessity for

parading (ひけらかす) [動] display ostentatiously

conceit (うぬぼれ) [名] excessive pride in oneself

あなたにはたくさんの小さな才能と美徳があるが、それをひけらかす必要はない、なぜならうぬぼれは最高の天才を台無しにするからだ。

There is not much danger that real talent or goodness will be overlooked long, even if it is, the consciousness of possessing and using it well should satisfy one, and the great charm of all power is modesty.”

long (長く) [副] for a long time

overlook (見過ごす) [動] fail to notice or consider

satisfy (満足させる) [動] meet the requirements of

modesty (謙虚さ) [名] the quality or state of being unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one's abilities or accomplishments

本当の才能や善良さが長く見過ごされる危険はあまりない、たとえそうであったとしても、それを所有し、うまく使っているという意識は人を満足させるはずであり、すべての力の大きな魅力は謙虚さである。」

“So it is!” cried Laurie, who was playing chess in a corner with Jo.

so it is (そうだった) [他] an expression of surprise or disgust

play chess (チェスをする) [動] to play the game of chess

「そうだった!」と、隅でジョーとチェスをしていたローリーが叫んだ。

“I knew a girl once, who had a really remarkable talent for music, and she didn’t know it, never guessed what sweet little things she composed when she was alone, and wouldn’t have believed it if anyone had told her.”

guess (想像もつかず) [動] estimate or suppose (something) without having all the facts; conjecture

compose (作曲する) [動] create or produce a musical composition

「私はかつて、音楽に本当に素晴らしい才能を持った少女を知っていたが、彼女はそれを知らず、一人でいる時にどんな甘い小さなものを作曲したのか想像もつかず、誰かが彼女に言ったとしても信じなかっただろう。」

“I wish I’d known that nice girl.

「その素敵な女の子と知り合いたかったな。

Maybe she would have helped me, I’m so stupid,” said Beth, who stood beside him, listening eagerly.

maybe (たぶん) [副] perhaps; possibly

beside (そば) [前] at the side of; next to

たぶん彼女は私を助けてくれただろう、私はとても愚かだ」と、彼のそばに立って熱心に聞いていたベスが言った。

“You do know her, and she helps you better than anyone else could,” answered Laurie, looking at her with such mischievous meaning in his merry black eyes that Beth suddenly turned very red, and hid her face in the sofa cushion, quite overcome by such an unexpected discovery.

do know (知っている) [動] be aware of

anyone else (誰よりも) [名] any other person

look at (見つめる) [動] direct one's gaze at

eye (瞳) [名] the organ of vision

turn red (真っ赤になる) [動] blush

overcome (圧倒される) [動] defeat or overpower

「君は彼女を知っているし、彼女は誰よりも君を助けてくれる」とローリーは答え、陽気な黒い瞳にいたずらっぽい意味を込めて彼女を見つめたので、ベスは突然真っ赤になってソファのクッションに顔を隠し、そんな思いがけない発見に圧倒されてしまった。

Jo let Laurie win the game to pay for that praise of her Beth, who could not be prevailed upon to play for them after her compliment.

pay for (お返しをする) [動] give money in exchange for

compliment (褒める) [動] express warm approval or admiration of

ジョーはローリーにゲームに勝たせて、ベスを褒めたお返しをしたが、ベスは褒められた後も彼らのために弾こうとはしなかった。

So Laurie did his best, and sang delightfully, being in a particularly lively humor, for to the Marches he seldom showed the moody side of his character.

delightfully (楽しそうに) [副] in a very pleasant way

humor (気分) [名] a state of mind or feeling

moody (気難しい) [形] having or showing a tendency to be unhappy and complaining

だからローリーはベストを尽くし、特に陽気な気分だったので、楽しそうに歌った。彼はマーチ家にはめったに自分の性格の気難しい面を見せなかった。

When he was gone, Amy, who had been pensive all evening, said suddenly, as if busy over some new idea, “Is Laurie an accomplished boy?”

be gone (帰った) [動] to have left a place

all evening (夕方ずっと) [副] the entire evening

pensive (物思いにふける) [形] deeply or seriously thoughtful

accomplished (優秀な) [形] highly skilled or proficient

彼が帰った後、夕方ずっと物思いにふけっていたエイミーは、何か新しい考えに忙しいかのように突然、「ローリーは優秀な少年?」と言った。

“Yes, he has had an excellent education, and has much talent.

have (受けてきた) [動] to experience or undergo

education (教育) [名] the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university

much (多い) [形] a great deal of

「そうね、彼は素晴らしい教育を受けてきたし、才能もあるよ。

He will make a fine man, if not spoiled by petting,” replied her mother.

make (なる) [動] become

not (駄目にならないなら) [副] a word that expresses negation or denial

spoiled (甘やかされて) [動] impair the quality of

petting (甘やかされて) [名] the act of stroking or fondling

replied (答えた) [動] say something in return

甘やかされて駄目にならないなら、立派な男性になるでしょう」と母親は答えた。

“And he isn’t conceited, is he?”

「それに彼はうぬぼれてないよね?」

asked Amy.

エイミーは尋ねた。

“Not in the least.

not in the least (全く) [副] not at all; not in the slightest degree

「全く。

That is why he is so charming and we all like him so much.”

that is why (だから) [接] for that reason; because of that

だから彼は魅力的で、私たちみんな彼がとても好きなの」

“I see. It’s nice to have accomplishments and be elegant, but not to show off or get perked up,” said Amy thoughtfully.

see (なるほど) [動] understand

show off (ひけらかす) [動] to try to impress others by displaying one's wealth, knowledge, or skills

perk up (気取る) [動] to become or make more lively, cheerful, or interesting

「なるほど。何かを成し遂げて優雅になるのは素敵なことだけど、それをひけらかしたり、気取ったりするのはよくないよ」とエイミーは思慮深く言った。

“These things are always seen and felt in a person’s manner and conversations, if modestly used, but it is not necessary to display them,” said Mrs. March.

see (表れる) [動] be visible

feel (感じられる) [動] be felt

display (誇示する) [動] show or make visible

「そういうことは、控えめに使えば、いつもその人の態度や会話に表れて感じられるものだけど、それを誇示する必要はないのよ」とマーチ夫人は言った。

“Any more than it’s proper to wear all your bonnets and gowns and ribbons at once, that folks may know you’ve got them,” added Jo, and the lecture ended in a laugh.

「帽子やドレスやリボンを全部一度に身に着けて、みんなに持っていることを知らせるのはよくないことと同じよ」とジョーが付け加えて、説教は笑いのうちに終わった。

CHAPTER EIGHT: JO MEETS APOLLYON

CHAPTER EIGHT (第八章) [名] the eighth chapter

APOLLYON (アポロン) [名] the Greek god of music, poetry, light, prophecy, and medicine

第八章: ジョーはアポロンに会う

“Girls, where are you going?” asked Amy, coming into their room one Saturday afternoon, and finding them getting ready to go out with an air of secrecy which excited her curiosity.

air (様子) [名] the general impression given by someone or something

secrecy (秘密めいた) [名] the condition of being kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others

excite (そそる) [動] cause strong feelings of

curiosity (好奇心) [名] a strong desire to know or learn something

「みんな、どこに行くの?」とエイミーは、ある土曜日の午後、姉妹たちの部屋に入ってきて、彼女たちの好奇心をそそる秘密めいた様子で外出の準備をしているのを見つけて尋ねた。

“Never mind. Little girls shouldn’t ask questions,” returned Jo sharply.

ask question (質問する) [動] say something to ask for information

sharply (きっぱりと) [副] in a sharp manner

「気にしないで。小さい子は質問するべきではないよ」とジョーはきっぱりと答えた。

Now if there is anything mortifying to our feelings when we are young, it is to be told that, and to be bidden to “run away, dear” is still more trying to us.

if there is anything (もし何かあるとすれば) [名] if there is something

mortifying (傷つける) [形] causing a feeling of shame or humiliation

be told (言われる) [動] be informed of or about

若い頃に自分の感情を傷つけられることがあるとすれば、それはそう言われることであり、「逃げなさい、あなた」と命じられることは、さらにつらいことだ。

Amy bridled up at this insult, and determined to find out the secret, if she teased for an hour.

bridle (腹を立てる) [動] show anger or resentment

insult (侮辱) [名] a disrespectful or scornfully abusive remark or action

determine (決意する) [動] decide firmly

find out (探り出す) [動] discover or notice

secret (秘密) [名] something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others

エイミーはこの侮辱に腹を立て、1時間でもせがんで秘密を探り出そうと決意した。

Turning to Meg, who never refused her anything very long, she said coaxingly, “Do tell me! I should think you might let me go, too, for Beth is fussing over her piano, and I haven’t got anything to do, and am so lonely.”

turn to (頼る) [動] rely on

coax (甘い声で言う) [動] persuade someone to do something by being gentle and kind

fuss (夢中になる) [動] make a fuss about something

メグはエイミーの頼みを長く断ったことがなかったので、エイミーはメグに向き直り、甘い声で「教えてよ! ベスはピアノに夢中だし、私には何もすることがなくてとても寂しいから、私も行かせてくれたらいいのに」

“I can’t, dear, because you aren’t invited,” began Meg, but Jo broke in impatiently, “Now, Meg, be quiet or you will spoil it all.

aren't (されていない) [動] are not

began (言い始めた) [動] start to do or be something

broke in (口を挟んだ) [動] interrupt

impatiently (イライラして) [副] in an impatient manner

be quiet (黙って) [動] make or become silent

spoil (台無しになる) [動] ruin or impair the quality of

「できないよ、エイミー、あなたは招待されていないのよ」とメグは言い始めたが、ジョーはイライラして口を挟んだ。「メグ、黙って、でないと台無しになるよ。

You can’t go, Amy, so don’t be a baby and whine about it.”

whine (ぐずぐず言う) [動] complain in a feeble or petulant way

エイミー、あなたは行けないのよ、だから赤ちゃんみたいにぐずぐず言わないで」

“You are going somewhere with Laurie, I know you are.

somewhere (どこか) [副] in or to some place

「ローリーとどこかに行くのね、そうに決まってるよ。

You were whispering and laughing together on the sofa last night, and you stopped when I came in.

last night (昨夜) [名] the night before the present day

昨夜ソファで一緒にささやき合って笑っていたのに、私が入ってくるとやめたよ。

Aren’t you going with him?”

go with (行く) [動] accompany

him (彼) [代] the male person or animal previously mentioned

彼と行くんじゃないの?」

“Yes, we are. Now do be still, and stop bothering.”

be still (静かにして) [動] to be quiet

stop bothering (邪魔しないで) [動] to stop being a nuisance

「そうよ、行くよ。だから静かにして、邪魔しないで。」

Amy held her tongue, but used her eyes, and saw Meg slip a fan into her pocket.

hold one's tongue (口を閉ざす) [動] refrain from speaking

use one's eyes (目を使う) [動] look at something

fan (扇子) [名] a device for creating a current of air

エイミーは口を閉ざしたが、目は使って、メグが扇子をポケットに滑り込ませるのを見た。

“I know! I know! You’re going to the theater to see the Seven Castles!” she cried, adding resolutely, “and I shall go, for Mother said I might see it, and I’ve got my rag money, and it was mean not to tell me in time.”

theater (劇場) [名] a building or area for dramatic performances and spectacles

resolutely (決然と) [副] in a determined manner

「わかった! わかった! 七つの城を見に劇場に行くんだ!」と叫び、決然と付け加えた。「私も行くよ、ママは見てもいいって言ったし、ぼろきれのお金もあるし、すぐに教えてくれないなんて意地悪だよ。」

“Just listen to me a minute, and be a good child,” said Meg soothingly.

listen to (言うことを聞く) [動] give one's attention to

be a good child (いい子にする) [動] behave well

soothingly (なだめるように) [副] in a way that calms or comforts

「ちょっと私の言うことを聞いて、いい子にして」とメグがなだめるように言った。

“Mother doesn’t wish you to go this week, because your eyes are not well enough yet to bear the light of this fairy piece.

well enough (十分に良い) [形] good enough

「ママは今週は行かせたくないの、あなたの目はまだこのおとぎ話の光に耐えられるほど良くないから。

Next week you can go with Beth and Hannah, and have a nice time.”

next week (来週) [名] the week after this week

have a nice time (楽しんでね) [動] enjoy oneself

来週はベスとハンナと行って、楽しんでね。」

“I don’t like that half as well as going with you and Laurie. Please let me.

「あなたとローリーと行く半分ほども好きじゃないよ。お願い、行かせて。

I’ve been sick with this cold so long, and shut up, I’m dying for some fun.

be sick with (寝込む) [動] be ill with

so long (長い間) [副] for a long time

die for (欲しくてたまらない) [動] want very much

some (何か) [限] an unspecified amount or number of

私はこの風邪で長い間寝込んでいて、閉じ込められていて、何か楽しみが欲しくてたまらないの。

Do, Meg!

やって、メグ!

I’ll be ever so good,” pleaded Amy, looking as pathetic as she could.

ever so (とても) [副] to a very great extent

plead (懇願する) [動] make an emotional appeal to

pathetic (哀れな) [形] arousing pity, especially through vulnerability or sadness

いい子にするから」とエイミーはできる限り哀れな顔をして懇願した。

“Suppose we take her.

「彼女を連れて行こうか。

I don’t believe Mother would mind, if we bundle her up well,” began Meg.

bundle up (着込ませる) [動] dress warmly

begin (言い出す) [動] start to speak

彼女を暖かく着込ませれば、ママは気にしないと思う」とメグは言い出した。

“If she goes I shan’t, and if I don’t, Laurie won’t like it, and it will be very rude, after he invited only us, to go and drag in Amy.

be rude (失礼だ) [動] lacking good manners or showing a lack of respect for other people

drag (連れて行く) [動] pull or move with difficulty or effort

「彼女が行くなら私は行かないし、私が行かなければローリーは不満に思うだろうし、彼が私たちだけを招待したのにエイミーを連れて行くのは失礼だよ。

I should think she’d hate to poke herself where she isn’t wanted,” said Jo crossly, for she disliked the trouble of overseeing a fidgety child when she wanted to enjoy herself.

poke (押し込む) [動] push or thrust with a pointed object

want (歓迎する) [動] wish for or desire

oversee (面倒を見る) [動] supervise

彼女は歓迎されない場所に自分を押し込むのは嫌だと思う」とジョーは不機嫌そうに言った。彼女は楽しみたい時に落ち着きのない子供の面倒を見るのが嫌いだった。

Her tone and manner angered Amy, who began to put her boots on, saying, in her most aggravating way, “I shall go. Meg says I may, and if I pay for myself, Laurie hasn’t anything to do with it.”

anger (腹を立てる) [動] make someone angry

put on (履く) [動] put something on one's body

aggravating (苛立たしい) [形] making someone angry or annoyed

do with (関係する) [動] be connected with or relevant to

彼女の口調と態度にエイミーは腹を立て、ブーツを履き始め、最も苛立たしい態度で「私は行くよ。メグは行ってもいいって言ったし、私が自分の分を払えば、ローリーは関係ないよ」

“You can’t sit with us, for our seats are reserved, and you mustn’t sit alone, so Laurie will give you his place, and that will spoil our pleasure.

reserve (予約する) [動] arrange for and keep a place or seat for someone

alone (一人で) [副] without other people

「私たちの席は予約されているから一緒に座れないし、一人で座るわけにもいかないから、ローリーが席を譲ることになるし、それでは私たちの楽しみが台無しになってしまう。

Or he’ll get another seat for you, and that isn’t proper when you weren’t asked.

あるいは、彼があなたのために別の席を用意するだろうけど、誘われていないのにそれは適切ではないよ。

You shan’t stir a step, so you may just stay where you are,” scolded Jo, crosser than ever, having just pricked her finger in her hurry.

stir a step (一歩も動かすな) [動] move even a little bit

stay where you are (そこにいろ) [動] remain in the same place

crosser (不機嫌) [形] angry or annoyed

一歩も動かすな、だからそこにいろ」とジョーは叱り、急いでいたために指を刺したばかりで、いつも以上に不機嫌だった。

Sitting on the floor with one boot on, Amy began to cry and Meg to reason with her, when Laurie called from below, and the two girls hurried down, leaving their sister wailing.

reason (なだめる) [動] talk to someone in a calm and gentle way to persuade them to stop being angry or upset

片方のブーツを履いたまま床に座り、エイミーは泣き出し、メグは彼女をなだめようとしたが、ローリーが下から呼び、二人の少女は妹を泣き叫ばせたまま急いで降りていった。

For now and then she forgot her grown-up ways and acted like a spoiled child.

for now and then (時々) [副] occasionally

grown-up (大人) [名] a fully developed person

時々、彼女は大人としての振る舞いを忘れ、甘やかされた子供のように振る舞った。

Just as the party was setting out, Amy called over the banisters in a threatening tone, “You’ll be sorry for this, Jo March, see if you ain’t.”

just as (ちょうどその時) [副] at the exact moment that

call over (呼びかける) [動] shout to someone who is some distance away

banister (手すり) [名] a rail that runs along the side of a staircase

threatening (脅迫的な) [形] expressing a threat

be sorry for (後悔する) [動] feel regret or guilt for something

see if (見てなさい) [動] check or examine something

一行が出発しようとしたちょうどその時、エイミーが脅迫的な口調で手すりの向こうから呼びかけた、「ジョー・マーチ、後悔するよ、後悔しないか見てなさい。」

“Fiddlesticks!” returned Jo, slamming the door.

fiddlesticks (ばかげた) [名] nonsense

「ばかげた!」とジョーは言い返し、ドアをバタンと閉めた。

They had a charming time, for The Seven Castles Of The Diamond Lake was as brilliant and wonderful as heart could wish.

have a charming time (楽しい時間を過ごす) [動] have a pleasant time

The Seven Castles Of The Diamond Lake (ダイヤモンド湖の七つの城) [名] a fictional place

as brilliant and wonderful as heart could wish (心から望むほどに華麗で素晴らしい) [形] as good as one could hope for

彼らは楽しい時間を過ごした、というのも「ダイヤモンド湖の七つの城」は心から望むほどに華麗で素晴らしかったからだ。

But in spite of the comical red imps, sparkling elves, and the gorgeous princes and princesses, Jo’s pleasure had a drop of bitterness in it.

comical (コミカルな) [形] causing laughter

sparkling (きらめく) [形] shining brightly

elf (エルフ) [名] a supernatural being of folklore

prince (王子) [名] a male member of a royal family other than the reigning king

princess (王女) [名] a female member of a royal family other than the reigning queen

drop (一滴) [名] a small round mass of liquid

bitterness (苦味) [名] the quality of being bitter

しかし、コミカルな赤い小悪魔、きらめくエルフ、そして豪華な王子や王女にもかかわらず、ジョーの喜びには一滴の苦味があった。

The fairy queen’s yellow curls reminded her of Amy, and between the acts she amused herself with wondering what her sister would do to make her ‘sorry for it’.

fairy queen (妖精の女王) [名] the queen of the fairies

yellow curl (黄色い巻き毛) [名] a yellow lock of hair

between the acts (幕間に) [名] the time between two acts of a play

amuse oneself (楽しむ) [動] entertain oneself

wonder (考える) [動] think or ponder about

make someone sorry for something (後悔させる) [動] cause someone to feel regret or guilt

妖精の女王の黄色い巻き毛はエイミーを思い出させ、幕間には妹が自分を「後悔」させるために何をするだろうかと考えながら楽しんでいた。

She and Amy had had many lively skirmishes in the course of their lives, for both had quick tempers and were apt to be violent when fairly roused.

skirmish (小競り合い) [名] a minor fight in a war

course (経過) [名] the development of events

apt (なりがち) [形] likely to do something

violent (暴力的) [形] using or involving physical force intended to hurt or kill

彼女とエイミーは、これまでの人生で何度も激しい小競り合いを経験してきたが、それは二人とも短気で、かなり興奮すると暴力的になりがちだったからだ。

Amy teased Jo, and Jo irritated Amy, and semioccasional explosions occurred, of which both were much ashamed afterward.

tease (からかう) [動] make fun of or attempt to provoke

semioccasional (時折) [形] happening infrequently

explosion (爆発) [名] a violent and destructive shattering or blowing apart of something, as is caused by a bomb

エイミーはジョーをからかい、ジョーはエイミーを苛立たせ、時折爆発が起こり、その後二人ともとても恥ずかしく思った。

Although the oldest, Jo had the least self-control, and had hard times trying to curb the fiery spirit which was continually getting her into trouble.

although (にもかかわらず) [接] in spite of the fact that

least (一番) [形] smallest in amount or degree

self-control (自制心) [名] the ability to control oneself, especially one's emotions and desires

hard time (苦労) [名] a difficult or unpleasant experience

curb (抑える) [動] control or limit

fiery (激しい) [形] very hot or bright

ジョーは一番年上だったが、一番自制心がなく、いつもトラブルに巻き込まれる激しい気性を抑えるのに苦労していた。

Her anger never lasted long, and having humbly confessed her fault, she sincerely repented and tried to do better.

humbly (素直に) [副] in a humble manner

confess (認める) [動] admit or acknowledge something

sincerely (心から) [副] in a sincere manner

repent (悔い改める) [動] feel or express sincere regret or guilt for a past action or wrongdoing

彼女の怒りは長続きせず、自分の過ちを素直に認めて心から悔い改め、より良いことをしようと努力した。

Her sisters used to say that they rather liked to get Jo into a fury because she was such an angel afterward.

fury (激怒) [名] a state of violent anger

彼女の姉妹たちは、ジョーを怒らせるのはむしろ好きだと言っていたことがあったが、それは彼女がその後天使のような人になるからだった。

Poor Jo tried desperately to be good, but her bosom enemy was always ready to flame up and defeat her, and it took years of patient effort to subdue it.

desperately (必死に) [副] in a very urgent way

bosom enemy (心の敵) [名] a person that you know very well and do not like

flame up (燃え上がる) [動] to burn brightly or intensely

defeat (打ち負かす) [動] to win a victory over

patient (忍耐強い) [形] able to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious

かわいそうなジョーは必死に善い子になろうとしたが、彼女の心の敵はいつでも燃え上がって彼女を打ち負かす準備ができていて、それを抑え込むには何年もの忍耐強い努力が必要だった。

When they got home, they found Amy reading in the parlor.

家に帰ると、エイミーが居間で本を読んでいるのを見つけた。

She assumed an injured air as they came in, never lifted her eyes from her book, or asked a single question.

assume (装う) [動] take on or adopt

lift (離す) [動] raise to a higher position

彼女は二人が入ってくると傷ついた様子で、本から目を離すことも、質問することもなかった。

Perhaps curiosity might have conquered resentment, if Beth had not been there to inquire and receive a glowing description of the play.

resentment (恨み) [名] bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly

inquire (尋ねる) [動] ask about something

glowing (熱烈な) [形] expressing great praise

ベスがそこにいて、劇の熱烈な説明を聞かなければ、好奇心が恨みを克服したかもしれない。

On going up to put away her best hat, Jo’s first look was toward the bureau, for in their last quarrel Amy had soothed her feelings by turning Jo’s top drawer upside down on the floor.

put away (片付ける) [動] store or keep in a safe place

quarrel (喧嘩) [名] an angry argument or disagreement

turn upside down (ひっくり返す) [動] cause to be in an inverted position

一番いい帽子を片付けに二階に上がると、ジョーはまずビューローを見た。前回の喧嘩の時にエイミーはジョーの一番上の引き出しをひっくり返して床にぶちまけて気を静めたのだった。

Everything was in its place, however, and after a hasty glance into her various closets, bags, and boxes, Jo decided that Amy had forgiven and forgotten her wrongs.

be in its place (元の場所にある) [動] be in the correct or appropriate place

closet (クローゼット) [名] a tall cupboard or wardrobe with a door and shelves, used for storing clothes

decide (判断する) [動] come to a decision about something

forgive (許す) [動] stop feeling angry or resentful toward (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake

しかし、全てが元の場所にあり、様々なクローゼット、バッグ、箱を急いで見た後、ジョーはエイミーが自分の過ちを許し忘れてくれたのだと判断した。

There Jo was mistaken, for next day she made a discovery which produced a tempest.

be mistaken (間違っている) [動] have a wrong opinion or impression

make a discovery (発見をする) [動] find out something that was previously unknown

produce (起こす) [動] cause to happen or exist

ジョーはそこで間違っていた。翌日、彼女は嵐を起こす発見をした。

Meg, Beth, and Amy were sitting together, late in the afternoon, when Jo burst into the room, looking excited and demanding breathlessly, “Has anyone taken my book?”

sit together (一緒に座る) [動] sit in the same place

late in the afternoon (午後遅く) [名] the time of day from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

burst into (飛び込む) [動] enter suddenly and forcefully

look excited (興奮した様子) [動] appear to be excited

demand breathlessly (息もつかせずに尋ねる) [動] ask something in a hurried and excited manner

午後遅く、メグ、ベス、エイミーが一緒に座っていると、ジョーが興奮した様子で部屋に飛び込んできて、息もつかせずに「誰か私の本をとった?」と尋ねた。

Meg and Beth said, “No.” at once, and looked surprised.

メグとベスはすぐに「いいえ」と言い、驚いた顔をした。

Amy poked the fire and said nothing.

エイミーは火をつつき、何も言わなかった。

Jo saw her color rise and was down upon her in a minute.

be down upon (襲いかかる) [動] attack or criticize strongly

ジョーは彼女の顔色が赤くなるのを見て、すぐに彼女に襲いかかった。

“Amy, you’ve got it!”

「エイミー、あなたが持っているのね!」

“No, I haven’t.”

haven't (持っていません) [助] have not

「いいえ、持っていません」

“You know where it is, then!”

「じゃあ、どこにあるか知っているよね!」

“No, I don’t.”

「いいえ、知りません」

“That’s a fib!” cried Jo, taking her by the shoulders, and looking fierce enough to frighten a much braver child than Amy.

take by the shoulders (肩をつかむ) [動] to hold someone by the shoulders

look fierce (激しい顔つきをする) [動] to have a fierce expression

frighten (怖がらせる) [動] to make someone afraid

「嘘だ!」とジョーは叫び、エイミーの肩をつかみ、エイミーよりずっと勇敢な子供でも怖がらせるくらいに激しい顔つきをした。

“It isn’t. I haven’t got it, don’t know where it is now, and don’t care.”

isn't (嘘じゃないよ) [動] is not

don't know (知らないし) [動] do not know

don't care (気にもしていないよ) [動] do not care

「嘘じゃないよ。持っていないし、今どこにあるか知らないし、気にもしていないよ」

“You know something about it, and you’d better tell at once, or I’ll make you.”

know something about (何かを知っている) [動] have knowledge of

make (言わせる) [動] cause to do something

「何か知っているのでしょう、すぐに言った方がいいよ、さもないと言わせるよ」

And Jo gave her a slight shake.

slight (軽い) [形] small in degree; inconsiderable

そしてジョーはエイミーを軽く揺さぶった。

“Scold as much as you like, you’ll never see your silly old book again,” cried Amy, getting excited in her turn.

as much as (好きなだけ) [副] to the extent or degree that

again (二度と) [副] another time; once more

get excited (興奮する) [動] become agitated or aroused

turn (順番) [名] a chance or opportunity to do something

「好きなだけ叱りなさい、もう二度とそのばかげた古い本は見られないよ」とエイミーも興奮して叫んだ。

“Why not?”

「どうして?」

“I burned it up.”

burn (燃やす) [動] be on fire; be in flames

「燃やしちゃった」

“What! My little book I was so fond of, and worked over, and meant to finish before Father got home?

what (何だって) [間] an expression of surprise or anger

work over (書き直す) [動] revise or rewrite

finish (完成させる) [動] bring to an end or to a state of completion

「何だって! 私の小さな本、とても気に入っていたのに、書き直して、パパが帰ってくる前に完成させるつもりだったのに?

Have you really burned it?” said Jo, turning very pale, while her eyes kindled and her hands clutched Amy nervously.

nervously (神経質に) [副] in a nervous manner

本当に燃やしたの?」ジョーは顔色を真っ青にして、目は燃え上がり、手はエイミーを神経質につかみながら言った。

“Yes, I did! I told you I’d make you pay for being so cross yesterday, and I have, so...”

yesterday (昨日) [名] the day before today

so (だから) [接] therefore; for that reason

「そうよ! 昨日あんなに怒った罰を払わせるって言ったけど、払わせたから、だから・・・」

Amy got no farther, for Jo’s hot temper mastered her, and she shook Amy till her teeth chattered in her head, crying in a passion of grief and anger...

get no farther (それ以上話せない) [動] be unable to proceed any further

hot temper (激しい気性) [名] a tendency to get angry easily

master (支配する) [動] gain complete control over

tooth (歯) [名] one of the hard, white objects in the mouth that are used for biting and chewing

chatter (ガタガタ鳴る) [動] make a series of quick, sharp sounds

cry (泣き叫ぶ) [動] shed tears; weep

passion (激情) [名] a strong feeling of love, hate, anger, etc.

エイミーはそれ以上話せなかった、ジョーの激しい気性が彼女を支配し、彼女はエイミーを歯がガタガタ鳴るまで揺さぶり、悲しみと怒りの激情の中で泣き叫んだ・・・

“You wicked, wicked girl!

「この意地悪な、意地悪な子!

I never can write it again, and I’ll never forgive you as long as I live.”

二度と書けないよ、生きている限りあなたを許さない。」

Meg flew to rescue Amy, and Beth to pacify Jo, but Jo was quite beside herself, and with a parting box on her sister’s ear, she rushed out of the room up to the old sofa in the garret, and finished her fight alone.

fly (飛び出す) [動] move or travel very fast

pacify (なだめる) [動] make calm or quiet

beside oneself (我を忘れる) [形] very upset or angry

parting box (別れの箱) [名] a box given as a farewell gift

rush out (飛び出す) [動] leave in a hurry

old sofa (古いソファ) [名] a sofa that is not new

メグはエイミーを助けようと飛び出し、ベスはジョーをなだめようとしたが、ジョーは我を忘れ、妹の耳に別れの箱を置いて、部屋から飛び出し、屋根裏部屋の古いソファに駆け寄り、一人で戦いを終えた。

The storm cleared up below, for Mrs. March came home, and, having heard the story, soon brought Amy to a sense of the wrong she had done her sister.

clear up (晴れる) [動] become fine after a period of bad weather

below (下で) [副] in or to a lower place

bring (悟らせる) [動] cause (someone) to come to a realization

wrong (間違い) [名] an unjust, dishonest, or immoral action

嵐は下で晴れた、マーチ夫人が帰宅し、話を聞いて、すぐにエイミーに彼女が妹にした間違いを悟らせた。

Jo’s book was the pride of her heart, and was regarded by her family as a literary sprout of great promise.

regard (見なす) [動] consider or think of in a specified way

ジョーの本は彼女の心の誇りであり、彼女の家族からは大いに期待できる文学の新芽と見なされていた。

It was only half a dozen little fairy tales, but Jo had worked over them patiently, putting her whole heart into her work, hoping to make something good enough to print.

fairy tale (童話) [名] a children's story about magical and imaginary beings and lands

whole heart (全身全霊) [名] all of one's energy and effort

print (印刷) [動] produce a copy of a document using a printer

それはたった半ダースの小さな童話だったが、ジョーは印刷に十分な良いものを作りたいと思い、忍耐強く取り組み、全身全霊を注いでいた。

She had just copied them with great care, and had destroyed the old manuscript, so that Amy’s bonfire had consumed the loving work of several years.

care (丁寧に) [名] serious attention or consideration applied to doing something correctly or well

manuscript (原稿) [名] a book or other text written by hand rather than typed or printed

consume (焼き尽くす) [動] eat, drink, or ingest

彼女は丁寧に書き写したばかりで、古い原稿を破棄していたので、エイミーの焚き火は数年間の愛情のこもった作品を焼き尽くしてしまった。

It seemed a small loss to others, but to Jo it was a dreadful calamity, and she felt that it never could be made up to her.

loss (損失) [名] the fact or process of losing something or someone

others (他人) [名] people in general; people other than oneself

calamity (災難) [名] an event causing great and often sudden damage or distress

他人には小さな損失に思えたが、ジョーにとっては恐ろしい災難であり、彼女はそれが決して埋め合わせられないと感じた。

Beth mourned as for a departed kitten, and Meg refused to defend her pet.

mourn (悲しむ) [動] feel or show deep sorrow or regret

depart (死ぬ) [動] leave or go away from a place

refuse (拒む) [動] indicate or show that one is not willing to do something

ベスは死んだ子猫のように悲しみ、メグはペットをかばうことを拒んだ。

Mrs. March looked grave and grieved, and Amy felt that no one would love her till she had asked pardon for the act which she now regretted more than any of them.

grieve (悲しむ) [動] feel intense sorrow

ask (請う) [動] make a request for

pardon (許し) [名] the action of forgiving or being forgiven

act (行為) [名] something that is done

regret (後悔する) [動] feel sad, repentant, or disappointed over (something that has happened or been done)

マーチ夫人は深刻で悲しそうな顔をしており、エイミーは今や誰よりも後悔している行為を許しを請うまでは誰も自分を愛してくれないと感じていた。

When the tea bell rang, Jo appeared, looking so grim and unapproachable that it took all Amy’s courage to say meekly...

unapproachable (近寄りがたい) [形] not friendly or forthcoming; not easy to talk to

take courage (勇気を振り絞る) [動] to summon up one's courage

お茶のベルが鳴ると、ジョーが現れたが、とても険悪で近寄りがたい様子だったので、エイミーは勇気を振り絞って、おとなしく言った。

“Please forgive me, Jo.

「許して、ジョー。

I’m very, very sorry.”

本当にごめんなさい」

“I never shall forgive you,” was Jo’s stern answer, and from that moment she ignored Amy entirely.

ignore (無視する) [動] refuse to take notice of or acknowledge; disregard intentionally

「絶対に許さない」というのがジョーの厳しい答えで、その瞬間からエイミーを完全に無視した。

No one spoke of the great trouble, not even Mrs. March, for all had learned by experience that when Jo was in that mood words were wasted, and the wisest course was to wait till some little accident, or her own generous nature, softened Jo’s resentment and healed the breach.

speak of (話す) [動] talk about

not even (でさえも) [副] not including; not so much as

had learned (学んでいた) [動] gain knowledge or skills

by experience (経験から) [名] knowledge or skill gained through practice

when (とき) [接] at the time that

was in (にいる) [動] be in a place

that (こんな) [形] the one mentioned

words (言葉) [名] a unit of language

were wasted (むだである) [動] be used or expended carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose

and (そして) [接] used to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences, and to show that two things are happening at the same time

the wisest (賢明な) [形] having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment

course (道) [名] a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end

was to wait (待つことである) [動] remain inactive in expectation of something

accident (偶然) [名] an unfortunate event that happens unexpectedly and usually results in harm or damage

or (または) [接] used to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences, and to show that two things are happening at the same time

her (彼女の) [代] the female person or animal previously mentioned

generous (寛大な) [形] willing to give money, time, help, etc., especially more than is usual or expected

softened (和らげる) [動] make or become less hard, harsh, or severe

Jo's (ジョーの) [名] the second eldest March sister

healed (仲直りする) [動] make or become sound or healthy again

the breach (亀裂) [名] an opening, gap, or break

誰もこの大きな問題について話さず、マーチ夫人でさえも口を閉ざしていた。ジョーがこんな気分のときには言葉はむだで、何かの偶然か、ジョーの寛大な性格がジョーの恨みを和らげて仲直りしてくれるまで待つのが賢明だということを、みんなが経験から学んでいたからだ。

It was not a happy evening, for though they sewed as usual, while their mother read aloud from Bremer, Scott, or Edgeworth, something was wanting, and the sweet home peace was disturbed.

sew (裁縫をする) [動] make or repair clothes by stitching

read aloud (音読する) [動] read out loud

Bremer (ブレーマー) [名] a city in Germany

Scott (スコット) [名] a surname of English and Scottish origin

Edgeworth (エッジワース) [名] a surname of English origin

disturb (乱れる) [動] interfere with the normal arrangement or functioning of

母がブレーマー、スコット、エッジワースの本を音読する間、いつものように裁縫をしていたが、何かが足りず、家庭の平和が乱れていたので、楽しい夜ではなかった。

They felt this most when singing time came, for Beth could only play, Jo stood dumb as a stone, and Amy broke down, so Meg and Mother sang alone.

singing time (歌の時間) [名] a time when people sing

dumb (黙り込む) [形] unable to speak

break down (泣き出す) [動] start crying

alone (だけで) [副] without anyone else

歌の時間になると、ベスは演奏するだけで、ジョーは石のように黙り込み、エイミーは泣き出してしまったので、メグと母親だけで歌うことになり、そのことを一番感じた。

But in spite of their efforts to be as cheery as larks, the flutelike voices did not seem to chord as well as usual, and all felt out of tune.

flutelike (フルートのような) [形] resembling a flute

chord (和音) [名] a group of three or more notes sounded together, as a basis of harmony

out of tune (調子が狂っている) [形] not in tune

しかし、ひばりのように陽気でいようと努力したにもかかわらず、フルートのような声はいつものように和音にならず、みんな調子が狂っているように感じた。

As Jo received her good-night kiss, Mrs. March whispered gently, “My dear, don’t let the sun go down upon your anger.

good-night kiss (おやすみのキス) [名] a kiss given to someone before going to bed

let (ないように) [動] not prevent or forbid

sun (日) [名] the star that the Earth revolves around

go down (暮れる) [動] set

ジョーがおやすみのキスを受けているとき、マーチ夫人は優しくささやいた。「あなた、怒ったまま日が暮れないようにね。

Forgive each other, help each other, and begin again tomorrow.”

each other (お互いに) [代] used to indicate that each of two or more people does the same thing to or for the other or others

お互いに許し合い、助け合って、明日からまた始めなさい。」

Jo wanted to lay her head down on that motherly bosom, and cry her grief and anger all away, but tears were an unmanly weakness, and she felt so deeply injured that she really couldn’t quite forgive yet.

lay down (預ける) [動] put something down

unmanly (男らしくない) [形] lacking qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men

weakness (弱さ) [名] the quality or state of being weak

injured (傷つく) [動] be physically or mentally harmed

quite (完全に) [副] to the fullest extent

ジョーは母親の胸に頭を預けて、悲しみと怒りをすべて泣き叫びたかったが、涙は男らしくない弱さであり、彼女は深く傷ついたと感じていたので、まだ完全に許すことができなかった。

So she winked hard, shook her head, and said gruffly because Amy was listening, “It was an abominable thing, and she doesn’t deserve to be forgiven.”

gruffly (ぶっきらぼうに) [副] in a rough or unfriendly way

abominable (ひどい) [形] causing moral revulsion

だから彼女は強くウィンクし、頭を振り、エイミーが聞いていたのでぶっきらぼうに言った、「それはひどいことだったし、彼女は許されるに値しない。」

With that she marched off to bed, and there was no merry or confidential gossip that night.

march off (行進する) [動] walk quickly and with a purpose

that night (その夜) [名] the night of the day being discussed

そう言って彼女はベッドに向かって行進し、その夜は陽気な内緒話はなかった。

Amy was much offended that her overtures of peace had been repulsed, and began to wish she had not humbled herself, to feel more injured than ever, and to plume herself on her superior virtue in a way which was particularly exasperating.

overture (申し出) [名] an introduction to something more substantial

repulse (拒絶する) [動] drive back by force

humble (卑下する) [動] cause a severe loss in the dignity of

injure (傷つける) [動] inflict physical or mental harm on

plume (誇示する) [動] feel or show great pride in oneself

エイミーは和解の申し出を拒絶されたことにとても腹を立て、自分を卑下しなかったことを後悔し始め、これまで以上に傷ついたと感じ、特に腹立たしい方法で自分の優れた美徳を誇示した。

Jo still looked like a thunder cloud, and nothing went well all day.

thunder cloud (雷雲) [名] a cloud that produces thunder and lightning

ジョーは相変わらず雷雲のような顔をしていて、一日中何もうまくいかなかった。

It was bitter cold in the morning, she dropped her precious turnover in the gutter, Aunt March had an attack of the fidgets, Meg was sensitive, Beth would look grieved and wistful when she got home, and Amy kept making remarks about people who were always talking about being good and yet wouldn’t even try when other people set them a virtuous example.

bitter cold (ひどく寒い) [形] very cold

precious (大事な) [形] of high worth or value

gutter (溝) [名] a channel at the side of a road or street for carrying away rainwater

fidget (そわそわする) [動] move or cause to move restlessly or nervously

sensitive (神経質な) [形] easily upset or offended

grieved (悲しそうに) [形] feeling or showing grief

keep (言い続ける) [動] continue to do something

remark (言う) [名] a comment or observation

virtuous (善い) [形] having or showing high moral standards

朝はひどく寒く、彼女は大事なパイを溝に落としてしまったし、マーチおばさんはそわそわし、メグは神経質で、ベスは家に帰ると悲しそうに物欲しそうにしていたし、エイミーはいつも善いことを言っているくせに、他の人が善い手本を示しても努力しようとしない人について言い続けていた。

“Everybody is so hateful, I’ll ask Laurie to go skating.

hateful (嫌な) [形] deserving of hatred

go skating (スケートに行く) [動] go to a place to skate

「みんな嫌な人ばかりだから、ローリーにスケートに誘ってみよう。

He is always kind and jolly, and will put me to rights, I know,” said Jo to herself, and off she went.

put to rights (正す) [動] to correct or make right

彼はいつも優しくて陽気で、私を正してくれるよ」とジョーは独り言を言って出かけた。

Amy heard the clash of skates, and looked out with an impatient exclamation.

clash (音) [名] a loud, harsh noise

impatient (イライラした) [形] lacking patience or tolerance

エイミーはスケートの音を聞いて、イライラした声で外を見た。

“There! She promised I should go next time, for this is the last ice we shall have.

next time (次回) [名] the next occasion

「あそこに! 彼女は次回は私が行ってもいいと約束してくれたよ、だってこれが最後の氷だもの。

But it’s no use to ask such a crosspatch to take me.”

no use (無駄) [名] a situation or action that is not helpful or effective

crosspatch (不機嫌な人) [名] a bad-tempered person

でも、あんな不機嫌な人に連れて行ってくれなんて頼んでも無駄よ」

“Don’t say that. You were very naughty, and it is hard to forgive the loss of her precious little book, but I think she might do it now, and I guess she will, if you try her at the right minute,” said Meg.

right (適切な) [形] correct or proper

「そんなこと言わないで。あなたはとてもいたずらっ子だったし、彼女の大切な小さな本をなくしたことを許すのは難しいけど、今なら許してくれるかもしれないし、あなたが適切なタイミングで頼めば許してくれると思うよ」とメグは言った。

“Go after them. Don’t say anything till Jo has got good-natured with Laurie, than take a quiet minute and just kiss her, or do some kind thing, and I’m sure she’ll be friends again with all her heart.”

go after (追いかける) [動] follow in order to catch or overtake

get good-natured (仲直りする) [動] become friendly or kind

take a quiet minute (静かな時間に) [名] a time when there is little or no noise

do some kind thing (何か優しいことをする) [名] an act of kindness

be friends (友達になる) [動] be on good terms with

again (また) [副] once more; anew

with all one's heart (心から) [副] sincerely; earnestly

「追いかけて。ジョーがローリーと仲直りするまでは何も言わないで、それから静かな時間に彼女にキスしたり、何か優しいことをしてあげれば、彼女は心からまた友達になってくれると思うよ」

“I’ll try,” said Amy, for the advice suited her, and after a flurry to get ready, she ran after the friends, who were just disappearing over the hill.

flurry (慌てる) [名] a sudden short period of commotion or excitement

run after (追いかける) [動] chase after

「やってみる」とエイミーは言った。そのアドバイスは彼女にぴったりだったからだ。そして、準備に慌てた後、彼女は丘の向こうに消えていく友人たちの後を追いかけた。

It was not far to the river, but both were ready before Amy reached them.

far (遠い) [形] a long way off

川までは遠くなかったが、エイミーが到着する前に二人とも準備ができていた。

Jo saw her coming, and turned her back.

ジョーは彼女が来るのを見ると、背を向けた。

Laurie did not see, for he was carefully skating along the shore, sounding the ice, for a warm spell had preceded the cold snap.

skate (スケートをする) [動] move on skates

shore (岸) [名] the land along the edge of a large body of water

sound (音を立てる) [動] make a noise

warm spell (暖かい日) [名] a period of unusually warm weather

cold snap (寒波) [名] a sudden period of cold weather

ローリーは気づかなかった。彼は岸に沿って慎重にスケートをし、氷の音を立てていた。寒波の前に暖かい日が続いていたからだ。

“I’ll go on to the first bend, and see if it’s all right before we begin to race,” Amy heard him say, as he shot away, looking like a young Russian in his fur-trimmed coat and cap.

go on (行く) [動] move forward or onward

bend (曲がり角) [名] a curve in a road

see (確かめる) [動] find out or check

race (レース) [名] a competition between vehicles

shoot away (飛び去る) [動] move or travel very quickly

Russian (ロシア人) [名] a person from Russia

fur-trimmed (毛皮で縁取られた) [形] having a border of fur

「最初の曲がり角まで行って、レースを始める前に大丈夫かどうか確かめてみるよ」と彼が言うのをエイミーは聞いた。彼は毛皮で縁取られたコートと帽子をかぶった若いロシア人のように見え、飛び去っていった。

Jo heard Amy panting after her run, stamping her feet and blowing on her fingers as she tried to put her skates on, but Jo never turned and went slowly zigzagging down the river, taking a bitter, unhappy sort of satisfaction in her sister’s troubles.

pant (息を切らす) [動] breathe with short, quick gasps

blow (吹く) [動] move or cause to move by the force of wind or air

slowly (ゆっくり) [副] not quickly

zigzag (ジグザグ) [名] a line or course having abrupt alternate right and left turns

river (川) [名] a large natural stream of water

ジョーはエイミーが走った後で息を切らし、足を踏み鳴らし、スケート靴を履こうとしながら指を吹いているのを聞いたが、ジョーは振り返らず、川をゆっくりとジグザグに下り、妹の困難に苦く不幸な満足感を覚えた。

She had cherished her anger till it grew strong and took possession of her, as evil thoughts and feelings always do unless cast out at once.

grow strong (強くなる) [動] become strong

take possession of (支配する) [動] to take control of

evil (悪い) [形] morally wrong or bad

cast out (捨て去る) [動] to throw away or get rid of

彼女は怒りを抱き続け、それが強くなって彼女を支配するようになった。悪い考えや感情は、すぐに捨て去らない限り、いつもそうなってしまうものだ。

As Laurie turned the bend, he shouted back...

turn the bend (曲がり角を曲がる) [動] change direction

shout back (叫び返す) [動] shout in reply

ローリーが曲がり角を曲がると、彼は叫び返した。

“Keep near the shore.

「岸の近くにいて。

It isn’t safe in the middle.”

真ん中は安全じゃない」

Jo heard, but Amy was struggling to her feet and did not catch a word.

struggle (必死である) [動] make forceful or violent efforts to get free of restraint or constriction

catch (聞き取る) [動] perceive by ear

ジョーは聞いたが、エイミーは立ち上がるのに必死で、一言も聞き取れなかった。

Jo glanced over her shoulder, and the little demon she was harboring said in her ear...

demon (悪魔) [名] an evil spirit or devil

harbor (抱く) [動] give a home or shelter to

ジョーは肩越しにちらっと見たが、彼女が抱いていた小さな悪魔が彼女の耳に言った。

“No matter whether she heard or not, let her take care of herself.”

take care of (面倒を見る) [動] be responsible for

「彼女が聞いたかどうかにかかわらず、彼女に自分の面倒を見させなさい」

Laurie had vanished round the bend, Jo was just at the turn, and Amy, far behind, striking out toward the smoother ice in the middle of the river.

turn (曲がり角) [名] a change of direction

far behind (はるか後ろ) [副] a long way behind

strike out (突き進む) [動] move forward quickly and purposefully

ローリーは曲がり角を曲がって姿を消し、ジョーはちょうど曲がり角にいて、エイミーははるか後ろにいて、川の真ん中にある滑らかな氷に向かって突き進んでいた。

For a minute Jo stood still with a strange feeling in her heart, then she resolved to go on, but something held and turned her round, just in time to see Amy throw up her hands and go down, with a sudden crash of rotten ice, the splash of water, and a cry that made Jo’s heart stand still with fear.

stand still (立ち止まる) [動] stop moving

strange feeling (奇妙な感覚) [名] a feeling that is not normal or usual

hold (抱きかかえる) [動] have or keep in one's arms

just in time (ちょうど) [副] at the last possible moment

throw up (上げる) [動] raise

crash (砕ける) [動] break or cause to break noisily

splash (水しぶき) [名] a small amount of liquid that is thrown or spilt

cry (叫び声) [名] a loud, high-pitched sound that a person or animal makes when they are in pain, angry, or very unhappy

ジョーは一瞬、心の中に奇妙な感覚を抱いて立ち止まり、それから先に進もうと決心したが、何かが彼女を抱きかかえて振り返らせ、ちょうどエイミーが両手を上げて倒れ、腐った氷が突然砕け、水しぶきが上がり、ジョーの心臓が恐怖で止まってしまうような叫び声を上げた。

She tried to call Laurie, but her voice was gone.

call (電話する) [動] make a telephone call

彼女はローリーに電話しようとしたが、声が出なかった。

She tried to rush forward, but her feet seemed to have no strength in them, and for a second, she could only stand motionless, staring with a terror-stricken face at the little blue hood above the black water.

rush forward (急いで前に出る) [動] move quickly in a specified direction

strength (力) [名] the quality or state of being physically strong

terror-stricken (恐怖に襲われた) [形] affected by terror

water (水) [名] the liquid that descends from the clouds as rain, forms streams, lakes, and seas, and is the major constituent of all living matter and that when pure is an odorless, tasteless, very slightly compress...

彼女は急いで前に出ようとしたが、足に力が入らないように思われ、一瞬、恐怖に襲われた顔で黒い水の上の青い小さなフードを見つめながら、じっと立っていることしかできなかった。

Something rushed swiftly by her, and Laurie’s voice cried out...

rush (駆け抜ける) [動] move with urgent haste

swiftly (素早く) [副] very fast

cry out (叫ぶ) [動] say something loudly, as in pain, surprise, or anger

何かが彼女のそばを素早く駆け抜け、ローリーの声が叫んだ。

“Bring a rail. Quick, quick!”

rail (手すり) [名] a bar of wood or metal fixed to a wall or floor to provide support or protection

「手すりを持って来い。早く、早く!」

How she did it, she never knew, but for the next few minutes she worked as if possessed, blindly obeying Laurie, who was quite self-possessed, and lying flat, held Amy up by his arm and hockey stick till Jo dragged a rail from the fence, and together they got the child out, more frightened than hurt.

blindly (盲目的に) [副] without being able to see

self-possessed (落ち着いた) [形] having or showing control of one's feelings, behavior, or thoughts

up (上) [副] to or in a higher position or level

hockey stick (ホッケーのスティック) [名] a long, curved stick with a flat blade at one end used for hitting a ball or puck in hockey

fence (フェンス) [名] a barrier of wood or wire enclosing an area of ground to control access or escape

get (連れ出す) [動] go or come to a place

more (より) [副] to a greater extent

than (より) [接] used to introduce the second element in a comparison

彼女がどうやってそれをしたのか、彼女は知らなかったが、次の数分間、彼女は取り憑かれたように働き、かなり落ち着いていて、平らに横たわり、ジョーがフェンスから手すりを引きずるまで、彼の腕とホッケーのスティックによってエイミーを支え、一緒に子供を連れ出したローリーに盲目的に従った。

“Now then, we must walk her home as fast as we can.

「さて、できるだけ早く彼女を家まで歩かせなければならない。

Pile our things on her, while I get off these confounded skates,” cried Laurie, wrapping his coat round Amy, and tugging away at the straps which never seemed so intricate before.

pile (重ねる) [動] put one on top of another

confounded (厄介な) [形] extremely annoying

skate (スケート靴) [名] a boot with a blade attached to the sole for skating

wrap (巻き付ける) [動] wind or fold around something

tug (引っ張る) [動] pull hard or suddenly

strap (ストラップ) [名] a strip of leather or other flexible material used to fasten something

intricate (複雑な) [形] very complicated or detailed

私がこの厄介なスケート靴を脱ぐ間、彼女に私たちのものを重ねて」とローリーは叫び、彼のコートをエイミーに巻き付け、これまでそれほど複雑に見えなかったストラップを引っ張った。

Shivering, dripping, and crying, they got Amy home, and after an exciting time of it, she fell asleep, rolled in blankets before a hot fire.

shiver (震える) [動] tremble or shake

drip (たらす) [動] let fall in drops

get (連れて帰る) [動] cause to come or go

fall asleep (眠りつく) [動] go to sleep

roll (くるまる) [動] move or cause to move in a circular direction

震え、水滴をたらし、泣きながら、彼らはエイミーを家に連れて帰り、興奮した時間の後、彼女は熱い火の前で毛布にくるまって眠りについた。

During the bustle Jo had scarcely spoken but flown about, looking pale and wild, with her things half off, her dress torn, and her hands cut and bruised by ice and rails and refractory buckles.

bustle (混乱) [名] a state of hurried and confused activity

scarcely (ほとんど~ない) [副] only just; barely

spoken (口をきく) [動] say something

flown (飛び回る) [動] move quickly and lightly

torn (破れる) [動] pull or rip apart

cut (切れる) [動] make an opening, incision, or wound in

bruised (傷つく) [動] injure without breaking the skin

refractory (頑固な) [形] hard to control or deal with

buckle (バックル) [名] a device with a clasp for fastening two parts of a belt, strap, or garment

混乱の中、ジョーはほとんど口をきかず、飛び回り、青ざめて狂ったように見え、服は半分脱げ、ドレスは破れ、手は氷や手すり、頑固なバックルで切れたり、傷ついたりしていた。

When Amy was comfortably asleep, the house quiet, and Mrs. March sitting by the bed, she called Jo to her and began to bind up the hurt hands.

comfortably (気持ちよく) [副] in a comfortable manner

asleep (眠る) [動] be in or fall into a state of sleep

bind (巻く) [動] tie or fasten together

エイミーが気持ちよく眠り、家が静かになり、マーチ夫人がベッドのそばに座ると、彼女はジョーを呼び、傷ついた手を包帯で巻き始めた。

“Are you sure she is safe?” whispered Jo, looking remorsefully at the golden head, which might have been swept away from her sight forever under the treacherous ice.

safe (無事) [形] not likely to cause or be affected by injury, danger, or loss

remorsefully (後悔しながら) [副] with a feeling of sadness and being sorry for something you have done

have been swept away (流されてしまったかもしれない) [動] have been carried away by a strong force

under (下で) [前] below or beneath something

treacherous (危険な) [形] not able to be trusted; dangerous

「彼女は本当に無事なの?」ジョーは、危険な氷の下で永遠に彼女の視界から流されてしまったかもしれない金色の頭を後悔しながら見つめながらささやいた。

“Quite safe, dear.

「全く無事よ、あなた。

She is not hurt, and won’t even take cold, I think, you were so sensible in covering and getting her home quickly,” replied her mother cheerfully.

take cold (風邪をひく) [動] catch a cold

彼女は怪我もしていないし、風邪もひかないだろうと思うよ、あなたは彼女を覆ってすぐに家に連れて帰ってとても賢かったよ」と母親は元気よく答えた。

“Laurie did it all.

「ローリーが全部やったのよ。

I only let her go.

let go (行かせる) [動] allow to leave

私は彼女を行かせただけよ。

Mother, if she should die, it would be my fault.”

fault (せい) [名] responsibility for a bad situation or event

ママ、もし彼女が死んだら、私のせいだよ。」

And Jo dropped down beside the bed in a passion of penitent tears, telling all that had happened, bitterly condemning her hardness of heart, and sobbing out her gratitude for being spared the heavy punishment which might have come upon her.

drop down (落ちる) [動] fall to a lower position

penitent (悔恨の) [形] feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done something wrong

bitterly (激しく) [副] in a way that shows strong feelings of anger, sadness, or disappointment

condemn (非難する) [動] express complete disapproval of; censure strongly

hardness (冷たさ) [名] the quality or state of being hard

spare (免れる) [動] refrain from harming or destroying

そしてジョーはベッドの横に落ちて、悔恨の涙を流し、起こったことをすべて話し、自分の心の冷たさを激しく非難し、彼女に降りかかったかもしれない重い罰を免れたことへの感謝をすすり泣いた。

“It’s my dreadful temper!

「私のひどい気性なの!

I try to cure it, I think I have, and then it breaks out worse than ever.

cure (治す) [動] relieve (a person or animal) of the symptoms of a disease or condition

break out (爆発する) [動] erupt or become widespread

私はそれを治そうとするし、治ったと思うんだけど、それからこれまで以上にひどく爆発するのよ。

Oh, Mother, what shall I do?

ああ、ママ、どうしたらいいの?

What shall I do?” cried poor Jo, in despair.

what shall I do (私はどうしたらいいの) [名] a question asking for advice or help

in despair (絶望して) [副] without hope

私はどうしたらいいの?」とかわいそうなジョーは絶望して叫んだ。

“Watch and pray, dear, never get tired of trying, and never think it is impossible to conquer your fault,” said Mrs. March, drawing the blowzy head to her shoulder and kissing the wet cheek so tenderly that Jo cried even harder.

watch (気をつける) [動] be careful or cautious

pray (祈る) [動] address a prayer to God or another deity

trying (努力) [名] an attempt to do something

fault (欠点) [名] a weakness or imperfection in someone or something

「気をつけて祈りなさい、愛しい子よ、努力に飽きることなく、自分の欠点を克服することが不可能だなんて決して思ってはいけない」とマーチ夫人は言い、ジョーの乱れた頭を自分の肩に引き寄せ、濡れた頬に優しくキスをしたので、ジョーはさらに激しく泣いた。

“You don’t know, you can’t guess how bad it is!

can't guess (想像できない) [動] be unable to form an opinion or make a prediction about something

「あなたは知らない、どれほどひどいか想像できないよ!

It seems as if I could do anything when I’m in a passion.

could (できる) [助] be able to

anything (何でも) [代] any thing; something

in a passion (激情に駆られる) [名] a strong feeling of anger

私が激情に駆られたら何でもできるみたい。

I get so savage, I could hurt anyone and enjoy it.

savage (残酷) [形] fierce, ferocious, or cruel; untamed

私はとても残酷になって、誰かを傷つけてもそれを楽しんでしまう。

I’m afraid I shall do something dreadful some day, and spoil my life, and make everybody hate me.

do something (何かをする) [動] perform an action

いつか恐ろしいことをして、人生を台無しにして、みんなに嫌われるのではないかと心配だ。

Oh, Mother, help me, do help me!”

ああ、ママ、助けて、助けて!」

“I will, my child, I will.

will (そうするよ) [助] expressing intention, determination, or willingness

「そうするよ、私の子、そうするよ。

Don’t cry so bitterly, but remember this day, and resolve with all your soul that you will never know another like it.

そんなに激しく泣かないで、でもこの日を覚えておいて、二度とこんなことがないように心から決意しなさい。

Jo, dear, we all have our temptations, some far greater than yours, and it often takes us all our lives to conquer them.

far greater (ずっと大きい) [形] much bigger

ジョー、私たちはみんな誘惑に駆られるものなのよ、あなたのよりもずっと大きな誘惑にね、そしてそれを克服するのに人生のすべてを費やすこともよくあるのよ。

You think your temper is the worst in the world, but mine used to be just like it.”

temper (短気) [名] a tendency to be easily annoyed or angered

the worst (一番ひどい) [形] of the poorest quality or the lowest standard; least good or desirable

the world (世界) [名] the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

あなたは自分の短気が世界で一番ひどいと思っているけど、私のも昔はそうだったよ。」

“Yours, Mother? Why, you are never angry!”

yours (あなたの) [代] belonging to or connected with the person or thing mentioned

「ママが? だって、ママは怒ったことないじゃない!」

And for the moment Jo forgot remorse in surprise.

for the moment (一瞬) [副] for a short period of time

そして、ジョーは一瞬驚いて後悔を忘れた。

“I’ve been trying to cure it for forty years, and have only succeeded in controlling it.

forty years (40年間) [名] a period of 40 years

「私は40年間それを治そうと努力してきたけど、それを抑えることに成功しただけよ。

I am angry nearly every day of my life, Jo, but I have learned not to show it, and I still hope to learn not to feel it, though it may take me another forty years to do so.”

angry (怒っている) [形] feeling or showing anger

show (表に出す) [動] to make visible

forty years (40年) [名] a period of time equal to 40 years

私は人生のほとんど毎日怒っているよ、ジョー、でも私はそれを表に出さないように学んだの、そして私はまだそれを感じないように学びたいと思っているのよ、そうするのにあと40年かかるかもしれないけど。」

The patience and the humility of the face she loved so well was a better lesson to Jo than the wisest lecture, the sharpest reproof.

humility (謙虚さ) [名] the quality of being humble; modesty

lecture (講義) [名] a talk or speech given to an audience, especially for the purpose of instruction

reproof (叱責) [名] an expression of disapproval

彼女がとても愛している顔の忍耐と謙虚さは、ジョーにとって最も賢い講義や最も厳しい叱責よりも良い教訓だった。

She felt comforted at once by the sympathy and confidence given her.

feel comforted (慰められる) [動] be consoled

sympathy (同情) [名] the feeling that you care about and are sorry for someone

confidence (信頼) [名] the feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something

彼女はすぐに同情と信頼によって慰められた。

The knowledge that her mother had a fault like hers, and tried to mend it, made her own easier to bear and strengthened her resolution to cure it, though forty years seemed rather a long time to watch and pray to a girl of fifteen.

knowledge (知識) [名] information, understanding, and skills that you gain through education or experience

mend (直す) [動] repair or restore something that is damaged, faulty, or worn

strengthen (強める) [動] make or become stronger

母親が自分と同じ欠点を持っていて、それを直そうとしていることを知って、彼女は自分の欠点を我慢しやすくなり、それを治す決意を強めたが、15歳の少女にとって40年というのは、見守って祈るには長い時間に思えた。

“Mother, are you angry when you fold your lips tight together and go out of the room sometimes, when Aunt March scolds or people worry you?” asked Jo, feeling nearer and dearer to her mother than ever before.

tight (ぎゅっと) [副] firmly or closely

go out (出て行く) [動] leave a place

sometimes (ときどき) [副] occasionally; on some occasions

nearer (より近く) [形] a shorter distance away

dearer (より愛おしい) [形] more beloved or cherished

「ママ、マーチおばさんが叱ったり、人があなたを心配させたりしたときに、唇をぎゅっと閉じて部屋から出て行くとき、あなたは怒っているの?」とジョーは尋ね、これまで以上に母親を身近に感じ、愛おしく感じた。

“Yes, I’ve learned to check the hasty words that rise to my lips, and when I feel that they mean to break out against my will, I just go away for a minute, and give myself a little shake for being so weak and wicked,” answered Mrs. March with a sigh and a smile, as she smoothed and fastened up Jo’s disheveled hair.

check (抑える) [動] restrain or hold back

break out (飛び出す) [動] escape from a place

go away (離れる) [動] move or travel away from a place

fasten (結い上げる) [動] make or become fixed or secure

「そうね、私は口から出そうになる早口の言葉を抑えることを学んだのよ、そして、自分の意志に反して言葉が飛び出しそうになったら、ちょっと離れて、自分が弱くて意地悪だから、ちょっと自分を揺さぶるの」とマーチ夫人は答え、ため息をつきながら微笑み、ジョーの乱れた髪を撫でて結い上げた。

“How did you learn to keep still?

「どうやってじっとしていることを学んだの?

That is what troubles me, for the sharp words fly out before I know what I’m about, and the more I say the worse I get, till it’s a pleasure to hurt people’s feelings and say dreadful things.

the worse (ひどくなる) [形] of poorer quality or lower standard

それが私の悩みの種なの、というのも、私が何をしようとしているのかわからないうちに鋭い言葉が飛び出してきて、言えば言うほどひどくなって、人の気持ちを傷つけたり、ひどいことを言うのが楽しくなってしまうの。

Tell me how you do it, Marmee dear.”

ママ、どうやってそれをするのか教えて」

“My good mother used to help me...”

「私の良い母は私を助けてくれたものだった・・・」

“As you do us...” interrupted Jo, with a grateful kiss.

interrupt (割って入る) [動] break the continuity of

grateful (感謝の) [形] thankful; appreciative

「ママが私たちにしてくれるように・・・」とジョーは感謝のキスをしながら割って入った。

“But I lost her when I was a little older than you are, and for years had to struggle on alone, for I was too proud to confess my weakness to anyone else.

a little older (少し年上) [形] somewhat older

for years (何年も) [副] for a long time

too proud (プライドが高かった) [形] having a high opinion of oneself

「でも、私があなたより少し年上だった時に母を亡くし、何年も一人で奮闘しなければならなかった、というのも、私は自分の弱さを誰にも打ち明けることができないほどプライドが高かったから。

I had a hard time, Jo, and shed a good many bitter tears over my failures, for in spite of my efforts I never seemed to get on.

have a hard time (苦労する) [動] experience difficulties

shed (流す) [動] cause to flow

failure (失敗) [名] lack of success

ジョー、私は苦労したし、自分の失敗に多くの苦い涙を流した、というのも、努力したにもかかわらず、私は決してうまくいかなかったように思えたから。

Then your father came, and I was so happy that I found it easy to be good.

それからあなたのお父さんがやってきて、私はとても幸せだったので、善良であることが簡単だとわかった。

But by-and-by, when I had four little daughters round me and we were poor, then the old trouble began again, for I am not patient by nature, and it tried me very much to see my children wanting anything.”

round (周り) [前] on every side of

でも、やがて私の周りに4人の娘がいて、私たちが貧乏になった時、昔の悩みが再び始まった、というのも、私は生まれつき忍耐強い方ではないし、子供たちが何かを欲しがっているのを見るのは私にとってとても辛かったから。」

“Poor Mother! What helped you then?”

「かわいそうなママ! その時何が助けになったの?」

“Your father, Jo. He never loses patience, never doubts or complains, but always hopes, and works and waits so cheerfully that one is ashamed to do otherwise before him.

doubt (疑う) [動] be uncertain about

「あなたのお父さんよ、ジョー。彼は決して忍耐を失わず、疑ったり不平を言ったりせず、いつも希望を持ち、とても明るく働き、待つので、彼の前でそうしないのは恥ずかしいことだ。

He helped and comforted me, and showed me that I must try to practice all the virtues I would have my little girls possess, for I was their example.

practice (実践する) [動] regularly or frequently do something

彼は私を助け、慰め、私が娘たちに身につけさせたいと思うすべての美徳を実践しなければならないことを示してくれた、なぜなら私は彼女たちの手本だったから。

It was easier to try for your sakes than for my own.

for one's sake (のために) [名] for the purpose of; for the sake of

for one's own (自分のために) [名] for the purpose of; for the sake of

自分のために努力するよりも、あなたたちのために努力する方が簡単だった。

A startled or surprised look from one of you when I spoke sharply rebuked me more than any words could have done, and the love, respect, and confidence of my children was the sweetest reward I could receive for my efforts to be the woman I would have them copy.”

rebuke (叱責する) [動] express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone)

私がきつい口調で話すと、あなたたちの誰かが驚いたりびっくりした顔をするのが、どんな言葉よりも私を叱責し、子供たちの愛、尊敬、信頼は、私が子供たちに見習ってほしいと思う女性になるための努力に対して受けられる最も甘い報酬だった。」

“Oh, Mother, if I’m ever half as good as you, I shall be satisfied,” cried Jo, much touched.

「ああ、ママ、私があなたのような人の半分でも良い人になれたら、満足するよ」とジョーは感動して叫んだ。

“I hope you will be a great deal better, dear, but you must keep watch over your ‘bosom enemy’, as father calls it, or it may sadden, if not spoil your life.

better (良い) [形] of a higher standard or quality

keep watch over (監視し続ける) [動] to guard or protect

bosom enemy (胸の中の敵) [名] a person who is very close to you but who you do not like or trust

「あなたはもっとずっと良い人になると思うよ、でも、パパが言うように、あなたは自分の「胸の中の敵」を監視し続けなければならないよ、さもないと、あなたの人生を台無しにしないまでも、悲しませることになるかもしれないよ。

You have had a warning.

warning (警告) [名] a statement or event that indicates a possible danger, problem, or other unpleasant situation

あなたは警告を受けたのよ。

Remember it, and try with heart and soul to master this quick temper, before it brings you greater sorrow and regret than you have known today.”

heart and soul (心と魂) [名] all of one's being

master (克服する) [動] gain complete knowledge or skill in

それを覚えておいて、この短気な性格が今日知ったよりも大きな悲しみと後悔をもたらす前に、心と魂を込めてこの短気な性格を克服するように努力しなさい。」

“I will try, Mother, I truly will.

「努力するよ、ママ、本当に努力するよ。

But you must help me, remind me, and keep me from flying out.

keep (~しないようにする) [動] not let someone do something

でも、ママは私を助けて、思い出させて、私が飛び出さないようにしてくれなくちゃいけないよ。

I used to see Father sometimes put his finger on his lips, and look at you with a very kind but sober face, and you always folded your lips tight and went away.

パパが時々唇に指を当てて、とても優しいが真面目な顔であなたを見ているのを見かけたけど、あなたはいつも唇をぎゅっと閉じて立ち去っていたよ。

Was he reminding you then?” asked Jo softly.

then (その時) [副] at that time

パパはその時あなたに思い出させていたの?」とジョーはそっと尋ねた。

“Yes. I asked him to help me so, and he never forgot it, but saved me from many a sharp word by that little gesture and kind look.”

「そうよ。私は彼にそうやって助けてくれるように頼んだの、そうしたら彼は決してそれを忘れなくて、あの小さな身振りと優しい表情で私をたくさんの辛辣な言葉から救ってくれたのよ。」

Jo saw that her mother’s eyes filled and her lips trembled as she spoke, and fearing that she had said too much, she whispered anxiously, “Was it wrong to watch you and to speak of it?

fill (潤む) [動] become full

ジョーは母親の目が潤み、唇が震えているのを見て、言い過ぎたのではないかと心配になり、心配そうにささやいた。「あなたを見て、そのことを話すのは間違っていたかしら?

I didn’t mean to be rude, but it’s so comfortable to say all I think to you, and feel so safe and happy here.”

comfortable (気持ちがいい) [形] providing ease and relaxation

失礼なつもりはなかったんだけど、あなたに思っていることを全部言うのは気持ちがいいし、ここではとても安心して幸せに感じるの。」

“My Jo, you may say anything to your mother, for it is my greatest happiness and pride to feel that my girls confide in me and know how much I love them.”

my Jo (私のジョー) [名] a term of endearment for Jo

say anything (何でも言う) [動] say whatever you want

greatest happiness (最大の幸せ) [名] the most happiness

confide in (信頼する) [動] trust someone with a secret

「私のジョー、あなたは母親に何でも言っていいのよ、だって私の娘たちが私を信頼し、私がどれだけ娘たちを愛しているかを知っていることを感じることが私の最大の幸せであり誇りなのよ。」

“I thought I’d grieved you.”

grieve (悲しませてしまう) [動] cause to feel grief or sorrow

「あなたを悲しませてしまったと思ったよ。」

“No, dear, but speaking of Father reminded me how much I miss him, how much I owe him, and how faithfully I should watch and work to keep his little daughters safe and good for him.”

how much (どれだけ) [副] to what extent or degree

miss (寂しい) [動] feel the absence of

owe (借りがある) [動] be under obligation to pay or repay in return for something

「いいえ、でもお父さんのことを話していると、どれだけ彼がいなくて寂しいか、どれだけ彼に借りがあるか、そして彼の娘たちを安全に、彼のために良い子に保つためにどれだけ忠実に見守り、働かなければならないかを思い出したの。」

“Yet you told him to go, Mother, and didn’t cry when he went, and never complain now, or seem as if you needed any help,” said Jo, wondering.

「でも、ママはパパに行くように言ったし、パパが行ったとき泣かなかったし、今も文句を言ったり、助けが必要そうにしていないよ」とジョーは不思議そうに言った。

“I gave my best to the country I love, and kept my tears till he was gone.

give one's best (最善を尽くす) [動] do the best one can

keep (こらえる) [動] continue to have or do something

「私は愛する国に最善を尽くし、彼が去るまで涙をこらえたのよ。

Why should I complain, when we both have merely done our duty and will surely be the happier for it in the end?

surely (きっと) [副] certainly; definitely

happier (より幸せ) [形] more happy

私たち二人ともただ義務を果たしただけで、最終的にはきっと幸せになるのに、なぜ私が文句を言う必要があるの?

If I don’t seem to need help, it is because I have a better friend, even than Father, to comfort and sustain me.

seem (見える) [動] give the impression or sensation of being something or having a particular quality

sustain (支える) [動] strengthen or support physically or mentally

私が助けを必要としていないように見えるのは、私には父よりも良い友人がいて、私を慰め、支えてくれるからよ。

My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning and may be many, but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one.

overcome (乗り越える) [動] successfully deal with or gain control over (a problem or difficulty)

outlive (生き抜く) [動] live longer than

Heavenly Father (天の父) [名] God

earthly (地上の) [形] relating to the earth or human life on earth

one (父親) [名] a male parent

私の子供よ、あなたの人生の悩みや誘惑は始まったばかりで、たくさんあるかもしれないけど、あなたが地上の父親の強さと優しさを感じるように、天の父の強さと優しさを感じることを学べば、あなたはそれらすべてを乗り越え、生き抜くことができるのよ。

The more you love and trust Him, the nearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom.

the more (より) [副] to a greater extent

the nearer (より近く) [副] to a greater extent

the less (より少なく) [副] to a smaller extent

depend on (頼る) [動] rely on

human (人間の) [形] of or relating to humankind

wisdom (知恵) [名] the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment

あなたが神を愛し、信頼すればするほど、あなたは神を身近に感じ、人間の力や知恵に頼ることが少なくなるでしょう。

His love and care never tire or change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of lifelong peace, happiness, and strength.

change (変わる) [動] become different

take (奪う) [動] move something from one place to another

lifelong (生涯にわたる) [形] continuing for a person's entire life

神の愛と慈しみは決して疲れたり変わったりせず、あなたから奪われることもなく、生涯にわたる平和、幸福、強さの源となるでしょう。

Believe this heartily, and go to God with all your little cares, and hopes, and sins, and sorrows, as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother.”

go to (委ねる) [動] be given or awarded to

care (悩み) [名] a worry or a cause of worry

freely (自由に) [副] without restriction or limitation

confidingly (信頼して) [副] in a trusting manner

これを心から信じて、あなたの小さな悩みや希望、罪や悲しみをすべて神に委ねなさい。あなたが母親のところに来るように、自由に、そして信頼して。」

Jo’s only answer was to hold her mother close, and in the silence which followed the sincerest prayer she had ever prayed left her heart without words.

only (唯一の) [形] being the only one

hold (抱きしめる) [動] grasp or grip

close (抱きしめる) [動] move so as to reduce a gap

prayer (祈り) [名] a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or an object of worship

ジョーの唯一の答えは母を抱きしめることだった。そして、彼女がこれまでに祈った中で最も誠実な祈りの後に続く沈黙の中で、彼女の心は言葉を失った。

For in that sad yet happy hour, she had learned not only the bitterness of remorse and despair, but the sweetness of self-denial and self-control, and led by her mother’s hand, she had drawn nearer to the Friend who always welcomes every child with a love stronger than that of any father, tenderer than that of any mother.

sad (悲しい) [形] unhappy

bitterness (苦しみ) [名] a sharp and often lasting taste

sweetness (甘さ) [名] the taste of sugar

self-denial (自己否定) [名] the refusal to satisfy one's own needs

draw near (近づく) [動] approach

welcome (歓迎する) [動] greet or receive someone cordially and hospitably

なぜなら、その悲しくも幸せな時間に、彼女は後悔と絶望の苦しみだけでなく、自己否定と自制心の甘さを学び、母親の手によって導かれ、どんな父親よりも強く、どんな母親よりも優しい愛ですべての子供をいつも歓迎してくれる友に近づいたからだ。

Amy stirred and sighed in her sleep, and as if eager to begin at once to mend her fault, Jo looked up with an expression on her face which it had never worn before.

stir (身じろぎする) [動] move slightly

sleep (眠り) [名] the natural state of rest in which consciousness practically disappears

エイミーは眠りの中で身じろぎしてため息をついた。そして、すぐに自分の過ちを直そうとするかのように、ジョーは今までにない表情で顔を上げた。

“I let the sun go down on my anger.

let (ままにする) [動] allow to happen

「私は怒りのままに日が暮れてしまった。

I wouldn’t forgive her, and today, if it hadn’t been for Laurie, it might have been too late!

if it hadn't been for (いなかったら) [条] if it were not for

too late (手遅れ) [形] after the time when something can be done or changed

私は彼女を許さなかったし、今日、ローリーがいなかったら、手遅れだったかもしれない!

How could I be so wicked?” said Jo, half aloud, as she leaned over her sister softly stroking the wet hair scattered on the pillow.

could (だろうか) [助] used to express possibility

be (だった) [動] exist or live

so (こんなに) [副] to such a great extent

aloud (声を出して) [副] audibly; not silently

wet (濡れた) [形] covered or saturated with water or another liquid

どうして私はこんなに意地悪だったんだろう?」とジョーは半分声を出して言い、妹の上に身を乗り出して枕に散らばった濡れた髪をそっと撫でた。

As if she heard, Amy opened her eyes, and held out her arms, with a smile that went straight to Jo’s heart.

go straight to (届く) [動] move directly to a place without changing direction or stopping

それを聞いたかのように、エイミーは目を開け、ジョーの心にまっすぐ届く笑顔で両手を差し出した。

Neither said a word, but they hugged one another close, in spite of the blankets, and everything was forgiven and forgotten in one hearty kiss.

say a word (一言も言わない) [動] not say anything

hug (抱き合う) [動] hold someone closely in one's arms, typically to express affection

どちらも一言も言わなかったが、毛布を挟んで抱き合い、心からのキスですべてが許され、忘れられた。

CHAPTER NINE: MEG GOES TO VANITY FAIR

CHAPTER NINE (第九章) [名] the ninth chapter

VANITY FAIR (虚栄の市) [名] a novel by William Makepeace Thackeray

第九章: メグは虚栄の市へ行く

“I do think it was the most fortunate thing in the world that those children should have the measles just now,” said Meg, one April day, as she stood packing the ‘go abroady’ trunk in her room, surrounded by her sisters.

fortunate (幸運な) [形] having or bringing good luck

measles (はしか) [名] an acute highly contagious viral disease marked by an eruption of red spots on the skin

just now (ちょうど今) [副] a short time ago

April (四月) [名] the fourth month of the year

pack (詰める) [動] put things into a suitcase or other container

trunk (トランク) [名] a large box with a hinged lid for storing or transporting clothes and other articles

「あの子たちがちょうど今はしかになったのは、世界で一番幸運なことだったと思うよ」とメグはある四月の日に、姉妹たちに囲まれて自分の部屋で「海外旅行」用のトランクを詰めながら言った。

“And so nice of Annie Moffat not to forget her promise.

nice (親切) [形] kind or pleasant

「それに、アニー・モファットが約束を忘れないでいてくれたのもとても親切だったよ。

A whole fortnight of fun will be regularly splendid,” replied Jo, looking like a windmill as she folded skirts with her long arms.

fortnight (二週間) [名] a period of two weeks

regularly (本当に) [副] in a regular manner

windmill (風車) [名] a machine for grinding corn or generating electricity

skirt (スカート) [名] a woman's outer garment extending from the waist downward

二週間ずっと楽しいなんて、本当に素晴らしいよ」とジョーは答え、長い腕でスカートを折り畳む姿は風車のようだった。

“And such lovely weather, I’m so glad of that,” added Beth, tidily sorting neck and hair ribbons in her best box, lent for the great occasion.

lovely (いい) [形] very good or pleasing

「それに、こんないい天気で、本当に嬉しいよ」とベスが付け加えて、この大事な機会に貸してもらった一番いい箱に、首と髪のリボンをきちんと分けて入れた。

“I wish I was going to have a fine time and wear all these nice things,” said Amy with her mouth full of pins, as she artistically replenished her sister’s cushion.

have a fine time (楽しい時間を過ごす) [動] enjoy oneself

artistically (芸術的に) [副] in an artistic way

replenish (補充する) [動] fill up again

「私も楽しい時間を過ごして、こんな素敵なものを全部着られたらいいのに」とエイミーは口にピンをいっぱいくわえながら、芸術的に姉のクッションを補充した。

“I wish you were all going, but as you can’t, I shall keep my adventures to tell you when I come back.

「みんなが行けたらよかったのに、でも行けないから、帰ってきたら冒険の話をみんなに聞かせてあげるよ。

I’m sure it’s the least I can do when you have been so kind, lending me things and helping me get ready,” said Meg, glancing round the room at the very simple outfit, which seemed nearly perfect in their eyes.

the least I can do (私ができる最低限のこと) [名] the smallest amount of effort that I can put into something

kind (親切) [形] showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature

glance (見回す) [動] take a quick or hurried look

outfit (装い) [名] a set of clothes that are worn together

あなたたちがとても親切に、私に物を貸してくれたり、準備を手伝ってくれたりしたから、これは私ができる最低限のことよ」とメグは言い、部屋を見回して、彼女たちの目にはほぼ完璧に見えるとてもシンプルな装いを見回した。

“What did Mother give you out of the treasure box?” asked Amy, who had not been present at the opening of a certain cedar chest in which Mrs. March kept a few relics of past splendor, as gifts for her girls when the proper time came.

treasure box (宝箱) [名] a box in which treasure is kept

cedar chest (杉の箱) [名] a chest made of cedar wood

opening (開ける) [名] the action of moving a door or window so as to leave a space allowing access and vision

relic (遺品) [名] something that has survived from an earlier time

proper time (適切な時期) [名] the right or appropriate time

「ママは宝箱から何をくれたの?」とエイミーが尋ねたが、彼女は、マーチ夫人が過去の栄華の遺品をいくつか保管していた杉の箱を開ける場に居合わせていなかった。

“A pair of silk stockings, that pretty carved fan, and a lovely blue sash.

carved (彫刻の) [形] cut (a hard material) in order to produce an object, design, or inscription

「絹のストッキング、あのきれいな彫刻の扇子、素敵な青い帯。

I wanted the violet silk, but there isn’t time to make it over, so I must be contented with my old tarlaton.”

violet (すみれ色) [形] of a color intermediate between blue and red in the visible spectrum

make over (作り直す) [動] to make anew or in a different form

must (~しなくちゃ) [助] be obliged to; should

tarlaton (ターラトン) [名] a thin, stiff, open-weave muslin

すみれ色の絹が欲しかったけど、作り直す時間がないから、古いターラトンで我慢しなくちゃ」

“It will look nice over my new muslin skirt, and the sash will set it off beautifully.

look nice (素敵に見える) [動] be attractive or pleasing to the eye

muslin (モスリン) [名] a cotton fabric of plain weave

set off (引き立てる) [動] make more attractive or prominent

「私の新しいモスリンのスカートの上に着ると素敵に見えるし、帯がそれを美しく引き立ててくれるよ。

I wish I hadn’t smashed my coral bracelet, for you might have had it,” said Jo, who loved to give and lend, but whose possessions were usually too dilapidated to be of much use.

smash (壊す) [動] break or destroy violently

coral (サンゴ) [名] a hard stony substance produced by the growth and death of very small sea animals

bracelet (ブレスレット) [名] an ornament or band worn around the wrist

possession (持ち物) [名] something that you own

dilapidated (使い古された) [形] in a state of severe disrepair or dilapidation

私のサンゴのブレスレットを壊さなければよかったのに、そうすればあなたにあげられたのに」とジョーは言ったが、彼女はあげたり貸したりするのが大好きだったが、彼女の持ち物はたいていあまりにも使い古されていてあまり役に立たなかった。

“There is a lovely old-fashioned pearl set in the treasure chest, but Mother said real flowers were the prettiest ornament for a young girl, and Laurie promised to send me all I want,” replied Meg.

set (セット) [名] a collection of things that belong together

treasure chest (宝箱) [名] a chest for storing treasure

real (生) [形] not artificial, fraudulent, or illusory

「宝箱に素敵な昔ながらの真珠のセットがあるけど、ママは生花が若い女の子にとって一番きれいな飾りだって言って、ローリーは私が欲しいものを全部送ってくれるって約束してくれたの」とメグは答えた。

“Now, let me see, there’s my new gray walking suit, just curl up the feather in my hat, Beth, then my poplin for Sunday and the small party, it looks heavy for spring, doesn’t it?

walking suit (ウォーキングスーツ) [名] a suit of clothes for walking

curl up (カールさせる) [動] to bend or twist into a curved or circular shape

Sunday (日曜日) [名] the first day of the week

doesn't (そう思わない) [助] does not

「さて、どれどれ、私の新しい灰色のウォーキングスーツがあるよ、帽子の羽をカールさせてちょうだい、ベス、それから日曜日と小さなパーティー用のポプリン、春には重そうね、そう思わない?

The violet silk would be so nice.

be nice (素敵だ) [動] be pleasant or attractive

すみれ色のシルクが素敵ね。

Oh, dear!”

dear (困った) [形] used as a term of endearment

ああ、困ったよ!」

“Never mind, you’ve got the tarlaton for the big party, and you always look like an angel in white,” said Amy, brooding over the little store of finery in which her soul delighted.

big party (大きなパーティー) [名] a large social gathering

look like (~みたい) [動] resemble

little store (小さな店) [名] a small shop

finery (衣装) [名] elaborate or showy clothing or decoration

delight (喜ぶ) [動] be extremely pleased

「気にしないで、大きなパーティーにはターラトンがあるし、あなたはいつも白を着ると天使みたいよ」とエイミーは言い、彼女の魂が喜ぶ小さな衣装の店をじっと見つめた。

“It isn’t low-necked, and it doesn’t sweep enough, but it will have to do.

low-necked (ローネック) [形] having a low neckline

sweep (広がる) [動] move or cause to move quickly and smoothly

have to do (それでいい) [動] be sufficient or adequate

「それはローネックではないし、十分に広がっていないけど、それでいいよ。

My blue housedress looks so well, turned and freshly trimmed, that I feel as if I’d got a new one.

housedress (家着) [名] a dress that is worn at home

well (とても) [副] to a great extent or degree

freshly (新しく) [副] recently

trim (トリミングする) [動] cut off the edges or unwanted parts of

私の青い家着は、裏返して新しくトリミングしたので、とてもよく見えるので、新しいものを手に入れたような気がします。

My silk sacque isn’t a bit the fashion, and my bonnet doesn’t look like Sallie’s.

sacque (ドレス) [名] a woman's loose-fitting dress

私の絹のドレスは少しも流行っていないし、私のボンネットはサリーのものとは似ていない。

I didn’t like to say anything, but I was sadly disappointed in my umbrella.

say anything (何も言わない) [動] not say anything

sadly (ひどく) [副] very much

私は何も言いたくなかったが、私の傘にはひどくがっかりした。

I told Mother black with a white handle, but she forgot and bought a green one with a yellowish handle.

handle (柄) [名] the part of an object that is held in the hand when using or carrying it

green (緑の) [形] of the color green

私はママに白い柄の黒い傘が欲しいと言ったのに、ママは忘れて黄色い柄の緑の傘を買ってきた。

It’s strong and neat, so I ought not to complain, but I know I shall feel ashamed of it beside Annie’s silk one with a gold top,” sighed Meg, surveying the little umbrella with great disfavor.

gold (金色の) [名] a yellow precious metal

top (柄) [名] the highest or uppermost part of something

survey (眺める) [動] look carefully and thoroughly at

disfavor (不満) [名] disapproval or dislike

丈夫できれいだから文句を言うべきではないんだけど、アニーの金色の柄の絹の傘と比べたら恥ずかしいと思うよ」とメグはため息をつき、小さな傘をとても不満そうに眺めた。

“Change it,” advised Jo.

advise (アドバイスする) [動] give advice to

「交換したら」とジョーはアドバイスした。

“I won’t be so silly, or hurt Marmee’s feelings, when she took so much pains to get my things.

be silly (馬鹿なことをする) [動] be foolish or stupid

take pain (苦労する) [動] make a great effort

「そんな馬鹿なことはしないよ、ママが私のものを買うためにあんなに苦労したのに、ママの気持ちを傷つけるなんて。

It’s a nonsensical notion of mine, and I’m not going to give up to it.

nonsensical (ばかげた) [形] making no sense; foolish

それは私のばかげた考えで、私はそれに屈するつもりはない。

My silk stockings and two pairs of new gloves are my comfort.

silk stocking (絹のストッキング) [名] a stocking made of silk

two pairs (2組) [名] two sets of two things

new glove (新しい手袋) [名] a glove that has not been used before

私の絹のストッキングと2組の新しい手袋が私の慰めだ。

You are a dear to lend me yours, Jo.

ジョー、貸してくれてありがとう。

I feel so rich and sort of elegant, with two new pairs, and the old ones cleaned up for common.”

sort of (ちょっと) [副] to some extent; rather

clean up (きれいに洗う) [動] make clean or neat

common (普段用) [形] ordinary or usual

新しい手袋を2組も持って、古い手袋は普段用にきれいに洗って、とてもお金持ちで優雅な気分だよ。」

And Meg took a refreshing peep at her glove box.

take a peep (覗き込む) [動] look quickly or furtively

refreshing (爽やかな) [形] pleasantly new or different

そしてメグは手袋箱を爽やかに覗き込んだ。

“Annie Moffat has blue and pink bows on her nightcaps.

bow (リボン) [名] a knot with two or more loops and two loose ends

「アニー・モファットはナイトキャップについた青とピンクのリボンを持っている。

Would you put some on mine?” she asked, as Beth brought up a pile of snowy muslins, fresh from Hannah’s hands.

put (つける) [動] place or position

pile (山) [名] a heap of things laid or lying one on top of another

snowy (雪のような) [形] white like snow

私のにもつけてくれる?」と彼女は尋ね、ベスはハンナの手から出たばかりの雪のようなモスリンの山を運んできた。

“No, I wouldn’t, for the smart caps won’t match the plain gowns without any trimming on them.

smart (おしゃれな) [形] having or showing a quick-witted intelligence

match (合う) [動] be equal to or similar to

plain (地味な) [形] lacking much decoration or detail

gown (ガウン) [名] a long, loose garment worn by a woman

「いいえ、しません、なぜならおしゃれな帽子は飾りのない地味なガウンには合わないからです。

Poor folks shouldn’t rig,” said Jo decidedly.

rig (着飾る) [動] dress in fine clothes

貧乏人は着飾るべきではありません」とジョーは断言した。

“I wonder if I shall ever be happy enough to have real lace on my clothes and bows on my caps?”

「私は自分の服に本物のレースをつけたり、帽子にリボンをつけたりするほど幸せになれるだろうか?」

said Meg impatiently.

impatiently (焦れたように) [副] in a way that shows you are annoyed because you have to wait or because something is not happening quickly enough

とメグは焦れたように言った。

“You said the other day that you’d be perfectly happy if you could only go to Annie Moffat’s,” observed Beth in her quiet way.

perfectly happy (最高に幸せ) [形] extremely happy

in a quiet way (静かに) [副] without making much noise

「この前、アニー・モファットのところに行けるだけでも最高に幸せだって言ってたじゃない」とベスは静かに言った。

“So I did! Well, I am happy, and I won’t fret, but it does seem as if the more one gets the more one wants, doesn’t it?

「そうだったよ! そうね、私は幸せだし、不満は言わないけど、人は手に入れれば手に入れるほど欲しくなるものよね?

There now, the trays are ready, and everything in but my ball dress, which I shall leave for Mother to pack,” said Meg, cheering up, as she glanced from the half-filled trunk to the many times pressed and mended white tarlaton, which she called her ‘ball dress’ with an important air.

tray (トレイ) [名] a flat piece of wood or metal with raised edges that is used for carrying things

everything (全部) [名] all the things

ball dress (舞踏会用のドレス) [名] a formal gown worn to a ball

half-filled (半分ほど詰まった) [形] filled to half capacity

many times (何度も) [副] on many occasions

press (アイロンをかける) [動] apply pressure to

さあ、トレイの準備ができて、私の舞踏会用のドレス以外は全部入ったよ。これはママに詰めてもらうことにするよ」とメグは元気を取り戻して、半分ほど詰まったトランクの中から、何度もアイロンをかけたり、繕ったりした白いターラトンをちらっと見て、それをいかにも大事そうに「舞踏会用のドレス」と呼んだ。

The next day was fine, and Meg departed in style for a fortnight of novelty and pleasure.

fine (天気) [形] free from rain, snow, or clouds

style (おしゃれ) [名] a manner of doing something

novelty (新奇) [名] the quality of being new or unusual

翌日は天気で、メグは二週間の新奇で楽しい日々に向けて、おしゃれをして出発した。

Mrs. March had consented to the visit rather reluctantly, fearing that Margaret would come back more discontented than she went.

rather (しぶしぶ) [副] somewhat; to some extent

マーチ夫人は、マーガレットが行く前よりも不満を抱えて帰ってくるのではないかと心配して、しぶしぶ訪問に同意した。

But she begged so hard, and Sallie had promised to take good care of her, and a little pleasure seemed so delightful after a winter of irksome work that the mother yielded, and the daughter went to take her first taste of fashionable life.

taste (味わう) [動] experience

しかし、彼女は必死に懇願し、サリーは彼女を大事にすると約束し、退屈な仕事の冬の後に少しの楽しみはとても楽しいように思えたので、母親は折れ、娘は初めての社交界を味わいに行った。

The Moffats were very fashionable, and simple Meg was rather daunted, at first, by the splendor of the house and the elegance of its occupants.

Moffats (モファット家) [名] a family name

fashionable (おしゃれ) [形] being or having the latest style or design

simple (質素) [形] plain, basic, or uncomplicated in form, nature, or design

daunted (圧倒される) [動] discourage or intimidate

occupant (住人) [名] a person who occupies a place

モファット家はとてもおしゃれで、質素なメグは最初、家の豪華さと住人の優雅さに圧倒された。

But they were kindly people, in spite of the frivolous life they led, and soon put their guest at her ease.

at ease (安心する) [形] feeling or showing no anxiety or tension

しかし、彼らは軽薄な生活を送っていたにもかかわらず、親切な人々で、すぐに客を安心させた。

Perhaps Meg felt, without understanding why, that they were not particularly cultivated or intelligent people, and that all their gilding could not quite conceal the ordinary material of which they were made.

without understanding (わからない) [動] not know or comprehend

why (理由) [名] the reason or cause for which something is done or happens

cultivated (教養のある) [形] having a high standard of education and knowledge

intelligent (知的な) [形] having or showing intelligence, especially of a high level

gilding (金メッキ) [名] a thin layer of gold or a gold-colored substance applied to the surface of an object

conceal (隠す) [動] not allow to be seen; hide

ordinary (普通の) [形] of the usual or common type; normal

おそらくメグは、理由はわからないが、彼らが特に教養のある人や知的な人ではないと感じ、彼らの金メッキは彼らが作られた普通の材料を完全に隠すことができなかったと感じたのだろう。

It certainly was agreeable to fare sumptuously, drive in a fine carriage, wear her best frock every day, and do nothing but enjoy herself.

fare (食事) [名] the food served at a meal

sumptuously (豪華に) [副] in a very expensive or luxurious way

drive (乗る) [動] travel or be transported in a vehicle

frock (服) [名] a woman's or girl's dress

do nothing but (ただ~するだけ) [動] do only one thing

豪華な食事をし、立派な馬車に乗り、毎日一番いい服を着て、ただ楽しむだけというのは確かに快適だった。

It suited her exactly, and soon she began to imitate the manners and conversation of those about her, to put on little airs and graces, use French phrases, crimp her hair, take in her dresses, and talk about the fashions as well as she could.

exactly (ぴったり) [副] in exact manner

imitate (真似る) [動] follow as a model or example

phrase (フレーズ) [名] a small group of words forming a unit

crimp (カールさせる) [動] press into small regular folds

take in (着る) [動] make or become narrower

それは彼女にぴったりで、すぐに彼女は周りの人のマナーや会話を真似し、気取った態度をとったり、フランス語のフレーズを使ったり、髪をカールさせたり、ドレスを着たり、ファッションについてできる限り話したりし始めた。

The more she saw of Annie Moffat’s pretty things, the more she envied her and sighed to be rich.

envy (うらやむ) [動] feel resentful or jealous of

彼女はアニー・モファットのきれいなものを目にすればするほど、彼女をうらやみ、金持ちになりたいとため息をついた。

Home now looked bare and dismal as she thought of it, work grew harder than ever, and she felt that she was a very destitute and much-injured girl, in spite of the new gloves and silk stockings.

destitute (貧しい) [形] extremely poor

家は彼女が考えるに、今やむき出しで陰気に見え、仕事はこれまで以上にきつくなり、彼女は新しい手袋と絹のストッキングにもかかわらず、自分がとても貧しく、ひどく傷ついた少女だと感じた。

She had not much time for repining, however, for the three young girls were busily employed in ‘having a good time’.

repining (不平を言う) [動] express discontent

busily (忙しく) [副] in a busy manner

employed (忙しい) [動] have a job

しかし、彼女は不平を言う時間があまりなかった、というのも3人の少女は「楽しい時間を過ごす」のに忙しかったからだ。

They shopped, walked, rode, and called all day, went to theaters and operas or frolicked at home in the evening, for Annie had many friends and knew how to entertain them.

shop (買い物をする) [動] buy goods in a shop

call (電話をかける) [動] communicate with (someone) by telephone

Annie (アニー) [名] a female given name

entertain (楽しませる) [動] provide (someone) with amusement or enjoyment

彼女たちは一日中買い物をしたり、散歩したり、乗馬したり、電話をかけたり、劇場やオペラに行ったり、夜は家でふざけ合ったりしていた。というのも、アニーは友達が多く、彼らを楽しませる方法を知っていたからだ。

Her older sisters were very fine young ladies, and one was engaged, which was extremely interesting and romantic, Meg thought.

older sister (姉) [名] a female sibling who is older than oneself

very fine (とても立派な) [形] of high quality

engage (婚約する) [動] to be involved with

extremely (とても) [副] to a very great degree

彼女の姉たちはとても立派な若い女性で、一人は婚約していたが、それはとても興味深くロマンチックなことだとメグは思った。

Mr. Moffat was a fat, jolly old gentleman, who knew her father, and Mrs. Moffat, a fat, jolly old lady, who took as great a fancy to Meg as her daughter had done.

Mr. Moffat (モファット氏) [名] a character in the story

Mrs. Moffat (モファット夫人) [名] a character in the story

take a fancy to (気に入っていた) [動] develop a liking for

モファット氏は太った陽気な老紳士で、メグの父親を知っていたし、モファット夫人は太った陽気な老婦人で、娘と同じようにメグをとても気に入っていた。

Everyone petted her, and ‘Daisey’, as they called her, was in a fair way to have her head turned.

誰もが彼女を可愛がり、彼らが呼ぶところの「デイジー」は、彼女の頭を回すための公正な方法だった。

When the evening for the small party came, she found that the poplin wouldn’t do at all, for the other girls were putting on thin dresses and making themselves very fine indeed.

thin (薄い) [形] having opposite surfaces or sides close together

小さなパーティーの夜が来ると、彼女はポプリンでは全然だめだと思った。他の女の子たちは薄いドレスを着て、とても素敵に着飾っていたからだ。

So out came the tarlatan, looking older, limper, and shabbier than ever beside Sallie’s crisp new one.

limp (しなびた) [形] lacking firmness or stiffness

crisp (真新しい) [形] firm and crunchy

one (ドレス) [名] a woman's formal gown

そのため、タルタンはサリーの真新しいドレスの横で、これまで以上に古く、しなびて、みすぼらしく見えた。

Meg saw the girls glance at it and then at one another, and her cheeks began to burn, for with all her gentleness she was very proud.

メグは女の子たちがそれをちらっと見て、それからお互いを見ているのを見て、彼女の頬は燃え始めた。彼女は優しいながらもとても誇り高かったからだ。

No one said a word about it, but Sallie offered to dress her hair, and Annie to tie her sash, and Belle, the engaged sister, praised her white arms.

誰もそれについて一言も言わなかったが、サリーは髪を整え、アニーは帯を結び、婚約者の妹のベルは彼女の白い腕を褒めた。

But in their kindness Meg saw only pity for her poverty, and her heart felt very heavy as she stood by herself, while the others laughed, chattered, and flew about like gauzy butterflies.

poverty (貧しさ) [名] the state of being extremely poor

chatter (おしゃべりする) [動] talk quickly and continuously about unimportant things

gauzy (薄い) [形] very thin and almost transparent

しかし、メグは彼女たちの親切の中に自分の貧しさに対する哀れみしか見ることができず、他の人たちが笑ったり、おしゃべりしたり、薄い蝶のように飛び回ったりする中、一人で立っている彼女の心はとても重かった。

The hard, bitter feeling was getting pretty bad, when the maid brought in a box of flowers.

メイドが花の箱を持ってきたとき、つらく苦い気持ちがかなり悪化していた。

Before she could speak, Annie had the cover off, and all were exclaiming at the lovely roses, heath, and fern within.

cover (蓋) [名] something that covers or protects something else

off (開ける) [副] away from a place

exclaim (歓声を上げる) [動] cry out suddenly

heath (ヒース) [名] an area of open uncultivated land

fern (シダ) [名] a vascular plant without seeds or flowers

彼女が話す前に、アニーは蓋を開け、みんなが中の美しいバラ、ヒース、シダに歓声を上げていた。

“It’s for Belle, of course, George always sends her some, but these are altogether ravishing,” cried Annie, with a great sniff.

ravishing (素敵) [形] extremely beautiful or attractive

with a great sniff (大きな鼻を鳴らして) [副] with a loud sniff

「もちろん、ベルに違いないよ、ジョージはいつも彼女に花を送るの、でもこれはとても素敵」とアニーは大きな鼻を鳴らして叫んだ。

“They are for Miss March, the man said.

for (宛て) [前] intended to be given to

「マーチ嬢宛てです」と男は言った。

And here’s a note,” put in the maid, holding it to Meg.

put in (言う) [動] to say something

hold (差し出す) [動] to stretch out or extend

それにメモがあります」とメイドが言い、メグに差し出した。

“What fun! Who are they from?

who (誰) [代] what or which person or people

from (から) [前] indicating the source, origin, or provenance of something

「なんて楽しいの! 誰から?

Didn’t know you had a lover,” cried the girls, fluttering about Meg in a high state of curiosity and surprise.

flutter (飛び回る) [動] to move or fly quickly and lightly

恋人がいるなんて知らなかった」と叫び、好奇心と驚きで興奮してメグの周りを飛び回った。

“The note is from Mother, and the flowers from Laurie,” said Meg simply, yet much gratified that he had not forgotten her.

gratify (嬉しく思う) [動] give (someone) pleasure or satisfaction

「メモはママからで、花はローリーからよ」とメグは簡単に言ったが、彼が自分を忘れていないことをとても嬉しく思った。

“Oh, indeed!” said Annie with a funny look, as Meg slipped the note into her pocket as a sort of talisman against envy, vanity, and false pride, for the few loving words had done her good, and the flowers cheered her up by their beauty.

envy (嫉妬) [名] a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck

false pride (偽りのプライド) [名] a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements

a few (少しの) [限] a small number of

do good (元気づける) [動] benefit

「ああ、本当に!」とアニーはおかしな顔をして言った。メグはメモを嫉妬、虚栄心、偽りのプライドに対するお守りのようにポケットに滑り込ませた。愛情のこもった言葉が彼女を元気づけ、花の美しさが彼女を元気づけたからだ。

Feeling almost happy again, she laid by a few ferns and roses for herself, and quickly made up the rest in dainty bouquets for the breasts, hair, or skirts of her friends, offering them so prettily that Clara, the elder sister, told her she was ‘the sweetest little thing she ever saw’, and they looked quite charmed with her small attention.

lay by (取っておく) [動] save for future use

make up (仕立て上げる) [動] create or invent

dainty (可憐な) [形] small and pretty

breast (胸) [名] the front of a person's body between the neck and the stomach

prettily (可愛らしく) [副] in a pretty way

elder (年上の) [形] older

charm (魅了する) [動] attract and delight

再び幸せな気分になった彼女は、自分のためにシダとバラを少し取っておき、残りはすぐに友人の胸や髪、スカートにあしらうための可憐な花束に仕立て上げ、とても可愛らしく差し出したので、姉のクララは「今まで見た中で一番可愛い子」と言い、彼女の細やかな気遣いにすっかり魅了されたようだった。

Somehow the kind act finished her despondency, and when all the rest went to show themselves to Mrs. Moffat, she saw a happy, bright-eyed face in the mirror, as she laid her ferns against her rippling hair and fastened the roses in the dress that didn’t strike her as so very shabby now.

despondency (落胆) [名] a state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage

mirror (鏡) [名] a surface that reflects light

fasten (留める) [動] attach or join securely

strike (見えない) [動] come into the mind of

どういうわけか、その親切な行為が彼女の落胆を終わらせ、他のみんながモファット夫人に会いに行ったとき、彼女は鏡に映った幸せそうな目を輝かせた顔を見て、波打つ髪にシダを置き、今はそれほどみすぼらしく見えないドレスにバラを留めた。

She enjoyed herself very much that evening, for she danced to her heart’s content.

彼女はその夜とても楽しんでいた。心ゆくまで踊ったからだ。

Everyone was very kind, and she had three compliments.

みんなとても親切で、彼女は3つお世辞を言われた。

Annie made her sing, and some one said she had a remarkably fine voice.

some one (誰か) [名] an unspecified person

remarkably (とても) [副] to a notable extent

アニーは彼女に歌わせ、誰かが彼女の声がとても素晴らしいと言った。

Major Lincoln asked who ‘the fresh little girl with the beautiful eyes’ was, and Mr. Moffat insisted on dancing with her because she ‘didn’t dawdle, but had some spring in her’, as he gracefully expressed it.

Major Lincoln (リンカーン少佐) [名] a military officer

fresh (元気な) [形] not tired

beautiful eyes (美しい目) [名] eyes that are pleasing to look at

insist (主張する) [動] demand something forcefully

dawdle (ぐずぐずする) [動] move slowly and aimlessly

spring (元気) [名] the quality of being lively or energetic

リンカーン少佐は「美しい目をした元気な少女」は誰かと尋ね、モファット氏は彼女が「ぐずぐずせず、元気がある」と優雅に表現し、彼女と踊りたいと主張した。

So altogether she had a very nice time, till she overheard a bit of conversation, which disturbed her extremely.

overhear (耳にする) [動] hear something by chance

disturb (不安にさせる) [動] make (someone) feel worried or upset

だから彼女は全体的にとても楽しい時間を過ごしていたが、会話の一部を耳にするまでは、それが彼女をとても不安にさせた。

She was sitting just inside the conservatory, waiting for her partner to bring her an ice, when she heard a voice ask on the other side of the flowery wall...

彼女は温室のすぐ内側に座って、パートナーがアイスを持ってくるのを待っていたが、花の壁の向こう側で声が尋ねるのを聞いた。

“How old is he?”

how old (何歳) [形] what age

be (です) [動] to exist or live

「彼は何歳?」

“Sixteen or seventeen, I should say,” replied another voice.

「16歳か17歳だと思う」と別の声が答えた。

“It would be a grand thing for one of those girls, wouldn’t it?

be a grand thing (素晴らしいことだろう) [動] be a great thing

「あの娘たちの一人には素晴らしいことだろうね?

Sallie says they are very intimate now, and the old man quite dotes on them.”

intimate (親密な) [形] having a very close personal relationship

dote on (可愛がる) [動] be extremely and uncritically fond of

サリーは、彼らは今とても親密で、老人は彼らをとても可愛がっていると言っている。」

“Mrs. M. has made her plans, I dare say, and will play her cards well, early as it is.

Mrs. M. (M夫人) [名] a married woman

make a plan (計画を立てる) [動] decide on and make arrangements for future events

play one's cards well (自分のカードをうまく使う) [動] make the most of one's resources or opportunities

「M夫人は計画を立てたに違いない、そして、早いうちから自分のカードをうまく使うだろう。

The girl evidently doesn’t think of it yet,” said Mrs. Moffat.

娘は明らかにまだそれを考えていない」とモファット夫人は言った。

“She told that fib about her momma, as if she did know, and colored up when the flowers came quite prettily.

fib (嘘) [名] a small or trivial lie

momma (ママ) [名] mother

「彼女は、まるで知っているかのように、ママについて嘘をつき、花が届いたときには、とてもかわいらしく顔を赤らめた。

Poor thing! She’d be so nice if she was only got up in style.

be up (おしゃれする) [動] to be dressed in a particular way

style (スタイル) [名] a particular design, form, or way of doing something

かわいそうに! 彼女は、おしゃれさえすれば、とても素敵なのに。

Do you think she’d be offended if we offered to lend her a dress for Thursday?” asked another voice.

do you think (思う) [動] have an opinion about something

Thursday (木曜日) [名] the day of the week before Friday and following Wednesday

木曜日にドレスを貸してあげようかと言ったら、彼女は気を悪くすると思う?」と別の声が言った。

“She’s proud, but I don’t believe she’d mind, for that dowdy tarlaton is all she has got.

dowdy (ダサい) [形] lacking in smartness or good taste

「彼女はプライドが高いけど、気にしないと思うよ、だって、あのダサいターラトンしか持っていないんだもの。

She may tear it tonight, and that will be a good excuse for offering a decent one.”

tear (破る) [動] pull or rip apart

decent (まともな) [形] of an acceptable standard; good enough

excuse (口実) [名] a reason or explanation given to justify a fault or offense

今夜は破いてしまうかもしれないし、それなら、まともなドレスを貸してあげる良い口実になるよ。」

Here Meg’s partner appeared, to find her looking much flushed and rather agitated.

flush (赤らめる) [動] blush or go red in the face

agitated (興奮する) [形] in a state of anxiety or nervous excitement

ここでメグのパートナーが現れ、彼女が顔を赤らめ、かなり興奮しているのを見つけた。

She was proud, and her pride was useful just then, for it helped her hide her mortification, anger, and disgust at what she had just heard.

be proud (プライドが高い) [動] having a high opinion of oneself

just then (ちょうどその時) [副] at that very moment

彼女はプライドが高く、そのプライドがちょうどその時役に立った、なぜなら、彼女が聞いたばかりのことに対する屈辱、怒り、嫌悪感を隠すのに役立ったからだ。

For, innocent and unsuspicious as she was, she could not help understanding the gossip of her friends.

unsuspicious (疑うことを知らない) [形] not suspecting or distrusting

なぜなら、彼女は純真で疑うことを知らないとはいえ、友人たちの噂を理解せずにはいられなかったからだ。

She tried to forget it, but could not, and kept repeating to herself, “Mrs. M. has made her plans,” “that fib about her mamma,” and “dowdy tarlaton,” till she was ready to cry and rush home to tell her troubles and ask for advice.

彼女はそれを忘れようとしたが、できず、「M夫人は計画を立てた」、「ママについての嘘」、「ダサいターラトン」と繰り返し、泣きそうになって家に駆け込み、悩みを打ち明けて助言を求めた。

As that was impossible, she did her best to seem gay, and being rather excited, she succeeded so well that no one dreamed what an effort she was making.

それが不可能だったので、彼女は陽気に見えるように最善を尽くし、かなり興奮していたので、彼女がどんなに努力しているか誰も想像できないほど成功した。

She was very glad when it was all over and she was quiet in her bed, where she could think and wonder and fume till her head ached and her hot cheeks were cooled by a few natural tears.

be quiet (静か) [動] making little or no noise

wonder (不思議に思う) [動] be curious or uncertain about something

fume (怒る) [動] be very angry

cool (冷やす) [動] make or become less hot

彼女はすべてが終わり、ベッドで静かに横になれてとても嬉しかった。そこでは頭が痛くなり、熱い頬が自然に流れる涙で冷えるまで考えたり、不思議に思ったり、怒ったりすることができた。

Those foolish, yet well meant words, had opened a new world to Meg, and much disturbed the peace of the old one in which till now she had lived as happily as a child.

foolish (愚かな) [形] lacking good sense or judgment

well meant (善意の) [形] having or showing a good intention

happily (幸せに) [副] in a happy way

あの愚かではあるものの善意の言葉はメグに新しい世界を開き、今まで子供のように幸せに暮らしていた古い世界の平和を大きくかき乱した。

Her innocent friendship with Laurie was spoiled by the silly speeches she had overheard.

silly (愚かな) [形] lacking in common sense or good judgment

speech (言葉) [名] the ability to speak or talk

ローリーとの無邪気な友情は、彼女が耳にした愚かな言葉によって台無しになってしまった。

Her faith in her mother was a little shaken by the worldly plans attributed to her by Mrs. Moffat, who judged others by herself, and the sensible resolution to be contented with the simple wardrobe which suited a poor man’s daughter was weakened by the unnecessary pity of girls who thought a shabby dress one of the greatest calamities under heaven.

faith (信頼) [名] complete trust or confidence in someone or something

shake (揺るがす) [動] cause to move or tremble

worldly (世俗的な) [形] of or concerned with this world and its affairs as distinguished from heaven and the afterlife

attribute (押し付ける) [動] regard something as being caused by

judge (判断する) [動] form an opinion or conclusion about

oneself (自分) [代] a person's own self

wardrobe (衣装) [名] a person's entire collection of clothes

suit (ふさわしい) [動] be appropriate or fitting for

weaken (弱める) [動] make or become weaker

unnecessary (余計な) [形] not needed or wanted

pity (同情) [名] a feeling of sorrow and compassion for someone else's misfortune

母親に対する信頼は、自分を基準に他人を判断するモファット夫人が母親に押し付けた世俗的な計画によって少し揺らいでおり、貧乏人の娘にふさわしい質素な衣装で満足するという賢明な決意は、みすぼらしい服をこの世で最も大きな災難の一つと考えた少女たちの余計な同情によって弱められていた。

Poor Meg had a restless night, and got up heavy-eyed, unhappy, half resentful toward her friends, and half ashamed of herself for not speaking out frankly and setting everything right.

restless (落ち着かない) [形] unable to rest or relax

get up (起きる) [動] rise from a lying, sitting, or kneeling position

heavy-eyed (目を腫らした) [形] having heavy-lidded eyes

resentful (憤慨した) [形] feeling or showing resentment

set (正す) [動] put or keep in a specified state

かわいそうなメグは落ち着かない夜を過ごし、目を腫らして起き、不幸で、半分は友人に憤慨し、半分は率直に話さず、すべてを正さなかった自分を恥じていた。

Everybody dawdled that morning, and it was noon before the girls found energy enough even to take up their worsted work.

noon (正午) [名] twelve o'clock in the daytime

take up (取り掛かる) [動] begin to do or deal with

その朝はみんなぐずぐずしていて、少女たちが毛糸の仕事をやる気力を取り戻すまでにはお昼になってしまった。

Something in the manner of her friends struck Meg at once.

strike (印象を与える) [動] have a strong effect on

友人たちの態度の何かがすぐにメグに印象を与えた。

They treated her with more respect, she thought, took quite a tender interest in what she said, and looked at her with eyes that plainly betrayed curiosity.

treat (扱う) [動] behave towards or deal with in a certain way

take interest (関心を持つ) [動] be interested in

彼女たちは自分をもっと敬意をもって扱い、自分の言うことにとても優しい関心を持ち、好奇心をはっきりと表す目で自分を見ていると思った。

All this surprised and flattered her, though she did not understand it till Miss Belle looked up from her writing, and said, with a sentimental air...

all this (これらすべて) [名] all of this

surprise (驚かせる) [動] cause to feel surprised

flatter (喜ばせる) [動] praise or compliment excessively

これらすべてが彼女を驚かせ、喜ばせたが、ベル嬢が書き物から顔を上げ、感傷的な態度で言うまでは理解していなかった。

“Daisy, dear, I’ve sent an invitation to your friend, Mr. Laurence, for Thursday.

Daisy (デイジー) [名] a girl's name

invitation (招待状) [名] a written or verbal request for someone to go somewhere or to do something

Mr. (さん) [名] a title used before a man's surname

「デイジー、あなたの友人のローレンスさんに木曜日の招待状を送ったよ。

We should like to know him, and it’s only a proper compliment to you.”

proper (当然の) [形] of or relating to a particular person, place, or thing

彼と知り合いになりたいし、あなたへの当然の礼儀でもあるよ」

Meg colored, but a mischievous fancy to tease the girls made her reply demurely, “You are very kind, but I’m afraid he won’t come.”

color (顔を赤らめる) [動] blush

fancy (心) [名] a feeling of liking or wanting something

demurely (しとやかに) [副] in a modest or shy way

メグは顔を赤らめたが、娘たちをからかういたずら心から、しとやかに答えた。「とても親切にしてくださってありがとうございます。でも、彼は来ないと思います。」

“Why not, Cherie?” asked Miss Belle.

Cherie (シェリー) [名] a French word for darling

「どうして、シェリー?」とベル嬢が尋ねた。

“He’s too old.”

「彼は年を取りすぎています。」

“My child, what do you mean?

「あなた、どういう意味だ?

What is his age, I beg to know!” cried Miss Clara.

what (いくつ) [代] the thing or things that

age (年齢) [名] the number of years that a person has lived or a thing has existed

beg (頼む) [動] ask for something earnestly

彼の年齢はいくつなんだ、教えてくれ!」とクララ嬢が叫んだ。

“Nearly seventy, I believe,” answered Meg, counting stitches to hide the merriment in her eyes.

seventy (70歳) [名] the number 70

count (数える) [動] determine the total number of

「70歳近くだと思います」とメグは答え、目の中の陽気さを隠すために編み目を数えた。

“You sly creature!

creature (やつ) [名] a living being; an animal

「このずるいやつ!

Of course we meant the young man,” exclaimed Miss Belle, laughing.

young man (若い男性) [名] a man who is relatively young

もちろん、若い男性のことよ」とベル嬢は笑いながら叫んだ。

“There isn’t any, Laurie is only a little boy.”

there isn't any (そんな人いないよ) [句] there is no such person

「そんな人いないよ、ローリーはただの小さな男の子よ」

And Meg laughed also at the queer look which the sisters exchanged as she thus described her supposed lover.

exchange (交わす) [動] give and receive (something) in return for something else

そしてメグは、彼女が恋人と思われる人物について説明している間に姉妹が交わした奇妙な視線を見て笑った。

“About your age,” Nan said.

about (くらい) [前] approximately

「あなたと同じくらい」ナンは言った。

“Nearer my sister Jo’s;

nearer (同じくらい) [形] closer

「私の妹のジョーと同じくらい。

I am seventeen in August,” returned Meg, tossing her head.

be seventeen (17歳になる) [動] be of the age of seventeen

in August (8月に) [副] in the month of August

私は8月で17歳になるよ」とメグは頭を振りながら答えた。

“It’s very nice of him to send you flowers, isn’t it?” said Annie, looking wise about nothing.

send (贈る) [動] cause to be taken or delivered to a destination; arrange for the delivery of

「彼があなたにお花を贈るなんてとても素敵ね」とアニーは言った。

“Yes, he often does, to all of us, for their house is full, and we are so fond of them.

fond (大好き) [形] having a strong liking for

「そう、彼はよく私たちみんなに花を贈ってくれるの、彼の家は花でいっぱいで、私たちは花が大好きだから。

My mother and old Mr. Laurence are friends, you know, so it is quite natural that we children should play together,” and Meg hoped they would say no more.

私の母とローレンスおじいさんは友達なの、だから私たち子供が一緒に遊ぶのはごく自然なことよ」とメグは言い、彼女たちがそれ以上何も言わないようにと願った。

“It’s evident Daisy isn’t out yet,” said Miss Clara to Belle with a nod.

evident (明らか) [形] easy to understand or see

yet (まだ) [副] up until now; so far

Miss Clara (クララ嬢) [名] a young woman

Belle (ベル) [名] a girl's name

「デイジーはまだ社交界デビューしていないのは明らかね」とクララ嬢はベルにうなずきながら言った。

“Quite a pastoral state of innocence all round,” returned Miss Belle with a shrug.

pastoral (牧歌的な) [形] of or relating to shepherds or herdsmen

state (状態) [名] the condition of something

innocence (無垢) [名] the state of being free from guilt or sin

all round (全体的に) [副] in all aspects

Miss Belle (ベル嬢) [名] a young unmarried woman

「全体的にかなり牧歌的な無垢な状態ね」とベル嬢は肩をすくめて答えた。

“I’m going out to get some little matters for my girls.

get (済ませる) [動] obtain or receive

「娘たちのためにちょっとした用事を済ませに出かけるよ。

Can I do anything for you, young ladies?” asked Mrs. Moffat, lumbering in like an elephant in silk and lace.

do anything (何かする) [動] perform any action

lumber in (どかどかと入ってくる) [動] move in a heavy, awkward way

elephant (象) [名] the largest land mammal

何かお手伝いできることはありますか、お嬢さん方?」とモファット夫人は絹とレースをまとった象のようにどかどかと入ってきて尋ねた。

“No, thank you, ma’am,” replied Sallie.

「いいえ、ありがとうございます」とサリーは答えた。

“I’ve got my new pink silk for Thursday and don’t want a thing.”

「木曜日に着る新しいピンクの絹のドレスを買ったから、何もいらないよ」

“Nor I...” began Meg, but stopped because it occurred to her that she did want several things and could not have them.

nor (~も) [接] and not; also not

begin (言いかける) [動] start to do or say something

「私も・・・」とメグは言いかけたが、欲しいものがいくつかあるけど買えないことを思い出して口をつぐんだ。

“What shall you wear?” asked Sallie.

「何を着るの?」とサリーは尋ねた。

“My old white one again, if I can mend it fit to be seen, it got sadly torn last night,” said Meg, trying to speak quite easily, but feeling very uncomfortable.

fit (見られるくらい) [形] in good health

「私の古い白いドレスをまた着るよ、見られるくらいに繕えたらね、昨夜ひどく破れちゃったのよ」とメグは、気楽に話そうとしたが、とても居心地が悪かった。

“Why don’t you send home for another?” said Sallie, who was not an observing young lady.

send home (取り寄せる) [動] send something to one's home

「家から別のドレスを取り寄せたら?」とサリーは言ったが、彼女は観察眼のある若い女性ではなかった。

“I haven’t got any other.”

any other (他に) [名] any other thing or person

「他にドレスは持っていないよ。」

It cost Meg an effort to say that, but Sallie did not see it and exclaimed in amiable surprise, “Only that? How funny...”

cost (要する) [動] require to be paid for

メグはそう言うのに努力を要したが、サリーはそれに気がつかず、愛想よく驚いて叫んだ、「それだけ? なんておかしなこと・・・」

She did not finish her speech, for Belle shook her head at her and broke in, saying kindly...

break in (割って入る) [動] interrupt

彼女は最後まで言い切らなかった、というのもベルが彼女に向かって頭を振り、親切に割って入ったからだ。

“Not at all. Where is the use of having a lot of dresses when she isn’t out yet?

not at all (全然) [副] to no extent or degree; not in the least

where is the use of (何の役に立つでしょう) [名] what is the point of

a lot of (たくさんの) [副] many or much; lots of

be out (社交界デビューする) [動] be released or made available to the public

「全然。まだ社交界デビューしていないのに、たくさんのドレスを持っていても何の役に立つでしょう?

There’s no need of sending home, Daisy, even if you had a dozen, for I’ve got a sweet blue silk laid away, which I’ve outgrown, and you shall wear it to please me, won’t you, dear?”

even if (たとえ) [接] although; even though

dozen (12) [名] a group of twelve things

I've got (持っている) [動] have

sweet (素敵な) [形] very good, pleasing, or kind

laid away (もう着れなくなった) [動] put something away for future use

you shall (着てくれる) [動] you will

won't you (ねえ) [動] will you not

デイジー、家に送る必要なんてないよ、たとえあなたが12着持っていたとしても、私には素敵な青い絹のドレスがあって、もう着れなくなったから、私のためにそれを着てくれるよね、ねえ?」

“You are very kind, but I don’t mind my old dress if you don’t, it does well enough for a little girl like me,” said Meg.

「とても親切ね、でも私の古いドレスでもかまわないよ、私のような小さな女の子には十分よ」とメグは言った。

“Now do let me please myself by dressing you up in style.

dress up (着飾る) [動] put on special clothes for a special occasion

「さあ、あなたを素敵に着飾らせて私を喜ばせてくださいな。

I admire to do it, and you’d be a regular little beauty with a touch here and there.

touch (手を加える) [名] a small change or addition

それをするのが大好きで、あなたはちょっと手を加えるだけで、とてもきれいになるよ。

I shan’t let anyone see you till you are done, and then we’ll burst upon them like Cinderella and her godmother going to the ball,” said Belle in her persuasive tone.

done (終わる) [動] finished

burst (現れる) [動] appear suddenly

Cinderella (シンデレラ) [名] a fairy tale character

godmother (名付け親) [名] a woman who sponsors a child at baptism

ball (舞踏会) [名] a social gathering for dancing

persuasive (説得力のある) [形] good at persuading

誰にもあなたを見させないよ、そして、シンデレラとその名付け親が舞踏会に行くように、みんなの前に現れるのよ」とベルは説得力のある口調で言った。

Meg couldn’t refuse the offer so kindly made, for a desire to see if she would be ‘a little beauty’ after touching up caused her to accept and forget all her former uncomfortable feelings toward the Moffats.

touch up (手直しする) [動] improve or repair something slightly

former (以前の) [形] having previously filled a particular role or been a particular thing

メグは、そんなに親切に申し出てくれたのを断ることができず、手直しした後で自分が「ちょっとした美人」になるかどうか知りたいという気持ちから、モファット家に対する以前の不快な気持ちはすべて忘れて受け入れた。

On the Thursday evening, Belle shut herself up with her maid, and between them they turned Meg into a fine lady.

shut oneself up (二人きりになる) [動] to be or remain alone

between (二人で) [前] in the space separating two places, people, or objects

turn (変身させる) [動] change in form, nature, or character

木曜日の夕方、ベルはメイドと二人きりになり、メグを立派な女性に変身させた。

They crimped and curled her hair, they polished her neck and arms with some fragrant powder, touched her lips with coralline salve to make them redder, and Hortense would have added ‘a soupcon of rouge’, if Meg had not rebelled.

crimp (縮らせる) [動] make wavy or curly

curl (カールさせる) [動] make into a spiral or coil

polish (磨く) [動] make smooth and shiny

coralline (サンゴ色の) [形] resembling coral in color

salve (軟膏) [名] an ointment used to soothe or heal

redden (赤くする) [動] make or become red

rebel (反抗する) [動] refuse to obey or conform

彼女たちはメグの髪を縮らせてカールさせ、首や腕を香りのよいパウダーで磨き、唇をサンゴ色の軟膏で赤く染め、メグが反抗しなければ、オルタンスは「ほんの少しの口紅」を加えただろう。

They laced her into a sky-blue dress, which was so tight she could hardly breathe and so low in the neck that modest Meg blushed at herself in the mirror.

lace (着せる) [動] fasten or tighten with a lace

sky-blue (空色) [形] of the color of the sky on a sunny day

breathe (息をする) [動] take air into and expel it from the lungs

modest (控えめな) [形] unassuming in the estimation of one's abilities or accomplishments

彼女たちはメグに空色のドレスを着せたが、それはとてもきつくて息もできないほどで、首元がとても低かったので、控えめなメグは鏡に映った自分を見て顔を赤らめた。

A set of silver filagree was added, bracelets, necklace, brooch, and even earrings, for Hortense tied them on with a bit of pink silk which did not show.

filagree (フィリグリー細工) [名] delicate ornamental work of fine (usually gold or silver) wire

necklace (ネックレス) [名] an ornament worn around the neck

brooch (ブローチ) [名] an ornament fastened to clothing with a hinged pin and catch

earring (イヤリング) [名] a piece of jewelry worn on the ear

Hortense (オルタンス) [名] a female given name

銀のフィリグリー細工のセット、ブレスレット、ネックレス、ブローチ、さらにはイヤリングまで付け加えられたが、オルタンスはそれを外から見えないピンクの絹で結びつけた。

A cluster of tea-rose buds at the bosom, and a ruche, reconciled Meg to the display of her pretty, white shoulders, and a pair of high-heeled silk boots satisfied the last wish of her heart.

tea-rose (ティーローズ) [名] a type of rose

bud (つぼみ) [名] a flower that has not yet opened

bosom (胸元) [名] the chest of a person

ruche (フリル) [名] a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge

reconcile (あしらう) [動] make or become friendly again after an argument or disagreement

胸元にティーローズのつぼみの房とフリルをあしらったメグは、きれいな白い肩を披露し、ハイヒールのシルクのブーツを履いて、心の最後の願いを叶えた。

A lace handkerchief, a plumy fan, and a bouquet in a shoulder holder finished her off, and Miss Belle surveyed her with the satisfaction of a little girl with a newly dressed doll.

lace handkerchief (レースのハンカチ) [名] a handkerchief made of lace

plumy fan (羽毛の扇子) [名] a fan made of feathers

shoulder holder (肩掛け) [名] a device that holds something on one's shoulder

bouquet (ブーケ) [名] a bunch of flowers

finish off (完成する) [動] complete or perfect

newly dressed doll (新しい服を着た人形) [名] a doll that has been recently dressed

レースのハンカチ、羽毛の扇子、肩掛けのブーケでメグは完成し、ベル嬢は新しい服を着た人形を抱えた少女のような満足感でメグを眺めた。

“Mademoiselle is charmante, tres jolie, is she not?” cried Hortense, clasping her hands in an affected rapture.

Mademoiselle (マドモアゼル) [名] a French title for an unmarried woman

charmante (シャルマンテ) [形] charming

tres (トレ) [形] very

jolie (ジョリー) [形] pretty

clasp (握り締める) [動] hold tightly in one's hand

rapture (叫ぶ) [名] a feeling of intense pleasure or joy

「マドモアゼルはシャルマンテ、トレ・ジョリー、そうではありませんか?」とオルタンスは手を握り締めて叫んだ。

“Come and show yourself,” said Miss Belle, leading the way to the room where the others were waiting.

lead (案内する) [動] show the way to someone by going in front of or beside them

「さあ、みんなに見せてあげましょう」とベル嬢は言い、他の人たちが待っている部屋へと案内した。

As Meg went rustling after, with her long skirts trailing, her earrings tinkling, her curls waving, and her heart beating, she felt as if her fun had really begun at last, for the mirror had plainly told her that she was ‘a little beauty’.

go rustling (歩いて行く) [動] move at a regular and fairly slow pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

long skirt (長いスカート) [名] a skirt that reaches the ankles

trail (ひきずる) [動] drag or be dragged along the ground

tinkle (鳴らす) [動] make or cause to make a light, clear ringing sound

beat (高鳴らせる) [動] make a rhythmical sound

メグは長いスカートをひきずり、イヤリングを鳴らし、カールした髪を揺らし、心臓を高鳴らせながら、後ろを歩いて行くと、鏡がはっきりと「小さな美人」だと教えてくれたので、ようやく楽しみが始まったように感じた。

Her friends repeated the pleasing phrase enthusiastically, and for several minutes she stood, like a jackdaw in the fable, enjoying her borrowed plumes, while the rest chattered like a party of magpies.

enthusiastically (喜んで) [副] in a way that shows great interest or excitement

several minutes (数分間) [名] a period of time lasting for a small number of minutes

fable (寓話) [名] a short story that teaches a moral lesson

jackdaw (カササギ) [名] a black and grey bird of the crow family

plume (羽) [名] a large feather

彼女の友人たちは喜んでその言葉を繰り返し、数分間、彼女は寓話のカササギのように立って、借りてきた羽を楽しんでおり、残りの人々はカササギの群れのようにおしゃべりをしていた。

“While I dress, do you drill her, Nan, in the management of her skirt and those French heels, or she will trip herself up.

dress (着替える) [動] put on clothes

drill (教える) [動] teach or train by repetition

trip (つまずく) [動] catch one's foot on something and stumble

「私が着替えている間に、ナン、彼女にスカートとフランス製のヒールの扱い方を教えてあげて、そうしないと彼女はつまずいてしまうよ。

Take your silver butterfly, and catch up that long curl on the left side of her head, Clara, and don’t any of you disturb the charming work of my hands,” said Belle, as she hurried away, looking well pleased with her success.

silver (銀の) [形] made of or colored like silver

butterfly (蝶) [名] an insect with two pairs of large wings that are covered with tiny scales

catch up (留めて) [動] reach the same point as someone or something ahead

left (左側) [形] on or to the side of the body that is to the west when the person is facing north

Clara (クララ) [名] a female given name

クララ、銀の蝶を取って、頭の左側の長いカールを留めて、誰も私の手による魅力的な作品を台無しにしないで」とベルは言い、自分の成功に満足そうに急いで立ち去った。

“You don’t look a bit like yourself, but you are very nice.

「あなたは少しも自分らしく見えないけど、とても素敵よ。

I’m nowhere beside you, for Belle has heaps of taste, and you’re quite French, I assure you.

nowhere (何でもない) [副] not anywhere

heap (山ほど) [名] a large amount of something

French (フランス人) [名] a person from France

assure (本当よ) [動] tell someone something positively or confidently

私はあなたに比べたら何でもないよ、ベルはセンスがあって、あなたは本当にフランス人みたいよ、本当よ。

Let your flowers hang, don’t be so careful of them, and be sure you don’t trip,” returned Sallie, trying not to care that Meg was prettier than herself.

let (垂らす) [動] allow to fall

be careful (気を遣う) [動] be cautious

be pretty (きれいだ) [動] pleasing to the eye or the ear

花は垂らしたままでいいのよ、そんなに気を遣わなくていいよ、つまずかないように気をつけてね」とサリーは答え、メグが自分よりきれいなことを気にしないようにした。

Keeping that warning carefully in mind, Margaret got safely down stairs and sailed into the drawing rooms where the Moffats and a few early guests were assembled.

keep in mind (念頭に置く) [動] remember; be aware of

get down (降りる) [動] move from a higher to a lower position

safely (無事に) [副] without harm or risk

sail (足を踏み入れる) [動] move smoothly and effortlessly

assemble (集まる) [動] come together as a group

その警告を念頭に置いて、マーガレットは無事に階段を降り、モファット家と数人の早い客が集まっている応接室に足を踏み入れた。

She very soon discovered that there is a charm about fine clothes which attracts a certain class of people and secures their respect.

very soon (すぐに) [副] in a very short time

discover (発見する) [動] find out or notice something for the first time

fine clothes (上等な服) [名] clothes of high quality

attract (惹きつける) [動] draw to oneself or itself

certain class (ある種) [名] a group of people or things having the same or similar characteristics

secure (確実にする) [動] make certain of; ensure

彼女はすぐに、上等な服には、ある種の人々を惹きつけ、彼らの尊敬を確実にする魅力があることを発見した。

Several young ladies, who had taken no notice of her before, were very affectionate all of a sudden.

take no notice of (注目しない) [動] fail to notice or consider

affectionate (愛想がよい) [形] feeling or showing love or fondness

これまで彼女に注目していなかった何人かの若い女性たちが、突然とても愛想がよくなった。

Several young gentlemen, who had only stared at her at the other party, now not only stared, but asked to be introduced, and said all manner of foolish but agreeable things to her, and several old ladies, who sat on the sofas, and criticized the rest of the party, inquired who she was with an air of interest.

introduce (紹介する) [動] make someone known to someone else by giving their name, or make something known to someone by giving information about it

agreeable (好意的な) [形] pleasant; pleasing

criticize (批判する) [動] indicate the faults of

これまで彼女をじろじろと見ていただけの何人かの若い紳士たちは、今ではじろじろと見るだけでなく、紹介を頼み、彼女にあらゆる愚かではあるものの好意的な言葉をかけ、ソファに座って残りの客を批判していた何人かの老婦人たちは、興味津々といった様子で彼女が誰なのか尋ねた。

She heard Mrs. Moffat reply to one of them...

彼女はモファット夫人がそのうちの一人に言っているのを聞いた。

“Daisy March—father a colonel in the army—one of our first families, but reverses of fortune, you know;

Daisy March (デイジー・マーチ) [名] a character in the story

army (陸軍) [名] the military land forces of a nation

colonel (大佐) [名] a military officer in charge of a regiment

one of (ひとつなんだけど) [名] a member of a group

reverse (逆転) [名] a change to an opposite direction, position, or course

fortune (運命) [名] the good or bad luck that happens to someone or something

「デイジー・マーチ、父親は陸軍大佐、うちの一番の家柄のひとつなんだけど、運命の逆転でね。

intimate friends of the Laurences; sweet creature, I assure you;

assure (本当に) [動] to make (something) certain; ensure

ローレンス家の親しい友人で、本当に可愛い子なのよ。

my Ned is quite wild about her.”

wild (夢中な) [形] very enthusiastic or excited

うちのネッドは彼女に夢中なのよ」

“Dear me!” said the old lady, putting up her glass for another observation of Meg, who tried to look as if she had not heard and been rather shocked at Mrs. Moffat’s fibs.

put up (かける) [動] to raise or lift

glass (眼鏡) [名] a device consisting of two pieces of glass or plastic with a frame holding them in position in front of a person's eyes, typically used to correct vision

observation (観察) [名] the action or process of observing something or someone carefully or in order to gain information

hear (聞こえない) [動] to be aware of or perceive a sound or sounds by the ear

shock (ショックを受ける) [動] to affect with a sudden upsetting or surprising event or experience

「まあ!」と老婦人は言い、モファット夫人の嘘にショックを受けているように見えるメグをもう一度観察するために眼鏡をかけた。

The ‘queer feeling’ did not pass away, but she imagined herself acting the new part of fine lady and so got on pretty well, though the tight dress gave her a side-ache, the train kept getting under her feet, and she was in constant fear lest her earrings should fly off and get lost or broken.

pass away (消える) [動] die

fine lady (立派な女性) [名] a woman of high social status

give (痛む) [動] cause to have

side-ache (脇腹の痛み) [名] a pain in the side of the body

train (ドレスの裾) [名] the long trailing part of a woman's dress

get under (絡まる) [動] go or come under

get lost (無くなる) [動] be unable to find one's way

break (壊れる) [動] separate into pieces as a result of impact or stress

奇妙な感じ」は消えなかったが、彼女は自分が立派な女性の新しい役を演じていると思い込み、きついドレスで脇腹が痛み、ドレスの裾が足に絡まり、イヤリングが飛んで行ったり、無くなったり、壊れたりしないかと常に心配していたが、かなりうまくやっていた。

She was flirting her fan and laughing at the feeble jokes of a young gentleman who tried to be witty, when she suddenly stopped laughing and looked confused, for just opposite, she saw Laurie.

flirt (ひらひらさせる) [動] move or cause to move lightly and rapidly

witty (機知に富んだ) [形] showing or characterized by wit or humor

confused (困惑した) [形] uncertain about something

opposite (向かいに) [前] facing or across from something else

彼女は扇子をひらひらさせ、機知に富んだ若い紳士の弱々しいジョークに笑っていたが、突然笑うのをやめて困惑したように見えたのは、ちょうど向かいにローリーを見たからだった。

He was staring at her with undisguised surprise, and disapproval also, she thought, for though he bowed and smiled, yet something in his honest eyes made her blush and wish she had her old dress on.

undisguised (隠しきれない) [形] not concealed or disguised

disapproval (不満) [名] a feeling of not being satisfied with something

彼は隠しきれない驚きと不満をもって彼女を見つめていた、と彼女は思った。彼は頭を下げて微笑んだが、彼の正直な目にある何かが彼女を赤面させ、古いドレスを着ていたらよかったのにと思った。

To complete her confusion, she saw Belle nudge Annie, and both glance from her to Laurie, who, she was happy to see, looked unusually boyish and shy.

complete (完成させる) [動] finish making or doing

confusion (混乱) [名] a state of being uncertain about something

nudge (肘でつつく) [動] push or touch someone or something gently

glance (視線を移す) [動] look briefly

彼女の混乱を完成させるために、彼女はベルがアニーを肘でつつき、二人とも彼女からローリーに視線を移すのを見た。ローリーは、彼女が見て嬉しかったことに、異常に少年っぽく恥ずかしそうに見えた。

“Silly creatures, to put such thoughts into my head.

「私の頭にそんな考えを入れるなんて、ばかげた生き物だ。

I won’t care for it, or let it change me a bit,” thought Meg, and rustled across the room to shake hands with her friend.

care for (気にする) [動] be concerned about

thought (考えた) [動] have a particular opinion, belief, or idea

rustle (横切る) [動] move or cause to move with a rustling sound

私はそれを気にしないし、それが私を少しでも変えることは許さない」とメグは考え、部屋を横切って友人と握手した。

“I’m glad you came,

「来てくれて嬉しいよ。

I was afraid you wouldn’t.” she said, with her most grown-up air.

grown-up (大人びた) [形] mature; adult

来てくれないかと心配していたのよ」と彼女は最も大人びた態度で言った。

“Jo wanted me to come, and tell her how you looked, so I did,” answered Laurie, without turning his eyes upon her, though he half smiled at her maternal tone.

「ジョーは私に来て、あなたの様子を教えてほしいと言ったので、来ました」とローリーは答えたが、彼女の母性的な口調に半分微笑みながらも、彼女に目を向けることはなかった。

“What shall you tell her?” asked Meg, full of curiosity to know his opinion of her, yet feeling ill at ease with him for the first time.

yet (しかし) [接] nevertheless; but

feel ill at ease (居心地の悪さを感じる) [動] feel uncomfortable

「彼女に何て言うの?」とメグは尋ねたが、彼の自分に対する意見を知りたい好奇心でいっぱいだったが、初めて彼との間に居心地の悪さを感じていた。

“I shall say I didn’t know you, for you look so grown-up and unlike yourself, I’m quite afraid of you,” he said, fumbling at his glove button.

unlike (似ていない) [前] not similar to

fumble (弄る) [動] handle or touch something in a clumsy or awkward way

「あなただとわからなかったと言うつもりだ、だってあなたはとても大人びて、いつものあなたとは違うから、私はあなたをとても怖がっている」と彼は手袋のボタンを弄りながら言った。

“How absurd of you!

「なんてばかげたことを言うの!

The girls dressed me up for fun, and I rather like it.

娘たちが面白がって着せてくれたんだが、私も気に入っている。

Wouldn’t Jo stare if she saw me?” said Meg, bent on making him say whether he thought her improved or not.

bent on (~しようとする) [動] determined to do something

improved (成長した) [動] make or become better

ジョーは私を見たらびっくりするでしょうね?」とメグは言い、彼に自分が成長したと思うかどうかを言わせようとした。

“Yes, I think she would,” returned Laurie gravely.

gravely (真面目に) [副] in a serious manner

「そう、びっくりすると思う」とローリーは真面目に答えた。

“Don’t you like me so?” asked Meg.

「私のことは好きじゃないの?」とメグは尋ねた。

“No, I don’t,” was the blunt reply.

「いいえ、好きじゃない」と率直な返事が返ってきた。

“Why not?” in an anxious tone.

「どうして?」と不安そうな口調で言った。

He glanced at her frizzled head, bare shoulders, and fantastically trimmed dress with an expression that abashed her more than his answer, which had not a particle of his usual politeness in it.

frizzled (縮れた) [形] having a mass of small curls

fantastically (奇抜に) [副] in a very strange or unusual way

trimmed (飾り立てた) [形] having had small pieces cut off

abash (当惑させる) [動] cause to feel embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed

politeness (礼儀正しさ) [名] the quality or state of being polite

彼は彼女の縮れた髪、むき出しの肩、そして奇抜に飾り立てたドレスを、いつもの礼儀正しさのかけらもない答えよりも彼女を当惑させるような表情でちらっと見た。

“I don’t like fuss and feathers.”

fuss (けばけばしい) [名] unnecessary or excessive excitement, activity, or attention

「私はけばけばしいのは好きじゃない」

That was altogether too much from a lad younger than herself, and Meg walked away, saying petulantly, “You are the rudest boy I ever saw.”

walk away (立ち去る) [動] leave a place by walking

自分より年下の少年から言われるには、それはあまりにもひどい言葉だったので、メグは「あなたは私が今まで見た中で一番無礼な少年だ」と不機嫌そうに言いながら立ち去った。

Feeling very much ruffled, she went and stood at a quiet window to cool her cheeks, for the tight dress gave her an uncomfortably brilliant color.

feel ruffled (動揺する) [動] feel agitated or disturbed

go and stand (立つ) [動] move to a place and stand there

give (なる) [動] cause to be in a specified state

brilliant (真っ赤な) [形] very bright or vivid

彼女は非常に動揺して、静かな窓のところに行って頬を冷やした。きついドレスのせいで、彼女の顔は不快なほど真っ赤になっていた。

As she stood there, Major Lincoln passed by, and a minute after she heard him saying to his mother...

pass by (通り過ぎる) [動] go past

彼女がそこに立っていると、リンカーン少佐が通り過ぎ、1分後には彼が母親にこう言うのが聞こえた。

“They are making a fool of that little girl.

make a fool of (馬鹿にする) [動] to make someone look or feel foolish

「あの子たちはあの少女を馬鹿にしている。

I wanted you to see her, but they have spoiled her entirely.

あなたに彼女に会って欲しかったのだが、あの子たちが彼女を完全に台無しにしてしまった。

She’s nothing but a doll tonight.”

nothing but (ただの) [副] only; no more than

今夜の彼女はただの人形だ。」

“Oh, dear!” sighed Meg.

「ああ、困ったよ!」とメグはため息をついた。

“I wish I’d been sensible and worn my own things, then I should not have disgusted other people, or felt so uncomfortable and ashamed of myself.”

worn (着る) [動] have on one's body or part of one's body

disgust (不快にする) [動] cause (someone) to feel revulsion or profound disapproval

「もっと分別があって自分の服を着ていたらよかったのに、そうすれば他の人を不快にさせたり、自分自身がこんなに不快で恥ずかしい思いをすることもなかったでしょうに。」

She leaned her forehead on the cool pane, and stood half hidden by the curtains, never minding that her favorite waltz had begun, till some one touched her, and turning, she saw Laurie, looking penitent, as he said, with his very best bow and his hand out...

cool (冷たい) [形] of or at a fairly low temperature

mind (気づく) [動] be aware of

waltz (ワルツ) [名] a ballroom dance in triple time

彼女は額を冷たいガラスに押し当てて、カーテンに半分隠れて立っていたが、誰かが彼女に触れるまで、お気に入りのワルツが始まったことに気づかず、振り返ると、ローリーが彼が言ったように、とても深くお辞儀をして手を差し出し、後悔した様子で立っていた。

“Please forgive my rudeness, and come and dance with me.”

rudeness (無礼) [名] impoliteness; bad manners

「私の無礼をお許しください、そして私と踊ってください。」

“I’m afraid it will be too disagreeable to you,” said Meg, trying to look offended and failing entirely.

be disagreeable (不愉快である) [動] unpleasant or unacceptable

look offended (気分を害したように見える) [動] appear to be upset or angry

「あなたには不愉快すぎるでしょう」とメグは気分を害したように見せかけようとしたが、全く失敗した。

“Not a bit of it, I’m dying to do it.

not a bit of it (そんなことは全くありません) [句] not at all

die to do (したくてたまらない) [句] be very eager to do

「そんなことは全くありません、私はそれをしたくてたまらないのです。

Come, I’ll be good.

be good (いい子にする) [動] behave well

さあ、いい子にするから。

I don’t like your gown, but I do think you are just splendid.”

あなたのドレスは好きではないが、あなたは本当に素晴らしいと思う。」

And he waved his hands, as if words failed to express his admiration.

そして彼は、言葉では賞賛を表現できないかのように手を振った。

Meg smiled and relented, and whispered as they stood waiting to catch the time, “Take care my skirt doesn’t trip you up.

catch (合わせる) [動] to get or take hold of

take care (気をつける) [動] to be careful or cautious

メグは微笑んで折れ、タイミングを合わせようと立っている時に「私のスカートにつまずかないように気をつけて。

It’s the plague of my life and I was a goose to wear it.”

plague (疫病) [名] a contagious disease that is deadly

goose (馬鹿) [名] a silly or foolish person

それは私の人生の疫病で、それを着るなんて私は馬鹿だった。」

“Pin it round your neck, and then it will be useful,” said Laurie, looking down at the little blue boots, which he evidently approved of.

pin (巻き付ける) [動] fasten or attach with a pin

useful (役に立つ) [形] able to be used for a practical purpose or in several ways

approve (気に入る) [動] have a favorable opinion of

「首に巻き付ければ役に立つよ」とローリーは明らかに気に入った様子で小さな青いブーツを見下ろしながら言った。

Away they went fleetly and gracefully, for having practiced at home, they were well matched, and the blithe young couple were a pleasant sight to see, as they twirled merrily round and round, feeling more friendly than ever after their small tiff.

fleetly (素早く) [副] in a fast and nimble way

match (似合う) [動] be equal or equivalent to

blithe (陽気な) [形] showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or improper

twirl (ぐるぐる回る) [動] spin or cause to spin quickly and lightly

merrily (楽しそうに) [副] in a cheerful way

round and round (ぐるぐる) [副] in a continuous circular motion

tiff (口論) [名] a petty quarrel

彼らは家で練習していたので、素早く優雅に踊り始め、二人はよく似合っていて、陽気な若いカップルは、小さな口論の後でこれまで以上に友好的な気持ちで、楽しそうにぐるぐる回り、見ているだけでも楽しい光景だった。

“Laurie, I want you to do me a favor, will you?” said Meg, as he stood fanning her when her breath gave out, which it did very soon though she would not own why.

do me a favor (お願いしたいことがある) [動] do something for me

will you (いいですか) [助] used to make a request

fan (扇ぐ) [動] move air around with a fan

give out (切れる) [動] stop working

「ローリー、お願いしたいことがあるんだけど、いい?」とメグは言った。彼は彼女が息切れした時に扇いでくれたが、彼女は理由を認めようとしなかったが、すぐに息切れしてしまった。

“Won’t I!” said Laurie, with alacrity.

with alacrity (快活に) [副] brisk and cheerful readiness

「そうするよ!」とローリーは快活に言った。

“Please don’t tell them at home about my dress tonight.

「今夜の私のドレスのことは家では言わないでね。

They won’t understand the joke, and it will worry Mother.”

ジョークが理解できないし、ママが心配するよ」

“Then why did you do it?” said Laurie’s eyes, so plainly that Meg hastily added...

「それならなぜやったんだ?」とローリーの目があまりにもはっきりと語っていたので、メグは急いで付け加えた。

“I shall tell them myself all about it, and ‘fess’ to Mother how silly I’ve been.

all about (全部) [副] everything concerning

「自分で全部話すよ、そしてママにどれだけ自分が愚かだったか告白するよ。

But I’d rather do it myself.

でも自分でしたいの。

So you’ll not tell, will you?”

will (ね) [助] used to express a strong request, order, or intention

だから言わないでね」

“I give you my word I won’t, only what shall I say when they ask me?”

give one's word (約束する) [動] make a promise

「言わないと約束するよ、でも聞かれたら何て言えばいい?」

“Just say I looked pretty well and was having a good time.”

「元気そうだったし、楽しんでいたって言って」

“I’ll say the first with all my heart, but how about the other?

all my heart (心から) [名] with all my sincerity

「最初のことは心から言えるけど、あとのことは?

You don’t look as if you were having a good time.

楽しんでるようには見えないよ」

Are you?”

楽しんでるの?」

And Laurie looked at her with an expression which made her answer in a whisper...

そしてローリーは彼女を見つめ、彼女はささやくように答えた。

“No, not just now.

just now (今) [副] at this moment; right now

「いいえ、今はそうじゃないよ。

Don’t think I’m horrid.

私がひどい人間だとは思わないで。

I only wanted a little fun, but this sort doesn’t pay, I find, and I’m getting tired of it.”

sort (こんな) [名] a kind, class, or group

pay (割に合わない) [動] give money in exchange for goods or services

ちょっとした楽しみが欲しかっただけなんだけど、こんなのは割に合わないし、飽きてきたよ」

“Here comes Ned Moffat.

Ned Moffat (ネッド・モファット) [名] a character in the story

「ネッド・モファットが来たよ。

What does he want?” said Laurie, knitting his black brows as if he did not regard his young host in the light of a pleasant addition to the party.

knit (ひそめる) [動] to draw together or contract into folds or wrinkles

brow (眉) [名] the part of the face above the eyes

regard (思っていない) [動] think of or consider in a specified way

host (ホスト) [名] a person who receives or entertains guests

何の用だ?」とローリーは、若いホストがパーティーに加わることを喜ばしく思っていないかのように、黒い眉をひそめて言った。

“He put his name down for three dances, and I suppose he’s coming for them.

put one's name down (名前を書いて) [動] write one's name on a list

dance (ダンス) [名] a social gathering for dancing

「彼は3つのダンスに名前を書いていたので、そのために来たんだと思うよ。

What a bore!” said Meg, assuming a languid air which amused Laurie immensely.

bore (退屈) [名] a person or thing that is uninteresting or tiresome

languid (気だるい) [形] lacking energy or vitality

immensely (大いに) [副] to a great extent or degree

なんて退屈なんでしょう!」とメグは、ローリーを大いに面白がらせる気だるい態度で言った。

He did not speak to her again till suppertime, when he saw her drinking champagne with Ned and his friend Fisher, who were behaving ‘like a pair of fools’, as Laurie said to himself, for he felt a brotherly sort of right to watch over the Marches and fight their battles whenever a defender was needed.

suppertime (夕食の時間) [名] the time of the evening meal

champagne (シャンパン) [名] a sparkling white wine

Ned (ネッド) [名] a male given name

Fisher (フィッシャー) [名] a surname

fool (馬鹿) [名] a person who acts unwisely

brotherly (兄弟のような) [形] of or like a brother

right (権利) [名] a moral or legal entitlement to have or do something

defender (守り手) [名] someone who defends

be needed (必要とされる) [動] to be required or wanted

彼は夕食の時間まで彼女に話しかけなかったが、そのとき彼女がネッドと彼の友人フィッシャーとシャンパンを飲んでいるのを見かけた。ローリーは、彼らが「馬鹿のカップル」のように振る舞っていると思った。彼は、マーチ家を見守り、守り手が必要とされるときはいつでも彼らのために戦うという、兄弟のような権利を感じていたからだ。

“You’ll have a splitting headache tomorrow, if you drink much of that.

have a splitting headache (頭が割れるように痛む) [動] have a very bad headache

「あんなものを飲みすぎると、明日は頭が割れるように痛むぞ。

I wouldn’t, Meg, your mother doesn’t like it, you know,” he whispered, leaning over her chair, as Ned turned to refill her glass and Fisher stooped to pick up her fan.

refill (満たす) [動] fill again

glass (グラス) [名] a container made of glass

stoop (身をかがめる) [動] bend one's body forward and downward

pick up (拾う) [動] lift or take up

やめとけよ、メグ、お母さんは嫌がるぞ」と彼は彼女の椅子に寄りかかってささやいた。そのとき、ネッドは彼女のグラスを満たそうと振り返り、フィッシャーは彼女の扇子を拾おうと身をかがめた。

“I’m not Meg tonight, I’m ‘a doll’ who does all sorts of crazy things.

crazy (狂った) [形] insane or mad

「今夜の私はメグじゃない、いろんな狂ったことをする『人形』なの。

Tomorrow I shall put away my ‘fuss and feathers’ and be desperately good again,” she answered with an affected little laugh.

put away (捨てる) [動] to discard or get rid of

fuss (けばけばしさ) [名] unnecessary excitement or activity

laugh (笑い声) [名] the sound of laughing

明日は『けばけばしさ』を捨てて、また必死にいい子になるよ」と彼女は気取った小さな笑い声で答えた。

“Wish tomorrow was here, then,” muttered Laurie, walking off, ill-pleased at the change he saw in her.

ill-pleased (不満を抱く) [形] not satisfied or happy

「それなら明日が来ればいいのに」とローリーはつぶやき、彼女に見られた変化に不満を抱きながら立ち去った。

Meg danced and flirted, chattered and giggled, as the other girls did.

flirt (いちゃつく) [動] behave as though sexually attracted to someone, without serious intentions

メグは他の娘たちと同じように踊り、いちゃつき、おしゃべりし、くすくす笑った。

After supper she undertook the German, and blundered through it, nearly upsetting her partner with her long skirt, and romping in a way that scandalized Laurie, who looked on and meditated a lecture.

after supper (夕食後) [名] the time after supper

undertake (習う) [動] take on or assume

scandalize (はしゃぐ) [動] shock or outrage

look on (見る) [動] watch

meditate (考える) [動] think deeply about something

夕食後、彼女はドイツ語を習い、長いスカートでパートナーをひっくり返しそうになったり、ローリーが見て説教を考えてしまうほどはしゃいだりして、失敗を重ねた。

But he got no chance to deliver it, for Meg kept away from him till he came to say good night.

get no chance (機会がない) [動] have no opportunity

deliver (届ける) [動] take or carry to the intended recipient

keep away from (遠ざかる) [動] stay away from

come to say (言いに来る) [動] come for the purpose of saying

しかし、彼はそれを届ける機会がなかった。メグは彼がおやすみを言いに来るまで彼から遠ざかっていたからだ。

“Remember!” she said, trying to smile, for the splitting headache had already begun.

splitting (割れるような) [形] causing a very severe headache

「覚えておいて!」と彼女は笑顔を作ろうとしたが、頭が割れるような痛みがすでに始まっていた。

“Silence a la mort,” replied Laurie, with a melodramatic flourish, as he went away.

flourish (大げさな身振り) [名] a bold or extravagant gesture

「死の沈黙」とローリーはメロドラマのような大げさな身振りで答え、立ち去った。

This little bit of byplay excited Annie’s curiosity, but Meg was too tired for gossip and went to bed, feeling as if she had been to a masquerade and hadn’t enjoyed herself as much as she expected.

byplay (やりとり) [名] a minor action or speech that occurs in the course of a play

too tired (疲れすぎて) [形] very tired

masquerade (仮面舞踏会) [名] a social gathering of people wearing masks and often elaborate costumes

このちょっとしたやりとりがアニーの好奇心を刺激したが、メグは疲れすぎておしゃべりをする気になれず、仮面舞踏会に行ったのに期待したほど楽しめなかったような気分でベッドに入った。

She was sick all the next day, and on Saturday went home, quite used up with her fortnight’s fun and feeling that she had ‘sat in the lap of luxury’ long enough.

all the next day (翌日ずっと) [名] the day after today

on Saturday (土曜日に) [名] the day of the week before Sunday and following Friday

use up (使い果たす) [動] consume or expend completely

sit in the lap of luxury (贅沢の膝に座る) [熟] to be in a very comfortable or luxurious situation

long enough (十分に長い) [形] as long as necessary or desirable

彼女は翌日ずっと具合が悪く、土曜日に家に帰ったが、二週間の楽しみでかなり疲れ果て、「贅沢の膝に座って」十分に長い時間を過ごしたと感じていた。

“It does seem pleasant to be quiet, and not have company manners on all the time.

「静かに過ごして、いつも社交的な態度をとらなくていいのは、確かに気持ちがいいよね。

Home is a nice place, though it isn’t splendid,” said Meg, looking about her with a restful expression, as she sat with her mother and Jo on the Sunday evening.

restful (落ち着いた) [形] giving or capable of giving rest

家は立派ではないけど、いい場所だよ」とメグは日曜日の夕方、母とジョーと一緒に座りながら、落ち着いた表情であたりを見回しながら言った。

“I’m glad to hear you say so, dear, for I was afraid home would seem dull and poor to you after your fine quarters,” replied her mother, who had given her many anxious looks that day.

I'm glad to hear you say so (そう言ってくれて嬉しい) [句] I'm glad that you said that

for I was afraid (心配していたのよ) [句] because I was worried

would seem (見えてしまうのではないかと) [句] would appear to be

poor (貧弱) [形] lacking in money or material possessions

your fine quarters (立派な住まい) [句] your nice home

her mother (母) [名] the female parent of a person

who had given her many anxious looks that day (その日何度も心配そうにメグを見ていた) [句] who had looked at her anxiously many times that day

「そう言ってくれて嬉しいよ、メグ。立派な住まいから帰ってきたら、家が退屈で貧弱に見えてしまうのではないかと心配していたのよ」と、その日何度も心配そうにメグを見ていた母が答えた。

For motherly eyes are quick to see any change in children’s faces.

母親の目は子供の顔の変化をすぐに見抜くものだ。

Meg had told her adventures gayly and said over and over what a charming time she had had, but something still seemed to weigh upon her spirits, and when the younger girls were gone to bed, she sat thoughtfully staring at the fire, saying little and looking worried.

gayly (陽気に) [副] in a cheerful manner

charming (楽しい) [形] delightful; attractive

weigh upon (重くする) [動] to be a burden to

younger (妹) [形] less old than another person

worried (心配そうに) [形] anxious or concerned

メグは自分の冒険を陽気に語り、どんなに楽しい時間を過ごしたかを何度も繰り返したが、それでも何かが彼女の心を重くしているようで、妹たちが寝てしまうと、彼女は考え深げに火を見つめながら座り、ほとんど口をきかず、心配そうにしていた。

As the clock struck nine and Jo proposed bed, Meg suddenly left her chair and, taking Beth’s stool, leaned her elbows on her mother’s knee, saying bravely...

時計が九時を打ち、ジョーが寝ようと提案すると、メグは突然椅子を離れ、ベスのスツールを取って、母の膝に肘を乗せ、勇敢に言った。

“Marmee, I want to ‘fess’.”

「ママ、告白したいことがあるの」

“I thought so. What is it, dear?”

「そう思ったよ。何なの、あなた?」

“Shall I go away?” asked Jo discreetly.

discreetly (慎重に) [副] in a discreet manner

「私は出て行った方がいい?」とジョーは慎重に尋ねた。

“Of course not. Don’t I always tell you everything?

not (そうしなくていいよ) [副] a word used to express negation

「もちろん、そうしなくていいよ。いつもあなたに全てを話しているでしょう?

I was ashamed to speak of it before the younger children, but I want you to know all the dreadful things I did at the Moffats’.”

be ashamed (恥ずかしい) [動] feel shame or guilt

thing (こと) [名] an action, deed, or event

小さい子たちの前で話すのは恥ずかしかったけど、私がモファット家でやったひどいことを全部知ってほしいの。」

“We are prepared,” said Mrs. March, smiling but looking a little anxious.

be prepared (覚悟は出来ている) [動] be ready for something

「覚悟は出来ているよ」とマーチ夫人は微笑みながらも少し不安そうに言った。

“I told you they dressed me up, but I didn’t tell you that they powdered and squeezed and frizzled, and made me look like a fashion-plate.

powder (おしろいを塗る) [動] apply powder to

squeeze (締め付ける) [動] apply pressure to from both sides

fashion plate (ファッション雑誌のモデル) [名] a person who dresses in the latest fashions

「着飾らされたことは言ったけれど、おしろいを塗られ、締め付けられ、髪をカールさせられて、ファッション雑誌のモデルみたいにされたことは言わなかったよ。

Laurie thought I wasn’t proper.

proper (礼儀正しい) [形] conforming to established standards of behavior or manners

ローリーは私が礼儀正しくなかったと思ったの。

I know he did, though he didn’t say so, and one man called me ‘a doll’.

彼はそうは言わなかったけど、そう思ったのが分かったし、ある男性は私を「人形」と呼んだよ。

I knew it was silly, but they flattered me and said I was a beauty, and quantities of nonsense, so I let them make a fool of me.”

ばかげたことだと分かっていたけど、みんな私をおだてて、美人だとか、たくさんのナンセンスなことを言ったので、私はみんなに馬鹿にされちゃった。」

“Is that all?” asked Jo, as Mrs. March looked silently at the downcast face of her pretty daughter, and could not find it in her heart to blame her little follies.

silently (黙って) [副] without any sound

downcast (しょげた) [形] directed downward

folly (愚行) [名] a foolish act or idea

「それだけ?」とジョーは尋ね、マーチ夫人は黙ってきれいな娘のしょげた顔を見て、娘のちょっとした愚行を責める気にはなれなかった。

“No, I drank champagne and romped and tried to flirt, and was altogether abominable,” said Meg self-reproachfully.

romp (はしゃぐ) [動] play in a boisterous or unrestrained manner

self-reproachfully (自己嫌悪に陥って) [副] in a manner that shows that you are blaming yourself for something

「いいえ、シャンパンを飲んで、はしゃいで、いちゃつこうとして、まったくひどかったよ」とメグは自己嫌悪に陥って言った。

“There is something more, I think.”

「もっと何かあると思うよ。」

And Mrs. March smoothed the soft cheek, which suddenly grew rosy as Meg answered slowly...

smooth (なでる) [動] to make or become smooth

rosy (バラ色) [形] pink or reddish in color

そしてマーチ夫人は柔らかい頬をなで、メグがゆっくりと答えると、頬は突然バラ色になった。

“Yes. It’s very silly, but I want to tell it, because I hate to have people say and think such things about us and Laurie.”

「そうよ。とてもばかげたことなんだけど、話したいの、だって人々が私たちとローリーについてそんなことを言ったり考えたりするのは嫌だから。」

Then she told the various bits of gossip she had heard at the Moffats’, and as she spoke, Jo saw her mother fold her lips tightly, as if ill pleased that such ideas should be put into Meg’s innocent mind.

tightly (きつく) [副] in a way that is held or tied together, or held in position, very firmly

ill (不快に) [形] not in good health; sick

pleased (思っている) [動] make (someone) feel happy and satisfied

mind (心) [名] the element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel; the faculty of consciousness and thought

それから彼女はモファット家で聞いた様々な噂話を話し、彼女が話している間、ジョーは母親が唇をきつく閉じているのを見たが、それはまるでそのような考えがメグの無垢な心に植え付けられることを不快に思っているかのようだった。

“Well, if that isn’t the greatest rubbish I ever heard,” cried Jo indignantly.

the greatest (一番) [形] of the highest quality

rubbish (くだらない) [名] nonsense

indignantly (憤慨して) [副] in an angry and upset way

「まあ、それが私が今まで聞いた中で一番くだらないことでなければ」とジョーは憤慨して叫んだ。

“Why didn’t you pop out and tell them so on the spot?”

pop out (飛び出す) [動] come out or appear suddenly

「なぜその場で飛び出してそう言わなかったの?」

“I couldn’t, it was so embarrassing for me.

couldn't (できなかった) [動] could not

embarrassing (恥ずかしい) [形] causing one to feel shame or humiliation

「できなかったよ、とても恥ずかしかったのよ。

I couldn’t help hearing at first, and then I was so angry and ashamed,

couldn't help (~ずにはいられなかった) [動] be unable to refrain from doing something

ashamed (恥ずかしかった) [形] feeling shame; embarrassed

最初は聞かずにはいられなかったし、それからとても怒って恥ずかしかった。

I didn’t remember that I ought to go away.”

立ち去るべきだということを思い出せなかったよ。」

“Just wait till I see Annie Moffat, and I’ll show you how to settle such ridiculous stuff.

show (教える) [動] demonstrate or make clear how something works or is done

settle (解決する) [動] find a solution to

stuff (こと) [名] an unspecified material or collection of things

「私がアニー・モファットに会うまで待ってて、そんなばかげたことをどう解決するか教えてあげるよ。

The idea of having ‘plans’ and being kind to Laurie because he’s rich and may marry us by-and-by!

be kind to (優しくする) [動] to be friendly or generous to

be rich (金持ちである) [動] to have a great deal of money or valuable possessions

計画」を立てて、ローリーが金持ちでそのうち私たちと結婚するかもしれないから彼に優しくするなんて!

Won’t he shout when I tell him what those silly things say about us poor children?”

shout (怒鳴る) [動] speak or say something very loudly

あの愚かな子たちが私たち貧しい子供たちについて言っていることをパパに話したら、パパは怒鳴るでしょうね?」

And Jo laughed, as if on second thoughts the thing struck her as a good joke.

on second thoughts (考え直して) [副] after reconsidering something

strike (気づく) [動] come to one's mind

そしてジョーは、考え直してそれが良いジョークだと気づいたかのように笑った。

“If you tell Laurie, I’ll never forgive you!

「ローリーに言ったら、絶対に許さない!

She mustn’t, must she, Mother?” said Meg, looking distressed.

mustn't (いけない) [助] must not

must (そうでしょ) [助] have to; be obliged to

distressed (困った) [形] experiencing or showing great anxiety, sorrow, or pain

彼女はそうしちゃいけないよ、そうでしょ、ママ?」とメグは困った顔で言った。

“No, never repeat that foolish gossip, and forget it as soon as you can,” said Mrs. March gravely.

as soon as (できるだけ早く) [副] at the earliest possible time

「いいえ、そんな愚かな噂を繰り返さないで、できるだけ早く忘れなさい」とマーチ夫人は厳しく言った。

“I was very unwise to let you go among people of whom I know so little, kind, I dare say, but worldly, ill-bred, and full of these vulgar ideas about young people.

among (中に) [前] in the middle of

dare say (あえて言う) [動] to venture to say

worldly (世俗的) [形] secular rather than religious

ill-bred (育ちが悪い) [形] lacking in good manners

full of (満ちている) [形] having a great deal of something

vulgar (下品な) [形] lacking in refinement or good taste

「私があまり知らない人々の中にあなたを行かせたのはとても賢明ではなかった、親切ではあるが、世俗的で、育ちが悪く、若者に関する下品な考えに満ちている。

I am more sorry than I can express for the mischief this visit may have done you, Meg.”

may (かもしれない) [助] expressing possibility

この訪問があなたに与えたかもしれない害について、言葉にできないほど申し訳なく思っている、メグ。」

“Don’t be sorry, I won’t let it hurt me.

「ごめんなさいなんて言わないで、私はそれで傷つくことはないよ。

I’ll forget all the bad and remember only the good, for I did enjoy a great deal, and thank you very much for letting me go.

remember (覚える) [動] be able to recall knowledge from memory

a great deal (とても) [副] very much

悪いことは全部忘れて、良いことだけを覚えておくよ、だってとても楽しかったんだもの、行かせてくれて本当にありがとう。

I’ll not be sentimental or dissatisfied, Mother.

dissatisfied (不満な) [形] not satisfied; unhappy

感傷的になったり不満を持ったりしないよ、ママ。

I know I’m a silly little girl, and I’ll stay with you till I’m fit to take care of myself.

take care of (面倒をみる) [動] look after

私は自分が愚かな小さな女の子だってことはわかってるし、自分の面倒をみれるようになるまではあなたと一緒にいるよ。

But it is nice to be praised and admired, and I can’t help saying I like it,” said Meg, looking half ashamed of the confession.

nice (嬉しい) [形] giving or capable of giving joy or pleasure

be praised (褒められる) [動] express warm approval or admiration of

admired (賞賛される) [動] regard with respect or warm approval

can't help (言わずにはいられない) [動] be unable to refrain from doing something

confession (告白) [名] a statement acknowledging some personal fact that you would prefer to keep hidden

でも、褒められたり、賞賛されたりするのは嬉しいし、好きだと言わずにはいられないよ」とメグは告白を半ば恥ずかしそうに言った。

“That is perfectly natural, and quite harmless, if the liking does not become a passion and lead one to do foolish or unmaidenly things.

perfectly (全く) [副] completely

harmless (無害) [形] not causing or likely to cause harm

liking (好意) [名] a feeling of regard or fondness

unmaidenly (乙女らしからぬ) [形] not appropriate for a young unmarried woman

「それは全く自然なことだし、好意が情熱になって愚かなことをしたり、乙女らしからぬことをしたりしなければ、全く無害なことだ。

Learn to know and value the praise which is worth having, and to excite the admiration of excellent people by being modest as well as pretty, Meg.”

value (評価する) [動] estimate the monetary worth of

worth (価値がある) [形] meriting attention or effort

excellent (優れた) [形] very good

価値のある賞賛を知り、評価することを学び、メグ、美しいだけでなく控えめであることで優れた人々の賞賛を喚起することを学びなさい。」

Margaret sat thinking a moment, while Jo stood with her hands behind her, looking both interested and a little perplexed, for it was a new thing to see Meg blushing and talking about admiration, lovers, and things of that sort.

interested (興味がある) [形] wanting to know or learn about something or someone

perplexed (困惑した) [形] completely baffled

マーガレットはしばらく座って考えていたが、ジョーは後ろに手を回して立って、興味津々で少し困惑した様子だった。メグが顔を赤らめて、賞賛や恋人、そういった類のことについて話すのを見るのは初めてだったからだ。

And Jo felt as if during that fortnight her sister had grown up amazingly, and was drifting away from her into a world where she could not follow.

drift away (漂い出る) [動] move slowly and gradually away from a place

そしてジョーは、その二週間の間に妹が驚くほど成長し、自分から離れて、自分の後を追うことのできない世界へと漂い出ているように感じた。

“Mother, do you have ‘plans’, as Mrs. Moffat said?”

「ママ、モファットさんが言ったように『計画』があるの?」

asked Meg bashfully.

bashfully (恥ずかしそうに) [副] in a shy or timid manner

メグは恥ずかしそうに尋ねた。

“Yes, my dear, I have a great many, all mothers do, but mine differ somewhat from Mrs. Moffat’s, I suspect.

a great many (たくさん) [名] a large number

differ (違う) [動] be unlike or dissimilar

somewhat (少し) [副] to some extent or degree

suspect (思う) [動] believe to be the case or have a suspicion of

「そうよ、メグ、私にはたくさんあるよ、母親ならみんなそうよ、でも私のはモファットさんのとは少し違うと思うよ。

I will tell you some of them, for the time has come when a word may set this romantic little head and heart of yours right, on a very serious subject.

word (一言) [名] a single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing

そのうちのいくつかを話しましょう、とても深刻な問題について、一言であなたのこのロマンチックな小さな頭と心を正す時が来たからです。

You are young, Meg, but not too young to understand me, and mothers’ lips are the fittest to speak of such things to girls like you.

あなたは若い、メグ、でも私を理解できないほど若くはない、そして母親の唇はあなたのような女の子にそのようなことを話すのに最も適している。

Jo, your turn will come in time, perhaps, so listen to my ‘plans’ and help me carry them out, if they are good.”

carry out (実行する) [動] put into effect; accomplish

ジョー、あなたの番もそのうち来るかもしれないから、私の「計画」を聞いて、それが良ければ実行するのを手伝ってちょうだい。」

Jo went and sat on one arm of the chair, looking as if she thought they were about to join in some very solemn affair.

arm (肘掛け) [名] the upper limb of the human body

about to (しようとしている) [助] very soon; on the point of

solemn (厳粛な) [形] formal and dignified

ジョーは椅子の片方の肘掛けに腰を下ろし、何かとても厳粛な事に参加しようとしていると思っているかのような顔をしていた。

Holding a hand of each, and watching the two young faces wistfully, Mrs. March said, in her serious yet cheery way...

wistfully (物欲しそうに) [副] in a yearning or wishful manner

それぞれの手を握り、2人の若い顔を物欲しそうに見つめながら、マーチ夫人は真面目だが陽気な口調で言った。

“I want my daughters to be beautiful, accomplished, and good.

「私は娘たちに美しく、教養があり、善良であってほしい。

To be admired, loved, and respected.

respect (尊敬する) [動] have a high opinion of

賞賛され、愛され、尊敬されるように。

To have a happy youth, to be well and wisely married, and to lead useful, pleasant lives, with as little care and sorrow to try them as God sees fit to send.

youth (青春時代) [名] the period of life from puberty to maturity

be well and wisely married (賢く結婚する) [動] be in a state of being married

useful (有意義な) [形] having a practical purpose or use

care (心配) [名] worry, anxiety, or concern

fit (ふさわしい) [形] of a suitable quality, standard, or type

幸せな青春時代を過ごし、賢く結婚し、神が送り出すのにふさわしいと思うほど、心配や悲しみを抱えずに、有意義で楽しい人生を送ること。

To be loved and chosen by a good man is the best and sweetest thing which can happen to a woman, and I sincerely hope my girls may know this beautiful experience.

be chosen (選ばれる) [動] be selected

良い男性に愛され、選ばれることは、女性に起こりうる最高に甘美なことであり、私は娘たちがこの美しい経験をすることを心から願っている。

It is natural to think of it, Meg, right to hope and wait for it, and wise to prepare for it, so that when the happy time comes, you may feel ready for the duties and worthy of the joy.

prepare (備える) [動] make ready or suitable for a particular purpose or for some use, event, or situation

worthy (値する) [形] having qualities or abilities that merit recognition and praise

メグ、それを考えるのは自然なことだし、それを望んで待つのは正しいことだし、それに備えるのは賢明なことなのよ。そうすれば、幸せな時が来たときに、義務を果たす準備ができて、喜びに値すると感じることができるでしょう。

My dear girls, I am ambitious for you, but not to have you make a dash in the world, marry rich men merely because they are rich, or have splendid houses, which are not homes because love is wanting.

my dear girls (私の愛する娘たちよ) [名] a term of endearment for a group of girls

ambitious (野心を抱いている) [形] having or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed

make a dash (名を馳せる) [動] to move quickly and suddenly

私の愛する娘たちよ、私はあなたたちのために野心を抱いているが、あなたたちに世間で名を馳せたり、金持ちだからというだけで金持ちと結婚したり、愛が欠けているために家ではない立派な家を持ったりしてほしくはない。

Money is a needful and precious thing, and when well used, a noble thing, but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for.

needful (必要) [形] required or necessary

only (唯一) [形] being the only one; single; solitary

prize (目標) [名] something offered or won as a reward for victory or success

お金は必要で貴重なものであり、上手に使えば高貴なものですが、それが第一の、あるいは唯一の目標だとは思わないでほしいのです。

I’d rather see you poor men’s wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace.”

queen (女王) [名] the wife or widow of a king

throne (王座) [名] the seat occupied by a sovereign, bishop, or other exalted personage

self-respect (自尊心) [名] a proper respect for oneself

あなたたちが幸せで、愛され、満足しているなら、自尊心と平和のない王座に座る女王よりも、貧しい男の妻であるあなたたちを見たい。」

“Poor girls don’t stand any chance, Belle says, unless they put themselves forward,” sighed Meg.

stand (持つ) [動] have or possess

put oneself forward (前に出る) [動] offer oneself for a task or a position

「貧しい娘たちは、自分から前に出ない限り、チャンスはないよ」とメグはため息をついた。

“Then we’ll be old maids,” said Jo stoutly.

old maid (年老いたメイド) [名] a woman who is not married and is no longer young

stoutly (断言する) [副] in a determined manner

「それなら私たちは年老いたメイドになるよ」とジョーは断言した。

“Right, Jo. Better be happy old maids than unhappy wives, or unmaidenly girls, running about to find husbands,” said Mrs. March decidedly.

Right (その通り) [副] correctly

old maid (老婆) [名] a woman who has never married

wife (妻) [名] a married woman

run about (走り回る) [動] move quickly and energetically

husband (夫) [名] a married man

「その通りよ、ジョー。不幸な妻や、夫を探して走り回る乙女らしくない娘になるより、幸せな老婆になった方がいいよ」とマーチ夫人は断言した。

“Don’t be troubled, Meg, poverty seldom daunts a sincere lover.

be troubled (心配する) [動] be worried or anxious

daunt (怖がらせる) [動] make someone afraid or less confident

「心配しないで、メグ、貧困は誠実な恋人を怖がらせることはめったにない。

Some of the best and most honored women I know were poor girls, but so love-worthy that they were not allowed to be old maids.

some of (いくつかの) [限] a portion of

most (最も) [限] to the greatest extent

honored (尊敬されている) [形] held in high esteem

women (女性) [名] an adult human female

love-worthy (愛すべき) [形] deserving of love

私が知っている最も優秀で最も尊敬されている女性の中には、貧しい娘だった人もいたが、とても愛すべき女性だったので、老婆になることは許されなかった。

Leave these things to time.

そういうことは時が解決してくれる。

Make this home happy, so that you may be fit for homes of your own, if they are offered you, and contented here if they are not.

content (満足) [形] in a state of peaceful happiness

この家を幸せにしなさい、そうすれば、もし自分の家を持つ機会が与えられたら、それにふさわしい人間になれるし、もし与えられなくても、ここで満足できる。

One thing remember, my girls.

one thing (一つ) [名] a single item

一つ覚えておきなさい、娘たち。

Mother is always ready to be your confidant, Father to be your friend, and both of us hope and trust that our daughters, whether married or single, will be the pride and comfort of our lives.”

trust (信じる) [動] believe in the reliability, truth, or ability of

married (結婚している) [形] in a state of marriage

single (独身) [形] not married

母はいつでもあなたの親友になる準備ができているし、父はあなたの友人になる準備ができているし、私たち二人とも、娘たちが結婚していても独身であっても、私たちの人生の誇りであり、慰めになることを期待し、信じている。」

“We will, Marmee, we will!” cried both, with all their hearts, as she bade them good night.

will (そうする) [助] be going to; intend to

「そうするよ、ママ、そうするよ!」二人は心から叫び、ママは二人におやすみを言った。

CHAPTER TEN: THE P.C. AND P.O.

CHAPTER TEN (第十章) [名] the tenth chapter

P.C. (P.C.) [名] a personal computer

P.O. (P.O.) [名] a purchase order

第十章: P.C.とP.O.

As spring came on, a new set of amusements became the fashion, and the lengthening days gave long afternoons for work and play of all sorts.

come on (来る) [動] move or travel toward or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker

lengthening (長くなる) [動] become longer

春が来ると、新しい娯楽が流行り、日が長くなるにつれて、あらゆる種類の仕事や遊びに長い午後が与えられた。

The garden had to be put in order, and each sister had a quarter of the little plot to do what she liked with.

put in order (整える) [動] arrange in a neat, tidy, or systematic way

plot (区画) [名] a small piece of land

庭を整えなければならなかったし、姉妹はそれぞれ小さな区画の四分の一を自分の好きなように使えた。

Hannah used to say, “I’d know which each of them gardings belonged to, ef I see ’em in Chiny,” and so she might, for the girls’ tastes differed as much as their characters.

belong to (属する) [動] be a member of

taste (好み) [名] the ability to discern what is of good quality

ハンナはよく「あの庭が誰のものか、中国で見てもわかるよ」と言っていた。少女たちの好みは性格と同じくらい違っていたので、そうかもしれない。

Meg’s had roses and heliotrope, myrtle, and a little orange tree in it.

myrtle (ギンバイカ) [名] an evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and white or pink flowers

orange tree (オレンジの木) [名] an evergreen tree that produces oranges

メグの庭にはバラ、ヘリオトロープ、ギンバイカ、小さなオレンジの木があった。

Jo’s bed was never alike two seasons, for she was always trying experiments.

bed (花壇) [名] a piece of ground where plants are grown

alike (同じ) [形] similar or having a likeness to

season (季節) [名] one of the four periods of the year (spring, summer, fall, and winter)

experiment (実験) [名] a scientific test to determine the validity of a hypothesis

ジョーの花壇はいつも実験をしているので、二度と同じにはならなかった。

This year it was to be a plantation of sun flowers, the seeds of which cheerful and aspiring plant were to feed Aunt Cockle-top and her family of chicks.

this year (今年) [名] the year that is now in progress

be to (予定である) [助] have something already planned or arranged; have something that is bound to happen; will

plantation (プランテーション) [名] a large farm or estate on which crops such as coffee, sugar, and tobacco are grown

sun flower (ヒマワリ) [名] a tall plant with large yellow flowers

seed (種) [名] a small hard object produced by a plant that can grow into a new plant

aspiring (意欲的な) [形] having a strong desire to achieve something

chick (ひよこ) [名] a young bird

今年はヒマワリのプランテーションになる予定で、その陽気で意欲的な植物の種は、コックルトップおばさんとそのひよこの家族を養う予定だった。

Beth had old-fashioned fragrant flowers in her garden, sweet peas and mignonette, larkspur, pinks, pansies, and southernwood, with chickweed for the birds and catnip for the pussies.

fragrant (香り高い) [形] having a pleasant or sweet smell

sweet pea (スイートピー) [名] a climbing plant with fragrant flowers

mignonette (ミニョネット) [名] a plant with small fragrant greenish flowers

larkspur (ラークスパー) [名] a plant with tall spikes of blue, white, or pink flowers

southernwood (サザンウッド) [名] a plant with aromatic leaves

chickweed (ハコベ) [名] a plant with small white flowers

catnip (キャットニップ) [名] a plant with aromatic leaves that attracts cats

ベスの庭には昔ながらの香り高い花、スイートピー、ミニョネット、ラークスパー、ピンク、パンジー、サザンウッド、鳥のためのハコベ、猫のためのキャットニップがあった。

Amy had a bower in hers, rather small and earwiggy, but very pretty to look at, with honeysuckle and morning-glories hanging their colored horns and bells in graceful wreaths all over it, tall white lilies, delicate ferns, and as many brilliant, picturesque plants as would consent to blossom there.

bower (あずまや) [名] a shelter made of branches or vines

earwiggy (虫が多い) [形] having many earwigs

honeysuckle (スイカズラ) [名] a climbing shrub with fragrant yellow or pink flowers

morning-glory (朝顔) [名] a climbing plant with trumpet-shaped flowers

colored (色とりどりの) [形] having color

horn (角) [名] a hard pointed projection on the head of an animal

graceful (優雅な) [形] having or showing grace or elegance

wreath (花輪) [名] a circular arrangement of flowers or leaves

lily (ユリ) [名] a plant with large, showy, often trumpet-shaped flowers

picturesque (絵のような) [形] visually attractive in a quaint or charming way

plant (植物) [名] a living organism of the kind exemplified by trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, ferns, and mosses

blossom (咲く) [動] to produce flowers

エイミーの庭には、小さくて虫の多いあずまやがあったが、とてもきれいで、スイカズラや朝顔が色とりどりの角や鐘を優雅な花輪にして吊り下げ、背の高い白いユリ、繊細なシダ、そしてそこに咲くことに同意するであろう多くの鮮やかで絵のような植物があった。

Gardening, walks, rows on the river, and flower hunts employed the fine days, and for rainy ones, they had house diversions, some old, some new, all more or less original.

gardening (ガーデニング) [名] the activity of growing plants in a garden

row (ボート遊び) [名] a line of people or things

hunt (探し) [名] the sport or activity of hunting animals or birds

employ (楽しむ) [動] use or engage

rainy (雨) [形] having a lot of rain

diversion (遊び) [名] an activity that is different from your usual routine

more or less (多かれ少なかれ) [副] to some extent

original (独創的な) [形] not copied or imitated from something else

天気の良い日にはガーデニング、散歩、川でのボート遊び、花探しなどをし、雨の日には家の中で、古いものも新しいものも、多かれ少なかれ独創的な遊びを楽しんだ。

One of these was the ‘P.C.’, for as secret societies were the fashion, it was thought proper to have one, and as all of the girls admired Dickens, they called themselves the Pickwick Club.

secret society (秘密結社) [名] a society or organization that conceals its activities from non-members

proper (適切) [形] socially or conventionally correct

Dickens (ディケンズ) [名] Charles John Huffam Dickens, an English writer and social critic

Pickwick Club (ピクウィッククラブ) [名] a club founded by Samuel Pickwick in the novel The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens

そのうちの1つは「P.C.」で、秘密結社が流行っていたので、1つ持つのが適切だと考え、少女たちは皆ディケンズを賞賛していたので、自分たちをピクウィッククラブと呼んだ。

With a few interruptions, they had kept this up for a year, and met every Saturday evening in the big garret, on which occasions the ceremonies were as follows:

with a few interruptions (数回の中断を除いて) [副] except for a few interruptions

keep this up (これを続ける) [動] continue doing something

for a year (1年間) [名] a period of 365 or 366 days

meet (会合を開く) [動] come together with someone by chance or arrangement

every Saturday evening (毎週土曜日の夜) [名] the evening of every Saturday

in the big garret (大きな屋根裏部屋で) [名] a room or space directly below the pitched roof of a house or other building

on which occasions (その際には) [副] at that time

the ceremonies (儀式) [名] a formal religious or public occasion, or a series of events with a particular purpose

as follows (次のような) [副] in the following way

数回の中断を除いて、彼女たちはこれを1年間続け、毎週土曜日の夜に大きな屋根裏部屋で会合を開き、その際には次のような儀式が行われた。

Three chairs were arranged in a row before a table on which was a lamp, also four white badges, with a big ‘P.C.’ in different colors on each, and the weekly newspaper called, The Pickwick Portfolio, to which all contributed something, while Jo, who reveled in pens and ink, was the editor.

arrange (並べる) [動] put in a certain order

badge (バッジ) [名] a small piece of metal, plastic, or cloth with a design or words on it, that you wear on your clothes to show that you belong to a group or organization

weekly (週刊) [形] happening or produced once a week

contribute (寄稿する) [動] give something, especially money, to a cause, charity, etc.

pen (ペン) [名] an instrument for writing or drawing with ink

ink (インク) [名] a colored fluid used for writing or printing

editor (編集長) [名] a person who is in charge of and responsible for the preparation and publication of a text, especially for a newspaper, magazine, or book

テーブルの前に椅子を3つ並べ、その上にランプを置き、4つの白いバッジにはそれぞれ異なる色で大きな「P.C.」の文字を描き、週刊新聞「ピクウィック・ポートフォリオ」には全員が何かしら寄稿し、ペンとインクに夢中になったジョーが編集長を務めた。

At seven o’clock, the four members ascended to the clubroom, tied their badges round their heads, and took their seats with great solemnity.

seven o'clock (7時) [名] seven o'clock

ascend (登る) [動] go up

clubroom (クラブルーム) [名] a room in a club

solemnity (態度) [名] the state or quality of being serious and dignified

7時になると、4人のメンバーはクラブルームに登り、バッジを頭に巻き、厳粛な態度で席に着いた。

Meg, as the eldest, was Samuel Pickwick, Jo, being of a literary turn, Augustus Snodgrass, Beth, because she was round and rosy, Tracy Tupman, and Amy, who was always trying to do what she couldn’t, was Nathaniel Winkle.

Samuel Pickwick (サミュエル・ピクウィック) [名] the founder and perpetual president of the Pickwick Club

literary (文学的な) [形] of or relating to literature

Augustus Snodgrass (オーガスタス・スノッドグラス) [名] a member of the Pickwick Club

round (丸顔) [形] having a circular shape

Tracy Tupman (トレイシー・タップマン) [名] a member of the Pickwick Club

Nathaniel Winkle (ナサニエル・ウィンクル) [名] a member of the Pickwick Club

メグは長女なのでサミュエル・ピクウィック、ジョーは文学的な趣味があるのでオーガスタス・スノッドグラス、ベスは丸顔でバラ色の頬をしているのでトレイシー・タップマン、エイミーはいつもできないことをやろうとしているのでナサニエル・ウィンクルだった。

Pickwick, the president, read the paper, which was filled with original tales, poetry, local news, funny advertisements, and hints, in which they good-naturedly reminded each other of their faults and short comings.

Pickwick (ピクウィック) [名] the president

president (会長) [名] the head of a republican state

paper (新聞) [名] a printed publication consisting of folded unstapled sheets and containing news, articles, advertisements and correspondence

original (オリジナル) [形] produced first or earliest

tale (物語) [名] a fictitious or true narrative or story, especially one that is imaginatively recounted

local (地元) [形] of or relating to a particular area or neighborhood

advertisement (広告) [名] a notice or announcement in a public medium promoting a product, service, or event or publicizing a job vacancy

hint (ヒント) [名] a slight or indirect indication or suggestion

good-naturedly (気さくに) [副] in a friendly and cheerful manner

short coming (短所) [名] a fault or defect

会長のピクウィックは、オリジナルの物語、詩、地元のニュース、面白い広告、そしてお互いの欠点や短所を気さくに思い出させるヒントが満載の新聞を読んだ。

On one occasion, Mr. Pickwick put on a pair of spectacles without any glass, rapped upon the table, hemmed, and having stared hard at Mr. Snodgrass, who was tilting back in his chair, till he arranged himself properly, began to read:

on one occasion (ある時) [副] at one time

put on (かける) [動] to place on one's body

pair of spectacles (眼鏡) [名] a pair of lenses in a frame that are worn in front of a person's eyes, typically to correct vision problems

without any glass (レンズの入っていない) [形] not having any glass

hem (咳払いをする) [動] to make a sound in the throat to attract attention or to show hesitation

Mr. Snodgrass (スノッドグラス氏) [名] a character in the story

tilt (傾く) [動] to move or cause to move into a sloping position

arrange (座る) [動] to put into a neat, attractive, or required order

properly (きちんと) [副] correctly or in a satisfactory manner

ある時、ピクウィック氏はレンズの入っていない眼鏡をかけ、テーブルを叩き、咳払いをして、椅子に座って後ろに傾いていたスノッドグラス氏をじっと見つめ、彼がきちんと座るまで待ってから、読み始めた。

“THE PICKWICK PORTFOLIO”

THE PICKWICK PORTFOLIO (ピクウィック・ポートフォリオ) [名] a collection of papers or drawings

「ピクウィック・ポートフォリオ」

MAY 20, 18—

MAY (5月) [名] the fifth month of the year

20 (20日) [名] the twentieth day of the month

18 (18年) [名] the eighteenth year of the century

18年5月20日

POET’S CORNER

POET'S CORNER (詩のコーナー) [名] a section of a newspaper or magazine devoted to poetry

詩のコーナー

ANNIVERSARY ODE

anniversary (記念日) [名] the date on which an event took place in a previous year

ode (オード) [名] a lyric poem in the form of an address to a particular subject, often elevated in style or manner and written in varied or irregular meter

記念日のオード

Again we meet to celebrate

meet (集まる) [動] come together; assemble

celebrate (祝う) [動] observe (a holiday or festival) with ceremonies and festivities

再び祝うために集まった

With badge and solemn rite,

solemn (厳かな) [形] very serious or formal

rite (儀式) [名] a religious or other ceremony

バッジと厳かな儀式で

Our fifty-second anniversary,

fifty-second (五十二回目) [形] the ordinal number of fifty-two

私たちの五十二回目の記念日

In Pickwick Hall, tonight.

Pickwick Hall (ピックウィックホール) [名] a hall

今夜ピックウィックホールで

We all are here in perfect health,

be here (ここに集まった) [動] be present in this place

perfect health (元気) [名] the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit

私たちは皆元気でここに集まった

None gone from our small band:

none (誰も) [代] not one; not any

gone (欠ける) [動] be missing or absent

band (集団) [名] a group of people who have something in common

私たちの小さな集団から誰も欠けていない

Again we see each well-known face,

well-known (顔) [形] known by many people

再びおなじみの顔に会える

And press each friendly hand.

そして親しい友人と握手できる

Our Pickwick, always at his post,

Pickwick (ピックウィック) [名] the main character in Charles Dickens's first novel, The Pickwick Papers

at one's post (持ち場で) [副] in one's assigned place or position

私たちのピックウィックはいつも自分の持ち場で

With reverence we greet,

reverence (敬意) [名] a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe

greet (挨拶する) [動] address someone politely and respectfully

敬意をもって挨拶する

As, spectacles on nose, he reads

as (~するにつれて) [接] while or when

spectacle (眼鏡) [名] a device consisting of two lenses and a frame held by a bridge over the nose and temples that is used to correct vision

鼻に眼鏡をかけた彼が読む

Our well-filled weekly sheet.

well-filled (充実した) [形] having a lot of content

sheet (誌) [名] a large piece of paper

私たちの充実した週刊誌

Although he suffers from a cold,

suffer from (ひいている) [動] be affected by a disease or condition

彼は風邪をひいているが

We joy to hear him speak,

彼が話すのを聞くのが楽しみだ

For words of wisdom from him fall,

彼から知恵の言葉が落ちるから

In spite of croak or squeak.

squeak (きしむ声) [名] a short, high-pitched sound

しゃがれ声やきしむ声にもかかわらず

Old six-foot Snodgrass looms on high,

six-foot (6フィート) [形] having a height of six feet

Snodgrass (スノッドグラス) [名] a surname

loom (そびえ立つ) [動] appear in an impressively large or great form

6フィートのスノッドグラスが高くそびえ立つ

With elephantine grace,

with (で) [前] using or having

elephantine (象のような) [形] of or like an elephant

象のような優雅さで

And beams upon the company,

beam (照らす) [動] shine brightly

company (仲間たち) [名] a group of people

そして、仲間たちを照らす

With brown and jovial face.

褐色の陽気な顔で

Poetic fire lights up his eye,

poetic (詩的な) [形] of or relating to poetry

light up (照らす) [動] make or become bright

詩的な火が彼の目を照らす

He struggles ’gainst his lot.

lot (運命) [名] a person's destiny or fortune

彼は自分の運命に抗う

Behold ambition on his brow,

behold (みよ) [動] to see or observe

彼の額に野望をみよ

And on his nose, a blot.

blot (しみ) [名] a dark mark or stain

そして彼の鼻にしみ

Next our peaceful Tupman comes,

next (次に) [副] immediately after the time being considered

次に我らの平和なタップマンが来る

So rosy, plump, and sweet,

とてもバラ色でふっくらとしていて甘い

Who chokes with laughter at the puns,

pun (駄洒落) [名] a joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words that sound alike but have different meanings

駄洒落で笑い転げる

And tumbles off his seat.

tumble (転げ落ちる) [動] fall suddenly and in an uncontrolled way

そして席から転げ落ちる

Prim little Winkle too is here,

Winkle (ウィンクル) [名] a character in the story

堅苦しい小さなウィンクルもここにいる

With every hair in place,

every (すべての) [形] each and all of a group

in place (整っている) [形] in the correct or appropriate position

髪の毛一本一本が整っている

A model of propriety,

model (見本) [名] a person or thing that is a perfect example of something

礼儀正しさの見本

Though he hates to wash his face.

顔を洗うのは嫌いだけど

The year is gone, we still unite

be gone (過ぎる) [動] pass

unite (団結する) [動] join together to form a whole

年が過ぎても、私たちは団結している

To joke and laugh and read,

冗談を言ったり、笑ったり、本を読んだり

And tread the path of literature

tread (歩む) [動] walk or step on

literature (文学) [名] written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit

そして文学の道を歩む

That doth to glory lead.

doth (する) [動] do

それは栄光へと導く

Long may our paper prosper well,

prosper (繁栄する) [動] be successful or fortunate

私たちの新聞が長く繁栄しますように

Our club unbroken be,

club (クラブ) [名] an association of people with a shared interest

unbroken (解散しませんように) [形] not broken; intact

私たちのクラブが解散しませんように

And coming years their blessings pour

coming year (来る年) [名] the year that is about to start

pour (注ぐ) [動] cause to flow in a stream

そして来る年が祝福を注ぎますように

On the useful, gay ‘P. C.’.

useful (有益な) [形] being of use or service

有益で陽気な「P.C.」に

A. SNODGRASS

A. SNODGRASS (A・スノッドグラス) [名] a name

A・スノッドグラス

THE MASKED MARRIAGE (A Tale Of Venice)

THE MASKED MARRIAGE (仮面結婚) [名] a marriage in which the bride and groom wear masks

A Tale Of Venice (ヴェニスの物語) [名] a story about Venice

仮面結婚(ヴェニスの物語)

Gondola after gondola swept up to the marble steps, and left its lovely load to swell the brilliant throng that filled the stately halls of Count Adelon.

gondola (ゴンドラ) [名] a light flat-bottomed boat with a cabin amidships

marble (大理石) [名] a hard metamorphic rock that can be polished and is used in sculpture and architecture

step (階段) [名] a staircase

load (荷物) [名] a quantity of something that is being carried

swell (膨らませる) [動] grow or cause to grow bigger or greater

brilliant (華麗な) [形] very bright or impressive

throng (群衆) [名] a large group of people gathered together

fill (埋め尽くす) [動] make or become full

hall (広間) [名] a large room in a house

ゴンドラが次から次へと大理石の階段に押し寄せ、その愛らしい荷物を降ろして、アデロン伯爵の堂々たる広間を埋め尽くす華麗な群衆を膨らませた。

Knights and ladies, elves and pages, monks and flower girls, all mingled gaily in the dance.

knight (騎士) [名] a man who has been given a special title by a king or queen

lady (貴婦人) [名] a woman who is well-mannered and graceful

page (小姓) [名] a young boy who is training to be a knight

monk (僧侶) [名] a man who is a member of a religious community

flower girl (花売り娘) [名] a young girl who sells flowers

mingle (混じり合う) [動] mix or be mixed together

gaily (陽気に) [副] in a cheerful manner

騎士や貴婦人、エルフや小姓、僧侶や花売り娘、皆が陽気に踊りの中に混じり合った。

Sweet voices and rich melody filled the air, and so with mirth and music the masquerade went on.

mirth (陽気さ) [名] amusement, gaiety, or merriment

甘い声と豊かなメロディーが空気を満たし、そうして陽気さと音楽と共に仮面舞踏会は続いた。

“Has your Highness seen the Lady Viola tonight?” asked a gallant troubadour of the fairy queen who floated down the hall upon his arm.

Highness (殿下) [名] a title of honor for princes, princesses, and other members of royalty

float (舞い降りる) [動] move slowly and smoothly through the air

troubadour (吟遊詩人) [名] a medieval poet who wrote and performed songs about courtly love

「殿下は今夜ヴィオラ姫をご覧になりましたか?」と、彼の腕に抱かれて広間を舞い降りてきた妖精の女王に、勇敢な吟遊詩人が尋ねた。

“Yes, is she not lovely, though so sad!

「ええ、とても悲しそうだけど、彼女は愛らしいでしょう!

Her dress is well chosen, too, for in a week she weds Count Antonio, whom she passionately hates.”

wed (結婚する) [動] get married

Count Antonio (アントニオ伯爵) [名] a man with the title of count

passionately (心から) [副] with strong feelings of love, hate, anger, etc.

彼女のドレスもよく選ばれているよ、だって一週間後に彼女は心から憎んでいるアントニオ伯爵と結婚するのよ。」

“By my faith, I envy him.

by my faith (私の信仰によって) [間] an expression of surprise or anger

「私の信仰によって、私は彼を羨む。

Yonder he comes, arrayed like a bridegroom, except the black mask.

yonder (あそこ) [副] at a distance but within sight

bridegroom (花婿) [名] a man who is just married or is about to be married

彼がやってくる、黒い仮面を除いて花婿のような装いをしている。

When that is off we shall see how he regards the fair maid whose heart he cannot win, though her stern father bestows her hand,” returned the troubadour.

be off (終わる) [動] be finished

fair maid (美しい乙女) [名] a young woman

それが終わったら、彼が彼女の厳しい父親が彼女の手を差し出しても、彼が心を勝ち取ることができない美しい乙女をどう見ているかを見ることになるだろう」と吟遊詩人は答えた。

“Tis whispered that she loves the young English artist who haunts her steps, and is spurned by the old Count,” said the lady, as they joined the dance.

English (イギリス人) [形] of or relating to England or its people or language

artist (芸術家) [名] a person who produces works in any of the arts that are primarily subject to aesthetic criteria

step (足取り) [名] the action of moving by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

spurn (拒絶する) [動] reject with contempt

「彼女は彼女の足取りに付きまとう若いイギリス人芸術家を愛し、老伯爵に拒絶されていると囁かれている」と、女性は彼らがダンスに加わった時に言った。

The revel was at its height when a priest appeared, and withdrawing the young pair to an alcove, hung with purple velvet, he motioned them to kneel.

revel (宴) [名] a lively and noisy party

height (最高潮) [名] the highest point of something

priest (司祭) [名] a person who has been ordained for religious duties

withdraw (連れ込む) [動] take away or back

alcove (床の間) [名] a recess in a wall

hang (掛ける) [動] be suspended from

motion (合図する) [動] make a gesture with one's hand

宴が最高潮に達した時、一人の司祭が現れ、若い二人を紫のビロードの掛けられた床の間に連れ込み、跪くように合図した。

Instant silence fell on the gay throng, and not a sound, but the dash of fountains or the rustle of orange groves sleeping in the moonlight, broke the hush, as Count de Adelon spoke thus:

dash (音) [名] a small amount of something added to something else

fountain (噴水) [名] an artificial jet or stream of water made to spout for decorative or cooling purposes

rustle (ざわめき) [名] a light, soft sound, as of leaves being stirred by the wind

moonlight (月明かり) [名] the light of the moon

hush (静寂) [名] a silence or calm

Count de Adelon (アデロン伯爵) [名] a character in the story

speak (言う) [動] say words

陽気な群衆はすぐに沈黙し、音一つせず、ただ噴水の音や月明かりに眠るオレンジの木立のざわめきだけが静寂を破り、アデロン伯爵はこう言った。

“My lords and ladies, pardon the ruse by which I have gathered you here to witness the marriage of my daughter.

lord (皆様) [名] a person of great power or influence

lady (皆様) [名] a woman of high social position

pardon (許す) [動] to forgive

ruse (策略) [名] a trick or stratagem intended to deceive or ensnare

gather (集める) [動] to come together

witness (立ち会う) [動] to see or notice something

「皆様、私の娘の結婚式に立ち会っていただくために、このような策略を許してください。

Father, we wait your services.”

father (神父) [名] a priest in the Catholic, Orthodox, or Anglican Church

神父様、お祈りをお待ちしています」

All eyes turned toward the bridal party, and a murmur of amazement went through the throng, for neither bride nor groom removed their masks.

turn toward (向ける) [動] change direction so as to face

bridal party (花嫁のパーティー) [名] a group of people who attend a wedding

go through (走る) [動] pass from one end or side to the other

bride (花嫁) [名] a woman who is getting married

groom (花婿) [名] a man who is getting married

remove (外す) [動] take off or away

mask (仮面) [名] a covering for all or part of the face

すべての目が花嫁のパーティーに向けられ、花嫁も花婿も仮面を外さなかったので、群衆の中を驚きのつぶやきが走った。

Curiosity and wonder possessed all hearts, but respect restrained all tongues till the holy rite was over.

wonder (驚き) [名] a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable

restrain (抑える) [動] hold back from doing something

tongue (舌) [名] the fleshy muscular organ in the mouth that is used for tasting, licking, swallowing, and for speech

holy (聖なる) [形] dedicated to God or to some religious purpose; consecrated

好奇心と驚きがすべての人の心を占領したが、敬意が聖なる儀式が終わるまですべての舌を抑えた。

Then the eager spectators gathered round the count, demanding an explanation.

spectator (観客) [名] a person who watches an event

count (伯爵) [名] a member of the nobility in certain European countries

explanation (説明) [名] a statement that makes something clear

それから熱心な観客は伯爵の周りに集まり、説明を求めた。

“Gladly would I give it if I could, but I only know that it was the whim of my timid Viola, and I yielded to it.

if I could (できれば) [条] if it is possible

whim (気まぐれ) [名] a sudden desire or change of mind

yield (従う) [動] give in to

「できれば喜んで差し上げたいのですが、私の臆病なヴィオラの気まぐれだったということしか知らず、私はそれに従いました。

Now, my children, let the play end.

let (終わりにしよう) [動] allow to happen or be done

さあ、子供たち、劇を終わりにしよう。

Unmask and receive my blessing.”

unmask (仮面を外す) [動] remove a mask from

仮面を外して私の祝福を受けなさい。」

But neither bent the knee, for the young bridegroom replied in a tone that startled all listeners as the mask fell, disclosing the noble face of Ferdinand Devereux, the artist lover, and leaning on the breast where now flashed the star of an English earl was the lovely Viola, radiant with joy and beauty.

bend the knee (ひざまずく) [動] kneel

disclose (現れる) [動] make known

flash (輝く) [動] shine brightly or suddenly

star (星) [名] a large ball of gas that produces heat and light

earl (伯爵) [名] a British nobleman ranking below a marquess and above a viscount

Viola (ヴィオラ) [名] a stringed musical instrument of the violin family, slightly larger than the violin and tuned a fifth lower

radiant (輝く) [形] shining or bright

しかし、どちらもひざまずかなかった、というのも、若い花婿は、仮面が落ちて、芸術家恋人、フェルディナンド・デヴルーの立派な顔が現れ、今やイギリス伯爵の星が輝く胸に寄りかかり、喜びと美しさで輝く愛らしいヴィオラが現れたとき、すべての聴衆を驚かせるような口調で答えたからだ。

“My lord, you scornfully bade me claim your daughter when I could boast as high a name and vast a fortune as the Count Antonio.

scornfully (軽蔑して) [副] in a scornful manner

bid (命じる) [動] to command or order

boast (誇る) [動] to speak too proudly about oneself or one's achievements

high (高貴な) [形] of great vertical extent

vast (莫大な) [形] of very great extent or quantity

「閣下、あなたは私がアントニオ伯爵と同じくらい高貴な名前と莫大な財産を誇れるときに、あなたの娘を要求するようにと軽蔑して私に命じました。

I can do more, for even your ambitious soul cannot refuse the Earl of Devereux and De Vere, when he gives his ancient name and boundless wealth in return for the beloved hand of this fair lady, now my wife.”

Earl of Devereux and De Vere (デヴルー伯爵とデ・ヴェア伯爵) [名] a title of nobility in the Peerage of England

ancient (古代) [形] belonging to the very distant past

boundless (無限の) [形] having no limits or boundaries

fair (美しい) [形] pleasing to the eye or the ear

私はそれ以上のことをすることができます、なぜなら、あなたの野心的な魂でさえ、デヴルー伯爵とデ・ヴェア伯爵が、今や私の妻であるこの美しい女性の最愛の手と引き換えに、彼の古代の名前と無限の富を与えるとき、彼を拒否することはできないからです。」

The count stood like one changed to stone, and turning to the bewildered crowd, Ferdinand added, with a gay smile of triumph, “To you, my gallant friends, I can only wish that your wooing may prosper as mine has done, and that you may all win as fair a bride as I have by this masked marriage.”

bewildered (困惑した) [形] confused and uncertain about what to do

crowd (群衆) [名] a large number of people gathered together

triumph (勝利) [名] a great victory or achievement

wooing (求婚) [名] the action of courting a woman

prosper (成功する) [動] flourish or be successful

伯爵は石に変わってしまったかのように立っていたが、困惑した群衆の方を向いて、フェルディナンドは勝利の陽気な笑みを浮かべて、「私の勇敢な友人であるあなた方には、私のように求婚が成功し、この仮面結婚で私と同じように美しい花嫁を勝ち取ることができるよう願うだけです」と付け加えた。

S. PICKWICK

S. PICKWICK (S.ピックウィック) [名] a character in the story

S.ピックウィック

Why is the P. C. like the Tower of Babel?

Tower of Babel (バベルの塔) [名] a tower built in the plain of Shinar by the people of Babylonia in an attempt to reach heaven

P. C. (P. C.) [名] personal computer

なぜP.C.はバベルの塔に似ているのか?

It is full of unruly members.

unruly (手に負えない) [形] not easily controlled or disciplined

手に負えないメンバーでいっぱいだ。

THE HISTORY OF A SQUASH

squash (カボチャ) [名] a kind of vegetable

カボチャの歴史

Once upon a time a farmer planted a little seed in his garden, and after a while it sprouted and became a vine and bore many squashes.

farmer (農夫) [名] a person who grows crops or raises animals

plant (植える) [動] put (a seed, bulb, or plant) in the ground and cover with earth for growth

after a while (しばらくして) [副] after some time

sprout (芽が出る) [動] produce shoots or buds

bear (できる) [動] produce or yield

昔々、ある農夫が庭に小さな種を植えると、しばらくして芽が出てつる草になり、たくさんのカボチャができた。

One day in October, when they were ripe, he picked one and took it to market.

October (10月) [名] the tenth month of the year

ripe (熟した) [形] (of fruit or grain) ready for harvesting and eating

market (市場) [名] a place where goods are bought and sold

10月のある日、カボチャが熟したとき、農夫は1つを摘み取って市場に持っていった。

A grocerman bought and put it in his shop.

grocerman (八百屋) [名] a person who sells food and other household items

八百屋がそれを買って店に置いた。

That same morning, a little girl in a brown hat and blue dress, with a round face and snub nose, went and bought it for her mother.

that same morning (その同じ朝) [名] the morning of the same day

brown hat (茶色の帽子) [名] a hat that is brown in color

blue dress (青いドレス) [名] a dress that is blue in color

round face (丸顔) [名] a face that is round in shape

snub nose (低い鼻) [名] a nose that is short and turned up at the end

go and buy (買いに行く) [動] to go to a place in order to purchase something

その同じ朝、丸顔で鼻が低く、茶色の帽子と青いドレスを着た小さな女の子が、母親のためにカボチャを買いに行った。

She lugged it home, cut it up, and boiled it in the big pot, mashed some of it with salt and butter, for dinner.

lug (運ぶ) [動] carry or drag with difficulty

cut up (切り分ける) [動] cut into pieces

boil (煮る) [動] cook in boiling water

mash (つぶす) [動] crush or pound to a soft or pulpy state

salt (塩) [名] a white crystalline substance which gives seawater its characteristic taste and is used for seasoning or preserving food

彼女はカボチャを家まで運び、切り分けて大きな鍋で煮て、夕食のために塩とバターを入れてつぶした。

And to the rest she added a pint of milk, two eggs, four spoons of sugar, nutmeg, and some crackers, put it in a deep dish, and baked it till it was brown and nice, and next day it was eaten by a family named March.

add (加える) [動] join or combine

egg (卵) [名] a hard-shelled reproductive body produced by a female bird, reptile, fish, or invertebrate, especially one containing a developing embryo

sugar (砂糖) [名] a sweet crystalline substance obtained from various plants, especially sugar cane and sugar beet, consisting essentially of sucrose

nutmeg (ナツメグ) [名] the hard aromatic seed of a tropical tree, used as a spice

cracker (クラッカー) [名] a thin, crisp biscuit

そして残りのカボチャに牛乳1パイント、卵2個、砂糖4スプーン、ナツメグ、クラッカーを加え、深皿に入れて、茶色くおいしくなるまで焼き、翌日、マーチという家族に食べられた。

T. TUPMAN

T. TUPMAN (T・タップマン) [名] a name

T・タップマン

Mr. Pickwick, Sir:— I address you upon the subject of sin the sinner I mean is a man named Winkle who makes trouble in his club by laughing and sometimes won’t write his piece in this fine paper I hope you will pardon his badness and let him send a French fable because he can’t write out of his head as he has so many lessons to do and no brains in future I will try to take time by the fetlock and prepare some work which will be all commy la fo that means all right I am in haste as it is nearly school time.

Mr. Pickwick (ピクウィック様) [名] a character in the story

sinner (罪人) [名] a person who has committed a sin

badness (悪事) [名] the quality of being bad

brain (頭脳) [名] an organ of soft nervous tissue contained in the skull of vertebrates, functioning as the coordinating center of sensation and intellectual and nervous activity

future (将来) [名] the time that is still to come

take time (時間をかける) [動] use or spend a period of time

fetlock (球節) [名] the joint of a horse's leg between the cannon bone and the pastern

haste (急ぐ) [名] excessive speed or urgency of movement or action; hurry

ピクウィック様、私は罪についてお話しします。私が言っている罪人はウィンクルという男で、クラブで笑って迷惑をかけたり、この立派な紙に自分の作品を書かなかったりすることがあります。彼の悪事を許して、フランスの寓話を送らせてください。彼は勉強することが多すぎて頭がないので、頭の中で書くことができません。将来は、時間をかけて、すべてがうまくいくような作品を用意しようと思います。もうすぐ学校の時間なので急いでいます。

Yours respectably,

yours (敬具) [名] used as a polite formula for ending a letter

敬具

N. WINKLE

N. WINKLE (N・ウィンクル) [名] a name

N・ウィンクル

[The above is a manly and handsome acknowledgment of past misdemeanors.

above (上記) [名] something that has been mentioned earlier

manly (男らしい) [形] having or showing qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men

acknowledgment (告白) [名] the act of admitting the existence or truth of something

misdemeanor (軽犯罪) [名] a crime that is not very serious

[上記は過去の軽犯罪に対する男らしく立派な告白である。

If our young friend studied punctuation, it would be well.]

punctuation (句読点) [名] the marks, such as period, comma, and semicolon, used in writing to separate sentences and their elements and to clarify meaning

well (良い) [形] of high quality

我々の若い友人が句読点を勉強したら、それは良いことだろう。]

A SAD ACCIDENT

悲しい事故

On Friday last, we were startled by a violent shock in our basement, followed by cries of distress.

on Friday (金曜日に) [名] the sixth day of the week

shock (衝撃) [名] a sudden upsetting or surprising event or experience

basement (地下室) [名] the floor of a building below ground level

distress (苦痛) [名] extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain

先週の金曜日、私たちは地下室での激しい衝撃に驚き、その後に苦痛の叫び声が続いた。

On rushing in a body to the cellar, we discovered our beloved President prostrate upon the floor, having tripped and fallen while getting wood for domestic purposes.

prostrate (倒れる) [動] lying face downwards

fall (転倒する) [動] lose one's balance and collapse

地下室に駆け込むと、私たちは愛する会長が床に倒れ、家事のために木材を運んでいる最中に足を踏み外して転倒しているのを発見した。

A perfect scene of ruin met our eyes, for in his fall Mr. Pickwick had plunged his head and shoulders into a tub of water, upset a keg of soft soap upon his manly form, and torn his garments badly.

meet one's eyes (映る) [動] be visible to

fall (転倒) [名] the act of falling

plunge (突っ込む) [動] thrust or throw oneself or something into

tub (桶) [名] a round, open container with a flat bottom

keg (樽) [名] a small barrel

私たちの目には完璧な破滅の光景が映った。というのも、ピクウィック氏は転倒した際に頭と肩を水桶に突っ込み、男らしい体に軟らかい石鹸の樽をひっくり返し、衣服をひどく破いてしまったからだ。

On being removed from this perilous situation, it was discovered that he had suffered no injury but several bruises, and we are happy to add, is now doing well.

on being removed (脱出すると) [動] to be taken away from a place

perilous (危険な) [形] full of danger or risk

situation (状況) [名] all the circumstances and conditions of a particular place or time

suffer (負う) [動] to experience or be subjected to something bad or unpleasant

injury (怪我) [名] physical or mental harm or damage

bruise (あざ) [名] a mark on the skin caused by a blow or impact

do well (元気で過ごす) [動] to be successful or in good health

この危険な状況から脱出すると、彼は怪我をしておらず、あざがいくつかあるだけであることが判明し、今は元気で過ごしていることを付け加えておく。

ED.

ED (編集部) [名] the department of a newspaper or magazine that prepares material for publication

編集部

THE PUBLIC BEREAVEMENT

public (国民) [名] the people of a country or area

bereavement (悲しみ) [名] the death of a loved one

国民の悲しみ

It is our painful duty to record the sudden and mysterious disappearance of our cherished friend, Mrs. Snowball Pat Paw.

painful (つらい) [形] causing mental or emotional pain or suffering

record (記録する) [動] set down in writing

disappearance (失踪) [名] the act of disappearing

cherished (大事な) [形] to hold or treat as dear or valuable

私たちの大事な友人、スノーボール・パット・ポー夫人の突然の謎の失踪を記録するのは、私たちのつらい義務である。

This lovely and beloved cat was the pet of a large circle of warm and admiring friends;

admiring (愛情深い) [形] feeling or showing great respect or admiration

この愛らしく愛された猫は、温かく愛情深い友人たちの大きな輪のペットだった。

for her beauty attracted all eyes, her graces and virtues endeared her to all hearts, and her loss is deeply felt by the whole community.

endear (惹きつける) [動] cause to be loved or liked

community (地域) [名] a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common

彼女の美しさはすべての人の目を惹きつけ、彼女の優雅さと美徳はすべての人の心を惹きつけ、彼女の喪失は地域全体に深く感じられた。

When last seen, she was sitting at the gate, watching the butcher’s cart, and it is feared that some villain, tempted by her charms, basely stole her.

butcher (肉屋) [名] a person whose trade is cutting up and selling meat

cart (荷車) [名] a small vehicle with two wheels that is pulled or pushed by a person or animal

tempt (誘う) [動] entice or allure

最後に目撃された時、彼女は門のところに座って肉屋の荷車を見ていたが、彼女の魅力に誘われた悪党が卑劣にも彼女を盗んだのではないかと恐れられている。

Weeks have passed, but no trace of her has been discovered, and we relinquish all hope, tie a black ribbon to her basket, set aside her dish, and weep for her as one lost to us forever.

trace (痕跡) [名] a mark, sign, or evidence of the existence or passing of something

discover (発見される) [動] find unexpectedly or in the course of a search

relinquish (捨てる) [動] renounce or willingly give up

set aside (脇に置く) [動] put to one side

数週間が経過したが、彼女の痕跡は発見されておらず、私たちはすべての希望を捨て、彼女のバスケットには黒いリボンを結び、彼女の皿は脇に置き、永遠に失われたものとして彼女のために泣く。

A sympathizing friend sends the following gem:

sympathize (同情する) [動] feel or express sympathy

同情的な友人が次の宝石を送る。

A LAMENT FOR S. B. PAT PAW

A LAMENT (哀歌) [名] a poem of mourning

S. B. PAT PAW (S.B.パット・ポー) [名] a name

S.B.パット・ポーへの哀歌

We mourn the loss of our little pet,

私たちは小さなペットを失ったことを悲しんでいる。

And sigh o’er her hapless fate,

そして彼女の不幸な運命にため息をつく。

For never more by the fire she’ll sit,

never more (二度と) [副] at no time in the future; on no future occasion

by the fire (火のそば) [名] near a fire

彼女は二度と火のそばに座らない。

Nor play by the old green gate.

古い緑の門のそばで遊ぶこともない。

The little grave where her infant sleeps

grave (墓) [名] a location where a dead body (typically that of a human, although sometimes that of an animal) is buried

infant (赤ちゃん) [名] a very young child

彼女の赤ちゃんが眠る小さな墓

Is ’neath the chestnut tree.

’neath (下にある) [前] beneath

chestnut (栗) [名] a tree that produces edible nuts

栗の木の下にある。

But o’er her grave we may not weep,

しかし、彼女の墓の前で泣くことはできない。

We know not where it may be.

know not (わからない) [動] be not aware of

どこにあるかわからないから。

Her empty bed, her idle ball,

ball (ボール) [名] a round object that is used in games

彼女の空のベッド、彼女の遊ばなくなったボール、

Will never see her more;

彼女に二度と会うことはできない。

No gentle tap, no loving purr

tap (タッチ) [名] a light touch or stroke

purr (ゴロゴロ) [名] a low continuous vibratory sound made by a cat

優しいタッチも、愛情のこもったゴロゴロも

Is heard at the parlor door.

客間のドアから聞こえてこない。

Another cat comes after her mice,

come after (追いかける) [動] follow in order to catch or attack

別の猫が彼女のネズミを追いかけ、

A cat with a dirty face,

汚れた顔の猫が、

But she does not hunt as our darling did,

darling (愛猫) [名] a person who is very dear to someone

しかし、彼女は私たちの愛猫のようには狩りをしない。

Nor play with her airy grace.

grace (優雅) [名] a pleasing or attractive quality or manner

彼女の優雅な遊びもしない。

Her stealthy paws tread the very hall

stealthy (忍び足) [形] done in a secretive manner

very (まさに) [副] in actual fact; really

彼女の忍び足がまさにその廊下を踏み、

Where Snowball used to play,

Snowball (スノーボール) [名] a white cat

スノーボールが遊んでいた場所を、

But she only spits at the dogs our pet

spit (唾を吐く) [動] eject saliva from the mouth

dog (犬) [名] a domesticated carnivorous mammal that typically has a long snout, an acute sense of smell, and a barking, howling, or whining voice

しかし、彼女は私たちのペットの犬に唾を吐くだけだ。

So gallantly drove away.

gallantly (勇敢に) [副] in a brave or heroic manner

drive away (走り去る) [動] leave a place by driving

とても勇敢に走り去った。

She is useful and mild, and does her best,

mild (穏やかな) [形] not severe, serious, or extreme

彼女は役に立ち、穏やかで、最善を尽くす。

But she is not fair to see,

しかし、彼女は見かけは美しくなく、

And we cannot give her your place dear,

そして、私たちは彼女にあなたの場所を与えることはできない。

Nor worship her as we worship thee.

worship (崇拝する) [動] show reverence and adoration for (a deity); honor with religious rites

thee (あなた) [代] you

nor (できない) [接] and not; neither; nor yet

あなたを崇拝するように彼女を崇拝することもできない。

A.S.

A.S.

ADVERTISEMENTS

広告

MISS ORANTHY BLUGGAGE, the accomplished strong-minded lecturer, will deliver her famous lecture on “WOMAN AND HER POSITION” at Pickwick Hall, next Saturday Evening, after the usual performances.

MISS ORANTHY BLUGGAGE (オランシー・ブラッジ女史) [名] a woman who is a lecturer

accomplished (博識な) [形] having a great deal of knowledge

strong-minded (意志の強い) [形] having a strong will

lecturer (講師) [名] a person who gives lectures

deliver (行う) [動] give or send

famous (有名な) [形] known about by many people

POSITION (地位) [名] a place where someone or something is located

next Saturday Evening (来週の土曜日の夕方) [名] the evening of the next Saturday

usual (通常の) [形] happening or done often or regularly

オランシー・ブラッジ女史、博識で意志の強い講師は、来週の土曜日の夕方、通常の公演の後、ピックウィック・ホールで「女性とその地位」に関する有名な講演を行う。

A WEEKLY MEETING will be held at Kitchen Place, to teach young ladies how to cook.

weekly (毎週の) [形] happening or done once a week

meeting (集会) [名] an assembly of people for formal discussions

hold (開催される) [動] take place; be held

毎週の集会は、若い女性に料理を教えるために、キッチン・プレイスで開催される。

Hannah Brown will preside, and all are invited to attend.

Hannah Brown (ハンナ・ブラウン) [名] a person's name

preside (司会を務める) [動] be in charge of a meeting or other gathering

attend (参加する) [動] be present at an event or gathering

ハンナ・ブラウンが司会を務め、どなたでも参加できる。

THE DUSTPAN SOCIETY will meet on Wednesday next, and parade in the upper story of the Club House.

DUSTPAN SOCIETY (ダストパン協会) [名] a fictional organization in the story

next Wednesday (来週の水曜日) [名] the Wednesday of the week after this week

parade (パレードを行う) [動] march in a formal procession

ダストパン協会は来週の水曜日に会合を開き、クラブハウスの2階でパレードを行う。

All members to appear in uniform and shoulder their brooms at nine precisely.

uniform (制服) [名] a distinctive outfit worn by members of a particular group

precisely (きっかり) [副] exactly

全員が制服を着て、9時にほうきを肩に担いで集合すること。

MRS. BETH BOUNCER will open her new assortment of Doll’s Millinery next week.

MRS. BETH BOUNCER (ベス・バウンサー夫人) [名] a character in the story

open (開店する) [動] start a business

ベス・バウンサー夫人は来週、新しい人形の帽子店を開店する。

The latest Paris fashions have arrived, and orders are respectfully solicited.

latest (最新の) [形] most recent

respectfully (丁寧に) [副] in a respectful manner

solicit (求める) [動] ask for or try to obtain

パリの最新ファッションが入荷しましたので、ご注文をお待ちしております。

A NEW PLAY will appear at the Barnville Theatre, in the course of a few weeks, which will surpass anything ever seen on the American stage.

A NEW PLAY (新しい劇) [名] a new play

appear (上演される) [動] be presented to the public

the Barnville Theatre (バーンビル劇場) [名] a theater in Barnville

a few weeks (数週間) [名] a small number of weeks

surpass (凌ぐ) [動] be greater or better than

the American stage (アメリカの舞台) [名] the stage in America

数週間のうちに、バーンビル劇場で新しい劇が上演されるが、これはアメリカの舞台でこれまでに見られなかったものを凌ぐものである。

“THE GREEK SLAVE, or Constantine the Avenger,” is the name of this thrilling drama!!!

THE GREEK SLAVE (ギリシャの奴隷) [名] the name of a play

Constantine (コンスタンティン) [名] the name of a person

Avenger (復讐者) [名] a person who exacts punishment or inflicts harm in return for an injury or wrong

「ギリシャの奴隷、または復讐者コンスタンティン」がこのスリリングなドラマの名前だ!

HINTS

ヒント

If S.P. didn’t use so much soap on his hands, he wouldn’t always be late at breakfast.

soap (石鹸) [名] a substance used with water for washing and cleaning

late (遅れる) [形] coming or happening after the usual or expected time

S.P.が手にそんなに石鹸を使わなければ、いつも朝食に遅れることはないだろう。

A.S. is requested not to whistle in the street.

A.S. (A.S.) [名] the initials of a person's name

request (求める) [動] ask for something politely or formally

A.S.は通りで口笛を吹かないように求められている。

T.T. please don’t forget Amy’s napkin.

T.T.はエイミーのナプキンを忘れないでください。

N.W. must not fret because his dress has not nine tucks.

N.W. (N.W.) [名] N.W.

must not (いけない) [助] be not allowed to

have not (ない) [助] do not have

tuck (タック) [名] a fold sewn into a garment to shorten it or to shape it

N.W.はドレスに9つのタックがないことを気に病んではいけない。

WEEKLY REPORT

WEEKLY REPORT (週報) [名] a report published once a week

週報

Meg—Good.

メグー良い。

Jo—Bad.

ジョーー悪い。

Beth—Very Good.

very good (とても良い) [形] of a high standard; very satisfactory

ベスーとても良い。

Amy—Middling.

middling (中くらい) [形] of medium quality

エイミーー中くらい。

As the President finished reading the paper (which I beg leave to assure my readers is a bona fide copy of one written by bona fide girls once upon a time), a round of applause followed, and then Mr. Snodgrass rose to make a proposition.

paper (論文) [名] a scholarly article

assure (保証する) [動] make sure or certain

bona fide (真正な) [形] genuine; real

follow (起こる) [動] come after something in time

Mr. (氏) [名] a title for a man

proposition (提案) [名] a statement that suggests a plan or course of action

会長がその論文を読み終えると(これは、かつて本物の少女たちが書いた論文の真正な写しであることを読者の皆さんに保証しておきたい)、拍手が起こり、スノッドグラス氏が立ち上がって提案をした。

“Mr. President and gentlemen,” he began, assuming a parliamentary attitude and tone, “I wish to propose the admission of a new member—one who highly deserves the honor, would be deeply grateful for it, and would add immensely to the spirit of the club, the literary value of the paper, and be no end jolly and nice.

Mr. President (会長) [名] the head of a club, society, or other organization

gentlemen (皆さん) [名] a polite or formal way of addressing a group of men

parliamentary (議会のような) [形] of or relating to a parliament

admission (入会) [名] the action or process of allowing someone to enter a place or organization

member (会員) [名] a person who belongs to a group or an organization

add (高める) [動] join (something) to something else so as to increase the size, amount, or degree of it

literary (文学的) [形] concerning the writing, study, or content of literature, especially of the classics

value (価値) [名] the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something

「会長、皆さん」と彼は議会のような態度と口調で話し始めた。「私は新しい会員の入会を提案したい。その人は、この栄誉に十分値し、それを深く感謝し、クラブの精神、論文の文学的価値を大いに高め、また、とても陽気で素敵な人だ。

I propose Mr. Theodore Laurence as an honorary member of the P. C.

propose (推薦する) [動] put forward for consideration or discussion

honorary member (名誉会員) [名] a person who is given an honorary title or position

私はセオドア・ローレンス氏をP.C.の名誉会員に推薦する。

Come now, do have him.”

have (招き入れる) [動] cause to come; cause to be present

さあ、彼を招き入れよう。」

Jo’s sudden change of tone made the girls laugh, but all looked rather anxious, and no one said a word as Snodgrass took his seat.

ジョーの突然の口調の変化に少女たちは笑ったが、皆、かなり不安そうに見え、スノッドグラスが席に着いても誰も一言も発しなかった。

“We’ll put it to a vote,” said the President.

put to a vote (投票にかける) [動] decide something by voting

「投票にかけよう」と会長が言った。

“All in favor of this motion please to manifest it by saying, ‘Aye’.”

in favor of (賛成する) [前] supporting or approving of

motion (動議) [名] a formal proposal for debate or discussion

manifest (表明する) [動] make evident or certain by showing or displaying

saying (言う) [名] a proverb or maxim

「この動議に賛成する人は「賛成」と言って表明してください。」

A loud response from Snodgrass, followed, to everybody’s surprise, by a timid one from Beth.

response (返事) [名] an answer or reply

スノッドグラスからの大きな返事があり、それに続いて、誰もが驚いたことに、ベスからおずおずとした返事があった。

“Contrary-minded say, ‘No’.”

contrary-minded (反対の) [形] having a mind that is opposed to something

「反対の人は「反対」と言ってください。」

Meg and Amy were contrary-minded, and Mr. Winkle rose to say with great elegance,

contrary (反対) [形] opposite in nature or direction

Mr. Winkle (ウィンクル氏) [名] a character in Charles Dickens's novel The Pickwick Papers

elegance (優雅に) [名] refinement or good taste in appearance, style, or behavior

メグとエイミーは反対で、ウィンクル氏は立ち上がってとても優雅に言った。

“We don’t wish any boys, they only joke and bounce about.

wish (欲しくない) [動] want something to happen or be the case

joke (ふざける) [動] say or do something for amusement rather than seriously

bounce (飛び跳ねる) [動] move or cause to move up and down or from side to side

「男の子は欲しくないよ、ただふざけて飛び跳ねるだけだもの。

This is a ladies’ club, and we wish to be private and proper.”

ladies' club (女性のクラブ) [名] a club for women

wish (したい) [動] want or wish for

private (内緒) [形] not open to the public

proper (ちゃんと) [形] correct or appropriate

これは女性のクラブで、私たちは内緒でちゃんとしたいの。」

“I’m afraid he’ll laugh at our paper, and make fun of us afterward,” observed Pickwick, pulling the little curl on her forehead, as she always did when doubtful.

doubtful (疑わしい) [形] questionable; uncertain

「彼が私たちの新聞を笑って、後で私たちをからかうのではないかと心配だよ」とピックウィックは、いつも疑わしい時にするように、額の小さなカールを引きながら言った。

Up rose Snodgrass, very much in earnest.

rose (立ち上がる) [動] get up from a sitting or lying position

in earnest (真剣に) [副] with a serious intention

スノッドグラスは真剣に立ち上がった。

“Sir, I give you my word as a gentleman, Laurie won’t do anything of the sort.

sort (そのような) [名] a kind, type, or class

「先生、私は紳士として約束します、ローリーはそのようなことはしません。

He likes to write, and he’ll give a tone to our contributions and keep us from being sentimental, don’t you see?

like to (好きである) [動] find agreeable or enjoyable

give a tone to (調子を与える) [動] give a certain quality to

don't you see (わからない) [動] don't you understand

彼は書くのが好きで、私たちの寄稿に調子を与えて、私たちが感傷的にならないようにしてくれるよ、わからない?

We can do so little for him, and he does so much for us, I think the least we can do is to offer him a place here, and make him welcome if he comes.”

do so little (ほとんどできない) [動] be of little importance or significance

do so much (とても多くのことをする) [動] be of great importance or significance

the least we can do (私たちにできること) [名] the smallest amount or degree of something

offer (提供する) [動] present or proffer

私たちは彼のためにできることはほとんどなく、彼は私たちのためにとても多くのことをしてくれているのだから、私たちにできることは、彼にここを提供して、彼が来たら歓迎することだと思う。」

This artful allusion to benefits conferred brought Tupman to his feet, looking as if he had quite made up his mind.

artful (巧みな) [形] done with or exhibiting art or skill

allusion (言及) [名] an indirect or passing reference

benefit (恩恵) [名] something that promotes or enhances well-being

confer (与える) [動] give or grant

Tupman (タップマン) [名] a character in the story

与えられた恩恵へのこの巧みな言及は、タップマンを立ち上がらせ、彼は決心したように見えた。

“Yes; we ought to do it, even if we are afraid.

「そうね、怖くてもやるべきね。

I say he may come, and his grandpa, too, if he likes.”

like (望む) [動] want to have or do

彼が来てもいいし、彼のおじいちゃんも来てもいいよ。」

This spirited burst from Beth electrified the club, and Jo left her seat to shake hands approvingly.

approvingly (賛成して) [副] in a way that shows approval

ベスのこの元気な爆発はクラブを興奮させ、ジョーは席を立って賛成の握手をした。

“Now then, vote again.

vote (投票する) [動] express a choice in an election or referendum

「さて、もう一度投票しましょう。

Everybody remember it’s our Laurie, and say, ‘Aye!’” cried Snodgrass excitedly.

our (我々の) [代] belonging to or connected with the speaker and one or more other people previously mentioned or easily identified

aye (賛成) [間] yes

excitedly (興奮して) [副] in a very enthusiastic way

みんな、これが我々のローリーだということを思い出して、「賛成!」と言ってくれ」とスノッドグラスは興奮して叫んだ。

“Aye! Aye! Aye!” replied three voices at once.

「賛成! 賛成! 賛成!」と三人の声が一斉に答えた。

“Good! Bless you!

bless (よかった) [動] to make holy or to consecrate

「よかった! よかった!

Now, as there’s nothing like ‘taking time by the fetlock’, as Winkle characteristically observes, allow me to present the new member.”

there's nothing like (~に勝るものはない) [熟] there is no better way to do something

take time by the fetlock (機会を逃す) [熟] to seize an opportunity

characteristically (よく) [副] in a way that is typical of someone or something

allow (させてください) [動] to give permission to do something

present (紹介する) [動] to introduce someone or something to someone

さて、ウィンクルがよく言うように「機会を逃す」ことがないように、新しい会員を紹介させてください。」

And, to the dismay of the rest of the club, Jo threw open the door of the closet, and displayed Laurie sitting on a rag bag, flushed and twinkling with suppressed laughter.

flush (顔を赤らめる) [動] become red in the face

suppressed laughter (笑いをこらえる) [名] laughter that is held back or controlled

そして、クラブの残りのメンバーを狼狽させながら、ジョーはクローゼットのドアを開け放ち、ぼろ布の袋の上に座っているローリーを見せた。ローリーは顔を赤らめ、笑いをこらえて目を輝かせていた。

“You rogue! You traitor! Jo, how could you?” cried the three girls, as Snodgrass led her friend triumphantly forth, and producing both a chair and a badge, installed him in a jiffy.

rogue (悪党) [名] a dishonest or unprincipled man

traitor (裏切り者) [名] a person who betrays a friend, country, principle, etc.

triumphantly (意気揚々と) [副] in a triumphant manner

lead (連れ出す) [動] to show the way to someone by going with them or in front of them

install (着席させる) [動] to put someone or something in a place or position

「この悪党! 裏切り者! ジョー、よくもそんなことができるよね?」と三人の少女が叫ぶと、スノッドグラスは意気揚々と友人を連れ出し、椅子とバッジを用意して、彼をすぐに着席させた。

“The coolness of you two rascals is amazing,” began Mr. Pickwick, trying to get up an awful frown and only succeeding in producing an amiable smile.

coolness (冷静さ) [名] the quality of being calm and not easily excited

amazing (驚かされる) [形] causing great surprise or wonder

frown (顔) [名] a facial expression characterized by a furrowing of the brow

succeed (しかできなかった) [動] achieve a desired aim or result

amiable (愛想のいい) [形] having or showing a friendly and pleasant manner

「君たち二人の悪党の冷静さには驚かされる」とピクウィック氏は恐ろしい顔をしようとしたが、愛想のいい笑顔しかできなかった。

But the new member was equal to the occasion, and rising, with a grateful salutation to the Chair, said in the most engaging manner, “Mr. President and ladies—I beg pardon, gentlemen—allow me to introduce myself as Sam Weller, the very humble servant of the club.”

be equal to (応える) [動] be able to deal with or do something

salutation (挨拶) [名] a gesture or remark used to greet someone

Chair (議長) [名] the person in charge of a meeting or organization

engaging (愛想のいい) [形] charming and attractive

ladies (ご婦人方) [名] women

beg pardon (失礼) [動] ask to be excused for a fault or offense

gentlemen (紳士方) [名] men

allow (申します) [動] let or permit

しかし、新会員はそれに応え、議長に感謝の挨拶をしながら立ち上がり、最も愛想のいい態度で「会長、ご婦人方、失礼、紳士方、クラブの下私、サム・ウェラーと申します」と言った。

“Good! Good!” cried Jo, pounding with the handle of the old warming pan on which she leaned.

pound (叩く) [動] to hit or strike something repeatedly and heavily

warming pan (湯たんぽ) [名] a flat metal container with a long handle that is filled with hot coals and used to warm a bed

「いいぞ! いいぞ!」とジョーは叫び、寄りかかっていた古い湯たんぽの柄で床を叩いた。

“My faithful friend and noble patron,” continued Laurie with a wave of the hand, “who has so flatteringly presented me, is not to be blamed for the base stratagem of tonight.

patron (後援者) [名] a person who gives financial or other support to a person, organization, cause, or activity

blame (非難する) [動] hold (someone or something) responsible for a fault or wrong

base (卑劣な) [形] lacking or showing a lack of higher qualities, such as morality or intelligence

stratagem (策略) [名] a plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end

「私の忠実な友人であり、高貴な後援者である」とローリーは手を振りながら続けた、「私をこれほどまでにお世辞たらたらに紹介してくれた彼は、今夜の卑劣な策略については非難されるべきではない。

I planned it, and she only gave in after lots of teasing.”

give in (折れる) [動] stop resisting or opposing something

tease (せがむ) [動] ask for something repeatedly

私が計画したんだ、彼女はさんざんせがまれてようやく折れたんだ」

“Come now, don’t lay it all on yourself.

come now (さあ) [間] used to express encouragement or to introduce a request

on (の) [前] used to indicate the place or time of an event

「さあ、全部自分のせいにしないで。

You know I proposed the cupboard,” broke in Snodgrass, who was enjoying the joke amazingly.

cupboard (食器棚) [名] a place, usually with a door and shelves, where dishes, food, or sometimes clothes are kept

私が食器棚を提案したのを知ってるだろ」と、このジョークを驚くほど楽しんでいたスノッドグラスが口を挟んだ。

“Never mind what she says.

「彼女が何を言おうと気にするな。

I’m the wretch that did it, sir,” said the new member, with a Welleresque nod to Mr. Pickwick.

wretch (惨めな人) [名] a person who is very unhappy or unfortunate

new member (新会員) [名] a person who has recently joined a group or organization

Welleresque (ウェラー風) [形] resembling or characteristic of Weller

Mr. Pickwick (ピックウィック氏) [名] the main character in Charles Dickens's first novel, The Pickwick Papers

それをやったのはこの私です、旦那」と、新会員はウェラー風にピックウィック氏に会釈しながら言った。

“But on my honor, I never will do so again, and henceforth devote myself to the interest of this immortal club.”

on one's honor (名誉にかけて) [副] used to emphasize that one is telling the truth

interest (利益) [名] money paid regularly at a particular rate for the use of money lent, or for delaying the repayment of a debt

「しかし、私の名誉にかけて、二度とそんなことはしませんし、今後はこの不滅のクラブの利益のために身を捧げます」

“Hear! Hear!” cried Jo, clashing the lid of the warming pan like a cymbal.

clash (打ち鳴らす) [動] make a loud, harsh noise

cymbal (シンバル) [名] a percussion instrument consisting of a slightly concave round metal plate that is either struck with a drumstick or clashed with another cymbal

「聞け! 聞け!」とジョーは叫び、シンバルのように湯たんぽの蓋を打ち鳴らした。

“Go on, go on!” added Winkle and Tupman, while the President bowed benignly.

「続けろ、続けろ!」とウィンクルとタップマンが付け加えると、会長は優しくお辞儀をした。

“I merely wish to say, that as a slight token of my gratitude for the honor done me, and as a means of promoting friendly relations between adjoining nations, I have set up a post office in the hedge in the lower corner of the garden, a fine, spacious building with padlocks on the doors and every convenience for the mails, also the females, if I may be allowed the expression.

merely (単に) [副] only; no more than

wish (言いたい) [動] want or wish to do something

token (しるし) [名] a sign or symbol of something

adjoining (隣接する) [形] next to or touching each other

nation (国) [名] a large group of people who share a language, culture, history, and usually a territory

promote (促進する) [動] further the progress of; support or actively encourage

means (手段) [名] a method, style, or manner of doing something

set up (設置する) [動] establish or start

spacious (広々とした) [形] having a lot of space

building (建物) [名] a structure with a roof and walls, such as a house or factory

padlock (南京錠) [名] a detachable lock with a U-shaped bar that is passed through the staple of a hasp and then snapped shut

convenience (便宜) [名] the state of being able to proceed with something with little effort or difficulty

mail (郵便物) [名] letters and packages delivered by the post office

female (女性) [名] a person bearing two X chromosomes in the cell nuclei and normally having a vagina, a uterus and ovaries, and developing at puberty a relatively large pelvis, relatively small limbs, and breasts

「私が言いたいのは、私に与えられた名誉に対する感謝のしるしとして、また隣接する国々の友好関係を促進する手段として、庭の下の角にある生け垣の中に郵便局を設置したことです。この郵便局は、ドアに南京錠がかけられ、郵便物や女性にとってもあらゆる便宜が図られた、立派で広々とした建物です。

It’s the old martin house, but I’ve stopped up the door and made the roof open, so it will hold all sorts of things, and save our valuable time.

martin house (ツバメの家) [名] a house for martins

stop up (塞ぐ) [動] to close or block up

hold (入る) [動] to contain or be capable of containing

save (節約する) [動] to avoid the need to spend or use

古いツバメの家ですが、ドアを塞いで屋根を開けましたので、いろいろなものが入り、貴重な時間を節約できます。

Letters, manuscripts, books, and bundles can be passed in there, and as each nation has a key, it will be uncommonly nice, I fancy.

uncommonly (とても) [副] to an unusual degree

手紙、原稿、本、小包などを入れることができ、各国が鍵を持っているので、とても便利だと思います。

Allow me to present the club key, and with many thanks for your favor, take my seat.”

allow (差し上げる) [動] to give or grant

present (差し上げる) [動] to give or grant

クラブの鍵を差し上げますので、ご好意に感謝しつつ、席に着きます」

Great applause as Mr. Weller deposited a little key on the table and subsided, the warming pan clashed and waved wildly, and it was some time before order could be restored.

Mr. Weller (ウェラー氏) [名] a character in the story

deposit (置く) [動] put or set down

clash (ぶつかり合う) [動] come into violent conflict

ウェラー氏が小さな鍵をテーブルに置いて席に着くと、大きな拍手が起こり、湯たんぽが激しくぶつかり合い、振り回され、秩序が回復するまでしばらく時間がかかった。

A long discussion followed, and everyone came out surprising, for everyone did her best.

come out (結果になる) [動] become known or apparent

surprising (驚くべき) [形] causing surprise

長い議論が続き、誰もが驚くべき結果になった。誰もがベストを尽くしたからだ。

So it was an unusually lively meeting, and did not adjourn till a late hour, when it broke up with three shrill cheers for the new member.

adjourn (休会する) [動] break off a meeting temporarily

late hour (遅い時間) [名] a time that is late in the day

break up (解散する) [動] (of a meeting) end

cheer (歓声) [名] a shout of encouragement or praise

そのため、異常に活気のある会議となり、遅い時間まで休会せず、新会員を称える3回の歓声とともに解散した。

No one ever regretted the admittance of Sam Weller, for a more devoted, well-behaved, and jovial member no club could have.

admittance (入会) [名] the fact or state of being admitted

Sam Weller (サム・ウェラー) [名] a character in the story

devoted (献身的) [形] very loving or loyal

well-behaved (行儀がよい) [形] acting in a polite and respectful way

サム・ウェラーの入会を後悔した者は誰もいなかった。これほど献身的で、行儀がよく、陽気な会員はクラブにはいなかったからだ。

He certainly did add ‘spirit’ to the meetings, and ‘a tone’ to the paper, for his orations convulsed his hearers and his contributions were excellent, being patriotic, classical, comical, or dramatic, but never sentimental.

tone (トーン) [名] the general character of a place or period

oration (演説) [名] a formal public speech

hearer (聴衆) [名] a person who hears something

contribution (寄稿) [名] something that is given to help a common effort

patriotic (愛国的) [形] having or showing love for or devotion to one's country

classical (古典的) [形] of or relating to ancient Greek or Latin literature, art, or culture

彼は確かに会合に「精神」を、新聞に「トーン」を加えた。彼の演説は聴衆を興奮させ、彼の寄稿は愛国的、古典的、コミカル、劇的でありながら決して感傷的ではなく、優れていた。

Jo regarded them as worthy of Bacon, Milton, or Shakespeare, and remodeled her own works with good effect, she thought.

Bacon (ベーコン) [名] English Renaissance statesman, lawyer, jurist, philosopher and author

Milton (ミルトン) [名] English poet, polemicist, man of letters, and civil servant for the Commonwealth of England under its Council of State and later under Oliver Cromwell

remodel (作り直す) [動] change the structure or form of

good effect (良い効果) [名] a positive result or outcome

ジョーは、それらをベーコン、ミルトン、シェイクスピアに値すると考え、自分の作品を良い効果で作り直したと思った。

The P. O. was a capital little institution, and flourished wonderfully, for nearly as many queer things passed through it as through the real post office.

P. O. (郵便局) [名] post office

capital (立派な) [形] of major significance or importance

institution (施設) [名] an established organization

wonderfully (とても) [副] in a wonderful way

pass through (通る) [動] go through or across

郵便局は小さいながらも立派な施設で、本物の郵便局と同じくらい多くの奇妙なものが通っていたため、とても栄えていた。

Tragedies and cravats, poetry and pickles, garden seeds and long letters, music and gingerbread, rubbers, invitations, scoldings, and puppies.

cravat (ネクタイ) [名] a scarf worn around the neck

garden seed (庭の種) [名] a seed that is planted in a garden

long letter (長い手紙) [名] a letter that is more than one page long

gingerbread (ジンジャーブレッド) [名] a type of cake that is flavored with ginger

scolding (叱責) [名] a harsh reprimand

puppy (子犬) [名] a young dog

悲劇やネクタイ、詩やピクルス、庭の種や長い手紙、音楽やジンジャーブレッド、ゴム、招待状、叱責、子犬。

The old gentleman liked the fun, and amused himself by sending odd bundles, mysterious messages, and funny telegrams, and his gardener, who was smitten with Hannah’s charms, actually sent a love letter to Jo’s care.

gardener (庭師) [名] a person who works in a garden

smitten (夢中になる) [形] strongly attracted to someone

love letter (ラブレター) [名] a letter that expresses a person's love for another

その老紳士は、その楽しみを気に入り、奇妙な包み、謎めいたメッセージ、おかしな電報を送って楽しんでいたし、ハンナの魅力に夢中になった彼の庭師は、実際にジョーの世話でラブレターを送った。

How they laughed when the secret came out, never dreaming how many love letters that little post office would hold in the years to come.

come out (明かされる) [動] become known or revealed

dream (夢にも思わない) [動] have a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep

その秘密が明かされたとき、彼らはどんなに笑ったことか、その小さな郵便局がこれから何年の間にどれだけのラブレターを受け取ることになるか、夢にも思わなかった。

CHAPTER ELEVEN: EXPERIMENTS

CHAPTER ELEVEN (第十一章) [名] the eleventh chapter

EXPERIMENTS (実験) [名] a scientific test to determine the validity of a hypothesis

第十一章: 実験

“The first of June! The Kings are off to the seashore tomorrow, and I’m free.

the first of June (六月一日) [名] the first day of June

the Kings (キング家) [名] the family of King

off to (出発する) [動] leave for

the seashore (海岸) [名] the land bordering the sea

I'm free (私は自由だ) [動] I am not busy or occupied

「六月一日! キング家は明日海岸へ出発するし、私は自由だ。

Three months’ vacation—how I shall enjoy it!” exclaimed Meg, coming home one warm day to find Jo laid upon the sofa in an unusual state of exhaustion, while Beth took off her dusty boots, and Amy made lemonade for the refreshment of the whole party.

three months (三ヶ月) [名] a period of time equal to 90 days

vacation (休暇) [名] a holiday during which people relax and enjoy away from home

one warm day (ある暖かい日) [名] a day when the temperature is high

unusual (いつもと違って) [形] not usual or common

exhaustion (疲れ果てる) [名] a state of extreme physical or mental tiredness

take off (脱ぐ) [動] remove an item of clothing

三ヶ月の休暇だなんて、どんなに楽しいだろう!」とメグは叫び、ある暖かい日に帰宅すると、ジョーがいつもと違って疲れ果ててソファに横たわっているのを見つけ、ベスが埃まみれのブーツを脱ぎ、エイミーがみんなの休憩のためにレモネードを作っていた。

“Aunt March went today, for which, oh, be joyful!” said Jo.

go (出発する) [動] leave a place

be joyful (嬉しい) [動] feeling or showing great happiness

「マーチおばさんが今日出発したのよ、ああ、嬉しい!」とジョーは言った。

“I was mortally afraid she’d ask me to go with her.

mortally (死ぬほど) [副] to a deadly degree

「私は彼女が私に一緒に行こうと誘うのではないかと死ぬほど恐れていた。

If she had, I should have felt as if I ought to do it, but Plumfield is about as gay as a churchyard, you know, and I’d rather be excused.

Plumfield (プラムフィールド) [名] a fictional town in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women

churchyard (教会の墓地) [名] a yard surrounding a church

you know (あのね) [間] used to introduce a statement

be excused (遠慮したい) [動] be allowed not to do something

もしそうだったら、私はそうするべきだと感じていただろうけど、プラムフィールドは教会の墓地と同じくらい陽気で、私はむしろ遠慮したい。

We had a flurry getting the old lady off, and I had a fright every time she spoke to me, for I was in such a hurry to be through that I was uncommonly helpful and sweet, and feared she’d find it impossible to part from me.

have a flurry (大騒ぎする) [動] be in a state of confusion or excitement

get off (送り出す) [動] leave or cause to leave a place

every time (たびに) [副] on each occasion

helpful (親切) [形] giving or ready to give help

find it impossible (できないと思う) [動] be unable to do something

part from (別れる) [動] go away from

私たちは老婦人を送り出すのに大騒ぎで、彼女が私に話しかけるたびに私は恐怖を感じた、というのも私はあまりに急いでいたので、私は異常に親切で優しく、彼女が私と別れられないと思うのではないかと恐れたからだ。

I quaked till she was fairly in the carriage, and had a final fright, for as it drove of, she popped out her head, saying, ‘Josyphine, won’t you—?’ I didn’t hear any more, for I basely turned and fled.

quake (震える) [動] shake or tremble

fairly (すっかり) [副] completely

final (最後の) [形] coming at the end of a series

私は彼女が馬車に乗り込むまで震え、最後の恐怖を感じた、というのも馬車が出発したとき、彼女は頭を突き出し、「ジョセフィン、あなたは—?」と言い、私は卑怯にも振り返って逃げ出したため、それ以上は聞こえなかった。

I did actually run, and whisked round the corner where I felt safe.”

私は実際に走り、安全だと感じた角を曲がった。」

“Poor old Jo! She came in looking as if bears were after her,” said Beth, as she cuddled her sister’s feet with a motherly air.

bear (熊) [名] a large wild mammal

「かわいそうなジョー! 彼女は熊に追われているかのような顔で入ってきたのよ」とベスは母親のような態度で妹の足を抱きしめた。

“Aunt March is a regular samphire, is she not?” observed Amy, tasting her mixture critically.

regular (いつもの) [形] happening or done frequently

samphire (海草) [名] a plant that grows in the sea

mixture (混ぜ物) [名] a combination of two or more things

critically (批判的に) [副] in a critical manner

「マーチおばさんはいつもの海草よね?」とエイミーは自分の混ぜ物を批判的に味見しながら言った。

“She means vampire, not seaweed, but it doesn’t matter.

vampire (吸血鬼) [名] a corpse that rises from the grave at night to drink the blood of the living

seaweed (海藻) [名] a plant that grows in the sea

「彼女は海藻ではなく吸血鬼を意味しているけど、それは問題ではない。

It’s too warm to be particular about one’s parts of speech,” murmured Jo.

be particular about (こだわる) [動] be very careful about

part of speech (品詞) [名] a category of words that have similar grammatical properties

品詞にこだわるには暑すぎる」とジョーはつぶやいた。

“What shall you do all your vacation?” asked Amy, changing the subject with tact.

tact (機転) [名] adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues

「休暇中は何をするの?」とエイミーは機転を利かせて話題を変えた。

“I shall lie abed late, and do nothing,” replied Meg, from the depths of the rocking chair.

lie abed (寝る) [動] stay in bed

late (遅くまで) [副] far on in the day or night

do nothing (何もしない) [動] be idle

rocking chair (ロッキングチェア) [名] a chair with a curved base that allows the user to rock back and forth

「遅くまで寝て、何もしないよ」とメグはロッキングチェアの奥から答えた。

“I’ve been routed up early all winter and had to spend my days working for other people, so now I’m going to rest and revel to my heart’s content.”

all winter (冬の間ずっと) [名] the season of the year that is coldest

be routed up (早起きする) [動] get out of bed

「冬の間ずっと早起きして、他の人のために働いて日々を過ごさなければならなかったから、今は心ゆくまで休んで楽しみたいよ」

“No,” said Jo, “that dozy way wouldn’t suit me.

dozy (眠たげな) [形] sleepy or lethargic

「いや」とジョーは言った、「そんな眠たげなやり方は私には合わない。

I’ve laid in a heap of books, and I’m going to improve my shining hours reading on my perch in the old apple tree, when I’m not having l——”

lay in (用意する) [動] to get or obtain something

heap (山) [名] a large number or amount of something

improve (向上させる) [動] to make or become better

reading (読書) [名] the activity or skill of reading

perch (止まり木) [名] a branch or rod on which a bird rests

私は山のような本を用意して、古いリンゴの木の上の私の止まり木で読書をして、私の輝く時間を向上させるつもりよ、私がl——をしていない時」

“Don’t say ‘larks!’” implored Amy, as a return snub for the ‘samphire’ correction.

return (仕返し) [名] the action of returning something to a place or person

snub (訂正) [名] a rejection or slight

samphire (サンファイア) [名] a plant that grows on sea cliffs

「『ヒバリ』なんて言わないで」とエイミーは「サンファイア」の訂正に対する仕返しとして懇願した。

“I’ll say ‘nightingales’ then, with Laurie.

nightingale (ナイチンゲール) [名] a small brown and grey European bird with a beautiful song

「じゃあ、ローリーと一緒に『ナイチンゲール』って言うよ。

That’s proper and appropriate, since he’s a warbler.”

appropriate (相応しい) [形] suitable or proper in the circumstances

warbler (ウグイス) [名] a small bird with a brown back and a yellow front

彼はウグイスだから、それは適切で相応しいよ。」

“Don’t let us do any lessons, Beth, for a while, but play all the time and rest, as the girls mean to,” proposed Amy.

「しばらくは勉強はせずに、他の子たちがそうするつもりだから、ずっと遊んで休もうよ」とエイミーは提案した。

“Well, I will, if Mother doesn’t mind.

mind (構う) [動] object to or be bothered by

「そうね、ママが構わないならそうするよ。

I want to learn some new songs, and my children need fitting up for the summer.

新しい歌をいくつか覚えたいし、子供達は夏に向けて準備が必要だ。

They are dreadfully out of order and really suffering for clothes.”

out of order (乱れている) [形] not functioning properly

彼らはひどく乱れていて、本当に服に困っている。」

“May we, Mother?” asked Meg, turning to Mrs. March, who sat sewing in what they called ‘Marmee’s corner’.

may (いいでしょう) [助] expressing permission

turn to (向き直る) [動] change direction so as to face

Marmee's corner (ママのコーナー) [名] the corner of the room where Marmee sits

「いいでしょう、ママ?」とメグは尋ね、彼らが「ママのコーナー」と呼ぶ場所で裁縫をしていたマーチ夫人に向き直った。

“You may try your experiment for a week and see how you like it.

「一週間試してみて、どう思うか見てみましょう。

I think by Saturday night you will find that all play and no work is as bad as all work and no play.”

Saturday (土曜日) [名] the day of the week before Sunday and following Friday

all play and no work (遊んでばかりで仕事をしない) [名] spending all of one's time playing and not working

as bad as (同じくらい悪い) [副] to the same extent or degree

all work and no play (仕事ばかりで遊ばない) [名] spending all of one's time working and not playing

土曜日の夜までには、遊んでばかりで仕事をしないのは、仕事ばかりで遊ばないのと同じくらい悪いことだとわかると思う。」

“Oh, dear, no! It will be delicious, I’m sure,” said Meg complacently.

oh, dear (ああ) [間] an expression of surprise, disappointment, or disgust

complacently (満足そうに) [副] in a self-satisfied manner

「ああ、いや! きっとおいしいでしょう」とメグは満足そうに言った。

“I now propose a toast, as my ‘friend and pardner, Sairy Gamp’, says.

toast (乾杯) [名] a drink in honor of or to the health of a person or thing

pardner (相棒) [名] a partner or comrade

Sairy Gamp (セアリー・ギャンプ) [名] a character in the Charles Dickens novel Martin Chuzzlewit

「私の「友人であり相棒であるセアリー・ギャンプ」が言うように、私は今乾杯を提案する。

Fun forever, and no grubbing!” cried Jo, rising, glass in hand, as the lemonade went round.

grubbing (貪欲に) [動] dig up the ground with the hands

永遠に楽しみ、そして貪欲にならずに!」とジョーは叫び、レモネードが回ってくると、グラスを手に立ち上がった。

They all drank it merrily, and began the experiment by lounging for the rest of the day.

merrily (陽気に) [副] in a cheerful manner

lounge (のんびり過ごす) [動] lie, sit, or stand in a relaxed or lazy way

みんな陽気に飲み、その日の残りをのんびり過ごすことで実験を始めた。

Next morning, Meg did not appear till ten o’clock.

next morning (翌朝) [名] the morning of the day after the present day

ten o'clock (10時) [名] ten o'clock in the morning

翌朝、メグは10時まで姿を現さなかった。

Her solitary breakfast did not taste good, and the room seemed lonely and untidy, for Jo had not filled the vases, Beth had not dusted, and Amy’s books lay scattered about.

taste (おいしく) [動] have a particular flavor

lonely (寂しく) [形] sad because one has no friends or company

untidy (散らかっている) [形] not neat or tidy

dust (ほこりを払わず) [動] remove dust from

彼女の孤独な朝食はおいしくなく、部屋は寂しく散らかっているように見えた。ジョーは花瓶に水を入れず、ベスはほこりを払わず、エイミーの本が散らばっていたからだ。

Nothing was neat and pleasant but ‘Marmee’s corner’, which looked as usual.

neat (きちんとしている) [形] tidy, organized, and clean

いつものように見える「ママのコーナー」以外は、何もきちんとしていて快適ではなかった。

And there Meg sat, to ‘rest and read’, which meant to yawn and imagine what pretty summer dresses she would get with her salary.

rest (休憩) [名] a state of relaxation

salary (給料) [名] a fixed regular payment made by an employer to an employee, especially a professional or white-collar worker

そしてメグはそこに座って「休憩して読書」したが、それはあくびをしたり、給料でどんなきれいな夏服を買おうかと想像したりすることだった。

Jo spent the morning on the river with Laurie and the afternoon reading and crying over The Wide, Wide World, up in the apple tree.

The Wide, Wide World (広い広い世界) [名] a novel by Susan Warner

up (上で) [前] in or to a higher position

apple tree (リンゴの木) [名] a tree that bears apples

ジョーは午前中をローリーと川で過ごし、午後はリンゴの木の上で「広い広い世界」を読んで泣いていた。

Beth began by rummaging everything out of the big closet where her family resided, but getting tired before half done, she left her establishment topsy-turvy and went to her music, rejoicing that she had no dishes to wash.

reside (住む) [動] live in a particular place

get tired (疲れる) [動] become exhausted

establishment (住まい) [名] a place where someone lives

go (向かう) [動] move or travel toward

rejoice (喜ぶ) [動] feel or show great joy or delight

ベスは家族が住んでいる大きなクローゼットからすべてを探し回ることから始めたが、半分も終わらないうちに疲れてしまい、彼女は自分の住まいをめちゃくちゃにしたまま、洗い物がないことを喜びながら音楽に向かった。

Amy arranged her bower, put on her best white frock, smoothed her curls, and sat down to draw under the honeysuckle, hoping someone would see and inquire who the young artist was.

エイミーは自分の隠れ家を整え、一番いい白い服を着て、カールした髪をなでつけ、スイカズラの下に座って絵を描き、誰かが見てこの若い芸術家は誰だろうと尋ねてくれることを期待した。

As no one appeared but an inquisitive daddy-longlegs, who examined her work with interest, she went to walk, got caught in a shower, and came home dripping.

inquisitive (好奇心旺盛な) [形] eager to know or learn something

daddy-longlegs (ガガンボ) [名] a crane fly

go for a walk (散歩に出かける) [動] go for a walk

get caught in (降られる) [動] be trapped or held fast in or as in a snare or trap

shower (にわか雨) [名] a brief and usually light fall of rain

dripping (びしょ濡れになって) [動] letting fall drops of liquid

彼女の作品を興味深く調べる好奇心旺盛なガガンボ以外誰も現れなかったので、彼女は散歩に出かけ、にわか雨に降られ、びしょ濡れになって帰宅した。

At teatime they compared notes, and all agreed that it had been a delightful, though unusually long day.

teatime (お茶の時間) [名] the time of day when tea is usually drunk

compare notes (意見を交換する) [動] exchange ideas or information

お茶の時間に彼女たちは意見を交換し、いつもより長い一日だったが、とても楽しかったと全員が同意した。

Meg, who went shopping in the afternoon and got a ‘sweet blue muslin’, had discovered, after she had cut the breadths off, that it wouldn’t wash, which mishap made her slightly cross.

cross (腹を立てる) [動] be angry

午後買い物に行って「素敵な青いモスリン」を買ったメグは、幅を切った後で洗濯できないことを発見し、その不運に少し腹を立てた。

Jo had burned the skin off her nose boating, and got a raging headache by reading too long.

ジョーはボートに乗って鼻の皮を焼き、長時間読書をして頭痛がひどくなった。

Beth was worried by the confusion of her closet and the difficulty of learning three or four songs at once, and Amy deeply regretted the damage done her frock, for Katy Brown’s party was to be the next day and now like Flora McFlimsey, she had ‘nothing to wear’.

difficulty (難しさ) [名] the state or condition of being difficult

three or four (三、四) [名] a number

damage (傷つける) [動] cause harm to

Flora McFlimsey (フローラ・マクフリムジー) [名] a girl's name

ベスはクローゼットの混乱と一度に三、四曲を覚える難しさに悩み、エイミーはケイティ・ブラウンのパーティーが翌日で、フローラ・マクフリムジーのように「着るものがない」ので、ドレスを傷つけたことを深く後悔していた。

But these were mere trifles, and they assured their mother that the experiment was working finely.

mere (単なる) [形] that is the only thing mentioned

assure (請け合う) [動] to make someone feel certain about something

work (うまくいく) [動] to operate or function properly

しかし、これらは些細なことで、彼女たちは母親に実験はうまくいっていると請け合った。

She smiled, said nothing, and with Hannah’s help did their neglected work, keeping home pleasant and the domestic machinery running smoothly.

with the help of (の助けを借りて) [前] with the assistance of

domestic (家事の) [形] of or relating to a home or family

run smoothly (円滑に動く) [動] to operate or function without difficulty or problems

彼女は微笑んで何も言わず、ハンナの助けを借りて彼女たちの怠った仕事をし、家庭を快適に保ち、家事機械を円滑に動かした。

It was astonishing what a peculiar and uncomfortable state of things was produced by the ‘resting and reveling’ process.

astonishing (驚くべき) [形] causing great surprise or wonder

peculiar (奇妙な) [形] strange or odd

休息と歓楽」の過程によって、どんなに奇妙で不快な状態が生み出されたか驚くべきことだった。

The days kept getting longer and longer, the weather was unusually variable and so were tempers;

longer (長く) [形] having a great or greater length

variable (変わりやすい) [形] able to be changed or altered

日が長くなり続け、天候は異常に変わりやすく、気分もそうだった。

an unsettled feeling possessed everyone, and Satan found plenty of mischief for the idle hands to do.

unsettled (落ち着かない) [形] not calm or quiet

Satan (サタン) [名] the supreme spirit of evil

落ち着かない気持ちが皆を支配し、サタンは怠惰な手で行うためのたくさんのいたずらを見つけた。

As the height of luxury, Meg put out some of her sewing, and then found time hang so heavily, that she fell to snipping and spoiling her clothes in her attempts to furbish them up a la Moffat.

put out (片付ける) [動] to extinguish or cause to go out

hang (重く) [動] to be suspended or supported from above

fall to (~し始める) [動] to start doing something

snip (切る) [動] to cut or remove with scissors or shears

attempt (試み) [名] an act of trying to do something

furbish (磨く) [動] to polish or burnish

up (~風に) [前] in the style of

Moffat (モファット) [名] a surname

贅沢の極みとして、メグは裁縫の一部を片付けたが、時間がとても重く感じられたので、モファット風に服を磨こうとして、服を切ったり、台無しにしてしまった。

Jo read till her eyes gave out and she was sick of books, got so fidgety that even good-natured Laurie had a quarrel with her, and so reduced in spirits that she desperately wished she had gone with Aunt March.

give out (疲れる) [動] become exhausted

be sick of (飽きる) [動] be tired of

get fidgety (そわそわする) [動] become restless or anxious

good-natured (気立ての良い) [形] having a pleasant or kindly disposition

have a quarrel (喧嘩をする) [動] have an angry argument

reduce in spirits (気分が落ち込む) [動] become less cheerful or optimistic

ジョーは目が疲れるまで本を読み、本に飽きてしまい、とてもそわそわして、気立ての良いローリーでさえ彼女と喧嘩をしてしまい、気分が落ち込んで、マーチおばさんと一緒に行けばよかったと必死に思った。

Beth got on pretty well, for she was constantly forgetting that it was to be all play and no work, and fell back into her old ways now and then.

pretty well (かなりうまく) [副] to a moderately high degree

all play and no work (遊びだけで仕事はしない) [名] a situation in which someone does not work and only has fun

fall back into (戻ってしまう) [動] return to a previous state or condition

old ways (昔のやり方) [名] a way of doing things that is no longer used or fashionable

ベスは、遊びだけで仕事はしないということをいつも忘れていたので、時々昔のやり方に戻ってしまったが、かなりうまくやっていた。

But something in the air affected her, and more than once her tranquility was much disturbed, so much so that on one occasion she actually shook poor dear Joanna and told her she was ‘a fright’.

tranquility (平穏) [名] the quality or state of being tranquil

occasion (時) [名] a particular time

しかし、空気中の何かが彼女に影響を与え、何度も彼女の平穏は大きく乱され、ある時、彼女は実際にかわいそうなジョアンナを揺さぶり、彼女は「恐ろしい」と言った。

Amy fared worst of all, for her resources were small, and when her sisters left her to amuse herself, she soon found that accomplished and important little self a great burden.

fare (運命をたどる) [動] get along or manage

worst (最悪) [形] of the poorest quality or the lowest standard; bad

resource (資源) [名] a source of supply or support

accomplish (熟達する) [動] successfully complete

self (自己) [名] a person's essential being that distinguishes them from others

burden (負担) [名] a load, especially a heavy one

エイミーは、彼女の資源が少なく、姉妹が彼女を残して自分を楽しませたとき、彼女はすぐにその熟達した重要な小さな自己が大きな負担であることに気づいたので、すべての中で最悪の運命をたどった。

She didn’t like dolls, fairy tales were childish, and one couldn’t draw all the time.

彼女は人形が好きではなく、おとぎ話は子供じみていて、いつも絵を描いているわけにもいかなかった。

Tea parties didn’t amount to much, neither did picnics, unless very well conducted.

tea party (お茶会) [名] a social gathering at which tea is served

amount to (意味がある) [動] to be equivalent to

picnic (ピクニック) [名] an outing or excursion that includes a meal eaten outdoors

very well (とてもうまく) [副] to a high degree or level

conducted (行われる) [動] to organize and carry out

お茶会もピクニックも、とてもうまく行かない限り、あまり意味がなかった。

“If one could have a fine house, full of nice girls, or go traveling, the summer would be delightful, but to stay at home with three selfish sisters and a grown-up boy was enough to try the patience of a Boaz,” complained Miss Malaprop, after several days devoted to pleasure, fretting, and ennui.

ennui (退屈) [名] a feeling of boredom and dissatisfaction

「素敵な女の子でいっぱいの立派な家を持ったり、旅行に行けたら、夏は楽しいだろうけど、3人のわがままな姉妹と大人の男の子と一緒に家にいるのは、ボアズの忍耐を試すのに十分だった」と、ミス・マラプロップは、数日間、楽しみ、イライラ、退屈に費やした後、不平を言った。

No one would own that they were tired of the experiment, but by Friday night each acknowledged to herself that she was glad the week was nearly done.

tired (飽きた) [形] having little or no energy

Friday (金曜日) [名] the sixth day of the week

acknowledge (認める) [動] to recognize the existence or truth of

誰もその実験に飽きたとは認めなかったが、金曜日の夜までには、それぞれがその週がもうすぐ終わることを喜んでいることを認めていた。

Hoping to impress the lesson more deeply, Mrs. March, who had a good deal of humor, resolved to finish off the trial in an appropriate manner, so she gave Hannah a holiday and let the girls enjoy the full effect of the play system.

impress (印象づける) [動] affect deeply or strongly

humor (ユーモア) [名] the quality of being amusing or comic

finish off (終わらせる) [動] complete or conclude

trial (裁判) [名] a formal examination of evidence before a judge, and typically before a jury, in order to decide guilt in a case of criminal or civil proceedings

full (完全な) [形] complete in every way

system (システム) [名] a set of things working together as a mechanism or an interconnecting network

ユーモアのあるマーチ夫人は、この教訓をもっと深く印象づけたいと願って、適切な方法で裁判を終わらせようと決意し、ハンナに休日を与え、少女たちに遊びのシステムの完全な効果を楽しんでもらうことにした。

When they got up on Saturday morning, there was no fire in the kitchen, no breakfast in the dining room, and no mother anywhere to be seen.

anywhere (どこにも) [副] in or to any place

土曜日の朝起きると、台所には火がなく、食堂には朝食がなく、母親の姿もどこにも見えなかった。

“Mercy on us! What has happened?” cried Jo, staring about her in dismay.

「なんてことだ! 何が起こったの?」とジョーは叫び、周囲を狼狽して見回した。

Meg ran upstairs and soon came back again, looking relieved but rather bewildered, and a little ashamed.

run upstairs (二階に駆け上がる) [動] go upstairs quickly

look relieved (ほっとした様子) [動] appear to be relieved

メグは二階に駆け上がり、すぐにまた戻ってきたが、ほっとした様子ではあったが、かなり当惑し、少し恥ずかしそうだった。

“Mother isn’t sick, only very tired, and she says she is going to stay quietly in her room all day and let us do the best we can.

「ママは病気ではなくて、とても疲れているだけだから、一日中自分の部屋で静かに過ごして、私たちにできる限りのことをさせるつもりだと言ってる。

It’s a very queer thing for her to do, she doesn’t act a bit like herself.

a bit (少しも) [副] to some extent; somewhat

ママがこんなことをするなんてとても奇妙なことで、ママらしくないよ。

But she says it has been a hard week for her, so we mustn’t grumble but take care of ourselves.”

hard week (大変な一週間) [名] a week that is difficult or challenging

take care of (自分でする) [動] be responsible for or in charge of

でも、ママは、今週は大変だったと言っているから、私たちは不平を言わずに、自分たちのことは自分でしなくちゃいけないよ。」

“That’s easy enough, and I like the idea, I’m aching for something to do, that is, some new amusement, you know,” added Jo quickly.

ache (欲しがる) [動] suffer a dull, persistent pain

「それは簡単なことだし、その考えは気に入ったよ、何かしたい、つまり、何か新しい楽しみが欲しいのよ」とジョーはすぐに付け加えた。

In fact it was an immense relief to them all to have a little work, and they took hold with a will, but soon realized the truth of Hannah’s saying, “Housekeeping ain’t no joke.”

in fact (実際) [副] used to introduce a statement that is true or to add emphasis to a statement

immense (大きな) [形] very great in size, amount, or degree

relief (救い) [名] a feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress

take hold (取り組む) [動] to grasp or grip something firmly

realize (悟る) [動] become fully aware of

truth (真実) [名] the quality or state of being true

saying (言葉) [名] a well-known and frequently repeated statement

実際、少しでも仕事があることは、彼女たちみんなにとって大きな救いであり、彼女たちは意欲的に取り組んだが、すぐにハンナの「家事は冗談ではない」という言葉の真実を悟った。

There was plenty of food in the larder, and while Beth and Amy set the table, Meg and Jo got breakfast, wondering as they did why servants ever talked about hard work.

food (食べ物) [名] any substance that can be eaten

larder (食料庫) [名] a room or large cupboard for storing food

set the table (テーブルを整える) [動] put the dishes, cutlery, etc. on the table in preparation for a meal

get breakfast (朝食を用意する) [動] prepare breakfast

食料庫にはたくさんの食べ物があり、ベスとエイミーがテーブルを整えている間に、メグとジョーは朝食を用意し、召使たちがなぜ大変な仕事だと言っていたのか不思議に思った。

“I shall take some up to Mother, though she said we were not to think of her, for she’d take care of herself,” said Meg, who presided and felt quite matronly behind the teapot.

take up (持っていく) [動] carry or bring something to a higher place

take care of (心配する) [動] be concerned about

preside (座る) [動] occupy the position of authority in a meeting or gathering

matronly (主婦然として) [形] like a respectable, dignified, and often elderly married woman

「ママの分も持っていくよ、ママは自分のことは自分でするから心配しなくていいって言ったんだけど」とメグは言い、ティーポットの後ろで主婦然として座っていた。

So a tray was fitted out before anyone began, and taken up with the cook’s compliments.

fit out (用意する) [動] equip with the necessary items

cook (料理人) [名] a person whose job is to prepare and cook food

そのため、誰も食べ始める前にトレイが用意され、料理人の賛辞とともに運ばれた。

The boiled tea was very bitter, the omelet scorched, and the biscuits speckled with saleratus, but Mrs. March received her repast with thanks and laughed heartily over it after Jo was gone.

boiled tea (煮出したお茶) [名] tea that has been boiled

very bitter (とても苦い) [形] having a strong, sharp, or harsh taste

omelet (オムレツ) [名] a dish made from beaten eggs cooked in a frying pan

speckled (斑点のある) [形] marked with small spots

saleratus (重曹) [名] a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder used as a leavening agent

repast (食事) [名] a meal

thanks (お礼) [名] an expression of gratitude

gone (去った) [動] leave a place

煮出したお茶はとても苦く、オムレツは焦げ、ビスケットには重曹の斑点があったが、マーチ夫人は食事を受け取ってお礼を言い、ジョーが去った後で心から笑った。

“Poor little souls, they will have a hard time, I’m afraid, but they won’t suffer, and it will do them good,” she said, producing the more palatable viands with which she had provided herself, and disposing of the bad breakfast, so that their feelings might not be hurt, a motherly little deception for which they were grateful.

do good (ためになる) [動] be beneficial

palatable (おいしい) [形] pleasant to taste

viand (食べ物) [名] an item of food

dispose of (処分する) [動] get rid of

bad (まずい) [形] of poor quality

motherly (母親らしい) [形] like a mother

deception (ごまかし) [名] the action of deceiving someone

「かわいそうに、大変な思いをするだろうけど、苦しむことはないし、ためになるよ」と彼女は言い、自分で用意したもっとおいしい食べ物を出して、まずい朝食を処分して、娘たちの気持ちが傷つかないようにした。娘たちは母親のちょっとしたごまかしに感謝した。

Many were the complaints below, and great the chagrin of the head cook at her failures.

complaint (不満) [名] a statement that you are unhappy about something

chagrin (悔やむ) [名] a feeling of annoyance or disappointment

階下では多くの不満が聞こえ、料理長は失敗を悔やんだ。

“Never mind, I’ll get the dinner and be servant, you be mistress, keep your hands nice, see company, and give orders,” said Jo, who knew still less than Meg about culinary affairs.

mistress (女主人) [名] a woman in a position of authority or control

see (相手をする) [動] meet or be with

company (客) [名] a guest or guests

give (出す) [動] cause to be received

still (さらに) [副] even more; to an even greater extent

less (知らない) [形] a smaller amount of

culinary (料理) [形] of or relating to cooking

「気にしないで、私が夕食を用意して召使になるから、あなたは女主人になって、手をきれいに保って、客の相手をして、命令して」と、料理についてはメグよりもさらに知らないジョーは言った。

This obliging offer was gladly accepted, and Margaret retired to the parlor, which she hastily put in order by whisking the litter under the sofa and shutting the blinds to save the trouble of dusting.

retire (退く) [動] withdraw or go away

put in order (整頓する) [動] to arrange or organize something

whisk (素早く動かす) [動] to move or cause to move quickly and lightly with a sweeping motion

litter (散らかったもの) [名] rubbish left lying in an untidy way

blind (ブラインド) [名] a window covering made of horizontal or vertical slats that can be adjusted to admit or exclude light

save (省く) [動] to avoid or reduce the amount or cost of something

この親切な申し出は喜んで受け入れられ、マーガレットは居間に退き、ソファの下に散らかったものを素早く片付け、ほこりを払う手間を省くためにブラインドを閉めて急いで整頓した。

Jo, with perfect faith in her own powers and a friendly desire to make up the quarrel, immediately put a note in the office, inviting Laurie to dinner.

make up (仲直りする) [動] become friendly again after an argument

office (事務所) [名] a room or set of rooms or a building where people work, usually sitting at desks

ジョーは、自分の能力を完全に信じ、喧嘩を仲直りさせたいという友好的な気持ちから、すぐに事務所にメモを置いて、ローリーを夕食に招待した。

“You’d better see what you have got before you think of having company,” said Meg, when informed of the hospitable but rash act.

have got (持っている) [動] possess

informed (知らされる) [動] give (someone) information

hospitable (親切な) [形] friendly and welcoming to guests and visitors

rash (軽率な) [形] acting or done without careful thought or planning

「客を招待する前に、何があるのか確認した方がいいよ」と、親切だが軽率な行為を知らされたメグは言った。

“Oh, there’s corned beef and plenty of potatoes, and I shall get some asparagus and a lobster, ‘for a relish’, as Hannah says.

corned beef (コンビーフ) [名] beef cured in brine

asparagus (アスパラガス) [名] a member of the lily family, Asparagus officinalis, having edible young shoots

lobster (ロブスター) [名] a large marine crustacean with a long body and large claws

relish (味付け) [名] a spicy or savory sauce or pickle

「ああ、コンビーフとジャガイモはたくさんあるし、ハンナが言うように、アスパラガスとロブスターを「味付けに」買ってくるよ。

We’ll have lettuce and make a salad.

have (買って) [動] buy

lettuce (レタス) [名] a plant with large green leaves that are eaten raw in salads

レタスを買ってサラダを作るよ。

I don’t know how, but the book tells.

作り方は知らないけど、本に書いてあるよ。

I’ll have blanc mange and strawberries for dessert, and coffee too, if you want to be elegant.”

strawberry (イチゴ) [名] a small red fruit with a green stem

dessert (デザート) [名] a usually sweet course or dish served at the end of a meal

デザートにはブランマンジェとイチゴを用意するよ、優雅にしたいならコーヒーもね」

“Don’t try too many messes, Jo, for you can’t make anything but gingerbread and molasses candy fit to eat.

mess (めちゃくちゃにする) [名] a situation or state of confusion or disorder

molasses (糖蜜) [名] a thick, dark, sticky liquid obtained as a byproduct of the refining of sugar

「あまり多くのことを試すなよ、ジョー、あなたはジンジャーブレッドと糖蜜キャンディー以外は食べられるものを作れないんだから。

I wash my hands of the dinner party, and since you have asked Laurie on your own responsibility, you may just take care of him.”

wash one's hands of (手を出さない) [動] refuse to be involved in something

dinner party (夕食会) [名] a social gathering at which dinner is served

ask (招待する) [動] invite

responsibility (責任) [名] the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone

私は夕食会には手を出さない、そして、あなたが自分の責任でローリーを招待したのだから、あなたが彼の面倒を見ればいい」

“I don’t want you to do anything but be civil to him and help to the pudding.

be civil to (礼儀正しくする) [動] be polite to

help to (出す) [動] serve

「彼に礼儀正しくして、プリンを出す以外は何もしてほしくない。

You’ll give me your advice if I get in a muddle, won’t you?” asked Jo, rather hurt.

give advice (アドバイスする) [動] offer an opinion or suggestion as to what someone should do

get in a muddle (混乱する) [動] become confused or perplexed

won't you (でしょう) [助] used in questions to express a request, suggestion, or invitation

私が混乱したらアドバイスしてくれるでしょう?」とジョーは少し傷つきながら尋ねた。

“Yes, but I don’t know much, except about bread and a few trifles.

「そうね、でもパンといくつかの些細なこと以外はあまり知らないよ。

You had better ask Mother’s leave before you order anything,” returned Meg prudently.

order (注文する) [動] request that something be done or made

prudently (慎重に) [副] acting with or showing care for the consequences of an action; cautious

何か注文する前にママに許可をもらった方がいいよ」とメグは慎重に答えた。

“Of course I shall. I’m not a fool.”

「もちろんそうするよ。私は馬鹿じゃないよ。」

And Jo went off in a huff at the doubts expressed of her powers.

huff (腹を立てる) [名] a fit of anger

doubt (疑問) [名] a feeling of uncertainty about something

そしてジョーは自分の能力に疑問を抱かれたことに腹を立てて立ち去った。

“Get what you like, and don’t disturb me.

「好きなものを取って、邪魔しないで。

I’m going out to dinner and can’t worry about things at home,” said Mrs. March, when Jo spoke to her.

私は夕食に出かけるので、家のことは心配できないよ」とマーチ夫人はジョーが話しかけた時言った。

“I never enjoyed housekeeping, and I’m going to take a vacation today, and read, write, go visiting, and amuse myself.”

housekeeping (家事) [名] the management of a household

take a vacation (休みを取る) [動] go on vacation

go visiting (訪問する) [動] go to see someone

「私は家事をしたことがないし、今日は休みを取って、読書をしたり、手紙を書いたり、訪問したり、自分を楽しませるつもりよ。」

The unusual spectacle of her busy mother rocking comfortably and reading early in the morning made Jo feel as if some unnatural phenomenon had occurred, for an eclipse, an earthquake, or a volcanic eruption would hardly have seemed stranger.

spectacle (光景) [名] something that is seen or viewed

comfortably (ゆったりと) [副] in a way that is comfortable

as if (ように) [接] used to introduce a clause that expresses a condition, hypothesis, or supposition

unnatural (不自然な) [形] not natural or normal

phenomenon (現象) [名] a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen

eclipse (日食) [名] an obscuring of the light from one celestial body by the passage of another between it and the observer or between it and its source of illumination

volcanic eruption (火山の噴火) [名] the ejection of ash, lava, and gases from a volcano

忙しい母親が朝早くからゆったりと揺れながら本を読んでいるという珍しい光景に、ジョーは何か不自然な現象が起こったように感じた。日食、地震、火山の噴火など、これほど奇妙なことはないだろう。

“Everything is out of sorts, somehow,” she said to herself, going downstairs.

go downstairs (階下へ降りる) [動] to move from a higher to a lower floor

「どうも、何もかもがうまくいかない」と彼女は独り言を言って、階下へ降りていった。

“There’s Beth crying, that’s a sure sign that something is wrong in this family.

sure (確かな) [形] certain

sign (兆候) [名] an indication of something

「ベスが泣いている、これはこの家族の中で何かが間違っているという確かな兆候だ。

If Amy is bothering, I’ll shake her.”

bother (邪魔する) [動] give trouble to

エイミーが邪魔していたら、私が彼女を揺さぶってやる。」

Feeling very much out of sorts herself, Jo hurried into the parlor to find Beth sobbing over Pip, the canary, who lay dead in the cage with his little claws pathetically extended, as if imploring the food for want of which he had died.

feel out of sorts (調子が悪い) [動] feel unwell

sob (泣きじゃくる) [動] cry noisily, taking deep, gasping breaths

lie dead (死んでいる) [動] be dead

cage (ケージ) [名] a box or room with bars in which birds or animals are kept

pathetically (哀れにも) [副] in a way that makes you feel sorry for someone or something

extend (伸ばす) [動] stretch out

implore (求める) [動] beg someone earnestly to do something

自分自身もとても調子が悪いと感じながら、ジョーは急いで居間に駆け込むと、ベスがカナリアのピップのことで泣きじゃくっているのを見つけた。ピップは、まるで食べ物を求めて死んでしまったかのように、小さな爪を哀れにも伸ばしてケージの中で死んでいた。

“It’s all my fault, I forgot him, there isn’t a seed or a drop left.

all my fault (全部私のせいだ) [名] my responsibility

「全部私のせいだ、彼のことを忘れていた、種も水も一滴も残っていない。

Oh, Pip! Oh, Pip! How could I be so cruel to you?” cried Beth, taking the poor thing in her hands and trying to restore him.

Pip (ピップ) [名] the name of a character in the story

ああ、ピップ! ああ、ピップ! どうして私はあなたにこんな残酷なことをしてしまったの?」とベスは叫び、哀れなピップを手に取り、元に戻そうとした。

Jo peeped into his half-open eye, felt his little heart, and finding him stiff and cold, shook her head, and offered her domino box for a coffin.

half-open (半分開いた) [形] partially open

feel (触れる) [動] experience through touch

cold (冷たい) [形] of or at a low or relatively low temperature

ジョーは半分開いた目を覗き込み、小さな心臓に触れ、硬く冷たくなっているのを見つけると、首を振り、ドミノの箱を棺桶に差し出した。

“Put him in the oven, and maybe he will get warm and revive,” said Amy hopefully.

oven (オーブン) [名] a chamber or box for cooking or baking

warm (温まる) [動] become warm

revive (生き返る) [動] come back to life

「オーブンに入れたら、温まって生き返るかもしれない」とエイミーは期待を込めて言った。

“He’s been starved, and he shan’t be baked now he’s dead.

starve (飢え死にする) [動] die of hunger

bake (焼く) [動] cook by dry heat in an oven

「彼は飢え死にしたのだから、死んだ今焼かれるべきではない。

I’ll make him a shroud, and he shall be buried in the garden, and I’ll never have another bird, never, my Pip!

shroud (経帷子) [名] a length of cloth or an enveloping garment in which a dead person is buried

私は彼に経帷子を作ってあげて、庭に埋めてあげるよ、そして私は二度と鳥を飼わない、絶対に、私のピップ!

for I am too bad to own one,” murmured Beth, sitting on the floor with her pet folded in her hands.

own (飼う) [動] have as property; possess

だって私は鳥を飼うにはひどすぎるから」とベスはつぶやき、ペットを両手で包んで床に座った。

“The funeral shall be this afternoon, and we will all go.

funeral (葬式) [名] a ceremony for burying or cremating a dead person

「葬式は今日の午後で、みんなで行くよ。

Now, don’t cry, Bethy.

Bethy (ベシー) [名] a nickname for Beth

さあ、泣かないで、ベシー。

It’s a pity, but nothing goes right this week, and Pip has had the worst of the experiment.

go right (うまくいく) [動] happen in a way that is correct or favorable

残念だけど、今週は何もうまくいかなくて、ピップは実験で最悪の目に遭ったよ。

Make the shroud, and lay him in my box, and after the dinner party, we’ll have a nice little funeral,” said Jo, beginning to feel as if she had undertaken a good deal.

lay (寝かせる) [動] put or place in a horizontal position

undertake (引き受ける) [動] take on a task or job

a good deal (かなりのこと) [名] a large amount or extent

経帷子を作って、私の箱に寝かせて、夕食会の後で、素敵な小さな葬式をしましょう」とジョーは言い、かなりのことを引き受けたような気がし始めた。

Leaving the others to console Beth, she departed to the kitchen, which was in a most discouraging state of confusion.

depart (向かう) [動] go away from a place

discourage (滅入る) [動] cause someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm

他の人たちにベスを慰めてもらい、彼女は台所に向かったが、そこは最も気の滅入るような混乱状態だった。

Putting on a big apron, she fell to work and got the dishes piled up ready for washing, when she discovered that the fire was out.

get (準備する) [動] to obtain or receive

pile up (積み上げる) [動] to put things on top of each other

washing (洗い物) [名] the action of washing something

大きなエプロンを着て、彼女は仕事に取り掛かり、洗い物の準備をしていると、火が消えているのに気づいた。

“Here’s a sweet prospect!” muttered Jo, slamming the stove door open, and poking vigorously among the cinders.

slam (バタンと開ける) [動] shut or move with a loud noise

poke (かき回す) [動] push or prod with a finger or sharp object

「これは素晴らしい見通しだ!」とジョーはつぶやき、ストーブの扉をバタンと開けて、燃え殻の中を勢いよくかき回した。

Having rekindled the fire, she thought she would go to market while the water heated.

rekindle (再び燃やす) [動] to cause to burn again

火を再び燃やした後、彼女は水が温まる間に市場に行こうと思った。

The walk revived her spirits, and flattering herself that she had made good bargains, she trudged home again, after buying a very young lobster, some very old asparagus, and two boxes of acid strawberries.

revive (回復する) [動] return to life or consciousness

flatter (自負する) [動] to praise or compliment someone excessively

bargain (良い買い物) [名] an agreement between two or more people or groups

散歩で元気を取り戻し、良い買い物をしたと自負して、とても若いロブスター、とても古いアスパラガス、酸っぱいイチゴを2箱買った後、彼女は再び家路についた。

By the time she got cleared up, the dinner arrived and the stove was red-hot.

get cleared up (片付け終わる) [動] finish cleaning up

red-hot (真っ赤に熱い) [形] very hot

彼女が片付け終わる頃には、夕食が届き、ストーブは真っ赤に熱くなっていた。

Hannah had left a pan of bread to rise, Meg had worked it up early, set it on the hearth for a second rising, and forgotten it.

pan (鍋) [名] a wide, flat, metal container with a handle, used for cooking

work up (こねる) [動] knead

ハンナはパンを膨らませるために鍋を置きっぱなしにしていたが、メグは早めにそれをこねて、二度目の膨張のために炉床に置き、忘れていた。

Meg was entertaining Sallie Gardiner in the parlor, when the door flew open and a floury, crocky, flushed, and disheveled figure appeared, demanding tartly...

entertain (もてなす) [動] provide with amusement or enjoyment

Sallie Gardiner (サリー・ガーディナー) [名] a friend of the March sisters

fly open (開く) [動] move or cause to move quickly and suddenly

floury (小麦粉まみれ) [形] covered with flour

crocky (土器のような) [形] made of earthenware

flushed (顔を赤らめた) [形] reddened

disheveled (乱れた) [形] untidy

tartly (辛辣に) [副] in a sharp, critical, or sarcastic way

メグが居間でサリー・ガーディナーをもてなしていた時、ドアが開き、小麦粉まみれで、土器のような、顔を赤らめた、乱れた姿が現れ、辛辣に要求した。

“I say, isn’t bread ‘riz’ enough when it runs over the pans?”

run over (あふれる) [動] flow or go over the brim of

「ねえ、パンが鍋からあふれたら十分膨らんだんじゃない?」

Sallie began to laugh, but Meg nodded and lifted her eyebrows as high as they would go, which caused the apparition to vanish and put the sour bread into the oven without further delay.

sour (酸っぱい) [形] having an acid taste like that of lemon or vinegar

サリーは笑い始めたが、メグはうなずき、眉をできるだけ高く上げたので、幻影は消え、酸っぱいパンをこれ以上遅れることなくオーブンに入れた。

Mrs. March went out, after peeping here and there to see how matters went, also saying a word of comfort to Beth, who sat making a winding sheet, while the dear departed lay in state in the domino box.

here and there (あちこち) [副] in various places

see how matters went (様子を見る) [動] check on the progress of something

say a word of comfort (慰めの言葉をかける) [動] say something to make someone feel better

make a winding sheet (巻き布を作る) [動] make a sheet in which a corpse is wrapped for burial

dear departed (愛する亡き人) [名] a person who has died, especially a close friend or relative

lie in state (横たわる) [動] be laid out in a public place for people to view before burial

domino box (ドミノの箱) [名] a box in which dominoes are stored

マーチ夫人は、あちこちをのぞいて様子を見てから、ドミノの箱に横たわっている愛する亡き人のために、巻き布を作っているベスに慰めの言葉をかけてから出て行った。

A strange sense of helplessness fell upon the girls as the gray bonnet vanished round the corner, and despair seized them when a few minutes later Miss Crocker appeared, and said she’d come to dinner.

helplessness (無力感) [名] the quality or state of being helpless

fall upon (襲う) [動] to attack or assault suddenly or unexpectedly

vanish (見えなくなる) [動] to disappear suddenly and completely

seize (襲う) [動] to take hold of suddenly and forcibly

a few minutes later (数分後) [名] a short period of time after the present moment

come to dinner (夕食に来る) [動] to arrive at a place for the purpose of eating dinner

灰色のボンネットが角を曲がって見えなくなると、少女たちは奇妙な無力感に襲われ、数分後にクロッカーさんが現れて夕食に来たと告げると、絶望感に襲われた。

Now this lady was a thin, yellow spinster, with a sharp nose and inquisitive eyes, who saw everything and gossiped about all she saw.

spinster (独身女性) [名] an unmarried woman

gossip (噂にする) [動] talk about other people's private lives

さて、この女性は、鋭い鼻と好奇心旺盛な目を持つ、痩せた黄色い独身女性で、あらゆることを見聞きし、見聞きしたことすべてを噂にしていた。

They disliked her, but had been taught to be kind to her, simply because she was old and poor and had few friends.

dislike (嫌う) [動] feel distaste for or hostility toward

彼女たちは彼女を嫌っていたが、彼女が年老いて貧しく、友人が少ないということだけで、彼女に親切にするように教えられた。

So Meg gave her the easy chair and tried to entertain her, while she asked questions, criticized everything, and told stories of the people whom she knew.

そこでメグは彼女に安楽椅子を渡して、彼女が質問したり、あらゆることを批判したり、知っている人の話をしたりする間、彼女をもてなそうとした。

Language cannot describe the anxieties, experiences, and exertions which Jo underwent that morning, and the dinner she served up became a standing joke.

language (言葉) [名] the system of communication used by a particular community or country

anxiety (不安) [名] a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome

undergo (経験する) [動] experience or be subjected to

serve up (出す) [動] to present or provide something

言葉では、ジョーがその朝に経験した不安、経験、努力を表現することはできないし、彼女が出した夕食は定番のジョークとなった。

Fearing to ask any more advice, she did her best alone, and discovered that something more than energy and good will is necessary to make a cook.

これ以上アドバイスを求めるのを恐れて、彼女は一人で最善を尽くしたが、料理人になるにはエネルギーと善意以上の何かが必要であることを発見した。

She boiled the asparagus for an hour and was grieved to find the heads cooked off and the stalks harder than ever.

彼女はアスパラガスを一時間煮たが、頭が煮崩れ、茎がこれまで以上に硬くなっているのを知って悲しんだ。

The bread burned black; for the salad dressing so aggravated her that she could not make it fit to eat.

salad dressing (サラダドレッシング) [名] a sauce put on salad

aggravate (苛立たせる) [動] make worse

fit (適した) [形] right or suitable

パンは真っ黒に焦げてしまった。サラダドレッシングが彼女を苛立たせたので、彼女はそれを食べるに適したものにすることができなかった。

The lobster was a scarlet mystery to her, but she hammered and poked till it was unshelled and its meager proportions concealed in a grove of lettuce leaves.

mystery (謎) [名] something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain

hammer (叩く) [動] hit or strike with a hammer or similar object

unshelled (殻が剥がれる) [動] remove the shell from

meager (貧弱な) [形] lacking in quality or quantity

proportion (プロポーション) [名] the relationship in size or amount between two or more parts of something

grove (林) [名] a small wood or group of trees

ロブスターは彼女にとって真っ赤な謎だったが、殻が剥がれ、その貧弱なプロポーションがレタスの葉の林に隠れるまで、彼女は叩いたり突いたりした。

The potatoes had to be hurried, not to keep the asparagus waiting, and were not done at the last.

アスパラガスを待たせないように、ジャガイモは急がなければならなかったが、結局は出来上がらなかった。

The blanc mange was lumpy, and the strawberries not as ripe as they looked, having been skilfully ‘deaconed’.

lumpy (塊だらけ) [形] having or covered with lumps

skilfully (巧みに) [副] in a skilful manner

deacon (執事) [名] a Christian minister or priest

ブランマンジェは塊だらけで、イチゴは見た目ほど熟しておらず、巧みに「執事」されていた。

“Well, they can eat beef and bread and butter, if they are hungry, only it’s mortifying to have to spend your whole morning for nothing,” thought Jo, as she rang the bell half an hour later than usual, and stood, hot, tired, and dispirited, surveying the feast spread before Laurie, accustomed to all sorts of elegance, and Miss Crocker, whose tattling tongue would report them far and wide.

beef (牛肉) [名] the flesh of a cow, bull, or ox

ring (鳴らす) [動] cause to make a clear resonant sound

dispirited (意気消沈した) [形] lacking in spirit or enthusiasm

spread (広げられた) [動] stretch out over a wide area

accustomed (慣れた) [形] familiar with something through use or experience

elegance (優雅) [名] the quality of being graceful and stylish in appearance or manner

report (報告する) [動] give a spoken or written account of something that one has observed, heard, done, or investigated

far (遠く) [副] at or to a great distance

wide (広く) [形] of great or more than average width

「まあ、お腹が空いたら牛肉とパンとバターを食べればいいだけだ、ただ、午前中を無駄に過ごさなければならないのは悔しい」とジョーは思い、いつもより30分遅れてベルを鳴らし、暑くて疲れて意気消沈したまま、あらゆる優雅さに慣れたローリーと、おしゃべりな舌で遠く広く報告するクロッカー嬢の前に広げられた宴会を眺めて立っていた。

Poor Jo would gladly have gone under the table, as one thing after another was tasted and left, while Amy giggled, Meg looked distressed, Miss Crocker pursed her lips, and Laurie talked and laughed with all his might to give a cheerful tone to the festive scene.

Poor Jo (哀れなジョー) [名] Jo

go under (潜る) [動] go below the surface of

one thing after another (次から次へと) [名] a succession of things

taste (味見する) [動] try the flavor of

look distressed (困った顔をする) [動] have an expression of worry or sadness

Miss Crocker (クロッカー嬢) [名] a young woman

purse (すぼめる) [動] contract or tighten

エイミーがくすくす笑い、メグが困った顔をし、クロッカー嬢が唇をすぼめ、ローリーが全力で話し、笑って祝いの席を明るくしている間、哀れなジョーは次から次へと料理を味見しては残していくので、喜んでテーブルの下に潜りたかった。

Jo’s one strong point was the fruit, for she had sugared it well, and had a pitcher of rich cream to eat with it.

one strong point (唯一の強み) [名] the only thing that someone is good at

ジョーの唯一の強みはフルーツで、砂糖をよくかけて、濃厚なクリームを添えて食べた。

Her hot cheeks cooled a trifle, and she drew a long breath as the pretty glass plates went round, and everyone looked graciously at the little rosy islands floating in a sea of cream.

draw (吸う) [動] take in by breathing

graciously (優雅に) [副] in a kind and polite way

island (島) [名] a piece of land surrounded by water

float (浮かぶ) [動] rest or move on the surface of a liquid

彼女の熱い頬は少し冷え、きれいなガラスの皿が回り、誰もがクリームの海に浮かぶ小さなバラ色の島を優雅に眺めていると、彼女は長い息を吸った。

Miss Crocker tasted first, made a wry face, and drank some water hastily.

make a wry face (顔をしかめる) [動] to twist one's face into an expression of disgust or disapproval

クロッカー嬢が最初に味見し、顔をしかめて、急いで水を飲んだ。

Jo, who refused, thinking there might not be enough, for they dwindled sadly after the picking over, glanced at Laurie, but he was eating away manfully, though there was a slight pucker about his mouth and he kept his eye fixed on his plate.

eat away (食べ続ける) [動] eat continuously

ジョーは、十分にないかもしれないと思って断ったのだが、選び終わった後で悲しげに減ってしまったので、ローリーをちらっと見たが、彼は口の周りにわずかにしわが寄っていたが、男らしく食べ続けていて、目を皿に固定していた。

Amy, who was fond of delicate fare, took a heaping spoonful, choked, hid her face in her napkin, and left the table precipitately.

delicate (上品な) [形] fine in texture or structure

fare (料理) [名] food and drink

take (食べる) [動] eat or drink

heaping (山盛り) [形] full to overflowing

spoonful (スプーンに盛る) [名] the amount that a spoon will hold

上品な料理が好きなエイミーは、スプーンに山盛りに盛って食べたが、むせてしまい、ナプキンで顔を隠して、あわててテーブルを離れた。

“Oh, what is it?” exclaimed Jo, trembling.

「ああ、どうしたの?」とジョーは震えながら叫んだ。

“Salt instead of sugar, and the cream is sour,” replied Meg with a tragic gesture.

gesture (身振り) [名] a movement of part of the body, especially a hand or the head, to express an idea or meaning

「砂糖の代わりに塩、クリームは酸っぱい」とメグは悲劇的な身振りで答えた。

Jo uttered a groan and fell back in her chair, remembering that she had given a last hasty powdering to the berries out of one of the two boxes on the kitchen table, and had neglected to put the milk in the refrigerator.

utter (発する) [動] to make or produce (a sound)

fall back (倒れこむ) [動] to move or lean back

give (かける) [動] to cause to have or receive

powdering (粉) [名] a fine, dry substance in the form of tiny particles

berry (ベリー) [名] a small round fruit that grows on a bush or a tree

neglect (忘れる) [動] to fail to care for or give enough attention to

ジョーはうめき声を上げて椅子に倒れこみ、台所のテーブルの上の二つの箱のうちの一つからベリーに最後の粉を急いでかけたことと、牛乳を冷蔵庫に入れ忘れたことを思い出した。

She turned scarlet and was on the verge of crying, when she met Laurie’s eyes, which would look merry in spite of his heroic efforts.

turn scarlet (真っ赤になる) [動] become red in the face

on the verge of (寸前である) [名] very close to a particular state or event

meet (合う) [動] come together

彼女は真っ赤になって泣きそうになったが、ローリーの目と合った。彼は必死に努力していたにもかかわらず、陽気そうに見えた。

The comical side of the affair suddenly struck her, and she laughed till the tears ran down her cheeks.

side (面) [名] a part of an object that is not the front, back, top, or bottom

affair (出来事) [名] an event or sequence of events of a specified kind or that has previously been mentioned

strike (襲う) [動] hit forcibly and deliberately with one's hand or a weapon or other implement, especially as a way of attacking someone or something

run down (伝う) [動] flow or move quickly

突然、この出来事の滑稽な面が彼女を襲い、彼女は涙が頬を伝うまで笑った。

So did everyone else, even ‘Croaker’ as the girls called the old lady, and the unfortunate dinner ended gaily, with bread and butter, olives and fun.

everyone else (他のみんな) [名] all the other people

olive (オリーブ) [名] a small oval fruit with a hard stone and bitter flesh, green when unripe and bluish black when ripe, used as food and as a source of oil

他のみんなもそうだったし、女の子たちが老婦人を呼ぶ「不平屋」でさえそうだった。そして、不幸な夕食はパンとバター、オリーブと楽しみで陽気に終わった。

“I haven’t strength of mind enough to clear up now, so we will sober ourselves with a funeral,” said Jo, as they rose, and Miss Crocker made ready to go, being eager to tell the new story at another friend’s dinner table.

clear up (片付ける) [動] to make neat, tidy, or orderly

sober (落ち着く) [動] to make or become more serious, sensible, or solemn

dinner table (食卓) [名] a table where people eat their meals

「今は片付ける気力がないので、葬式で落ち着きましょう」とジョーは言い、クロッカーさんは別の友人の食卓で新しい話をしたくてたまらず、席を立って帰り支度をした。

They did sober themselves for Beth’s sake.

for Beth's sake (ベスのために) [名] for the purpose of Beth

彼女たちはベスのために落ち着いた。

Laurie dug a grave under the ferns in the grove, little Pip was laid in, with many tears by his tender-hearted mistress, and covered with moss, while a wreath of violets and chickweed was hung on the stone which bore his epitaph, composed by Jo while she struggled with the dinner.

tender-hearted (心優しい) [形] having a kind and gentle nature

moss (苔) [名] a very small green plant that grows in a thick layer on the ground, on rocks, or on the bark of trees

violet (スミレ) [名] a small plant with purple, white, or yellow flowers

bear (刻む) [動] carry or display

epitaph (墓碑銘) [名] a phrase or statement written in memory of a person who has died, especially as an inscription on a tombstone

compose (作る) [動] make up

ローリーは木立のシダの下に墓を掘り、小さなピップは心優しい飼い主に涙ながらに埋められ、苔で覆われ、スミレとハコベの花輪が、ジョーが夕食に奮闘している間に作った墓碑銘を刻んだ石に掛けられた。

Here lies Pip March,

Pip March (ピップ・マーチ) [名] the protagonist of the novel

ここにピップ・マーチが眠る。

Who died the 7th of June;

the 7th of June (六月七日) [名] the seventh day of the sixth month of the year

六月七日に死す。

Loved and lamented sore,

lament (悲しむ) [動] feel or express great sorrow or regret for

愛され、深く悲しまれ、

And not forgotten soon.

not (ない) [副] a word that describes the absence or lack of something

すぐには忘れられない。

At the conclusion of the ceremonies, Beth retired to her room, overcome with emotion and lobster, but there was no place of repose, for the beds were not made, and she found her grief much assuaged by beating up the pillows and putting things in order.

at the conclusion of (の終わりに) [前] at the end of

retire (引っ込む) [動] withdraw to a private place

emotion (感情) [名] a strong feeling

repose (休息) [名] a state of relaxation

make (整える) [動] put in order

assuage (和らげる) [動] make less severe, intense, or painful

beat up (叩く) [動] hit repeatedly

儀式の終わりに、ベスは感情とロブスターに圧倒されて自分の部屋に引っ込んだが、ベッドが整えられていなかったので休む場所がなく、枕を叩いて物を整えることで悲しみがかなり和らいだのに気づいた。

Meg helped Jo clear away the remains of the feast, which took half the afternoon and left them so tired that they agreed to be contented with tea and toast for supper.

clear away (片付ける) [動] remove something that is not wanted

toast (トースト) [名] bread that has been browned by toasting

メグはジョーが宴会の残り物を片付けるのを手伝ったが、午後の半分がかかり、とても疲れたので、夕食は紅茶とトーストで満足することにした。

Laurie took Amy to drive, which was a deed of charity, for the sour cream seemed to have had a bad effect upon her temper.

drive (ドライブ) [名] a trip in a vehicle

sour cream (サワークリーム) [名] a type of cream that has been fermented with lactic acid bacteria

ローリーはエイミーをドライブに連れて行ったが、それは慈善行為だった、というのもサワークリームが彼女の気分に悪影響を与えたようだったからだ。

Mrs. March came home to find the three older girls hard at work in the middle of the afternoon, and a glance at the closet gave her an idea of the success of one part of the experiment.

hard at work (一生懸命働く) [形] working diligently

in the middle of (真っ只中) [前] in the central part of

give (わかる) [動] cause to have or receive

マーチ夫人が帰宅すると、午後半ばに3人の年長の娘たちが一生懸命働いており、クローゼットを一目見ただけで、実験の一部が成功したことがわかった。

Before the housewives could rest, several people called, and there was a scramble to get ready to see them.

housewife (主婦) [名] a married woman who does not have a job outside the home

scramble (大騒ぎ) [名] a situation of confused or hurried movement

主婦たちが休む前に、何人かの人が電話をかけてきて、彼らに会う準備をするために大騒ぎになった。

Then tea must be got, errands done, and one or two necessary bits of sewing neglected until the last minute.

errand (用事) [名] a short trip made to do or get something

last minute (最後の最後) [名] the latest possible time

それからお茶を用意し、用事を済ませ、最後の最後まで怠っていた必要な裁縫を1つか2つやらなければならなかった。

As twilight fell, dewy and still, one by one they gathered on the porch where the June roses were budding beautifully, and each groaned or sighed as she sat down, as if tired or troubled.

dewy (しっとり) [形] wet with dew

still (静まり返る) [形] making no sound; silent

one by one (一人ずつ) [副] singly, in succession

porch (ポーチ) [名] a covered platform projecting in front of the entrance of a building

June (6月) [名] the sixth month of the year

bud (咲き誇る) [動] (of a plant) form or have buds

夕暮れ時になると、しっとりと静まり返り、6月のバラが美しく咲き誇るポーチに一人ずつ集まってきて、座るたびに疲れたようにため息をついたり、悩んでいるようにため息をついたりした。

“What a dreadful day this has been!” began Jo, usually the first to speak.

「なんてひどい日だったんだ!」いつも最初に口を開くジョーが言った。

“It has seemed shorter than usual, but so uncomfortable,” said Meg.

「いつもより短く感じたけど、とても不快だったよ」とメグは言った。

“Not a bit like home,” added Amy.

like (似ている) [動] be similar to

「家とは全然違う」とエイミーは付け加えた。

“It can’t seem so without Marmee and little Pip,” sighed Beth, glancing with full eyes at the empty cage above her head.

full (じっと) [形] complete; whole

「ママと小さなピップがいないとそうは思えないよ」ベスはため息をつき、頭上の空の鳥かごをじっと見つめた。

“Here’s Mother, dear, and you shall have another bird tomorrow, if you want it.”

「ママが来たよ、ベス、もし欲しければ明日別の鳥を飼ってあげるよ」

As she spoke, Mrs. March came and took her place among them, looking as if her holiday had not been much pleasanter than theirs.

as (間に) [接] during the time that; while

take one's place (座る) [動] sit down

彼女が話している間に、マーチ夫人がやってきて、彼女たちの間に座った。彼女の休日も彼女たちよりあまり楽しくなかったように見えた。

“Are you satisfied with your experiment, girls, or do you want another week of it?” she asked, as Beth nestled up to her and the rest turned toward her with brightening faces, as flowers turn toward the sun.

nestle (寄り添う) [動] settle or lie comfortably within or against something

brighten (明るい) [形] full of light; luminous

「実験には満足した? それとももう一週間続けたい?」と彼女が尋ねると、ベスは彼女に寄り添い、残りの娘たちは花が太陽に向かうように明るい顔で彼女の方を向いた。

“I don’t!” cried Jo decidedly.

「私は嫌だよ!」ジョーは断固として叫んだ。

“Nor I,” echoed the others.

echo (言う) [動] repeat or imitate

「私も」と他の娘たちも言った。

“You think then, that it is better to have a few duties and live a little for others, do you?”

「じゃあ、少し義務を負って、他人のために生きる方がいいと思うの?」

“Lounging and larking doesn’t pay,” observed Jo, shaking her head.

lounge (のらくらする) [動] move or act in a slow, relaxed way

lark (遊ぶ) [動] have fun; play

「のらくらして遊んでいてもお金は入らないよ」とジョーは首を振りながら言った。

“I’m tired of it and mean to go to work at something right off.”

go to work (仕事に就く) [動] start working

right off (すぐに) [副] immediately

「もう飽きたよ。すぐに何か仕事に就きたいよ。」

“Suppose you learn plain cooking.

plain (簡単な) [形] simple or ordinary

cooking (料理) [名] the practice or skill of preparing food

「簡単な料理を習ったらどう?

That’s a useful accomplishment, which no woman should be without,” said Mrs. March, laughing inaudibly at the recollection of Jo’s dinner party, for she had met Miss Crocker and heard her account of it.

recollection (思い出) [名] the ability to recall a memory

dinner party (ディナーパーティー) [名] a formal social gathering at which dinner is served

役に立つし、女性なら誰でも身につけておくべきよ」とママは言った。ジョーのディナーパーティーを思い出して、声を出さずに笑った。ママはクロッカーさんに会って、その話を聞いていたのだ。

“Mother, did you go away and let everything be, just to see how we’d get on?” cried Meg, who had had suspicions all day.

suspicion (疑い) [名] a feeling or thought that something is possible, likely, or true

「ママ、私たちがどうするか見るために、何もせずに出かけたの?」とメグは叫んだ。メグは一日中疑っていた。

“Yes, I wanted you to see how the comfort of all depends on each doing her share faithfully.

depend on (かかっている) [動] be controlled or determined by

「そうよ、みんなが快適に過ごすには、それぞれが自分の役割を忠実に果たすことがどれほど大切か、あなたたちに知ってほしかったの。

While Hannah and I did your work, you got on pretty well, though I don’t think you were very happy or amiable.

ハンナと私があなたたちの仕事をしている間は、あなたたちはうまくやっていたよね。でも、あまり幸せそうでも愛想がよかったとも思えないけど。

So I thought, as a little lesson, I would show you what happens when everyone thinks only of herself.

a little (ちょっとした) [形] small in size or amount

だから、ちょっとした教訓として、みんなが自分のことしか考えないとどうなるかを見せてあげようと思ったの。

Don’t you feel that it is pleasanter to help one another, to have daily duties which make leisure sweet when it comes, and to bear and forbear, that home may be comfortable and lovely to us all?”

leisure (余暇) [名] time free from work or duties

forbear (我慢する) [動] to refrain from doing something

助け合ったり、日々の義務を果たして余暇を甘美なものにしたり、我慢したり、家が私たちみんなにとって快適で素敵なものになるようにしたりする方が楽しいとは思わない?」

“We do, Mother, we do!” cried the girls.

「そう思うよ、ママ、そう思うよ!」と娘たちは叫んだ。

“Then let me advise you to take up your little burdens again, for though they seem heavy sometimes, they are good for us, and lighten as we learn to carry them.

take up (背負う) [動] to start doing or studying something

lighten (軽くなる) [動] become lighter

「それなら、また小さな重荷を背負うことを勧めましょう。時には重く感じられることもあるでしょうが、それは私たちのためになるものですし、背負うことを覚えれば軽くなります。

Work is wholesome, and there is plenty for everyone.

wholesome (健全な) [形] promoting health or well-being of mind or spirit

仕事は健全なもので、誰にでも十分にある。

It keeps us from ennui and mischief, is good for health and spirits, and gives us a sense of power and independence better than money or fashion.”

退屈やいたずらから守ってくれて、健康にも精神にも良いし、お金や流行よりも力や自立心を与えてくれるのです」

“We’ll work like bees, and love it too, see if we don’t,” said Jo.

「私たちは蜂のように働いて、それを愛するよ、そうしないか見てて」とジョーは言った。

“I’ll learn plain cooking for my holiday task, and the next dinner party I have shall be a success.”

plain cooking (家庭料理) [名] cooking that is simple and without much seasoning

holiday task (休日の仕事) [名] a task that is done on a holiday

next (次) [形] the one that comes after the present one

「休日の仕事として家庭料理を習って、次に開くディナーパーティーは成功させるよ」

“I’ll make the set of shirts for father, instead of letting you do it, Marmee.

「ママがやる代わりに、私がパパのシャツを作るよ。

I can and I will, though I’m not fond of sewing.

will (やるよ) [助] be going to

fond of (好きじゃない) [形] having a strong liking for

裁縫は好きじゃないけど、できるし、やるよ。

That will be better than fussing over my own things, which are plenty nice enough as they are.”

fuss over (あれこれする) [動] to make a fuss about

自分のものをあれこれするよりはましだよ、私のものは十分に素敵なんだから」

said Meg.

とメグは言った。

“I’ll do my lessons every day, and not spend so much time with my music and dolls.

do one's lesson (勉強する) [動] study

spend time (時間をかける) [動] use time for a particular purpose

「毎日勉強して、音楽や人形にあまり時間をかけないようにするよ。

I am a stupid thing, and ought to be studying, not playing,” was Beth’s resolution, while Amy followed their example by heroically declaring, “I shall learn to make buttonholes, and attend to my parts of speech.”

heroically (勇ましく) [副] in a brave or courageous manner

buttonhole (ボタンホール) [名] a slit made in a garment to allow a button to be passed through it

私は愚か者だから、遊ぶのではなく勉強するべきだよ」というのがベスの決意で、エイミーもそれに倣って、「ボタンホールの作り方を覚えて、品詞に注意するよ」と勇ましく宣言した。

“Very good! Then I am quite satisfied with the experiment, and fancy that we shall not have to repeat it, only don’t go to the other extreme and delve like slaves.

extreme (極端) [名] the highest or lowest point or degree

slave (奴隷) [名] a person who is the legal property of another and is forced to obey them

「とても良い! それなら私はこの実験にとても満足しているし、これを繰り返す必要はないだろうと思う、ただ、極端に走って奴隷のように掘り下げないように。

Have regular hours for work and play, make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well.

have regular hours (規則正しい時間を設ける) [動] have a fixed time for doing something

each day (毎日) [名] every day

prove (証明する) [動] to show or make clear the truth or existence of something

worth (価値) [名] the quality that makes something desirable or valuable

employ (活用する) [動] use or engage the services of

仕事と遊びに規則正しい時間を設け、毎日を有意義で楽しいものにし、時間を有効に活用することで時間の価値を理解していることを証明しなさい。

Then youth will be delightful, old age will bring few regrets, and life become a beautiful success, in spite of poverty.”

youth (若い時代) [名] the period of life when one is young

old age (老後) [名] the later part of life

そうすれば、若い時代は楽しく、老後には後悔することが少なく、貧乏にもかかわらず人生は美しい成功となるでしょう。」

“We’ll remember, Mother!”

「覚えておくよ、ママ!」

and they did.

そして、彼女たちはそうした。

CHAPTER TWELVE: CAMP LAURENCE

CHAPTER TWELVE (第12章) [名] the twelfth chapter

CAMP LAURENCE (キャンプ・ローレンス) [名] a camp named after Laurence

第12章: キャンプ・ローレンス

Beth was postmistress, for, being most at home, she could attend to it regularly, and dearly liked the daily task of unlocking the little door and distributing the mail.

postmistress (郵便局長) [名] a woman in charge of a post office

attend to (従事する) [動] to deal with or take care of

regularly (定期的に) [副] at regular intervals

unlock (鍵を開ける) [動] to open something that is locked

distribute (配達する) [動] to give something to a number of people

ベスは郵便局長だった。家にいることが一番多いため、彼女は定期的にそれに従事することができ、小さなドアの鍵を開けて郵便物を配達するという日課をとても気に入っていた。

One July day she came in with her hands full, and went about the house leaving letters and parcels like the penny post.

July (七月) [名] the seventh month of the year

penny (一ペニー) [名] a British coin worth one hundredth of a pound

post (郵便) [名] the mail

ある七月の日、彼女は両手いっぱいに郵便物を持って家に入り、一ペニー郵便のように手紙や小包を置いて回った。

“Here’s your posy, Mother!

「お母さん、花束よ!

Laurie never forgets that,” she said, putting the fresh nosegay in the vase that stood in ‘Marmee’s corner’, and was kept supplied by the affectionate boy.

nosegay (花束) [名] a small bunch of flowers

stand (ある) [動] be in a specified state or condition

corner (コーナー) [名] the area or region around a particular point

ローリーはそれを忘れないよ」と彼女は言い、「ママのコーナー」にある花瓶に新鮮な花束を入れた。それは愛情深い少年によって供給され続けていた。

“Miss Meg March, one letter and a glove,” continued Beth, delivering the articles to her sister, who sat near her mother, stitching wristbands.

Miss Meg March (メグ・マーチさん) [名] the eldest of the four March sisters

article (品物) [名] a particular item

wristband (袖口) [名] a band worn around the wrist

「メグ・マーチさん、手紙一通と手袋」とベスは続け、母親のそばに座って袖口を縫っている姉に品物を届けた。

“Why, I left a pair over there, and here is only one,” said Meg, looking at the gray cotton glove.

「あら、あそこに一組置いてきたのに、ここには一枚しかないよ」とメグは灰色の綿の手袋を見ながら言った。

“Didn’t you drop the other in the garden?”

「もう一枚は庭に落としたんじゃない?」

“No, I’m sure I didn’t, for there was only one in the office.”

I'm sure (確かに) [副] without doubt; certainly

「いいえ、落としていないよ、事務所には一枚しかなかったもの」

“I hate to have odd gloves!

odd (片方だけの) [形] being one of a pair of which the other is missing or lost

「片方だけの手袋なんて嫌だよ!

Never mind, the other may be found.

気にしないで、もう一枚見つかるかもしれないよ。

My letter is only a translation of the German song I wanted.

translation (翻訳) [名] the process of converting or expressing the sense of a text from one language to another

German (ドイツ語) [名] the official language of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and the Italian province of South Tyrol

私の手紙は私が欲しかったドイツの歌の翻訳にすぎない。

I think Mr. Brooke did it, for this isn’t Laurie’s writing.”

writing (筆跡) [名] the activity or skill of writing

ブルックさんがやったんだと思うよ、これはローリーの筆跡じゃないもの」

Mrs. March glanced at Meg, who was looking very pretty in her gingham morning gown, with the little curls blowing about her forehead, and very womanly, as she sat sewing at her little worktable, full of tidy white rolls, so unconscious of the thought in her mother’s mind as she sewed and sang, while her fingers flew and her thoughts were busied with girlish fancies as innocent and fresh as the pansies in her belt, that Mrs. March smiled and was satisfied.

look pretty (きれいに見える) [動] be attractive

gingham morning gown (ギンガムモーニングドレス) [名] a dress made of gingham fabric

little curl (小さなカール) [名] a small lock of hair that is curled

womanly (女らしい) [形] having qualities or appearance regarded as characteristic of a woman

little worktable (小さな作業台) [名] a small table used for working

tidy white roll (きちんとした白いロールパン) [名] a white roll that is neat and organized

unconscious (意識せずに) [形] not conscious; unaware

girlish fancy (少女のような空想) [名] a fanciful idea or notion that is characteristic of a young girl

belt (ベルト) [名] a strip of leather or other material worn around the waist

be satisfied (満足している) [動] be content with

マーチ夫人はメグをちらっと見たが、メグはギンガムモーニングドレスを着て、額に小さなカールがかかり、とてもきれいに見え、小さな作業台に座って、きちんとした白いロールパンをいっぱいに縫い、母親の心の中の考えを意識せずに縫い物をして歌っていたので、指が飛び、考えはベルトにつけたパンジーのように無垢で新鮮な少女のような空想で忙しく、マーチ夫人は微笑んで満足していた。

“Two letters for Doctor Jo, a book, and a funny old hat, which covered the whole post office and stuck outside,” said Beth, laughing as she went into the study where Jo sat writing.

cover (覆い尽くす) [動] be or spread over the whole of

stick (はみ出る) [動] be or become attached by or as if by glue or other sticky substance

laugh (笑いながら) [動] make the sounds and movements of laughter

go into (入った) [動] move or travel toward the inside of

「ジョー先生宛ての手紙が二通、本が一冊、それに郵便局を覆い尽くして外にはみ出たおかしな古い帽子」とベスは笑いながら言い、ジョーが座って書き物をしている書斎に入った。

“What a sly fellow Laurie is!

what (なんて) [形] how great or intense

「ローリーはなんてずるいやつなんだろう!

I said I wished bigger hats were the fashion, because I burn my face every hot day.

bigger (もっと大きい) [形] of greater size or extent

私はもっと大きな帽子が流行ればいいのに、暑い日にはいつも顔が焼けてしまうから、と言った。

He said, ‘Why mind the fashion?

彼は「なぜ流行を気にするんだ?

Wear a big hat, and be comfortable!’

be comfortable (楽に過ごす) [動] be in a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint

大きな帽子をかぶって、楽に過ごせばいいじゃないか」と言った。

I said I would if I had one, and he has sent me this, to try me.

私はもし持っていたらそうするだろうと言い、彼は私を試すためにこれを送ってきた。

I’ll wear it for fun, and show him I don’t care for the fashion.”

面白半分にこれをかぶって、流行なんて気にしていないことを彼に示してやろう」

And hanging the antique broad-brim on a bust of Plato, Jo read her letters.

antique (古風な) [形] belonging to the past

broad-brim (つば広帽子) [名] a hat with a wide brim

Plato (プラトン) [名] a Greek philosopher

そして、プラトンの胸像に古風なつば広帽子を掛けて、ジョーは手紙を読んだ。

One from her mother made her cheeks glow and her eyes fill, for it said to her...

母からの手紙は彼女の頬を輝かせ、目を潤ませた。そこにはこう書いてあった。

My Dear:

私の愛する娘へ

I write a little word to tell you with how much satisfaction I watch your efforts to control your temper.

word (手紙) [名] a letter or note

control (抑える) [動] determine the behavior or supervise the running of

短い手紙を書いて、あなたが自分の気分を抑えようと努力しているのを見て、どれほど満足しているかを伝えようと思う。

You say nothing about your trials, failures, or successes, and think, perhaps, that no one sees them but the Friend whose help you daily ask, if I may trust the well-worn cover of your guidebook.

あなたは自分の試練、失敗、成功について何も言わず、おそらく、あなたのガイドブックの使い古された表紙を信じていいのなら、毎日助けを求める友人以外には誰も見ていないと思っているのでしょう。

I, too, have seen them all, and heartily believe in the sincerity of your resolution, since it begins to bear fruit.

sincerity (誠実さ) [名] the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; honesty

bear fruit (実を結ぶ) [動] to produce a good result

私もそれらをすべて見てきたし、あなたの決意が実を結び始めているので、その誠実さを心から信じている。

Go on, dear, patiently and bravely, and always believe that no one sympathizes more tenderly with you than your loving...

愛する娘よ、辛抱強く勇敢に進みなさい。そして、誰もあなたを愛する私以上に優しく同情してくれる人はいないと信じなさい。

Mother

母

“That does me good!

「それは私に良いことをしてくれる!

That’s worth millions of money and pecks of praise.

worth (値する) [動] merit or deserve

peck (山) [名] a large quantity

それは何百万ものお金と賞賛に値する。

Oh, Marmee, I do try!

ああ、ママ、私は努力するよ!

I will keep on trying, and not get tired, since I have you to help me.”

私にはあなたがいるのだから、私は努力し続け、疲れないようにするよ。」

Laying her head on her arms, Jo wet her little romance with a few happy tears, for she had thought that no one saw and appreciated her efforts to be good, and this assurance was doubly precious, doubly encouraging, because unexpected and from the person whose commendation she most valued.

lay one's head on one's arms (頭を腕にのせる) [動] put one's head on one's arms

wet (濡らす) [動] make something wet

appreciate (評価する) [動] be grateful for

assurance (保証) [名] a promise or guarantee

doubly (二重に) [副] twice as much or as many

unexpected (予期せぬ) [形] not expected or anticipated

commendation (評価) [名] an expression of praise or approval

ジョーは頭を腕にのせ、小さなロマンスを幸せな涙で濡らした。彼女は自分の善い行いを誰も見ていないし、評価していないと思っていたからだ。そして、この保証は二重に貴重で、二重に励みになった。なぜなら、予期せぬことで、彼女が最も評価する人物からのものだったからだ。

Feeling stronger than ever to meet and subdue her Apollyon, she pinned the note inside her frock, as a shield and a reminder, lest she be taken unaware, and proceeded to open her other letter, quite ready for either good or bad news.

subdue (征服する) [動] conquer and bring under control

pin (留める) [動] fasten with a pin

inside (内側) [名] the inner part

shield (盾) [名] a piece of metal or other hard material held in front of the body as a protection against weapons or missiles

reminder (思い出させるもの) [名] something that causes one to remember

be taken unaware (不意を突かれる) [動] be caught off guard

proceed (開封する) [動] go on to do something

彼女は自分の悪魔に立ち向かい、征服する気持ちがこれまで以上に強くなり、不意を突かれないように、盾と思い出させるものとして、そのメモを服の内側にピンで留め、良い知らせも悪い知らせも覚悟して、もう一通の手紙を開封した。

In a big, dashing hand, Laurie wrote...

dashing (勢いのある) [形] energetic and confident

hand (筆跡) [名] the style of writing of a particular person

ローリーは大きくて勢いのある筆跡でこう書いていた。

Dear Jo, What ho!

what ho (どうした) [間] an expression of surprise or excitement

親愛なるジョー、どうした!

Some English girls and boys are coming to see me tomorrow and I want to have a jolly time.

明日、イギリス人の女の子と男の子が私に会いに来るので、楽しい時間を過ごしたいと思っています。

If it’s fine, I’m going to pitch my tent in Longmeadow, and row up the whole crew to lunch and croquet—have a fire, make messes, gypsy fashion, and all sorts of larks.

pitch (張る) [動] set up

Longmeadow (ロングメドウ) [名] a town in Massachusetts

row (漕ぐ) [動] propel a boat with oars

crew (みんな) [名] a group of people who work together

croquet (クロケット) [名] a game played on a lawn with wooden balls and mallets

mess (散らかす) [名] a state of untidiness

gypsy (ジプシー) [名] a member of a nomadic people

lark (楽しみ) [名] a playful adventure

天気が良ければ、ロングメドウにテントを張って、みんなで昼食をとり、クロケットをしたり、火を焚いたり、ジプシーファッションをしたり、いろいろな楽しみ方をしようと思っています。

They are nice people, and like such things.

彼らはいい人たちで、そういうことが好きなんだ。

Brooke will go to keep us boys steady, and Kate Vaughn will play propriety for the girls.

steady (落ち着いた) [形] not shaking or moving

play (振る舞う) [動] behave in a specified way

ブルックは私たち男の子を落ち着かせるために行き、ケイト・ヴォーンは女の子のために礼儀正しく振る舞うでしょう。

I want you all to come, can’t let Beth off at any price, and nobody shall worry her.

at any price (どんな犠牲を払っても) [副] no matter what the cost

みんなに来てほしいんだ、ベスをどんな犠牲を払っても行かせるわけにはいかないし、誰も彼女を心配させないように。

Don’t bother about rations, I’ll see to that and everything else, only do come, there’s a good fellow!

bother (心配する) [動] be anxious or concerned about

ration (食料) [名] a fixed amount of food

see to (面倒を見る) [動] take care of

good fellow (いいやつ) [名] a person who is friendly and helpful

食料の心配はいらない、私がそれも他のことも全部面倒を見るから、ただ来てくれればいい、いいやつだ!

In a tearing hurry, Yours ever, Laurie.

in a tearing hurry (急いで) [副] very quickly

yours ever (いつも君の) [副] always yours

急いで、いつも君の、ローリー。

“Here’s richness!” cried Jo, flying in to tell the news to Meg.

richness (すごい) [名] the quality of being rich

fly (飛び込む) [動] to move through the air with wings or a winged structure

「これはすごい!」とジョーは叫び、メグに知らせに飛び込んだ。

“Of course we can go, Mother?

「もちろん行けるよね、ママ?

It will be such a help to Laurie, for I can row, and Meg see to the lunch, and the children be useful in some way.”

be such a help (とても助けになる) [動] be very helpful

be useful (役に立つ) [動] be of practical use

ローリーにとってとても助けになるよ、私は漕げるし、メグは昼食の面倒を見れるし、子供たちも何かの役に立つでしょう。」

“I hope the Vaughns are not fine grown-up people.

Vaughns (ヴォーン家) [名] the Vaughn family

「ヴォーン家が立派な大人でないといいよ。

Do you know anything about them, Jo?” asked Meg.

彼らのこと何か知ってる、ジョー?」とメグは尋ねた。

“Only that there are four of them.

「4人家族だということだけ。

Kate is older than you, Fred and Frank (twins) about my age, and a little girl (Grace), who is nine or ten.

Kate (ケイト) [名] a female given name

Fred (フレッド) [名] a male given name

Frank (フランク) [名] a male given name

twin (双子) [名] one of two children or animals born at the same time from the same mother

ten (10歳) [名] the number 10

ケイトはあなたより年上で、フレッドとフランク(双子)は私と同じくらいで、小さな女の子(グレース)は9歳か10歳です。

Laurie knew them abroad, and liked the boys.

ローリーは海外で彼らと知り合い、男の子たちを気に入っていた。

I fancied, from the way he primmed up his mouth in speaking of her, that he didn’t admire Kate much.”

fancy (思える) [動] to think or believe something

admire (尊敬する) [動] to respect and approve of someone or something

彼が彼女のことを話すときに口をすぼめる様子から、彼はケイトをあまり尊敬していないように思えた。」

“I’m so glad my French print is clean, it’s just the thing and so becoming!” observed Meg complacently.

print (プリント地の) [名] a fabric with a printed design

clean (きれいで) [形] free from dirt, marks, or stains

becoming (似合う) [形] attractive or appropriate

「私のフランス製のプリント地の服がきれいでよかったよ、ちょうどいいし、とても似合うよ!」とメグは満足そうに言った。

“Have you anything decent, Jo?”

decent (きちんとした) [形] conforming to generally accepted standards of behavior or morals

「ジョー、きちんとした服は何かある?」

“Scarlet and gray boating suit, good enough for me.

boating suit (ボートスーツ) [名] a suit worn for boating

good enough (十分) [形] satisfactory or adequate

「私には真っ赤と灰色のボートスーツで十分よ。

I shall row and tramp about, so I don’t want any starch to think of.

starch (糊) [名] a complex carbohydrate found chiefly in seeds, fruits, tubers, roots and stem pith of plants, especially in corn, potatoes, wheat, and rice

ボートを漕いだり、歩き回ったりするつもりだから、糊のことは考えたくないよ。

You’ll come, Betty?”

Betty (ベティ) [名] a female given name

ベティ、来てくれる?」

“If you won’t let any boys talk to me.”

「男の子に話しかけさせなければね」

“Not a boy!”

「男の子じゃないよ!」

“I like to please Laurie, and I’m not afraid of Mr. Brooke, he is so kind.

like (したい) [動] want to do something

afraid (怖い) [形] scared or frightened

「ローリーを喜ばせたいんだ、それにブルックさんは怖くないよ、とても優しいんだ。

But I don’t want to play, or sing, or say anything.

でも、演奏したり歌ったり、何かを言ったりするのは嫌だ。

I’ll work hard and not trouble anyone, and you’ll take care of me, Jo, so I’ll go.”

trouble (迷惑をかける) [動] cause difficulty or problems for

一生懸命働いて誰にも迷惑をかけないようにするし、ジョーが私の面倒を見てくれるから、行くよ」

“That’s my good girl.

「いい子だ。

You do try to fight off your shyness, and I love you for it.

fight off (戦おうとする) [動] to try to defeat or get rid of

shyness (恥ずかしさ) [名] the quality or state of being shy

love (愛している) [動] to be deeply fond of

あなたは自分の恥ずかしさと戦おうとしているし、私はそのことを愛している。

Fighting faults isn’t easy, as I know, and a cheery word kind of gives a lift.

私が知っているように、欠点と戦うのは簡単ではないし、陽気な言葉は元気を与えてくれる。

Thank you, Mother,”

ありがとう、ママ」

And Jo gave the thin cheek a grateful kiss, more precious to Mrs. March than if it had given back the rosy roundness of her youth.

more precious (もっと大切な) [形] of greater value or importance

そしてジョーは、マーチ夫人にとって、若い頃のバラ色の丸みを帯びた頬を取り戻すよりも、もっと大切な、感謝のキスをした。

“I had a box of chocolate drops, and the picture I wanted to copy,” said Amy, showing her mail.

chocolate drop (チョコレートドロップ) [名] a small, round piece of chocolate

copy (コピーする) [動] make a duplicate of

「チョコレートドロップスの箱と、コピーしたい写真が届いたよ」とエイミーは郵便物を見せながら言った。

“And I got a note from Mr. Laurence, asking me to come over and play to him tonight, before the lamps are lighted, and I shall go,” added Beth, whose friendship with the old gentleman prospered finely.

come over (行く) [動] visit someone

「そして、ローレンスさんから、今夜ランプが点く前に彼の所に行って演奏して欲しいというメモをもらったので、行ってきます」と、老紳士との友情が順調に進んでいるベスが付け加えた。

“Now let’s fly round, and do double duty today, so that we can play tomorrow with free minds,” said Jo, preparing to replace her pen with a broom.

fly round (飛び回る) [動] move quickly and energetically

do double duty (二倍の仕事をやる) [動] do two jobs at the same time

free mind (心置きなく) [名] without any worries or concerns

「さあ、飛び回って、今日は二倍の仕事をしよう。そうすれば明日は心置きなく遊べるよ」とジョーは言い、ペンをほうきに持ち替える準備をした。

When the sun peeped into the girls’ room early next morning to promise them a fine day, he saw a comical sight.

early next morning (翌朝早く) [名] the early part of the day after the present day

fine day (天気の良い日) [名] a day with good weather

翌朝早く、太陽が少女たちの部屋をのぞき込んで、天気の良い日を約束したとき、彼は滑稽な光景を見た。

Each had made such preparation for the fete as seemed necessary and proper.

necessary (必要) [形] being essential, indispensable, or requisite

それぞれが、必要で適切と思われる準備を祝宴のためにした。

Meg had an extra row of little curlpapers across her forehead, Jo had copiously anointed her afflicted face with cold cream, Beth had taken Joanna to bed with her to atone for the approaching separation, and Amy had capped the climax by putting a clothespin on her nose to uplift the offending feature.

have (巻く) [動] to hold or possess

extra (余分な) [形] more than is usual, expected, or necessary

curlpaper (カール紙) [名] a piece of paper on which hair is rolled to make it curl

across (横切って) [前] from one side to the other of

copiously (たっぷりと) [副] in large quantities; abundantly

anoint (塗る) [動] to apply oil or ointment to

cold cream (コールドクリーム) [名] a creamy emulsion for cleansing and softening the skin

to (ために) [前] used to indicate a purpose

atone (償う) [動] to make amends for

the (その) [他] used to refer to a particular person or thing

approaching (近づいている) [形] coming near or nearer in space or time

separation (別れ) [名] the action or state of being apart or separate

cap (迎える) [動] to put a cap on

climax (クライマックス) [名] the most intense, exciting, or important point of something

by (で) [前] used to indicate a method

putting (挟む) [動] to place or insert

a (1つの) [他] used to refer to a single person or thing

clothespin (洗濯バサミ) [名] a device with two parts joined by a spring, used for holding clothes on a clothesline

uplift (持ち上げる) [動] to lift or raise

メグは額に小さなカール紙を余分に一列巻き、ジョーは苦しんでいる顔にコールドクリームをたっぷりと塗り、ベスは近づいてくる別れを償うためにジョアンナを連れてベッドに入り、エイミーは鼻に洗濯バサミを挟んで問題の部分を持ち上げることでクライマックスを迎えた。

It was one of the kind artists use to hold the paper on their drawing boards, therefore quite appropriate and effective for the purpose it was now being put.

one of the kind (種類のもの) [名] a type of something

hold (固定する) [動] keep in a certain state or position

drawing board (画板) [名] a board on which paper is placed for drawing

effective (効果的) [形] producing a desired or intended result

それは、芸術家が画板に紙を固定するために使う種類のものだったので、今使われようとしている目的には非常に適切で効果的だった。

This funny spectacle appeared to amuse the sun, for he burst out with such radiance that Jo woke up and roused her sisters by a hearty laugh at Amy’s ornament.

burst out (放つ) [動] to suddenly and forcefully emerge

radiance (まばゆい光) [名] brightness or brilliance of light

rouse (起こす) [動] to cause to be awake

このおかしな光景は太陽を楽しませたようだった、というのも、彼がとてもまばゆい光を放ったので、ジョーは目を覚まし、エイミーの装飾品を見て心から笑って姉妹たちを起こした。

Sunshine and laughter were good omens for a pleasure party, and soon a lively bustle began in both houses.

omen (前兆) [名] a sign of something that will happen in the future

bustle (喧騒) [名] a state of energetic and noisy activity

日差しと笑い声は、楽しいパーティーの前兆であり、すぐに両方の家で活気のある喧騒が始まった。

Beth, who was ready first, kept reporting what went on next door, and enlivened her sisters’ toilets by frequent telegrams from the window.

enliven (盛り上げる) [動] make more interesting, exciting, or lively

最初に準備ができたベスは、隣で何が起こっているかを報告し続け、窓から頻繁に電報を送って姉妹たちの身支度を盛り上げた。

“There goes the man with the tent!

「テントを運んでいる人が来たよ!

I see Mrs. Barker doing up the lunch in a hamper and a great basket.

Mrs. Barker (バーカー夫人) [名] the wife of Mr. Barker

hamper (かご) [名] a large basket with a cover, used for carrying food and other items

バーカー夫人が大きなかごに昼食を詰めているのが見えるよ。

Now Mr. Laurence is looking up at the sky and the weathercock.

sky (空) [名] the region of the atmosphere and outer space seen from the earth

weathercock (風見鶏) [名] a weathervane in the shape of a rooster

ローレンスさんが空と風見鶏を見上げているよ。

I wish he would go too.

彼も行けばいいのに。

There’s Laurie, looking like a sailor, nice boy!

sailor (船乗り) [名] a person who works on a ship

ローリーがいるよ、船乗りみたい、いい子ね!

Oh, mercy me!

ああ、なんてこと!

Here’s a carriage full of people, a tall lady, a little girl, and two dreadful boys.

人々を乗せた馬車が来たよ、背の高い女性、小さな女の子、そして恐ろしい男の子二人。

One is lame, poor thing, he’s got a crutch.

crutch (松葉杖) [名] a staff or support to assist a lame or infirm person in walking

一人は足が不自由で、かわいそうに、松葉杖をついている。

Laurie didn’t tell us that.

ローリーはそんなことを言わなかったよ。

Be quick, girls!

be quick (急ぎなさい) [動] move or act with speed

急ぎなさい、娘たち!

It’s getting late.

get late (遅くなる) [動] become late

遅くなってきたよ。

Why, there is Ned Moffat, I do declare.

there is (いる) [動] be present

declare (本当に) [動] state emphatically

あら、ネッド・モファットがいるよ、本当に。

Meg, isn’t that the man who bowed to you one day when we were shopping?”

shopping (買い物) [名] the activity of buying goods

メグ、あれは私たちが買い物をしていた時にあなたにお辞儀をした男性ではないの?」

“So it is. How queer that he should come.

「そうね。彼が来るのは奇妙ね。

I thought he was at the mountains.

mountain (山) [名] a large natural elevation of the earth's surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level or a large steep hill

彼は山にいると思っていたよ。

There is Sallie. I’m glad she got back in time.

get back (戻ってくる) [動] return to a place

in time (時間通りに) [副] punctually

サリーがいるよ。彼女が時間通りに戻ってきてよかった。

Am I all right, Jo?” cried Meg in a flutter.

私、大丈夫?」とメグはどきどきしながら叫んだ。

“A regular daisy.

daisy (ヒナギク) [名] a common European plant with white petals and a yellow center

「本物のヒナギクだ。

Hold up your dress and put your hat on straight, it looks sentimental tipped that way and will fly off at the first puff.

hold up (持ち上げる) [動] raise to a higher position

put on (かぶる) [動] place or arrange on oneself or on a part of one's body

tip (傾ける) [動] cause to assume a sloping position

fly off (飛んでしまう) [動] move or be moved quickly through the air

ドレスを持ち上げて、帽子をまっすぐかぶって、そんな風に傾けていたら感傷的に見えるし、最初の一吹きで飛んでしまうよ。

Now then, come on!”

さあ、行こう!」

“Oh, Jo, you are not going to wear that awful hat? It’s too absurd!

absurd (ばかげている) [形] ridiculously incongruous or inappropriate

「ああ、ジョー、そのひどい帽子をかぶるつもりはないよね? あまりにもばかげているよ!

You shall not make a guy of yourself,” remonstrated Meg, as Jo tied down with a red ribbon the broad-brimmed, old-fashioned leghorn Laurie had sent for a joke.

make a guy of oneself (そんな格好をする) [動] dress in a way that makes one look ridiculous

remonstrate (抗議する) [動] express strong disapproval or objection

broad-brimmed (つばの広い) [形] having a wide brim

old-fashioned (昔風の) [形] of a style or design that was popular in the past

leghorn (麦わら帽子) [名] a hat made of straw

ジョーがローリーが冗談で送ったつばの広い昔風の麦わら帽子を赤いリボンで結んでいると、メグは「そんな格好をしたらいけないよ」と抗議した。

“I just will, though, for it’s capital, so shady, light, and big.

shady (日よけになる) [形] giving shade

「でも、かぶるよ、だってすばらしいもの、日よけになるし、軽くて、大きいし。

It will make fun, and I don’t mind being a guy if I’m comfortable.”

make fun (おもしろい) [動] be amusing or entertaining

don't mind (かまわない) [動] not object to or disapprove of

being a guy (変な格好) [名] a man or boy

おもしろいでしょう、それに楽なら変な格好でもかまわないよ」

With that Jo marched straight away and the rest followed, a bright little band of sisters, all looking their best in summer suits, with happy faces under the jaunty hatbrims.

straight away (すぐに) [副] immediately

band (一団) [名] a group of people

summer suit (夏服) [名] a suit made of light fabric for wearing in summer

jaunty (陽気な) [形] having a cheerful, confident, and stylish appearance

hatbrim (帽子のつば) [名] the projecting edge of a hat

そう言ってジョーはすぐに歩き出し、残りの姉妹も後に続いた。夏服を着て、陽気な帽子のつばの下で幸せそうな顔をした、明るい姉妹たちの小さな一団だった。

Laurie ran to meet and present them to his friends in the most cordial manner.

run to meet (走り寄る) [動] run to meet someone

cordial (親しげな) [形] warm and friendly

ローリーは走り寄って、とても親しげに友人たちに姉妹を紹介した。

The lawn was the reception room, and for several minutes a lively scene was enacted there.

reception room (応接室) [名] a room in a house or hotel where guests can be received

scene (光景) [名] a view or prospect of a place that is seen by the eye

芝生が応接室となり、数分間そこには活気あふれる光景が繰り広げられた。

Meg was grateful to see that Miss Kate, though twenty, was dressed with a simplicity which American girls would do well to imitate, and who was much flattered by Mr. Ned’s assurances that he came especially to see her.

Miss Kate (ケイトさん) [名] a young woman

twenty (二十歳) [名] the number 20

simplicity (シンプルさ) [名] the quality or condition of being simple

American (アメリカの) [形] of or relating to the United States or its people

Mr. Ned (ネッドさん) [名] a man

assurance (言葉) [名] a statement or promise that gives someone confidence

especially (わざわざ) [副] for a particular purpose

メグは、ケイトさんが二十歳にもかかわらず、アメリカの娘たちが真似したらよいと思うようなシンプルな服装をしていて、ネッドさんがわざわざ彼女に会いに来たと言ってくれたことをとても喜んでいるのを見て、感謝した。

Jo understood why Laurie ‘primmed up his mouth’ when speaking of Kate, for that young lady had a standoff-don’t-touch-me air, which contrasted strongly with the free and easy demeanor of the other girls.

standoff-don't-touch-me air (近寄るなという雰囲気) [名] an attitude of aloofness or unapproachability

strongly (強く) [副] to a high degree or intensity

contrast (対照的) [動] be strikingly different from one another in juxtaposition or close association

free and easy (自由で気楽な) [形] unconstrained and relaxed

ジョーは、ローリーがケイトのことを話すときに「口をすぼめた」理由を理解した。なぜなら、その若い女性は、他の娘たちの自由で気楽な態度とは対照的に、近寄るなという雰囲気を漂わせていたからだ。

Beth took an observation of the new boys and decided that the lame one was not ‘dreadful’, but gentle and feeble, and she would be kind to him on that account.

take an observation (観察する) [動] notice or perceive something, especially by sight

on that account (その点で) [副] for that reason

ベスは新しい男の子たちを観察し、足の不自由な子は「恐ろしい」のではなく、優しくて弱々しいと判断し、その点で彼に親切にしようと思った。

Amy found Grace a well-mannered, merry, little person, and after staring dumbly at one another for a few minutes, they suddenly became very good friends.

well-mannered (礼儀正しい) [形] polite

dumbly (ぼんやりと) [副] in a stupid or foolish way

エイミーはグレースが礼儀正しく、陽気で、小さな人だと分かり、数分間お互いにぼんやりと見つめ合った後、突然とても仲良くなった。

Tents, lunch, and croquet utensils having been sent on beforehand, the party was soon embarked, and the two boats pushed off together, leaving Mr. Laurence waving his hat on the shore.

utensil (道具) [名] an implement, container, or other article that is used in a household and especially a kitchen

beforehand (前もって) [副] in advance; before the usual or expected time

embark (乗り込む) [動] go on board a ship or aircraft

push off (岸を離れる) [動] leave a place

テント、昼食、クロケット道具は前もって送ってあったので、一行はすぐに乗り込み、二隻のボートが一緒に岸を離れ、ローレンスさんが岸で帽子を振っているのを残していった。

Laurie and Jo rowed one boat, Mr. Brooke and Ned the other, while Fred Vaughn, the riotous twin, did his best to upset both by paddling about in a wherry like a disturbed water bug.

Fred Vaughn (フレッド・ヴォーン) [名] a character in the story

riotous (暴れん坊の) [形] unruly or disorderly

do one's best (全力を尽くす) [動] try as hard as one can

water bug (水に落ちた虫) [名] an aquatic insect

ローリーとジョーは一隻のボートを漕ぎ、ブルックさんとネッドはもう一隻を漕ぎ、一方、暴れん坊の双子のフレッド・ヴォーンは、水に落ちた虫のように小舟を漕ぎ回って、両方のボートをひっくり返そうと全力を尽くした。

Jo’s funny hat deserved a vote of thanks, for it was of general utility.

vote (投票) [名] a formal expression of opinion or choice, either positive or negative

ジョーのおかしな帽子は、一般に役立ったので、感謝の投票に値した。

It broke the ice in the beginning by producing a laugh, it created quite a refreshing breeze, flapping to and fro as she rowed, and would make an excellent umbrella for the whole party, if a shower came up, she said.

break the ice (場を和ませる) [動] to relieve tension or formality

beginning (最初) [名] the first part of something

breeze (風) [名] a gentle wind

flap (揺れる) [動] move or cause to move up and down or from side to side

come up (降ってくる) [動] move from a lower to a higher position

umbrella (傘) [名] a device for protection from the weather

最初は笑いを誘って場を和ませ、彼女が漕ぐたびに前後にパタパタと揺れて、とても爽やかな風を起こし、もしにわか雨が降ってきたら、一行全員にとって素晴らしい傘になるだろうと彼女は言った。

Miss Kate decided that she was ‘odd’, but rather clever, and smiled upon her from afar.

clever (賢い) [形] having or showing intelligence, especially of a high level

upon (~に) [前] on

ケイトさんは、彼女は「変わっている」が、かなり賢いと判断し、遠くから彼女に微笑みかけた。

Meg, in the other boat, was delightfully situated, face to face with the rowers, who both admired the prospect and feathered their oars with uncommon ‘skill and dexterity’.

rower (漕ぎ手) [名] a person who rows a boat

prospect (景色) [名] an extensive view of landscape

feather (漕ぐ) [動] to turn an oar so that the blade is parallel to the water at the end of a stroke

uncommon (並外れた) [形] unusual or exceptional

dexterity (器用さ) [名] skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands

もう一隻のボートに乗ったメグは、漕ぎ手と向かい合って気持ちよく座り、二人とも景色を眺めながら、並外れた「技と器用さ」でオールを漕いでいた。

Mr. Brooke was a grave, silent young man, with handsome brown eyes and a pleasant voice.

grave (真面目な) [形] serious in manner or appearance

silent (寡黙な) [形] not making or accompanied by any sound

young man (青年) [名] a young male human being

brown eyes (茶色の目) [名] eyes that are brown in color

pleasant voice (心地よい声) [名] a voice that is pleasing to hear

ブルックさんは、ハンサムな茶色の目と心地よい声をした、真面目で寡黙な青年だった。

Meg liked his quiet manners and considered him a walking encyclopedia of useful knowledge.

walking (歩く) [動] move at regular paces by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

encyclopedia (百科事典) [名] a book or set of books giving information on many subjects or on many aspects of one subject and typically arranged alphabetically

メグは彼の物静かな態度が好きで、彼を有益な知識の歩く百科事典だと思っていた。

He never talked to her much, but he looked at her a good deal, and she felt sure that he did not regard her with aversion.

good deal (よく) [副] to a great extent or degree

feel sure (確信する) [動] be certain about something

aversion (嫌悪感) [名] a feeling of intense dislike

彼は彼女とあまり話すことはなかったが、彼女をよく見ていたし、彼女は彼が彼女を嫌悪感を持って見ていないことを確信していた。

Ned, being in college, of course put on all the airs which freshmen think it their bounden duty to assume.

be in college (大学にいる) [動] be enrolled in a college or university

freshman (新入生) [名] a student in the first year of college or high school

bounden duty (当然の義務) [名] a duty that is morally or legally required

ネッドは大学にいるので、もちろん新入生が当然の義務だと思っているすべての態度をとった。

He was not very wise, but very good-natured, and altogether an excellent person to carry on a picnic.

good-natured (気立てがよい) [形] having a pleasant and friendly personality

altogether (もってこい) [副] completely; in total

carry on (続ける) [動] continue doing something

彼はあまり賢くはなかったが、とても気立てがよく、ピクニックを続けるにはもってこいの人物だった。

Sallie Gardiner was absorbed in keeping her white pique dress clean and chattering with the ubiquitous Fred, who kept Beth in constant terror by his pranks.

pique (ピケ) [名] a cotton fabric with a raised pattern

clean (きれいにする) [動] make free of dirt, marks, or mess, especially by washing, wiping, or brushing

ubiquitous (どこにでもいる) [形] present, appearing, or found everywhere

constant (絶えず) [形] non-varying

terror (恐怖) [名] an intense feeling of fear

prank (いたずら) [名] a practical joke

サリー・ガーディナーは、白いピケのドレスをきれいに保つことに夢中で、いたずらでベスを絶えず恐怖に陥れていた、どこにでもいるフレッドとおしゃべりをしていた。

It was not far to Longmeadow, but the tent was pitched and the wickets down by the time they arrived.

wicket (改札口) [名] a small gate or door

down (閉まっている) [副] in a lower position

ロングメドウまではそう遠くなかったが、彼らが到着する頃にはテントが張られ、改札口が閉まっていた。

A pleasant green field, with three wide-spreading oaks in the middle and a smooth strip of turf for croquet.

field (野原) [名] an area of open land, especially one planted with crops or pasture

oak (オーク) [名] a tree of the genus Quercus

smooth (滑らかな) [形] having a continuous even surface

strip (帯) [名] a long, narrow piece of something

turf (芝生) [名] a layer of grass and the soil beneath it

真ん中に3本の広く広がるオークとクロケット用の滑らかな芝生の帯がある、心地よい緑の野原。

“Welcome to Camp Laurence!” said the young host, as they landed with exclamations of delight.

welcome (ようこそ) [間] a greeting

land (上陸する) [動] come to rest on the ground or another surface

「キャンプ・ローレンスへようこそ!」と若いホストが言うと、彼らは喜びの叫び声を上げて上陸した。

“Brooke is commander in chief, I am commissary general, the other fellows are staff officers, and you, ladies, are company.

commander in chief (総司令官) [名] the supreme commander of a country's military forces

commissary general (総務部長) [名] the head of a commissary

staff officer (参謀) [名] a military officer who serves on the staff of a general or other high-ranking officer

company (仲間) [名] a group of people who work together or are doing something together

「ブルックが総司令官で、私は総務部長、他の連中は参謀、そしてあなた方、女性陣は仲間です。

The tent is for your especial benefit and that oak is your drawing room, this is the messroom and the third is the camp kitchen.

messroom (食堂) [名] a room where people eat

third (3つ目) [名] the number 3

camp (キャンプ) [名] a place with temporary accommodations of huts, tents, or other structures

テントはあなた方のために特別に用意したもので、あのオークの木が応接室、ここが食堂、3つ目がキャンプ用の台所です。

Now, let’s have a game before it gets hot, and then we’ll see about dinner.”

get hot (暑くなる) [動] become hot

see about (準備する) [動] make arrangements for

さあ、暑くなる前にゲームをしましょう、それから夕食の準備をしましょう」

Frank, Beth, Amy, and Grace sat down to watch the game played by the other eight.

フランク、ベス、エイミー、グレースは座って他の8人のゲームを眺めた。

Mr. Brooke chose Meg, Kate, and Fred.

Mr. Brooke (ブルック氏) [名] a man

ブルック氏はメグ、ケイト、フレッドを選んだ。

Laurie took Sallie, Jo, and Ned.

ローリーはサリー、ジョー、ネッドを連れて行った。

The English played well, but the Americans played better, and contested every inch of the ground as strongly as if the spirit of ’76 inspired them.

American (アメリカ人) [名] a person from the United States

inch (隅々) [名] a unit of length equal to 2.54 centimeters

strongly (激しく) [副] with great force or intensity

inspire (鼓舞する) [動] fill with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative

イギリス人は上手くプレーしたが、アメリカ人はもっと上手くプレーし、まるで76年の精神に鼓舞されたかのように、グラウンドの隅々まで激しく争った。

Jo and Fred had several skirmishes and once narrowly escaped high words.

have (起こす) [動] experience or undergo

narrowly (なりかけた) [副] by a small margin

high word (口論) [名] an angry argument

ジョーとフレッドは何度か小競り合いを起こし、一度は口論になりかけた。

Jo was through the last wicket and had missed the stroke, which failure ruffled her a good deal.

be through (通過する) [動] to have finished or completed something

miss (逃す) [動] fail to hit, reach, or come into contact with

ruffle (苛立たせる) [動] to make someone annoyed or upset

ジョーは最後のウィケットを通過し、ストロークを逃したが、その失敗は彼女をかなり苛立たせた。

Fred was close behind her and his turn came before hers.

close behind (すぐ後ろ) [副] very near in space or time

フレッドは彼女のすぐ後ろにいて、彼の番が彼女の前に来た。

He gave a stroke, his ball hit the wicket, and stopped an inch on the wrong side.

give a stroke (ストロークを打つ) [動] hit the ball

hit (当たる) [動] come in contact with forcefully

wicket (ウィケット) [名] a set of three stumps with two bails balanced on top

彼はストロークを打って、ボールはウィケットに当たって、間違った側に1インチ止まった。

No one was very near, and running up to examine, he gave it a sly nudge with his toe, which put it just an inch on the right side.

run up (走り寄る) [動] approach someone or something quickly

sly (こっそり) [形] done or acting in a secretive manner

toe (つま先) [名] the end of a foot

right (右側) [形] on or to the side of the human body or of a thing that is to the east when the person or thing is facing north

誰も近くにいなかったし、調べに走り寄って、彼はそれをつま先でこっそりとつついたが、それはちょうど右側に1インチ入った。

“I’m through! Now, Miss Jo, I’ll settle you, and get in first,” cried the young gentleman, swinging his mallet for another blow.

through (終わった) [形] finished

settle (決着をつける) [動] decide or resolve

swing (振り回す) [動] move or cause to move back and forth or from side to side

blow (打つ) [名] a powerful or violent stroke with a hand or weapon

「私は終わった! さあ、ジョーさん、決着をつけて、先にゴールするよ」と若い紳士は叫び、もう一度打つためにマレットを振り回した。

“You pushed it. I saw you.

push (押す) [動] exert force on (someone or something) in order to move them away from oneself or from the origin of the force

「あなたはそれを押した。私はあなたを見た。

It’s my turn now,” said Jo sharply.

今度は私の番だ」とジョーはきっぱりと言った。

“Upon my word, I didn’t move it.

upon my word (誓って言うが) [間] used to express surprise or anger

move (動かす) [動] change the position of

「誓って言うが、私はそれを動かしていない。

It rolled a bit, perhaps, but that is allowed.

もしかしたら少し転がったかもしれないが、それは許されている。

So, stand off please, and let me have a go at the stake.”

stand off (どく) [動] move away from

have a go (賭ける) [動] try something

だから、どいてください、そして私に賭けさせてください。」

“We don’t cheat in America, but you can, if you choose,” said Jo angrily.

cheat (ズルをする) [動] act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage

「アメリカではズルはしないが、君はそうしたいならそうすればいい」とジョーは怒って言った。

“Yankees are a deal the most tricky, everybody knows.

Yankee (ヤンキー) [名] a native or inhabitant of the United States

deal (取引) [名] an agreement entered into by two or more parties for their mutual benefit

tricky (ずるい) [形] requiring care, caution, or skill

「ヤンキーは一番ずるい、誰でも知っている。

There you go!” returned Fred, croqueting her ball far away.

there you go (ほら、どうだ) [間] used to express satisfaction or approval

croquet (打つ) [動] hit a ball with a mallet through a series of hoops in a lawn game

ほら、どうだ!」とフレッドは言い、彼女のボールを遠くへ打った。

Jo opened her lips to say something rude, but checked herself in time, colored up to her forehead and stood a minute, hammering down a wicket with all her might, while Fred hit the stake and declared himself out with much exultation.

open one's lips (口を開ける) [動] to start to speak

check oneself (自分を抑える) [動] to control oneself

color up (赤くなる) [動] to blush

hammer down (打ち倒す) [動] to knock down or defeat

hit (打つ) [動] to come into contact with forcefully

stake (杭) [名] a piece of wood or metal with a pointed end that is driven into the ground

out (アウト) [名] a player who is out of the game

exultation (大喜び) [名] a feeling or display of great happiness or triumph

ジョーは何か失礼なことを言おうと口を開けたが、間に合って自分を抑え、額まで赤くなってしばらく立ち、全力でウィケットを打ち倒した。その間にフレッドは杭を打ち、大喜びでアウトを宣言した。

She went off to get her ball, and was a long time finding it among the bushes, but she came back, looking cool and quiet, and waited her turn patiently.

long time (長い時間) [名] a large amount of time

bush (茂み) [名] a woody plant with many stems

cool (冷静な) [形] calm and unemotional

彼女はボールを取りに行き、長い時間茂みの中で探していたが、冷静で落ち着いた様子で戻ってきて、辛抱強く順番を待った。

It took several strokes to regain the place she had lost, and when she got there, the other side had nearly won, for Kate’s ball was the last but one and lay near the stake.

regain (取り戻す) [動] get back

get there (そこに着く) [動] arrive at a place

other side (相手側) [名] the opposite side

win (勝つ) [動] be successful or victorious in

lay (ある) [動] be in a specified state or condition

彼女が失った場所を取り戻すには数回打たなければならなかったし、彼女がそこに着いた時には、相手側がほぼ勝っていた。ケイトのボールは最後から2番目で、杭の近くにあったからだ。

“By George, it’s all up with us! Goodbye, Kate.

by George (なんてことだ) [間] an expression of surprise or disgust

be up with (終わりだ) [動] be finished

「なんてことだ、もう終わりだ! さよなら、ケイト。

Miss Jo owes me one, so you are finished,” cried Fred excitedly, as they all drew near to see the finish.

finish (終わり) [名] the last part of something

ジョーさんは私に1つ借りがある、だから君は終わりだ」とフレッドは興奮して叫び、みんなが終わりを見ようと近づいてきた。

“Yankees have a trick of being generous to their enemies,” said Jo, with a look that made the lad redden, “especially when they beat them,” she added, as, leaving Kate’s ball untouched, she won the game by a clever stroke.

have a trick of (策略がある) [動] have a habit of

beat (打ち負かす) [動] defeat or overcome in a game or other competition

stroke (一撃) [名] an act of hitting or striking

「ヤンキーは敵に寛大になるという策略がある」とジョーは言い、少年を赤面させるような表情で「特に彼らを打ち負かす時」と付け加えた。ケイトのボールを触れずに、巧みな一撃で勝利した。

Laurie threw up his hat, then remembered that it wouldn’t do to exult over the defeat of his guests, and stopped in the middle of the cheer to whisper to his friend, “Good for you, Jo!

exult (喜ぶ) [動] to be extremely joyful

defeat (敗北) [名] the loss of a battle or game

ローリーは帽子を投げ上げたが、客の敗北を喜ぶのはよくないと思い出し、歓声の途中で止まって友人に「よかったね、ジョー!

He did cheat, I saw him.

彼はズルをした、私は見た。

We can’t tell him so, but he won’t do it again, take my word for it.”

do it again (それをしない) [動] repeat an action

take my word for it (私の言葉を信じて) [動] believe what I say

彼にそう言うことはできないけど、彼は二度とそれをしない、私の言葉を信じて」

Meg drew her aside, under pretense of pinning up a loose braid, and said approvingly, “It was dreadfully provoking, but you kept your temper, and I’m so glad, Jo.”

draw aside (脇に引き寄せる) [動] move to one side

pin up (ピンで留める) [動] fasten with a pin

loose (ゆるんだ) [形] not held or tied together, or not held or fastened firmly

braid (三つ編み) [名] a length of hair made up of three or more interlaced strands

provoking (腹立たしい) [形] causing annoyance or anger

keep one's temper (冷静さを保つ) [動] remain calm and in control of oneself

メグはゆるんだ三つ編みをピンで留めるふりをして彼女を脇に引き寄せ、「ひどく腹立たしいけど、あなたは冷静さを保ったよ、ジョー、とても嬉しいよ」と言った。

“Don’t praise me, Meg, for I could box his ears this minute.

this minute (今すぐにでも) [副] immediately; at once

「私を褒めないで、メグ、今すぐにでも彼の耳を殴りつけられるよ。

I should certainly have boiled over if I hadn’t stayed among the nettles till I got my rage under control enough to hold my tongue.

boil over (沸騰する) [動] to become very angry

nettle (イラクサ) [名] a plant with stinging hairs

rage (イライラ) [名] violent anger

under control (抑える) [形] able to be controlled

イライラを抑えて口を閉ざすまでイラクサの中にいなかったら、私は間違いなく沸騰していたでしょう。

It’s simmering now, so I hope he’ll keep out of my way,” returned Jo, biting her lips as she glowered at Fred from under her big hat.

keep out of (近寄らない) [動] not go near or into

bite (噛む) [動] cut or tear with the teeth

glower (睨みつける) [動] stare angrily or sullenly

今は煮えたぎっているから、彼が私の邪魔をしないように願っているよ」とジョーは答え、大きな帽子の下からフレッドを睨みつけながら唇を噛んだ。

“Time for lunch,” said Mr. Brooke, looking at his watch.

watch (時計) [名] a small timepiece that is typically worn on a person's wrist

「昼食の時間だ」とブルック氏は時計を見ながら言った。

“Commissary general, will you make the fire and get water, while Miss March, Miss Sallie, and I spread the table?

make the fire (火を起こす) [動] start a fire

get water (水を汲む) [動] obtain water

spread the table (テーブルを広げる) [動] set the table

「総務部長、マーチさん、サリーさん、私がテーブルを広げている間に火を起こして水を汲んでくれませんか?

Who can make good coffee?”

make (入れる) [動] prepare or produce

誰が上手なコーヒーを入れられるかな?」

“Jo can,” said Meg, glad to recommend her sister.

recommend (推薦する) [動] officially say that someone or something is good and deserves to be chosen

「ジョーならできます」とメグは妹を推薦して喜んだ。

So Jo, feeling that her late lessons in cookery were to do her honor, went to preside over the coffeepot, while the children collected dry sticks, and the boys made a fire and got water from a spring near by.

late (最近の) [形] happening or done after the usual or expected time

cookery (料理) [名] the art or practice of cooking

preside (管理する) [動] be in charge of or have control over

coffeepot (コーヒーポット) [名] a pot with a spout in which coffee is made or served

dry (乾いた) [形] free from moisture or liquid

だからジョーは、最近の料理のレッスンが自分の名誉になることを感じて、コーヒーポットを管理しに行ったが、その間に子供たちは乾いた棒を集め、男の子たちは火を起こして近くの泉から水を汲んだ。

Miss Kate sketched and Frank talked to Beth, who was making little mats of braided rushes to serve as plates.

sketch (スケッチする) [動] make a rough drawing of

mat (マット) [名] a piece of material used to protect a surface

braided (編んだ) [形] made by interlacing three or more strands

rush (イグサ) [名] a plant with a slender stem that grows in wet areas

serve as (代わりになる) [動] act as or function as

ケイトさんはスケッチをし、フランクはベスと話したが、ベスは皿の代わりに編んだイグサで小さなマットを作っていた。

The commander in chief and his aides soon spread the tablecloth with an inviting array of eatables and drinkables, prettily decorated with green leaves.

aide (補佐官) [名] a person who helps another person, especially in a job

tablecloth (テーブルクロス) [名] a piece of cloth used to cover a table

eatable (食べ物) [名] something that can be eaten

drinkable (飲み物) [名] something that can be drunk

decorate (飾る) [動] make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.

総司令官とその補佐官たちはすぐにテーブルクロスを広げ、緑の葉できれいに飾られた食べ物や飲み物を並べた。

Jo announced that the coffee was ready, and everyone settled themselves to a hearty meal, for youth is seldom dyspeptic, and exercise develops wholesome appetites.

settle (落ち着く) [動] adopt a more relaxed attitude

hearty (心のこもった) [形] expressing genuine feeling

meal (食事) [名] an occasion when food is eaten

dyspeptic (消化不良の) [形] suffering from indigestion

develop (育む) [動] grow or cause to grow and become more mature, advanced, or elaborate

ジョーはコーヒーの準備ができたと告げ、みんなが心のこもった食事をしたが、若者はめったに消化不良にならず、運動は健全な食欲を育む。

A very merry lunch it was, for everything seemed fresh and funny, and frequent peals of laughter startled a venerable horse who fed near by.

frequent (頻繁な) [形] happening or done often

peal (起こる) [名] a loud ringing of a bell

venerable (老いた) [形] accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character

とても楽しい昼食だった、というのもすべてが新鮮で面白く思え、頻繁に起こる笑い声が近くで餌を食べていた老馬を驚かせた。

There was a pleasing inequality in the table, which produced many mishaps to cups and plates, acorns dropped in the milk, little black ants partook of the refreshments without being invited, and fuzzy caterpillars swung down from the tree to see what was going on.

inequality (不平等) [名] difference in size, degree, or status

acorn (ドングリ) [名] the fruit of an oak tree

ant (アリ) [名] a small insect that lives in a complex social colony with one or more breeding queens and many workers

partake (加わる) [動] take part in

refreshment (軽食) [名] a light meal or drink

fuzzy (毛虫) [形] having a rough, fluffy, or frizzy texture

caterpillar (毛虫) [名] the larva of a butterfly or moth

テーブルには心地よい不平等があり、カップや皿に多くの災難をもたらし、ドングリがミルクの中に落ち、小さな黒いアリが招待もされずに軽食に加わり、毛虫が何が起こっているのかを見るために木から降りてきた。

Three white-headed children peeped over the fence, and an objectionable dog barked at them from the other side of the river with all his might and main.

white-headed (白髪の) [形] having white hair

objectionable (嫌な) [形] causing disapproval or protest

bark (吠える) [動] utter a short, loud, explosive cry

main (全力) [名] physical strength or force

3人の白髪の子供たちが塀から覗き、川の向こう岸から嫌な犬が全力で吠えた。

“There’s salt here,” said Laurie, as he handed Jo a saucer of berries.

hand (渡す) [動] give or pass to someone

saucer (受け皿) [名] a small dish on which a cup is placed

「塩があるよ」とローリーはジョーにベリーの受け皿を渡しながら言った。

“Thank you, I prefer spiders,” she replied, fishing up two unwary little ones who had gone to a creamy death.

prefer (好き) [動] like better

fish up (すくい上げる) [動] pull something out of water

unwary (無防備な) [形] not cautious or careful

one (もの) [名] an individual or thing

「ありがとう、私はクモの方が好き」と彼女は答え、クリーム色の死を迎えた2匹の無防備な小さなクモをすくい上げた。

“How dare you remind me of that horrid dinner party, when yours is so nice in every way?” added Jo, as they both laughed and ate out of one plate, the china having run short.

every way (あらゆる点) [名] in all aspects

china (陶器) [名] a type of porcelain that is made in China

run short (足りなくなる) [動] have an insufficient supply of something

「あなたのはあらゆる点でとても素敵なのに、よくもそんな恐ろしいディナーパーティーを思い出させてくれたよね」とジョーは付け加えた。2人は笑いながら、1つの皿から食べた。陶器が足りなくなっていた。

“I had an uncommonly good time that day, and haven’t got over it yet.

haven't got over (まだ浸っている) [動] have not yet recovered from

「あの日はとても楽しかったし、まだその余韻に浸っているんだ。

This is no credit to me, you know, I don’t do anything.

私の手柄じゃないよ、何もしていないもの。

It’s you and Meg and Brooke who make it all go, and I’m no end obliged to you.

It's you (あなたたちのおかげだ) [代] you

Brooke (ブルック) [名] a girl's name

make it all go (全部うまくいく) [動] make everything work out

I'm no end obliged to you (私はあなたたちに感謝しきれないよ) [動] I am very grateful to you

全部あなたとメグとブルックのおかげで、私はあなたたちに感謝しきれないよ。

What shall we do when we can’t eat anymore?” asked Laurie, feeling that his trump card had been played when lunch was over.

trump card (切り札) [名] a valuable resource that may be used, especially as a surprise, in a conflict or difficult situation

be played (使われる) [動] be used

もう食べられなくなったらどうしようか?」とローリーは尋ねた。昼食が終わると、彼の切り札が使われてしまったように感じた。

“Have games till it’s cooler.

「涼しくなるまでゲームをしましょう。

I brought Authors, and I dare say Miss Kate knows something new and nice.

author (作家) [名] a person who writes books

私は作家を連れてきたし、ケイトさんは何か新しくて素敵なものを知っていると思う。

Go and ask her.

行って彼女に尋ねて。

She’s company, and you ought to stay with her more.”

彼女は客人だし、もっと彼女と一緒にいるべきだ」

“Aren’t you company too?

「あなたも客人ではないの?

I thought she’d suit Brooke, but he keeps talking to Meg, and Kate just stares at them through that ridiculous glass of hers.

彼女はブルックに似合うと思ったけど、彼はメグと話し続け、ケイトはあのばかげたメガネを通して彼らを見つめているだけだ。

I’m going, so you needn’t try to preach propriety, for you can’t do it, Jo.”

preach (説教する) [動] deliver a sermon or religious address

私は行くから、礼儀作法の説教をする必要はないよ、だってあなたにはできないもの、ジョー」

Miss Kate did know several new games, and as the girls would not, and the boys could not, eat any more, they all adjourned to the drawing room to play Rig-marole.

Rig-marole (リグ・マロール) [名] a game in which each player in turn has to repeat all the words used by the previous players, adding one of their own

ケイトさんはいくつか新しいゲームを知っていて、女の子たちはもう食べようとせず、男の子たちはもう食べられなかったので、みんなで応接間に移ってリグ・マロールをした。

“One person begins a story, any nonsense you like, and tells as long as he pleases, only taking care to stop short at some exciting point, when the next takes it up and does the same.

long (好きなだけ) [形] having a great distance or duration from end to end

「一人が物語を始めて、どんなナンセンスでも好きなように、好きなだけ話すんだけど、ただ、ある刺激的なところで急に止まるように気をつけて、次の人がそれを引き継いで同じことをする。

It’s very funny when well done, and makes a perfect jumble of tragical comical stuff to laugh over.

well done (うまくやる) [形] cooked thoroughly

jumble (ごちゃ混ぜ) [名] a confused mixture of things

tragical (悲劇的な) [形] causing great suffering, destruction, or distress

stuff (もの) [名] the material or substance of which something is made or composed

うまくやればとても面白くて、笑い転げるような悲劇的で滑稽なものがごちゃ混ぜになる。

Please start it, Mr. Brooke,” said Kate, with a commanding air, which surprised Meg, who treated the tutor with as much respect as any other gentleman.

start (始める) [動] begin doing something

commanding air (命令口調) [名] an authoritative manner

ブルックさん、始めてください」とケイトが命令口調で言ったので、家庭教師を他の紳士と同じように敬意をもって扱っていたメグは驚いた。

Lying on the grass at the feet of the two young ladies, Mr. Brooke obediently began the story, with the handsome brown eyes steadily fixed upon the sunshiny river.

grass (草) [名] a plant with narrow leaves growing from the base

sunshiny (日差しが降り注ぐ) [形] bright with sunshine

ブルックさんは二人の若い女性の足元の草の上に横たわり、ハンサムな茶色の目を日差しが降り注ぐ川にじっと固定して、素直に物語を始めた。

“Once on a time, a knight went out into the world to seek his fortune, for he had nothing but his sword and his shield.

seek (求める) [動] try to obtain or achieve

fortune (運) [名] chance or luck as an external, arbitrary force affecting human affairs

「昔々、ある騎士が剣と盾しか持っていなかったので、運を求めて世界に飛び出した。

He traveled a long while, nearly eight-and-twenty years, and had a hard time of it, till he came to the palace of a good old king, who had offered a reward to anyone who could tame and train a fine but unbroken colt, of which he was very fond.

travel (旅をする) [動] go from one place to another

eight-and-twenty (二十八) [形] eight plus twenty

come (たどり着く) [動] reach a destination

king (王) [名] the male ruler of a country

tame (飼い慣らす) [動] make less wild or less shy

train (調教する) [動] teach a particular skill or type of behavior

unbroken (まだ調教されていない) [形] not yet tamed

fond (気に入っている) [形] having a liking for

彼は長い間、二十八年近く旅を続け、苦労した末に、ある善良な老王の宮殿にたどり着いた。その王は、自分がとても気に入っている、立派だがまだ調教されていない子馬を飼い慣らして調教できる者に褒美を与えると申し出ていた。

The knight agreed to try, and got on slowly but surely, for the colt was a gallant fellow, and soon learned to love his new master, though he was freakish and wild.

slowly (ゆっくりと) [副] not quickly; at a low speed

surely (確かに) [副] without doubt; certainly

gallant (勇敢な) [形] brave; heroic

master (主人) [名] a man who has people working for him, especially servants or slaves

freakish (気まぐれな) [形] strange or unusual

騎士は試すことに同意し、ゆっくりとしかし確実に乗りこなした。子馬は勇敢な仲間で、気まぐれで野生だったが、すぐに新しい主人を愛するようになった。

Every day, when he gave his lessons to this pet of the king’s, the knight rode him through the city, and as he rode, he looked everywhere for a certain beautiful face, which he had seen many times in his dreams, but never found.

give lessons (稽古をつける) [動] teach

ride (乗る) [動] be carried or supported on

dream (夢) [名] a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep

毎日、王様のこのペットに稽古をつけると、騎士は馬に乗って街を駆け巡り、夢の中で何度も見たことがある美しい顔を探したが、ついに見つけることはできなかった。

One day, as he went prancing down a quiet street, he saw at the window of a ruinous castle the lovely face.

go prancing (馬で駆け下りる) [動] move in a lively and energetic way

quiet street (静かな通り) [名] a street with little traffic

lovely face (美しい顔) [名] a face that is pleasing to look at

ある日、静かな通りを馬で駆け下りていると、廃墟となった城の窓にその美しい顔を見つけた。

He was delighted, inquired who lived in this old castle, and was told that several captive princesses were kept there by a spell, and spun all day to lay up money to buy their liberty.

be delighted (喜ぶ) [動] be very pleased

old castle (古城) [名] a castle that is old

be told (告げられる) [動] be informed of

captive princess (捕虜となった王女) [名] a princess who has been taken prisoner

spin (糸を紡ぐ) [動] make thread or yarn from fiber

lay up (貯める) [動] save or store for future use

liberty (自由) [名] the state of being free from oppressive restriction or control

彼は喜んで、この古城に誰が住んでいるのか尋ねると、何人かの捕虜となった王女たちが呪いによってそこに閉じ込められており、自由を買うために一日中糸を紡いでお金を貯めていると告げられた。

The knight wished intensely that he could free them, but he was poor and could only go by each day, watching for the sweet face and longing to see it out in the sunshine.

intensely (強く) [副] to a high degree or extent

騎士は彼女たちを解放したいと強く願ったが、彼は貧しく、毎日ただ通り過ぎ、愛らしい顔を眺め、日差しの中でそれを見たいと願うだけだった。

At last he resolved to get into the castle and ask how he could help them.

castle (城) [名] a large building, typically made of stone, with towers and high walls, built in the past as a place of defense

ついに彼は城に入り、どうしたら彼女たちを助けられるか尋ねようと決心した。

He went and knocked.

彼は行って、ノックした。

The great door flew open, and he beheld...”

behold (見る) [動] perceive through sight or apprehension

大きな扉が開き、彼は見た・・・」

“A ravishingly lovely lady, who exclaimed, with a cry of rapture, ‘At last!

ravishingly (うっとりするほど) [副] in a way that is extremely attractive or pleasing

「うっとりするほど美しい女性が、歓喜の叫びを上げながら『ついに!

At last!’” continued Kate, who had read French novels, and admired the style.

ついに!』」とフランスの小説を読んでその文体を賞賛していたケイトは続けた。

“’Tis she!’ cried Count Gustave, and fell at her feet in an ecstasy of joy.

'Tis ('Tis) [他] it is

fall (ひれ伏す) [動] to move from a higher to a lower position

「彼女だ!」とグスタフ伯爵は叫び、喜びのあまり彼女の足元にひれ伏した。

‘Oh, rise!’ she said, extending a hand of marble fairness.

extend (差し出す) [動] stretch out so as to reach farther

fairness (白さ) [名] the quality of being fair; justness

「ああ、お立ちなさい」と彼女は大理石のように白い手を差し出した。

‘Never! Till you tell me how I may rescue you,’ swore the knight, still kneeling.

swear (誓う) [動] make a solemn promise or statement of fact

「決して! あなたをどうやって救えばいいか教えてくれるまで」と騎士はひざまずいたまま誓った。

‘Alas, my cruel fate condemns me to remain here till my tyrant is destroyed.’

tyrant (暴君) [名] a cruel and oppressive ruler

「ああ、私の残酷な運命は、私の暴君が滅ぼされるまでここに留まるように私を非難する。」

‘Where is the villain?’

「悪党はどこだ?」

‘In the mauve salon.

mauve (薄紫) [形] a pale purple color

「薄紫のサロンにいる。

Go, brave heart, and save me from despair.’

行け、勇敢な心よ、そして私を絶望から救ってくれ。」

‘I obey, and return victorious or dead!’

「従います、そして勝利するか死んで帰ってきます!」

With these thrilling words he rushed away, and flinging open the door of the mauve salon, was about to enter, when he received...”

fling (開け放つ) [動] throw or move with force

mauve (薄紫色の) [形] of a pale purple color

salon (サロン) [名] a place where people gather for social interaction

これらのスリリングな言葉で彼は急いで去り、薄紫のサロンのドアを開け放ち、入ろうとした時、彼は受け取った・・・」

“A stunning blow from the big Greek lexicon, which an old fellow in a black gown fired at him,” said Ned.

blow (一撃) [名] a sudden attack or hit

lexicon (辞典) [名] a dictionary

fire (放つ) [動] shoot or launch

「黒いガウンを着た年配の男性が彼に放った大きなギリシャ語辞典からの衝撃的な一撃」とネッドは言った。

“Instantly, Sir What’s-his-name recovered himself, pitched the tyrant out of the window, and turned to join the lady, victorious, but with a bump on his brow, found the door locked, tore up the curtains, made a rope ladder, got halfway down when the ladder broke, and he went headfirst into the moat, sixty feet below.

recover (我に返る) [動] return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength

join (合流する) [動] come together or be united

victorious (勝利を収めて) [形] having won a battle or contest

brow (額) [名] the forehead

bump (たんこぶ) [名] a raised area on the skin caused by a blow or other impact

lock (閉まっている) [動] fasten or secure (something) with a lock

tear (引き裂く) [動] pull or rip apart or to pieces with force

ladder (梯子) [名] a device with a series of bars or steps between two upright lengths of wood, metal, or rope, used for climbing up or down

headfirst (頭から) [副] with the head foremost

moat (堀) [名] a deep, wide trench, either dry or filled with water, that is dug in order to defend a place against an attack

「即座に、何とかいう名前の卿は我に返り、暴君を窓から放り出し、勝利を収めて女性と合流しようとしたが、額にたんこぶができ、ドアが閉まっているのを見つけ、カーテンを引き裂き、縄梯子を作り、途中まで降りると梯子が壊れ、60フィート下の堀に頭から落ちた。

Could swim like a duck, paddled round the castle till he came to a little door guarded by two stout fellows, knocked their heads together till they cracked like a couple of nuts, then, by a trifling exertion of his prodigious strength, he smashed in the door, went up a pair of stone steps covered with dust a foot thick, toads as big as your fist, and spiders that would frighten you into hysterics, Miss March.

swim (泳ぐ) [動] move through water by using one's limbs

duck (アヒル) [名] a type of water bird

paddle (ぐるぐる回る) [動] move through water using a paddle

guard (守る) [動] watch over in order to protect or control

knock (ぶつける) [動] strike or hit with a sharp blow

crack (割れる) [動] break or cause to break without a complete separation of the parts

nut (ナッツ) [名] a fruit consisting of a hard or tough shell around an edible kernel

trifling (些細な) [形] unimportant or trivial

prodigious (驚異的な) [形] remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree

go up (上る) [動] move or travel up

thick (厚い) [形] having a large distance between opposite sides

hysterics (ヒステリー) [名] a wildly emotional and exaggerated reaction

Miss (さん) [名] a title used before the surname or full name of an unmarried woman

アヒルのように泳ぐことができ、城の周りをぐるぐる回って、2人の頑丈な仲間が守っている小さなドアにたどり着き、2人の頭をぶつけ合って、2つのナッツのように割れ、それから、彼の驚異的な力の些細な努力で、ドアを壊し、1フィートの厚さのほこり、あなたの拳ほどの大きさのヒキガエル、そしてあなたをヒステリーに陥らせるクモに覆われた石段を上っていった、マーチさん。

At the top of these steps he came plump upon a sight that took his breath away and chilled his blood...”

at the top of (頂上で) [前] at the highest point of

plump (どっかり) [副] directly; straight

chill (凍らせる) [動] to make or become cold

blood (血) [名] the red liquid that circulates in the arteries and veins of people and vertebrate animals, carrying oxygen to and carbon dioxide from the tissues of the body

これらの階段の頂上で、彼は息もつかせないほど血も凍るような光景に出くわした・・・」

“A tall figure, all in white with a veil over its face and a lamp in its wasted hand,” went on Meg.

figure (人物) [名] a person

wasted (やせ細った) [形] very thin

「顔にベールをかぶった白装束の背の高い人物と、やせ細った手にランプ」とメグは続けた。

“It beckoned, gliding noiselessly before him down a corridor as dark and cold as any tomb.

glide (滑り降りる) [動] move smoothly and effortlessly

corridor (廊下) [名] a long, narrow passage in a building

「それは手招きし、墓場のように暗く冷たい廊下を彼の前を音もなく滑り降りた。

Shadowy effigies in armor stood on either side, a dead silence reigned, the lamp burned blue, and the ghostly figure ever and anon turned its face toward him, showing the glitter of awful eyes through its white veil.

shadowy (影のような) [形] lacking in substance or quality

effigy (人形) [名] a representation of a person

either side (両側) [名] each of two parts or aspects of something

dead silence (死んだような沈黙) [名] a state of complete silence

reign (支配する) [動] be in control of a country or area

ghostly (幽霊のような) [形] relating to or characteristic of a ghost

ever and anon (時折) [副] from time to time

glitter (輝き) [名] a bright light

鎧を着た影のような人形が両側に立っており、死んだような沈黙が支配し、ランプは青く燃え、幽霊のような人物は時折彼の方を向き、白いベールを通して恐ろしい目の輝きを見せた。

They reached a curtained door, behind which sounded lovely music.

curtained (カーテンのかかった) [形] having a curtain

sound (聞こえてくる) [動] be perceived or understood

彼らはカーテンのかかったドアにたどり着き、その向こうから素敵な音楽が聞こえてきた。

He sprang forward to enter, but the specter plucked him back, and waved threateningly before him a...”

spring forward (飛び出す) [動] move or jump suddenly and quickly

specter (幽霊) [名] a ghost or phantom

pluck (引き戻す) [動] pull or remove something with a quick, sharp movement

threateningly (脅すように) [副] in a way that suggests something unpleasant is likely to happen

彼は入ろうと飛び出したが、幽霊は彼を引き戻し、彼の前で脅すように手を振った。」

“Snuffbox,” said Jo, in a sepulchral tone, which convulsed the audience.

snuffbox (嗅ぎタバコ入れ) [名] a small box for holding snuff

sepulchral (墓場のような) [形] of or relating to a grave or tomb

convulse (爆笑する) [動] laugh uncontrollably

「嗅ぎタバコ入れ」とジョーは墓場のような口調で言い、観客は爆笑した。

“‘Thankee,’ said the knight politely, as he took a pinch and sneezed seven times so violently that his head fell off.

politely (丁寧に) [副] in a way that is socially correct and shows respect for other people

sneeze (くしゃみをする) [動] to make a sudden, involuntary expulsion of air from the nose and mouth caused by irritation of the nasal mucous membrane

violently (激しく) [副] in a way that is very strong or forceful

「ありがとう」と騎士は丁寧に言い、一つまみ取って七回くしゃみをしたが、あまりに激しくくしゃみをしたので頭が落ちてしまった。

‘Ha! Ha!’ laughed the ghost, and having peeped through the keyhole at the princesses spinning away for dear life, the evil spirit picked up her victim and put him in a large tin box, where there were eleven other knights packed together without their heads, like sardines, who all rose and began to...”

ghost (幽霊) [名] the soul of a dead person or animal that appears to the living

keyhole (鍵穴) [名] a hole in a door or lock through which a key is inserted

spin (紡ぐ) [動] turn or cause to turn or whirl around quickly

dear life (命がけ) [名] a situation in which one is in great danger

evil spirit (悪霊) [名] a spirit that is believed to be harmful

pack (詰め込む) [動] fill tightly with something

sardine (イワシ) [名] a small silvery fish that is often canned in oil

「ハハハ」と幽霊は笑い、鍵穴から覗いて、命がけで糸を紡ぐ王女たちを見た後、悪霊は犠牲者を拾い上げ、大きなブリキの箱に入れたが、そこには他の11人の騎士が頭のないままイワシのように詰め込まれており、全員が立ち上がって・・・」

“Dance a hornpipe,” cut in Fred, as Jo paused for breath, “and, as they danced, the rubbishy old castle turned to a man-of-war in full sail.

hornpipe (ホーンパイプ) [名] a lively dance traditionally performed by sailors

rubbishy (古い) [形] of poor quality

turn to (変わる) [動] become

man-of-war (軍艦) [名] a warship

full sail (帆を張った) [名] with all sails set

「ホーンパイプを踊る」とジョーが息継ぎのために一時停止したところでフレッドが割って入り、「彼らが踊ると、古いお城が帆を張った軍艦に変わった。

‘Up with the jib, reef the tops’l halliards, helm hard alee, and man the guns!’ roared the captain, as a Portuguese pirate hove in sight, with a flag black as ink flying from her foremast.

up (上げる) [動] move to a higher position

jib (ジブ) [名] a triangular sail set on a stay extending from the foremast to the bowsprit or the jib boom

reef (リーフ) [動] reduce the area of a sail by rolling or folding a portion of it

tops'l halliards (トップスルのハリヤード) [名] a line used to hoist a topsail

helm (舵) [名] a tiller or wheel for steering a ship or boat

hard alee (風下に向けろ) [動] turn the helm of a ship to the lee side

man (用意しろ) [動] supply with people

gun (大砲) [名] a weapon consisting of a metal tube from which a projectile is fired by the force of an explosive

roar (叫ぶ) [動] utter a loud, deep, or harsh cry

captain (船長) [名] the person in charge of a ship

sight (見えてきた) [名] the ability or act of seeing

Portuguese (ポルトガル) [形] of or relating to Portugal or its people or language

pirate (海賊) [名] a person who attacks and robs ships at sea

hove (見えてきた) [動] come into view

flag (旗) [名] a piece of fabric with a distinctive design that is used as a symbol or as a signaling device

ink (墨) [名] a black or colored liquid used for writing, drawing, or printing

fly (なびかせた) [動] move or be moved through the air with wings or a winged structure

「ジブを上げろ、トップスルのハリヤードをリーフしろ、舵を風下に向けろ、大砲を用意しろ!」と船長が叫ぶと、前檣から墨のように黒い旗をなびかせたポルトガル海賊船が見えてきた。

‘Go in and win, my hearties!’ says the captain, and a tremendous fight began.

go in (突撃する) [動] enter a place

hearties (勇敢な仲間たち) [名] a sailor's term of address for a fellow sailor

fight (戦い) [名] a violent confrontation of opposing military forces in a war

「突撃して勝利をつかめ、我が勇敢な仲間たちよ!」と船長が言うと、すさまじい戦いが始まった。

Of course the British beat—they always do.”

British (イギリス) [名] a citizen of the United Kingdom

beat (勝つ) [動] be victorious or successful

もちろんイギリスが勝った、いつもそうだけど」

“No, they don’t!” cried Jo, aside.

No (違う) [副] a negative answer

aside (横から) [副] to or at one side

「違う、そうじゃない!」とジョーは横から叫んだ。

“Having taken the pirate captain prisoner, sailed slap over the schooner, whose decks were piled high with dead and whose lee scuppers ran blood, for the order had been ‘Cutlasses, and die hard!’

take prisoner (捕虜にする) [動] capture and hold as a prisoner

sail (航海する) [動] travel by water

slap (真上) [副] directly above

schooner (スクーナー船) [名] a type of sailing ship

deck (甲板) [名] the floor of a ship

pile (山積み) [動] put or lay in a pile

dead (死体) [名] a dead body

lee scupper (風下側の排水口) [名] a hole in the side of a ship that allows water to drain off the deck

run (流れる) [動] move or cause to move quickly

cutlass (カットラス) [名] a short, curved sword with a single-edged blade

「海賊船長を捕虜にした後、スクーナー船の真上を航海した。その甲板には死体が山積みになっていて、風下側の排水口からは血が流れていた。命令は「カットラスで戦え、そして死ぬまで戦え!」だったからだ。

‘Bosun’s mate, take a bight of the flying-jib sheet, and start this villain if he doesn’t confess his sins double quick,’ said the British captain.

bosun's mate (甲板長) [名] a petty officer on a ship

bight (湾曲部) [名] a bend in a rope

flying-jib sheet (フライングジブシート) [名] a sail on a ship

double quick (すぐに) [副] very quickly

British (イギリスの) [形] of or relating to Great Britain or its people

「甲板長、フライングジブシートの湾曲部を取って、この悪党が自分の罪をすぐに告白しなければ、吊るせ」とイギリスの船長は言った。

The Portuguese held his tongue like a brick, and walked the plank, while the jolly tars cheered like mad.

Portuguese (ポルトガル人) [名] a person from Portugal

hold one's tongue (口を割らない) [動] remain silent

walk the plank (板の上を歩く) [動] be forced to walk off a plank extending from the side of a ship into the sea

tar (船員) [名] a sailor

cheer (歓声を上げる) [動] shout in order to express approval or encouragement

ポルトガル人は頑として口を割らず、板の上を歩き、陽気な船員たちは狂ったように歓声を上げた。

But the sly dog dived, came up under the man-of-war, scuttled her, and down she went, with all sail set, ‘To the bottom of the sea, sea, sea’ where...”

dive (潜水する) [動] go under the surface of water

scuttle (撃沈する) [動] sink (a ship) deliberately

set (張る) [動] put up or spread out

bottom (底) [名] the lowest part of something

しかし、ずるい奴は潜水して、軍艦の下から現れ、軍艦を撃沈し、軍艦はすべての帆を張ったまま、「海の底、海の底、海の底」へと沈んでいった。

“Oh, gracious! What shall I say?” cried Sallie, as Fred ended his rigmarole, in which he had jumbled together pell-mell nautical phrases and facts out of one of his favorite books.

gracious (なんてこと) [形] very polite and kind

end (終える) [動] bring to a conclusion

rigmarole (長話) [名] a long and complicated procedure

jumble (混ぜ合わせる) [動] mix up in a confused or disordered way

nautical (海事) [形] of or concerning sailors or navigation

「ああ、なんてこと! 何て言えばいいの?」とサリーは叫んだ。フレッドは、彼のお気に入りの本から無秩序に海事用語と事実を混ぜ合わせた長話を終えた。

“Well, they went to the bottom, and a nice mermaid welcomed them, but was much grieved on finding the box of headless knights, and kindly pickled them in brine, hoping to discover the mystery about them, for being a woman, she was curious.

go to the bottom (海の底に行く) [動] sink to the bottom of a body of water

mermaid (人魚) [名] a legendary aquatic creature with the head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish

headless (首のない) [形] lacking a head

pickle (漬ける) [動] preserve in vinegar or brine

brine (塩水) [名] water saturated or strongly impregnated with salt

curious (好奇心旺盛な) [形] eager to know or learn something

「さて、彼らは海の底に行き、素敵な人魚が彼らを歓迎したが、首のない騎士の箱を見つけてとても悲しみ、彼らの謎を解明することを期待して、親切に塩水に漬けた。女性であるため、彼女は好奇心旺盛だった。

By-and-by a diver came down, and the mermaid said, ‘I’ll give you a box of pearls if you can take it up,’ for she wanted to restore the poor things to life, and couldn’t raise the heavy load herself.

diver (潜水夫) [名] a person who dives under water

raise (持ち上げる) [動] move something to a higher position

やがて潜水夫が降りてきて、人魚は「もしあなたがそれを持ち上げることができたら、真珠の箱をあげましょう」と言った。彼女は哀れな人々を生き返らせたかったが、重い荷物を自分で持ち上げることができなかったからだ。

So the diver hoisted it up, and was much disappointed on opening it to find no pearls.

hoist (持ち上げる) [動] raise or lift something with a pulley or winch

そこで潜水夫は箱を持ち上げたが、開けてみると真珠が入っていなくてとてもがっかりした。

He left it in a great lonely field, where it was found by a...”

彼はそれを大きな孤独な野原に置き去りにし、そこでそれは...」

“Little goose girl, who kept a hundred fat geese in the field,” said Amy, when Sallie’s invention gave out.

keep (飼う) [動] have as a pet

hundred (百) [名] the number 100

give out (尽きる) [動] be used up or finished

「野原で百羽の太ったガチョウを飼っていた小さなガチョウの女の子」とサリーの創作が尽きるとエイミーが言った。

“The little girl was sorry for them, and asked an old woman what she should do to help them.

「少女は彼らを気の毒に思い、老婆に彼らを助けるために何をすべきか尋ねた。

‘Your geese will tell you, they know everything.’ said the old woman.

「あなたのガチョウが教えてくれるでしょう、彼らはすべてを知っています」と老婆は言った。

So she asked what she should use for new heads, since the old ones were lost, and all the geese opened their hundred mouths and screamed...”

そこで彼女は、古い頭がなくなったので新しい頭に何を使うべきか尋ねると、ガチョウたちは百の口を開けて叫んだ...」

“‘Cabbages!’” continued Laurie promptly.

cabbage (キャベツ) [名] a vegetable with a large round head of green or purple leaves

「キャベツ!」とローリーはすぐに続けた。

“‘Just the thing,’ said the girl, and ran to get twelve fine ones from her garden.

「ちょうどいい」と少女は言い、庭から十二個の立派なキャベツを取りに走った。

She put them on, the knights revived at once, thanked her, and went on their way rejoicing, never knowing the difference, for there were so many other heads like them in the world that no one thought anything of it.

difference (違い) [名] the quality or state of being different

彼女がそれらを乗せると、騎士たちはすぐに生き返り、彼女に感謝し、喜びながら道を進んだが、違いを知ることはなかった。なぜなら、世界には彼らのような頭が他にもたくさんあり、誰もそれを気にしなかったからだ。

The knight in whom I’m interested went back to find the pretty face, and learned that the princesses had spun themselves free and all gone and married, but one.

be interested in (興味を持つ) [動] have a feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone

learn (知る) [動] get to know or become aware of, usually accidentally

私が興味を持っている騎士は、きれいな顔を見つけるために戻って行き、王女たちが自由に糸を紡ぎ、一人を除いて全員が結婚してしまったことを知った。

He was in a great state of mind at that, and mounting the colt, who stood by him through thick and thin, rushed to the castle to see which was left.

be in a great state of mind (とても心配である) [動] be very worried

mount (乗る) [動] get on or into

stand by (そばにいる) [動] be loyal to

thick and thin (どんな時も) [名] good times and bad

彼はその時とても心配で、どんな時も彼のそばにいた子馬に乗り、どちらが残っているかを見に城に急いだ。

Peeping over the hedge, he saw the queen of his affections picking flowers in her garden. ‘Will you give me a rose?’ said he.

生垣をのぞき込むと、彼は愛する女王が庭で花を摘んでいるのが見えた。「バラをくれませんか?」と彼は言った。

‘You must come and get it.

「取りに来てください。

I can’t come to you, it isn’t proper,’ said she, as sweet as honey.

honey (蜂蜜) [名] a sweet sticky yellowish-brown fluid made by bees and used as food

私がそちらに行くことはできません、それは適切ではありません」と彼女は蜂蜜のように甘く言った。

He tried to climb over the hedge, but it seemed to grow higher and higher.

climb over (乗り越える) [動] go over or across by climbing

grow higher and higher (どんどん高くなる) [動] become taller and taller

彼は生垣を乗り越えようとしたが、それはどんどん高くなっていくようだった。

Then he tried to push through, but it grew thicker and thicker, and he was in despair.

push through (突き抜ける) [動] to force one's way through

それから彼は突き抜けようとしたが、それはどんどん厚くなり、彼は絶望した。

So he patiently broke twig after twig till he had made a little hole through which he peeped, saying imploringly, ‘Let me in! Let me in!’

twig (小枝) [名] a small thin branch of a tree or bush

break (折る) [動] separate into two or more pieces, as from a blow or strain

make (開ける) [動] cause to exist or happen

hole (穴) [名] an opening through something

imploringly (懇願するように) [副] in an imploring manner

let (入れる) [動] allow to enter

そこで彼は辛抱強く小枝を折り続け、小さな穴を開けてそこから覗き込み、懇願するように言った。「入れてくれ! 入れてくれ!」

But the pretty princess did not seem to understand, for she picked her roses quietly, and left him to fight his way in.

しかし、美しい王女は理解していないようだった。彼女は静かにバラを摘み、彼を中に入れようと戦わせたままにした。

Whether he did or not, Frank will tell you.”

whether (かどうか) [接] if

彼がそうしたかどうかは、フランクが教えてくれるでしょう。」

“I can’t. I’m not playing, I never do,” said Frank, dismayed at the sentimental predicament out of which he was to rescue the absurd couple.

dismay (困惑させる) [動] cause to feel fear or worry

predicament (苦境) [名] a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation

「できない。私は演奏しない、絶対に」とフランクは言い、このばかげたカップルを救い出さなければならないという感傷的な苦境に困惑した。

Beth had disappeared behind Jo, and Grace was asleep.

asleep (眠っている) [形] in or into a state of sleep

ベスはジョーの後ろに隠れ、グレースは眠っていた。

“So the poor knight is to be left sticking in the hedge, is he?” asked Mr. Brooke, still watching the river, and playing with the wild rose in his buttonhole.

「それで、哀れな騎士は生け垣に突き刺さったままにされるのか?」とブルック氏は尋ね、まだ川を眺め、ボタンホールの野生のバラで遊んでいた。

“I guess the princess gave him a posy, and opened the gate after a while,” said Laurie, smiling to himself, as he threw acorns at his tutor.

to oneself (独り言を言う) [副] without speaking aloud

「王女は彼に花束を渡し、しばらくしてから門を開けたと思う」とローリーは家庭教師にドングリを投げながら、独り言を言った。

“What a piece of nonsense we have made!

piece (作品) [名] a part of something

nonsense (ばかげたこと) [名] something that is foolish or unreasonable

「なんてばかげたことをしてしまったんだ!

With practice we might do something quite clever.

with practice (練習すれば) [名] the action of practicing

do (できる) [動] perform or carry out

練習すれば、かなり巧みなことができるかもしれない。

Do you know Truth?”

truth (真理) [名] the body of real things, events, and facts

真理を知っているか?」

“I hope so,” said Meg soberly.

「そう願うよ」とメグは真面目に言った。

“The game, I mean?”

「ゲームのことよ」

“What is it?” said Fred.

「何?」とフレッドが言った。

“Why, you pile up your hands, choose a number, and draw out in turn, and the person who draws at the number has to answer truly any question put by the rest. It’s great fun.”

pile up (重ねる) [動] put one on top of another

number (数) [名] a mathematical object used to count, measure, and label

「みんなで手を重ねて、数を選んで、順番に引いていって、その数を引いた人は残りの人からどんな質問をされても正直に答えなきゃいけないの。とても楽しいよ」

“Let’s try it,” said Jo, who liked new experiments.

「やってみよう」と、新しいことを試すのが好きなジョーは言った。

Miss Kate and Mr. Brooke, Meg, and Ned declined, but Fred, Sallie, Jo, and Laurie piled and drew, and the lot fell to Laurie.

fall to (当たる) [動] be given to

ケイトさんとブルックさん、メグ、ネッドは辞退したが、フレッド、サリー、ジョー、ローリーは手を重ねて引いて、ローリーに当たった。

“Who are your heroes?” asked Jo.

hero (ヒーロー) [名] a person who is admired for their courage or noble qualities

「あなたのヒーローは誰?」とジョーは尋ねた。

“Grandfather and Napoleon.”

Napoleon (ナポレオン) [名] a French military and political leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and led several successful campaigns during the French Revolutionary Wars

「祖父とナポレオン」

“Which lady here do you think prettiest?” said Sallie.

「ここにいる女性の中で誰が一番きれいだと思う?」とサリーは言った。

“Margaret.”

「マーガレット」

“Which do you like best?” from Fred.

「どれが一番好き?」とフレッド。

“Jo, of course.”

「もちろん、ジョー」

“What silly questions you ask!”

「なんてばかげた質問をするんだ!」

And Jo gave a disdainful shrug as the rest laughed at Laurie’s matter-of-fact tone.

disdainful (軽蔑の) [形] showing a lack of respect

rest (他の人) [名] the remaining part

matter-of-fact (事実を述べているような) [形] unemotional and practical

ジョーは軽蔑の態度で肩をすくめ、他の人はローリーの事実を述べているような口調に笑った。

“Try again. Truth isn’t a bad game,” said Fred.

try again (もう一度やってみろ) [動] make another attempt

「もう一度やってみろ。真実も悪くないゲームだ」とフレッドは言った。

“It’s a very good one for you,” retorted Jo in a low voice.

「あなたにはもってこいのゲームね」とジョーは低い声で言い返した。

Her turn came next.

次は彼女の番だった。

“What is your greatest fault?” asked Fred, by way of testing in her the virtue he lacked himself.

by way of (つもりで) [前] as a means of

test (試す) [動] make an examination of the qualities of

「君の最大の欠点は何?」とフレッドは、自分に欠けている美徳を彼女に試すつもりで尋ねた。

“A quick temper.”

「短気」

“What do you most wish for?” said Laurie.

for (もの) [前] the object or recipient of a particular action

「一番欲しいものは何?」とローリーが言った。

“A pair of boot lacings,” returned Jo, guessing and defeating his purpose.

lacing (紐) [名] a string or cord used to fasten something

「ブーツの紐」とジョーは答え、彼の目的を推測して打ち負かした。

“Not a true answer.

「本当の答えじゃない。

You must say what you really do want most.”

本当に一番欲しいものを言わなきゃ」

“Genius. Don’t you wish you could give it to me, Laurie?”

genius (天才) [名] a person who is exceptionally intelligent or creative, either generally or in some particular respect

「天才。私にそれをあげられたらいいのにとは思わない、ローリー?」

And she slyly smiled in his disappointed face.

slyly (いたずらっぽく) [副] in a sly manner

そして彼女は彼の失望した顔にいたずらっぽく微笑んだ。

“What virtues do you most admire in a man?” asked Sallie.

「男性のどんな美徳を一番尊敬する?」とサリーが尋ねた。

“Courage and honesty.”

courage (勇気) [名] the ability to do something that frightens one

honesty (正直さ) [名] the quality of being honest

「勇気と正直さ」

“Now my turn,” said Fred, as his hand came last.

「今度は私の番だ」とフレッドが言った。彼の手は最後だった。

“Let’s give it to him,” whispered Laurie to Jo, who nodded and asked at once...

「彼にあげよう」とローリーがジョーにささやいた。ジョーはうなずき、すぐに尋ねた。

“Didn’t you cheat at croquet?”

「クロケットでズルをしなかった?」

“Well, yes, a little bit.”

「ええ、そう、少しだけ」

“Good! Didn’t you take your story out of The Sea Lion?” said Laurie.

The Sea Lion (海のライオン) [名] a novel by Sir Walter Scott

「よかった! 君は物語を「海のライオン」から取らなかったか?」とローリーは言った。

“Rather.”

「むしろ」

“Don’t you think the English nation perfect in every respect?” asked Sallie.

every respect (あらゆる点) [名] in every way; in all aspects

「イギリス人はあらゆる点で完璧だとは思わない?」とサリーは尋ねた。

“I should be ashamed of myself if I didn’t.”

be ashamed of (恥じる) [動] to feel shame or guilt about something

「そうしなければ自分を恥じることになる」

“He’s a true John Bull.

John Bull (ジョン・ブル) [名] a national personification of the United Kingdom in general and England in particular

「彼は真のジョン・ブルだ。

Now, Miss Sallie, you shall have a chance without waiting to draw.

Miss Sallie (サリーさん) [名] a woman who is not married

have a chance (チャンスを得る) [動] have an opportunity

without waiting (待たずに) [副] not waiting

to draw (引く) [動] to pull or move something toward oneself

さあ、サリーさん、あなたは引くのを待たずにチャンスを得るでしょう。

I’ll harrrow up your feelings first by asking if you don’t think you are something of a flirt,” said Laurie, as Jo nodded to Fred as a sign that peace was declared.

harrow up (掻き乱す) [動] disturb or distress greatly

flirt (浮気者) [名] a person who behaves as if sexually attracted to someone without serious intentions

ジョーがフレッドに和解のしるしにうなずくと、「まず、君は自分が浮気者だとは思わないかと尋ねて、君の気持ちを掻き乱そう」とローリーは言った。

“You impertinent boy!

「この生意気な子!

Of course I’m not,” exclaimed Sallie, with an air that proved the contrary.

contrary (逆) [形] opposite in nature, direction, or meaning

もちろん違うよ」とサリーは叫んだが、その態度は逆を証明していた。

“What do you hate most?” asked Fred.

「一番嫌いなことは?」とフレッドが尋ねた。

“Spiders and rice pudding.”

rice pudding (ライスプディング) [名] a dish made of rice mixed with milk, sugar, and usually eggs and baked

「蜘蛛とライスプディング」

“What do you like best?” asked Jo.

「一番好きなことは?」とジョーが尋ねた。

“Dancing and French gloves.”

dancing (ダンス) [名] the activity of moving rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps

「ダンスとフランス製の手袋」

“Well, I think Truth is a very silly play.

「そうね、真実なんてとても馬鹿げた遊びだと思うよ。

Let’s have a sensible game of Authors to refresh our minds,” proposed Jo.

have a game (ゲームをする) [動] play a game

refresh (気分転換) [動] make or become fresh or new again

気分転換に作家当てゲームでもしましょう」とジョーが提案した。

Ned, Frank, and the little girls joined in this, and while it went on, the three elders sat apart, talking.

elder (年長者) [名] a person who is older than another

ネッド、フランク、そして小さな女の子たちもこれに加わり、それが続く間、3人の年長者は離れて座って話していた。

Miss Kate took out her sketch again, and Margaret watched her, while Mr. Brooke lay on the grass with a book, which he did not read.

ケイトさんは再びスケッチを取り出し、マーガレットは彼女を眺め、ブルックさんは本を手に草の上に横になったが、本は読んでいなかった。

“How beautifully you do it!

beautifully (きれいに) [副] in a beautiful manner

「なんてきれいにやるの!

I wish I could draw,” said Meg, with mingled admiration and regret in her voice.

mingle (混じる) [動] mix or cause to mix together

私も絵が描けたらいいのに」とメグは感心と後悔が混じった声で言った。

“Why don’t you learn?

「習えばいいじゃない?

I should think you had taste and talent for it,” replied Miss Kate graciously.

graciously (優しく) [副] in a kind and pleasant way

あなたにはセンスと才能があると思うよ」とケイトさんは優しく答えた。

“I haven’t time.”

「時間がないよ」

“Your mamma prefers other accomplishments, I fancy.

mamma (お母様) [名] mother

「お母様は他の教養を好まれるのでしょうね。

So did mine, but I proved to her that I had talent by taking a few lessons privately, and then she was quite willing I should go on.

take (受ける) [動] to receive or accept

私の母もそうだったよ、でも私は個人的に何度かレッスンを受けて才能があることを母に証明したの、そうしたら母は私が続けることを喜んで許してくれたよ。

Can’t you do the same with your governess?”

do the same (同じことをする) [動] do something similar

あなたも家庭教師に同じことをしてもらえないかしら?」

“I have none.”

「家庭教師はいないよ」

“I forgot young ladies in America go to school more than with us.

「アメリカの若い女性は私たちの国よりも学校に行くことが多いのを忘れていたよ。

Very fine schools they are, too, Papa says.

too (そうよ) [副] also; as well

パパが言うには、とても良い学校だそうよ。

You go to a private one, I suppose?”

go to (通う) [動] attend regularly

private (私立) [形] not owned or controlled by the government

あなたは私立の学校に通っているのでしょうね?」

“I don’t go at all.

「私は学校には行っていないよ。

I am a governess myself.”

I (私) [代] the speaker

私は家庭教師なの。」

“Oh, indeed!” said Miss Kate, but she might as well have said, “Dear me, how dreadful!” for her tone implied it, and something in her face made Meg color, and wish she had not been so frank.

Oh, indeed! (ああ、そうですか!) [間] an expression of surprise or disbelief

imply (暗示する) [動] suggest the truth or existence of (something not expressly stated)

color (赤面させる) [動] cause to blush

「ああ、そうですか!」とケイトさんは言ったが、「まあ、なんてひどい!」と言ったも同然だった。彼女の口調がそれを暗示していたし、彼女の顔の何かがメグを赤面させ、彼女がそれほど率直でなければよかったのにと思った。

Mr. Brooke looked up and said quickly, “Young ladies in America love independence as much as their ancestors did, and are admired and respected for supporting themselves.”

quickly (すばやく) [副] at a fast pace

independence (独立) [名] the fact or state of being independent

ancestor (祖先) [名] a person from whom one is descended

ブルック氏は顔を上げ、すばやく言った、「アメリカの若い女性は、その祖先と同じくらい独立を愛し、自立していることで賞賛され、尊敬されています。」

“Oh, yes, of course it’s very nice and proper in them to do so.

「ああ、そうですね、もちろんそうすることはとても素敵で適切なことですね。

We have many most respectable and worthy young women who do the same and are employed by the nobility, because, being the daughters of gentlemen, they are both well bred and accomplished, you know,” said Miss Kate in a patronizing tone that hurt Meg’s pride, and made her work seem not only more distasteful, but degrading.

respectable (立派な) [形] worthy of respect

worthy (価値のある) [形] having worth or value

be employed (雇われる) [動] have a paid job

nobility (貴族) [名] the quality of being noble

bred (育った) [動] brought up in a specified way

accomplished (教養のある) [形] highly skilled or knowledgeable

patronizing (恩着せがましい) [形] treating in a condescending manner

not only (だけでなく) [接] and also

distasteful (不快な) [形] causing dislike or disgust

degrading (品位を落とす) [形] causing a severe loss in the quality and value of someone or something

私たちの国には、同じことをして貴族に雇われている、とても立派で価値のある若い女性がたくさんいます。彼女たちは紳士の娘なので、育ちもよく、教養もあるからです」とケイトさんは、メグのプライドを傷つけ、彼女の仕事がより不快なだけでなく、品位を落とすように思わせるような、恩着せがましい口調で言った。

“Did the German song suit, Miss March?” inquired Mr. Brooke, breaking an awkward pause.

awkward (気まずい) [形] causing difficulty or embarrassment

「ドイツの歌は合いましたか、マーチさん?」とブルック氏は気まずい沈黙を破って尋ねた。

“Oh, yes! It was very sweet, and I’m much obliged to whoever translated it for me.”

whoever (誰が) [代] no matter who

translate (訳す) [動] express the sense of (words or text) in another language

「ああ、そうです! とても素敵で、誰が訳してくれたのかとても感謝しています。」

And Meg’s downcast face brightened as she spoke.

そしてメグのうつむいた顔は話すにつれて明るくなった。

“Don’t you read German?” asked Miss Kate with a look of surprise.

「ドイツ語は読めないのですか?」とケイトさんは驚いた様子で尋ねた。

“Not very well. My father, who taught me, is away, and I don’t get on very fast alone, for I’ve no one to correct my pronunciation.”

not very well (あまり上手ではない) [副] not very well

away (留守) [副] not present; absent

pronunciation (発音) [名] the way in which a word is pronounced

「あまり上手ではありません。教えてくれた父は留守で、一人ではなかなか進みません。発音を直してくれる人がいないのです。」

“Try a little now.

「今少しやってみなさい。

Here is Schiller’s Mary Stuart and a tutor who loves to teach.”

Schiller (シラー) [名] a German poet, philosopher, historian, and playwright

Mary Stuart (メアリー・スチュアート) [名] Queen of Scotland

ここにシラーのメアリー・スチュアートと教えるのが大好きな家庭教師がいるよ。」

And Mr. Brooke laid his book on her lap with an inviting smile.

そしてブルック氏は誘うような笑顔で彼女の膝の上に本を置いた。

“It’s so hard I’m afraid to try,” said Meg, grateful, but bashful in the presence of the accomplished young lady beside her.

so hard (とても難しい) [副] to a very great extent or degree

be afraid to (怖がる) [動] be scared to

bashful (恥ずかしそう) [形] feeling or showing shyness or shame

「とても難しいので試すのが怖いんです」とメグは言った。感謝していたが、隣にいる教養のある若い女性の前で恥ずかしそうだった。

“I’ll read a bit to encourage you.”

encourage (励ます) [動] give support, courage, or hope to

「あなたを励ますために少し読んであげましょう。」

And Miss Kate read one of the most beautiful passages in a perfectly correct but perfectly expressionless manner.

the most beautiful (最も美しい) [形] the most attractive or pleasing

passage (一節) [名] a section of a written work

correct (正しく) [形] free from error; in accordance with fact or truth

expressionless (無表情に) [形] lacking expression

そしてケイトさんは最も美しい一節を完璧に正しく、しかし全く無表情に読んだ。

Mr. Brooke made no comment as she returned the book to Meg, who said innocently, “I thought it was poetry.”

make no comment (何もコメントしない) [動] say nothing

innocently (無邪気に) [副] in a way that is not intended to cause harm

ブルック氏は彼女が本をメグに返す時も何もコメントしなかった。メグは「詩だと思いました」と無邪気に言った。

“Some of it is. Try this passage.”

「一部はそうです。この一節を試してみてください。」

There was a queer smile about Mr. Brooke’s mouth as he opened at poor Mary’s lament.

Mary (メアリー) [名] a character in the story

lament (嘆き) [名] a passionate expression of grief or sorrow

ブルック氏が哀れなメアリーの嘆きを開いた時、彼の口元には奇妙な笑みが浮かんでいた。

Meg obediently following the long grass-blade which her new tutor used to point with, read slowly and timidly, unconsciously making poetry of the hard words by the soft intonation of her musical voice.

grass-blade (草の葉) [名] a single leaf of grass

unconsciously (無意識に) [副] without being aware of or intending to

intonation (イントネーション) [名] the rise and fall of the voice in speech

メグは従順に彼女の新しい家庭教師が指し示す長い草の葉に従って、ゆっくりと臆病に読み、無意識のうちに彼女の音楽的な声の柔らかいイントネーションによって難しい言葉の詩を作った。

Down the page went the green guide, and presently, forgetting her listener in the beauty of the sad scene, Meg read as if alone, giving a little touch of tragedy to the words of the unhappy queen.

green (緑) [形] of the color intermediate between blue and yellow in the visible spectrum

touch (色合い) [名] a small amount of something

緑のガイドがページを下り、やがて悲しい場面の美しさに聞き手を忘れて、メグは一人でいるかのように読み、不幸な女王の言葉に悲劇の色合いを少し加えた。

If she had seen the brown eyes then, she would have stopped short, but she never looked up, and the lesson was not spoiled for her.

stop short (急に立ち止まる) [動] stop suddenly

もし彼女がその時茶色い目を見ていたら、彼女は急に立ち止まっていただろうが、彼女は決して見上げなかったので、彼女にとってレッスンは台無しにならなかった。

“Very well indeed!” said Mr. Brooke, as she paused, quite ignoring her many mistakes, and looking as if he did indeed love to teach.

indeed (本当に) [副] used to emphasize a statement or response expressing surprise, agreement, or approval

love (好き) [動] be extremely fond of

「とても良い!」彼女が休止した時、ブルック氏は彼女の多くの間違いを全く無視して、彼が本当に教えるのが好きなように見えて言った。

Miss Kate put up her glass, and, having taken a survey of the little tableau before her, shut her sketch book, saying with condescension, “You’ve a nice accent and in time will be a clever reader.

take a survey (眺め回す) [動] to look around carefully

tableau (タブロー) [名] a group of models or motionless figures representing a scene from a story or from history

sketch book (スケッチブック) [名] a book with blank or lightly lined pages for sketching

condescension (恩着せがましく) [名] a patronizing attitude

accent (発音) [名] a distinctive mode of pronunciation of a language

in time (そのうち) [副] eventually

clever (上手な) [形] skillful or talented

reader (朗読者) [名] a person who reads aloud

ケイトさんは眼鏡をかけ、目の前の小さなタブローを眺め回してからスケッチブックを閉じ、恩着せがましく言った、「あなたは発音がきれいだから、そのうち上手な朗読者になるでしょう。

I advise you to learn, for German is a valuable accomplishment to teachers.

valuable (貴重な) [形] of great worth or importance

ドイツ語は教師にとって貴重な教養だから、勉強することを勧める。

I must look after Grace, she is romping.”

look after (世話をする) [動] take care of

グレースを見なくては、はしゃいでるよ。」

And Miss Kate strolled away, adding to herself with a shrug, “I didn’t come to chaperone a governess, though she is young and pretty.

stroll (歩き去る) [動] walk in a leisurely way

add (言う) [動] say something further

chaperone (付き添い) [名] an older person who accompanies young people to a social event

そしてケイトさんは歩き去り、肩をすくめて独り言を言った、「若くてきれいだけど、私は家庭教師の付き添いに来たわけではない。

What odd people these Yankees are.

なんて奇妙な人々なんだろう、このヤンキーたちは。

I’m afraid Laurie will be quite spoiled among them.”

ローリーが彼らの中でかなり甘やかされるのではないかと心配だよ。」

“I forgot that English people rather turn up their noses at governesses and don’t treat them as we do,” said Meg, looking after the retreating figure with an annoyed expression.

turn up one's nose (鼻であしらう) [動] to show that you do not like or approve of something

governesses (家庭教師) [名] a woman employed in a private household to teach children

look after (見送る) [動] to take care of

retreating (遠ざかる) [形] moving away or back

annoyed (イライラした) [形] slightly angry

「イギリス人は家庭教師を鼻であしらい、私たちのようには扱わないことを忘れていたよ」とメグは、遠ざかる姿をイライラした表情で見送りながら言った。

“Tutors also have rather a hard time of it there, as I know to my sorrow.

「家庭教師もそこでは苦労するのよ、悲しいことに。

There’s no place like America for us workers, Miss Margaret.”

There's no place like (のような場所はない) [句] there is no place that is as good as

Miss Margaret (マーガレットさん) [名] a woman who is not married

私たち労働者にとってアメリカのような場所はありません、マーガレットさん。」

And Mr. Brooke looked so contented and cheerful that Meg was ashamed to lament her hard lot.

contented (満足そう) [形] happy and satisfied

be ashamed (恥ずかしくなる) [動] feel ashamed

lament (嘆く) [動] express great regret or guilt

そしてブルック氏はとても満足そうで陽気に見えたので、メグは自分のつらい運命を嘆くのが恥ずかしくなった。

“I’m glad I live in it then.

live in (住んでいる) [動] have as one's home

「それならそこに住んでいてよかったよ。

I don’t like my work, but I get a good deal of satisfaction out of it after all, so I won’t complain.

仕事は好きじゃないけど、結局のところかなりの満足感を得ているから、文句は言わないよ。

I only wished I liked teaching as you do.”

あなたのように教えることが好きだったらよかったのに。」

“I think you would if you had Laurie for a pupil.

「ローリーを生徒に持ったら好きになると思うよ。

I shall be very sorry to lose him next year,” said Mr. Brooke, busily punching holes in the turf.

be sorry to (残念に思う) [動] feel regret or guilt for

next year (来年) [名] the year after this one

punch (開ける) [動] strike with the fist

来年彼がいなくなるのは非常に残念だ」とブルック氏は芝生に穴を開けながら忙しそうに言った。

“Going to college, I suppose?”

go to college (大学に行く) [動] attend a college or university

「大学に行くのでしょうね?」

Meg’s lips asked the question, but her eyes added, “And what becomes of you?”

メグの唇は質問をしたが、彼女の目は「そしてあなたはどうなるの?」と付け加えた。

“Yes, it’s high time he went, for he is ready, and as soon as he is off, I shall turn soldier. I am needed.”

high time (行くべき時) [名] the latest possible time

turn (なる) [動] change from one thing to another

soldier (兵士) [名] a person who serves in an army

「そう、彼が行くべき時が来たんだ、彼は準備ができているし、彼が出発したらすぐに私は兵士になる。私は必要とされているんだ。」

“I am glad of that!” exclaimed Meg.

be glad of (よかった) [動] be happy about

「それはよかった!」とメグは叫んだ。

“I should think every young man would want to go, though it is hard for the mothers and sisters who stay at home,” she added sorrowfully.

want to (したいと思う) [動] wish or desire

sorrowfully (悲しそうに) [副] in a sorrowful manner

「家にいる母親や姉妹にとってはつらいことだけれど、若い男性はみんな行きたがると思うよ」と彼女は悲しそうに付け加えた。

“I have neither, and very few friends to care whether I live or die,” said Mr. Brooke rather bitterly as he absently put the dead rose in the hole he had made and covered it up, like a little grave.

very few (ほとんどいない) [限] a small number of

absently (ぼんやりと) [副] in a state of mental abstraction

「私にはどちらもいない、そして私が生きていても死んでいても気にかけてくれる友人はほとんどいない」とブルック氏は、ぼんやりと枯れたバラを自分が掘った穴に入れて、小さな墓のように覆いながら、やや苦々しく言った。

“Laurie and his grandfather would care a great deal, and we should all be very sorry to have any harm happen to you,” said Meg heartily.

harm (何か) [名] physical or mental damage or injury

「ローリーと彼のおじいさんはとても気にかけるでしょうし、あなたに何かあったら私たちみんなとても悲しむよ」とメグは心から言った。

“Thank you, that sounds pleasant,” began Mr. Brooke, looking cheerful again, but before he could finish his speech,

thank you (ありがとう) [間] an expression of gratitude

cheerful (元気そう) [形] in good spirits; happy

「ありがとう、それはうれしいね」とブルック氏は再び元気そうに話し始めたが、彼が話し終える前に、

Ned, mounted on the old horse, came lumbering up to display his equestrian skill before the young ladies, and there was no more quiet that day.

mount (またがる) [動] get up on

lumber (どかどかと歩く) [動] move in a slow, heavy, awkward way

ネッドはその老馬にまたがり、若い女性たちの前で馬術の腕前を披露するためにどかどかとやってきて、その日はそれ以上静かな時間はなかった。

“Don’t you love to ride?” asked Grace of Amy, as they stood resting after a race round the field with the others, led by Ned.

「乗馬は好きじゃないの?」とグレースは、ネッドが先導して他の人たちと野原をぐるっと回った後、休憩している時にエイミーに尋ねた。

“I dote upon it. My sister, Meg, used to ride when Papa was rich, but we don’t keep any horses now, except Ellen Tree,” added Amy, laughing.

dote upon (大好きである) [動] be extremely fond of

Papa (パパ) [名] a child's word for father

Ellen Tree (エレン・ツリー) [名] a female given name

「大好きよ。私の姉のメグは、パパが裕福だった頃は乗馬をしていたけど、今はエレン・ツリー以外は馬を飼っていないの」とエイミーは笑いながら付け加えた。

“Tell me about Ellen Tree.

「エレン・ツリーについて教えて。

Is it a donkey?” asked Grace curiously.

donkey (ロバ) [名] a domesticated ass

curiously (興味津々で) [副] in a curious manner

ロバなの?」とグレースは興味津々で尋ねた。

“Why, you see, Jo is crazy about horses and so am I, but we’ve only got an old sidesaddle and no horse.

you see (ほら) [間] used to draw attention to something

crazy about (夢中である) [形] very enthusiastic about

sidesaddle (横鞍) [名] a saddle on which the rider sits sideways

no (ない) [形] not any

「そうね、ほら、ジョーは馬に夢中で、私もそうなんだけど、古い横鞍しかなくて馬がいないの。

Out in our garden is an apple tree that has a nice low branch, so Jo put the saddle on it, fixed some reins on the part that turns up, and we bounce away on Ellen Tree whenever we like.”

out in (外に) [副] in or into the open air

branch (枝) [名] a woody stem growing from the trunk or main stem of a tree or shrub

saddle (鞍) [名] a seat for a rider on a horse or other animal

rein (手綱) [名] a long, narrow strap of leather or other material used to control a horse or other animal

うちの庭には、低い枝がきれいなリンゴの木があるから、ジョーはそこに鞍を置いて、曲がった部分に手綱を固定して、好きなときにエレン・ツリーに乗って跳ね回るの」

“How funny!” laughed Grace.

「なんて面白いの!」とグレースは笑った。

“I have a pony at home, and ride nearly every day in the park with Fred and Kate.

park (公園) [名] a large public garden in a town, used for recreation

「うちにはポニーがいて、フレッドやケイトとほとんど毎日公園で乗馬するの。

It’s very nice, for my friends go too, and the Row is full of ladies and gentlemen.”

とても楽しいよ、友達も行くし、公園の道は紳士淑女でいっぱいよ」

“Dear, how charming!

「まあ、なんて素敵!

I hope I shall go abroad some day, but I’d rather go to Rome than the Row,” said Amy, who had not the remotest idea what the Row was

go abroad (海外に行く) [動] travel to a foreign country

Rome (ローマ) [名] the capital city of Italy

have not the remotest idea (全く知らない) [動] have no knowledge or understanding of something

私もいつか海外に行きたいよ、でも公園の道よりローマに行きたいよ」とエイミーは言ったが、公園の道が何なのか全く知らなかった。

and wouldn’t have asked for the world.

世界を欲しがるようなことはなかった。

Frank, sitting just behind the little girls, heard what they were saying, and pushed his crutch away from him with an impatient gesture as he watched the active lads going through all sorts of comical gymnastics.

what (~ということ) [接] that which; the thing that

away (離れる) [副] from a place or position

impatient (焦れた) [形] having or showing a lack of patience

go through (行う) [動] perform or complete

all sorts of (あらゆる種類の) [限] many different kinds of

gymnastics (体操) [名] exercises involving the performance of various physical feats, such as tumbling, balancing, and swinging on parallel bars, a pommel horse, or a high bar

フランクは少女たちのすぐ後ろに座っていたので、彼女たちの話が聞こえ、活動的な少年たちがあらゆる種類の滑稽な体操をしているのを見ながら、焦れた仕草で松葉杖を押しのけた。

Beth, who was collecting the scattered Author cards, looked up and said, in her shy yet friendly way, “I’m afraid you are tired.

scattered (散らばった) [形] thrown around here and there

Author (著者) [名] the writer of a book, article, or report

card (カード) [名] a piece of thick, stiff paper or thin pasteboard, especially one used for writing or printing on

散らばった著者カードを集めていたベスは、顔を上げて、恥ずかしそうに、しかし友好的に言った、「疲れたでしょう。

Can I do anything for you?”

何かお手伝いしましょうか?」

“Talk to me, please.

「私に話しかけて。

It’s dull, sitting by myself,” answered Frank, who had evidently been used to being made much of at home.

by myself (一人で) [副] without the company of others

be used to (慣れている) [動] be familiar with something through repeated exposure or experience

be made much of (大事にされる) [動] be treated as important or special

一人で座っているのは退屈だ」と、明らかに家で大事にされていることに慣れているフランクは答えた。

If he asked her to deliver a Latin oration, it would not have seemed a more impossible task to bashful Beth, but there was no place to run to, no Jo to hide behind now, and the poor boy looked so wistfully at her that she bravely resolved to try.

run to (逃げる) [動] move at a fast pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

もし彼が彼女にラテン語の演説をするように頼んだら、恥ずかしがり屋のベスにとってこれ以上不可能な仕事はないと思われただろうが、逃げる場所も、今は後ろに隠れるジョーもいなくて、かわいそうな少年が彼女をとても物欲しそうに見ていたので、彼女は勇敢にやってみる決心をした。

“What do you like to talk about?” she asked, fumbling over the cards and dropping half as she tried to tie them up.

fumble (弄り回す) [動] handle something in a clumsy way

「何について話したい?」と彼女は尋ね、カードを弄り回し、束ねようとしたときに半分を落とした。

“Well, I like to hear about cricket and boating and hunting,” said Frank, who had not yet learned to suit his amusements to his strength.

boating (ボート) [名] the activity of traveling in a boat

hunting (狩り) [名] the activity of searching for and killing or capturing animals for food

「えっと、クリケットやボートや狩りの話を聞きたい」と、まだ自分の楽しみを自分の体力に合わせることを学んでいないフランクは言った。

My heart! What shall I do?

私の心臓! 私はどうしたらいいの?

I don’t know anything about them, thought Beth, and forgetting the boy’s misfortune in her flurry, she said, hoping to make him talk, “I never saw any hunting, but I suppose you know all about it.”

misfortune (不幸) [名] bad luck

make someone talk (話をさせる) [動] cause someone to speak

know all about (すべて知っている) [動] have complete knowledge of

私はそれらについて何も知らない、とベスは思い、彼女の慌ただしさの中で少年の不幸を忘れて、彼に話をさせようと思い、「私は狩りを見たことがありませんが、あなたはそれについてすべて知っていると思います」と言った。

“I did once, but I can never hunt again, for I got hurt leaping a confounded five-barred gate, so there are no more horses and hounds for me,” said Frank with a sigh that made Beth hate herself for her innocent blunder.

hurt (怪我) [名] physical injury or pain

confounded (忌々しい) [形] used to express annoyance

five-barred gate (五本の横木の門) [名] a gate with five horizontal bars

hound (猟犬) [名] a dog used for hunting

「かつてはそうでしたが、もう二度と狩りはできません。忌々しい五本の横木の門を飛び越えて怪我をしたので、もう馬や猟犬はいません」とフランクはため息をつき、ベスは自分の無邪気な失態を憎んだ。

“Your deer are much prettier than our ugly buffaloes,” she said, turning to the prairies for help and feeling glad that she had read one of the boys’ books in which Jo delighted.

deer (鹿) [名] a ruminant mammal

prettier (きれい) [形] attractive in a delicate way

buffalo (バッファロー) [名] a bison

prairie (大草原) [名] a large area of flat land with only a few trees

feel glad (嬉しく思う) [動] experience a feeling of pleasure

「あなたの鹿は私たちの醜いバッファローよりもずっときれいです」と彼女は言い、助けを求めて大草原に目を向け、ジョーが喜んだ少年の本の1冊を読んだことを嬉しく思った。

Buffaloes proved soothing and satisfactory, and in her eagerness to amuse another, Beth forgot herself, and was quite unconscious of her sisters’ surprise and delight at the unusual spectacle of Beth talking away to one of the dreadful boys, against whom she had begged protection.

prove (わかる) [動] be found to be

soothing (心地よい) [形] having a calming or sedative effect

satisfactory (満足のいく) [形] good enough to fulfill a need or requirement

eagerness (熱心さ) [名] a strong feeling of wanting to do or have something

unconscious (気づいていない) [形] not conscious; not aware of and responding to one's surroundings

バッファローは心地よく満足のいくものであることがわかり、ベスは他人を楽しませようと熱心になるあまり、自分を忘れてしまい、ベスが恐ろしい少年の1人と話し込んでいるという珍しい光景に姉妹たちが驚き喜んでいることに全く気づいていなかった。

“Bless her heart!

「彼女の心を祝福して!

She pities him, so she is good to him,” said Jo, beaming at her from the croquet ground.

pity (哀れむ) [動] feel sorry for

good (優しい) [形] kind or pleasant

croquet ground (クロケット場) [名] a lawn or court for playing croquet

彼女は彼を哀れんでいるので、彼に優しいのです」とジョーはクロケット場から彼女に微笑みかけた。

“I always said she was a little saint,” added Meg, as if there could be no further doubt of it.

saint (聖人) [名] a person who is recognized as having lived a holy life

there could be no further doubt of it (それについてはこれ以上疑いようがない) [名] there is no doubt about it

「私はいつも彼女は小さな聖人だと言ってたよ」とメグは付け加えた。

“I haven’t heard Frank laugh so much for ever so long,” said Grace to Amy, as they sat discussing dolls and making tea sets out of the acorn cups.

for ever so long (久しぶりに) [副] after a long time

「フランクがそんなに笑うのを聞いたのは久しぶりだよ」とグレースはエイミーに言った。2人は座って人形の話やドングリでティーセットを作る話をしていた。

“My sister Beth is a very fastidious girl, when she likes to be,” said Amy, well pleased at Beth’s success.

be pleased (喜ぶ) [動] be glad about something

「私の妹のベスは、そうしたい時にはとても気難しい女の子なのよ」とエイミーはベスの成功を喜んで言った。

She meant ‘facinating’, but as Grace didn’t know the exact meaning of either word, fastidious sounded well and made a good impression.

fastidious (fastidious) [形] very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail

彼女は「魅力的」と言いたかったのだが、グレースはどちらの言葉の正確な意味も知らなかったので、fastidiousはよく聞こえ、良い印象を与えた。

An impromptu circus, fox and geese, and an amicable game of croquet finished the afternoon.

impromptu (即興の) [形] not planned or prepared in advance

circus (サーカス) [名] a traveling company of acrobats, clowns, and other entertainers which gives performances, typically in a series of different places, in a large tent, in a series of different places

fox (キツネ) [名] a carnivorous mammal of the family Canidae with a pointed muzzle and bushy tail

amicable (友好的な) [形] characterized by friendliness and goodwill

即興のサーカス、キツネとガチョウ、そして友好的なクロケットの試合で午後が終わった。

At sunset the tent was struck, hampers packed, wickets pulled up, boats loaded, and the whole party floated down the river, singing at the tops of their voices.

at sunset (日没になると) [副] when the sun goes down

be struck (張られる) [動] be put up

be packed (詰め込まれる) [動] be put into a container

be pulled up (引かれる) [動] be opened

be loaded (積み込まれる) [動] be put on a vehicle

at the top of one's voice (声を張り上げて) [副] as loudly as one can

日没になると、テントが張られ、かごが詰め込まれ、改札が引かれ、ボートが積み込まれ、一行は声を張り上げて歌いながら川を下っていった。

Ned, getting sentimental, warbled a serenade with the pensive refrain...

warble (口ずさむ) [動] sing or whistle softly and with a trilling sound

refrain (リフレイン) [名] a repeated line or number of lines in a poem or song

ネッドは感傷的になって、物思いにふけるようなリフレインのセレナーデを口ずさんだ。

Alone, alone, ah!

ah (ああ) [間] an expression of surprise, disgust, or pain

一人ぼっち、一人ぼっち、ああ!

Woe, alone,

woe (悲しみ) [名] great sorrow or distress

悲しみ、一人ぼっち、

and at the lines...

at (で) [前] a function word to indicate a place or time

そして、その行で...

We each are young, we each have a heart, Oh, why should we stand thus coldly apart?

coldly (冷たく) [副] in a cold manner

apart (離れて) [副] separated by a distance

私たちはそれぞれ若く、それぞれに心がある、ああ、なぜ私たちはこのように冷たく離れて立っているのか?

he looked at Meg with such a lackadaisical expression that she laughed outright and spoiled his song.

lackadaisical (無気力な) [形] lacking energy or enthusiasm

outright (はっきりと) [副] completely and openly

彼はメグをとても無気力な表情で見たため、彼女ははっきりと笑って彼の歌を台無しにした。

“How can you be so cruel to me?” he whispered, under cover of a lively chorus.

be cruel to (残酷になる) [動] be mean to

under cover of (陰で) [名] under the protection of

「どうしてそんなに私に残酷になれるのか?」と彼は活発なコーラスの陰でささやいた。

“You’ve kept close to that starched-up Englishwoman all day, and now you snub me.”

keep close to (そばにいる) [動] stay near

snub (冷たくあしらう) [動] treat with disdain or contempt

「君は一日中あの糊のきいたイギリス人の女性のそばにいて、今は私を冷たくあしらう。」

“I didn’t mean to, but you looked so funny I really couldn’t help it,” replied Meg, passing over the first part of his reproach, for it was quite true that she had shunned him, remembering the Moffat party and the talk after it.

mean to (わざと) [動] intend to do something

help it (どうしようもない) [動] be unable to avoid or control something

pass over (無視する) [動] fail to consider or mention

first part (最初の部分) [名] the initial portion of something

reproach (非難) [名] an expression of disapproval

quite true (全く本当) [形] completely true

shun (避ける) [動] persistently avoid, ignore, or reject someone or something

「わざとじゃないけど、あなたがとてもおかしく見えたから、本当にどうしようもなかった」とメグは答え、彼の非難の最初の部分を無視した。モファット家のパーティーとその後の会話を思い出して、彼女が彼を避けていたことは全く本当だったからだ。

Ned was offended and turned to Sallie for consolation, saying to her rather pettishly, “There isn’t a bit of flirt in that girl, is there?”

consolation (慰め) [名] comfort received by a person after a loss or disappointment

pettishly (むっつりと) [副] in a bad-tempered way

ネッドは気分を害して、慰めを求めてサリーに向き直り、かなりむっつりと「あの娘には少しも浮気心がないね」と言った。

“Not a particle, but she’s a dear,” returned Sallie, defending her friend even while confessing her shortcomings.

not a particle (少しもない) [名] not even a little bit

she's a dear (彼女はいい子だ) [名] she is a nice person

defend (擁護する) [動] speak or write in favor of

「少しもないよ、でも彼女はいい子よ」とサリーは答え、彼女の欠点を認めながらも友人を擁護した。

“She’s not a stricken deer anyway,” said Ned, trying to be witty, and succeeding as well as very young gentlemen usually do.

stricken deer (傷ついた鹿) [名] a deer that has been injured

「とにかく彼女は傷ついた鹿ではない」とネッドは機知に富んだことを言おうとして、とても若い紳士が普通そうであるように成功した。

On the lawn where it had gathered, the little party separated with cordial good nights and good-byes, for the Vaughns were going to Canada.

on the lawn (芝生の上で) [前] on the surface of the lawn

separate (別れる) [動] move or cause to move apart

good-bye (さようなら) [名] a phrase used to express a farewell

集まっていた芝生の上で、小さなパーティーは心からの「おやすみなさい」と「さようなら」で別れた。ヴォーン一家はカナダに行く予定だった。

As the four sisters went home through the garden, Miss Kate looked after them, saying, without the patronizing tone in her voice, “In spite of their demonstrative manners, American girls are very nice when one knows them.”

tone (調子) [名] a sound of a particular quality

demonstrative (感情を露わにする) [形] showing or expressing one's feelings or emotions openly

四姉妹が庭を通って帰宅する時、ケイト先生は彼女たちの後ろ姿を見送り、声に恩着せがましい調子もなく「感情を露わにする態度にもかかわらず、アメリカの娘たちは知ればとても素敵です」と言った。

“I quite agree with you,” said Mr. Brooke.

with (と) [前] used to express a relationship between two things or people

「全く同感です」とブルック氏は言った。

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: CASTLES IN THE AIR

CHAPTER THIRTEEN (第十三章) [名] the thirteenth chapter

CASTLES IN THE AIR (空中楼閣) [名] a visionary or impractical scheme

第十三章: 空中楼閣

Laurie lay luxuriously swinging to and fro in his hammock one warm September afternoon, wondering what his neighbors were about, but too lazy to go and find out.

luxuriously (贅沢に) [副] in a luxurious manner

hammock (ハンモック) [名] a swinging couch or bed of canvas or of netting suspended between two points

September (九月) [名] the ninth month of the year

wonder (気になっている) [動] desire or be curious to know something

about (について) [前] on the subject of; concerning

ある暖かい九月の午後、ローリーはハンモックで贅沢に揺れながら横になり、隣人が何をしているのか気になっていたが、調べに行くには怠惰すぎた。

He was in one of his moods, for the day had been both unprofitable and unsatisfactory, and he was wishing he could live it over again.

one of (1つ) [名] a single person or thing

unprofitable (利益にならない) [形] not yielding a profit

unsatisfactory (満足できない) [形] not good enough

live over (やり直す) [動] to live again

彼は気分屋で、その日は利益にもならず満足にもいかなかったので、もう一度やり直せたらよかったのにと思っていた。

The hot weather made him indolent, and he had shirked his studies, tried Mr. Brooke’s patience to the utmost, displeased his grandfather by practicing half the afternoon, frightened the maidservants half out of their wits by mischievously hinting that one of his dogs was going mad, and, after high words with the stableman about some fancied neglect of his horse, he had flung himself into his hammock to fume over the stupidity of the world in general, till the peace of the lovely day quieted him in spite of himself.

hot weather (暑さ) [名] weather that is hot

indolent (怠惰) [形] lazy

shirk (怠る) [動] avoid doing something that you ought to do

utmost (最大限) [形] of the highest degree or intensity

displease (不機嫌にする) [動] make someone angry or annoyed

practice (練習) [名] the action of practicing

maidservant (女中) [名] a female domestic servant

mischievously (いたずらっぽく) [副] in a playful or naughty way

hint (ほのめかす) [動] suggest or call attention to indirectly

go mad (狂う) [動] become insane

fancied (怠った) [形] imagined

stableman (厩番) [名] a person who works in a stable

stupidity (愚かさ) [名] the quality or state of being stupid

quiet (落ち着かせる) [動] make or become quiet or silent

暑さで怠惰になり、勉強を怠り、ブルック氏の忍耐を最大限に試し、午後半分練習して祖父を不機嫌にし、犬の一匹が狂っているといたずらっぽくほのめかして女中たちを半分気絶させ、馬の世話を怠ったと厩番と口論した後、ハンモックに身を投げ出して世間の愚かさに腹を立てていたが、美しい日の平和が彼を落ち着かせた。

Staring up into the green gloom of the horse-chestnut trees above him, he dreamed dreams of all sorts, and was just imagining himself tossing on the ocean in a voyage round the world, when the sound of voices brought him ashore in a flash.

stare up (見つめる) [動] look fixedly or intently

green gloom (緑の暗がり) [名] a dark place with a lot of green

horse-chestnut tree (栗の木) [名] a deciduous tree native to the Balkans

toss (揺れる) [動] move up and down or from side to side

ocean (海) [名] a large expanse of sea

voyage (航海) [名] a journey by sea

round the world (世界一周) [形] around the world

ashore (岸に) [副] on or to the shore

flash (一瞬) [名] a sudden brief burst of light or something else

頭上の緑の栗の木の暗がりを見つめながら、彼はあらゆる夢を見て、ちょうど世界一周の航海で海に揺られている自分を想像していたとき、声が聞こえて一瞬のうちに岸にたどり着いた。

Peeping through the meshes of the hammock, he saw the Marches coming out, as if bound on some expedition.

mesh (網目) [名] a network of wire or thread

expedition (遠征) [名] a journey of exploration

ハンモックの網目から覗くと、マーチ家が何かの遠征に出かけるように出てくるのが見えた。

“What in the world are those girls about now?” thought Laurie, opening his sleepy eyes to take a good look, for there was something rather peculiar in the appearance of his neighbors.

those girls (あの娘たち) [名] the girls that are being talked about

about now (今) [副] at the present time

「あの娘たちはいったい何をしてるんだろう?」とローリーは考え、眠い目をこすってよく見てみると、隣人の様子に何か妙なところがあった。

Each wore a large, flapping hat, a brown linen pouch slung over one shoulder, and carried a long staff.

pouch (袋) [名] a small bag of leather or plastic used for carrying small articles

sling (掛ける) [動] throw or fling

それぞれが大きな羽ばたく帽子をかぶり、片方の肩に茶色の麻の袋を掛け、長い杖を持っていた。

Meg had a cushion, Jo a book, Beth a basket, and Amy a portfolio.

portfolio (ポートフォリオ) [名] a case for carrying loose sheets of paper, drawings, or maps

メグはクッション、ジョーは本、ベスはバスケット、エイミーはポートフォリオを持っていた。

All walked quietly through the garden, out at the little back gate, and began to climb the hill that lay between the house and river.

out (出る) [前] through or to the outside of

back (裏) [名] the side or surface that is less visible or important

climb (登る) [動] go up or down with effort

hill (丘) [名] a naturally raised area of land with a rounded top

between (間に) [前] in the space or interval that separates two things

みんな静かに庭を歩き、小さな裏門を出て、家と川の間にある丘を登り始めた。

“Well, that’s cool,” said Laurie to himself, “to have a picnic and never ask me!

cool (いいな) [形] very good

have a picnic (ピクニックをする) [動] eat a meal outdoors

「まあ、それはいいな」とローリーは独り言を言った、「ピクニックをするのに私を誘わないなんて!

They can’t be going in the boat, for they haven’t got the key.

can't be going (乗ることはできない) [動] be unable to go

鍵を持っていないので、ボートに乗ることはできない。

Perhaps they forgot it.

おそらく忘れたのだろう。

I’ll take it to them, and see what’s going on.”

go on (起こる) [動] happen or take place

彼らのところに持っていって、何が起こっているのか見てみよう。」

Though possessed of half a dozen hats, it took him some time to find one, then there was a hunt for the key, which was at last discovered in his pocket, so that the girls were quite out of sight when he leaped the fence and ran after them.

some time (時間) [名] a period of time

hunt (探し回る) [動] search for

so that (それで) [接] with the result that

quite (もう) [副] completely

run after (後を追う) [動] chase

半ダースもの帽子を持っているのに、帽子を見つけるのに時間がかかり、それから鍵を探し回り、ようやくポケットの中にあるのを発見したので、彼が塀を飛び越えて後を追ったときには、少女たちはもう見えなくなっていた。

Taking the shortest way to the boathouse, he waited for them to appear, but no one came, and he went up the hill to take an observation.

take the shortest way (最短距離を行く) [動] go the shortest distance

boathouse (ボート小屋) [名] a building for storing boats

wait for (待つ) [動] stay where one is or delay action until a particular time or until something else happens

ボート小屋まで最短距離を行き、彼は彼女たちが現れるのを待ったが、誰も来なかったので、彼は観察するために丘を登った。

A grove of pines covered one part of it, and from the heart of this green spot came a clearer sound than the soft sigh of the pines or the drowsy chirp of the crickets.

pine (松) [名] an evergreen coniferous tree

heart (中心) [名] the central or innermost part of something

spot (場所) [名] a particular place, area, or location

clear (はっきりとした) [形] easy to understand; intelligible

drowsy (眠そうな) [形] feeling or showing a lack of energy

chirp (さえずり) [名] a short, high-pitched sound made by a small bird or insect

松の木立がその一部を覆い、この緑の場所の中心から、松の木の柔らかいため息やコオロギの眠そうなさえずりよりもはっきりとした音が聞こえてきた。

“Here’s a landscape!” thought Laurie, peeping through the bushes, and looking wide-awake and good-natured already.

landscape (景色) [名] all the visible features of an area of land

wide-awake (すっかり目が覚めた) [形] fully awake

「これは景色だ!」とローリーは考え、茂みの間から覗き込み、すでにすっかり目が覚めて上機嫌そうだった。

It was a rather pretty little picture, for the sisters sat together in the shady nook, with sun and shadow flickering over them, the aromatic wind lifting their hair and cooling their hot cheeks, and all the little wood people going on with their affairs as if these were no strangers but old friends.

nook (隅) [名] a corner or an angle, especially an inner one

flicker (ちらちら揺れる) [動] burn or shine unsteadily

wind (風) [名] the natural movement of air

lift (持ち上げる) [動] move or cause to move from a lower to a higher position

それはかなりきれいな小さな絵だった、というのも姉妹たちは日陰の隅に一緒に座り、太陽と影が彼女たちの上をちらちらと揺れ、香り高い風が彼女たちの髪を持ち上げ、熱い頬を冷やし、そして森のすべての小さな人々は、まるで彼女たちが見知らぬ人ではなく古くからの友人であるかのように、彼女たちのことを気にかけながら歩き回っていたからだ。

Meg sat upon her cushion, sewing daintily with her white hands, and looking as fresh and sweet as a rose in her pink dress among the green.

メグはクッションの上に座り、白い手で上品に縫い物をしていたが、緑の中のピンクのドレスを着た姿は、バラのように新鮮で可憐だった。

Beth was sorting the cones that lay thick under the hemlock near by, for she made pretty things with them.

sort (選別する) [動] arrange or order by class or kind

cone (松ぼっくり) [名] the dry fruit of a conifer

lay (敷き詰める) [動] be in or assume a lying position

hemlock (ツガ) [名] a poisonous plant

ベスは近くのツガの下に厚く敷き詰められた松ぼっくりを選別していたが、彼女はそれらを使ってきれいなものをつくった。

Amy was sketching a group of ferns, and Jo was knitting as she read aloud.

group (群生) [名] a collection of people or things

エイミーはシダの群生をスケッチし、ジョーは編み物をしながら音読していた。

A shadow passed over the boy’s face as he watched them, feeling that he ought to go away because uninvited;

pass over (さす) [動] move or cause to move across or over something

uninvited (招かれざる) [形] not invited

少年は彼女たちを見ながら、招かれざる客だから立ち去るべきだと感じて、顔に影がさした。

yet lingering because home seemed very lonely and this quiet party in the woods most attractive to his restless spirit.

それでも、家がとても寂しく思え、森の中のこの静かな集まりが彼の落ち着きのない精神にとって最も魅力的だったので、ぐずぐずしていた。

He stood so still that a squirrel, busy with its harvesting, ran down a pine close beside him, saw him suddenly and skipped back, scolding so shrilly that Beth looked up, espied the wistful face behind the birches, and beckoned with a reassuring smile.

still (じっと) [副] without moving

squirrel (リス) [名] a small rodent with a bushy tail

harvesting (収穫) [名] the gathering of a crop

close (すぐ横) [形] near in space or time

skip (飛び跳ねる) [動] move or jump lightly

shrilly (甲高い) [形] high-pitched and piercing

espy (見つける) [動] catch sight of

birch (白樺) [名] a slender deciduous tree with a smooth white bark

彼は身動き一つせずに立っていたので、収穫に忙しいリスが彼のすぐ横の松の木を駆け下りてきて、突然彼を見て飛び跳ね、甲高い声で叱りつけたので、ベスは見上げ、白樺の木の後ろにある物欲しそうな顔を見つけ、安心させるような笑顔で手招きした。

“May I come in, please?

come in (入る) [動] go or come inside

「入ってもいいですか?

Or shall I be a bother?” he asked, advancing slowly.

bother (邪魔) [名] something that causes difficulty or annoyance

advance (近づく) [動] move forward

それとも邪魔でしょうか?」と彼はゆっくりと近づきながら尋ねた。

Meg lifted her eyebrows, but Jo scowled at her defiantly and said at once, “Of course you may.

scowl (睨みつける) [動] frown in an angry or bad-tempered way

メグは眉を上げたが、ジョーは反抗的に彼女を睨みつけ、すぐに「もちろん、入ってもいいよ。

We should have asked you before, only we thought you wouldn’t care for such a girl’s game as this.”

should have (~すればよかった) [助] expressing a past action that was not done but that would have been better if it had been done

earlier (もっと早く) [副] before the usual or expected time

care for (興味がある) [動] like or be fond of

もっと早く誘えばよかったんだけど、こんな女の子の遊びに興味がないと思ってたのよ」

“I always like your games, but if Meg doesn’t want me, I’ll go away.”

「君たちの遊びはいつも好きだけど、メグが私を欲しくないなら、帰るよ」

“I’ve no objection, if you do something.

have no objection (異議はない) [動] not be against something

「何かするなら、異議はないよ。

It’s against the rules to be idle here,” replied Meg gravely but graciously.

against the rules (ルール違反) [名] not allowed by the rules

gravely (真面目) [副] seriously

graciously (優雅) [副] in a polite and kind way

ここで怠惰に過ごすのはルール違反よ」とメグは真面目だが優雅に答えた。

“Much obliged. I’ll do anything if you’ll let me stop a bit, for it’s as dull as the Desert of Sahara down there.

much obliged (どうもありがとう) [句] I am very grateful

do anything (何でもする) [動] do whatever is necessary

let me (~させてくれる) [動] allow me to

stop a bit (少し休む) [動] cease an activity for a short time

Desert of Sahara (サハラ砂漠) [名] a large desert located in North Africa

「どうもありがとう。少し休ませてくれるなら何でもするよ、だってあそこはサハラ砂漠みたいに退屈なんだ。

Shall I sew, read, cone, draw, or do all at once?

cone (コーン) [名] a solid shape with a circular base and a point at the top

all at once (全部一度に) [副] all together; all at the same time

縫い物、読書、コーン、絵、全部一度にやる?

Bring on your bears.

bring on (連れて来い) [動] cause to happen or occur

熊を連れて来い。

I’m ready.”

be ready (準備は出来ている) [動] be prepared or in a state of readiness

準備は出来ている。」

And Laurie sat down with a submissive expression delightful to behold.

submissive (従順な) [形] willing to obey others unquestioningly

delightful (嬉しい) [形] causing delight; very pleasing

そしてローリーは従順な表情で座り、それは見ているだけで嬉しかった。

“Finish this story while I set my heel,” said Jo, handing him the book.

「私がかかとを直す間にこの話を終わらせて」とジョーは彼に本を渡した。

“Yes’m.” was the meek answer, as he began, doing his best to prove his gratitude for the favor of admission into the ‘Busy Bee Society’.

Yes'm (はい) [間] yes

meek (従順な) [形] submissive

favor (恩恵) [名] a kind or helpful act

Busy Bee Society (忙しい蜂の協会) [名] a society of busy bees

「はい」と彼は従順に答え、彼は「忙しい蜂の協会」への入会の恩恵に対する感謝を証明するために最善を尽くした。

The story was not a long one, and when it was finished, he ventured to ask a few questions as a reward of merit.

venture (敢えてする) [動] do something new or dangerous

その話は長くなく、それが終わると、彼は功績の報酬としていくつかの質問を敢えてした。

“Please, ma’am, could I inquire if this highly instructive and charming institution is a new one?”

highly (非常に) [副] to a great degree or extent

institution (協会) [名] an organization founded for a religious, educational, social, or similar purpose

「おねがいします、奥様、この非常に有益で魅力的な協会は新しいものかどうかお尋ねしてもいいでしょうか?」

“Would you tell him?” asked Meg of her sisters.

「彼に教えてあげる?」とメグは姉妹に尋ねた。

“He’ll laugh,” said Amy warningly.

warningly (警告して) [副] in a way that warns

「彼は笑うよ」とエイミーは警告した。

“Who cares?” said Jo.

「誰が気にする?」とジョーは言った。

“I guess he’ll like it,” added Beth.

「彼はそれを気に入ると思うよ」とベスは付け加えた。

“Of course I shall!

「もちろんそうするよ!

I give you my word I won’t laugh.

笑わないと約束するよ。

Tell away, Jo, and don’t be afraid.”

tell away (遠慮なく話す) [動] speak without hesitation

ジョー、遠慮なく話して、恐れなくていいよ。」

“The idea of being afraid of you!

「あなたを恐れるなんて!

Well, you see we used to play Pilgrim’s Progress, and we have been going on with it in earnest, all winter and summer.”

well (ええと) [間] used to express hesitation or uncertainty

you see (ご存知のとおり) [間] used to introduce a statement that explains something

used to (よく~する) [助] did or had something in the past

play (劇をする) [動] act out a story in front of an audience

go on with (取り組む) [動] continue doing something

ええと、私たちは天路歴程の劇をよくやっていて、冬も夏もずっと真剣に取り組んできました。」

“Yes, I know,” said Laurie, nodding wisely.

wisely (賢そうに) [副] in a wise manner

「ああ、知ってる」とローリーは賢そうにうなずいた。

“Who told you?” demanded Jo.

demand (尋ねる) [動] ask for something in a forceful or urgent way

「誰に聞いたの?」とジョーは尋ねた。

“Spirits.”

「精霊」

“No, I did. I wanted to amuse him one night when you were all away, and he was rather dismal.

one night (ある夜) [名] a night in the past

dismal (憂鬱そう) [形] causing dejection

「いいえ、私がそうしました。ある夜、あなたたちがみんな留守で、彼がかなり憂鬱そうだったので、私は彼を楽しませようと思った。

He did like it, so don’t scold, Jo,” said Beth meekly.

meekly (素直に) [副] in a submissive manner

彼は気に入ってくれたのよ、だから叱らないで、ジョー」とベスは素直に言った。

“You can’t keep a secret.

keep a secret (秘密を守る) [動] not tell anyone about something

「あなたは秘密を守れないのね。

Never mind, it saves trouble now.”

save trouble (面倒を省く) [動] avoid difficulty or problems

気にしないで、今は面倒が省けたよ。」

“Go on, please,” said Laurie, as Jo became absorbed in her work, looking a trifle displeased.

become absorbed in (没頭する) [動] become deeply interested in

displeased (不機嫌そう) [形] not happy or satisfied

「続けて、お願い」とローリーが言うと、ジョーは自分の仕事に没頭し、少し不機嫌そうに見えた。

“Oh, didn’t she tell you about this new plan of ours?

「ああ、彼女は私たちのこの新しい計画についてあなたに話さなかった?

Well, we have tried not to waste our holiday, but each has had a task and worked at it with a will.

work at (取り組む) [動] try to do or accomplish something

ええ、私たちは休日を無駄にしないように努力してきましたが、それぞれが課題を持ち、意欲的に取り組んできました。

The vacation is nearly over, the stints are all done, and we are ever so glad that we didn’t dawdle.”

over (終わり) [名] the end or finish of something

stint (仕事) [名] a fixed or limited period of work

ever (とても) [副] to a very great degree

休暇はもうすぐ終わり、仕事はすべて終わり、私たちはぐずぐずしなかったことをとても嬉しく思っています。」

“Yes, I should think so,” and Laurie thought regretfully of his own idle days.

think so (そう思う) [動] be of the same opinion

day (日々) [名] a period of time

「そう、そう思うべきだ」とローリーは自分の怠惰な日々を後悔して考えた。

“Mother likes to have us out-of-doors as much as possible, so we bring our work here and have nice times.

as much as possible (できるだけ) [副] to the greatest extent or degree possible

「ママは私たちができるだけ戸外にいることを好むので、私たちはここに仕事を持ってきてもいい時間を過ごします。

For the fun of it we bring our things in these bags, wear the old hats, use poles to climb the hill, and play pilgrims, as we used to do years ago.

for the fun of it (楽しみのために) [句] for the purpose of having fun

楽しみのために、私たちはこれらのバッグに荷物を入れ、古い帽子をかぶり、棒を使って丘を登り、何年も前にしていたように巡礼者を演じます。

We call this hill the Delectable Mountain, for we can look far away and see the country where we hope to live some time.”

Delectable Mountain (デリケートな山) [名] a mountain in the story

look (見渡す) [動] use one's eyes to see

私たちはこの丘をデリケートな山と呼んでいます。遠くを見渡して、いつか住みたいと思っている国を見ることができるからです。」

Jo pointed, and Laurie sat up to examine, for through an opening in the wood one could look cross the wide, blue river, the meadows on the other side, far over the outskirts of the great city, to the green hills that rose to meet the sky.

opening (開口部) [名] a gap or break in a wall, barrier, or defence

meadow (牧草地) [名] a field of grass and wild flowers

far (はるか) [副] a great distance in space or time

outskirts (郊外) [名] the outer parts of a town or city

ジョーは指さし、ローリーは調べるために起き上がった。森の開口部から、広い青い川、反対側の牧草地、大都市の郊外のはるか上、空に向かってそびえる緑の丘を横切って見ることができたからだ。

The sun was low, and the heavens glowed with the splendor of an autumn sunset.

heaven (空) [名] the sky or the universe as seen from the earth

splendor (輝き) [名] magnificence or grandeur

autumn (秋) [名] the season of the year between summer and winter

sunset (夕日) [名] the time in the evening when the sun sets

太陽は低く、空は秋の夕日の輝きで輝いていた。

Gold and purple clouds lay on the hilltops, and rising high into the ruddy light were silvery white peaks that shone like the airy spires of some Celestial City.

hilltop (丘の頂上) [名] the highest point of a hill

ruddy (赤みを帯びた) [形] having a healthy reddish color

silvery (銀色) [形] having a shiny grey color like that of silver

peak (峰) [名] the pointed top of a mountain

Celestial City (天空の都) [名] the final destination of Christians in the afterlife

spire (尖塔) [名] a tall pointed structure on a building, typically a church or cathedral, typically forming a tapering point at the top of a structure

金色と紫色の雲が丘の頂上に横たわり、赤みを帯びた光の中に高くそびえる銀色の白い峰は、天空の都の風通しの良い尖塔のように輝いていた。

“How beautiful that is!” said Laurie softly, for he was quick to see and feel beauty of any kind.

how beautiful (なんて美しい) [形] very beautiful

「なんて美しいんだ!」とローリーはそっと言った。彼はどんな種類の美しさもすぐに見て感じることができたからだ。

“It’s often so, and we like to watch it, for it is never the same, but always splendid,” replied Amy, wishing she could paint it.

「よくあることで、私たちはそれを眺めるのが大好きです。決して同じではありませんが、いつも素晴らしいのです」とエイミーは答え、それを描けたらいいのにと思った。

“Jo talks about the country where we hope to live sometime—the real country, she means, with pigs and chickens and haymaking.

pig (豚) [名] an omnivorous domesticated hoofed mammal with a long snout and a curly tail

chicken (鶏) [名] a domestic fowl kept for its eggs or meat, especially a young one

haymaking (干し草作り) [名] the activity of cutting and drying grass to make hay

「ジョーは私たちがいつの日か住みたいと思っている田舎のことを話しているんです。豚や鶏がいて、干し草を作るような本当の田舎のことですよ。

It would be nice, but I wish the beautiful country up there was real, and we could ever go to it,” said Beth musingly.

いいでしょうけど、あそこの美しい国が本物で、いつか行けたらいいのに」とベスは物思いにふけって言った。

“There is a lovelier country even than that, where we shall go, by-and-by, when we are good enough,” answered Meg with her sweetest voice.

lovelier (もっと素敵な) [形] more beautiful or attractive

「それよりももっと素敵な国があって、私たちが十分に善い人間になったら、いつかそこに行くのよ」とメグは一番優しい声で答えた。

“It seems so long to wait, so hard to do.

「待つには長すぎるし、難しいよ。

I want to fly away at once, as those swallows fly, and go in at that splendid gate.”

fly away (飛び立つ) [動] take off and fly

swallow (ツバメ) [名] a small migratory bird with a forked tail

go in (くぐる) [動] enter

あのツバメのようにすぐに飛び立って、あの素晴らしい門をくぐりたいよ」

“You’ll get there, Beth, sooner or later, no fear of that,” said Jo.

sooner or later (遅かれ早かれ) [副] eventually; at some later time

no fear of that (心配しないで) [動] do not be afraid of that

「ベス、遅かれ早かれそこに着くよ、心配しないで」とジョーは言った。

“I’m the one that will have to fight and work, and climb and wait, and maybe never get in after all.”

get in (入る) [動] go or come in

「戦って働いて、登って待たなければならないのは私で、結局は入れないかもしれない」

“You’ll have me for company, if that’s any comfort.

company (一緒に) [名] the fact of being with another person or other people

「それで気が楽になるなら、私も一緒にいるよ。

I shall have to do a deal of traveling before I come in sight of your Celestial City.

do a deal of (かなりの) [動] do a lot of

traveling (旅) [名] the action of going from one place to another

come in sight of (見える) [動] become visible

あなたの天の都が見えるまでには、かなりの旅をしなければならないだろう。

If I arrive late, you’ll say a good word for me, won’t you, Beth?”

late (遅れて) [副] after the usual or expected time

say a good word (良い言葉をかける) [動] say something positive about someone

私が遅れて到着したら、私のために良い言葉をかけてくれるでしょう、ベス?」

Something in the boy’s face troubled his little friend, but she said cheerfully, with her quiet eyes on the changing clouds, “If people really want to go, and really try all their lives, I think they will get in, for I don’t believe there are any locks on that door or any guards at the gate.

trouble (悩ませる) [動] cause distress to

lock (鍵) [名] a device for fastening a door, window, or container

guard (警備員) [名] a person who guards or watches over something

少年の顔の何かが彼の小さな友人を悩ませたが、彼女は変化する雲を静かな目で見つめながら、「人々が本当に行きたいと思っていて、本当に一生懸命努力すれば、彼らは入ることができると思うよ、なぜなら、私はそのドアに鍵がかかっていたり、門に警備員がいるとは思えないから。

I always imagine it is as it is in the picture, where the shining ones stretch out their hands to welcome poor Christian as he comes up from the river.”

stretch out (差し伸べる) [動] extend one's hand

私はいつも、絵にあるように、輝く者たちが川から上がってくる貧しいクリスチャンを歓迎するために手を差し伸べているところを想像している。」

“Wouldn’t it be fun if all the castles in the air which we make could come true, and we could live in them?”

come true (実現する) [動] happen or become the case

「私たちが作った空中の城がすべて実現して、そこに住むことができたら楽しいでしょうね?」

said Jo, after a little pause.

と、少し間を置いてジョーは言った。

“I’ve made such quantities it would be hard to choose which I’d have,” said Laurie, lying flat and throwing cones at the squirrel who had betrayed him.

quantity (たくさん) [名] a large amount

betray (裏切る) [動] be disloyal to

「私はとてもたくさん作ったので、どれにしようか選ぶのが難しいだろう」とローリーは言い、横になって彼を裏切ったリスに松ぼっくりを投げた。

“You’d have to take your favorite one.

take (選ぶ) [動] choose from a number of possibilities

「一番好きなものを選ばなければならないよ。

What is it?” asked Meg.

何?」とメグは尋ねた。

“If I tell mine, will you tell yours?”

「私が私のを言ったら、あなたはあなたのを言う?」

“Yes, if the girls will too.”

will (言う) [動] express (something) in words

「そう、もし女の子たちも言うなら」

“We will. Now, Laurie.”

「言うよ。さあ、ローリー」

“After I’d seen as much of the world as I want to, I’d like to settle in Germany and have just as much music as I choose.

settle (住み着く) [動] establish oneself in a place

just as much as (だけ) [副] to the extent or degree that

「私が見たいと思うだけ世界を見た後、ドイツに住み着いて、私が選ぶだけ音楽を聴きたいよ。

I’m to be a famous musician myself, and all creation is to rush to hear me.

creation (創造物) [名] something that has been created

私自身も有名な音楽家になって、すべての創造物が私の演奏を聞きに殺到するのよ。

And I’m never to be bothered about money or business, but just enjoy myself and live for what I like.

be bothered about (気にする) [動] be worried or concerned about

そして、お金や仕事のことは気にせず、ただ楽しんで、自分の好きなように生きるのよ。

That’s my favorite castle.

あれは私のお気に入りのお城よ。

What’s yours, Meg?”

あなたのは、メグ?」

Margaret seemed to find it a little hard to tell hers, and waved a brake before her face, as if to disperse imaginary gnats, while she said slowly, “I should like a lovely house, full of all sorts of luxurious things—nice food, pretty clothes, handsome furniture, pleasant people, and heaps of money.

a little hard (少し難しい) [形] somewhat difficult

hers (自分の夢) [代] the one or ones belonging to her

brake (シダ) [名] a fern

disperse (追い払う) [動] distribute or spread about

gnat (ブヨ) [名] a small two-winged fly

マーガレットは自分の夢を語るのが少し難しいようだったので、想像上のブヨを追い払うかのように顔の前でシダを振りながら、ゆっくりと言った。「私は、おいしい食べ物、きれいな服、立派な家具、楽しい人々、そしてたくさんのお金など、あらゆる贅沢なものが揃った素敵な家が欲しいよ。

I am to be mistress of it, and manage it as I like, with plenty of servants, so I never need work a bit.

私はその家の女主人になって、たくさんの召使を抱えて、自分の好きなように管理するのよ。だから、私は少しも働く必要がないよ。

How I should enjoy it!

どんなに楽しいだろう!

For I wouldn’t be idle, but do good, and make everyone love me dearly.”

do good (善いことをすれば) [動] perform charitable acts

だって、私は怠惰にはならないし、善いことをすれば、みんなが私をとても愛してくれるようになるよ。」

“Wouldn’t you have a master for your castle in the air?”

「空中の城の主人はいないのかい?」

asked Laurie slyly.

slyly (ずる賢く) [副] in a cunning or crafty manner

ローリーがずる賢く尋ねた。

“I said ‘pleasant people’, you know,” and Meg carefully tied up her shoe as she spoke, so that no one saw her face.

tie up (結ぶ) [動] fasten or secure with a tie or string

「私は『感じのいい人』って言ったのよ」と言いながら、メグは誰にも顔を見られないように、話しながら靴を注意深く結んだ。

“Why don’t you say you’d have a splendid, wise, good husband and some angelic little children?

angelic (天使のような) [形] extremely beautiful or innocent

「立派で賢くて善良な夫と天使のような子供たちを持つって言えばいいのに。

You know your castle wouldn’t be perfect without,” said blunt Jo, who had no tender fancies yet, and rather scorned romance, except in books.

scorn (軽蔑する) [動] to treat with contempt or disdain

それがなければお城は完璧じゃないでしょう」と、まだ優しい空想を抱いたことがなく、本の中以外ではロマンスを軽蔑している、率直なジョーが言った。

“You’d have nothing but horses, inkstands, and novels in yours,” answered Meg petulantly.

inkstand (インク壺) [名] a stand or container for ink

「あなたのお城には馬とインク壺と小説しかないでしょうね」とメグは不機嫌そうに答えた。

“Wouldn’t I though?

wouldn't I (そうかな) [句] used to express a strong opinion or to ask for confirmation

「そうかな?

I’d have a stable full of Arabian steeds, rooms piled high with books, and I’d write out of a magic inkstand, so that my works should be as famous as Laurie’s music.

Arabian (アラビア) [形] of or relating to Arabia or its people

steed (馬) [名] a horse, especially a spirited one

私のお城にはアラビア馬がいっぱいいる馬小屋と、本が山積みになった部屋があって、魔法のインク壺で書いて、私の作品がローリーの音楽と同じくらい有名になるようにするよ。

I want to do something splendid before I go into my castle, something heroic or wonderful that won’t be forgotten after I’m dead.

go into (入る) [動] move or travel into

heroic (英雄的) [形] having the characteristics of a hero

be forgotten (忘れられる) [動] not be remembered

be dead (死んでいる) [動] no longer alive

私は自分のお城に入る前に何か素晴らしいことをしたい、私が死んだ後も忘れられないような英雄的なことや素晴らしいことをしたい。

I don’t know what, but I’m on the watch for it, and mean to astonish you all some day.

on the watch (探している) [動] be looking for

astonish (驚かせる) [動] surprise greatly

何をするかわからないけど、私はそれを探していて、いつかみんなを驚かせたいと思っている。

I think I shall write books, and get rich and famous, that would suit me, so that is my favorite dream.”

私は本を書いて、金持ちになって有名になると思う、それが私に合っているから、それが私のお気に入りの夢だ。」

“Mine is to stay at home safe with Father and Mother, and help take care of the family,” said Beth contentedly.

safe (安全に) [形] free from danger or risk

「私の夢は、父と母と一緒に家で安全に過ごし、家族の世話を手伝うこと」とベスは満足そうに言った。

“Don’t you wish for anything else?” asked Laurie.

「他に何か望むことはないのか?」とローリーは尋ねた。

“Since I had my little piano, I am perfectly satisfied.

have (買ってもらう) [動] own or possess

「小さなピアノを買ってもらってから、私はとても満足している。

I only wish we may all keep well and be together, nothing else.”

keep well (元気でいる) [動] be in good health

be together (一緒にいる) [動] be in the company of each other

nothing else (それ以外は何も) [名] no other thing

みんなが元気で一緒にいられることだけを願っている、それ以外は何も。」

“I have ever so many wishes, but the pet one is to be an artist, and go to Rome, and do fine pictures, and be the best artist in the whole world,” was Amy’s modest desire.

so many (たくさんの) [形] a large number of

pet (一番の) [形] favorite

whole world (世界一) [名] the earth and all the people on it

「私はこれまでにたくさんの願い事があるけど、一番の願いは芸術家になって、ローマに行って、素晴らしい絵を描いて、世界一の芸術家になること」というのがエイミーのささやかな願いだった。

“We’re an ambitious set, aren’t we?

「私たちは野心的な集団だね。

Every one of us, but Beth, wants to be rich and famous, and gorgeous in every respect.

every one of (みんな) [名] each person in a group

want (なりたい) [動] wish or hope for

gorgeous (ゴージャス) [形] very beautiful or attractive

ベス以外はみんな、金持ちで有名になって、あらゆる点でゴージャスになりたいと思っている。

I do wonder if any of us will ever get our wishes,” said Laurie, chewing grass like a meditative calf.

chew (噛む) [動] bite and work (food) in the mouth with the teeth, especially to make it easier to swallow

meditative (瞑想する) [形] involving or absorbed in meditation

calf (子牛) [名] a young cow or bull

私たちの誰かが願いを叶えることができるのか、本当に不思議だ」とローリーは瞑想する子牛のように草を噛みながら言った。

“I’ve got the key to my castle in the air, but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen,” observed Jo mysteriously.

unlock (開けられる) [動] open the lock of

remain to be seen (わからない) [動] be yet to be decided or determined

observe (言った) [動] say or remark

mysteriously (謎めいたように) [副] in a way that is difficult or impossible to understand

「私は空中の城の鍵を手に入れたけれど、ドアの鍵を開けられるかどうかはわからない」とジョーは謎めいたように言った。

“I’ve got the key to mine, but I’m not allowed to try it.

「私は私の鍵を手に入れたけれど、試すことは許されていない。

Hang college!” muttered Laurie with an impatient sigh.

hang (くそくらえ) [動] be damned

大学なんてくそくらえ!」とローリーは焦れたようにため息をつきながらつぶやいた。

“Here’s mine!”

「これが私の!」

and Amy waved her pencil.

とエイミーは鉛筆を振った。

“I haven’t got any,” said Meg forlornly.

forlornly (悲しそうに) [副] in a sad, lonely, or abandoned way

「私は何も持っていないよ」とメグは悲しそうに言った。

“Yes, you have,” said Laurie at once.

「いいえ、持っているよ」とローリーはすぐに言った。

“Where?”

「どこに?」

“In your face.”

in your face (顔に) [名] in a direct or forceful way

「顔に」

“Nonsense, that’s of no use.”

of no use (役に立たない) [形] not useful or helpful

「ばかげたことを言わないで、そんなの役に立たない」

“Wait and see if it doesn’t bring you something worth having,” replied the boy, laughing at the thought of a charming little secret which he fancied he knew.

wait and see (待ってみて) [動] wait to see what happens

something worth having (何か価値のあるもの) [名] something that is worth having

thought (思い出して) [名] the action or process of thinking

「待ってみて、それが君に何か価値のあるものをもたらさないか見てみろ」と少年は答え、自分が知っていると思っている魅力的な小さな秘密を思い出して笑った。

Meg colored behind the brake, but asked no questions and looked across the river with the same expectant expression which Mr. Brooke had worn when he told the story of the knight.

brake (ブレーキ) [名] a device for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle

with (浮かべて) [前] having or showing

メグはブレーキの後ろで顔を赤らめたが、何も尋ねず、ブルック氏が騎士の話を語ったときに浮かべていた期待に満ちた表情で川の向こうを眺めた。

“If we are all alive ten years hence, let’s meet, and see how many of us have got our wishes, or how much nearer we are then than now,” said Jo, always ready with a plan.

ten years (10年) [名] a period of ten years

hence (後) [副] from now

got (叶えた) [動] obtain or receive

「もし10年後もみんな生きていたら、会って、何人が願いを叶えたか、あるいは今よりもどれだけ近づいたかを見てみましょう」と、いつも計画の準備ができているジョーは言った。

“Bless me! How old I shall be, twenty-seven!” exclaimed Meg, who felt grown up already, having just reached seventeen.

bless me (なんてことだ) [他] an expression of surprise

twenty-seven (27歳) [名] the number 27

grown up (大人) [名] a fully developed person

「なんてことだ! 私は何歳になるんだろう、27歳!」と、17歳になったばかりですでに大人になった気分のメグは叫んだ。

“You and I will be twenty-six, Teddy, Beth twenty-four, and Amy twenty-two.

twenty-six (26歳) [名] the number 26

twenty-two (22歳) [名] the number 22

「君と私は26歳、テディ、ベスは24歳、エイミーは22歳になる。

What a venerable party!” said Jo.

venerable (立派な) [形] deserving respect because of age, wisdom, or character

なんて立派なパーティーだ!」とジョーは言った。

“I hope I shall have done something to be proud of by that time, but I’m such a lazy dog, I’m afraid I shall dawdle, Jo.”

shall have done (しているだろう) [助] will have done

by that time (その時までには) [副] by a particular time

「その時までには何か誇れるようなことをしていたいんだけど、私は怠け者だから、ぐずぐずしてしまうんじゃないかと心配なんだ、ジョー」

“You need a motive, Mother says, and when you get it, she is sure you’ll work splendidly.”

motive (動機) [名] a reason for doing something

「あなたには動機が必要だ、とママは言っているよ、そしてそれを手に入れたら、あなたは素晴らしい仕事をするだろうと確信しているよ」

“Is she? By Jupiter, I will, if I only get the chance!” cried Laurie, sitting up with sudden energy.

by Jupiter (確かに) [間] an exclamation of surprise or wonder

get the chance (チャンスを得る) [動] have the opportunity to do something

「そうなのか? チャンスさえあれば、私はそうするよ!」とローリーは叫び、突然のエネルギーで起き上がった。

“I ought to be satisfied to please Grandfather, and I do try, but it’s working against the grain, you see, and comes hard.

be satisfied (満足する) [動] be happy with

work against the grain (性に合わない) [動] be against one's nature

come hard (難しい) [動] be difficult

「おじいちゃんを喜ばせることに満足するべきだし、努力はしているんだけど、それが性に合わないんだよ、難しいんだ。

He wants me to be an India merchant, as he was, and I’d rather be shot.

India (インド) [名] a country in South Asia

merchant (商人) [名] a person who buys and sells goods in large quantities

be shot (撃たれる) [動] be hit by a bullet or other projectile

彼は私に彼がそうだったようにインド商人になってほしいと思っているが、私は撃たれた方がましだ。

I hate tea and silk and spices, and every sort of rubbish his old ships bring, and I don’t care how soon they go to the bottom when I own them.

spice (香辛料) [名] an aromatic or pungent vegetable substance used to flavor food

ship (船) [名] a large vessel for traveling on water

bring (運んでくる) [動] take or carry with oneself

own (所有する) [動] have or possess

私はお茶や絹や香辛料、そして彼の古い船が運んでくるあらゆる種類のゴミが大嫌いで、私がそれらを所有したときにどれだけ早く底に沈むかなんて気にしない。

Going to college ought to satisfy him, for if I give him four years he ought to let me off from the business.

four years (4年間) [名] a period of four years

let off (解放する) [動] release from a duty or responsibility

大学に行くことで彼を満足させられるはずだ、私が彼に4年間を与えれば、彼は私を商売から解放してくれるはずだ。

But he’s set, and I’ve got to do just as he did, unless I break away and please myself, as my father did.

set (決めている) [動] decide or agree on something in advance

break away (逃げ出す) [動] escape or leave suddenly

please (好きなようにする) [動] do or have what one wants

しかし、彼は決めているし、私が父のように逃げ出して自分の好きなようにしない限り、私は彼がしたようにしなければならない。

If there was anyone left to stay with the old gentleman, I’d do it tomorrow.”

もしあの老紳士のそばに残って面倒を見る人がいれば、私は明日にでもそうするだろう。」

Laurie spoke excitedly, and looked ready to carry his threat into execution on the slightest provocation, for he was growing up very fast and, in spite of his indolent ways, had a young man’s hatred of subjection, a young man’s restless longing to try the world for himself.

speak excitedly (興奮して話す) [動] talk in an agitated manner

look ready (準備ができているように見える) [動] appear to be prepared

carry into execution (実行に移す) [動] put into effect

slightest provocation (少しの挑発) [名] a minor irritation or annoyance

hatred (嫌悪感) [名] intense dislike

subjection (服従) [名] the state of being under the control of another person or group

ローリーは興奮して話し、少しでも挑発されれば脅迫を実行に移す準備ができているように見えた、というのも彼は非常に成長が早く、怠惰な態度にもかかわらず、若者らしい服従への嫌悪感と、自分のために世界に挑戦したいという若者らしい落ち着きのない憧れがあったからだ。

“I advise you to sail away in one of your ships, and never come home again till you have tried your own way,” said Jo, whose imagination was fired by the thought of such a daring exploit, and whose sympathy was excited by what she called ‘Teddy’s Wrongs’.

sail away (出航する) [動] leave a port

whose (その) [関] of whom or which

imagination (想像力) [名] the ability to form new images and ideas in the mind

was fired (かきたてられた) [動] be dismissed from a job

exploit (冒険) [名] a bold or daring feat

was excited (抱いた) [動] be very enthusiastic about something

Teddy's Wrongs (テディの不当な扱い) [名] a reference to the fact that Teddy is being treated unfairly

「私はあなたに、あなたの船の1つで出航して、自分の道を試すまで二度と家に帰らないことを勧めるよ」と、そのような大胆な冒険の考えに想像力をかきたてられ、彼女が「テディの不当な扱い」と呼ぶものに同情を抱いたジョーは言った。

“That’s not right, Jo. You mustn’t talk in that way, and Laurie mustn’t take your bad advice.

「それは正しくない、ジョー。そんな風に話してはいけないし、ローリーはあなたの悪いアドバイスを聞いちゃいけないよ。

You should do just what your grandfather wishes, my dear boy,” said Meg in her most maternal tone.

あなたはおじいさまの望むことをすべきよ、私の愛する少年」とメグは最も母性的な口調で言った。

“Do your best at college, and when he sees that you try to please him, I’m sure he won’t be hard on you or unjust to you.

unjust (不当な) [形] not just or fair

「大学でベストを尽くして、あなたが彼を喜ばせようとしているのを見たら、彼はあなたに厳しくしたり、不当に扱ったりしないよ。

As you say, there is no one else to stay with and love him, and you’d never forgive yourself if you left him without his permission.

as you say (あなたが言うように) [副] in the way that you have just said

permission (許可) [名] the action of officially allowing someone to do, use, or have something

あなたが言うように、彼と一緒にいて彼を愛する人は他にいないし、彼の許可なしに彼を置き去りにしたら、あなたは自分を許すことはできないよ。

Don’t be dismal or fret, but do your duty and you’ll get your reward, as good Mr. Brooke has, by being respected and loved.”

respected (尊敬される) [動] admire (someone or something) deeply, as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements

loved (愛される) [動] feel a deep or constant affection for (a person)

悲観的になったり、イライラしたりしないで、自分の義務を果たせば、尊敬され愛されることで、善良なブルック氏がそうであるように、報われるよ。」

“What do you know about him?” asked Laurie, grateful for the good advice, but objecting to the lecture, and glad to turn the conversation from himself after his unusual outbreak.

object (反対する) [動] express opposition to or disapproval of

conversation (話題) [名] informal talk involving two people or a small group of people

outbreak (爆発) [名] a sudden occurrence of something unwelcome

「彼について何を知っているの?」とローリーは尋ね、良いアドバイスに感謝したが、説教には反対し、珍しい感情の爆発の後で自分から話題をそらすことを喜んだ。

“Only what your grandpa told us about him, how he took good care of his own mother till she died, and wouldn’t go abroad as tutor to some nice person because he wouldn’t leave her.

leave (置いていく) [動] to go away from a place or person

「あなたのおじいちゃんが彼について話してくれたことだけよ、彼が自分の母親が亡くなるまでよく世話をしていたこと、そして彼女を置いていかないので、誰か素敵な人のところへ家庭教師として海外に行かなかったこと。

And how he provides now for an old woman who nursed his mother, and never tells anyone, but is just as generous and patient and good as he can be.”

provide (養う) [動] supply or furnish with

nurse (看病する) [動] care for a sick or infirm person

just (できる限り) [副] exactly; precisely

そして、彼が今、母親を看病した老婦人を養っていること、誰にも言わずに、できる限り寛大で忍耐強く、善良であること。」

“So he is, dear old fellow!” said Laurie heartily, as Meg paused, looking flushed and earnest with her story.

so he is (そう、彼はそうさ) [句] an expression of agreement

dear old fellow (親愛なる古い友人) [名] a person that one knows well and likes

flushed (顔を赤らめる) [形] red in the face

「そう、彼はそうさ、親愛なる古い友人!」とローリーは心から言い、メグは話をしながら顔を赤らめ、真剣な顔で立ち止まった。

“It’s like Grandpa to find out all about him without letting him know, and to tell all his goodness to others, so that they might like him.

let know (知らせる) [動] inform

「彼に知られずに彼のことをすべて調べて、彼の善良さを他の人に伝えて、彼を好きになってもらうのは、おじいちゃんらしいことだ。

Brooke couldn’t understand why your mother was so kind to him, asking him over with me and treating him in her beautiful friendly way.

couldn't understand (理解できませんでした) [動] be unable to understand

ask over (招待する) [動] invite

ブルックは、なぜあなたのお母さんが彼にそんなに親切で、私と一緒に彼を招待し、彼女の美しい友好的な方法で彼を扱ったのか理解できませんでした。

He thought she was just perfect, and talked about it for days and days, and went on about you all in flaming style.

flaming (熱烈な) [形] very bright or hot

彼は彼女が完璧だと思い、何日も何日もそのことについて話し、あなたたちのことを熱烈に語り続けました。

If ever I do get my wish, you see what I’ll do for Brooke.”

get one's wish (願いが叶う) [動] have one's wish come true

do for (〜のためにする) [動] do something for someone or something

もし私の願いが叶ったら、ブルックのために何をするか見てください。」

“Begin to do something now by not plaguing his life out,” said Meg sharply.

begin to do (始める) [動] start doing

out (悩ませる) [動] cause to suffer

「彼の人生を悩ませないことから始めなさい」とメグはきっぱりと言った。

“How do you know I do, Miss?”

「私がそうしていることをどうやって知ったのですか?」

“I can always tell by his face when he goes away.

tell (わかる) [動] be able to know or understand something

「彼が去るときの顔でいつもわかるよ。

If you have been good, he looks satisfied and walks briskly.

look satisfied (満足そうに見える) [動] appear to be happy with something

walk briskly (元気に歩く) [動] walk quickly and with energy

あなたがいい子にしていたなら、彼は満足そうに元気に歩いていく。

If you have plagued him, he’s sober and walks slowly, as if he wanted to go back and do his work better.”

あなたが彼を悩ませていたら、彼は真面目な顔でゆっくりと歩いていく、まるで戻って仕事をもっとうまくやりたいと思っているかのように。」

“Well, I like that?

「まあ、それはいいよね?

So you keep an account of my good and bad marks in Brooke’s face, do you?

keep an account of (記録する) [動] make a record of

good mark (良い点) [名] a positive evaluation

bad mark (悪い点) [名] a negative evaluation

だからあなたはブルックの顔で私の良い点と悪い点を記録しているのね?

I see him bow and smile as he passes your window, but I didn’t know you’d got up a telegraph.”

get up (受け取る) [動] receive

彼があなたの窓の前を通るときに頭を下げて微笑むのを見かけるけど、あなたが電報を受け取ったなんて知らなかったよ。」

“We haven’t. Don’t be angry, and oh, don’t tell him I said anything!

be angry (怒る) [動] feel or show anger

「私たちはそうしていないよ。怒らないで、ああ、私が何か言ったなんて彼に言わないで!

It was only to show that I cared how you get on, and what is said here is said in confidence, you know,” cried Meg, much alarmed at the thought of what might follow from her careless speech.

confidence (内緒) [名] a feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities

alarmed (心配になる) [形] feeling or showing fear or worry

speech (発言) [名] the expression of or the ability to express thoughts and feelings by articulate sounds

私があなたのことを気にかけているということを示すためだけだったし、ここで話されたことは内緒にされるよ、知ってるでしょ」とメグは叫び、自分の軽率な発言から何が起こるか考えてとても心配になった。

“I don’t tell tales,” replied Laurie, with his ‘high and mighty’ air, as Jo called a certain expression which he occasionally wore.

tell tales (告げ口をする) [動] to report the wrongdoings of others

high and mighty (高慢で横柄な) [形] arrogant and domineering

wear (見せる) [動] to have or show a particular expression on one's face

「私は告げ口はしない」とローリーは、ジョーが彼が時折見せるある表情を呼ぶように、「高慢で横柄な」態度で答えた。

“Only if Brooke is going to be a thermometer, I must mind and have fair weather for him to report.”

only if (なら) [接] on the condition that; provided that

thermometer (温度計) [名] an instrument for measuring temperature

fair (良い) [形] of major significance or importance

「ブルックが温度計になるなら、私は彼が報告するのに良い天気でなければいけないよ」

“Please don’t be offended.

「どうか気を悪くしないで。

I didn’t mean to preach or tell tales or be silly.

tale (告げ口) [名] a report of a happening or event

説教したり、告げ口したり、馬鹿げたことを言うつもりはなかったの。

I only thought Jo was encouraging you in a feeling which you’d be sorry for by-and-by.

ジョーが、あなたが後で後悔するような気持ちにあなたを駆り立てているだけだと思ったのよ。

You are so kind to us, we feel as if you were our brother and say just what we think.

あなたは私たちにとても親切で、私たちはあなたを兄のように感じ、思っていることをそのまま言うの。

Forgive me, I meant it kindly.”

許して、親切心で言ったのよ」

And Meg offered her hand with a gesture both affectionate and timid.

そしてメグは愛情深くも臆病な仕草で手を差し出した。

Ashamed of his momentary pique, Laurie squeezed the kind little hand, and said frankly, “I’m the one to be forgiven.

pique (感情に駆られる) [名] a feeling of annoyance and slight anger

一時の感情に駆られたことを恥じて、ローリーは優しい小さな手を握りしめて、率直に言った、「許されるべきなのは私の方だ。

I’m cross and have been out of sorts all day.

私は不機嫌で、一日中調子が悪かった。

I like to have you tell me my faults and be sisterly, so don’t mind if I am grumpy sometimes.

have (指摘して) [動] cause to be, do, or occur

sisterly (姉妹らしく) [形] like a sister

私の欠点を指摘して姉妹らしくしてくれるのは嬉しいから、私が時々不機嫌でも気にしないで。

I thank you all the same.”

all the same (それでも) [副] nevertheless; even so

それでもありがとう。」

Bent on showing that he was not offended, he made himself as agreeable as possible, wound cotton for Meg, recited poetry to please Jo, shook down cones for Beth, and helped Amy with her ferns, proving himself a fit person to belong to the ‘Busy Bee Society’.

offended (気を悪くする) [動] to cause someone to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful

recite (暗唱する) [動] to repeat aloud from memory

belong (所属する) [動] to be a member of a group or organization

society (協会) [名] a group of people who share a common interest or purpose

彼は気を悪くしていないことを示そうと、できるだけ愛想よく振る舞い、メグのために綿を巻き、ジョーを喜ばせるために詩を暗唱し、ベスのために松ぼっくりを落とし、エイミーのシダの世話を手伝い、「働きバチ協会」に所属するにふさわしい人物であることを証明した。

In the midst of an animated discussion on the domestic habits of turtles (one of those amiable creatures having strolled up from the river), the faint sound of a bell warned them that Hannah had put the tea ‘to draw’, and they would just have time to get home to supper.

animated (活発な) [形] full of life or excitement

domestic (家庭での) [形] relating to a person's home or family

habit (習慣) [名] a settled or regular tendency or practice

turtle (カメ) [名] a reptile with a hard shell that lives partly in water and partly on land

one of (一つ) [名] a particular thing or person belonging to a group

those (それらの) [限] the

amiable (愛すべき) [形] friendly and pleasant

up (上流) [副] toward a higher place or position

faint (かすかな) [形] lacking in strength or brightness

warn (知らせる) [動] inform someone in advance of something

draw (淹れる) [動] cause to move or be moved in a specified way

have time (時間がある) [動] have enough time to do something

カメ(愛すべき生き物の一つが川から歩いてきた)の家庭での習慣について活発に議論している最中に、かすかなベルの音がハンナがお茶を「淹れた」ことを知らせ、夕食に間に合うように家に帰る時間になった。

“May I come again?” asked Laurie.

「また来てもいいかな?」とローリーは尋ねた。

“Yes, if you are good, and love your book, as the boys in the primer are told to do,” said Meg, smiling.

primer (教科書) [名] a book that teaches the basic elements of a subject

be told to do (するように言われる) [動] be instructed to do something

「いいよ、もしあなたがいい子で、教科書の男の子たちがそうするように本を愛するなら」とメグは微笑みながら言った。

“I’ll try.”

「努力するよ」

“Then you may come, and I’ll teach you to knit as the Scotchmen do.

Scotchman (スコットランド人) [名] a native or inhabitant of Scotland

「それなら来てもいいよ、スコットランド人のように編み物を教えてあげる。

There’s a demand for socks just now,” added Jo, waving hers like a big blue worsted banner as they parted at the gate.

demand (需要) [名] the desire for a particular good or service

worsted (毛糸) [名] a smooth, hard-wearing yarn made from long-staple wool

banner (旗) [名] a strip of cloth with a design or slogan

今は靴下が求められているのよ」と付け加えて、門で別れる時に大きな青い毛糸の旗のように自分の靴下を振った。

That night, when Beth played to Mr. Laurence in the twilight, Laurie, standing in the shadow of the curtain, listened to the little David, whose simple music always quieted his moody spirit, and watched the old man, who sat with his gray head on his hand, thinking tender thoughts of the dead child he had loved so much.

little David (小さなダビデ) [名] a reference to the biblical story of David and Goliath

quiet (静める) [動] make or become silent or still

gray (白髪) [形] of the color intermediate between black and white, as of ashes or an overcast sky

その夜、ベスが夕暮れ時にローレンス氏のために演奏した時、ローリーはカーテンの影に立って、いつも彼の不機嫌な精神を静めるシンプルな音楽を奏でる小さなダビデに耳を傾け、白髪頭を手に載せて座り、とても愛していた亡き子供を優しく想う老人を眺めていた。

Remembering the conversation of the afternoon, the boy said to himself, with the resolve to make the sacrifice cheerfully, “I’ll let my castle go, and stay with the dear old gentleman while he needs me, for I am all he has.”

resolve (決意) [名] a firm determination to do something

午後の会話を思い出して、少年は元気に犠牲を払う決意を抱いて、「城は諦めて、私を必要としている間は親愛なる老紳士と一緒にいよう、だって私は彼のすべてなんだから」と独り言を言った。

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: SECRETS

CHAPTER FOURTEEN (第十四章) [名] the fourteenth chapter

SECRETS (秘密) [名] something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others

第十四章: 秘密

Jo was very busy in the garret, for the October days began to grow chilly, and the afternoons were short.

chilly (肌寒い) [形] somewhat cold

ジョーは屋根裏部屋でとても忙しかった、というのも十月の日々は肌寒くなり始め、午後が短かったからだ。

For two or three hours the sun lay warmly in the high window, showing Jo seated on the old sofa, writing busily, with her papers spread out upon a trunk before her, while Scrabble, the pet rat, promenaded the beams overhead, accompanied by his oldest son, a fine young fellow, who was evidently very proud of his whiskers.

two or three hours (二、三時間) [名] a period of time

high window (高い窓) [名] a window that is high up

seat (座る) [動] be in or assume a sitting position

Scrabble (スクラブル) [名] the name of a person

rat (ネズミ) [名] a small rodent that typically has a pointed snout, a long sparsely haired tail, and a high breeding rate

promenade (散歩する) [動] walk in a leisurely manner

beam (梁) [名] a long piece of squared timber or metal used in construction

overhead (頭上) [副] above one's head

accompany (連れて) [動] go with someone as a companion or escort

oldest son (長男) [名] the eldest son

fine young fellow (立派な若い仲間) [名] a young man who is handsome and well-built

whisker (ひげ) [名] a long projecting hair or bristle growing from the face or snout of an animal

二、三時間、太陽は高い窓に暖かく差し込み、ジョーは古いソファに座って、目の前のトランクの上に紙を広げて忙しく書き物をしている姿を見せ、一方でペットのネズミのスクラブルは、明らかに自分のひげをとても誇りに思っている立派な若い仲間の長男を連れて、頭上の梁を散歩していた。

Quite absorbed in her work, Jo scribbled away till the last page was filled, when she signed her name with a flourish and threw down her pen, exclaiming...

absorb (没頭する) [動] take up the attention or interest of

scribble (走り書きする) [動] write or draw carelessly or hurriedly

仕事に没頭したジョーは、最後のページが埋まるまで走り書きし、自分の名前をサインしてペンを投げ捨て、叫んだ。

“There, I’ve done my best!

「ほら、ベストを尽くしたよ!

If this won’t suit I shall have to wait till I can do better.”

これでダメなら、もっとうまくできるまで待たなくちゃいけないよ。」

Lying back on the sofa, she read the manuscript carefully through, making dashes here and there, and putting in many exclamation points, which looked like little balloons.

lie back (横になる) [動] to be in a resting position

dash (ダッシュ) [名] a punctuation mark used to indicate a break in a sentence

put in (入れる) [動] to place or insert something into something else

exclamation point (感嘆符) [名] a punctuation mark used to show strong feeling

ソファに横になって、彼女は原稿を注意深く読み、あちこちにダッシュを入れ、小さな風船のような感嘆符をたくさん入れた。

Then she tied it up with a smart red ribbon, and sat a minute looking at it with a sober, wistful expression, which plainly showed how earnest her work had been.

それから彼女はそれを素敵な赤いリボンで結び、しばらく座ってそれを真面目で物欲しそうな表情で眺めていた。それは彼女の仕事がいかに真剣だったかをはっきりと示していた。

Jo’s desk up here was an old tin kitchen which hung against the wall.

ジョーの机は、壁に掛けられた古いブリキの台所だった。

In it she kept her papers, and a few books, safely shut away from Scrabble, who, being likewise of a literary turn, was fond of making a circulating library of such books as were left in his way by eating the leaves.

paper (書類) [名] a material made of pressed fibers

safely (安全に) [副] in a safe manner

shut away (隔離する) [動] keep away from others

likewise (同様に) [副] in a similar manner

turn (趣味) [名] a special ability or skill

circulating library (回覧図書館) [名] a library that lends books for a fee

彼女はその中に書類や数冊の本を保管していたが、スクラブルから安全に隔離されていた。スクラブルも同様に文学的な趣味を持っており、葉っぱを食べることで道に残された本を回覧図書館にするのが好きだった。

From this tin receptacle Jo produced another manuscript, and putting both in her pocket, crept quietly downstairs, leaving her friends to nibble on her pens and taste her ink.

tin receptacle (ブリキの容器) [名] a container made of tin

produce (取り出す) [動] bring out into view

nibble (かじる) [動] bite or chew gently or bit by bit

このブリキの容器からジョーは別の原稿を取り出し、両方をポケットに入れて、静かに階下に忍び寄り、友人たちにペンをかじったり、インクを味わったりさせた。

She put on her hat and jacket as noiselessly as possible, and going to the back entry window, got out upon the roof of a low porch, swung herself down to the grassy bank, and took a roundabout way to the road.

jacket (上着) [名] a short coat

grassy (草むらの) [形] covered with grass

bank (土手) [名] the land alongside or sloping down to a river or lake

roundabout (遠回り) [名] a road junction at which traffic streams circularly around a central island to reach one of the roads radiating from it

彼女はできるだけ音を立てずに帽子と上着を着て、裏口の窓に行き、低いポーチの屋根に出て、草むらの土手まで降り、遠回りして道に出た。

Once there, she composed herself, hailed a passing omnibus, and rolled away to town, looking very merry and mysterious.

once (着くと) [副] as soon as

compose (落ち着きを取り戻す) [動] to make up the whole of

hail (呼び止める) [動] to greet or attract the attention of

omnibus (乗合馬車) [名] a large bus

roll (走り去る) [動] to move by turning over and over

town (街) [名] a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city

そこに着くと、彼女は落ち着きを取り戻し、通り過ぎる乗合馬車を呼び止め、とても陽気で神秘的な様子で街へと走り去った。

If anyone had been watching her, he would have thought her movements decidedly peculiar, for on alighting, she went off at a great pace till she reached a certain number in a certain busy street.

movement (動き) [名] an act of moving

alight (降りる) [動] get off a train, bus, or other form of public transportation

go off (歩いて行く) [動] leave or depart

great pace (大急ぎ) [名] a fast speed

certain (ある) [形] particular but not further defined

busy (にぎやかな) [形] full of activity or people

もし誰かが彼女を見ていたら、彼女の動きは明らかに奇妙だと思っただろう。降りると、彼女はあるにぎやかな通りのある番地に着くまで大急ぎで歩いて行った。

Having found the place with some difficulty, she went into the doorway, looked up the dirty stairs, and after standing stock still a minute, suddenly dived into the street and walked away as rapidly as she came.

have difficulty (苦労する) [動] have trouble doing something

doorway (戸口) [名] an entrance to a room through a door

stair (階段) [名] a set of steps leading up or down from one level to another

stand stock still (じっと立つ) [動] remain motionless

dive (飛び込む) [動] jump or plunge into water

rapidly (足早に) [副] quickly

苦労してその場所を見つけると、彼女は戸口に入り、汚れた階段を見上げ、一分ほどじっと立った後、突然通りに飛び込み、来た時と同じように足早に歩き去った。

This maneuver she repeated several times, to the great amusement of a black-eyed young gentleman lounging in the window of a building opposite.

maneuver (行動) [名] a movement or series of moves requiring skill and care

several times (何度か) [副] more than once

great amusement (大いに楽しませる) [名] a lot of fun

black-eyed (黒い目の) [形] having black eyes

young gentleman (若い紳士) [名] a young man who is well mannered, courteous, or honorable

彼女はこの行動を何度か繰り返し、向かいの建物の窓でくつろいでいた黒い目の若い紳士を大いに楽しませた。

On returning for the third time, Jo gave herself a shake, pulled her hat over her eyes, and walked up the stairs, looking as if she were going to have all her teeth out.

on returning (戻ると) [動] go or come back to a place

give oneself a shake (身震いする) [動] tremble or shiver

pull (かぶる) [動] move something into a specified position

have out (抜く) [動] extract or remove

三度目に戻ると、ジョーは身震いして、帽子を目深にかぶり、まるで歯を全部抜きに行くかのような様子で階段を上った。

There was a dentist’s sign, among others, which adorned the entrance, and after staring a moment at the pair of artificial jaws which slowly opened and shut to draw attention to a fine set of teeth, the young gentleman put on his coat, took his hat, and went down to post himself in the opposite doorway, saying with a smile and a shiver, “It’s like her to come alone, but if she has a bad time she’ll need someone to help her home.”

among others (とりわけ) [副] especially

adorn (飾る) [動] to be an attractive addition to

entrance (入り口) [名] an opening allowing access and vision

artificial (人工の) [形] made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally

jaw (顎) [名] the lower part of the face below the mouth

draw attention to (注意を引く) [動] to cause someone to notice something

go down (降りる) [動] to move from a higher to a lower place

post oneself (陣取る) [動] to take up a position

opposite (向かいの) [形] facing each other

have a bad time (具合が悪くなる) [動] to experience difficulties or problems

入り口には歯医者の看板があり、歯の並びの美しさに注意を引くためにゆっくりと開閉する人工の顎をしばらく見つめた後、若い紳士はコートを着て帽子をかぶり、向かいの戸口に陣取るために降りて行き、笑顔で震えながら言った、「一人で来るのは彼女らしいが、もし具合が悪くなったら、誰かが家まで送ってあげる必要があるだろう。」

In ten minutes Jo came running downstairs with a very red face and the general appearance of a person who had just passed through a trying ordeal of some sort.

ten minutes (10分) [名] a period of time equal to 600 seconds

very red face (真っ赤な顔) [名] a face that is very red

general appearance (様子) [名] the way that someone or something looks

just passed through (くぐり抜けたばかり) [動] go through or across

trying ordeal (大変な試練) [名] a difficult or painful experience, especially a prolonged one

10分後、ジョーは真っ赤な顔で階段を駆け下りてきて、何か大変な試練をくぐり抜けたばかりのような様子だった。

When she saw the young gentleman she looked anything but pleased, and passed him with a nod.

pleased (嬉しそう) [形] feeling or showing pleasure or satisfaction

若い紳士を見たとき、彼女は嬉しそうには見えず、会釈して彼の前を通り過ぎた。

But he followed, asking with an air of sympathy, “Did you have a bad time?”

bad time (具合が悪くなる) [名] an unpleasant or unenjoyable experience

しかし彼は後を追い、同情の態度で尋ねた、「具合が悪くなったの?」

“Not very.”

not very (それほどでも) [副] to no great extent; not much

「それほどでも。」

“You got through quickly.”

get through (終わる) [動] finish

「すぐに終わったね。」

“Yes, thank goodness!”

「そう、よかった!」

“Why did you go alone?”

「どうして一人で行ったんだ?」

“Didn’t want anyone to know.”

「誰にも知られたくなかった。」

“You’re the oddest fellow I ever saw.

「君は私が今まで見た中で一番変わった奴だ。

How many did you have out?”

how many (何本) [名] the number of

have out (抜いた) [動] have something removed

何本抜いたんだ?」

Jo looked at her friend as if she did not understand him, then began to laugh as if mightily amused at something.

mightily (とても) [副] to a great extent or degree

ジョーは彼を理解できないかのように友人を見つめ、それから何かをとても面白がっているかのように笑い始めた。

“There are two which I want to have come out, but I must wait a week.”

want to have (抜いてほしい) [動] wish to have

「抜いてほしい歯が二本あるけど、一週間待たなくちゃいけない。」

“What are you laughing at?

「何を笑っているんだ?

You are up to some mischief, Jo,” said Laurie, looking mystified.

be up to (考えている) [動] be doing or planning something

mystified (困惑した) [形] confused or puzzled

何かいたずらを考えているな、ジョー」とローリーは困惑した様子で言った。

“So are you. What were you doing, sir, up in that billiard saloon?”

billiard saloon (ビリヤード場) [名] a place where billiards is played

「あなたもそうよ。あのビリヤード場では、何をしていたんですか?」

“Begging your pardon, ma’am, it wasn’t a billiard saloon, but a gymnasium, and I was taking a lesson in fencing.”

beg one's pardon (失礼ですが) [動] ask someone to forgive you for something

gymnasium (体育館) [名] a place where people do physical exercise

take a lesson (レッスンを受ける) [動] learn something by being taught

fencing (フェンシング) [名] the sport of fighting with swords

「失礼ですが、奥様、あれはビリヤード場ではなく、体育館で、私はフェンシングのレッスンを受けていました」

“I’m glad of that.”

「それはよかった」

“Why?”

「なぜ?」

“You can teach me, and then when we play Hamlet, you can be Laertes, and we’ll make a fine thing of the fencing scene.”

Hamlet (ハムレット) [名] a tragedy by William Shakespeare

Laertes (レアティーズ) [名] a character in Hamlet

「私に教えてくれるでしょう、そしてハムレットを演じる時、あなたはレアティーズ役をしてくれれば、フェンシングのシーンをうまくやれるでしょう」

Laurie burst out with a hearty boy’s laugh, which made several passers-by smile in spite of themselves.

burst out (上げ) [動] to suddenly and loudly express a strong emotion

hearty (元気な) [形] strong and healthy

passer-by (通りがかりの人) [名] a person who is walking past a place

ローリーは少年らしい元気な笑い声を上げ、通りがかりの何人かの人々も思わず笑顔になった。

“I’ll teach you whether we play Hamlet or not.

「ハムレットを演じようが演じまいが、君に教えるよ。

It’s grand fun and will straighten you up capitally.

grand (とても) [形] very good or impressive

straighten (良くなる) [動] make or become straight

とても楽しいし、君の姿勢も見違えるほど良くなるよ。

But I don’t believe that was your only reason for saying ‘I’m glad’ in that decided way, was it now?”

decided (決然と) [形] having made a decision and being determined not to change it

でも、それがあなたがあんなに決然と「よかった」と言った唯一の理由ではないと思うけど、そうだった?」

“No, I was glad that you were not in the saloon, because I hope you never go to such places. Do you?”

saloon (酒場) [名] a place where alcoholic drinks are sold and drunk

「いいえ、あなたが酒場にいなかったことが嬉しかったのよ、だって、あなたがそんな場所に行かないことを望んでいるから。行くの?」

“Not often.”

not often (あまり行かない) [副] not frequently; not many times

「あまり行かない」

“I wish you wouldn’t.”

「行かないでほしいよ」

“It’s no harm, Jo.

no harm (害はない) [名] no damage or injury

「害はないさ、ジョー。

I have billiards at home, but it’s no fun unless you have good players, so, as I’m fond of it, I come sometimes and have a game with Ned Moffat or some of the other fellows.”

have billiards (ビリヤード台がある) [動] own a billiards table

at home (うちに) [副] in one's own house

it's no fun (面白くない) [動] not enjoyable

have good players (上手い相手がいる) [動] have skilled opponents

be fond of (~が好きだ) [動] like something a lot

some of the other fellows (他の仲間) [名] other people in the group

うちにもビリヤード台があるんだが、上手い相手がいないと面白くないんで、ビリヤードが好きだから、時々ここに来て、ネッド・モファットや他の仲間とゲームをするんだ」

“Oh, dear, I’m so sorry, for you’ll get to liking it better and better, and will waste time and money, and grow like those dreadful boys.

I'm so sorry (とても残念だよ) [句] an expression of apology

get to (ようになる) [動] reach a state or condition

better and better (ますます) [副] to a greater and greater degree

「ああ、お兄ちゃん、とても残念だよ、だって、ますます好きになって、時間とお金を無駄にして、あの恐ろしい男の子たちみたいになっちゃうよ。

I did hope you’d stay respectable and be a satisfaction to your friends,” said Jo, shaking her head.

兄さんが立派なままで、友達に満足してもらえることを願っていたのに」とジョーは首を横に振った。

“Can’t a fellow take a little innocent amusement now and then without losing his respectability?” asked Laurie, looking nettled.

take (味わう) [動] experience

respectability (立派さ) [名] the quality of being respectable

nettled (イライラした) [形] annoyed or irritated

「立派さを失うことなく、時々ちょっとした無邪気な楽しみを味わうことはできないだろうか?」とローリーはイライラした様子で尋ねた。

“That depends upon how and where he takes it.

depend (よる) [動] be controlled or determined by

「それは、どのように、どこで楽しむかによるよ。

I don’t like Ned and his set, and wish you’d keep out of it.

私はネッドと彼の仲間が嫌いだから、兄さんは近づかないでほしいよ。

Mother won’t let us have him at our house, though he wants to come.

have (招待する) [動] invite

彼は来たがっているけど、ママはうちに招待させてくれないの。

And if you grow like him she won’t be willing to have us frolic together as we do now.”

兄さんが彼みたいになったら、ママは私たちが今みたいに一緒に遊ぶのを許してくれなくなるよ。」

“Won’t she?” asked Laurie anxiously.

anxiously (心配そうに) [副] in a worried or nervous way

「そうかな?」とローリーは心配そうに尋ねた。

“No, she can’t bear fashionable young men, and she’d shut us all up in bandboxes rather than have us associate with them.”

bear (我慢できない) [動] tolerate or endure

fashionable (流行を追いかける) [形] following the current fashion

bandbox (帽子箱) [名] a light box made of thin wood or pasteboard for holding hats, bonnets, or other articles of apparel

「そうよ、ママは流行を追いかける若い男性が嫌いだから、私たちが彼らと付き合うくらいなら、私たちを帽子箱に閉じ込めてしまうよ。」

“Well, she needn’t get out her bandboxes yet.

get out (出す) [動] to take or move something from inside something else

「まあ、まだ帽子箱を出す必要はないな。

I’m not a fashionable party and don’t mean to be, but I do like harmless larks now and then, don’t you?”

party (人間) [名] a person

lark (いたずら) [名] a playful trick or joke

私は流行を追いかける人間じゃないし、そうするつもりもないが、時々無害ないたずらをするのは好きだ、君は?」

“Yes, nobody minds them, so lark away, but don’t get wild, will you?

get wild (暴れる) [動] become unruly or out of control

「そうね、誰も気にしないよ、だからいたずらしてちょうだい、でも暴れすぎないでね?

Or there will be an end of all our good times.”

でないと、私たちの楽しい時間は終わりになるよ。」

“I’ll be a double distilled saint.”

「私は二度蒸留された聖人になるよ。」

“I can’t bear saints.

「私は聖人には耐えられないよ。

Just be a simple, honest, respectable boy, and we’ll never desert you.

simple (素朴な) [形] not complicated or elaborate

desert (見捨てる) [動] leave someone without help or support

ただ、素朴で、正直で、立派な少年になって、そうすれば私たちは決してあなたを見捨てないよ。

I don’t know what I should do if you acted like Mr. King’s son.

あなたがキングさんの息子のように振る舞ったら、私はどうしたらいいかわからないよ。

He had plenty of money, but didn’t know how to spend it, and got tipsy and gambled, and ran away, and forged his father’s name, I believe, and was altogether horrid.”

know how to (どうしたらいいかわかる) [動] be able to do something

get tipsy (酔っ払う) [動] become slightly drunk

gamble (ギャンブルする) [動] play games of chance for money

forge (偽造する) [動] make a copy of something in order to deceive

彼はお金はたくさんあったけど、どう使ったらいいかわからなくて、酔っ払って、ギャンブルして、逃げ出して、父親の名前を偽造したんだと思う、とにかくひどかったよ。」

“You think I’m likely to do the same? Much obliged.”

much obliged (とても感謝している) [形] very grateful

「私が同じことをすると思う? とても感謝している。」

“No, I don’t—oh, dear, no!—but I hear people talking about money being such a temptation, and I sometimes wish you were poor.

「いいえ、そうは思わないよ、ああ、いいえ! でも、お金がとても誘惑になるという話を聞いたことがあるし、時々あなたが貧乏だったらいいのにと思うことがあるよ。

I shouldn’t worry then.”

そうしたら心配しなくていいのに。」

“Do you worry about me, Jo?”

「私のことを心配しているのかい、ジョー?」

“A little, when you look moody and discontented, as you sometimes do, for you’ve got such a strong will, if you once get started wrong, I’m afraid it would be hard to stop you.”

discontented (不満そうな) [形] not content; dissatisfied

「時々あなたが不機嫌で不満そうにしている時、少し心配になるよ、だってあなたはとても強い意志を持っているから、一度間違った方向に進み始めたら、あなたを止めるのは難しいと思うの。」

Laurie walked in silence a few minutes, and Jo watched him, wishing she had held her tongue, for his eyes looked angry, though his lips smiled as if at her warnings.

walk in silence (黙って歩く) [動] walk without making any noise

a few minutes (数分間) [名] a short period of time

look angry (怒っているように見える) [動] appear to be angry

ローリーは数分間黙って歩き、ジョーは彼を見つめ、口を閉じていればよかったと思った、彼の目は怒っているように見えたが、彼の唇は彼女の警告に微笑んでいるかのようだった。

“Are you going to deliver lectures all the way home?” he asked presently.

all the way (ずっと) [副] to the full extent

「家までずっと説教するつもりかい?」と彼は尋ねた。

“Of course not. Why?”

「もちろん違うよ。どうして?」

“Because if you are, I’ll take a bus.

take (乗る) [動] go by means of

bus (バス) [名] a large motor vehicle carrying passengers

「だってそうならバスに乗るから。

If you’re not, I’d like to walk with you and tell you something very interesting.”

そうでなければ、君と歩いて、とても面白いことを話したいんだ。」

“I won’t preach any more, and I’d like to hear the news immensely.”

「もう説教はしない、そしてそのニュースをとても聞きたい。」

“Very well, then, come on.

very well (いいよ) [副] in a good or satisfactory way

「それなら、いいよ、おいで。

It’s a secret, and if I tell you, you must tell me yours.”

それは秘密で、もし私が君に話したら、君も私に話さなくちゃいけない。」

“I haven’t got any,” began Jo, but stopped suddenly, remembering that she had.

haven't got any (ない) [動] do not have

stopped (口をつぐんだ) [動] cease an action

suddenly (急に) [副] quickly and unexpectedly

remembering (思い出して) [動] recall to the mind

「私には秘密なんてない」とジョーは言い始めたが、秘密があることを思い出して急に口をつぐんだ。

“You know you have—you can’t hide anything, so up and ’fess, or I won’t tell,” cried Laurie.

up (白状する) [動] confess

「君には秘密があるって知ってる、君は何も隠せないんだ、だから白状しな、さもないと話さないよ」とローリーは叫んだ。

“Is your secret a nice one?”

「君の秘密はいい秘密?」

“Oh, isn’t it! All about people you know, and such fun!

all about (~ばかり) [副] concerning only

such (とても) [形] to a very great degree or extent

「ああ、そうじゃない! 君が知っている人たちのことばかりで、とても面白いんだ!

You ought to hear it, and I’ve been aching to tell it this long time.

long time (長い間) [名] a period of time that is long or seems long

君はそれを聞いた方がいい、それに私はずっとそれを話したくてたまらなかったんだ。

Come, you begin.”

さあ、君から始めよう。」

“You’ll not say anything about it at home, will you?”

「家では何も言わないでね?」

“Not a word.”

not a word (一言も言わないよ) [名] not a single word

「一言も言わないよ。」

“And you won’t tease me in private?”

「そして、内緒で私をからかったりしない?」

“I never tease.”

「私は決してからかわない。」

“Yes, you do. You get everything you want out of people.

「するよ。あなたは人から欲しいものを何でも手に入れてしまう。

I don’t know how you do it, but you are a born wheedler.”

wheedler (甘え上手) [名] a person who coaxes or cajoles

どんな風にするか知らないけど、あなたは生まれつきの甘え上手だよ。」

“Thank you. Fire away.”

fire away (撃って) [動] shoot

「ありがとう。撃って。」

“Well, I’ve left two stories with a newspaperman, and he’s to give his answer next week,” whispered Jo, in her confidant’s ear.

newspaperman (新聞記者) [名] a person who writes for a newspaper

answer (返事) [名] a spoken or written reply or response to a question, statement, or request

「そうね、新聞記者に2つの話を預けて、来週返事をくれるの」とジョーは親友の耳にささやいた。

“Hurrah for Miss March, the celebrated American authoress!” cried Laurie, throwing up his hat and catching it again, to the great delight of two ducks, four cats, five hens, and half a dozen Irish children, for they were out of the city now.

Hurrah (万歳) [間] used to express joy or approval

celebrated (有名な) [形] widely known and usually honored for achievement

authoress (女流作家) [名] a woman who writes books

cried (叫んだ) [動] to utter a loud call or cry

throwing up (放り投げる) [動] to throw something upwards

catching (キャッチする) [動] to grab or seize something

ducks (アヒル) [名] a swimming bird

cats (猫) [名] a small carnivorous mammal with soft fur, a short snout, and retractile claws

hens (雌鶏) [名] a female chicken

were (いた) [動] to be in a specified state or condition

out of (外で) [前] not inside

the city (街) [名] a large human settlement

「アメリカの有名な女流作家、マーチさんに万歳!」とローリーは叫び、帽子を放り投げてまたキャッチし、2羽のアヒル、4匹の猫、5羽の雌鶏、半ダースのアイルランド人の子供たちを大いに喜ばせた。彼らは今、街の外に出ていた。

“Hush! It won’t come to anything, I dare say, but I couldn’t rest till I had tried, and I said nothing about it because I didn’t want anyone else to be disappointed.”

come to (になる) [動] amount to

rest (落ち着く) [動] be at ease

「シーッ! 何にもならないと思うけど、やってみるまで落ち着かなくて、誰にもがっかりしてほしくなかったから何も言わなかったんだ。」

“It won’t fail. Why, Jo, your stories are works of Shakespeare compared to half the rubbish that is published every day.

「失敗しないよ。ジョー、君の物語は毎日出版されるくだらないものの半分と比べればシェイクスピアの作品だよ。

Won’t it be fun to see them in print, and shan’t we feel proud of our authoress?”

それが印刷されるのを見るのは楽しいだろうし、私たちの作家を誇りに思うべきではないだろうか?」

Jo’s eyes sparkled, for it is always pleasant to be believed in, and a friend’s praise is always sweeter than a dozen newspaper puffs.

sparkle (輝く) [動] shine brightly

puff (宣伝文句) [名] an advertisement, especially a brief one

ジョーの目は輝いた、信じてもらうのはいつだって嬉しいし、友人の賞賛はいつだって新聞の宣伝文句より甘い。

“Where’s your secret?

「秘密はどこにあるの?

Play fair, Teddy, or I’ll never believe you again,” she said, trying to extinguish the brilliant hopes that blazed up at a word of encouragement.

play fair (正直にやる) [動] act honestly

Teddy (テディ) [名] a male given name

blaze up (燃え上がる) [動] burst into flames

正直にやって、テディ、でなければ二度とあなたを信じないよ」と彼女は言い、励ましの言葉に燃え上がった輝かしい希望を消そうとした。

“I may get into a scrape for telling, but I didn’t promise not to, so I will, for I never feel easy in my mind till I’ve told you any plummy bit of news I get.

feel easy (気が済む) [動] feel relaxed or at ease

「話したら面倒なことになるかもしれないけど、話さないと約束したわけじゃないから話すよ、だって私が聞いたおいしいニュースをあなたに話すまでは気が済まないんだもの。

I know where Meg’s glove is.”

メグの手袋がどこにあるか知ってるよ」

“Is that all?” said Jo, looking disappointed, as Laurie nodded and twinkled with a face full of mysterious intelligence.

be that all (それだけ) [動] be that the only thing

as (すると) [接] at the same time that

intelligence (知性) [名] the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills

「それだけ?」とジョーは言い、ローリーがうなずき、謎めいた知性に満ちた顔で目を輝かせると、がっかりした様子だった。

“It’s quite enough for the present, as you’ll agree when I tell you where it is.”

present (今) [名] the time that is happening now

「今のところはそれで十分だよ、どこにあるか言ったら君も同意するよ」

“Tell, then.”

「じゃあ、言って」

Laurie bent, and whispered three words in Jo’s ear, which produced a comical change.

bend (かがむ) [動] move into a curved or angled shape

ローリーは身をかがめて、ジョーの耳に三つの言葉をささやき、それが滑稽な変化をもたらした。

She stood and stared at him for a minute, looking both surprised and displeased, then walked on, saying sharply, “How do you know?”

displeased (不満) [形] not satisfied; unhappy

彼女は立って、驚きと不満の両方の表情で彼をしばらく見つめ、それから歩きながら、「どうして知っているの?」と鋭く言った。

“Saw it.”

「見たんだ」

“Where?”

「どこで?」

“Pocket.”

「ポケット」

“All this time?”

all this time (ずっと) [副] for the entire time; continuously

「ずっと?」

“Yes, isn’t that romantic?”

romantic (ロマンチック) [形] of, characterized by, or suggestive of an idealized view of reality

「そう、ロマンチックじゃない?」

“No, it’s horrid.”

「いいえ、恐ろしい」

“Don’t you like it?”

「気に入らないの?」

“Of course I don’t.

don't (気に入らない) [動] do not like

「もちろん気に入らないよ。

It’s ridiculous, it won’t be allowed.

ばかげてる、許されないよ。

My patience!

私の忍耐!

What would Meg say?”

メグは何て言うかしら?」

“You are not to tell anyone. Mind that.”

mind (気をつける) [動] be careful or cautious about

「誰にも言ってはいけないよ。気をつけてね」

“I didn’t promise.”

「約束はしていないよ」

“That was understood, and I trusted you.”

trust (信頼) [動] have confidence in the reliability, truth, or ability of

「それは暗黙の了解だったし、私はあなたを信頼していた」

“Well, I won’t for the present, anyway, but I’m disgusted, and wish you hadn’t told me.”

for the present (今は) [副] for now; for the time being

disgusted (嫌気がさしている) [形] feeling a strong dislike or hatred

「まあ、とにかく今は言わないけど、私は嫌気がさしているし、あなたが私に言わなければよかったのに」

“I thought you’d be pleased.”

「喜んでくれると思ったのに」

“At the idea of anybody coming to take Meg away? No, thank you.”

take away (連れ去る) [動] remove something from a place

「誰かがメグを連れ去りに来るという考えに? いいえ、ありがとう」

“You’ll feel better about it when somebody comes to take you away.”

「誰かがあなたを連れ去りに来たら、あなたはもっといい気分になるでしょう」

“I’d like to see anyone try it,” cried Jo fiercely.

fiercely (激しく) [副] in a violent or intense way

「誰かがそれを試すのを見てみたいよ」とジョーは激しく叫んだ。

“So should I!”

「私もそうするよ!」

and Laurie chuckled at the idea.

chuckle (笑う) [動] laugh quietly or inwardly

そしてローリーはその考えに笑った。

“I don’t think secrets agree with me, I feel rumpled up in my mind since you told me that,” said Jo rather ungratefully.

agree with (合う) [動] be in harmony with

rumpled up (しわくちゃになる) [動] become creased or crumpled

ungratefully (恩知らずな態度で) [副] in an ungrateful manner

「秘密は私には合わないと思うよ、あなたがそれを私に話してから、私は心の中でしわくちゃになったように感じるよ」とジョーはどちらかというと恩知らずな態度で言った。

“Race down this hill with me, and you’ll be all right,” suggested Laurie.

race (競争する) [動] compete with another or others to see who is fastest at covering a set course or achieving an objective

be all right (大丈夫になる) [動] be in a satisfactory state or condition

suggest (提案する) [動] put forward for consideration or discussion

「私とこの丘を下りて競争すれば、大丈夫になるよ」とローリーは提案した。

No one was in sight, the smooth road sloped invitingly before her, and finding the temptation irresistible, Jo darted away, soon leaving hat and comb behind her and scattering hairpins as she ran.

slope (傾斜) [動] be inclined from the horizontal or vertical

invitingly (誘うように) [副] in an attractive or tempting way

irresistible (抗しきれない) [形] too attractive or tempting to be resisted

dart (走り去る) [動] move or go quickly and suddenly

comb (櫛) [名] a strip of plastic, metal, or wood with a row of narrow teeth, used for tidying or arranging the hair

誰も見えず、滑らかな道が彼女の前で誘うように傾斜しており、誘惑に抗しきれないと悟ったジョーは、すぐに帽子と櫛を後ろに残し、走りながらヘアピンを散らして走り去った。

Laurie reached the goal first and was quite satisfied with the success of his treatment, for his Atlanta came panting up with flying hair, bright eyes, ruddy cheeks, and no signs of dissatisfaction in her face.

goal (ゴール) [名] an aim or desired result

treatment (治療) [名] the management of a patient's condition

Atlanta (アトランタ) [名] the capital and largest city in the U.S. state of Georgia

panting (息を切らす) [動] breathe with short, quick gasps

ローリーが最初にゴールに到達し、彼の治療の成功にかなり満足していた、というのも彼のアトランタは髪をなびかせ、目は輝き、頬は赤く、顔には不満の兆候は全くなく、息を切らしてやってきたからだ。

“I wish I was a horse, then I could run for miles in this splendid air, and not lose my breath.

「私が馬だったらいいのに、そうしたらこの素晴らしい空気の中を何マイルも走れて、息切れもしないだろうに。

It was capital, but see what a guy it’s made me.

guy (男) [名] a man

最高だったけど、それが私をどんな男にしたのか見てくれ。

Go, pick up my things, like a cherub, as you are,” said Jo, dropping down under a maple tree, which was carpeting the bank with crimson leaves.

cherub (天使) [名] a winged angelic being

drop down (降りる) [動] move from a higher to a lower position

maple tree (カエデの木) [名] a tree with lobed leaves and winged seeds

carpet (覆う) [動] cover with a carpet

crimson (真紅) [形] of a deep red color

leaf (葉) [名] a flattened structure of a plant that is typically green and serves as a major site of photosynthesis

行って、私のものを拾って、天使のようなあなたにぴったりよ」とジョーは言い、岸辺を真紅の葉で覆っているカエデの木の下に降りた。

Laurie leisurely departed to recover the lost property, and Jo bundled up her braids, hoping no one would pass by till she was tidy again.

leisurely (ゆっくりと) [副] without hurry or haste

recover (取り戻す) [動] get back

lost property (失われた財産) [名] something that has been lost

bundle up (束ねる) [動] tie or wrap together

tidy (きちんとする) [動] make neat, clean, or orderly

ローリーはゆっくりと失われた財産を取り戻すために出発し、ジョーは彼女が再びきちんとするまで誰も通り過ぎないことを望んで、彼女の三つ編みを束ねた。

But someone did pass, and who should it be but Meg, looking particularly ladylike in her state and festival suit, for she had been making calls.

make a call (電話をかける) [動] to telephone someone

しかし、誰かが通り過ぎ、それはメグ以外にはあり得ず、彼女は電話をかけていたので、彼女の状態と祭りのスーツを着て特に上品に見えた。

“What in the world are you doing here?” she asked, regarding her disheveled sister with well-bred surprise.

well-bred (育ちの良い) [形] showing good manners and behavior

「いったいここで何してるの?」彼女は乱れた妹を育ちの良い驚きで見つめながら尋ねた。

“Getting leaves,” meekly answered Jo, sorting the rosy handful she had just swept up.

get (拾う) [動] obtain by one's own effort

sort (分類する) [動] arrange systematically in groups

「葉っぱを拾ってる」ジョーは、彼女がちょうど掃き集めたバラ色の一握りを分類しながら、素直に答えた。

“And hairpins,” added Laurie, throwing half a dozen into Jo’s lap.

「そしてヘアピン」ローリーはジョーの膝に半ダースを投げながら付け加えた。

“They grow on this road, Meg, so do combs and brown straw hats.”

straw hat (麦わら帽子) [名] a hat made from straw

「それらは、この道に生えてるんだ、メグ、櫛や茶色の麦わら帽子もね」

“You have been running, Jo. How could you?

「走ってきたのね、ジョー。どうしてそんなことを?

When will you stop such romping ways?” said Meg reprovingly, as she settled her cuffs and smoothed her hair, with which the wind had taken liberties.

take liberty (乱す) [動] do something without asking permission

いつになったらそんなはしゃぎ方をやめるの?」とメグは、袖口を整え、風に乱された髪をなでながら、非難するように言った。

“Never till I’m stiff and old and have to use a crutch.

「私が体が硬くなって年老いて、松葉杖を使わなければならなくなるまで絶対に。

Don’t try to make me grow up before my time, Meg.

before one's time (早熟に) [副] before the usual or expected time

私を早熟にさせようとしないで、メグ。

It’s hard enough to have you change all of a sudden.

あなたが急に変わってしまうだけでも十分つらいのよ。

Let me be a little girl as long as I can.”

I can (できる) [動] be able to

できるだけ長く少女でいさせて。」

As she spoke, Jo bent over the leaves to hide the trembling of her lips, for lately she had felt that Margaret was fast getting to be a woman, and Laurie’s secret made her dread the separation which must surely come some time and now seemed very near.

bend over (覆いかぶさる) [動] lean or curve downward

dread (恐れる) [動] anticipate with great apprehension or fear

話しながら、ジョーは唇の震えを隠すために葉っぱに覆いかぶさった、というのも最近マーガレットが急速に女性になりつつあると感じていたし、ローリーの秘密が、いつか必ずやってくるに違いない別れを恐れさせ、今やそれがとても近いように思えたからだ。

He saw the trouble in her face and drew Meg’s attention from it by asking quickly, “Where have you been calling, all so fine?”

draw (そらす) [動] cause to move or turn

彼は彼女の顔に困惑の色があるのを見て、すぐに「どこに電話をかけていたんだい、そんなに上品に?」と尋ねてメグの注意をそらした。

“At the Gardiners’, and Sallie has been telling me all about Belle Moffat’s wedding.

at the Gardiners' (ガーディナー家で) [名] the Gardiner family

Belle Moffat (ベル・モファット) [名] a person's name

wedding (結婚式) [名] a ceremony where two people get married

「ガーディナー家で、サリーがベル・モファットの結婚式についていろいろ話してくれたの。

It was very splendid, and they have gone to spend the winter in Paris.

とても豪華だったんだって、そして彼らは冬をパリで過ごすために出かけたんだ。

Just think how delightful that must be!”

just (ちょっと) [副] only; simply

think (考えてみろ) [動] use one's mind actively to form connected ideas or to solve problems

どんなに楽しいか考えてみろよ!」

“Do you envy her, Meg?”

「彼女がうらやましいかい、メグ?」

said Laurie.

とローリーは言った。

“I’m afraid I do.”

be afraid (うらやましい) [動] feel fear or worry

「うらやましいかもしれない」

“I’m glad of it!” muttered Jo, tying on her hat with a jerk.

jerk (ぐいと) [名] a short, sharp, sudden movement

「よかった!」とジョーはつぶやき、帽子をぐいと結んだ。

“Why?” asked Meg, looking surprised.

「どうして?」とメグは驚いたように尋ねた。

“Because if you care much about riches, you will never go and marry a poor man,” said Jo, frowning at Laurie, who was mutely warning her to mind what she said.

riches (お金) [名] a great quantity of money or valuable possessions

「だって、もしお金を気にするなら、貧乏人と結婚するなんてことは絶対にしないでしょ」とジョーは言い、ローリーに眉をひそめた。ローリーは黙ってジョーに言葉に気をつけるように警告していた。

“I shall never ‘go and marry’ anyone,” observed Meg, walking on with great dignity while the others followed, laughing, whispering, skipping stones, and ‘behaving like children’, as Meg said to herself, though she might have been tempted to join them if she had not had her best dress on.

skip (投げる) [動] throw something

tempt (誘惑する) [動] attract or allure someone

「私は誰とも結婚なんてしないよ」とメグは言い、威厳をもって歩き続けた。他の3人は後ろからついてきて、笑ったり、ささやいたり、石を投げたり、「子供みたいに振る舞っている」とメグは思ったが、もし一番いい服を着ていなかったら、自分も加わりたいと思ったかもしれない。

For a week or two, Jo behaved so queerly that her sisters were quite bewildered.

for a week or two (一週間か二週間) [名] a period of seven or fourteen days

queerly (奇妙に) [副] in a strange or unusual way

be bewildered (困惑する) [動] be confused or puzzled

一週間か二週間、ジョーは奇妙な振る舞いをしたので、姉妹たちは困惑した。

She rushed to the door when the postman rang, was rude to Mr. Brooke whenever they met, would sit looking at Meg with a woe-begone face, occasionally jumping up to shake and then kiss her in a very mysterious manner.

postman (郵便配達員) [名] a person who delivers mail

occasionally (時々) [副] now and then; at times

jump (飛び上がる) [動] move suddenly and quickly upward

郵便配達員がベルを鳴らすとドアに駆け寄り、会うたびにブルック氏に失礼な態度をとり、悲しそうな顔でメグを見ながら座り、時々飛び上がってメグを揺さぶり、とても不思議な態度でキスをした。

Laurie and she were always making signs to one another, and talking about ‘Spread Eagles’ till the girls declared they had both lost their wits.

make signs (合図を送る) [動] to communicate with hand gestures

Spread Eagles (スプレッド・イーグル) [名] a figure skating move

lose one's wits (正気を失う) [動] to become crazy or insane

ローリーとジョーはいつもお互いに合図を送り、「スプレッド・イーグル」について話していたので、姉妹たちは二人とも正気を失ったと宣言した。

On the second Saturday after Jo got out of the window, Meg, as she sat sewing at her window, was scandalized by the sight of Laurie chasing Jo all over the garden and finally capturing her in Amy’s bower.

on the second Saturday (二度目の土曜日) [名] the second Saturday

get out of (出る) [動] leave or go out of

chase (追いかける) [動] go after someone or something in order to catch or attack them

all over (~中) [副] everywhere in

finally (ついに) [副] after a long time, or at the end of a series of events

capture (捕まえる) [動] take or keep in custody by force

bower (部屋) [名] a room in a house

ジョーが窓から出た二度目の土曜日、メグは窓辺で裁縫をしていると、ローリーが庭中ジョーを追いかけ回し、ついにエイミーの部屋で捕まえたのを見て、びっくりした。

What went on there, Meg could not see, but shrieks of laughter were heard, followed by the murmur of voices and a great flapping of newspapers.

murmur (つぶやき) [名] a low continuous indistinct sound

flapping (羽ばたき) [名] the action of moving up and down

メグにはそこで何が起こっているのか見えなかったが、笑い声が聞こえ、続いて声のつぶやきと新聞紙が大きく羽ばたく音がした。

“What shall we do with that girl?

「あの娘をどうしたらいいだろう?

She never will behave like a young lady,” sighed Meg, as she watched the race with a disapproving face.

race (競争) [名] a contest of speed, as in running, riding, driving, or sailing

disapproving (不満そうな) [形] expressing or showing disapproval

あの子は絶対にお嬢様らしく振る舞わないよ」とメグは不満そうな顔で競争を見ながらため息をついた。

“I hope she won’t.

「そうならないといいけど。

She is so funny and dear as she is,” said Beth, who had never betrayed that she was a little hurt at Jo’s having secrets with anyone but her.

betray (口にする) [動] reveal unintentionally

あの子はあのままでとても面白くて愛しいよ」とベスは言ったが、ジョーが自分以外の誰かと秘密を共有していることに少し傷ついていることは決して口にしなかった。

“It’s very trying, but we never can make her commy la fo,” added Amy, who sat making some new frills for herself, with her curls tied up in a very becoming way, two agreeable things that made her feel unusually elegant and ladylike.

trying (大変) [形] difficult or annoying

commy la fo (上品) [形] having or showing good manners, breeding, or taste

two (二つの) [形] being one more than one

agreeable (好ましい) [形] pleasing to the mind or senses

ladylike (上品) [形] having or showing good manners, breeding, or taste

「とても大変だけど、あの子を上品にすることはできないよ」とエイミーは付け加えた。エイミーは、自分のために新しいフリルを作りながら座っていたが、カールした髪をとても似合うように結い上げていた。この二つの好ましい事柄が、彼女をいつになく優雅で上品な気分にさせていた。

In a few minutes Jo bounced in, laid herself on the sofa, and affected to read.

bounce in (飛び込んでくる) [動] come in quickly and energetically

affect (ふりをする) [動] make a pretence of; pretend

数分後、ジョーは飛び込んできて、ソファに横になり、読書をするふりをした。

“Have you anything interesting there?” asked Meg, with condescension.

「何か面白いものがあるの?」とメグは上から目線で尋ねた。

“Nothing but a story, won’t amount to much, I guess,” returned Jo, carefully keeping the name of the paper out of sight.

amount to (大したことはない) [動] be equivalent to

「ただの物語で、大したことはないと思う」とジョーは答え、新聞の名前を注意深く隠した。

“You’d better read it aloud.

「声を出して読んだ方がいいよ。

That will amuse us and keep you out of mischief,” said Amy in her most grown-up tone.

そうすれば私たちも楽しめるし、あなたもいたずらをせずに済むよ」とエイミーは大人びた口調で言った。

“What’s the name?” asked Beth, wondering why Jo kept her face behind the sheet.

sheet (紙) [名] a thin material in the form of a wide, flat surface

「題名は何?」とベスは尋ね、ジョーがなぜ紙の裏に顔を隠しているのか不思議に思った。

“The Rival Painters.”

rival (ライバル) [名] a person or thing competing with another for the same goal or object

painter (画家) [名] a person who paints pictures

「ライバルの画家たち」

“That sounds well.

「いい響きね。

Read it,” said Meg.

読んで」とメグは言った。

With a loud “Hem!” and a long breath, Jo began to read very fast.

hem (エヘン) [名] the edge of a piece of cloth

大きな「エヘン!」と長い息をついて、ジョーは非常に速く読み始めた。

The girls listened with interest, for the tale was romantic, and somewhat pathetic, as most of the characters died in the end.

somewhat (どこか) [副] to some extent; slightly

character (登場人物) [名] a person in a novel, play, or movie

少女たちは興味深く聞いていた、というのもその物語はロマンチックで、登場人物のほとんどが最後に死んでしまうので、どこか哀愁を帯びていたからだ。

“I like that about the splendid picture,” was Amy’s approving remark, as Jo paused.

approve (賛辞を述べる) [動] have or express a favorable opinion of

「素晴らしい絵のところが気に入ったよ」とエイミーはジョーが一息ついたときに賛辞を述べた。

“I prefer the lovering part.

prefer (好きである) [動] like (something) better than another thing

lovering (恋愛) [名] the state of being in love

「私は恋愛の部分が好きだよ。

Viola and Angelo are two of our favorite names, isn’t that queer?” said Meg, wiping her eyes, for the lovering part was tragical.

Angelo (アンジェロ) [名] a male given name

part (部分) [名] a piece of something

tragical (悲劇的) [形] causing great sadness or suffering

ヴィオラとアンジェロは私たちのお気に入りの名前の二つよ、変じゃない?」とメグは言った、恋愛の部分は悲劇的だったので、彼女は目を拭いた。

“Who wrote it?” asked Beth, who had caught a glimpse of Jo’s face.

catch a glimpse of (ちらっと見る) [動] see something briefly

「誰が書いたの?」とベスが尋ねた、彼女はジョーの顔をちらっと見ていた。

The reader suddenly sat up, cast away the paper, displaying a flushed countenance, and with a funny mixture of solemnity and excitement replied in a loud voice, “Your sister.”

reader (読み手) [名] a person who reads

cast away (投げ捨てる) [動] throw away

solemnity (真面目さ) [名] the quality or state of being serious

読み手は突然起き上がり、紙を投げ捨て、顔を赤らめ、真面目さと興奮がおかしく混ざり合った大声で「あなたの妹」と答えた。

“You?” cried Meg, dropping her work.

「あなた?」とメグは叫び、仕事を落とした。

“It’s very good,” said Amy critically.

「とても良いよ」とエイミーは批判的に言った。

“I knew it! I knew it!

it (それ) [代] the thing or matter just mentioned

「わかってた! わかってた!

Oh, my Jo, I am so proud!”

my (私の) [限] belonging to or connected with the speaker

be proud (誇らしい) [動] feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements, qualities, or possessions or those of someone with whom one is closely associated

ああ、ジョー、とても誇らしいよ!」

and Beth ran to hug her sister and exult over this splendid success.

そしてベスは走って姉を抱きしめ、この素晴らしい成功を喜んだ。

Dear me, how delighted they all were, to be sure!

how delighted (どれほど喜んだ) [形] very pleased

ああ、みんなどれほど喜んだことか!

How Meg wouldn’t believe it till she saw the words.

メグは言葉を見るまでは信じようとしなかった。

“Miss Josephine March,” actually printed in the paper.

Josephine March (ジョセフィン・マーチ) [名] the name of a character in the story

print (印刷する) [動] produce a book, newspaper, or other document by a mechanical process involving the transfer of ink to paper

「ジョセフィン・マーチ」と実際に紙に印刷されていた。

How graciously Amy criticized the artistic parts of the story, and offered hints for a sequel, which unfortunately couldn’t be carried out, as the hero and heroine were dead.

artistic (芸術的な) [形] concerned with the creation or appreciation of beauty

offer (提案する) [動] present for consideration, discussion, or action

heroine (ヒロイン) [名] a woman admired for her courage or noble qualities

エイミーはいかにも優雅に物語の芸術的な部分を批評し、続編のヒントを提案したが、残念ながら主人公とヒロインが死んでしまったので、それは実行できなかった。

How Beth got excited, and skipped and sang with joy.

skip (スキップする) [動] jump lightly, bouncing on alternate feet

ベスは興奮して、喜びでスキップしたり歌ったりした。

How Hannah came in to exclaim, “Sakes alive, well I never!” in great astonishment at ‘that Jo’s doin’s’.

sakes alive (まあ) [間] an expression of surprise or disgust

astonishment (驚き) [名] a feeling of great surprise or wonder

ハンナが「まあ、こんなことって!」と叫びながら入ってきて、「ジョーのやること」に大いに驚いた。

How proud Mrs. March was when she knew it.

how proud (どれほど誇らしく) [形] feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements, qualities, or possessions or those of someone with whom one is closely associated

マーチ夫人はそれを知ってどれほど誇らしく思ったか。

How Jo laughed, with tears in her eyes, as she declared she might as well be a peacock and done with it, and how the ‘Spread Eagle’ might be said to flap his wings triumphantly over the House of March, as the paper passed from hand to hand.

triumphantly (勝ち誇ったように) [副] in a way that shows that you are very happy about a success

ジョーは、孔雀になってしまえばよかったと宣言しながら、目に涙を浮かべて笑い、紙が手から手へと渡されるうちに、「広げた翼」がマーチ家の上空で勝ち誇ったように羽ばたいていると言えた。

“Tell us about it.”

「それについて教えて」

“When did it come?”

「いつ来たの?」

“How much did you get for it?”

「いくらもらったの?」

“What will Father say?”

「パパは何て言うかしら?」

“Won’t Laurie laugh?” cried the family, all in one breath as they clustered about Jo, for these foolish, affectionate people made a jubilee of every little household joy.

jubilee (祝典) [名] a special anniversary of an event

「ローリーは笑わないかしら?」家族はジョーの周りに集まり、一斉に叫んだ。この愚かで愛情深い人々は、家庭のどんな小さな喜びも祝典にしてしまうのだ。

“Stop jabbering, girls, and I’ll tell you everything,” said Jo, wondering if Miss Burney felt any grander over her Evelina than she did over her ‘Rival Painters’.

jabber (おしゃべり) [動] talk rapidly and unintelligibly

Miss Burney (バーニー嬢) [名] a British novelist

grander (誇らしく) [形] more impressive or imposing

over (について) [前] on, at, or to the other side of

Evelina (エヴェリナ) [名] a novel by Fanny Burney

Rival Painters (ライバル画家) [名] a novel by Jo March

「おしゃべりはやめて、全部話すから」とジョーは言い、バーニー嬢は自分の『ライバル画家』よりも『エヴェリナ』を誇らしく感じただろうかと思った。

Having told how she disposed of her tales, Jo added, “And when I went to get my answer, the man said he liked them both, but didn’t pay beginners, only let them print in his paper, and noticed the stories.

dispose (処分する) [動] get rid of

beginner (初心者) [名] a person who has just started doing something

notice (注目する) [動] perceive or become aware of

自分の物語をどう処分したかを話した後、ジョーはこう付け加えた。「そして、私が返事をもらいに行った時、その人は両方とも気に入ったと言ってくれたけど、初心者には支払いをせず、ただ自分の新聞に載せて、物語に注目するだけだって。

It was good practice, he said, and when the beginners improved, anyone would pay.

good practice (良い練習) [名] a practice that is beneficial

improve (上達する) [動] become better

それは良い練習になるし、初心者が上達したら誰でも支払うだろうって。

So I let him have the two stories, and today this was sent to me, and Laurie caught me with it and insisted on seeing it, so I let him.

let (渡す) [動] allow to have or do something

catch (捕まえる) [動] to take or keep hold of, especially after a chase

だから私は彼に2つの物語を渡して、今日これが送られてきて、ローリーが私を捕まえて、それを見たいと言い張ったので、私は彼に見せたのです。

And he said it was good, and I shall write more, and he’s going to get the next paid for, and I am so happy, for in time I may be able to support myself and help the girls.”

next (次回作) [形] immediately following the time of writing

彼はそれが良かったと言って、私はもっと書くつもりで、彼は次回作の支払いをしてくれるそうで、私はとても幸せです。そのうちに私は自立して、娘たちを助けることができるかもしれないからです。」

Jo’s breath gave out here, and wrapping her head in the paper, she bedewed her little story with a few natural tears, for to be independent and earn the praise of those she loved were the dearest wishes of her heart, and this seemed to be the first step toward that happy end.

wrap (包む) [動] cover or enclose with paper or other material

bedew (たらす) [動] wet with dew or small drops of water

independent (自立した) [形] not dependent on another for livelihood or subsistence

earn (得る) [動] gain or incur deservedly or as a result of one's efforts

step (第一歩) [名] an action taken in order to achieve a goal

ジョーはここで息が切れ、頭を紙に包んで、彼女の小さな物語に自然な涙を数滴たらした。自立して、愛する人たちの賞賛を得ることが彼女の心からの願いであり、これがその幸せな結末への第一歩のように思えたからだ。

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: A TELEGRAM

CHAPTER FIFTEEN (第15章) [名] the 15th chapter

A TELEGRAM (電報) [名] a message sent by telegraph

第15章: 電報

“November is the most disagreeable month in the whole year,” said Margaret, standing at the window one dull afternoon, looking out at the frostbitten garden.

November (11月) [名] the eleventh month of the year

disagreeable (嫌な) [形] unpleasant

whole year (1年) [名] a period of 365 or 366 days

look out (眺める) [動] direct one's gaze outward

frostbitten (霜で覆われた) [形] damaged by freezing

「11月は1年で一番嫌な月だ」とマーガレットはある退屈な午後、窓際に立って霜で覆われた庭を眺めながら言った。

“That’s the reason I was born in it,” observed Jo pensively, quite unconscious of the blot on her nose.

be born in (生まれる) [動] come into existence

pensively (物思いにふける) [副] in a thoughtful or sad way

「だから私がその月に生まれたのよ」とジョーは物思いにふけり、鼻のしみには全く気づいていなかった。

“If something very pleasant should happen now, we should think it a delightful month,” said Beth, who took a hopeful view of everything, even November.

take a hopeful view of (楽観視する) [動] to think that something will be good or successful

「もし今何かとても楽しいことが起こったら、私たちは11月を楽しい月だと思うだろう」と、11月でさえもすべてを楽観視するベスが言った。

“I dare say, but nothing pleasant ever does happen in this family,” said Meg, who was out of sorts.

out of sorts (不機嫌な) [形] not feeling well; slightly ill

「そうかもしれないけど、この家族には楽しいことは何も起こらないよ」と、不機嫌なメグが言った。

“We go grubbing along day after day, without a bit of change, and very little fun.

「私たちは毎日、少しの変化もなく、ほとんど楽しみもなく、ただただ日々を過ごしている。

We might as well be in a treadmill.”

as well (まるで) [副] to the same degree or extent

treadmill (単調な生活) [名] a device with a continuous moving surface on which one can walk or run in place

私たちはまるで単調な生活を送っているみたい。」

“My patience, how blue we are!” cried Jo.

blue (憂鬱な) [形] feeling or showing sadness or unhappiness

「なんて私たちは憂鬱なんだろう!」とジョーは叫んだ。

“I don’t much wonder, poor dear, for you see other girls having splendid times, while you grind, grind, year in and year out.

wonder (驚く) [動] feel surprise

grind (働いている) [動] work hard

year in and year out (年がら年中) [副] continuously; all the time

「あまり驚かないけど、かわいそうに、あなたは他の女の子たちが素晴らしい時間を過ごしているのを見ているのに、あなたは年がら年中、ただただ働いているだけ。

Oh, don’t I wish I could manage things for you as I do for my heroines!

ああ、私が自分のヒロインのためにするように、あなたのために物事を管理できたらいいのに!

You’re pretty enough and good enough already, so I’d have some rich relation leave you a fortune unexpectedly.

relation (関係) [名] the state of being connected or related

unexpectedly (予期せぬ) [副] not expected or anticipated

あなたはすでに十分にかわいくて、十分に良い子だから、私はあなたに予期せぬ幸運をもたらす裕福な関係を持たせるよ。

Then you’d dash out as an heiress, scorn everyone who has slighted you, go abroad, and come home my Lady Something in a blaze of splendor and elegance.”

dash out (飛び出す) [動] run or move quickly and suddenly

heiress (相続人) [名] a woman who is entitled to inherit a large amount of money or property

slight (軽視する) [動] treat as unimportant

blaze (輝き) [名] a very bright light or fire

そうしたら、あなたは相続人として飛び出し、あなたを軽視した人々を軽蔑し、海外に行き、栄光と優雅さの輝きの中でレディ・サムシングとして帰ってくるのよ。」

“People don’t have fortunes left them in that style nowadays, men have to work and women marry for money.

nowadays (最近では) [副] at the present time; in these days

「最近では、人々はそのようなスタイルで財産を残すことはなくて、男性は働かなければならず、女性はお金のために結婚する。

It’s a dreadfully unjust world,” said Meg bitterly.

unjust (不公平な) [形] not just; unfair

ひどく不公平な世界だよ」とメグは苦々しく言った。

“Jo and I are going to make fortunes for you all.

make (築く) [動] create or produce

「ジョーと私はあなたたちみんなのために財産を築くつもりよ。

Just wait ten years, and see if we don’t,” said Amy, who sat in a corner making mud pies, as Hannah called her little clay models of birds, fruit, and faces.

mud pie (泥パイ) [名] a mixture of mud and water made by children for play

clay (粘土) [名] a fine-grained soil that becomes sticky when wet

model (模型) [名] a three-dimensional representation of a person or thing or of a proposed structure, typically on a smaller scale than the original

10年待ってみて、そうならないか見てて」と、隅に座って泥パイを作っているエイミーが言った。ハンナは彼女の小さな粘土製の鳥、果物、顔の模型をそう呼んでいた。

“Can’t wait, and I’m afraid I haven’t much faith in ink and dirt, though I’m grateful for your good intentions.”

can't wait (待てない) [動] be very excited about something that is going to happen

dirt (土) [名] soil or earth

good intention (善意) [名] a kind or helpful feeling or action

「待てないし、残念ながら私はインクと土にはあまり信頼を置いていないんだが、君たちの善意には感謝しているよ」

Meg sighed, and turned to the frostbitten garden again.

メグはため息をつき、再び霜焼けした庭を見た。

Jo groaned and leaned both elbows on the table in a despondent attitude, but Amy spatted away energetically, and Beth, who sat at the other window, said, smiling, “Two pleasant things are going to happen right away.

elbow (肘) [名] the joint between the upper and lower arm

despondent (落胆した) [形] in low spirits from loss of hope or courage

spat (口論) [名] a petty quarrel

energetically (元気よく) [副] in a vigorous or forceful manner

ジョーはうめき声を上げ、両肘をテーブルにつき、落胆した態度をとったが、エイミーは元気よく口論を続け、もう一方の窓際に座っていたベスは微笑みながら言った、「二つの楽しいことがすぐに起こるよ。

Marmee is coming down the street, and Laurie is tramping through the garden as if he had something nice to tell.”

ママが道を下りてきて、ローリーは何かいいことを言いたげに庭を歩いているよ」

In they both came, Mrs. March with her usual question, “Any letter from Father, girls?”

二人とも入ってきて、マーチ夫人はいつもの質問をした、「お父さんからの手紙は来たかしら?」

and Laurie to say in his persuasive way, “Won’t some of you come for a drive?

ローリーは説得力のある言い方で言った、「誰かドライブに行かない?

I’ve been working away at mathematics till my head is in a muddle, and I’m going to freshen my wits by a brisk turn.

muddle (混乱) [名] a state of confusion or disorder

freshen (すっきりさせる) [動] to make or become fresh

brisk (散歩) [形] quick and energetic

頭が混乱するまで数学を勉強していたので、頭をすっきりさせるために散歩に行こうと思うんだ。

It’s a dull day, but the air isn’t bad, and I’m going to take Brooke home, so it will be gay inside, if it isn’t out.

take home (連れて帰る) [動] to bring someone or something to one's home

退屈な日だが、空気は悪くないし、ブルックを家に連れて帰ろうと思うから、外はともかく中は陽気だろう。

Come, Jo, you and Beth will go, won’t you?”

さあ、ジョー、ベスと行くだろう?」

“Of course we will.”

will (行く) [動] go

「もちろん行くよ」

“Much obliged, but I’m busy.”

「とてもありがたいけど、忙しいんだ」

And Meg whisked out her workbasket, for she had agreed with her mother that it was best, for her at least, not to drive too often with the young gentleman.

workbasket (仕事かご) [名] a basket for holding implements or materials for work

そしてメグは、少なくとも自分にとっては、若い紳士とあまり頻繁にドライブしないことが一番いいと母親に同意していたので、仕事かごをさっさと取り出した。

“We three will be ready in a minute,” cried Amy, running away to wash her hands.

in a minute (すぐに) [副] in a short time

run away (走り去る) [動] leave quickly

「私たち3人はすぐに準備できるよ」と叫んで、エイミーは手を洗いに走り去った。

“Can I do anything for you, Madam Mother?” asked Laurie, leaning over Mrs. March’s chair with the affectionate look and tone he always gave her.

lean over (寄りかかる) [動] be in or move into a sloping position

「ママさん、何かできることはありますか?」とローリーはいつものように愛情のこもった表情と口調でマーチ夫人の椅子に寄りかかって尋ねた。

“No, thank you, except call at the office, if you’ll be so kind, dear.

「いいえ、ありがとう、ただ、もしよかったら、事務所に電話してちょうだい。

It’s our day for a letter, and the postman hasn’t been.

今日は手紙が届く日なんだけど、郵便屋さんがまだ来ていないの。

Father is as regular as the sun, but there’s some delay on the way, perhaps.”

as regular as the sun (太陽のように規則正しい) [形] very regular

お父さんは太陽のように規則正しいんだけど、途中で何か遅れているのかもしれないよ。」

A sharp ring interrupted her, and a minute after Hannah came in with a letter.

interrupt (遮る) [動] to stop or hinder by breaking in upon

鋭い呼び出し音が彼女を遮り、その一分後にハンナが手紙を持って入ってきた。

“It’s one of them horrid telegraph things, mum,” she said, handling it as if she was afraid it would explode and do some damage.

telegraph (電報) [名] a device for transmitting messages over long distances

mum (奥様) [名] a woman who has a child

handle (扱う) [動] to deal with or manage

explode (爆発する) [動] to break or cause to break apart violently and noisily

damage (被害) [名] physical harm caused to a person or thing

「あの恐ろしい電報のやつです、奥様」と彼女は言い、爆発して何か被害が出るのを恐れているかのようにそれを扱った。

At the word ‘telegraph’, Mrs. March snatched it, read the two lines it contained, and dropped back into her chair as white as if the little paper had sent a bullet to her heart.

snatch (ひったくる) [動] to grab something suddenly and quickly

drop (落ちる) [動] to fall or cause to fall

電報」という言葉に、マーチ夫人はそれをひったくり、そこに書かれた二行を読み、その小さな紙が彼女の心臓に弾丸を撃ち込んだかのように真っ白になって椅子に落ちた。

Laurie dashed downstairs for water, while Meg and Hannah supported her, and Jo read aloud, in a frightened voice...

dash (駆け下りる) [動] move or travel with great speed

ローリーが水を汲みに階下に駆け下り、メグとハンナが彼女を支え、ジョーは怯えた声で声を出して読んだ。

Mrs. March: Your husband is very ill.

ill (具合が悪い) [形] sick; unwell

マーチ夫人:あなたの夫はとても具合が悪いのです。

Come at once.

すぐに来てください。

S. HALE Blank Hospital, Washington.

S. HALE Blank Hospital (S.ヘイルブランク病院) [名] a hospital in Washington

S.ヘイルブランク病院、ワシントン

How still the room was as they listened breathlessly, how strangely the day darkened outside, and how suddenly the whole world seemed to change, as the girls gathered about their mother, feeling as if all the happiness and support of their lives was about to be taken from them.

breathlessly (息を殺して) [副] in a breathless manner

strangely (奇妙に) [副] in a strange manner

about to (奪われようとしている) [動] very close to doing something

息を殺して聞き入る彼女たちのいる部屋はどんなに静かだったか、外はどんなに奇妙に暗くなったか、そして、少女たちが母親の周りに集まり、人生のすべての幸せと支えが奪われようとしているように感じたとき、全世界がどんなに突然変わったように見えたか。

Mrs. March was herself again directly, read the message over, and stretched out her arms to her daughters, saying, in a tone they never forgot, “I shall go at once, but it may be too late.

directly (すぐに) [副] without delay or hesitation

over (読み返す) [副] again

stretch out (伸ばす) [動] extend

マーチ夫人はすぐに自分を取り戻し、メッセージを読み返し、娘たちに腕を伸ばして、彼女たちが決して忘れることのできない口調で言った、「私はすぐに行くよ、でも遅すぎるかもしれない。

Oh, children, children, help me to bear it!”

ああ、子供たち、子供たち、耐えられるよう助けて!」

For several minutes there was nothing but the sound of sobbing in the room, mingled with broken words of comfort, tender assurances of help, and hopeful whispers that died away in tears.

for several minutes (数分間) [名] a period of time lasting for a few minutes

sobbing (すすり泣き) [名] the act of crying with short convulsive gasps

broken (途切れ途切れの) [形] interrupted; not continuous

assurance (約束) [名] a promise or pledge; a guarantee

whisper (ささやき) [名] a soft or confidential tone of voice

die away (消えていく) [動] become fainter or weaker

数分間、部屋には慰めの言葉や助けを約束する優しい言葉、涙で消えていく希望のささやきと混ざったすすり泣く音だけが響いていた。

Poor Hannah was the first to recover, and with unconscious wisdom she set all the rest a good example, for with her, work was panacea for most afflictions.

Poor Hannah (かわいそうなハンナ) [名] the name of a person

good example (良い手本) [名] a person or thing regarded as a perfect model of something

with (にとって) [前] used to indicate the instrument, cause, or manner of an action

panacea (万能薬) [名] a remedy for all diseases or ills

かわいそうなハンナが最初に立ち直り、無意識の知恵で残りのみんなに良い手本を示した、彼女にとって仕事はほとんどの苦悩に対する万能薬だったからだ。

“The Lord keep the dear man!

Lord (神様) [名] the creator and ruler of the universe

「神様、あの愛しい人を守ってください!

I won’t waste no time a-cryin’, but git your things ready right away, mum,” she said heartily, as she wiped her face on her apron, gave her mistress a warm shake of the hand with her own hard one, and went away to work like three women in one.

git (支度する) [動] prepare

right away (すぐに) [副] without delay or hesitation

泣いて時間を無駄にしません、でもすぐに支度をしてください、奥様」と彼女はエプロンで顔を拭きながら心から言い、ご主人の手を自分の固い手で温かく握り、一人で三人分働くために立ち去った。

“She’s right, there’s no time for tears now.

「彼女の言う通りだ、今は泣いている暇はない。

Be calm, girls, and let me think.”

be calm (落ち着きなさい) [動] be in a state of tranquility

落ち着きなさい、娘たち、考えさせて。」

They tried to be calm, poor things, as their mother sat up, looking pale but steady, and put away her grief to think and plan for them.

try to be (しようとする) [動] make an effort to be

calm (落ち着いた) [形] not agitated or excited

pale (青ざめた) [形] lacking in color

put away (押し殺す) [動] to put something in its proper place

母親が起き上がり、青ざめてはいたが落ち着いた様子で、彼女たちのために考え計画するために悲しみを押し殺したので、彼女たちは落ち着こうとした、かわいそうに。

“Where’s Laurie?” she asked presently, when she had collected her thoughts and decided on the first duties to be done.

「ローリーはどこ?」彼女は考えをまとめ、最初にすべきことを決めると、すぐに尋ねた。

“Here, ma’am. Oh, let me do something!” cried the boy, hurrying from the next room whither he had withdrawn, feeling that their first sorrow was too sacred for even his friendly eyes to see.

sacred (神聖な) [形] consecrated to some deity, to some religious purpose, or to some special use

「ここにいます、奥様。ああ、何かさせて!」と少年は叫び、彼女たちの最初の悲しみは彼の友好的な目でさえ見ることができないほど神聖だと感じて、彼が退いた隣の部屋から急いで出てきた。

“Send a telegram saying I will come at once.

send (打つ) [動] cause to be conveyed

saying (言って) [動] express (something) in words

「すぐに行くと電報を打って。

The next train goes early in the morning.

train (電車) [名] a vehicle consisting of a series of connected cars that is pulled by a locomotive and runs on a track

次の電車は早朝に出発する。

I’ll take that.”

私がそれを受け取ろう。」

“What else? The horses are ready.

else (ほかに) [副] in addition; besides

「ほかに何か? 馬の準備ができました。

I can go anywhere, do anything,” he said, looking ready to fly to the ends of the earth.

go anywhere (どこへでも行く) [動] go to any place

どこへでも行けるし、何でもできる」と彼は言い、地球の果てまで飛んでいく準備ができているように見えた。

“Leave a note at Aunt March’s.

「マーチおばさんのところにメモを残して。

Jo, give me that pen and paper.”

give (貸す) [動] temporarily allow someone to use something that belongs to you

ジョー、ペンと紙を貸して」

Tearing off the blank side of one of her newly copied pages, Jo drew the table before her mother, well knowing that money for the long, sad journey must be borrowed, and feeling as if she could do anything to add a little to the sum for her father.

tear off (破り取る) [動] to remove something by pulling it violently

blank side (白紙の部分) [名] the side of a page that has no writing or printing on it

draw (置く) [動] to move or cause to move into a specified position

well knowing (よく知っている) [動] to be aware of something

borrow (借りる) [動] to take and use something temporarily with the intention of returning it

feel as if (~かのように感じる) [動] to have the impression that something is the case

add (増やす) [動] to increase the amount or number of

ジョーは、書き写したばかりのページの白紙の部分を破り取り、母親の前にテーブルを置いた。長く悲しい旅のためのお金を借りなければならないことをよく知っていて、父親のために少しでもお金を増やすために何かできるのではないかと感じていた。

“Now go, dear, but don’t kill yourself driving at a desperate pace.

desperate (必死の) [形] having lost all hope

pace (ペース) [名] the rate at which something happens or changes

「さあ、行きなさい、でも、必死のペースで運転して自殺しないように。

There is no need of that.”

there is no need of (する必要はない) [動] it is not necessary to

そんなことをする必要はない」

Mrs. March’s warning was evidently thrown away, for five minutes later Laurie tore by the window on his own fleet horse, riding as if for his life.

throw away (無視する) [動] to disregard intentionally

five minutes later (5分後) [名] five minutes after the time of reference

tear (走り去る) [動] to move or go very quickly

fleet (足の速い) [形] moving or able to move very fast

マーチ夫人の警告は明らかに無視された。5分後、ローリーは自分の足の速い馬に乗って、命がけで乗っているかのように窓のそばを走り去った。

“Jo, run to the rooms, and tell Mrs. King that I can’t come.

「ジョー、部屋まで走って行って、キング夫人に私が行けないと伝えて。

On the way get these things.

途中でこれらのものを買ってきなさい。

I’ll put them down, they’ll be needed and I must go prepared for nursing.

put down (置いておく) [動] place something on a surface

be needed (必要になる) [動] be required or wanted

go prepared (準備をして行く) [動] make ready or provide with everything needed in advance

それを置いておくよ、必要になるだろうし、看護の準備をして行かなければならないよ。

Hospital stores are not always good.

store (備品) [名] a supply of something

病院の備品はいつも良いとは限らない。

Beth, go and ask Mr. Laurence for a couple of bottles of old wine.

couple (2本) [名] two people considered as a unit

ベス、ローレンスさんに古いワインを2本頼んできなさい。

I’m not too proud to beg for Father.

too proud (プライドなんてない) [形] having or showing too much pride

私はパパのために頼むのにプライドなんてないよ。

He shall have the best of everything.

彼には何でも最高のものを与えるよ。

Amy, tell Hannah to get down the black trunk, and Meg, come and help me find my things, for I’m half bewildered.”

エイミー、ハンナに黒いトランクを降ろすように言って、メグ、私のものを探すのを手伝ってちょうだい、私は半分混乱しているのよ。」

Writing, thinking, and directing all at once might well bewilder the poor lady, and Meg begged her to sit quietly in her room for a little while, and let them work.

thinking (考えること) [名] the process of using one's mind to consider something carefully

directing (指示を出す) [名] the activity of managing or supervising something

all at once (一度に) [副] suddenly; without warning

bewilder (混乱させる) [動] confuse or puzzle utterly

書くこと、考えること、指示を出すことを一度に行うことは、この哀れな女性を混乱させるに十分で、メグは彼女にしばらく部屋で静かに座って、自分たちに仕事をさせてくれるように頼んだ。

Everyone scattered like leaves before a gust of wind, and the quiet, happy household was broken up as suddenly as if the paper had been an evil spell.

scatter (散り散りになる) [動] throw in various random directions

break up (ばらばらになる) [動] separate into pieces

evil (邪悪な) [形] profoundly immoral and wicked

皆が一陣の風の前の木の葉のように散り散りになり、静かで幸せな家庭は、まるでその紙が邪悪な呪文であったかのように突然ばらばらになってしまった。

Mr. Laurence came hurrying back with Beth, bringing every comfort the kind old gentleman could think of for the invalid, and friendliest promises of protection for the girls during the mother’s absence, which comforted her very much.

think of (考えつく) [動] conceive of or imagine

protection (守る) [名] the action of protecting someone or something

absence (不在) [名] the state of being away from a place or person

ローレンス氏はベスと共に急いで戻ってきて、親切な老紳士が病人のために考えつく限りのあらゆる慰めと、母親の不在中に娘たちを守るという最も友好的な約束をもたらし、それは彼女をとても慰めた。

There was nothing he didn’t offer, from his own dressing gown to himself as escort.

escort (護衛) [名] a person or group of persons accompanying another for protection, guidance, or as a mark of honor

彼は自分のガウンから護衛としての自分まで、差し出さないものはなかった。

But the last was impossible.

しかし、最後は不可能だった。

Mrs. March would not hear of the old gentleman’s undertaking the long journey, yet an expression of relief was visible when he spoke of it, for anxiety ill fits one for traveling.

long journey (長旅) [名] a trip that takes a long time

hear of (聞き入れる) [動] to be willing to consider or accept

undertaking (引き受ける) [名] a task or project that is attempted or carried out

fit (適する) [動] be of the right shape and size

マーチ夫人は老紳士が長旅をすることを聞き入れようとしなかったが、彼がそのことを話すと、不安は旅に適さないので、安堵の表情が浮かんだ。

He saw the look, knit his heavy eyebrows, rubbed his hands, and marched abruptly away, saying he’d be back directly.

march (立ち去る) [動] walk with regular and measured tread

abruptly (急に) [副] quickly and without warning

彼はその表情を見て、濃い眉をひそめ、手をこすり、すぐに戻ると言って急に立ち去った。

No one had time to think of him again till, as Meg ran through the entry, with a pair of rubbers in one hand and a cup of tea in the other, she came suddenly upon Mr. Brooke.

have time to (考える時間がある) [動] have enough time to do something

run through (駆け抜ける) [動] go through or over quickly

come upon (出くわす) [動] meet or discover by chance

メグが片手にゴム長靴を持ち、もう片方の手に紅茶を持って玄関を駆け抜け、突然ブルック氏に出くわすまで、誰も彼のことを考える時間がなかった。

“I’m very sorry to hear of this, Miss March,” he said, in the kind, quiet tone which sounded very pleasantly to her perturbed spirit.

be sorry to hear (残念に思う) [動] feel regret or guilt

pleasantly (心地よく) [副] in a way that is pleasant or enjoyable

perturbed (混乱した) [形] agitated or disturbed

「それを聞いてとても残念です、ミス・マーチ」と彼は彼女の混乱した精神にとても心地よく聞こえる親切で静かな口調で言った。

“I came to offer myself as escort to your mother.

「私はあなたのお母様のお供を申し出に参りました。

Mr. Laurence has commissions for me in Washington, and it will give me real satisfaction to be of service to her there.”

commission (用事) [名] an instruction, command, or duty given to someone

ローレンス氏は私にワシントンでの用事を頼んでおり、そこで彼女のお役に立てれば本当に満足です。」

Down dropped the rubbers, and the tea was very near following, as Meg put out her hand, with a face so full of gratitude that Mr. Brooke would have felt repaid for a much greater sacrifice than the trifling one of time and comfort which he was about to take.

put out (差し出す) [動] extend or stretch out

repay (報われる) [動] pay back

メグが手を差し出したとき、ゴム長靴が落ち、お茶も落ちそうになったが、メグの顔は感謝にあふれ、ブルック氏はこれから取ろうとしている時間と快適さという些細な犠牲よりもはるかに大きな犠牲を払った甲斐があったと感じただろう。

“How kind you all are!

all (皆さん) [代] the whole amount or number of

「皆さん、なんて親切なのでしょう!

Mother will accept, I’m sure, and it will be such a relief to know that she has someone to take care of her.

ママはきっと受け入れてくれるでしょうし、誰かが彼女の面倒を見てくれると分かれば、とても安心するでしょう。

Thank you very, very much!”

本当にありがとうございます!」

Meg spoke earnestly, and forgot herself entirely till something in the brown eyes looking down at her made her remember the cooling tea, and lead the way into the parlor, saying she would call her mother.

speak earnestly (真剣に話す) [動] talk in a serious manner

forget oneself (我を忘れる) [動] lose one's composure

make someone remember (思い出させる) [動] cause someone to recall something

cooling tea (冷めたお茶) [名] tea that has cooled down

メグは真剣に話し、自分をすっかり忘れていたが、自分を見下ろす茶色い瞳の中の何かが冷めたお茶を思い出させ、母を呼んでくると言って応接室に案内した。

Everything was arranged by the time Laurie returned with a note from Aunt March, enclosing the desired sum, and a few lines repeating what she had often said before, that she had always told them it was absurd for March to go into the army, always predicted that no good would come of it, and she hoped they would take her advice the next time.

be arranged (手配される) [動] be organized or planned

by the time (までに) [接] before a particular time

enclose (同封する) [動] put something in an envelope with something else

a few lines (数行) [名] a small number of lines

predict (予言する) [動] say or estimate that (a specified thing) will happen in the future or will be a consequence of something

ローリーがマーチおばさんからの手紙を持って戻ってくるまでに、すべてが手配されていた。手紙には、希望の金額と、マーチが軍隊に入るのはばかげているといつも言っていた、いいことは何も起こらないといつも予言していた、次回は自分の忠告を聞いてほしいという、これまでに何度も言っていたことが数行書かれていた。

Mrs. March put the note in the fire, the money in her purse, and went on with her preparations, with her lips folded tightly in a way which Jo would have understood if she had been there.

purse (財布) [名] a small pouch of leather or plastic used for carrying money, typically by a woman

be there (そこにいる) [動] be present in a place

マーチ夫人は手紙を火の中に入れ、お金を財布に入れ、準備を続けたが、もしジョーがそこにいたら理解できたであろう方法で唇を固く結んでいた。

The short afternoon wore away.

wear away (過ぎていく) [動] pass gradually

短い午後が過ぎていった。

All other errands were done, and Meg and her mother busy at some necessary needlework, while Beth and Amy got tea, and Hannah finished her ironing with what she called a ‘slap and a bang’, but still Jo did not come.

be done (済む) [動] be finished

needlework (針仕事) [名] sewing or embroidery

ironing (アイロンがけ) [名] the activity of pressing clothes with a heated iron

他の用事はすべて済み、メグと母は必要な針仕事に忙しく、ベスとエイミーはお茶を飲み、ハンナは「ビンタとバン」と呼ぶアイロンがけを終えたが、ジョーは帰って来なかった。

They began to get anxious, and Laurie went off to find her, for no one knew what freak Jo might take into her head.

begin to (始める) [動] start to do something

get anxious (心配になる) [動] become nervous or worried

freak (奇行) [名] a very unusual and unexpected event or action

take into one's head (思いつく) [動] decide to do something, especially suddenly or without thinking about it carefully

みんな心配し始め、ローリーはジョーを探しに行った。ジョーがどんな奇行をするか誰も知らなかったからだ。

He missed her, however, and she came walking in with a very queer expression of countenance, for there was a mixture of fun and fear, satisfaction and regret in it, which puzzled the family as much as did the roll of bills she laid before her mother, saying with a little choke in her voice, “That’s my contribution toward making Father comfortable and bringing him home!”

walk in (歩いてくる) [動] enter a place by walking

roll (束) [名] a quantity of something rolled up into a cylindrical or spherical shape

bill (紙幣) [名] a piece of paper money

choke (詰まらせる) [動] have difficulty in breathing

contribution (寄付) [名] the action of contributing something

bring (連れて帰る) [動] take or carry someone or something with oneself from one place to another

しかし、彼はジョーを見失い、ジョーは非常に奇妙な表情で歩いてきた。そこには楽しみと恐怖、満足と後悔が混ざり合っており、母親の前に置いた紙幣の束と同じくらい家族を困惑させた。ジョーは少し声を詰まらせながら、「これはパパを楽にして家に連れて帰るための私の寄付です!」と言った。

“My dear, where did you get it? Twenty-five dollars!

twenty-five dollars (25ドル) [名] an amount of money

「あなた、どこで手に入れたの? 25ドル!

Jo, I hope you haven’t done anything rash?”

haven't done (していない) [助] have not

ジョー、無茶なことはしていないでしょうね?」

“No, it’s mine honestly.

honestly (正直に) [副] in a truthful manner

「いいえ、正直に私のものです。

I didn’t beg, borrow, or steal it.

物乞いしたり、借りたり、盗んだりしていません。

I earned it, and I don’t think you’ll blame me, for I only sold what was my own.”

sell (売る) [動] give or hand over (something) in exchange for money

私が稼いだのです、そして、私が自分のものだけを売ったので、あなたが私を責めるとは思いません。」

As she spoke, Jo took off her bonnet, and a general outcry arose, for all her abundant hair was cut short.

outcry (騒ぎ) [名] a strong public expression of protest or disapproval

abundant (豊かな) [形] existing or available in large quantities; plentiful

彼女が話している間に、ジョーはボンネットを脱ぎ、彼女の豊かな髪の毛がすべて短く切られていたので、大騒ぎになった。

“Your hair! Your beautiful hair!”

「あなたの髪! あなたの美しい髪!」

“Oh, Jo, how could you?

「ああ、ジョー、どうしてそんなことを?

Your one beauty.”

あなたの唯一の美しさ。」

“My dear girl, there was no need of this.”

「私の愛する娘よ、こんなことをする必要はなかったのに。」

“She doesn’t look like my Jo any more, but I love her dearly for it!”

「もう私のジョーには見えないけど、そのことで彼女をとても愛おしく思うよ!」

As everyone exclaimed, and Beth hugged the cropped head tenderly, Jo assumed an indifferent air, which did not deceive anyone a particle, and said, rumpling up the brown bush and trying to look as if she liked it, “It doesn’t affect the fate of the nation, so don’t wail, Beth.

indifferent (無関心な) [形] having no particular interest in or feeling about something

deceive (騙す) [動] cause someone to believe something that is not true

rumple (くしゃくしゃにする) [動] make or become creased or untidy

みんなが叫び、ベスが刈られた頭を優しく抱きしめる中、ジョーは誰も騙せない無関心な態度を装い、茶色の髪をくしゃくしゃにして、気に入ったかのように見せかけながら言った、「国の運命に影響するわけじゃないんだから、ベス、泣き叫ばないで。

It will be good for my vanity, I was getting too proud of my wig.

be good for (いいことである) [動] be beneficial to

wig (かつら) [名] a covering of false hair worn on the head

私の虚栄心にはいいことだよ、私は自分のかつらを自慢しすぎていたんだもの。

It will do my brains good to have that mop taken off.

brain (脳みそ) [名] the organ inside the head that controls all bodily functions

あのモップを取っちゃえば私の脳みそにも良いよ。

My head feels deliciously light and cool, and the barber said I could soon have a curly crop, which will be boyish, becoming, and easy to keep in order.

cool (涼しい) [形] moderately cold

barber (床屋) [名] a person who cuts men's hair and shaves or trims beards

crop (短髪) [名] a very short hairstyle

keep (手入れする) [動] maintain in good condition

頭がとても軽くて涼しく感じられるよ、それに床屋さんは、すぐに巻き毛の短髪にできると言っていたよ、男の子っぽくて似合うし、手入れも簡単だって。

I’m satisfied, so please take the money and let’s have supper.”

have supper (夕食にする) [動] eat the last meal of the day

私は満足しているから、お金を受け取って、夕食にしよう。」

“Tell me all about it, Jo.

「全部話してちょうだい、ジョー。

I am not quite satisfied, but I can’t blame you, for I know how willingly you sacrificed your vanity, as you call it, to your love.

willingly (喜んで) [副] with a glad or happy heart

sacrifice (犠牲にする) [動] give up something important for the sake of achieving something else

私はあまり満足していないけど、あなたを責めることはできないよ、だってあなたが自分の虚栄心を、あなたが言うように、あなたの愛のためにどれほど喜んで犠牲にしたかを知っているから。

But, my dear, it was not necessary, and I’m afraid you will regret it one of these days,” said Mrs. March.

one of these days (そのうち) [名] at some unspecified time in the future

Mrs. March (ママ) [名] the mother of the March family

でも、あなた、それは必要なかったし、そのうち後悔するんじゃないかと心配だ」とママは言った。

“No, I won’t!” returned Jo stoutly, feeling much relieved that her prank was not entirely condemned.

No, I won't (いいえ、後悔しません) [句] a negative response to a question

feel relieved (安心する) [動] feel less worried or anxious

「いいえ、後悔しません!」ジョーは自分のいたずらが完全に非難されなかったことに大いに安心して、断固として答えた。

“What made you do it?” asked Amy, who would as soon have thought of cutting off her head as her pretty hair.

cut off (切り落とす) [動] remove by cutting

「どうしてそんなことしたの?」とエイミーは尋ねたが、エイミーは自分のきれいな髪を切るくらいなら頭を切り落とそうと思っただろう。

“Well, I was wild to do something for Father,” replied Jo, as they gathered about the table, for healthy young people can eat even in the midst of trouble.

wild (たまらなかった) [形] very eager or enthusiastic

healthy (健康な) [形] in a good physical or mental condition

「ええ、私はパパのために何かしたくてたまらなかったの」とジョーは答え、みんながテーブルの周りに集まった、というのも健康な若者は困難の真っ只中でも食べられるからだ。

“I hate to borrow as much as Mother does, and I knew Aunt March would croak, she always does, if you ask for a ninepence.

croak (文句を言う) [動] complain or grumble

ninepence (9ペンス) [名] a former British coin worth nine pennies

「私はママと同じくらい借りるのが嫌いだし、マーチおばさんが文句を言うのはわかっていた、いつもそうする、もしあなたが9ペンスを求めたら。

Meg gave all her quarterly salary toward the rent, and I only got some clothes with mine, so I felt wicked, and was bound to have some money, if I sold the nose off my face to get it.”

quarterly (3か月分) [形] happening or done once every quarter of a year

rent (家賃) [名] a payment made by a tenant to a landlord

be bound to (するつもりである) [動] be certain to do or have something

メグは家賃のために3か月分の給料を全部渡したし、私は自分の給料で服を買っただけだったから、私は自分が悪いことをしたと感じたし、お金を手に入れる為に自分の鼻を売ったとしても、お金を手に入れるつもりだった。」

“You needn’t feel wicked, my child!

「悪いことをしたと感じる必要はないよ、私の子!

You had no winter things and got the simplest with your own hard earnings,” said Mrs. March with a look that warmed Jo’s heart.

hard (苦労して) [形] done with a great deal of effort

earning (稼いだ) [名] money that is earned

あなたは冬物を持っていなかったし、自分の苦労して稼いだお金で一番質素なものを買ったのよ」とマーチ夫人はジョーの心を温める表情で言った。

“I hadn’t the least idea of selling my hair at first, but as I went along I kept thinking what I could do, and feeling as if I’d like to dive into some of the rich stores and help myself.

as I went along (歩きながら) [副] while I was walking

keep thinking (考え続ける) [動] continue to think

what I could do (何ができるか) [名] what I am able to do

feel as if (と思う) [動] have the impression that

dive into (飛び込む) [動] jump or fall into water

some of the (いくつかの) [限] a certain amount or number of

store (店) [名] a place where goods or services are sold

help myself (自分で手に入れたい) [動] take or get something for oneself

「最初は髪を売るなんて考えもしなかったけど、歩きながら何ができるか考え続けた、そして、豊かな店に飛び込んで自分で手に入れたいと思った。

In a barber’s window I saw tails of hair with the prices marked, and one black tail, not so thick as mine, was forty dollars.

tail (束) [名] the end of something that is long and thin

price (値段) [名] the amount of money that is needed to buy something

mark (付ける) [動] to make a mark on something

forty dollars (40ドル) [名] an amount of money equal to 40 units of the currency used in the United States

床屋の窓に髪の毛の束が値段付きで飾ってあるのを見たの、私のほど太くない黒い束が40ドルだった。

It came to me all of a sudden that I had one thing to make money out of, and without stopping to think, I walked in, asked if they bought hair, and what they would give for mine.”

come to (気が付く) [動] become aware of

make money (お金を稼ぐ) [動] earn money

without stopping (やめずに) [副] without ceasing

walk in (中に入る) [動] enter a place

突然、お金を稼ぐ方法が一つあることに気が付いて、考えるのをやめずに中に入って、髪を買うかどうか、私の髪にいくらくれるか尋ねた。」

“I don’t see how you dared to do it,” said Beth in a tone of awe.

awe (畏敬) [名] a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder

「よくそんな勇気があったよね」とベスは畏敬の念を込めて言った。

“Oh, he was a little man who looked as if he merely lived to oil his hair.

oil (油) [名] a greasy liquid that is used as a fuel and for lubrication

「ああ、彼は髪に油を塗るためだけに生きているかのような小さな男だった。

He rather stared at first, as if he wasn’t used to having girls bounce into his shop and ask him to buy their hair.

bounce into (飛び込む) [動] enter a place in a lively or energetic way

shop (店) [名] a place where goods or services are sold

彼は最初、女の子が店に飛び込んで髪を買ってくれと頼むのに慣れていないかのように、じろじろと私を見た。

He said he didn’t care about mine, it wasn’t the fashionable color, and he never paid much for it in the first place.

care about (気にする) [動] be concerned about

fashionable (流行の) [形] in accordance with the current fashion

in the first place (そもそも) [副] to begin with; first of all

彼は私の髪には興味がない、流行の色ではないし、そもそもあまりお金を払わないと言った。

The work put into it made it dear, and so on.

put into (かける) [動] to devote to a particular activity

work (手間賃) [名] effort exerted to do or accomplish something

dear (高く) [形] high in price or value

それにかけた手間賃がそれを高くしている、などなど。

It was getting late, and I was afraid if it wasn’t done right away that I shouldn’t have it done at all, and you know when I start to do a thing, I hate to give it up.

遅くなってきていたし、すぐにやらなければ、もうやらなくていいのではないかと心配だったし、私が何かを始めたら、それを諦めるのは嫌いなのは知っているよね。

So I begged him to take it, and told him why I was in such a hurry.

だから私は彼にそれを受け取るように頼み、なぜそんなに急いでいるのかを彼に話した。

It was silly, I dare say, but it changed his mind, for I got rather excited, and told the story in my topsy-turvy way, and his wife heard, and said so kindly, ‘Take it, Thomas, and oblige the young lady.

excited (興奮した) [形] feeling or showing great happiness or pleasure

oblige (感謝する) [動] make (someone) grateful or indebted

愚かなことだったと思うけど、彼の考えを変えたのよ、だって私はかなり興奮して、私のめちゃくちゃなやり方で話をしたし、彼の奥さんがそれを聞いて、とても親切に「トーマス、それを受け取って、お嬢さんに感謝しなさい」って言ったのよ。

I’d do as much for our Jimmy any day if I had a spire of hair worth selling.”

do as much (そうする) [動] do the same thing

Jimmy (ジミー) [名] a male given name

worth (売れる) [形] meriting or worthy of

私もジミーのために、売れるだけの髪の毛があったら、いつでもそうするよ」

“Who was Jimmy?” asked Amy, who liked to have things explained as they went along.

「ジミーって誰?」とエイミーが尋ねた。彼女は物事が進むにつれて説明されるのが好きだった。

“Her son, she said, who was in the army.

「彼女の息子で、軍隊にいるんだって。

How friendly such things make strangers feel, don’t they?

how friendly (親しみを感じる) [形] kind and pleasant

such things (そういうこと) [名] things of the type mentioned

don't they (~よね) [他] used in speech as a way of inviting agreement

そういうことで、見知らぬ人同士が親しみを感じるようになるのよね。

She talked away all the time the man clipped, and diverted my mind nicely.”

all the time (ずっと) [副] continuously

clip (切る) [動] cut with scissors or shears

divert (そらす) [動] turn from one course or use to another

彼女は男が髪を切っている間ずっとしゃべり続け、私の気をそらしてくれたの」

“Didn’t you feel dreadfully when the first cut came?” asked Meg, with a shiver.

cut (一刀) [名] a wound or opening made by a sharp-edged object

shiver (身震い) [名] a brief, involuntary trembling of the body

「最初の一刀が入った時、恐ろしく感じなかった?」とメグは身震いしながら尋ねた。

“I took a last look at my hair while the man got his things, and that was the end of it.

take a look (一目見る) [動] to look at something

「男が道具を片付けている間に、私は髪の毛を最後に一目見て、それで終わりだった。

I never snivel over trifles like that.

snivel (泣き言を言う) [動] to cry and sniffle

私はそんな些細なことで泣き言を言うことはない。

I will confess, though, I felt queer when I saw the dear old hair laid out on the table, and felt only the short rough ends of my head.

feel queer (変な感じがする) [動] feel strange or odd

lay out (置く) [動] arrange in a certain way

でも、告白するけど、愛しい髪の毛がテーブルの上に置かれているのを見て、頭の短いざらざらした毛先だけを感じた時は、変な感じがしたよ。

It almost seemed as if I’d an arm or leg off.

まるで腕や足を切断されたかのようだった。

The woman saw me look at it, and picked out a long lock for me to keep.

pick out (摘み取る) [動] choose or select from a group

女性は私がそれを見ているのを見て、私が保管しておけるように長い房を摘み取った。

I’ll give it to you, Marmee, just to remember past glories by, for a crop is so comfortable I don’t think I shall ever have a mane again.”

mane (長い髪) [名] a long growth of hair on the neck of a person or animal

ママ、これをあげるよ、過去の栄光を思い出すためにね、短い髪はとても楽だから、もう二度と長い髪にはしないと思うよ。」

Mrs. March folded the wavy chestnut lock, and laid it away with a short gray one in her desk.

wavy (波打つ) [形] having or consisting of a series of curves

lock (房) [名] a strand or curl of hair

lay away (しまい込む) [動] put (something) in a safe or special place

マーチ夫人は波打つ栗色の房を折り畳み、短い灰色の房と一緒に机の中にしまい込んだ。

She only said, “Thank you, deary,” but something in her face made the girls change the subject, and talk as cheerfully as they could about Mr. Brooke’s kindness, the prospect of a fine day tomorrow, and the happy times they would have when Father came home to be nursed.

彼女はただ「ありがとう、あなたたち」と言っただけだったが、彼女の顔の何かが娘たちに話題を変えさせ、ブルック氏の親切さ、明日の天気の見通し、父が看病のために帰宅した時の幸せな時間について、できるだけ明るく話させた。

No one wanted to go to bed when at ten o’clock Mrs. March put by the last finished job, and said, “Come girls.”

ten o'clock (十時) [名] ten hours after midnight

put by (終える) [動] finish

job (仕事) [名] a task or work that is paid for

十時にマーチ夫人が最後の仕事を終えて「さあ、娘たち」と言った時、誰も寝たくなかった。

Beth went to the piano and played the father’s favorite hymn.

hymn (賛美歌) [名] a song used in a religious service

ベスはピアノに向かい、父の好きな賛美歌を弾いた。

All began bravely, but broke down one by one till Beth was left alone, singing with all her heart, for to her music was always a sweet consoler.

break down (泣き崩れる) [動] start to cry uncontrollably

one by one (一人また一人と) [副] individually

be left (残る) [動] remain

with all one's heart (心を込めて) [副] in a very sincere or enthusiastic way

consoler (慰め) [名] a person or thing that consoles

みんな勇敢に歌い始めたが、一人また一人と泣き崩れ、ベスだけが残って心を込めて歌った。彼女にとって音楽はいつも優しい慰めだった。

“Go to bed and don’t talk, for we must be up early and shall need all the sleep we can get.

be up (起きる) [動] be awake

「寝なさい、おしゃべりはなし、明日は早起きしなくちゃいけないし、できるだけ寝ておく必要があるよ。

Good night, my darlings,” said Mrs. March, as the hymn ended, for no one cared to try another.

おやすみなさい、私の可愛い子たち」とマーチ夫人は賛美歌が終わった時に言った。誰ももう一度歌おうとは思わなかった。

They kissed her quietly, and went to bed as silently as if the dear invalid lay in the next room.

silently (静かに) [副] with little or no noise

彼女たちは静かに母にキスをし、まるで愛する病人が隣の部屋にいるかのように静かにベッドに入った。

Beth and Amy soon fell asleep in spite of the great trouble, but Meg lay awake, thinking the most serious thoughts she had ever known in her short life.

great trouble (大きな心配事) [名] a serious problem

lie awake (目を覚ましたまま横たわる) [動] be awake in bed

short life (短い人生) [名] a life that is not long

ever know (今までに知る) [動] be aware of

serious thought (深刻なこと) [名] a thought that is important or has important consequences

ベスとエイミーは大きな心配事にもかかわらずすぐに眠ってしまったが、メグは目を覚ましたまま横たわり、短い人生の中で今までに知った中で最も深刻なことを考えていた。

Jo lay motionless, and her sister fancied that she was asleep, till a stifled sob made her exclaim, as she touched a wet cheek...

lie motionless (動かずに横たわる) [動] be in a state of rest

stifled sob (押し殺したすすり泣き) [名] a sound of crying that is suppressed

exclaim (驚かせる) [動] cry out suddenly in surprise, strong emotion, or pain

ジョーは動かずに横たわっていたので、妹は彼女が眠っていると思ったが、湿った頬に触れた時に押し殺したすすり泣きが彼女を驚かせた。

“Jo, dear, what is it?

「ジョー、どうしたの?

Are you crying about father?”

パパのことで泣いているの?」

“No, not now.”

not now (今は違う) [副] not at the present time

「いいえ、今は違うよ」

“What then?”

then (じゃあ) [副] at that time; at the time in question

「じゃあ何?」

“My... My hair!” burst out poor Jo, trying vainly to smother her emotion in the pillow.

burst out (爆発する) [動] to suddenly say something loudly

vainly (無駄に) [副] without success or result

smother (押し殺す) [動] to kill by covering the nose and mouth so that breathing stops

「私の・・・私の髪!」とかわいそうなジョーは爆発し、枕に感情を押し殺そうとしたが無駄だった。

It did not seem at all comical to Meg, who kissed and caressed the afflicted heroine in the tenderest manner.

caress (抱きしめる) [動] touch or stroke in a loving or gentle way

メグには全く滑稽には思えず、苦しんでいるヒロインを優しく抱きしめてキスした。

“I’m not sorry,” protested Jo, with a choke.

protest (抗議する) [動] express an objection to

「後悔してないよ」とジョーはむせながら抗議した。

“I’d do it again tomorrow, if I could.

do it again (そうする) [動] do something again

if I could (できる限り) [条] if it is possible for me

「明日もできる限りそうするよ。

It’s only the vain part of me that goes and cries in this silly way.

私の虚栄心の部分だけがこんなばかげた方法で泣いているの。

Don’t tell anyone, it’s all over now.

all over (全部終わった) [形] finished; ended

誰にも言わないで、もう全部終わったことだから。

I thought you were asleep, so I just made a little private moan for my one beauty.

moan (うめき声) [名] a low, continuous sound made by a person who is suffering or complaining

君が寝ていると思ったから、私の唯一の美しい女性のためにちょっと独り言を言っただけだ。

How came you to be awake?”

come to be (~するようになる) [動] start to be

awake (起きている) [形] not asleep

どうして起きていたんだい?」

“I can’t sleep, I’m so anxious,” said Meg.

can't sleep (眠れない) [動] be unable to sleep

anxious (心配) [形] feeling or showing worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome

「眠れないの、とても心配なの」とメグは言った。

“Think about something pleasant, and you’ll soon drop off.”

think about (考える) [動] direct one's mind toward someone or something; use one's mind actively to form connected ideas

drop off (眠る) [動] fall asleep

「何か楽しいことを考えれば、すぐに眠れるよ」

“I tried it, but felt wider awake than ever.”

wide (ますます) [形] having a specified distance from side to side

awake (目が覚める) [動] stop sleeping

「そうしてみたけど、ますます目が覚めちゃった」

“What did you think of?”

「何を考えたの?」

“Handsome faces—eyes particularly,” answered Meg, smiling to herself in the dark.

「ハンサムな顔、特に目」とメグは答え、暗闇の中で一人で微笑んだ。

“What color do you like best?”

what color (何色) [名] the property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of the way it reflects or emits light

「何色が一番好き?」

“Brown, that is, sometimes.

that is (つまり) [副] in other words; to put it differently

「茶色、つまり、時々ね。

Blue are lovely.”

青も素敵」

Jo laughed, and Meg sharply ordered her not to talk, then amiably promised to make her hair curl, and fell asleep to dream of living in her castle in the air.

amiably (愛想よく) [副] in a friendly manner

ジョーは笑い、メグはきっぱりと話さないように命じ、それから愛想よく髪をカールさせると約束し、空中の城に住む夢を見ながら眠りについた。

The clocks were striking midnight and the rooms were very still as a figure glided quietly from bed to bed, smoothing a coverlet here, settling a pillow there, and pausing to look long and tenderly at each unconscious face, to kiss each with lips that mutely blessed, and to pray the fervent prayers which only mothers utter.

strike (告げる) [動] announce by striking

midnight (真夜中) [名] the middle of the night

coverlet (掛け布団) [名] a bed covering

settle (整える) [動] put into a certain state

mutely (無言で) [副] without speaking

時計が真夜中を告げ、部屋がとても静かな中、人影が静かにベッドからベッドへと滑り、ここでは掛け布団を撫で、あそこでは枕を整え、そして立ち止まって、それぞれの無意識の顔を長く優しく見つめ、無言で祝福する唇でそれぞれにキスをし、母親だけが発する熱い祈りを捧げた。

As she lifted the curtain to look out into the dreary night, the moon broke suddenly from behind the clouds and shone upon her like a bright, benignant face, which seemed to whisper in the silence, “Be comforted, dear soul!

dreary (陰鬱な) [形] sad and dull

moon (月) [名] the natural satellite of the earth

break (現れる) [動] appear suddenly

shine (照らす) [動] give out or reflect light

彼女がカーテンを上げて陰鬱な夜を眺めると、月が突然雲の後ろから現れ、明るく優しい顔のように彼女を照らし、沈黙の中でささやくように見えた。「慰めなさい、愛する魂よ!

There is always light behind the clouds.”

雲の向こうにはいつも光がある」

CHAPTER SIXTEEN: LETTERS

第16章: 手紙

In the cold gray dawn the sisters lit their lamp and read their chapter with an earnestness never felt before.

dawn (夜明け) [名] the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise

earnestness (真剣さ) [名] seriousness of purpose or intention

寒い灰色の夜明けに、姉妹たちはランプをともし、これまでに感じたことのない真剣さで聖書の章を読んだ。

For now the shadow of a real trouble had come, the little books were full of help and comfort, and as they dressed, they agreed to say goodbye cheerfully and hopefully, and send their mother on her anxious journey unsaddened by tears or complaints from them.

for now (今) [副] at the present time; now

be full of (満ちている) [動] be filled with

say goodbye (別れを告げる) [動] express a farewell

本当の困難の影がやってきた今、小さな本は助けと慰めに満ちていて、服を着ながら、彼女たちは元気で希望に満ちた別れを告げ、涙や不満で悲しむことなく、不安な旅に母を送り出そうと決めた。

Everything seemed very strange when they went down, so dim and still outside, so full of light and bustle within.

strange (奇妙な) [形] unusual or surprising in a way that is unsettling or hard to understand

outside (外) [名] the external part of a building

彼女たちが降りていくと、外は薄暗く静かで、中は明るく賑やかで、すべてがとても奇妙に思えた。

Breakfast at that early hour seemed odd, and even Hannah’s familiar face looked unnatural as she flew about her kitchen with her nightcap on.

early hour (早い時間) [名] a time that is early in the day

familiar face (見慣れた顔) [名] a face that one has seen many times before

look unnatural (不自然に見える) [動] appear to be not natural

そんなに早い時間の朝食は奇妙に思え、ハンナの見慣れた顔でさえ、ナイトキャップをかぶって台所を飛び回る姿は不自然に見えた。

The big trunk stood ready in the hall, Mother’s cloak and bonnet lay on the sofa, and Mother herself sat trying to eat, but looking so pale and worn with sleeplessness and anxiety that the girls found it very hard to keep their resolution.

pale (青白く) [形] light in color or having little color

worn (疲れ果てた) [形] showing the effects of wear or use

sleeplessness (不眠) [名] the condition of being unable to sleep

大きなトランクが玄関に用意され、ママの外套とボンネットがソファに置かれ、ママ自身も座って食事をしようとしていたが、不眠と不安で青白く疲れ果てているように見えたので、娘たちは決意を守るのがとても難しいと思った。

Meg’s eyes kept filling in spite of herself, Jo was obliged to hide her face in the kitchen roller more than once, and the little girls wore a grave, troubled expression, as if sorrow was a new experience to them.

fill (涙) [動] become full of liquid

roller (カーテン) [名] a cylindrical tube over which something is rolled

new (初めての) [形] not existing before; made, introduced, or discovered recently or now for the first time

メグは思わず涙がこぼれ、ジョーは一度ならず台所のカーテンに顔を隠さざるを得ず、小さな娘たちは悲しみが初めての経験であるかのように、深刻で困った表情をしていた。

Nobody talked much, but as the time drew very near and they sat waiting for the carriage, Mrs. March said to the girls, who were all busied about her, one folding her shawl, another smoothing out the strings of her bonnet, a third putting on her overshoes, and a fourth fastening up her travelling bag...

busy (忙しくする) [動] occupy oneself with

shawl (ショール) [名] a large piece of fabric worn over the shoulders or head

smooth out (撫でる) [動] make smooth or smoother

string (紐) [名] a thin length of twisted fiber used for tying or sewing

overshoe (オーバーシューズ) [名] a shoe worn over another for protection from wet or cold

travel bag (旅行かばん) [名] a bag for carrying personal items when traveling

誰もあまり話さなかったが、時間が迫り、馬車を待って座っていると、マーチ夫人は、一人はショールを畳み、もう一人はボンネットの紐を撫で、三人目はオーバーシューズを履き、四人目は旅行かばんを締めている娘たちに言った。

“Children, I leave you to Hannah’s care and Mr. Laurence’s protection.

「子供たち、ハンナの世話とローレンスさんの保護に任せるよ。

Hannah is faithfulness itself, and our good neighbor will guard you as if you were his own.

faithfulness (忠実) [名] the quality of being faithful

ハンナは忠実そのものだし、親切な隣人はあなたたちを自分の子供のように守ってくれるでしょう。

I have no fears for you, yet I am anxious that you should take this trouble rightly.

have no fears (心配はしていない) [動] not be afraid

take rightly (正しく受け止める) [動] understand correctly

心配はしていないけど、この困難を正しく受け止めてほしいと思う。

Don’t grieve and fret when I am gone, or think that you can be idle and comfort yourselves by being idle and trying to forget.

idle (怠惰に過ごす) [動] spend time doing nothing

私がいなくなっても悲しんだり、ぐずぐずしたり、怠惰に過ごして忘れようとしたりしないように。

Go on with your work as usual, for work is a blessed solace.

blessed (恵まれた) [形] having a special advantage

solace (慰め) [名] comfort or consolation in a time of great distress or sadness

いつも通りに仕事を続けなさい、仕事は恵まれた慰めだから。

Hope and keep busy, and whatever happens, remember that you never can be fatherless.”

keep busy (忙しく過ごす) [動] be occupied with a lot of activities

whatever happens (何があっても) [名] no matter what happens

fatherless (父親のいない) [形] having no father

希望を持ち、忙しく過ごしなさい、そして何があっても、あなたたちは決して父親のいない子にはならないことを覚えておきなさい。」

“Yes, Mother.”

「はい、ママ」

“Meg, dear, be prudent, watch over your sisters, consult Hannah, and in any perplexity, go to Mr. Laurence.

be prudent (慎重に) [動] act with or show care for the consequences of an action; careful

consult (相談する) [動] seek information or advice from

perplexity (困ったこと) [名] the state of being puzzled or confused

go to (相談する) [動] seek information or advice from

「メグ、あなたは慎重に、妹たちの面倒を見て、ハンナに相談し、困ったことがあったらローレンスさんに相談しなさい。

Be patient, Jo, don’t get despondent or do rash things, write to me often, and be my brave girl, ready to help and cheer all.

be patient (辛抱強く) [動] be able to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious

get despondent (落胆する) [動] lose hope or confidence

do rash things (無謀なことをする) [動] act without careful thought or planning

write to (手紙を書く) [動] communicate with someone in writing

be brave (勇敢になる) [動] be ready to face and endure danger or pain; be courageous

cheer (元気づける) [動] make someone feel happier or more cheerful

ジョー、辛抱強く、落胆したり、無謀なことをしたりせず、私によく手紙を書いて、みんなを助け、元気づける準備をしておいで。

Beth, comfort yourself with your music, and be faithful to the little home duties, and you, Amy, help all you can, be obedient, and keep happy safe at home.”

duty (家事) [名] a task or action that one is required to perform

obedient (従順で) [形] willing to obey

ベス、音楽で自分を慰め、小さな家事に忠実に、そしてエイミー、できる限り手伝い、従順で、家で幸せに過ごしなさい。」

“We will, Mother! We will!”

「そうするよ、ママ! そうするよ!」

The rattle of an approaching carriage made them all start and listen.

rattle (音) [名] a rapid succession of short, sharp sounds

近づいてくる馬車の音にみんながびっくりして耳を傾けた。

That was the hard minute, but the girls stood it well.

stand (耐える) [動] to be able to tolerate or endure something

それはつらい瞬間だったが、娘たちはよく耐えた。

No one cried, no one ran away or uttered a lamentation, though their hearts were very heavy as they sent loving messages to Father, remembering, as they spoke that it might be too late to deliver them.

utter (口にする) [動] to say or express something

誰も泣かず、誰も逃げ出さず、悲しみの言葉も口にしなかったが、父に愛のメッセージを送る彼女たちの心はとても重く、話しているうちに、それを届けるには遅すぎるかもしれないと思い出した。

They kissed their mother quietly, clung about her tenderly, and tried to wave their hands cheerfully when she drove away.

cling (抱きつく) [動] hold on tightly to

彼女たちは静かに母にキスをし、優しく抱きつき、母が車で去っていくときには元気に手を振ろうとした。

Laurie and his grandfather came over to see her off, and Mr. Brooke looked so strong and sensible and kind

come over (やってくる) [動] come to visit

see off (見送る) [動] go to a place of departure with someone who is leaving

ローリーと彼の祖父は彼女を見送りに来てくれたが、ブルック氏はとても強く、賢く、親切そうに見えた。

that the girls christened him ‘Mr. Greatheart’ on the spot.

christen (名付ける) [動] give a name to

娘たちはその場で彼を「グレートハート氏」と名付けた。

“Good-by, my darlings!

good-by (さようなら) [間] a phrase used to express a farewell

「さようなら、私の可愛い子たち!

God bless and keep us all!” whispered Mrs. March, as she kissed one dear little face after the other, and hurried into the carriage.

神様が私たちみんなを祝福し、守ってくださるように!」とマーチ夫人はささやき、愛しい小さな顔に次々とキスをすると、急いで馬車に乗り込んだ。

As she rolled away, the sun came out, and looking back, she saw it shining on the group at the gate like a good omen.

roll away (走り去る) [動] move away quickly

come out (顔を出す) [動] become visible

馬車が走り去ると、太陽が顔を出し、振り返ると、門のところで集まっている人々を照らしているのが見えた。

They saw it also, and smiled and waved their hands, and the last thing she beheld as she turned the corner was the four bright faces, and behind them like a bodyguard, old Mr. Laurence, faithful Hannah, and devoted Laurie.

bodyguard (ボディガード) [名] a person or group of people hired to escort and protect another person

娘たちもそれを見て、微笑んで手を振り、角を曲がる時に最後に目に映ったのは、四人の明るい顔と、その背後にボディガードのように立つ老ローレンス氏、忠実なハンナ、そして献身的なローリーだった。

“How kind everyone is to us!” she said, turning to find fresh proof of it in the respectful sympathy of the young man’s face.

proof (証拠) [名] evidence or argument establishing a fact or the truth of a statement

「みんな私たちに優しいのね!」と彼女は言い、振り返ると、若い男の顔に浮かぶ敬意ある同情の表情に、その新たな証拠を見つけた。

“I don’t see how they can help it,” returned Mr. Brooke, laughing so infectiously that Mrs. March could not help smiling.

infectiously (伝染性の) [副] in a way that is likely to spread to others

help (思わず〜してしまう) [動] be unable to control or prevent oneself from doing something

「みんながどうやってそれを助けることができるのかわからない」とブルック氏は答え、マーチ夫人が思わず微笑んでしまうほど、伝染性の笑い声をあげていた。

And so the journey began with the good omens of sunshine, smiles, and cheerful words.

そして、旅は日差し、笑顔、そして陽気な言葉の良い前兆で始まった。

“I feel as if there had been an earthquake,” said Jo, as their neighbors went home to breakfast, leaving them to rest and refresh themselves.

「地震があったみたい」とジョーは言い、近所の人たちは朝食をとるために家に帰り、休息と気分転換のために残された。

“It seems as if half the house was gone,” added Meg forlornly.

gone (なくなった) [動] no longer present; absent

「家の半分がなくなったみたい」とメグは悲しそうに付け加えた。

Beth opened her lips to say something, but could only point to the pile of nicely mended hose which lay on Mother’s table, showing that even in her last hurried moments she had thought and worked for them.

point to (指さす) [動] to indicate the direction of something by extending one's finger

mend (修理する) [動] to repair or restore something that is damaged, faulty, or worn

hose (ホース) [名] a flexible tube used to convey liquids

hurried (急いでいた) [形] done or acting with haste

ベスは何か言おうと口を開いたが、母のテーブルの上に置かれたきれいに修理されたホースの山を指さすことしかできず、最後の急いでいた瞬間でさえ、彼女は彼女たちのために考えて働いていたことを示していた。

It was a little thing, but it went straight to their hearts, and in spite of their brave resolutions, they all broke down and cried bitterly.

go straight to (響く) [動] have a direct effect on

それは小さなことだったが、彼女たちの心に直接響き、勇敢な決意にもかかわらず、彼女たちは皆泣き崩れた。

Hannah wisely allowed them to relieve their feelings, and when the shower showed signs of clearing up, she came to the rescue, armed with a coffeepot.

relieve (和らげる) [動] make less severe or serious

arm (抱える) [動] to provide with a weapon

ハンナは賢明にも彼女たちに気持ちの整理をさせ、雨が止む気配を見せると、コーヒーポットを抱えて救助に来た。

“Now, my dear young ladies, remember what your ma said, and don’t fret.

「さあ、お嬢様方、お母様が言ったことを思い出して、心配しないで。

Come and have a cup of coffee all round, and then let’s fall to work and be a credit to the family.”

come and have (飲む) [動] drink

all round (みんなで) [副] for everyone

be a credit to (誇りになる) [動] be a source of pride to

みんなでコーヒーを飲んで、仕事に取り掛かって、家族の誇りになりましょう」

Coffee was a treat, and Hannah showed great tact in making it that morning.

コーヒーはごちそうであり、ハンナはその朝それを作るのに素晴らしい機転を見せた。

No one could resist her persuasive nods, or the fragrant invitation issuing from the nose of the coffee pot.

resist (抵抗する) [動] oppose or fight against

invitation (誘惑) [名] a request or encouragement to go somewhere or to do something

誰も彼女の説得力のあるうなずきや、コーヒーポットの注ぎ口から漂う香りの誘惑に抵抗できなかった。

They drew up to the table, exchanged their handkerchiefs for napkins, and in ten minutes were all right again.

draw up (近づく) [動] move closer

all right (元気) [形] in good condition or health

彼女たちはテーブルに近づき、ハンカチをナプキンに変え、10分後にはまた元気になった。

“‘Hope and keep busy’, that’s the motto for us, so let’s see who will remember it best.

keep busy (忙しくする) [動] to be occupied with a lot of activities

「希望を持ち、忙しくする」それが私たちのモットーだから、誰が一番よく覚えているか見てみましょう。

I shall go to Aunt March, as usual.

私はいつものようにマーチおばさんのところに行くよ。

Oh, won’t she lecture though!” said Jo, as she sipped with returning spirit.

lecture (説教する) [動] give a lecture

ああ、でも彼女は説教するよ!」とジョーは元気を取り戻して一口飲みながら言った。

“I shall go to my Kings, though I’d much rather stay at home and attend to things here,” said Meg, wishing she hadn’t made her eyes so red.

Kings (キング家) [名] the family of King

attend to (済ませる) [動] deal with or take care of

「私はキング家に行くよ、家でここにいることや用事を済ませたいんだけど」とメグは言い、目を赤くしなければよかったと思った。

“No need of that.

「そんな必要はない。

Beth and I can keep house perfectly well,” put in Amy, with an important air.

keep house (家を守る) [動] take care of the home

ベスと私は家を完璧に守れるよ」とエイミーは重要な空気で言った。

“Hannah will tell us what to do, and we’ll have everything nice when you come home,” added Beth, getting out her mop and dish tub without delay.

get out (取り出す) [動] produce or extract something

without delay (すぐに) [副] immediately; at once

「ハンナが何をすべきか教えてくれるし、あなたが帰宅するまでにすべてをきれいにしておくよ」とベスは付け加えて、すぐにモップと食器桶を取り出した。

“I think anxiety is very interesting,” observed Amy, eating sugar pensively.

pensively (物思いにふけって) [副] in a thoughtful or reflective manner

「不安はとても面白いと思うよ」とエイミーは物思いにふけって砂糖を食べながら言った。

The girls couldn’t help laughing, and felt better for it, though Meg shook her head at the young lady who could find consolation in a sugar bowl.

find consolation (慰めを見いだす) [動] be comforted by something

sugar bowl (砂糖入れ) [名] a container for holding sugar

少女たちは笑わずにはいられなかったし、それで気分が良くなったが、メグは砂糖入れに慰めを見いだせる若い女性に首を横に振った。

The sight of the turnovers made Jo sober again;

sober (冷静) [形] not drunk

ターンオーバーを見ると、ジョーは再び冷静になった。

and when the two went out to their daily tasks, they looked sorrowfully back at the window where they were accustomed to see their mother’s face.

そして、2人が日課に出かける時、いつも母の顔を見慣れていた窓を悲しそうに振り返った。

It was gone, but Beth had remembered the little household ceremony, and there she was, nodding away at them like a rosyfaced mandarin.

be gone (もうない) [動] no longer exist

mandarin (みかん) [名] a small orange-like fruit with a loose skin that is easily removed

それはもうなかったが、ベスは小さな家庭の儀式を覚えていて、そこにいて、バラ色の顔をしたみかんのように彼女たちにうなずいていた。

“That’s so like my Beth!” said Jo, waving her hat, with a grateful face.

「ベスらしいよ!」とジョーは感謝の表情で帽子を振りながら言った。

“Goodbye, Meggy, I hope the Kings won’t strain today.

Meggy (メギー) [名] a nickname for Margaret

strain (無理をする) [動] make a strenuous or violent effort

「さよなら、メギー、キングスが今日無理をしないといいけど。

Don’t fret about Father, dear,” she added, as they parted.

パパのことは心配しないでね」と別れ際に付け加えた。

“And I hope Aunt March won’t croak.

croak (死ぬ) [動] die

「マーチおばさんが死ななければいいけど。

Your hair is becoming, and it looks very boyish and nice,” returned Meg, trying not to smile at the curly head, which looked comically small on her tall sister’s shoulders.

become (似合う) [動] be appropriate or suitable for

boyish (ボーイッシュ) [形] having the characteristics of a boy

curly (カールした) [形] having or arranged in curls

髪型が似合ってるよ、とてもボーイッシュで素敵よ」とメグは答え、背の高い妹の肩に載った滑稽なほど小さく見えるカールした頭を見て笑わないようにした。

“That’s my only comfort.”

「それが私の唯一の慰めだ」

And, touching her hat a la Laurie, away went Jo, feeling like a shorn sheep on a wintry day.

そして、ローリーのように帽子に触れて、ジョーは冬の日に毛を刈られた羊のような気分で出かけていった。

News from their father comforted the girls very much, for though dangerously ill, the presence of the best and tenderest of nurses had already done him good.

dangerously (危険なほど) [副] in a way that is likely to cause harm

ill (病気) [形] suffering from a disease or period of sickness affecting the body and mind

父からの知らせは娘たちをとても慰めた、危険なほど病気ではあったが、最高の、そして最も優しい看護師の存在はすでに彼を元気づけていた。

Mr. Brooke sent a bulletin every day, and as the head of the family, Meg insisted on reading the dispatches, which grew more cheerful as the week passed.

bulletin (速報) [名] an official statement or report

head (長) [名] the person in charge of a group

dispatch (速報) [名] an official message sent quickly

ブルック氏は毎日速報を送り、家族の長としてメグは、週が経つにつれてより明るくなるその速報を読むことを主張した。

At first, everyone was eager to write, and plump envelopes were carefully poked into the letter box by one or other of the sisters, who felt rather important with their Washington correspondence.

envelope (封筒) [名] a flat paper container with a sealable flap used to enclose a letter or document

letter box (郵便受け) [名] a box into which mail is delivered, especially one mounted on a post at the entrance to a person's property

correspondence (やりとり) [名] communication by exchanging letters

最初はみんな熱心に手紙を書き、ワシントンとのやりとりで自分をかなり重要人物だと感じている姉妹の誰かが、ふくらんだ封筒を丁寧に郵便受けに突っ込んだ。

As one of these packets contained characteristic notes from the party, we will rob an imaginary mail, and read them.

contain (含む) [動] have or hold within

characteristic (特徴的な) [形] serving to identify or distinguish

rob (盗む) [動] take something from someone by force

これらの小包の1つにパーティーからの特徴的なメモが含まれていたので、私たちは架空の郵便物を盗んで、それらを読む。

My dearest Mother:

dearest (最愛の) [形] most loved or cherished

最愛の母へ

It is impossible to tell you how happy your last letter made us, for the news was so good we couldn’t help laughing and crying over it.

あなたの最後の手紙がどれほど私たちを幸せにしてくれたかを伝えることは不可能だ、なぜならその知らせはとても良かったので、私たちは笑ったり泣いたりせずにはいられなかったからだ。

How very kind Mr. Brooke is, and how fortunate that Mr. Laurence’s business detains him near you so long, since he is so useful to you and Father.

detain (滞在させる) [動] keep from proceeding; delay

ブルックさんはとても親切で、ローレンスさんの仕事の都合で長い間あなたの近くに滞在してくれているのは、あなたとパパにとってとても有益なことなので、とても幸運なことです。

The girls are all as good as gold.

as good as gold (金のように良い) [形] very well behaved

娘たちはみんな金のように良い子たちだ。

Jo helps me with the sewing, and insists on doing all sorts of hard jobs.

ジョーは裁縫を手伝ってくれて、あらゆる難しい仕事をやりたがります。

I should be afraid she might overdo, if I didn’t know her ‘moral fit’ wouldn’t last long.

overdo (やりすぎてしまう) [動] do something to excess

moral (道徳的な) [形] concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior

彼女の「道徳的な発作」が長続きしないことを知らなければ、彼女がやりすぎてしまうのではないかと心配になる。

Beth is as regular about her tasks as a clock, and never forgets what you told her.

clock (時計) [名] a device with a numbered dial and moving hands or a digital display that shows the time

ベスは時計のように規則正しく仕事をこなし、あなたが言ったことを決して忘れません。

She grieves about Father, and looks sober except when she is at her little piano.

彼女は父のことを悲しんでいて、小さなピアノを弾いている時以外は落ち着いた様子です。

Amy minds me nicely, and I take great care of her.

mind (気にかける) [動] be concerned about

nicely (よく) [副] in a good or pleasant way

take care of (大切にする) [動] look after and protect

エイミーは私をよく気にかけてくれるし、私も彼女をとても大切にしている。

She does her own hair, and I am teaching her to make buttonholes and mend her stockings.

do one's own hair (自分で髪を整える) [動] arrange one's hair

彼女は自分で髪を整え、私は彼女にボタンホールの作り方を教えたり、ストッキングを繕ったりしている。

She tries very hard, and I know you will be pleased with her improvement when you come.

hard (とても) [副] to a great extent or degree

be pleased with (喜ぶ) [動] be happy about

improvement (成長) [名] an increase in the quality or value of something

彼女はとても努力しているので、あなたが来たら彼女の成長を喜んでくれるでしょう。

Mr. Laurence watches over us like a motherly old hen, as Jo says, and Laurie is very kind and neighborly.

hen (雌鳥) [名] a female bird

ローレンスさんは、ジョーが言うように、母性本能の強い老いた雌鳥のように私たちを見守ってくれて、ローリーはとても親切で隣人らしい。

He and Jo keep us merry, for we get pretty blue sometimes, and feel like orphans, with you so far away.

orphan (孤児) [名] a child whose parents are dead

彼とジョーは私たちを楽しませてくれる。というのも、私たちは時々かなり憂鬱になって、あなたが遠くにいることで孤児のような気分になるからだ。

Hannah is a perfect saint.

ハンナは完璧な聖人だ。

She does not scold at all, and always calls me Miss Margaret, which is quite proper, you know, and treats me with respect.

treat (接する) [動] behave toward or deal with in a certain way

彼女は全く叱らず、いつも私をマーガレットさんと呼び、それはとても適切で、敬意を持って接してくれる。

We are all well and busy, but we long, day and night, to have you back.

day and night (昼も夜も) [名] all the time

私たちはみんな元気で忙しいけど、昼も夜もあなたが帰ってくるのを待ち望んでいる。

Give my dearest love to Father, and believe me, ever your own...

ever (いつも) [副] at all times; always

パパに私の最愛の愛を伝えて、私を信じて、いつもあなた自身の...

MEG

メグ

This note, prettily written on scented paper, was a great contrast to the next, which was scribbled on a big sheet of thin foreign paper, ornamented with blots and all manner of flourishes and curly-tailed letters.

scented (香りのする) [形] having a pleasant smell

foreign (外国の) [形] of or relating to a country other than one's own

flourish (飾り文字) [名] an ornamental curve or flourish in handwriting

curly-tailed (巻き毛の) [形] having a curly tail

香りのする紙にきれいに書かれたこの手紙は、次の手紙とは対照的で、薄い外国紙の大きな紙に走り書きされ、しみやあらゆる種類の飾り文字や巻き毛の文字で飾られていた。

My precious Marmee:

私の大切なママ

Three cheers for dear Father!

パパに三度万歳!

Brooke was a trump to telegraph right off, and let us know the minute he was better.

ブルックはすぐに電報を打って、容態が良くなったことを知らせてくれた。

I rushed up garret when the letter came, and tried to thank God for being so good to us, but I could only cry, and say, “I’m glad! I’m glad!”

be good to (良くする) [動] be kind to

手紙が来たとき、私は屋根裏部屋に駆け上がり、私たちにとても良くしてくれた神に感謝しようとしたが、私はただ泣いて、「よかった! よかった!」と言うことしかできなかった。

Didn’t that do as well as a regular prayer?

do as well as (と同じくらいの効果がある) [動] be as effective as

普通の祈りと同じくらいの効果があったでしょう?

For I felt a great many in my heart.

なぜなら、私は心の中でとても多くのことを感じていたからだ。

We have such funny times, and now I can enjoy them, for everyone is so desperately good, it’s like living in a nest of turtledoves.

desperately (とても) [副] to a great extent or degree

私たちはとても楽しい時間を過ごしているし、今はそれを楽しめる。なぜなら、みんながとても良い人ばかりで、まるでキジバトの巣に住んでいるみたいだからだ。

You’d laugh to see Meg head the table and try to be motherish.

head (頭に座る) [動] be in charge of

motherish (母親らしい) [形] like a mother

メグがテーブルの頭に座って、母親らしく振る舞おうとしているのを見たら、あなたは笑うでしょう。

She gets prettier every day, and I’m in love with her sometimes.

get prettier (きれいになる) [動] become more attractive

be in love with (恋をする) [動] feel a deep romantic or sexual attachment to (someone)

彼女は毎日きれいになって、私は時々彼女に恋をする。

The children are regular archangels, and I—well, I’m Jo, and never shall be anything else.

archangel (大天使) [名] an angel of high rank

I (私は) [代] the speaker or writer

anything (何者) [名] a thing of any kind

子供たちは普通の大天使で、私は、まあ、私はジョーだし、他の何者にもならない。

Oh, I must tell you that I came near having a quarrel with Laurie.

come near (しそうになる) [動] almost do something

ああ、ローリーと喧嘩しそうになったことを伝えなければ。

I freed my mind about a silly little thing, and he was offended.

free one's mind (心を解放する) [動] to express one's thoughts or feelings openly

私は愚かな小さなことについて心を解放し、彼は気分を害した。

I was right, but didn’t speak as I ought, and he marched home, saying he wouldn’t come again till I begged pardon.

be right (正しい) [動] correct or true

私は正しかったが、言うべきことを言わなかったので、彼は私が許しを請うまで二度と来ないと言って家に行ってしまった。

I declared I wouldn’t and got mad.

get mad (怒る) [動] become angry

私はそうはしないと宣言して怒った。

It lasted all day.

それは一日中続いた。

I felt bad and wanted you very much.

feel bad (気分が悪い) [動] to feel ill or unwell

want (会いたい) [動] to feel a need or a wish for

私は気分が悪くて、とてもあなたに会いたかった。

Laurie and I are both so proud, it’s hard to beg pardon.

beg pardon (謝罪する) [動] apologize

ローリーと私はどちらもとてもプライドが高くて、謝罪するのは難しい。

But I thought he’d come to it, for I was in the right.

come to (そうする) [動] reach a certain state or condition

しかし、私は正しいので、彼はそうするだろうと思った。

He didn’t come, and just at night I remembered what you said when Amy fell into the river.

彼は来なかったし、ちょうど夜にエイミーが川に落ちた時あなたが言ったことを思い出した。

I read my little book, felt better, resolved not to let the sun set on my anger, and ran over to tell Laurie I was sorry.

set (沈む) [動] to go below the horizon

run over (行く) [動] to go quickly to a place

私は小さな本を読んで、気分が良くなり、怒りに日を沈めないと決心し、ローリーに謝りに行った。

I met him at the gate, coming for the same thing.

私は門で彼に会った、同じことをしに来た。

We both laughed, begged each other’s pardon, and felt all good and comfortable again.

私たちは二人とも笑い、お互いに許しを請い、また気持ちよく過ごせるようになった。

I made a ‘pome’ yesterday, when I was helping Hannah wash, and as Father likes my silly little things, I put it in to amuse him.

wash (洗濯) [名] the action of washing something

私は昨日、ハンナの洗濯を手伝っている時に「詩」を作ったのだが、パパは私のくだらないものが好きなので、彼を楽しませるためにそれを入れた。

Give him my lovingest hug that ever was, and kiss yourself a dozen times for your...

lovingest (愛情のこもった) [形] full of love

hug (ハグ) [名] an act of holding someone closely in one's arms

彼に私の今までで一番愛情のこもったハグをあげて、あなた自身に何十回もキスしてあげて。

TOPSY-TURVY JO

トプシー・ターヴィ・ジョー

A SONG FROM THE SUDS

suds (泡) [名] soapy water

泡からの歌

Queen of my tub, I merrily sing,

tub (浴槽) [名] a large open container that holds water

私の浴槽の女王、私は陽気に歌う。

While the white foam rises high,

foam (泡) [名] a mass of small bubbles formed on or in liquid

白い泡が高く上がる間、

And sturdily wash and rinse and wring,

sturdily (頑丈に) [副] in a strong and robust manner

rinse (すすぐ) [動] wash with clean water

wring (絞る) [動] squeeze and twist

そして、頑丈に洗って、すすいで、絞る。

And fasten the clothes to dry.

そして、服を乾かすために留める。

Then out in the free fresh air they swing,

それから、自由な新鮮な空気の中で、それらは揺れる。

Under the sunny sky.

sunny (晴れた) [形] having a lot of sunshine

晴れた空の下で。

I wish we could wash from our hearts and souls

私たちの心と魂から洗い流せたらいいのに

The stains of the week away,

stain (汚れ) [名] a spot or mark left on something by a dirty substance

一週間の汚れを

And let water and air by their magic make

そして水と空気によって魔法のように

Ourselves as pure as they.

pure (純粋) [形] not mixed or adulterated with any other substance or material

私たちもそれらのように純粋になれたらいいのに。

Then on the earth there would be indeed,

on earth (この地球に) [副] used to emphasize a question

そうすればこの地球に本当に

A glorious washing day!

washing day (洗濯の日) [名] a day on which clothes are washed

素晴らしい洗濯の日がやってくる!

Along the path of a useful life,

along (道を) [前] in a line parallel to the length or direction of

有意義な人生への道を

Will heart’s-ease ever bloom.

heart's-ease (心の安らぎ) [名] a state of mind in which one is free from worry or anxiety

心の安らぎが咲き誇る。

The busy mind has no time to think

忙しい心には考える時間がない

Of sorrow or care or gloom.

gloom (憂鬱) [名] a state of depression or despondency

悲しみや心配や憂鬱について。

And anxious thoughts may be swept away,

sweep away (吹き飛ばす) [動] to remove or destroy something completely

そして不安な考えは吹き飛ばされ

As we bravely wield a broom.

wield (振るう) [動] hold and use (a weapon or tool)

勇敢に箒を振るうように。

I am glad a task to me is given, To labor at day by day, For it brings me health and strength and hope, And I cheerfully learn to say, “Head, you may think, Heart, you may feel, But, Hand, you shall work alway!”

be given (与えられる) [動] be presented with

day by day (毎日) [副] each day; daily

labor (働く) [動] work hard

毎日働くという仕事が与えられたことを嬉しく思う、それは私に健康と強さと希望をもたらすから、そして私は元気に言うことを学ぶ、「頭よ、考えよ、心よ、感じよ、しかし、手よ、いつも働け!」

Dear Mother,

親愛なるママ、

There is only room for me to send my love, and some pressed pansies from the root I have been keeping safe in the house for Father to see.

room (余裕) [名] space that can be occupied

pressed (押し花にした) [形] flattened by pressure

root (根) [名] the part of a plant that attaches it to the ground

safe (大切に) [形] free from harm or risk

私の愛と、パパに見てもらうために家で大切に保管していた根から押し花にしたパンジーを送る余裕しかありません。

I read every morning, try to be good all day, and sing myself to sleep with Father’s tune.

私は毎朝本を読み、一日中良い子でいようとし、パパの歌を歌って眠りにつく。

I can’t sing ‘LAND OF THE LEAL’ now, it makes me cry.

LAND OF THE LEAL (忠誠の土地) [名] a song

私は今「忠誠の土地」を歌うことができない、泣いてしまう。

Everyone is very kind, and we are as happy as we can be without you.

みんなとても親切で、私たちはあなたがいない限り幸せです。

Amy wants the rest of the page, so I must stop.

エイミーが残りのページを欲しがっているので、私はやめなければならない。

I didn’t forget to cover the holders, and I wind the clock and air the rooms every day.

holder (ホルダー) [名] a device for holding something

air (空気を入れ替える) [動] ventilate

私はホルダーを覆うのを忘れなかったし、毎日時計を巻いて部屋の空気を入れ替えている。

Kiss dear Father on the cheek he calls mine.

パパが私のと呼ぶ頬にキスして。

Oh, do come soon to your loving...

ああ、早くあなたの愛する人のところに来て...

LITTLE BETH

小さなベス

Ma Chere Mamma,

Ma Chere Mamma (マ・シェール・マンマ) [名] a French term of endearment for one's mother

マ・シェール・マンマ、

We are all well I do my lessons always and never corroberate the girls—Meg says I mean contradick so I put in both words and you can take the properest.

corroberate (非難する) [動] to make a statement or accusation about someone or something

contradick (矛盾する) [動] to be inconsistent with

私たちはみんな元気です。私はいつも勉強をしていて、女の子たちを決して非難しません。メグは私が矛盾していると言うので、私は両方の言葉を入れました。あなたは最も適切な言葉を選ぶことができます。

Meg is a great comfort to me and lets me have jelly every night at tea its so good for me Jo says because it keeps me sweet tempered.

great comfort (とても慰め) [名] a great source of consolation or solace

every night (毎晩) [副] on every night

so good (とても良い) [形] very good

sweet tempered (気分良く) [形] having a pleasant or amiable disposition

メグは私にとってとても慰めになっていて、毎晩お茶の時にゼリーを食べさせてくれるので、ジョーはそれが私の気分を良くしてくれるのでとても良いと言っています。

Laurie is not as respeckful as he ought to be now I am almost in my teens, he calls me Chick and hurts my feelings by talking French to me very fast when I say Merci or Bon jour as Hattie King does.

respeckful (敬意を払う) [形] showing respect

ought to be (するべきである) [助] should be

fast (速い) [形] moving or capable of moving at high speed

Merci (メルシー) [名] thank you

Bon jour (ボンジュール) [名] hello

Hattie King (ハッティ・キング) [名] a character in the story

ローリーは私がもうすぐ10代になるのに、私に敬意を払ってくれません。彼は私をチックと呼び、私がハッティ・キングのようにメルシーやボンジュールと言うと、とても速くフランス語で話しかけて私の気持ちを傷つけます。

The sleeves of my blue dress were all worn out, and Meg put in new ones, but the full front came wrong and they are more blue than the dress.

sleeve (袖) [名] the part of a garment that covers the arm

wear out (すり切れる) [動] become used up or worn out

私の青いドレスの袖はすっかりすり切れてしまい、メグが新しい袖をつけてくれたのですが、前身頃が間違っていて、ドレスよりも青い色になってしまいました。

I felt bad but did not fret I bear my troubles well but I do wish Hannah would put more starch in my aprons and have buckwheats every day.

私は気分が悪かったが、悩みには耐えていたので、心配はしなかったが、ハンナが私のエプロンにもっと糊をつけて、毎日そば粉を食べてくれたらいいのにと思う。

Can’t she?

彼女はできないのでしょうか?

Didn’t I make that interrigation point nice?

make (書く) [動] produce or create

interrigation point (疑問符) [名] a punctuation mark (?) indicating a question

疑問符をうまく書けたでしょう?

Meg says my punchtuation and spelling are disgraceful and I am mortyfied but dear me I have so many things to do, I can’t stop.

spelling (つづり) [名] the way a word is spelled

disgraceful (恥ずかしい) [形] causing a loss of respect

mortyfied (悔しい) [形] feeling very embarrassed, ashamed, or humiliated

メグは私の句読点とつづりが恥ずかしいと言っていて、私は悔しいのですが、私にはやることがたくさんあるので、やめられません。

Adieu, I send heaps of love to Papa.

adieu (さようなら) [名] a farewell

さようなら、パパにたくさんの愛を送ります。

Your affectionate daughter...

あなたの愛情深い娘より

AMY CURTIS MARCH

AMY CURTIS MARCH (エイミー・カーティス・マーチ) [名] the name of a character in the story

エイミー・カーティス・マーチ

Dear Mis March,

Mis March (ミス・マーチ) [名] the name of a person

親愛なるミス・マーチ

I jes drop a line to say we git on fust rate.

drop a line (手紙を書く) [動] write a short letter

git on (元気でやる) [動] be in good health

fust rate (元気で) [形] in good health

私たちは元気でやってるって伝えるために手紙を書いてる。

The girls is clever and fly round right smart.

fly round (機転が利く) [動] move or travel quickly

right (とても) [副] very

娘たちは賢くて、とても機転が利く。

Miss Meg is going to make a proper good housekeeper.

Miss Meg (メグさん) [名] the eldest of the four March sisters in Louisa May Alcott's novel Little Women

proper (立派な) [形] of the required or correct standard

housekeeper (主婦) [名] a person who manages a household

メグさんは立派な主婦になるだろう。

She hes the liking for it, and gits the hang of things surprisin quick.

git (つかむ) [動] to obtain or receive

hang (コツ) [名] the way something is done

surprisin (驚くほど) [形] causing surprise

彼女は家事が好きで、驚くほど早くコツをつかむ。

Jo doos beat all for goin ahead, but she don’t stop to cal’k’late fust, and you never know where she’s like to bring up.

beat all (率いる) [動] be better than all others

goin ahead (先頭に立つ) [動] be in the lead

stop to (するのを止める) [動] cease doing something

cal'k'late (計算する) [動] determine the amount or number of

fust (まず) [副] first

bring up (育つ) [動] be raised or brought up

ジョーは先頭に立ってみんなを率いるが、彼女はまず計算するのを止めないし、彼女がどこで育ったのかはわからない。

She done out a tub of clothes on Monday, but she starched ’em afore they was wrenched, and blued a pink calico dress till I thought I should a died a laughin.

do out (洗濯する) [動] wash

Monday (月曜日) [名] the second day of the week

starch (糊付けする) [動] stiffen with starch

afore (前に) [接] before

wrench (洗濯する) [動] wash

blue (青く染める) [動] make blue

pink (ピンクの) [形] of a color intermediate between red and white

calico (カリコ) [名] a plain white cotton fabric

彼女は月曜日に洗濯桶いっぱいの服を洗濯したが、洗濯する前に糊付けし、ピンクのカリコのドレスを青く染めてしまったので、私は笑い死にそうになった。

Beth is the best of little creeters, and a sight of help to me, bein so forehanded and dependable.

creeter (生き物) [名] a living being

forehanded (先見の明がある) [形] thinking or planning ahead

dependable (頼りになる) [形] able to be relied on

ベスは小さな生き物の中で一番で、とても先見の明があって頼りになるので、私にとってとても助けになる。

She tries to learn everything, and really goes to market beyond her years, likewise keeps accounts, with my help, quite wonderful.

go to market (市場に行く) [動] be offered for sale

beyond (以上に) [前] to a degree or extent that is more than

year (年齢) [名] the time it takes the earth to make one complete orbit of the sun

keep accounts (会計処理をする) [動] record the financial transactions of a business

彼女はあらゆることを学ぼうとし、実際、年齢以上に市場に行き、私の助けを借りて、かなり素晴らしい会計処理をしている。

We have got on very economical so fur.

get on (やっていく) [動] to manage or fare

economical (経済的な) [形] using money or resources in a careful and efficient way

so far (これまで) [副] to the extent or degree attained or indicated

私たちはこれまでとても経済的にやってきた。

I don’t let the girls hev coffee only once a week, accordin to your wish, and keep em on plain wholesome vittles.

once a week (週に一度) [副] one time in each week

accordin to (従って) [前] in accordance with

plain (質素な) [形] simple and without much decoration or detail

私はあなたの希望通りに、娘たちには週に一度しかコーヒーを飲ませないようにし、質素で健康的な食事をさせている。

Amy does well without frettin, wearin her best clothes and eatin sweet stuff.

do well (元気にしている) [動] be in good health

without (せずに) [前] not having or not doing something

frettin (心配) [名] worry

wearin (着て) [動] have on one's body or part of one's body

eatin (食べて) [動] take into the body by the mouth

エイミーは、一番いい服を着て、甘いものを食べながら、心配せずに元気にしている。

Mr. Laurie is as full of didoes as usual, and turns the house upside down frequent, but he heartens the girls, so I let em hev full swing.

Mr. Laurie (ローリーさん) [名] a character in the story

didoes (いたずら) [名] a mischievous act

hearten (元気づける) [動] give strength or courage to

full swing (自由に) [名] the fullest extent or highest activity

ローリーさんはいつものようにいたずら好きで、家をひっくり返すことがよくあるが、娘たちを元気づけてくれるので、私は彼らに自由にさせている。

The old gentleman sends heaps of things, and is rather wearin, but means wal, and it aint my place to say nothin.

wearin (疲れる) [動] cause to feel or show tiredness

mean (善意) [名] the quality of being kind and generous

nothin (何も) [名] not anything; no single thing

老紳士は山のようなものを送ってきて、かなり疲れるが、善意なので、私が何も言う立場ではない。

My bread is riz, so no more at this time.

riz (膨らむ) [動] to rise or swell

at this time (今回は) [副] at the present time; now

パンが膨らんだので、今回はこれくらいにしておこう。

I send my duty to Mr. March, and hope he’s seen the last of his Pewmonia.

pneumonia (肺炎) [名] a disease of the lungs characterized by inflammation of the lung tissue

マーチさんによろしくお伝えください。肺炎が治りますように。

Yours respectful, Hannah Mullet

Hannah Mullet (ハンナ・マレット) [名] a character in the story

敬具、ハンナ・マレット

Head Nurse of Ward No. 2, All serene on the Rappahannock, troops in fine condition, commisary department well conducted, the Home Guard under Colonel Teddy always on duty, Commander in Chief General Laurence reviews the army daily, Quartermaster Mullet keeps order in camp, and Major Lion does picket duty at night.

Head Nurse (看護婦長) [名] the most senior nurse in a hospital ward

Ward No. 2 (病棟二号室) [名] a room in a hospital

Rappahannock (ラッパハノック) [名] a river in Virginia

serene (平穏) [形] calm and peaceful

troops (部隊) [名] a group of soldiers

fine condition (良好な状態) [名] a state of being good or satisfactory

commisary department (食料品部) [名] a department that provides food and other supplies

well conducted (よく運営され) [形] managed or organized in a good way

Home Guard (郷土防衛隊) [名] a volunteer force organized to defend a country against an enemy

under (の指揮下にある) [前] below or beneath

always on duty (常に任務に就いており) [形] always working

General (将軍) [名] a senior military officer

Quartermaster (需品部) [名] a military officer responsible for supplies

keep order (秩序を保つ) [動] maintain order

Major (少佐) [名] a military officer ranking above a captain and below a lieutenant colonel

病棟二号室の看護婦長、ラッパハノックはすべて平穏、部隊は良好な状態、食料品部はよく運営され、テディ大佐の指揮下にある郷土防衛隊は常に任務に就いており、ローレンス総司令官は毎日軍隊を視察し、需品部のマレットはキャンプの秩序を保ち、ライオン少佐は夜にピケット任務に就く。

A salute of twenty-four guns was fired on receipt of good news from Washington, and a dress parade took place at headquarters.

salute (祝砲) [名] a gesture of respect

receipt (受け取り) [名] the act of receiving something

good news (良い知らせ) [名] a piece of news that is pleasant

dress parade (観閲式) [名] a military parade in which the troops are in full dress

take place (行われる) [動] happen

ワシントンからの良い知らせを受け、二十四発の祝砲が放たれ、本部で観閲式が行われた。

Commander in chief sends best wishes, in which he is heartily joined by... COLONEL TEDDY

best wishes (心からのお見舞い) [名] a hope or wish for someone's success, happiness, or well-being

総司令官は心からのお見舞い申し上げます。テディ大佐

Dear Madam:

拝啓

The little girls are all well.

娘たちはみんな元気だ。

Beth and my boy report daily.

ベスと息子は毎日報告してくれる。

Hannah is a model servant, and guards pretty Meg like a dragon.

model (模範的な) [形] serving as a pattern

dragon (ドラゴン) [名] a mythical monster like a giant reptile

ハンナは模範的な召使で、ドラゴンのように可愛いメグを守っている。

Glad the fine weather holds.

fine weather (良い天気) [名] weather that is pleasant or enjoyable

hold (続く) [動] continue without interruption

良い天気が続いていることを嬉しく思う。

Pray make Brooke useful, and draw on me for funds if expenses exceed your estimate.

make Brooke useful (ブルックを役立てる) [動] make Brooke useful

draw on (請求する) [動] make a demand for payment on

funds (資金) [名] a sum of money that is available for a particular purpose

expenses (費用) [名] the cost of money that is spent on something

exceed (超える) [動] be greater than or go beyond (a limit, expectation, or standard)

estimate (予算) [名] an approximate calculation or judgment of the value, number, quantity, or extent of something

ブルックを役立ててください。費用が予算を超えたら私に請求してください。

Don’t let your husband want anything.

夫に何かを欲しがらせてはいけない。

Thank God he is mending.

thank God (神に感謝する) [動] be grateful to God

mend (回復する) [動] get better; improve

彼が回復していることを神に感謝する。

Your sincere friend and servant, JAMES LAURENCE

あなたの誠実な友人であり召使である、ジェームズ・ローレンス

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: LITTLE FAITHFUL

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN (第十七章) [名] the seventeenth chapter

LITTLE FAITHFUL (小さな忠実な犬) [名] a small dog that is loyal

第十七章: 小さな忠実な犬

For a week the amount of virtue in the old house would have supplied the neighborhood.

for a week (一週間) [名] a period of seven days

amount (量) [名] a quantity of something

old house (古い家) [名] a house that has been built for a long time

neighborhood (近隣) [名] the area around a place

一週間、古い家の美徳の量は近隣に供給されただろう。

It was really amazing, for everyone seemed in a heavenly frame of mind, and self-denial was all the fashion.

heavenly (天国のような) [形] of or relating to heaven

frame of mind (心の枠組み) [名] a particular mood or state of mind

all the fashion (流行っている) [名] the current style or custom

それは本当に驚くべきことだった、なぜなら誰もが天国のような心の枠組みの中にいるようで、自己否定が流行っていたからだ。

Relieved of their first anxiety about their father, the girls insensibly relaxed their praiseworthy efforts a little, and began to fall back into old ways.

relieve (解放される) [動] free someone from something that is unpleasant or painful

insensibly (無意識のうちに) [副] without being aware of it

relax (緩める) [動] make or become less tense or anxious

praiseworthy (賞賛に値する) [形] deserving praise

fall back (戻る) [動] return to a previous state or condition

父親に対する最初の不安から解放されて、娘たちは無意識のうちに賞賛に値する努力を少し緩め、昔のやり方に戻り始めた。

They did not forget their motto, but hoping and keeping busy seemed to grow easier, and after such tremendous exertions, they felt that Endeavor deserved a holiday, and gave it a good many.

彼女たちはモットーを忘れなかったが、希望を持ち、忙しくしていることが楽になったようで、そのような途方もない努力の後、彼女たちは努力は休日に値すると感じ、かなりの休日を与えた。

Jo caught a bad cold through neglect to cover the shorn head enough, and was ordered to stay at home till she was better, for Aunt March didn’t like to hear people read with colds in their heads.

catch a cold (風邪をひく) [動] become sick with a cold

shorn (刈った) [形] cut the wool off a sheep or other animal

enough (十分に) [副] to the required degree or extent

ジョーは刈った頭を十分に覆うのを怠ったためにひどい風邪をひき、良くなるまで家にいるように命じられた、なぜならマーチおばさんは頭に風邪をひいている人の読書を聞くのが好きではなかったからだ。

Jo liked this, and after an energetic rummage from garret to cellar, subsided on the sofa to nurse her cold with arsenicum and books.

energetic (精力的) [形] having or showing energy

arsenicum (ヒ素) [名] a highly poisonous metallic element

ジョーはこれを気に入り、屋根裏部屋から地下室まで精力的に探し回った後、ソファに腰を下ろしてヒ素と本で風邪を看病した。

Amy found that housework and art did not go well together, and returned to her mud pies.

housework (家事) [名] the work of cleaning, cooking, and other tasks done in a home

art (芸術) [名] the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotion...

go well (うまくいく) [動] proceed or progress successfully

エイミーは家事と芸術がうまくいかないことに気づき、泥パイに戻った。

Meg went daily to her pupils, and sewed, or thought she did, at home, but much time was spent in writing long letters to her mother, or reading the Washington dispatches over and over.

メグは毎日生徒のところへ行き、家では裁縫をしたり、裁縫をしたつもりになったりしたが、母親に長い手紙を書いたり、ワシントンからの急報を何度も読んだりして多くの時間を過ごした。

Beth kept on, with only slight relapses into idleness or grieving.

relapse (逆戻り) [名] a return to a previous condition

idleness (怠惰) [名] the trait of being lazy or inactive

grieving (悲しみ) [名] the process of dealing with the death of a loved one

ベスは、怠惰や悲しみに少しだけ逆戻りしながらも、続けた。

All the little duties were faithfully done each day, and many of her sisters’ also, for they were forgetful, and the house seemed like a clock whose pendulum was gone a-visiting.

forgetful (忘れっぽい) [形] tending to forget things

pendulum (振り子) [名] a weight suspended from a fixed point so that it can swing freely back and forth

毎日、細々とした仕事はすべて忠実にこなされ、姉妹たちの仕事も多くこなされた。なぜなら、彼女たちは忘れっぽく、家は振り子がどこかへ行ってしまった時計のようだったからだ。

When her heart got heavy with longings for Mother or fears for Father, she went away into a certain closet, hid her face in the folds of a dear old gown, and made her little moan and prayed her little prayer quietly by herself.

get heavy (重くなる) [動] become heavy

go away (入る) [動] move from one place to another

fold (ひだ) [名] a part of something that is folded over or back

母への憧れや父への不安で心が重くなると、彼女はあるクローゼットに入り、愛する古いドレスのひだに顔を隠し、小さなうめき声を上げ、一人で静かに小さな祈りを捧げた。

Nobody knew what cheered her up after a sober fit, but everyone felt how sweet and helpful Beth was, and fell into a way of going to her for comfort or advice in their small affairs.

fall into (~するようになる) [動] get into a certain state or condition

affair (事柄) [名] a matter of business or public concern

誰も彼女が落ち着いた後に何が彼女を元気づけたのか知らなかったが、誰もがベスがどれほど優しくて親切かを感じ、彼女たちの小さな事柄で慰めやアドバイスを求めて彼女のところに行くようになった。

All were unconscious that this experience was a test of character, and when the first excitement was over, felt that they had done well and deserved praise.

test (試練) [名] a procedure for critical evaluation; a means of determining the presence, quality, or truth of something; a trial

誰もこの経験が人格の試練だとは気づかず、最初の興奮が終わると、自分たちはよくやったし、賞賛に値すると感じた。

So they did, but their mistake was in ceasing to do well, and they learned this lesson through much anxiety and regret.

確かにそうだったのだが、彼女たちの間違いは、善いことを続けることをやめてしまったことであり、彼女たちは多くの不安と後悔を通してこの教訓を学んだ。

“Meg, I wish you’d go and see the Hummels.

「メグ、ハンメル家に行ってみてほしいの。

You know Mother told us not to forget them.”

ママが彼らを忘れないようにって言ったでしょう。」

said Beth, ten days after Mrs. March’s departure.

ten days (10日) [名] a period of ten days

departure (出発) [名] the act of leaving a place

と、マーチ夫人が出発してから10日後にベスが言った。

“I’m too tired to go this afternoon,” replied Meg, rocking comfortably as she sewed.

this afternoon (午後) [名] the time from noon to evening

sew (縫い物をする) [動] make or repair (something) by joining pieces of fabric with stitches made with a needle and thread

「午後に行くには疲れすぎているよ」とメグは答え、縫い物をしながら気持ちよさそうに揺れていた。

“Can’t you, Jo?”

「行けないの、ジョー?」

asked Beth.

ベスが尋ねた。

“Too stormy for me with my cold.”

too stormy (嵐が強すぎる) [形] having too much storm

「風邪をひいている私には嵐が強すぎるよ」

“I thought it was almost well.”

well (治った) [形] in good health; free or recovered from illness

「もうほとんど治ったと思ったけど」

“It’s well enough for me to go out with Laurie, but not well enough to go to the Hummels’,” said Jo, laughing, but looking a little ashamed of her inconsistency.

well enough (十分良くなった) [副] to a satisfactory degree

not well enough (十分良くなっていない) [副] to an unsatisfactory degree

looking (恥ずかしそうにしていた) [動] direct one's gaze

「ローリーと出かけるには十分良くなったけど、フンメル家に行くには十分良くなっていないのよ」とジョーは笑いながら言ったが、自分の矛盾を少し恥ずかしそうにしていた。

“Why don’t you go yourself?” asked Meg.

「自分で行けば?」とメグが尋ねた。

“I have been every day, but the baby is sick, and I don’t know what to do for it.

what to do (どうしたらいいか) [名] the appropriate course of action

「毎日行っていたけど、赤ちゃんが病気で、どうしたらいいかわからないの。

Mrs. Hummel goes away to work, and Lottchen takes care of it.

Mrs. Hummel (フンメルさん) [名] the wife of Mr. Hummel

フンメルさんは仕事に出かけ、ロッチェンが世話をしているの。

But it gets sicker and sicker, and I think you or Hannah ought to go.”

get sicker and sicker (ますます具合が悪くなる) [動] become more and more ill

でも、ますます具合が悪くなって、あなたかハンナが行くべきだと思うの。」

Beth spoke earnestly, and Meg promised she would go tomorrow.

earnestly (真剣に) [副] in a serious manner

ベスは真剣に話し、メグは明日行くと約束した。

“Ask Hannah for some nice little mess, and take it round, Beth, the air will do you good,” said Jo, adding apologetically, “I’d go but I want to finish my writing.”

mess (食べ物) [名] a quantity of food

apologetically (申し訳なさそうに) [副] in an apologetic manner

「ハンナに何かおいしいものをもらって、それをもって行って、ベス、外の空気はあなたにいいでしょう」とジョーは言い、申し訳なさそうに「私も行くけど、書き物を終わらせたいの」と付け加えた。

“My head aches and I’m tired, so I thought maybe some of you would go,” said Beth.

「頭が痛くて疲れたから、誰か行ってくれるかなと思ったの」とベスは言った。

“Amy will be in presently, and she will run down for us,” suggested Meg.

be in (帰ってくる) [動] be at home

presently (すぐに) [副] in a short time; soon

run down (行ってくれる) [動] go to a lower place

「エイミーがすぐに帰ってくるから、彼女が行ってくれるよ」とメグは提案した。

So Beth lay down on the sofa, the others returned to their work, and the Hummels were forgotten.

lay down (横になる) [動] to put oneself in a resting position

それでベスはソファに横になり、他の人は仕事に戻り、フンメル一家のことは忘れられた。

An hour passed.

一時間が過ぎた。

Amy did not come, Meg went to her room to try on a new dress, Jo was absorbed in her story, and Hannah was sound asleep before the kitchen fire, when Beth quietly put on her hood, filled her basket with odds and ends for the poor children, and went out into the chilly air with a heavy head and a grieved look in her patient eyes.

try on (試着する) [動] put on an item of clothing to see if it fits or looks good

be sound asleep (ぐっすり眠る) [動] be in a deep sleep

odds and ends (あれこれ) [名] various articles, especially of little value or importance

into (中へ) [前] expressing movement or action with the result that someone or something is enclosed or surrounded by something else

chilly (冷たい) [形] unpleasantly cold

エイミーは帰らず、メグは新しいドレスを試着しに自分の部屋に行き、ジョーは物語に夢中になり、ハンナは台所の火の前でぐっすり眠っていた。ベスは静かに頭巾をかぶり、貧しい子供たちのためにかごにあれこれ詰め込み、重い頭と忍耐強い目に悲しげな表情を浮かべて、冷たい空気の中へ出て行った。

It was late when she came back, and no one saw her creep upstairs and shut herself into her mother’s room.

shut oneself into (閉じこもる) [動] go into a room and close the door, especially in order to be alone

彼女が帰ってきたのは遅く、誰も彼女が二階に忍び込み、母親の部屋に閉じこもるのを見なかった。

Half an hour after, Jo went to ‘Mother’s closet’ for something, and there found little Beth sitting on the medicine chest, looking very grave, with red eyes and a camphor bottle in her hand.

half an hour (三十分) [名] thirty minutes

medicine chest (薬箱) [名] a box containing medicines and first-aid items

三十分後、ジョーは何かを取りに「ママのクローゼット」へ行き、そこで小さなベスが薬箱に座り、真剣な顔で、赤い目をして、手に樟脳の瓶を持っているのを見つけた。

“Christopher Columbus! What’s the matter?” cried Jo, as Beth put out her hand as if to warn her off, and asked quickly. . .

warn (遠ざける) [動] to give notice to beforehand of danger, evil, or misfortune

「クリストファー・コロンブス! どうしたの?」とジョーは叫び、ベスは彼女を遠ざけるように手を差し出し、素早く尋ねた。

“You’ve had the scarlet fever, haven’t you?”

scarlet fever (猩紅熱) [名] an infectious disease caused by a bacterium

「猩紅熱にかかったことがあるのね?」

“Years ago, when Meg did. Why?”

ago (前に) [副] earlier; in the past

「何年も前、メグがかかったときに。どうして?」

“Then I’ll tell you.

「それなら教えてあげる。

Oh, Jo, the baby’s dead!”

ああ、ジョー、赤ちゃんが死んじゃった!」

“What baby?”

「赤ちゃんって?」

“Mrs. Hummel’s. It died in my lap before she got home,” cried Beth with a sob.

「フンメルさんの。彼女が帰宅する前に私の膝の上で死んじゃった」とベスはすすり泣きながら叫んだ。

“My poor dear, how dreadful for you!

「かわいそうに、なんて恐ろしいこと!

I ought to have gone,” said Jo, taking her sister in her arms as she sat down in her mother’s big chair, with a remorseful face.

remorseful (後悔の) [形] feeling or showing sadness and being sorry for something you have done

私が行くべきだった」とジョーは言い、後悔の表情を浮かべて母親の大きな椅子に座る妹を抱きしめた。

“It wasn’t dreadful, Jo, only so sad!

「恐ろしくはなかったよ、ジョー、ただとても悲しかったの!

I saw in a minute it was sicker, but Lottchen said her mother had gone for a doctor, so I took Baby and let Lotty rest.

sicker (もっと具合が悪い) [形] more ill

Lottchen (ロッチェン) [名] a girl's name

go for (呼びに行く) [動] go to fetch

すぐに赤ちゃんがもっと具合が悪いのがわかったけど、ロッチェンはお母さんが医者を呼びに行ったと言っていたので、私が赤ちゃんを抱いてロッティを休ませた。

It seemed asleep, but all of a sudden if gave a little cry and trembled, and then lay very still.

赤ちゃんは眠っているようだったけれど、突然小さく泣いて震え、それからとても静かに横たわった。

I tried to warm its feet, and Lotty gave it some milk, but it didn’t stir, and I knew it was dead.”

私は赤ちゃんの足を温めようとし、ロッティはミルクをあげたけど、赤ちゃんは動かず、死んでしまったとわかった。」

“Don’t cry, dear!

「泣かないで、ベス!

What did you do?”

何をしたの?」

“I just sat and held it softly till Mrs. Hummel came with the doctor.

hold (抱く) [動] grasp or carry in one's arms

「私はただ座って、フンメル夫人が医者と来るまで赤ちゃんをそっと抱いていた。

He said it was dead, and looked at Heinrich and Minna, who have sore throats.

look at (診察する) [動] examine or inspect visually

医者は赤ちゃんが死んだと言い、喉が痛いハインリッヒとミンナを診察した。

‘Scarlet fever, ma’am. Ought to have called me before,’ he said crossly.

「猩紅熱です、奥さん。もっと早く呼んでもらうべきでした」と医者は不機嫌そうに言った。

Mrs. Hummel told him she was poor, and had tried to cure baby herself, but now it was too late, and she could only ask him to help the others and trust to charity for his pay.

others (他の子供たち) [名] the remaining people or things

trust (頼る) [動] place confidence in

フンメル夫人は医者に、自分は貧乏で、赤ちゃんを自分で治そうとしたが、今となっては手遅れなので、他の子供たちを助けてくれるように頼むだけで、医者の支払いは慈善に頼るしかないと言った。

He smiled then, and was kinder, but it was very sad, and I cried with them till he turned round all of a sudden, and told me to go home and take belladonna right away, or I’d have the fever.”

turn round (振り返る) [動] to turn so as to face in the opposite direction

fever (猩紅熱) [名] a body temperature above the normal range

医者は微笑んで、優しくなったけれど、とても悲しくて、私は彼らと一緒に泣いていたが、医者が突然振り返って、私に家に帰ってすぐにベラドンナを飲まないと猩紅熱になるだろうと言った。」

“No, you won’t!” cried Jo, hugging her close, with a frightened look.

close (強く) [副] in a way that is near or touching

「死なないよ!」とジョーは叫び、おびえた顔でベスを抱きしめた。

“Oh, Beth, if you should be sick I never could forgive myself!

should (もし) [助] used to express a possibility or probability

be sick (病気になる) [動] to be ill

「ああ、ベス、もしあなたが病気になったとしたら、私は自分を許せないよ!

What shall we do?”

どうしたらいいの?」

“Don’t be frightened, I guess I shan’t have it badly.

「怖がらないで、そんなにひどくはないと思うよ。

I looked in Mother’s book, and saw that it begins with headache, sore throat, and queer feelings like mine, so I did take some belladonna, and I feel better,” said Beth, laying her cold hands on her hot forehead and trying to look well.

look in (調べる) [動] to search or examine

feeling (感覚) [名] a physical sensation

try (ようとする) [動] to make an effort to do something

look well (元気そうに見える) [動] to appear to be in good health

ママの本を調べたら、頭痛、喉の痛み、私のような奇妙な感覚から始まると書いてあったから、ベラドンナを飲んだら、気分が良くなったの」とベスは言い、熱い額に冷たい手を当てて、元気そうに見せようとした。

“If Mother was only at home!” exclaimed Jo, seizing the book, and feeling that Washington was an immense way off.

immense (とても) [形] extremely large or great

「ママが家にいてくれたら!」とジョーは叫び、本をつかみ、ワシントンがとても遠くにあるように感じた。

She read a page, looked at Beth, felt her head, peeped into her throat, and then said gravely, “You’ve been over the baby every day for more than a week, and among the others who are going to have it, so I’m afraid you are going to have it, Beth.

feel (触る) [動] to touch

going to (なる) [助] be about to

彼女は一ページ読み、ベスを見て、頭を触り、喉を覗き込み、そして深刻そうに言った、「あなたは一週間以上毎日赤ちゃんの世話をし、他の病気の人達の中にいたから、あなたも病気になったんだと思うよ、ベス。

I’ll call Hannah, she knows all about sickness.”

sickness (病気) [名] a disease or period of sickness affecting the body and mind

ハンナを呼ぶよ、彼女は病気のことなら何でも知っているよ。」

“Don’t let Amy come.

「エイミーを来させないで。

She never had it, and I should hate to give it to her.

彼女は病気になったことがないし、彼女にうつしたくないよ。

Can’t you and Meg have it over again?” asked Beth, anxiously.

have it over (かかる) [動] to be affected by an illness

あなたとメグはまたかからないの?」とベスは心配そうに尋ねた。

“I guess not. Don’t care if I do.

「そうは思わないよ。私がそうしても気にしないで。

Serve me right, selfish pig, to let you go, and stay writing rubbish myself!” muttered Jo, as she went to consult Hannah.

serve me right (自業自得) [動] to be a fitting punishment for me

stay (続ける) [動] to continue to be in a place or condition

自業自得だよ、自分勝手な豚、あなたを行かせた上に、自分はくだらないものを書き続けている!」とジョーはつぶやき、ハンナに相談に行った。

The good soul was wide awake in a minute, and took the lead at once, assuring that there was no need to worry;

good soul (善良な魂) [名] a kind and helpful person

wide awake (目を覚ます) [形] fully awake

take the lead (先頭に立つ) [動] be in charge or in command

no need (必要はない) [名] not necessary

善良な魂はすぐに目を覚まし、心配する必要はないと保証して、すぐに先頭に立った。

every one had scarlet fever, and if rightly treated, nobody died, all of which Jo believed, and felt much relieved as they went up to call Meg.

rightly (正しく) [副] in a just, good, or proper manner

treat (治療する) [動] give medical care to

all of which (それをすべて) [代] the whole of the amount or number of

誰もが猩紅熱にかかり、正しく治療すれば誰も死なない、ジョーはそれをすべて信じ、メグを呼びに上がったときには大いに安心した。

“Now I’ll tell you what we’ll do,” said Hannah, when she had examined and questioned Beth, “we will have Dr. Bangs, just to take a look at you, dear, and see that we start right.

question (質問する) [動] ask a question

take a look (診る) [動] examine or inspect

「さて、これからどうするか教えてあげる」とハンナはベスを診察して質問した後で言った、「バンクス先生に診てもらうのよ、あなたを診て、正しい治療を始められるようにね。

Then we’ll send Amy off to Aunt March’s for a spell, to keep her out of harm’s way, and one of you girls can stay at home and amuse Beth for a day or two.”

send off (送り出す) [動] cause to leave

spell (しばらく) [名] a short period of time

keep out of (遭わせないように) [動] prevent from entering

harm's way (危険な目) [名] a dangerous place or situation

stay at home (家にいて) [動] remain in one's house

それから、エイミーを危険な目に遭わせないように、しばらくマーチおばさんのところへ送り、あなたたちのうちの誰かが家にいて、一日か二日ベスを楽しませてあげなさい。」

“I shall stay, of course, I’m oldest,” began Meg, looking anxious and self-reproachful.

self-reproachful (自分を責める) [形] feeling or showing that you are sorry for something you have done

「もちろん私が残るよ、私が一番年上だもの」とメグは不安そうに、自分を責めるように言った。

“I shall, because it’s my fault she is sick.

「私が残るよ、ベスが病気になったのも私のせいだもの。

I told Mother I’d do the errands, and I haven’t,” said Jo decidedly.

do (済ませる) [動] carry out, accomplish, or finish

ママに用事を済ませるって言ったのに、まだ済ませてないのよ」とジョーは断固として言った。

“Which will you have, Beth?

which (どっち) [代] which one

have (する) [動] to do, make, or produce

「ベス、どっちにする?

There ain’t no need of but one,” aid Hannah.

ain't (~ではない) [動] am not, is not, are not, has not, or have not

but (~だけ) [接] only

aid (言う) [動] to give help to

一つで十分だ」とハンナは言った。

“Jo, please.”

「ジョー、お願い」

And Beth leaned her head against her sister with a contented look, which effectually settled that point.

そしてベスは満足そうな表情で姉に頭をもたせかけ、そのことでその問題は解決した。

“I’ll go and tell Amy,” said Meg, feeling a little hurt, yet rather relieved on the whole, for she did not like nursing, and Jo did.

go and tell (言いに行く) [動] go to a place and tell someone something

feel a little hurt (少し傷つく) [動] feel a little bit of pain

rather relieved (むしろほっとする) [動] feel less worried, unhappy, or stressed

on the whole (全体的には) [副] considering everything

did not like (好きではなかった) [動] did not enjoy or find agreeable

did (好きだった) [動] enjoyed or found agreeable

「エイミーに言いに行ってくる」とメグは少し傷ついたような気持ちで言ったが、全体的にはむしろほっとしていた。彼女は看病が好きではなかったし、ジョーは好きだったからだ。

Amy rebelled outright, and passionately declared that she had rather have the fever than go to Aunt March.

エイミーははっきりと反抗し、マーチおばさんのところに行くくらいなら熱を出した方がましだと熱烈に宣言した。

Meg reasoned, pleaded, and commanded, all in vain.

reason (説得する) [動] to try to persuade someone to do or not do something

in vain (無駄に) [副] to no purpose; without success

メグは説得し、懇願し、命令したが、すべて無駄だった。

Amy protested that she would not go, and Meg left her in despair to ask Hannah what should be done.

エイミーは行かないと抗議し、メグは絶望して彼女を残してハンナにどうしたらいいか尋ねた。

Before she came back, Laurie walked into the parlor to find Amy sobbing, with her head in the sofa cushions.

walk into (入ってくる) [動] enter by walking

彼女が戻ってくる前に、ローリーが居間に入ってきて、エイミーがソファのクッションに頭を突っ込んですすり泣いているのを見つけた。

She told her story, expecting to be consoled, but Laurie only put his hands in his pockets and walked about the room, whistling softly, as he knit his brows in deep thought.

彼女は慰めてもらえることを期待して自分の話をしたが、ローリーはただポケットに手を入れて部屋を歩き回り、深く考えながら眉をひそめて口笛を吹いた。

Presently he sat down beside her, and said, in his most wheedlesome tone, “Now be a sensible little woman, and do as they say.

beside (そばに) [前] at the side of

do as (言う通りにする) [動] act in accordance with

やがて彼は彼女のそばに腰を下ろし、最も甘い口調で言った、「さあ、賢い小さな女性になって、彼らの言う通りにしなさい。

No, don’t cry, but hear what a jolly plan I’ve got.

いいえ、泣かないで、でも私の楽しい計画を聞きなさい。

You go to Aunt March’s, and I’ll come and take you out every day, driving or walking, and we’ll have capital times.

take out (連れ出す) [動] remove from a place

capital (楽しい) [形] excellent; very good

あなたはマーチおばさんのところへ行き、私は毎日あなたを迎えに来て、ドライブしたり散歩したりして、楽しい時間を過ごしましょう。

Won’t that be better than moping here?”

be better than (よりまし) [動] be more desirable or preferable than

mope (ふさぎ込む) [動] be dejected or depressed

ここでふさぎ込むよりはましでしょう?」

“I don’t wish to be sent off as if I was in the way,” began Amy, in an injured voice.

be sent off (送り出される) [動] be dismissed or expelled

in the way (邪魔者扱い) [名] an obstruction or impediment

began (言った) [動] start to do something

in an injured voice (傷ついた声で) [名] a voice that sounds hurt

「邪魔者扱いされて送り出されるのは嫌だよ」とエイミーは傷ついた声で言った。

“Bless your heart, child, it’s to keep you well.

「あなたのためを思ってのことなんだよ。

You don’t want to be sick, do you?”

be sick (病気である) [動] be ill or unwell

病気になりたくないだろう?」

“No, I’m sure I don’t, but I dare say I shall be, for I’ve been with Beth all the time.”

I'm sure (絶対に) [副] without doubt

I don't (嫌) [動] do not like

I dare say (きっと) [副] I am fairly sure

I shall be (病気になる) [動] become sick

I've been with (一緒にいた) [動] be in the company of

「いいえ、絶対に嫌だけど、でもきっと病気になるよ、だってずっとベスと一緒にいたんだもの」

“That’s the very reason you ought to go away at once, so that you may escape it.

「だからこそすぐに出かけるべきなんだよ、そうすれば病気を免れるかもしれない。

Change of air and care will keep you well, I dare say, or if it does not entirely, you will have the fever more lightly.

well (健康) [名] the condition of being free from illness or injury

lightly (軽く) [副] to a small degree; slightly

空気の変化と注意が健康を保ってくれるだろう、あるいは完全にはいかなくても、もっと軽い熱で済むだろう。

I advise you to be off as soon as you can, for scarlet fever is no joke, miss.”

no joke (冗談ではない) [名] something that is serious or important

できるだけ早く出発することをお勧めする、猩紅熱は冗談ではないからね、お嬢さん」

“But it’s dull at Aunt March’s, and she is so cross,” said Amy, looking rather frightened.

cross (意地悪な) [形] angry and annoyed

「でもマーチおばさんのところは退屈だし、おばさんはとても意地悪なのよ」とエイミーは少し怖そうに言った。

“It won’t be dull with me popping in every day to tell you how Beth is, and take you out gallivanting.

pop in (顔を出す) [動] make a short visit

gallivant (遊び回る) [動] go about or travel in a carefree way

「私が毎日顔を出してベスの様子を伝えたり、遊びに連れ出したりすれば退屈しないよ。

The old lady likes me, and I’ll be as sweet as possible to her, so she won’t peck at us, whatever we do.”

be as sweet as possible (できるだけ優しくする) [動] be as kind and gentle as one can

peck at (つつく) [動] strike or bite with the beak

おばあさんは私を気に入っているし、私はできるだけ優しくするから、何をしても私たちをつついたりしないよ」

“Will you take me out in the trotting wagon with Puck?”

wagon (馬車) [名] a vehicle with four wheels that is pulled by a horse

Puck (パック) [名] a mischievous supernatural being in English folklore

「パックと一緒に馬車で連れ出してくれる?」

“On my honor as a gentleman.”

「紳士としての名誉にかけて」

“And come every single day?”

every single day (毎日) [名] each day; daily

「毎日来てくれる?」

“See if I don’t!”

「来なかったら見てろよ!」

“And bring me back the minute Beth is well?”

「ベスが元気になったらすぐに連れ戻してくれる?」

“The identical minute.”

identical (同じ) [形] being the same in every detail

「その瞬間に」

“And go to the theater, truly?”

「本当に劇場に行くの?」

“A dozen theaters, if we may.”

「できれば12の劇場に行こう」

“Well—I guess I will,” said Amy slowly.

「そうね、そうするよ」とエイミーはゆっくりと言った。

“Good girl! Call Meg, and tell her you’ll give in,” said Laurie, with an approving pat, which annoyed Amy more than the ‘giving in’.

good girl (いい子だ) [名] a girl who is well-behaved

annoyed (腹を立てる) [動] to make someone angry or impatient

「いい子だ! メグを呼んで、折れたことを伝えて」とローリーはエイミーを軽く叩いて承認したが、エイミーは「折れた」ことよりもそのことに腹を立てた。

Meg and Jo came running down to behold the miracle which had been wrought, and Amy, feeling very precious and self-sacrificing, promised to go, if the doctor said Beth was going to be ill.

come running down (走って降りてくる) [動] run down from a higher place

wrought (起こった) [動] past tense of work

self-sacrificing (自己犠牲的) [形] sacrificing one's own interests for the sake of others

メグとジョーは起こった奇跡を見ようと走って降りてきて、エイミーは自分がとても尊く、自己犠牲的であると感じ、医者がベスが病気になると言ったら行くと約束した。

“How is the little dear?” asked Laurie, for Beth was his especial pet, and he felt more anxious about her than he liked to show.

little dear (可愛い子) [名] a person who is loved or liked

「可愛い子は元気かい?」とローリーは尋ねた。ベスは彼の特別なペットであり、彼は彼女のことを心配していた。

“She is lying down on Mother’s bed, and feels better.

lie down (横になる) [動] to be in or move into a resting position in which the body is more or less horizontal

「彼女はママのベッドに横になっていて、気分は良くなったよ。

The baby’s death troubled her, but I dare say she has only got cold.

get cold (風邪をひく) [動] to catch a cold

赤ちゃんの死が彼女を悩ませたんだけど、彼女は風邪をひいただけだと思うよ。

Hannah says she thinks so, but she looks worried, and that makes me fidgety,” answered Meg.

ハンナはそう思っていると言っているんだけど、心配そうに見えて、それが私をそわそわさせるの」とメグは答えた。

“What a trying world it is!” said Jo, rumpling up her hair in a fretful way.

rumpling up (くしゃくしゃにする) [動] make or become untidy or creased

「なんて試練の多い世界なんだろう!」とジョーは髪をくしゃくしゃにしながら言った。

“No sooner do we get out of one trouble than down comes another.

no sooner (すぐに) [副] as soon as

「一つのトラブルから抜け出せば、すぐに別のトラブルがやってくる。

There doesn’t seem to be anything to hold on to when Mother’s gone, so I’m all at sea.”

hold on to (頼る) [動] to rely on

be all at sea (途方に暮れる) [動] to be confused or lost

ママがいなくなったら頼れるものが何もないように思えるから、私は途方に暮れているの。」

“Well, don’t make a porcupine of yourself, it isn’t becoming.

porcupine (ヤマアラシ) [名] a large rodent with a coat of sharp spines

「まあ、ヤマアラシみたいにしないで、似合わないよ。

Settle your wig, Jo, and tell me if I shall telegraph to your mother, or do anything?” asked Laurie, who never had been reconciled to the loss of his friend’s one beauty.

settle (直す) [動] put in order

reconcile (折り合いをつける) [動] restore a friendly relationship

かつらを直して、ジョー、お母さんに電報を打つとか、何かすることがあるか教えてくれる?」と、友人の唯一の美貌を失ったことに決して折り合いのつかなかったローリーが尋ねた。

“That is what troubles me,” said Meg.

「それが私の悩みどころなの」とメグは言った。

“I think we ought to tell her if Beth is really ill, but Hannah says we mustn’t, for Mother can’t leave Father, and it will only make them anxious.

anxious (心配させる) [形] causing worry or nervousness

「ベスが本当に病気ならママに言うべきだと思うけど、ハンナはママはパパを置いていけないし、心配させるだけだから言ってはいけないと言うの。

Beth won’t be sick long, and Hannah knows just what to do, and Mother said we were to mind her, so I suppose we must, but it doesn’t seem quite right to me.”

know what to do (何をすべきか知っている) [動] know what one should do

mind (言うことをきく) [動] obey

ベスは長く病気ではないだろうし、ハンナは何をすべきか知っているし、ママは彼女の言うことをきくように言ったから、そうするべきだと思うけど、私にはそれが正しいとは思えないの。」

“Hum, well, I can’t say.

can't say (何とも言えない) [動] be unable to say

「うーん、まあ、何とも言えない。

Suppose you ask Grandfather after the doctor has been.”

お医者さんが来た後で、おじいさんに聞いてみたらどうだ。」

“We will. Jo, go and get Dr. Bangs at once,” commanded Meg.

get (呼びに行く) [動] go and fetch

Dr. Bangs (バンクス先生) [名] a doctor

commanded (命じた) [動] give an authoritative order

「そうするよ。ジョー、すぐにバンクス先生を呼びに行って」とメグは命じた。

“We can’t decide anything till he has been.”

been (来る) [動] come to a place

「先生が来るまで何も決められないよ。」

“Stay where you are, Jo.

are (いる) [動] be present or available

「ジョー、そこにいなさい。

I’m errand boy to this establishment,” said Laurie, taking up his cap.

errand boy (使い走り) [名] a boy who runs errands

establishment (家) [名] a place of business

私はこの家の使い走りだから」とローリーは帽子を手に取った。

“I’m afraid you are busy,” began Meg.

「お忙しいところ申し訳ありません」とメグは切り出した。

“No, I’ve done my lessons for the day.”

「いいえ、今日の勉強は終わりました。」

“Do you study in vacation time?” asked Jo.

vacation (休み) [名] a period of time during which people leave their regular work or studies to relax and enjoy themselves

「休みにも勉強するの?」とジョーは尋ねた。

“I follow the good example my neighbors set me,” was Laurie’s answer, as he swung himself out of the room.

「近所の人の良い手本に倣っているんです」とローリーは答え、部屋から出て行った。

“I have great hopes for my boy,” observed Jo, watching him fly over the fence with an approving smile.

have great hopes for (大きな期待を抱く) [動] to have a strong belief that something will happen or be successful

fly over (飛び越える) [動] to pass over by flying

approving (満足げな) [形] expressing or showing approval

「私の息子には大きな期待を抱いているの」とジョーは言い、彼が塀を飛び越えるのを満足げな笑顔で見守った。

“He does very well, for a boy,” was Meg’s somewhat ungracious answer, for the subject did not interest her.

do well (上手だ) [動] perform well

for a boy (男の子にしては) [副] considering that he is a boy

ungracious (愛想の良い) [形] lacking in courtesy or good manners

「男の子にしては、とても上手ね」とメグは答えたが、あまり興味がなかったので、あまり愛想の良い答えではなかった。

Dr. Bangs came, said Beth had symptoms of the fever, but he thought she would have it lightly, though he looked sober over the Hummel story.

symptom (症状) [名] a physical or mental feature that is regarded as indicating a condition of disease, particularly such a feature that is apparent to the patient

バンクス医師が来て、ベスは猩紅熱の症状があるが、軽症だろうと言い、フンメル家の話を聞いて真剣な顔をした。

Amy was ordered off at once, and provided with something to ward off danger, she departed in great state, with Jo and Laurie as escort.

order off (退去を命じる) [動] to tell someone to leave a place

provide with (与える) [動] to give something to someone

ward off (避ける) [動] to prevent or avoid something

great state (大急ぎ) [名] a hurry

エイミーはすぐに退去を命じられ、危険を避けるための何かを与えられ、ジョーとローリーを護衛に従えて、大急ぎで出発した。

Aunt March received them with her usual hospitality.

hospitality (歓待) [名] the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers

マーチおばさんはいつも通りの歓待で彼女たちを迎えた。

“What do you want now?” she asked, looking sharply over her spectacles, while the parrot, sitting on the back of her chair, called out...

over (越し) [前] above and across

spectacles (眼鏡) [名] a pair of lenses in a frame that are held in front of a person's eyes by a bridge over the nose and arms which rest over or behind the ears, used to correct or assist vision

call (叫ぶ) [動] cry out loudly

「今度は何の用?」と彼女は眼鏡越しに鋭く見ながら尋ね、椅子の背に座っているオウムが叫んだ。

“Go away. No boys allowed here.”

allow (入れない) [動] permit; let

「出て行け。男の子はここには入れない。」

Laurie retired to the window, and Jo told her story.

ローリーは窓際に退き、ジョーは彼女の話を語った。

“No more than I expected, if you are allowed to go poking about among poor folks.

no more than (私が期待していた通りだ) [副] only; just

poke about (うろつく) [動] move or search around aimlessly

「貧しい人々の間をうろつくことを許されているなら、私が期待していた通りだ。

Amy can stay and make herself useful if she isn’t sick, which I’ve no doubt she will be, looks like it now.

make oneself useful (役に立つ) [動] be of service or assistance

no doubt (間違いない) [副] certainly; without doubt

look like (そう見える) [動] appear to be

エイミーは病気でなければ残って役に立つことができるが、彼女が病気になることは間違いない、今はそう見える。

Don’t cry, child, it worries me to hear people sniff.”

泣かないで、子供、人が鼻をすする音を聞くと心配になる。」

Amy was on the point of crying, but Laurie slyly pulled the parrot’s tail, which caused Polly to utter an astonished croak and call out, “Bless my boots!”

slyly (こっそり) [副] in a secretive manner

tail (しっぽ) [名] the posterior prolongation of the body of some animals

astonished (驚いた) [形] filled with wonder or amazement

croak (鳴き声) [名] a low, hoarse sound

call out (叫ぶ) [動] to say something loudly

エイミーは泣きそうになったが、ローリーがオウムのしっぽをこっそり引っ張ったので、ポリーは驚いたように鳴き声を上げ、「私のブーツに祝福を!」と叫んだ。

in such a funny way, that she laughed instead.

in such a funny way (とてもおかしな方法で) [副] in a way that is amusing or comical

とてもおかしな方法で、彼女は代わりに笑った。

“What do you hear from your mother?”

「お母さんから何か聞いてる?」

asked the old lady gruffly.

老婦人はぶっきらぼうに尋ねた。

“Father is much better,” replied Jo, trying to keep sober.

much better (ずっと良くなった) [形] to a much greater extent or degree

keep sober (真面目な顔をする) [動] to remain serious or solemn

「パパはずっと良くなりました」とジョーは真面目な顔をしようとしながら答えた。

“Oh, is he? Well, that won’t last long, I fancy.

「ああ、そう? まあ、長くは続かないだろうと思うけど。

March never had any stamina,” was the cheerful reply.

stamina (スタミナ) [名] the ability to sustain an prolonged physical or mental effort

マーチはスタミナがなかったからね」と陽気に答えた。

“Ha, ha! Never say die, take a pinch of snuff, goodbye, goodbye!” squalled Polly, dancing on her perch, and clawing at the old lady’s cap as Laurie tweaked him in the rear.

say die (死ぬなんて言うな) [動] give up

take a pinch of snuff (嗅ぎタバコをひとつまみ) [動] take a small amount of snuff

squalled (叫び) [動] cry or scream loudly

claw (爪で引っかく) [動] scratch or tear with claws or fingernails

tweak (つつく) [動] pinch and pull sharply

「ハハ! 死ぬなんて言うな、嗅ぎタバコをひとつまみ、さよなら、さよなら!」とポリーは叫び、止まり木の上で踊り、ローリーが後ろからつつくと老婦人の帽子を爪で引っかいた。

“Hold your tongue, you disrespectful old bird!

hold one's tongue (黙る) [動] to refrain from speaking

disrespectful (無礼な) [形] showing a lack of respect

「黙れ、この無礼な老鳥!

And, Jo, you’d better go at once.

それに、ジョー、すぐに行った方がいいよ。

It isn’t proper to be gadding about so late with a rattlepated boy like...”

be proper (みっともない) [動] be right or appropriate

gadding about (遊び歩く) [動] go about aimlessly or idly

rattlepated (軽薄な) [形] foolish or frivolous

あんな軽薄な男の子とこんな遅くまで遊び歩くなんて、みっともないよ」

“Hold your tongue, you disrespectful old bird!” cried Polly, tumbling off the chair with a bounce, and running to peck the ‘rattlepated’ boy, who was shaking with laughter at the last speech.

bounce (跳ねる) [動] move quickly and suddenly up, down, or from one place to another

「黙れ、この無礼な老鳥!」とポリーは叫び、椅子から飛び降りて、最後のスピーチで笑い転げていた「軽薄な」少年をつつきに行った。

“I don’t think I can bear it, but I’ll try,” thought Amy, as she was left alone with Aunt March.

「耐えられるとは思えないけど、やってみよう」とエイミーはマーチおばさんと二人きりになった時思った。

“Get along, you fright!” screamed Polly, and at that rude speech Amy could not restrain a sniff.

get along (あっちへ行け) [動] leave

fright (怖い奴) [名] a person who is frightening

restrain (すすりあげる) [動] hold back or keep under control

「あっちへ行け、この怖い奴!」とポリーは叫び、その無礼な言葉にエイミーは鼻をすすりあげずにはいられなかった。

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: DARK DAYS

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN (第十八章) [名] the eighteenth chapter

DARK DAYS (暗い日々) [名] a period of time characterized by a lack of hope or opportunity

第十八章: 暗い日々

Beth did have the fever, and was much sicker than anyone but Hannah and the doctor suspected.

have a fever (熱がある) [動] to have a body temperature that is higher than normal

sick (具合が悪い) [形] affected by illness or disease

ベスは熱があり、ハンナと医者以外は誰もが思っているよりもずっと具合が悪かった。

The girls knew nothing about illness, and Mr. Laurence was not allowed to see her, so Hannah had everything her own way, and busy Dr. Bangs did his best, but left a good deal to the excellent nurse.

illness (病気) [名] a disease or period of sickness affecting the body and mind

have everything one's own way (すべてを自分のやり方で行う) [動] do everything in the way that one wants

leave a good deal to (多くを任せる) [動] entrust a lot to

娘たちは病気について何も知らず、ローレンス氏は彼女に会うことを許されなかったので、ハンナはすべてを自分のやり方で行い、忙しいバンクス医師は最善を尽くしたが、優秀な看護師に多くを任せた。

Meg stayed at home, lest she should infect the Kings, and kept house, feeling very anxious and a little guilty when she wrote letters in which no mention was made of Beth’s illness.

infect (感染させる) [動] cause to become infected

keep house (家事をする) [動] do housework

feel guilty (罪悪感を覚える) [動] feel a sense of guilt

メグはキング家に感染させないように家に残り、家事をしながら、ベスの病気について何も触れずに手紙を書いたときには、とても心配で少し罪悪感を覚えた。

She could not think it right to deceive her mother, but she had been bidden to mind Hannah, and Hannah wouldn’t hear of ‘Mrs. March bein’ told, and worried just for sech a trifle.’

deceive (欺く) [動] cause to believe something that is not true

bid (言われる) [動] order or command

母を欺くのは正しいとは思えなかったが、ハンナの言うことをきくように言われており、ハンナは「マーチさんに話すなんて、そんな些細なことで心配させるなんて」と聞き入れなかった。

Jo devoted herself to Beth day and night, not a hard task, for Beth was very patient, and bore her pain uncomplainingly as long as she could control herself.

uncomplainingly (文句を言わずに) [副] without complaining

control (コントロールする) [動] to exercise restraint or direction over; dominate; command

ジョーは昼も夜もベスに献身的に尽くしたが、ベスは非常に忍耐強く、自分をコントロールできる限りは文句を言わずに痛みに耐えていたので、それは難しい仕事ではなかった。

But there came a time when during the fever fits she began to talk in a hoarse, broken voice, to play on the coverlet as if on her beloved little piano, and try to sing with a throat so swollen that there was no music left, a time when she did not know the familiar faces around her, but addressed them by wrong names, and called imploringly for her mother.

hoarse (かすれた) [形] having a rough, harsh, or husky voice

しかし、熱発作の際に、彼女がかすれた、途切れ途切れの声で話し始め、愛する小さなピアノを弾くように掛け布団を弾き、喉が腫れて音楽が残っていないのに歌おうとする時が来た。彼女は周りの見慣れた顔を知らないで、間違った名前で呼びかけ、母親に懇願するように呼びかけた。

Then Jo grew frightened, Meg begged to be allowed to write the truth, and even Hannah said she ‘would think of it, though there was no danger yet’.

grow frightened (怖くなる) [動] become scared

するとジョーは怖くなり、メグは真実を書かせてほしいと懇願し、ハンナでさえ「まだ危険はないが、考えてみよう」と言った。

A letter from Washington added to their trouble, for Mr. March had had a relapse, and could not think of coming home for a long while.

have a relapse (再発する) [動] suffer a recurrence of a disease after a period of improvement

for a long while (長い間) [副] for a long time

ワシントンからの手紙が彼女たちの悩みを増した。マーチ氏が再発し、長い間帰宅する考えができなかったからだ。

How dark the days seemed now, how sad and lonely the house, and how heavy were the hearts of the sisters as they worked and waited, while the shadow of death hovered over the once happy home.

hover (漂う) [動] remain in one place in the air

かつて幸せだった家庭に死の影が漂う中、日々はどれほど暗く、家はどれほど悲しく孤独で、働きながら待つ姉妹たちの心はどれほど重かっただろうか。

Then it was that Margaret, sitting alone with tears dropping often on her work, felt how rich she had been in things more precious than any luxuries money could buy—in love, protection, peace, and health, the real blessings of life.

drop (流す) [動] fall or cause to fall in drops

luxury (贅沢品) [名] an inessential, desirable item that is expensive or difficult to obtain

その時、マーガレットは一人座って、よく涙を流しながら仕事をしていたが、お金で買えるどんな贅沢品よりも、愛、保護、平和、健康、人生の本当の祝福といった、より貴重なものにどれほど恵まれているかを感じた。

Then it was that Jo, living in the darkened room, with that suffering little sister always before her eyes and that pathetic voice sounding in her ears, learned to see the beauty and the sweetness of Beth’s nature, to feel how deep and tender a place she filled in all hearts, and to acknowledge the worth of Beth’s unselfish ambition to live for others, and make home happy by that exercise of those simple virtues which all may possess, and which all should love and value more than talent, wealth, or beauty.

darkened (暗い) [形] having little or no light

sound (響く) [動] be heard

sweetness (優しさ) [名] the quality or state of being sweet

unselfish (利他的な) [形] concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one's own

exercise (実行) [名] activity requiring physical effort, carried out especially to sustain or improve health and fitness

value (大切にする) [動] regard highly; think much of

その時、暗い部屋で暮らすジョーは、いつも目の前に苦しんでいる妹がいて、その哀れな声が耳に響き、ベスの本質の美しさと優しさを見ること、彼女がすべての心をどれほど深く優しく満たしているかを感じること、そして他人のために生き、誰もが持ちうる単純な美徳を実行することで家庭を幸せにするというベスの利他的な志の価値を認めることを学んだ。そして、誰もが才能、富、美しさよりも愛し、大切にすべきものである。

And Amy, in her exile, longed eagerly to be at home, that she might work for Beth, feeling now that no service would be hard or irksome, and remembering, with regretful grief, how many neglected tasks those willing hands had done for her.

exile (追放) [名] the state of being barred from one's native country

service (奉仕) [名] the action of helping or doing work for someone

irksome (退屈な) [形] annoying or tedious

regretful (後悔する) [形] feeling or showing regret

willing (喜んで) [形] ready, eager, or prepared to do something

そして、エイミーは、追放された身で、ベスのために働くことができるなら、どんな奉仕も難しくも退屈でもないと感じ、後悔の念を抱きながら、あの喜んで働く手がどれほど多くの怠慢な仕事をしてくれたかを思い出しながら、家に帰りたいと切望していた。

Laurie haunted the house like a restless ghost, and Mr. Laurence locked the grand piano, because he could not bear to be reminded of the young neighbor who used to make the twilight pleasant for him.

ローリーは落ち着きのない幽霊のように家に出没し、ローレンス氏は夕暮れを心地よくしてくれていた若い隣人を思い出すのに耐えられなかったので、グランドピアノに鍵をかけた。

Everyone missed Beth.

誰もがベスを恋しく思っていた。

The milkman, baker, grocer, and butcher inquired how she did, poor Mrs. Hummel came to beg pardon for her thoughtlessness and to get a shroud for Minna, the neighbors sent all sorts of comforts and good wishes, and even those who knew her best were surprised to find how many friends shy little Beth had made.

milkman (牛乳屋) [名] a man who delivers milk

baker (パン屋) [名] a person who makes bread

grocer (食料品屋) [名] a person who sells food and other household items

thoughtlessness (無思慮) [名] the quality of not thinking or showing consideration for others

牛乳屋、パン屋、食料品屋、肉屋が彼女の様子を尋ね、貧しいフンメル夫人は彼女の無思慮を許し、ミンナのために経帷子をもらいに来た。近所の人たちはあらゆる慰めや善い願いを送り、彼女のことをよく知っている人でさえ、内気なベスがどれほど多くの友人を作ったか知って驚いた。

Meanwhile she lay on her bed with old Joanna at her side, for even in her wanderings she did not forget her forlorn protege.

meanwhile (その間) [副] in the intervening period of time

side (そば) [名] a position to the left or right of an object

wandering (放浪) [名] the action of moving about aimlessly or unsystematically

protege (被保護者) [名] a person who is guided and supported by a more experienced and influential person

その間、彼女はベッドに横たわり、老ジョアンナがそばにいた。なぜなら、彼女は放浪している間でさえ、見捨てられた被保護者を忘れなかったからだ。

She longed for her cats, but would not have them brought, lest they should get sick, and in her quiet hours she was full of anxiety about Jo.

long for (会いたかった) [動] to have a strong wish or desire for

would not have (連れてこようとはせず) [動] to be unwilling to accept or allow

get sick (病気にならない) [動] to become ill

彼女は猫に会いたかったが、病気にならないように連れてこようとはせず、静かな時間にはジョーのことを心配していた。

She sent loving messages to Amy, bade them tell her mother that she would write soon, and often begged for pencil and paper to try to say a word, that Father might not think she had neglected him.

彼女はエイミーに愛情のこもったメッセージを送り、すぐに手紙を書くから母に伝えるように言い、父が自分を無視していると思わないように、よく鉛筆と紙を頼んで一言でも伝えようとした。

But soon even these intervals of consciousness ended, and she lay hour after hour, tossing to and fro, with incoherent words on her lips, or sank into a heavy sleep which brought her no refreshment.

toss (寝返りを打つ) [動] move or cause to move up and down or from side to side

fro (あちらこちら) [副] to and fro; back and forth

incoherent (支離滅裂な) [形] lacking in logic or consistency

refreshment (気分転換) [名] something that refreshes

しかし、すぐに意識のある時間も終わり、彼女は何時間も横たわり、唇に支離滅裂な言葉を浮かべて寝返りを打ったり、深い眠りに落ちたりしたが、気分はすっきりしなかった。

Dr. Bangs came twice a day, Hannah sat up at night, Meg kept a telegram in her desk all ready to send off at any minute, and Jo never stirred from Beth’s side.

twice (2回) [副] two times

sit up (起きる) [動] rise from a lying or sitting position

send off (送る) [動] cause to be taken or delivered to a destination; arrange for the delivery of

バンクス医師は1日に2回来診し、ハンナは夜に起きて看病し、メグはいつでも送れるように机に電報を用意し、ジョーはベスのそばを離れなかった。

The first of December was a wintry day indeed to them, for a bitter wind blew, snow fell fast, and the year seemed getting ready for its death.

the first of December (12月1日) [名] the first day of December

12月1日は、彼女たちにとって本当に冬の日だった。冷たい風が吹き、雪が激しく降り、年が終わろうとしていた。

When Dr. Bangs came that morning, he looked long at Beth, held the hot hand in both his own for a minute, and laid it gently down, saying, in a low voice to Hannah, “If Mrs. March can leave her husband she’d better be sent for.”

look long (じっと見つめる) [動] look at for a long time

lay down (下ろす) [動] put down

low voice (小声) [名] a quiet voice

send for (呼ぶ) [動] ask to come

その朝バンクス医師が来ると、ベスをじっと見つめ、熱い手を両手で1分ほど握り、そっと下ろしてハンナに小声で言った、「もしマーチ夫人が夫のそばを離れられるなら、呼んだ方がいい」

Hannah nodded without speaking, for her lips twitched nervously, Meg dropped down into a chair as the strength seemed to go out of her limbs at the sound of those words, and Jo, standing with a pale face for a minute, ran to the parlor, snatched up the telegram, and throwing on her things, rushed out into the storm.

twitch (ひきつる) [動] make a short, sudden, jerking movement

drop down (座り込む) [動] sit down suddenly or heavily

throw (着る) [動] put on

ハンナは唇が神経質にひきつっていたので、何も言わずにうなずき、メグはその言葉を聞いて手足の力が抜けたように椅子に座り込み、ジョーは青ざめた顔でしばらく立っていたが、居間に駆け込んで電報をひっつかみ、コートを着て嵐の中へ飛び出した。

She was soon back, and while noiselessly taking off her cloak, Laurie came in with a letter, saying that Mr. March was mending again.

彼女はすぐに戻り、音を立てずにマントを脱いでいると、ローリーが手紙を持ってやってきて、マーチ氏の容態が回復していると告げた。

Jo read it thankfully, but the heavy weight did not seem lifted off her heart, and her face was so full of misery that Laurie asked quickly, “What is it? Is Beth worse?”

thankfully (感謝して) [副] in a grateful manner

heavy weight (重荷) [名] a heavy load

lift off (取り除く) [動] remove or take away

misery (悲惨さ) [名] a state or feeling of great distress or discomfort

what (どうしたの) [代] used to ask for information

ジョーは感謝してそれを読んだが、重荷は彼女の心から取り除かれたようには見えず、彼女の顔は悲惨さに満ちていたので、ローリーはすぐに尋ねた、「どうしたの? ベスの容態が悪くなったの?」

“I’ve sent for Mother,” said Jo, tugging at her rubber boots with a tragic expression.

send for (呼びに行く) [動] to ask someone to come

tug (脱ぐ) [動] to pull or draw with a quick, sharp movement

tragic (悲しげな) [形] causing great sadness or suffering

「ママを呼びに行ったの」とジョーは悲しげな表情でゴム長靴を脱ぎながら言った。

“Good for you, Jo!

good for you (よかったね) [間] used to express approval or admiration

「よかったね、ジョー!

Did you do it on your own responsibility?” asked Laurie, as he seated her in the hall chair and took off the rebellious boots, seeing how her hands shook.

on one's own responsibility (自分で責任をもって) [副] without being told to do so by someone else

自分で責任をもってやったの?」とローリーは尋ね、彼女を玄関の椅子に座らせ、彼女の手が震えているのを見て、反抗的なブーツを脱がせた。

“No. The doctor told us to.”

「いいえ。医者がそう言ったの。」

“Oh, Jo, it’s not so bad as that?” cried Laurie, with a startled face.

「ああ、ジョー、そんなに悪くないよね?」とローリーは驚いた顔で叫んだ。

“Yes, it is. She doesn’t know us, she doesn’t even talk about the flocks of green doves, as she calls the vine leaves on the wall.

flock (群れ) [名] a large number of birds or other animals of one type which live or move together

dove (鳩) [名] a type of bird

vine (つた) [名] a climbing plant with woody stems that climbs by means of tendrils or twining stems

「そうよ。彼女は私たちのことを知らないし、壁のつたの葉を呼ぶように、緑の鳩の群れについて話すことさえしない。

She doesn’t look like my Beth, and there’s nobody to help us bear it.

彼女は私のベスのようには見えないし、私たちがそれに耐えるのを助けてくれる人は誰もいない。

Mother and father both gone, and God seems so far away I can’t find Him.”

gone (亡くなる) [動] die

so far (遠く) [副] to a great extent; very much

母も父も亡くなり、神様は遠くにいるようで、見つけることができません」

As the tears streamed fast down poor Jo’s cheeks, she stretched out her hand in a helpless sort of way, as if groping in the dark, and Laurie took it in his, whispering as well as he could with a lump in his throat, “I’m here. Hold on to me, Jo, dear!”

stream (流れる) [動] flow in a continuous and fast way

helpless (どうしようもない) [形] unable to help oneself

grope (手探りする) [動] feel about or search blindly or uncertainly

lump (しこり) [名] a small, hard, rounded mass

hold on to (つかまる) [動] grasp or grip firmly

涙がかわいそうなジョーの頬を流れ落ちるにつれて、彼女は暗闇の中を手探りするかのように、どうしようもない感じで手を伸ばし、ローリーはそれを自分の手に取り、喉のしこりを取り除こうとできる限りささやいた。「ここにいるよ。私をつかまって、ジョー、愛しい人!」

She could not speak, but she did ‘hold on’, and the warm grasp of the friendly human hand comforted her sore heart, and seemed to lead her nearer to the Divine arm which alone could uphold her in her trouble.

could not (できなかった) [助] be unable to

hold on (つかまる) [動] grasp something firmly

grasp (握り) [名] the action of grasping something

sore (痛む) [形] painful or aching

Divine (神の) [形] of or relating to a god

uphold (支える) [動] support or defend

彼女は話すことができなかったが、「つかまって」いたし、友好的な人間の手の温かい握りは彼女の痛む心を慰め、彼女を苦しみの中で支えることができる唯一の神の腕に近づけるように思われた。

Laurie longed to say something tender and comfortable, but no fitting words came to him, so he stood silent, gently stroking her bent head as her mother used to do.

fitting (適当な) [形] being of the right shape and size

silent (黙って) [形] making no sound

stroke (なでる) [動] move one's hand slowly and lightly over the surface of

ローリーは優しく慰めるような言葉をかけたいと思ったが、適当な言葉が浮かばなかったので、黙って立ったまま、彼女の母親がよくしていたように、彼女の頭を優しくなでた。

It was the best thing he could have done, far more soothing than the most eloquent words, for Jo felt the unspoken sympathy, and in the silence learned the sweet solace which affection administers to sorrow.

the best thing (最善のこと) [名] the most excellent or desirable thing

far more (はるかに) [副] to a much greater extent

soothing (慰め) [名] the action of relieving pain or anxiety

eloquent (雄弁な) [形] fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing

それは彼にできる最善のことであり、どんな雄弁な言葉よりもはるかに慰めとなった。ジョーは言葉に表せない同情を感じ、沈黙の中で愛情が悲しみに与える甘い慰めを知った。

Soon she dried the tears which had relieved her, and looked up with a grateful face.

dry (ぬぐう) [動] remove moisture from

やがて彼女は心を軽くしてくれた涙をぬぐい、感謝の表情で顔を上げた。

“Thank you, Teddy, I’m better now.

better (大丈夫) [形] more desirable or satisfactory

「ありがとう、テディ、もう大丈夫。

I don’t feel so forlorn, and will try to bear it if it comes.”

そんなに悲しくないし、もし悲しみがやってきても耐えられると思う。」

“Keep hoping for the best, that will help you, Jo.

best (最善) [名] the most excellent or desirable thing or situation

「最善を期待し続けなさい、それが君を助けてくれるよ、ジョー。

Soon your mother will be here, and then everything will be all right.”

be here (帰ってくる) [動] arrive at a place

be all right (うまくいく) [動] be satisfactory or acceptable

すぐにお母さんが帰ってくるだろうし、そうしたら全てうまくいくよ。」

“I’m so glad Father is better.

「パパが良くなって本当に嬉しい。

Now she won’t feel so bad about leaving him.

feel bad (罪悪感を感じる) [動] feel guilty

これでママもパパを置いていくことにそれほど罪悪感を感じなくてすむよ。

Oh, me!

ああ、私!

It does seem as if all the troubles came in a heap, and I got the heaviest part on my shoulders,” sighed Jo, spreading her wet handkerchief over her knees to dry.

まるで全てのトラブルが山のようにやってきて、私の肩に一番重い部分がのしかかっているみたい」とジョーはため息をつき、濡れたハンカチを膝の上に広げて乾かした。

“Doesn’t Meg pull fair?” asked Laurie, looking indignant.

pull fair (公平に引っ張る) [動] pull in a fair way

look indignant (憤慨した様子で) [動] look angry or annoyed

「メグは公平に引っ張らないの?」とローリーは憤慨した様子で尋ねた。

“Oh, yes, she tries to, but she can’t love Bethy as I do, and she won’t miss her as I shall.

「ああ、そう、彼女はそうしようとしているけど、私ほどベシーを愛することはできないし、私ほど彼女を恋しく思うこともないよ。

Beth is my conscience, and I can’t give her up.

ベスは私の良心で、彼女を諦めることはできないよ。

I can’t! I can’t!”

できない! できないよ!」

Down went Jo’s face into the wet handkerchief, and she cried despairingly, for she had kept up bravely till now and never shed a tear.

go down (埋める) [動] move or travel from a higher to a lower level

despairingly (絶望的に) [副] in a way that shows despair

ジョーは濡れたハンカチに顔を埋めて、絶望的に泣いた。今まで勇敢に耐えてきて、涙を流したことがなかったからだ。

Laurie drew his hand across his eyes, but could not speak till he had subdued the choky feeling in his throat and steadied his lips.

subdue (抑える) [動] bring under control

choky (詰まった) [形] blocked or obstructed

throat (喉) [名] the front of the neck

steady (落ち着かせる) [動] make or become firm or stable

ローリーは目を横切るように手を動かしたが、喉の詰まった感じを抑えて唇を落ち着かせるまで話すことができなかった。

It might be unmanly, but he couldn’t help it, and I am glad of it.

男らしくないかもしれないけど、彼は仕方なかったし、私はそれを嬉しく思う。

Presently, as Jo’s sobs quieted, he said hopefully, “I don’t think she will die.

sob (すすり泣き) [名] a convulsive catching of the breath with a spasm in the throat

やがて、ジョーのすすり泣きが静まると、彼は希望を込めて言った、「彼女は死なないと思う。

She’s so good, and we all love her so much, I don’t believe God will take her away yet.”

彼女はとても良い人で、私たちはみんな彼女をとても愛しているから、神様が彼女を連れ去ってしまうとは思えない。」

“The good and dear people always do die,” groaned Jo, but she stopped crying, for her friend’s words cheered her up in spite of her own doubts and fears.

「善良で愛すべき人はいつも死んでしまう」とジョーはうめいたが、彼女は泣き止んだ。彼女自身の疑いや恐れにもかかわらず、友人の言葉が彼女を元気づけたからだ。

“Poor girl, you’re worn out.

be worn out (疲れ切っている) [動] be extremely tired

「かわいそうに、疲れ切っているね。

It isn’t like you to be forlorn.

be like (らしくない) [動] be similar to

君が悲しみに沈むなんて珍しいね。

Stop a bit.

stop (待って) [動] cease moving or operating

a bit (ちょっと) [副] a little; somewhat

ちょっと待って。

I’ll hearten you up in a jiffy.”

in a jiffy (すぐに) [副] in a short time

すぐに元気づけてあげるよ」

Laurie went off two stairs at a time, and Jo laid her wearied head down on Beth’s little brown hood, which no one had thought of moving from the table where she left it.

at a time (一度に) [副] all at once; simultaneously

wearied (疲れた) [形] feeling or showing extreme tiredness

think of (〜しようとする) [動] have in mind as a purpose or intention

ローリーは一度に二段ずつ階段を下り、ジョーは疲れた頭をベスの小さな茶色いフードに横たえたが、誰も彼女が置いたテーブルから動かそうとはしなかった。

It must have possessed some magic, for the submissive spirit of its gentle owner seemed to enter into Jo, and when Laurie came running down with a glass of wine, she took it with a smile, and said bravely, “I drink— Health to my Beth!

possess (宿る) [動] have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill

owner (持ち主) [名] a person who owns something

come running down (駆け下りてくる) [動] run quickly down

それに何か魔法が宿っていたに違いない、なぜならその優しい持ち主の従順な精神がジョーの中に入り込んだように思えたからで、ローリーがグラス一杯のワインを持って駆け下りてきた時、彼女は笑顔でそれを受け取り、勇敢に言った、「私は飲むよ、私のベスの健康を祈って!

You are a good doctor, Teddy, and such a comfortable friend.

あなたは良いお医者さんね、テディ、そしてとても心地よい友人だよ。

How can I ever pay you?” she added, as the wine refreshed her body, as the kind words had done her troubled mind.

trouble (悩める) [動] cause distress or anxiety to

あなたにどうやってお返ししたらいいのかしら?」と彼女は付け加えた、ワインが彼女の体を元気づけたように、優しい言葉が彼女の悩める心を元気づけたように。

“I’ll send my bill, by-and-by, and tonight I’ll give you something that will warm the cockles of your heart better than quarts of wine,” said Laurie, beaming at her with a face of suppressed satisfaction at something.

bill (請求書) [名] a printed or written statement of the money owed for goods or services supplied

cockle (心の奥底) [名] a small edible bivalve mollusk

beam (微笑みかける) [動] smile radiantly

at (に) [前] in the direction of

「そのうち請求書を送るよ、そして今夜はワインのクォートよりもあなたの心の奥底を温める何かをあげるよ」とローリーは言い、何かに満足感を抑えた顔で彼女に微笑みかけた。

“What is it?” cried Jo, forgetting her woes for a minute in her wonder.

「それは何?」とジョーは叫び、一瞬自分の悲しみを忘れて驚いた。

“I telegraphed to your mother yesterday, and Brooke answered she’d come at once, and she’ll be here tonight, and everything will be all right.

「昨日お母さんに電報を打ったんだが、ブルックはすぐに来ると答えてくれたので、今夜ここに来てくれるだろうし、すべてうまくいくだろう。

Aren’t you glad I did it?”

私がそうしてよかったと思わない?」

Laurie spoke very fast, and turned red and excited all in a minute, for he had kept his plot a secret, for fear of disappointing the girls or harming Beth.

excited (興奮する) [動] feel or show great happiness or pleasure

in a minute (一瞬で) [副] very soon

plot (計画) [名] a secret plan or scheme

harm (傷つける) [動] cause damage to

ローリーはとても早口で話し、一瞬で顔を赤らめ興奮したが、彼は女の子たちをがっかりさせたり、ベスを傷つけたりするのを恐れて、自分の計画を秘密にしていた。

Jo grew quite white, flew out of her chair, and the moment he stopped speaking she electrified him by throwing her arms round his neck, and crying out, with a joyful cry, “Oh, Laurie! Oh, Mother! I am so glad!”

grow quite white (真っ青になる) [動] become very pale

fly out of (飛び出す) [動] move or be moved very quickly

the moment (瞬間) [名] a very brief period of time

stop speaking (話し終える) [動] finish speaking

throw one's arms round (腕を回す) [動] put one's arms around someone

joyful (喜びの) [形] feeling or showing great happiness

ジョーは真っ青になって椅子から飛び出し、彼が話し終えた瞬間、彼の首に腕を回して「ああ、ローリー! ああ、ママ! とても嬉しい!」と喜びの声を上げ、彼を感動させた。

She did not weep again, but laughed hysterically, and trembled and clung to her friend as if she was a little bewildered by the sudden news.

hysterically (ヒステリックに) [副] in an uncontrolled manner

cling (しがみつく) [動] hold on tightly

彼女は再び泣くことはなかったが、ヒステリックに笑い、震えながら友人にしがみつき、突然の知らせに少し当惑したようだった。

Laurie, though decidedly amazed, behaved with great presence of mind.

amazed (驚いた) [形] filled with wonder or astonishment

ローリーは、明らかに驚いていたが、落ち着いて行動した。

He patted her back soothingly, and finding that she was recovering, followed it up by a bashful kiss or two, which brought Jo round at once.

follow up (続ける) [動] take further action concerning

彼は彼女の背中をなだめるように撫で、彼女が回復しているのを見つけると、恥ずかしそうにキスをしたり、ジョーをすぐに連れてきたりした。

Holding on to the banisters, she put him gently away, saying breathlessly, “Oh, don’t! I didn’t mean to, it was dreadful of me, but you were such a dear to go and do it in spite of Hannah that I couldn’t help flying at you.

hold on to (つかむ) [動] grasp or grip something firmly

put away (遠ざける) [動] move something to a different place

breathlessly (息もつかせずに) [副] in a way that is out of breath

fly at (飛びかかる) [動] attack someone or something suddenly and violently

彼女は手すりをつかみながら、息もつかせずに「ああ、やめて! わざとじゃないよ、ひどいことをしたけど、ハンナに逆らってまでやってくれたあなたがとても愛おしくて、飛びかからずにはいられなかったの。

Tell me all about it, and don’t give me wine again, it makes me act so.”

act (なる) [動] behave in a particular manner

全部教えて、もうワインを飲ませないで、こんな風になっちゃうから」

“I don’t mind,” laughed Laurie, as he settled his tie.

tie (ネクタイ) [名] a long piece of cloth worn around the neck

「かまわないよ」とローリーはネクタイを直しながら笑った。

“Why, you see I got fidgety, and so did Grandpa.

「だって、私もじっとしていられなくて、おじいちゃんもそうだったんだ。

We thought Hannah was overdoing the authority business, and your mother ought to know.

overdoing (乱用している) [動] do too much of

authority (権限) [名] the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience

business (事) [名] a task or an undertaking

ハンナが権限を乱用していると思ったし、お母さんに知らせるべきだと思ったんだ。

She’d never forgive us if Beth... Well, if anything happened, you know.

ベスがもし...何かあったら、ママは私たちを許さないだろう。

So I got grandpa to say it was high time we did something, and off I pelted to the office yesterday, for the doctor looked sober, and Hannah most took my head off when I proposed a telegram.

high time (ちょうどいい時) [名] the right or proper time

pelt (急ぐ) [動] run or move very quickly

take one's head off (頭を外す) [動] to decapitate someone

だから、おじいちゃんに何かするべき時が来たと言ってもらって、昨日、私はオフィスに急いで行ったんだ。医者は真面目そうだったし、ハンナは私が電報を提案した時に私の頭をほとんど取り外したんだ。

I never can bear to be ‘lorded over’, so that settled my mind, and I did it.

settle (決める) [動] to decide or determine

do (実行する) [動] to perform or execute

私は「支配される」ことに耐えられないので、決心してそれを実行した。

Your mother will come, I know, and the late train is in at two A.M.

A.M. (午前) [名] the period of time from midnight to noon

お母さんが来てくれるのはわかっているし、遅い電車は午前2時に到着する。

I shall go for her, and you’ve only got to bottle up your rapture, and keep Beth quiet till that blessed lady gets here.”

go for (迎えに行く) [動] go to get someone or something

bottle up (抑える) [動] keep one's feelings under control

keep quiet (静かにさせる) [動] make or cause to be silent or still

blessed (祝福された) [形] consecrated by a religious rite

私が彼女を迎えに行くから、あなたはただ喜びを抑えて、その祝福された女性がここに来るまでベスを静かにさせておくだけでいい。」

“Laurie, you’re an angel!

「ローリー、あなたは天使だ!

How shall I ever thank you?”

どうやってお礼を言ったらいいの?」

“Fly at me again.

「もう一度飛びかかって来い。

I rather liked it,” said Laurie, looking mischievous, a thing he had not done for a fortnight.

むしろ好きだったよ」とローリーはいたずらっぽく言ったが、それは彼が二週間もやっていなかったことだった。

“No, thank you. I’ll do it by proxy, when your grandpa comes.

proxy (代理) [名] the authority to represent someone else

「いいえ、ありがとう。おじいちゃんが来たら、代理でやってあげるよ。

Don’t tease, but go home and rest, for you’ll be up half the night.

half the night (夜更かし) [名] the middle of the night

からかわないで、家に帰って休みなさい、夜更かしするんだから。

Bless you, Teddy, bless you!”

テディ、神のご加護を!」

Jo had backed into a corner, and as she finished her speech, she vanished precipitately into the kitchen, where she sat down upon a dresser and told the assembled cats that she was “happy, oh, so happy!”

back into (後ずさりする) [動] move backwards

dresser (ドレッサー) [名] a chest of drawers, typically with a mirror

ジョーは隅に後ずさり、スピーチを終えると、急いで台所へ姿を消し、そこでドレッサーに腰を下ろし、集まった猫たちに「幸せ、ああ、とても幸せ!」と言った。

while Laurie departed, feeling that he had made a rather neat thing of it.

neat (うまく) [形] tidy, clean, or smart in appearance

ローリーは、かなりうまくやったと感じながら立ち去った。

“That’s the interferingest chap I ever see, but I forgive him and do hope Mrs. March is coming right away,” said Hannah, with an air of relief, when Jo told the good news.

interferingest (おせっかいな) [形] interfering

chap (人) [名] a man

「今まで見た中で一番おせっかいな人だけど、許してあげるよ、マーチ夫人がすぐに来てくれるといいよね」とハンナはジョーから良い知らせを聞いて安心した様子で言った。

Meg had a quiet rapture, and then brooded over the letter, while Jo set the sickroom in order, and Hannah “knocked up a couple of pies in case of company unexpected”.

have a quiet rapture (静かに喜ぶ) [動] be very happy

brood over (じっくり読む) [動] think about something deeply and seriously

set in order (整える) [動] arrange or organize something

knock up (焼く) [動] make or produce something quickly or carelessly

in case of (に備えて) [前] if something happens

メグは静かに喜び、それから手紙をじっくり読み、ジョーは病室を整え、ハンナは「予期せぬ来客に備えてパイを2つ焼いた」。

A breath of fresh air seemed to blow through the house, and something better than sunshine brightened the quiet rooms.

brighten (明るくする) [動] make or become brighter

新鮮な空気が家を吹き抜け、日差しよりも良い何かが静かな部屋を明るくした。

Everything appeared to feel the hopeful change.

appear (ようだった) [動] seem to be; give the impression of being

全てが希望に満ちた変化を感じているようだった。

Beth’s bird began to chirp again, and a half-blown rose was discovered on Amy’s bush in the window.

blow (開く) [動] be in or cause to be in bloom

discover (見つける) [動] find unexpectedly

ベスの鳥は再びさえずり始め、窓辺のエイミーのバラには半分開いた花が見つかった。

The fires seemed to burn with unusual cheeriness, and every time the girls met, their pale faces broke into smiles as they hugged one another, whispering encouragingly, “Mother’s coming, dear! Mother’s coming!”

cheeriness (明るく) [名] the state of being cheerful

meet (顔を合わせる) [動] come together with

break into (浮かび) [動] suddenly start doing something

encouragingly (励まし合った) [副] in a way that gives someone support or confidence

火はいつもになく明るく燃えているように見え、娘たちが顔を合わせるたびに、青白い顔に笑顔が浮かび、抱き合って励まし合った。「ママが帰ってくるよ! ママが帰ってくるのよ!」

Every one rejoiced but Beth.

every one (皆) [名] all the people in a group

ベス以外は皆喜んだ。

She lay in that heavy stupor, alike unconscious of hope and joy, doubt and danger.

stupor (昏睡) [名] a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility

alike (同様に) [副] in a similar way

彼女は、希望も喜びも、疑いも危険も意識せずに、深い昏睡状態に横たわっていた。

It was a piteous sight, the once rosy face so changed and vacant, the once busy hands so weak and wasted, the once smiling lips quite dumb, and the once pretty, well-kept hair scattered rough and tangled on the pillow.

piteous (痛ましい) [形] deserving or arousing pity

vacant (虚ろ) [形] lacking thought or expression

waste (やせ細る) [動] become thinner or weaker

well-kept (手入れされていた) [形] carefully maintained

scatter (散らばる) [動] throw in various directions

rough (乱れる) [形] having an uneven or irregular surface

tangle (枕に散らばっている) [動] twist together into a confused mass

かつてバラ色だった顔が変わり果てて虚ろになり、かつて忙しく動いていた手が弱々しくやせ細り、かつて微笑んでいた唇が全く動かず、かつてきれいに手入れされていた髪が乱れて枕に散らばっている様子は、痛ましい光景だった。

All day she lay so, only rousing now and then to mutter, “Water!” with lips so parched they could hardly shape the word.

rouse (目を覚ます) [動] cause to wake up

parched (乾ききった) [形] dried out by heat

hardly (できないほど) [副] with difficulty or effort

shape (形にする) [動] give a particular shape to

彼女は一日中そうして横たわり、時々目を覚まして「水!」とつぶやくだけだったが、唇があまりにも乾ききっていて、言葉を形にすることができないほどだった。

All day Jo and Meg hovered over her, watching, waiting, hoping, and trusting in God and Mother, and all day the snow fell, the bitter wind raged, and the hours dragged slowly by.

hover (付き添う) [動] remain or linger in one place

rage (吹き荒れる) [動] be violent or uncontrolled

drag (過ぎていく) [動] move or cause to move slowly and with difficulty

ジョーとメグは一日中彼女のそばにいて、見守り、待ち、希望を持ち、神と母を信頼し、一日中雪が降り、厳しい風が吹き荒れ、時間がゆっくりと過ぎていった。

But night came at last, and every time the clock struck, the sisters, still sitting on either side of the bed, looked at each other with brightening eyes, for each hour brought help nearer.

しかし、ついに夜がやってきて、時計が鳴るたびに、ベッドの両側に座ったままの姉妹は、一時間ごとに助けが近づいてくるので、明るい目で互いに見つめ合った。

The doctor had been in to say that some change, for better or worse, would probably take place about midnight, at which time he would return.

probably (おそらく) [副] almost certainly; as far as one knows or can tell

take place (起こる) [動] happen; occur

医者は、良くなるか悪くなるかはわからないが、おそらく真夜中頃に何か変化が起こるだろうと言いに来て、その時に戻ってくると言った。

Hannah, quite worn out, lay down on the sofa at the bed’s foot and fell fast asleep,

worn out (疲れ果てて) [形] exhausted

ハンナは、すっかり疲れ果てて、ベッドの足元にあるソファに横になり、ぐっすりと眠ってしまった。

Mr. Laurence marched to and fro in the parlor, feeling that he would rather face a rebel battery than Mrs. March’s countenance as she entered.

rebel battery (反乱軍の砲台) [名] a group of guns used for firing

ローレンス氏は、マーチ夫人が入ってきたときの顔を見るくらいなら、反乱軍の砲台に直面した方がましだと感じながら、居間を行ったり来たりしていた。

Laurie lay on the rug, pretending to rest, but staring into the fire with the thoughtful look which made his black eyes beautifully soft and clear.

pretend (ふりをする) [動] make believe that something is the case when in fact it is not

clear (澄んだ) [形] free from cloudiness, muddiness, or obscurity

ローリーは休むふりをして敷物の上に横たわっていたが、彼の黒い目を美しく柔らかく澄んだものにする思慮深い表情で火を見つめていた。

The girls never forgot that night, for no sleep came to them as they kept their watch, with that dreadful sense of powerlessness which comes to us in hours like those.

sleep (眠気) [名] the natural periodic state of rest for the mind and body

powerlessness (無力感) [名] the quality or state of lacking power or strength

娘たちはその夜のことを決して忘れなかった。なぜなら、そのような時間に私たちを襲う恐ろしい無力感を抱えながら、見守り続けた彼女たちには眠気が訪れなかったからだ。

“If God spares Beth, I never will complain again,” whispered Meg earnestly.

「もし神様がベスを助けてくださるなら、私は二度と不平を言いません」とメグは真剣にささやいた。

“If God spares Beth, I’ll try to love and serve Him all my life,” answered Jo, with equal fervor.

serve (仕える) [動] work for as a servant

all my life (一生) [名] the entire period of one's life

equal (同じく) [形] being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value

fervor (熱心) [名] intense and passionate feeling

「もし神様がベスを助けてくださるなら、私は一生神様を愛し、仕えようと努力します」とジョーは同じく熱心に答えた。

“I wish I had no heart, it aches so,” sighed Meg, after a pause.

「心臓がなければいいのに、とても痛い」とメグはため息をついた。

“If life is often as hard as this, I don’t see how we ever shall get through it,” added her sister despondently.

get through (乗り越える) [動] to manage to deal with a difficult situation

despondently (落胆したように) [副] in a very unhappy way

「もし人生がこれほどつらいものなら、どうやって乗り越えていけばいいのかわからない」と妹は落胆したように付け加えた。

Here the clock struck twelve, and both forgot themselves in watching Beth, for they fancied a change passed over her wan face.

wan (青白い) [形] lacking in color or vitality

その時、時計が12時を打ち、2人はベスを見守ることに我を忘れた。ベスの青白い顔に変化が起こったように思えたからだ。

The house was still as death, and nothing but the wailing of the wind broke the deep hush.

家は死んだように静かで、風の音だけが深い静寂を破っていた。

Weary Hannah slept on, and no one but the sisters saw the pale shadow which seemed to fall upon the little bed.

weary (疲れた) [形] feeling or showing extreme tiredness

sleep on (眠り続ける) [動] continue sleeping

fall upon (落ちる) [動] come suddenly or unexpectedly

疲れたハンナは眠り続け、小さなベッドに落ちたように見える青白い影を姉妹以外は誰も見なかった。

An hour went by, and nothing happened except Laurie’s quiet departure for the station.

station (駅) [名] a terminal for trains or buses

1時間が過ぎ、ローリーが静かに駅に向かったこと以外は何も起こらなかった。

Another hour, still no one came, and anxious fears of delay in the storm, or accidents by the way, or, worst of all, a great grief at Washington, haunted the girls.

another hour (さらに1時間) [名] an additional hour

storm (嵐) [名] a violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds and usually rain, snow, or hail

haunt (襲う) [動] visit frequently or habitually

さらに1時間が過ぎ、まだ誰も来ず、嵐で遅れているのか、途中で事故に遭ったのか、あるいは最悪の場合、ワシントンで何か悲しいことがあったのかと、不安な気持ちが少女たちを襲った。

It was past two, when Jo, who stood at the window thinking how dreary the world looked in its winding sheet of snow, heard a movement by the bed, and turning quickly, saw Meg kneeling before their mother’s easy chair with her face hidden.

2時を過ぎ、窓辺に立って、雪の覆いに覆われた世界がどれほどわびしく見えるかを考えていたジョーは、ベッドのそばで物音がするのを聞き、素早く振り返ると、メグが母親の安楽椅子の前にひざまずいて顔を隠しているのを見た。

A dreadful fear passed coldly over Jo, as she thought, “Beth is dead, and Meg is afraid to tell me.”

恐ろしい恐怖がジョーを冷たく襲い、「ベスが死んで、メグは私に言うのを恐れている」と思った。

She was back at her post in an instant, and to her excited eyes a great change seemed to have taken place.

in an instant (すぐに) [副] immediately; at once

post (持ち場) [名] a job or position

彼女はすぐに自分の持ち場に戻り、興奮した目には大きな変化が起こったように見えた。

The fever flush and the look of pain were gone, and the beloved little face looked so pale and peaceful in its utter repose that Jo felt no desire to weep or to lament.

fever flush (熱の紅潮) [名] a reddening of the skin caused by a fever

look of pain (痛みの表情) [名] an expression of pain

be gone (消える) [動] to be no longer present

little face (小さな顔) [名] a small face

look so pale (とても青白く見える) [動] to appear very pale

utter repose (完全な安らぎ) [名] a state of complete rest or relaxation

feel no desire (したいという気持ちを感じない) [動] to not have any desire to do something

熱の紅潮と痛みの表情は消え、愛する小さな顔は、その完全な安らぎの中でとても青白く穏やかに見えたので、ジョーは泣いたり嘆いたりしたいという気持ちを感じなかった。

Leaning low over this dearest of her sisters, she kissed the damp forehead with her heart on her lips, and softly whispered, “Good-by, my Beth. Good-by!”

low (低く) [副] to a small extent

彼女は姉妹の中で一番愛するこの人の上に低く身を乗り出し、唇に心を込めて湿った額にキスをし、「さようなら、ベス。さようなら!」とそっとささやいた。

As if awaked by the stir, Hannah started out of her sleep, hurried to the bed, looked at Beth, felt her hands, listened at her lips, and then, throwing her apron over her head, sat down to rock to and fro, exclaiming, under her breath, “The fever’s turned, she’s sleepin’ nat’ral, her skin’s damp, and she breathes easy. Praise be given!

awake (起こす) [動] cause to stop sleeping

stir (騒ぎ) [名] a disturbance or commotion

start out (飛び起きる) [動] begin

under one's breath (息を切らして) [副] in a whisper

ハンナは騒ぎに起こされたかのように、眠りから覚めてベッドに急ぎ、ベスを見て、手を触り、唇に耳を当て、それからエプロンを頭からかぶって、前後に揺れながら座り、息を切らして叫んだ。「熱が下がった、自然に眠っている、肌が湿っている、呼吸が楽だ。神に感謝!

Oh, my goodness me!”

my goodness (なんてことだ) [名] an expression of surprise or disgust

ああ、なんてことだ!」

Before the girls could believe the happy truth, the doctor came to confirm it.

娘たちがこの幸せな真実を信じきれないうちに、医者がそれを確かめに来た。

He was a homely man, but they thought his face quite heavenly when he smiled and said, with a fatherly look at them, “Yes, my dears, I think the little girl will pull through this time.

homely (平凡な) [形] not good-looking

fatherly (父親のような) [形] like a father

pull through (助かる) [動] to recover from an illness or difficult situation

彼は平凡な男だったが、娘たちを父親のような目で見て微笑みながら「そう、お嬢さんたち、今度はお嬢さんは助かると思います。

Keep the house quiet, let her sleep, and when she wakes, give her...”

家を静かに保って、彼女を寝かせてください、そして彼女が起きたら、彼女に・・・」

What they were to give, neither heard, for both crept into the dark hall, and, sitting on the stairs, held each other close, rejoicing with hearts too full for words.

何を与えるべきか、どちらも聞いていなかった、なぜなら二人とも暗い玄関に忍び込み、階段に座り、互いに抱き合い、言葉にできないほど心が満たされて喜びに浸っていたからだ。

When they went back to be kissed and cuddled by faithful Hannah, they found Beth lying, as she used to do, with her cheek pillowed on her hand, the dreadful pallor gone, and breathing quietly, as if just fallen asleep.

pillow (のせる) [動] rest or lay on or as if on a pillow

pallor (青白さ) [名] an unhealthy paleness

忠実なハンナにキスされ抱きしめられるために戻ると、ベスがいつものように頬を手にのせて横たわっているのを見つけ、恐ろしい青白さは消え、まるで眠りについたばかりのように静かに呼吸していた。

“If Mother would only come now!” said Jo, as the winter night began to wane.

wane (終わりに近づく) [動] decrease in size, amount, or intensity

「ママが今来てくれたら!」と冬の夜が終わりに近づき始めた頃、ジョーは言った。

“See,” said Meg, coming up with a white, half-opened rose, “I thought this would hardly be ready to lay in Beth’s hand tomorrow if she—went away from us.

come up with (手にやって来る) [動] to manage to produce, deliver, or present something by inventing, creating, thinking of, or obtaining it

half-opened (半分開いた) [形] partially open

「見て」とメグは半分開いた白いバラを手にやって来て言った、「もしベスが明日私たちから去ってしまったら、これをベスの手に置く準備がほとんどできないと思ったの。

But it has blossomed in the night, and now I mean to put it in my vase here, so that when the darling wakes, the first thing she sees will be the little rose, and Mother’s face.”

でも夜の間に花が咲いたから、ここに私の花瓶に入れて、ベスが起きたら最初に目に入るのがこの小さなバラとママの顔になるようにしようと思うの。」

Never had the sun risen so beautifully, and never had the world seemed so lovely as it did to the heavy eyes of Meg and Jo, as they looked out in the early morning, when their long, sad vigil was done.

rise (昇る) [動] move from a lower position to a higher position

early morning (早朝) [名] the time of day from about 4 a.m. to about 8 a.m.

vigil (夜伽) [名] a period of keeping awake during the night, especially to keep watch or pray

長く悲しい夜伽が終わった早朝、メグとジョーは重い目で外を眺めたが、太陽がこれほど美しく昇ったことも、世界がこれほど愛らしく思えたこともなかった。

“It looks like a fairy world,” said Meg, smiling to herself, as she stood behind the curtain, watching the dazzling sight.

「おとぎの国みたい」とメグはカーテンの後ろに立ってまばゆい光景を眺めながら、独り言を言った。

“Hark!” cried Jo, starting to her feet.

hark (聞いて) [動] listen attentively

start to one's feet (立ち上がる) [動] rise to a standing position

「聞いて!」とジョーは叫び、立ち上がった。

Yes, there was a sound of bells at the door below, a cry from Hannah, and then Laurie’s voice saying in a joyful whisper, “Girls, she’s come! She’s come!”

確かに、階下の玄関でベルが鳴り、ハンナの叫び声が聞こえ、それからローリーの声が嬉しそうにささやいた。「みんな、ママが帰ってきたよ! 帰ってきたよ!」

CHAPTER NINETEEN: AMY’S WILL

CHAPTER NINETEEN (第十九章) [名] the nineteenth chapter

AMY'S WILL (エイミーの遺言) [名] Amy's will

第十九章: エイミーの遺言

While these things were happening at home, Amy was having hard times at Aunt March’s.

家でこんなことが起こっている間に、エイミーはマーチおばさんのところでつらい日々を送っていた。

She felt her exile deeply, and for the first time in her life, realized how much she was beloved and petted at home.

エイミーは追放されたことを深く感じ、生まれて初めて、家でどれほど愛され、かわいがられていたかを悟った。

Aunt March never petted any one;

マーチおばさんは誰もかわいがらなかった。

she did not approve of it, but she meant to be kind, for the well-behaved little girl pleased her very much, and Aunt March had a soft place in her old heart for her nephew’s children, though she didn’t think it proper to confess it.

mean to (するつもりである) [動] intend to

well-behaved (行儀のいい) [形] behaving in a polite and respectful way

have a soft place in one's heart for (に対して老いた心の柔らかい部分がある) [動] have a special affection for

nephew (甥) [名] the son of one's brother or sister

マーチおばさんはそれを認めなかったが、親切にするつもりだった。行儀のいい少女は彼女をとても喜ばせたし、マーチおばさんは甥の子供たちに対して老いた心の柔らかい部分があったが、それを告白するのは適切だとは思えなかった。

She really did her best to make Amy happy, but, dear me, what mistakes she made.

what (どんな) [限] the kind of

マーチおばさんはエイミーを幸せにするために本当に最善を尽くしたが、なんてことだ、どんな間違いを犯したのか。

Some old people keep young at heart in spite of wrinkles and gray hairs, can sympathize with children’s little cares and joys, make them feel at home, and can hide wise lessons under pleasant plays, giving and receiving friendship in the sweetest way.

wrinkle (しわ) [名] a line or fold in the skin

at home (くつろぐ) [副] in one's own home

the (最も) [限] used to indicate a particular person, thing, or event that is already known about or has already been mentioned

しわや白髪にもかかわらず、心が若いままの老人もいて、子供たちの小さな悩みや喜びに共感し、子供たちにくつろいでもらい、楽しい遊びの中に賢い教訓を隠し、最も甘い方法で友情を与えたり受けたりすることができる。

But Aunt March had not this gift, and she worried Amy very much with her rules and orders, her prim ways, and long, prosy talks.

worry (悩ませる) [動] cause to feel troubled or anxious

prosy (退屈な) [形] dull and lacking in interest

しかし、マーチおばさんにはこの才能がなく、彼女はエイミーを規則や命令、堅苦しい態度、長くて退屈な話でとても悩ませた。

Finding the child more docile and amiable than her sister, the old lady felt it her duty to try and counteract, as far as possible, the bad effects of home freedom and indulgence.

docile (従順な) [形] ready to accept control or instruction; submissive

counteract (打ち消す) [動] act against (something) with an opposite force or effect

as far as possible (可能な限り) [副] to the greatest extent or degree possible

indulgence (甘やかし) [名] the action or fact of indulging

マーチおばさんはエイミーが姉妹よりも従順で愛想がよいことを知り、家庭での自由と甘やかしの悪影響を可能な限り打ち消そうと努力することが自分の義務だと感じた。

So she took Amy by the hand, and taught her as she herself had been taught sixty years ago, a process which carried dismay to Amy’s soul, and made her feel like a fly in the web of a very strict spider.

take by the hand (手を取る) [動] to take someone's hand in one's own

sixty years ago (60年前) [名] sixty years before the present time

carry dismay (狼狽をもたらす) [動] to cause someone to feel fear or worry

feel like (~のような気分になる) [動] to have a feeling similar to

web (蜘蛛の巣) [名] a structure of silken thread made by a spider

strict (厳しい) [形] demanding that rules or standards be obeyed or followed

そこでマーチおばさんはエイミーの手を取り、60年前に自分が教えられたようにエイミーを教えたが、その過程はエイミーの魂に狼狽をもたらし、エイミーは非常に厳しい蜘蛛の巣にかかったハエのような気分になった。

She had to wash the cups every morning, and polish up the old-fashioned spoons, the fat silver teapot, and the glasses till they shone.

spoon (スプーン) [名] an implement with a handle and a small bowl-shaped head, used for eating, stirring, and serving food

teapot (ティーポット) [名] a pot with a handle and a spout, in which tea is brewed and from which it is served

エイミーは毎朝カップを洗い、古風なスプーン、太った銀のティーポット、グラスを磨いてピカピカにしなければならなかった。

Then she must dust the room, and what a trying job that was.

what (とても) [形] to a great extent or degree

それから部屋の掃除をしなければならなかったが、それはとても大変な仕事だった。

Not a speck escaped Aunt March’s eye, and all the furniture had claw legs and much carving, which was never dusted to suit.

claw (爪) [名] a curved, pointed horny nail on the foot of an animal or bird

carving (彫刻) [名] the art of cutting designs into a hard material

suit (満足する) [動] be convenient or satisfactory to

マーチおばさんの目からは埃一つ逃れることができず、家具はすべて爪のついた脚とたくさんの彫刻が施されていて、埃を払っても満足してもらえることはなかった。

Then Polly had to be fed, the lap dog combed, and a dozen trips upstairs and down to get things or deliver orders, for the old lady was very lame and seldom left her big chair.

Polly (ポリー) [名] a parrot

lap dog (愛玩犬) [名] a dog that is small enough to be held in the lap

comb (梳く) [動] brush or card

dozen (何度も) [名] a set of twelve things

trip (上り下り) [名] a journey

upstairs (上) [副] to or on an upper floor

get (とる) [動] obtain

big chair (大きな椅子) [名] a large chair

それからポリーに餌をやったり、愛玩犬の毛を梳いたり、物をとったり、命令を伝えたりするために何度も上り下りしなければならなかったが、老婦人は足が不自由で、めったに大きな椅子から離れることがなかった。

After these tiresome labors, she must do her lessons, which was a daily trial of every virtue she possessed.

labor (労働) [名] work, especially hard physical work

これらの退屈な労働の後、エイミーは勉強をしなければならなかったが、それは彼女が持っているすべての美徳の毎日の試練だった。

Then she was allowed one hour for exercise or play, and didn’t she enjoy it?

allow (与える) [動] give or make available

それから運動や遊びのために一時間与えられ、エイミーはそれを楽しんでいなかっただろうか?

Laurie came every day, and wheedled Aunt March till Amy was allowed to go out with him, when they walked and rode and had capital times.

wheedle (甘える) [動] coax or persuade by flattery or promises

go out (外出する) [動] leave one's house or place of work

ride (馬に乗る) [動] sit on and control a horse or other animal

ローリーは毎日やってきて、エイミーが彼と一緒に外出することを許されるまでマーチおばさんに甘え、二人は散歩したり、馬に乗ったりして、楽しい時間を過ごした。

After dinner, she had to read aloud, and sit still while the old lady slept, which she usually did for an hour, as she dropped off over the first page.

after dinner (夕食後) [副] after the evening meal

first page (最初のページ) [名] the first page of a book

夕食後、エイミーは声を出して本を読み、老婦人が眠っている間はじっと座っていなければならなかったが、老婦人は最初のページで眠り込んでしまうので、たいてい一時間ほど眠っていた。

Then patchwork or towels appeared, and Amy sewed with outward meekness and inward rebellion till dusk, when she was allowed to amuse herself as she liked till teatime.

patchwork (パッチワーク) [名] a quilt made of pieces of cloth

towel (タオル) [名] a piece of absorbent cloth or paper that is used for drying or wiping

meekness (従順) [名] the quality of being humble and gentle

inward (内面) [形] of or relating to the inner part or surface

rebellion (反抗) [名] an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler

dusk (夕暮れ) [名] the time of day when it is becoming dark

amuse (遊ぶ) [動] cause (someone) to find something funny or entertaining

それからパッチワークやタオルが現れ、エイミーは夕暮れまで外面は従順で内面は反抗しながら縫い物をして、夕食までは好きなように遊ぶことを許された。

The evenings were the worst of all, for Aunt March fell to telling long stories about her youth, which were so unutterably dull that Amy was always ready to go to bed, intending to cry over her hard fate, but usually going to sleep before she had squeezed out more than a tear or two.

unutterably (とても) [副] to an extreme degree

go to sleep (眠りつく) [動] fall asleep

squeeze out (流す) [動] cause to flow out by applying pressure

夕方が何よりも最悪だった、というのもマーチおばさんは自分の若い頃の長い話をし始め、それはとても退屈で、エイミーはいつも自分の過酷な運命を嘆きながら寝る準備をしていたが、たいていは涙を二滴以上流す前に眠りについていた。

If it had not been for Laurie, and old Esther, the maid, she felt that she never could have got through that dreadful time.

if it had not been for (いなかったら) [条] if it were not for

Esther (エスター) [名] a character in the story

ローリーとメイドの老エスターがいなかったら、あの恐ろしい時期を乗り越えることはできなかっただろうと思った。

The parrot alone was enough to drive her distracted, for he soon felt that she did not admire him, and revenged himself by being as mischievous as possible.

drive (狂わせる) [動] make someone go crazy

distracted (狂った) [形] unable to concentrate

revenge (復讐する) [動] inflict harm on someone as a punishment for a wrong suffered at their hands

オウムだけでも彼女を狂わせるのに十分だった、というのもオウムはすぐに彼女が自分を尊敬していないと感じ、できるだけいたずらをして復讐したからだ。

He pulled her hair whenever she came near him, upset his bread and milk to plague her when she had newly cleaned his cage, made Mop bark by pecking at him while Madam dozed, called her names before company, and behaved in all respects like an reprehensible old bird.

come near (近づく) [動] move or travel toward or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker

clean (掃除する) [動] make (something or someone) free of dirt, marks, or mess, especially by washing, wiping, or brushing

bark (吠えさせる) [動] make the characteristic sharp explosive cry of a dog, fox, or seal

call (呼び) [動] cry out to (someone) in order to attract their attention

respect (点で) [名] a particular aspect, feature, or point

reprehensible (非難されるべき) [形] deserving criticism or censure

彼女が近づくと髪の毛を引っ張り、ケージを掃除したばかりの時にパンとミルクをひっくり返して困らせ、マダムが居眠りしている間にモップをつついて吠えさせ、来客の前で彼女の名前を呼び、あらゆる点で非難されるべき老鳥のように振る舞った。

Then she could not endure the dog, a fat, cross beast who snarled and yelped at her when she made his toilet, and who lay on his back with all his legs in the air and a most idiotic expression of countenance when he wanted something to eat, which was about a dozen times a day.

beast (犬) [名] an animal

snarl (唸り声を上げる) [動] growl angrily

yelp (キャンキャン吠える) [動] give a sharp, shrill cry

toilet (身づくろい) [名] the process of washing and grooming oneself

idiotic (馬鹿げた) [形] extremely stupid or foolish

time (回) [名] an instance of something happening or being done

それから彼女は犬にも耐えられなかった、太った気難しい犬で、彼女が身づくろいをすると唸り声を上げ、何か食べたい時には仰向けになって足を空中に投げ出し、とても馬鹿げた表情をしたが、それは一日に十数回もあった。

The cook was bad-tempered, the old coachman was deaf, and Esther the only one who ever took any notice of the young lady.

bad-tempered (気性が荒い) [形] having a bad temper

coachman (御者) [名] a person who drives a horse-drawn carriage

deaf (耳が聞こえない) [形] unable to hear

料理人は気性が荒く、老御者は耳が聞こえず、エスターだけが若い女性に気を配っていた。

Esther was a Frenchwoman, who had lived with ‘Madame’, as she called her mistress, for many years, and who rather tyrannized over the old lady, who could not get along without her.

Frenchwoman (フランス人) [名] a woman from France

Madame (マダム) [名] a French title of respect for a woman

tyrannize (いじめる) [動] exercise power in a cruel or arbitrary way

get along (やっていけない) [動] manage or survive

エスターはフランス人で、長年「マダム」と呼ぶ女主人と暮らしており、彼女なしではやっていけない老婦人をいじめている。

Her real name was Estelle, but Aunt March ordered her to change it, and she obeyed, on condition that she was never asked to change her religion.

real name (本名) [名] the name that a person is given at birth

Estelle (エステル) [名] a female given name

condition (条件) [名] a statement of what must happen or be done before or in order for something else to happen or be done

religion (宗教) [名] a particular system of faith and worship

彼女の本名はエステルだったが、マーチおばさんが改名を命じ、彼女は宗教を変えるように求められないことを条件に従った。

She took a fancy to Mademoiselle, and amused her very much with odd stories of her life in France, when Amy sat with her while she got up Madame’s laces.

take a fancy to (好意を持つ) [動] to like or be attracted to someone or something

France (フランス) [名] a country in western Europe

sit with (座る) [動] to be seated next to or near someone

get up (繕う) [動] to repair or mend something

彼女はマドモアゼルに好意を持ち、マダムのレースを繕う間エイミーが彼女と座っていると、フランスでの生活の奇妙な話で彼女をとても楽しませた。

She also allowed her to roam about the great house, and examine the curious and pretty things stored away in the big wardrobes and the ancient chests, for Aunt March hoarded like a magpie.

store (収める) [動] put or keep in a particular place

wardrobe (ワードローブ) [名] a tall cupboard with a rail for hanging clothes

chest (箱) [名] a large, strong box with a lid, used for storing or transporting clothes, household items, or other articles

hoard (ため込む) [動] accumulate and store away

magpie (カササギ) [名] a black-and-white bird with a long tail

彼女はまた、大きな家の中を歩き回り、大きなワードローブや古代の箱に収められた奇妙できれいなものを調べることを許可した。マーチおばさんはカササギのように物をため込んでいたからだ。

Amy’s chief delight was an Indian cabinet, full of queer drawers, little pigeonholes, and secret places, in which were kept all sorts of ornaments, some precious, some merely curious, all more or less antique.

delight (お気に入り) [名] something that gives great pleasure

Indian (インド製の) [形] of or relating to India or its people

pigeonhole (仕切り) [名] a small compartment

curious (珍しい) [形] strange or unusual

エイミーの一番のお気に入りは、奇妙な引き出し、小さな仕切り、秘密の場所がいっぱいのインド製の戸棚で、そこにはあらゆる種類の装飾品が保管されていた。

To examine and arrange these things gave Amy great satisfaction, especially the jewel cases, in which on velvet cushions reposed the ornaments which had adorned a belle forty years ago.

arrange (整理する) [動] put things in a neat, attractive, or required order

jewel case (宝石箱) [名] a box for storing jewels

repose (置かれる) [動] be placed or situated

belle (美女) [名] a beautiful woman

forty years ago (40年前) [名] the time 40 years before the present

これらのものを調べて整理することはエイミーに大きな満足感を与え、特に宝石箱は、ベルベットのクッションの上に40年前の美女を飾った装飾品が置かれていた。

There was the garnet set which Aunt March wore when she came out, the pearls her father gave her on her wedding day, her lover’s diamonds, the jet mourning rings and pins, the queer lockets, with portraits of dead friends and weeping willows made of hair inside, the baby bracelets her one little daughter had worn, Uncle March’s big watch, with the red seal so many childish hands had played with, and in a box all by itself lay Aunt March’s wedding ring, too small now for her fat finger, but put carefully away like the most precious jewel of them all.

come out (社交界にデビューする) [動] make one's debut in society

wedding day (結婚式の日) [名] the day on which a wedding takes place

jet (ジェット) [名] a hard, black, lustrous mineral, a form of coal, that can be carved and polished

mourning (喪) [名] the expression of deep sorrow for someone who has died

ring (指輪) [名] a circular band of metal or other material worn on a finger as an ornament or a symbol of marriage

locket (ロケット) [名] a small, flat, hinged case, usually of gold or silver, that is worn on a chain around the neck and that contains a picture or other small object

weeping willow (しだれ柳) [名] a willow with long, slender, drooping branches

inside (中) [名] the inner part of something

Uncle March (マーチおじさん) [名] the brother of Mrs. March

seal (印) [名] a device or substance used to fasten something securely

childish (子供っぽい) [形] of, like, or appropriate to a child

all by itself (それだけ) [副] without any other people or things

wedding ring (結婚指輪) [名] a ring worn by a married person

too small (小さすぎる) [形] not big enough

マーチおばさんが社交界にデビューした時に身に着けたガーネットのセット、結婚式の日に父親から贈られた真珠、恋人からのダイヤモンド、ジェットの喪の指輪とピン、亡くなった友人の肖像画と髪の毛で作ったしだれ柳が入った奇妙なロケット、一人娘が身に着けていた赤ちゃんのブレスレット、たくさんの子供たちの手が遊んだ赤い印のついたマーチおじさんの大きな時計、そして箱の中にはマーチおばさんの結婚指輪が今では太った指には小さすぎるが、一番大切な宝石のように大切にしまわれていた。

“Which would Mademoiselle choose if she had her will?” asked Esther, who always sat near to watch over and lock up the valuables.

lock up (鍵をかける) [動] fasten or secure (something) with a lock

valuables (貴重品) [名] a thing of great value

「マドモアゼルはどちらを選びますか?」と、いつも近くに座って貴重品を監視し、鍵をかけていたエスターが尋ねた。

“I like the diamonds best, but there is no necklace among them, and I’m fond of necklaces, they are so becoming.

becoming (とても似合う) [形] appropriate or suitable

「私はダイヤモンドが一番好きですが、その中にネックレスはないし、私はネックレスが大好きです。

I should choose this if I might,” replied Amy, looking with great admiration at a string of gold and ebony beads from which hung a heavy cross of the same.

string (ひも) [名] a thin piece of twisted fiber used for tying or fastening

ebony (黒檀) [名] a hard, dark wood

cross (十字架) [名] a wooden structure consisting of an upright post with a transverse bar near the top

私ならこれを選びます」とエイミーは答え、金と黒檀のビーズに同じく重い十字架がぶら下がっているのを見て、とても感心した。

“I, too, covet that, but not as a necklace.

covet (欲しがる) [動] to desire something that belongs to another person

「私もそれを欲しがりますが、ネックレスとしては欲しがりません。

Ah, no! To me it is a rosary, and as such I should use it like a good catholic,” said Esther, eyeing the handsome thing wistfully.

rosary (ロザリオ) [名] a string of beads used for counting prayers

catholic (カトリック教徒) [名] a member of the Roman Catholic Church

ああ、違う! 私にとってそれはロザリオであり、それゆえ私はそれを良いカトリック教徒のように使うべきだ」とエスターは物欲しそうに美しい品物を眺めながら言った。

“Is it meant to use as you use the string of good-smelling wooden beads hanging over your glass?”

「それはあなたのグラスにぶら下がっている良い香りのする木製のビーズを使うように使うためのものですか?」

asked Amy.

エイミーは尋ねた。

“Truly, yes, to pray with.

「本当に、そうです、祈るために。

It would be pleasing to the saints if one used so fine a rosary as this, instead of wearing it as a vain bijou.”

vain (無駄な) [形] having no real value or importance

bijou (宝石) [名] a jewel or trinket

無駄な宝石として身につけるのではなく、これほど立派なロザリオを使うなら、聖人たちも喜ぶでしょう。」

“You seem to take a great deal of comfort in your prayers, Esther, and always come down looking quiet and satisfied. I wish I could.”

take a great deal of comfort (とても慰められる) [動] to be very comforted

「あなたは祈りの中でとても慰められているようで、いつも静かで満足そうに降りてきますね。私もそうできたらいいのに。」

“If Mademoiselle was a Catholic, she would find true comfort, but as that is not to be, it would be well if you went apart each day to meditate and pray, as did the good mistress whom I served before Madame.

be not to be (そうではない) [動] not to be

go apart (離れる) [動] move or cause to move away from each other

meditate (瞑想する) [動] engage in mental exercise (such as concentration on one's breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness

「もしマドモアゼルがカトリックなら、真の慰めを見いだすでしょうが、そうではないのなら、私がマダムの前に仕えた善良な女主人がしたように、毎日離れて瞑想し、祈るとよいでしょう。

She had a little chapel, and in it found solacement for much trouble.”

chapel (礼拝堂) [名] a small building for Christian worship

solacement (慰め) [名] comfort or consolation in a time of great distress or sadness

彼女には小さな礼拝堂があり、そこで多くの悩みの慰めを見いだしました。」

“Would it be right for me to do so too?” asked Amy, who in her loneliness felt the need of help of some sort, and found that she was apt to forget her little book, now that Beth was not there to remind her of it.

loneliness (孤独) [名] the state of being alone

feel the need of (必要だと感じる) [動] feel that one must have or do something

「私もそうしてもいいでしょうか?」とエイミーは尋ねた。エイミーは孤独の中で何か助けが必要だと感じ、ベスがいない今、自分の小さな本を忘れがちであることに気づいていた。

“It would be excellent and charming, and I shall gladly arrange the little dressing room for you if you like it.

dressing room (更衣室) [名] a room where people can change their clothes

「それは素晴らしいし、魅力的ね。もし気に入ったら、喜んで小さな更衣室を用意してあげるよ。

Say nothing to Madame, but when she sleeps go you and sit alone a while to think good thoughts, and pray the dear God preserve your sister.”

preserve (守る) [動] keep in its original state

マダムには何も言わないで、でも彼女が寝たら、あなたは行って、しばらく一人で座って、良いことを考え、神様があなたの妹を守ってくださるように祈りなさい。」

Esther was truly pious, and quite sincere in her advice, for she had an affectionate heart, and felt much for the sisters in their anxiety.

pious (信心深い) [形] devoted to religion

feel (心配する) [動] experience an emotion

エスターは本当に信心深く、彼女のアドバイスは非常に誠実だった。なぜなら彼女は愛情深い心を持っていて、不安な姉妹たちをとても心配していたからだ。

Amy liked the idea, and gave her leave to arrange the light closet next her room, hoping it would do her good.

give leave (言いつける) [動] give permission to do something

エイミーはその考えを気に入り、彼女の部屋の隣にある明るいクローゼットを整えておくように言い、それが彼女のためになることを願った。

“I wish I knew where all these pretty things would go when Aunt March dies,” she said, as she slowly replaced the shining rosary and shut the jewel cases one by one.

「マーチおばさんが死んだら、このきれいなものがどこに行くのか知りたいよ」と彼女は言い、ゆっくりと輝くロザリオを元に戻し、宝石箱を一つずつ閉めた。

“To you and your sisters.

「あなたとあなたの姉妹たちへ。

I know it, Madame confides in me.

confide (打ち明ける) [動] tell someone about a secret or private matter

私は知っている、マダムは私に打ち明けてくれた。

I witnessed her will, and it is to be so,” whispered Esther smiling.

will (遺言書) [名] a legal document that sets out a person's wishes regarding the distribution of their property and the care of any children after their death

be to (そうなる) [助] be likely to; be expected to

私は彼女の遺言書に立ち会ったし、そうなるのよ」とエスターは微笑みながらささやいた。

“How nice! But I wish she’d let us have them now.

how nice (なんて素敵) [間] an expression of approval or admiration

「なんて素敵! でも、今すぐ私たちにくれるといいのに。

Procrastination is not agreeable,” observed Amy, taking a last look at the diamonds.

procrastination (先延ばし) [名] the action of postponing something

take a look (眺める) [動] look at something carefully or attentively

先延ばしは好ましくないよ」とエイミーはダイヤモンドを最後にもう一度眺めながら言った。

“It is too soon yet for the young ladies to wear these things.

too soon (早すぎる) [副] before the usual or expected time

「お嬢様方がこんなものを身につけるにはまだ早すぎる。

The first one who is affianced will have the pearls, Madame has said it, and I have a fancy that the little turquoise ring will be given to you when you go, for Madame approves your good behavior and charming manners.”

affianced (婚約した) [形] engaged to be married

have a fancy (気がする) [動] have a feeling or idea

turquoise (トルコ石) [名] a semiprecious stone, typically opaque and of a greenish-blue or sky-blue color

be given to (贈られる) [動] be presented with

good behavior (行儀の良さ) [名] the fact of behaving well

charming manners (愛らしい態度) [名] the fact of behaving in a charming way

最初に婚約した人が真珠をもらうことになっているのよ、マダムがそうおっしゃったよ、そして私はあなたが帰るときに小さなトルコ石の指輪があなたに贈られるような気がするよ、マダムはあなたの行儀の良さと愛らしい態度を認めていらっしゃるから」

“Do you think so?

「そう思う?

Oh, I’ll be a lamb, if I can only have that lovely ring!

lamb (子羊) [名] a young sheep

ああ、あの素敵な指輪がもらえるなら、私は子羊になるよ!

It’s ever so much prettier than Kitty Bryant’s.

キティ・ブライアントのよりもずっときれい。

I do like Aunt March after all.”

do like (好きだ) [動] be fond of

やっぱりマーチおばさんが好きだよ」

And Amy tried on the blue ring with a delighted face and a firm resolve to earn it.

delighted (喜びの) [形] very pleased

firm (固い) [形] strong or hard

そしてエイミーは喜びの表情で青い指輪を試着し、それを手に入れようと固く決意した。

From that day she was a model of obedience, and the old lady complacently admired the success of her training.

from that day (その日から) [副] from the day mentioned

obedience (従順さ) [名] the quality or state of being obedient

その日からエイミーは従順さの見本となり、老婦人は自分のしつけの成功を満足げに賞賛した。

Esther fitted up the closet with a little table, placed a footstool before it, and over it a picture taken from one of the shut-up rooms.

fit up (置く) [動] to put something in a place

place (置く) [動] to put something in a place

footstool (足台) [名] a low stool for resting the feet on

take (持ってくる) [動] to bring something with oneself

shut-up (閉鎖された) [形] closed or locked up

エスターはクローゼットに小さなテーブルを置き、その前に足台を置き、その上に閉鎖された部屋から持ってきた絵を飾った。

She thought it was of no great value, but, being appropriate, she borrowed it, well knowing that Madame would never know it, nor care if she did.

be of no great value (あまり価値がない) [動] not be worth much

appropriate (適当な) [形] suitable or fitting

well know (よく知っている) [動] be very familiar with

彼女はそれがあまり価値がないと思ったが、適当なものだったので、マダムが決してそれを知ることもなければ、知ったとしても気にしないことをよく知っていたので、それを借りた。

It was, however, a very valuable copy of one of the famous pictures of the world, and Amy’s beauty-loving eyes were never tired of looking up at the sweet face of the Divine Mother, while her tender thoughts of her own were busy at her heart.

one of (一つの) [名] a single thing or person from a group

beauty-loving (美を愛する) [形] having or showing a great love of beauty

tired (飽きる) [形] feeling a need for sleep or rest

Divine Mother (神の母) [名] the mother of God

しかし、それは世界で有名な絵画の一つの非常に貴重な複製であり、エイミーの美を愛する目は、神の母の優しい顔を見上げるのに飽きることはなく、彼女自身の優しい思いが彼女の心の中で忙しくしていた。

On the table she laid her little testament and hymnbook, kept a vase always full of the best flowers Laurie brought her, and came every day to ‘sit alone’ thinking good thoughts, and praying the dear God to preserve her sister.

testament (聖書) [名] the Christian Bible

hymnbook (賛美歌集) [名] a book of hymns

彼女はテーブルの上に小さな聖書と賛美歌集を置き、ローリーが持ってきた最高の花をいつも花瓶に入れて、毎日「一人で座って」良いことを考え、愛する神様に妹を守ってくださるように祈っていた。

Esther had given her a rosary of black beads with a silver cross, but Amy hung it up and did not use it, feeling doubtful as to its fitness for Protestant prayers.

hang up (吊るす) [動] to suspend or be suspended

fitness (適性) [名] the condition of being physically fit and healthy

Protestant (プロテスタント) [名] a member of one of the Christian churches that separated from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation

エスターは彼女に銀の十字架のついた黒いビーズのロザリオをくれたが、エイミーはそれを吊るして使わず、プロテスタントの祈りに適しているかどうか疑問に思っていた。

The little girl was very sincere in all this, for being left alone outside the safe home nest, she felt the need of some kind hand to hold by so sorely that she instinctively turned to the strong and tender Friend, whose fatherly love most closely surrounds His little children.

very sincere (非常に誠実) [形] genuine and honest

safe home nest (安全な家庭の巣) [名] a place where one feels safe and secure

left alone (一人で残される) [動] to be left without any company

feel the need (必要性を感じる) [動] to have a desire or want for something

some kind hand (親切な手) [名] a helpful or supportive person

hold by (握る) [動] to grasp or grip something

so sorely (とても痛々しく) [副] in a very painful or distressing way

strong and tender Friend (強く優しい友人) [名] a person who is both powerful and kind

fatherly love (父性愛) [名] the love that a father feels for his children

most closely (最も密接に) [副] in the most intimate or connected way

little children (小さな子供たち) [名] young people who are not yet adults

小さな女の子は、安全な家庭の巣の外に一人で残されたので、このすべてに非常に誠実で、彼女は本能的に強く優しい友人に頼り、その父性愛が最も密接に彼の小さな子供たちを取り囲んでいるので、彼女は非常に痛々しく握るためにいくつかの親切な手の必要性を感じた。

She missed her mother’s help to understand and rule herself, but having been taught where to look, she did her best to find the way and walk in it confidingly.

rule (支配する) [動] exercise ultimate power or authority over

confidingly (自信を持って) [副] in a confidential manner

彼女は自分を理解し、支配するために母親の助けを逃したが、どこを見るべきかを教えられたので、彼女は道を見つけて、自信を持って歩くために最善を尽くした。

But, Amy was a young pilgrim, and just now her burden seemed very heavy.

しかし、エイミーは若い巡礼者で、ちょうど今、彼女の重荷は非常に重いようだった。

She tried to forget herself, to keep cheerful, and be satisfied with doing right, though no one saw or praised her for it.

be satisfied with (満足する) [動] be content with

彼女は自分を忘れ、陽気でいて、正しいことをすることに満足しようとしたが、誰も彼女を見たり、褒めたりしなかった。

In her first effort at being very, very good, she decided to make her will, as Aunt March had done, so that if she did fall ill and die, her possessions might be justly and generously divided.

fall ill (病気になる) [動] become sick

justly (公正に) [副] in a fair and just way

generously (寛大に) [副] in a generous manner

彼女は、とてもとても良い人になるための最初の努力として、もし病気になって死んでしまったら、自分の所有物が公正に寛大に分割されるように、マーチおばさんがしたように、遺言書を作ることにした。

It cost her a pang even to think of giving up the little treasures which in her eyes were as precious as the old lady’s jewels.

pang (心の痛み) [名] a sudden sharp pain or painful emotion

give up (手放す) [動] stop doing or having something

jewel (宝石) [名] a precious stone used as an ornament

彼女の目には老婦人の宝石と同じくらい貴重な小さな宝物を手放すことを考えるだけでも、彼女は心が痛んだ。

During one of her play hours she wrote out the important document as well as she could, with some help from Esther as to certain legal terms, and when the good-natured Frenchwoman had signed her name, Amy felt relieved and laid it by to show Laurie, whom she wanted as a second witness.

play hour (遊び時間) [名] a period of time during which children are allowed to play

write out (書き上げる) [動] write in full

important document (重要な書類) [名] a document that is important

some help (助け) [名] the action of helping

certain legal term (法律用語) [名] a word or phrase that has a precise meaning in law

Frenchwoman (フランス人女性) [名] a woman who is a native or inhabitant of France

sign (署名する) [動] write one's name on

lay by (置く) [動] put or keep in a safe place

second witness (2人目の証人) [名] a person who gives evidence in a court of law

彼女は遊び時間の合間に、エスターに法律用語の助けを借りて、できる限り重要な書類を書き上げ、気立ての良いフランス人女性が署名すると、エイミーは安心して、2人目の証人として欲しかったローリーに見せるためにそれを置いた。

As it was a rainy day, she went upstairs to amuse herself in one of the large chambers, and took Polly with her for company.

rainy day (雨の日) [名] a day on which it rains

amuse oneself (遊ぶ) [動] to entertain oneself

large chamber (大きな部屋) [名] a large room

雨の日だったので、彼女は2階の大きな部屋の1つで遊び、ポリーを連れて行った。

In this room there was a wardrobe full of old-fashioned costumes with which Esther allowed her to play, and it was her favorite amusement to array herself in the faded brocades, and parade up and down before the long mirror, making stately curtsies, and sweeping her train about with a rustle which delighted her ears.

array (身に着ける) [動] dress or decorate in an impressive way

faded (色あせた) [形] having lost freshness or brilliance

brocade (錦織) [名] a rich fabric woven with a raised pattern, typically of gold or silver thread

parade (行進する) [動] walk or march in a formal way as part of a public celebration

up and down (行ったり来たり) [副] to and fro

curtsy (お辞儀) [名] a woman's or girl's formal greeting made by bending the knees with one foot in front of the other

rustle (衣擦れの音) [名] a light, dry, swishing sound

delight (楽しませる) [動] please greatly

この部屋には、エスターが遊ぶことを許してくれた古風な衣装がいっぱい入ったワードローブがあり、色あせた錦織を身にまとい、長い鏡の前を行ったり来たりして、堂々としたお辞儀をしたり、耳を楽しませる衣擦れの音を立ててドレスの裾を掃いたりするのが彼女のお気に入りの遊びだった。

So busy was she on this day that she did not hear Laurie’s ring nor see his face peeping in at her as she gravely promenaded to and fro, flirting her fan and tossing her head, on which she wore a great pink turban, contrasting oddly with her blue brocade dress and yellow quilted petticoat.

this day (この日) [名] the present day

turban (ターバン) [名] a man's headdress consisting of a long piece of cloth wound round the head, typically worn by Muslims and Sikhs

oddly (奇妙に) [副] in a strange or unusual manner

quilted (キルティング) [形] having a layer of padding sewn between two layers of fabric

petticoat (ペチコート) [名] an underskirt worn by a woman or girl

この日、彼女は忙しかったので、ローリーの呼び出し音も聞こえず、彼の顔が覗き込んでいるのにも気づかず、扇子をひらひらさせながら、頭を振りながら、青い錦織のドレスと黄色のキルティングのペチコートと奇妙な対照をなす大きなピンクのターバンを頭に巻いて、行ったり来たりしていた。

She was obliged to walk carefully, for she had on high-heeled shoes, and, as Laurie told Jo afterward, it was a comical sight to see her mince along in her gay suit, with Polly sidling and bridling just behind her, imitating her as well as he could, and occasionally stopping to laugh or exclaim, “Ain’t we fine? Get along, you fright!

high-heeled shoes (ハイヒール) [名] a shoe with a heel that is higher than the toe

mince (歩く) [動] walk in an affected manner

gay (派手な) [形] brightly colored

sidle (横歩きする) [動] move sideways

bridle (手綱を握る) [動] put a bridle on

get along (行け) [動] move forward

彼女はハイヒールを履いていたので、注意深く歩かざるを得ず、ローリーが後でジョーに言ったように、彼女が派手なスーツを着て、ポリーがすぐ後ろで横歩きしたり、手綱を握ったり、できる限り彼女の真似をしたり、時々立ち止まって笑ったり、「私たちは素敵じゃない? 行け、怖い!

Hold your tongue!

黙れ!

Kiss me, dear! Ha! Ha!”

ha (ハ) [間] an expression of surprise or laughter

キスして、ねえ! ハ! ハ!」

Having with difficulty restrained an explosion of merriment, lest it should offend her majesty, Laurie tapped and was graciously received.

with difficulty (苦労して) [副] not easily

merriment (笑い) [名] gaiety and lightheartedness

majesty (女王陛下) [名] a title used to address or refer to a sovereign

tap (ノックする) [動] strike lightly

女王陛下を怒らせてはいけないと、笑いをこらえるのに苦労しながら、ローリーはノックして、丁寧に迎えられた。

“Sit down and rest while I put these things away, then I want to consult you about a very serious matter,” said Amy, when she had shown her splendor and driven Polly into a corner.

drive (追いやる) [動] cause to move or be moved in a specified way

「私がこれらのものを片付けている間に座って休んでください、それから私はあなたに非常に深刻な問題について相談したいのです」とエイミーは彼女が彼女の素晴らしさを見せて、ポリーを隅に追いやったとき言った。

“That bird is the trial of my life,” she continued, removing the pink mountain from her head, while Laurie seated himself astride a chair.

remove (取り除く) [動] take away or off

「あの鳥は私の人生の試練です」と彼女は続け、ローリーが椅子にまたがって座っている間に、頭からピンクの山を取り除いた。

“Yesterday, when Aunt was asleep and I was trying to be as still as a mouse, Polly began to squall and flap about in his cage, so I went to let him out, and found a big spider there.

be asleep (寝ている) [動] be in a state of sleep

squall (鳴き声を上げる) [動] cry or scream loudly

let out (外に出す) [動] allow to leave

「昨日、叔母が寝ていて、私がネズミのようにじっとしようとしていたとき、ポリーはケージの中で鳴き声を上げて羽ばたき始めたので、私は彼を外に出してやろうと思って、そこに大きなクモを見つけました。

I poked it out, and it ran under the bookcase.

私はそれを突き出し、それは本棚の下に走った。

Polly marched straight after it, stooped down and peeped under the bookcase, saying, in his funny way, with a cock of his eye, ‘Come out and take a walk, my dear.’

cock (雄鶏) [名] an adult male domestic fowl

take a walk (散歩する) [動] go for a walk

ポリーはその後すぐに行進し、身をかがめて本棚の下をのぞき込み、彼の面白い方法で、彼の目の雄鶏で、「出てきて散歩してください」と言った。

I couldn’t help laughing, which made Poll swear, and Aunt woke up and scolded us both.”

which (それで) [接] and for this reason; and therefore

私は笑わずにはいられなかった、それでポールは誓い、叔母は目を覚まして私たち二人を叱った。」

“Did the spider accept the old fellow’s invitation?”

old fellow (老人) [名] an elderly man

「クモは老人の招待を受け入れたのか?」

asked Laurie, yawning.

yawn (あくびをする) [動] open one's mouth and take a deep breath, usually involuntarily, as a result of tiredness or boredom

ローリーは尋ねた。

“Yes, out it came, and away ran Polly, frightened to death, and scrambled up on Aunt’s chair, calling out, ‘Catch her!

out (出てきて) [副] away from the inside of a place

scramble up (よじ登り) [動] climb or move quickly and awkwardly

call out (叫び) [動] shout or cry out loudly

catch (捕まえろ) [動] to take hold of something or someone

「そう、出てきて、ポリーは逃げ出し、死ぬほど怖がって、叔母の椅子によじ登り、「捕まえろ!

Catch her! Catch her!’

her (彼女を) [代] the woman or girl who is being discussed

捕まえろ! 捕まえろ!」

as I chased the spider.”

と叫び、私はクモを追いかけました。」

“That’s a lie! Oh, lor!” cried the parrot, pecking at Laurie’s toes.

lie (嘘) [名] a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood

toe (足の指) [名] any of the five digits at the end of the foot

「それは嘘だ! ああ、おや!」オウムは叫び、ローリーの足の指をつっついた。

“I’d wring your neck if you were mine, you old torment,” cried Laurie, shaking his fist at the bird, who put his head on one side and gravely croaked, “Allyluyer! bless your buttons, dear!”

torment (苦しみ) [名] extreme physical or mental suffering

put (傾ける) [動] move something into a specified position

croak (鳴く) [動] make a low, rough sound in the throat

button (ボタン) [名] a small round object that is sewn onto a piece of clothing and is used to fasten two pieces of cloth together

「もしあなたが私のものなら、首を絞めてやる、この老いぼれ」とローリーは叫び、鳥に向かって拳を振り上げたが、鳥は頭を片側に傾けて、「ハレルヤ! ボタンに祝福を、親愛なる人よ!」と深刻そうに鳴いた。

“Now I’m ready,” said Amy, shutting the wardrobe and taking a piece of paper out of her pocket.

「これで準備完了」とエイミーは言い、衣装ダンスを閉めて、ポケットから一枚の紙を取り出した。

“I want you to read that, please, and tell me if it is legal and right.

legal (合法) [形] of or relating to law

「これを読んで、それが合法で正しいかどうか教えてほしいの。

I felt I ought to do it, for life is uncertain and I don’t want any ill feeling over my tomb.”

uncertain (不確実な) [形] not able to be relied on; not known or definite

人生は不確実で、墓の上で嫌な思いをしたくないから、そうすべきだと思ったんだ。」

Laurie bit his lips, and turning a little from the pensive speaker, read the following document, with praiseworthy gravity, considering the spelling:

bite one's lips (唇を噛む) [動] to bite one's lips to stop oneself from saying something

speaker (話し手) [名] a person who speaks

document (文書) [名] a piece of writing that gives information

gravity (真面目さ) [名] seriousness

ローリーは唇を噛み、物思いにふける話し手から少し離れて、つづりを考えると、賞賛に値する真面目さで、次の文書を読んだ。

MY LAST WILL AND TESTIMENT

testament (遺言) [名] a will

私の遺言

I, Amy Curtis March, being in my sane mind, go give and bequeethe all my earthly property—viz. to wit:—namely

sane mind (正気な精神) [名] a healthy mind

earthly property (現世の財産) [名] property that is located on Earth

give and bequeath (譲り渡す) [動] to give or leave by will

私、エイミー・カーティス・マーチは、正気な精神で、私のすべての現世の財産を譲り渡す。

To my father, my best pictures, sketches, maps, and works of art, including frames.

work of art (芸術作品) [名] a painting, sculpture, or other work of art

父には、私の最高の写真、スケッチ、地図、額縁を含む芸術作品。

Also my $100, to do what he likes with.

$100 (100ドル) [名] one hundred dollars

do what one likes (好きなようにする) [動] do what one wants to do

私の100ドルも、彼が好きなように使ってください。

To my mother, all my clothes, except the blue apron with pockets—also my likeness, and my medal, with much love.

likeness (肖像画) [名] a representation of someone or something in the form of a picture, statue, or model

medal (メダル) [名] a metal disk with an inscription or design, made to commemorate an event or awarded as a distinction

母には、ポケット付きの青いエプロンを除く私のすべての服、また私の肖像画とメダルを、たくさんの愛を込めて。

To my dear sister Margaret, I give my turkquoise ring (if I get it), also my green box with the doves on it, also my piece of real lace for her neck, and my sketch of her as a memorial of her ‘little girl’.

turkquoise (トルコ石) [名] a greenish-blue opaque gemstone

memorial (記念品) [名] something that serves as a reminder of a person or event

私の愛する妹マーガレットには、私のトルコ石の指輪(もし手に入れたら)、鳩のついた緑の箱、彼女の首に巻く本物のレース、そして彼女の「小さな女の子」の記念品としてのスケッチを贈る。

To Jo I leave my breastpin, the one mended with sealing wax, also my bronze inkstand—she lost the cover—and my most precious plaster rabbit, because I am sorry I burned up her story.

breastpin (ブローチ) [名] an ornament that is pinned to a woman's clothing

sealing wax (封蝋) [名] a wax used to seal letters or documents

bronze (青銅) [名] a metal alloy made of copper and tin

plaster (石膏) [名] a soft white substance that is used to make casts for broken bones

rabbit (ウサギ) [名] a small mammal with long ears and a short tail

burn up (燃やす) [動] to be destroyed by fire

ジョーには、封蝋で修理した私のブローチと、彼女が蓋をなくした私の青銅製のインクスタンド、そして私の最も大切な石膏のウサギを残す。なぜなら、私は彼女の物語を燃やしてしまったことを後悔しているからだ。

To Beth (if she lives after me) I give my dolls and the little bureau, my fan, my linen collars and my new slippers if she can wear them being thin when she gets well.

bureau (箪笥) [名] a chest of drawers

get well (元気になる) [動] become healthy again

ベスには(もし彼女が私の後に生きるなら)私の人形と小さな箪笥、私の扇子、私のリネンの襟と私の新しいスリッパを、彼女が元気になったときに痩せていて履けるならあげる。

And I herewith also leave her my regret that I ever made fun of old Joanna.

そして、私はまた、私がかつて老ジョアンナをからかったことを後悔していることを彼女に残す。

To my friend and neighbor Theodore Laurence I bequeethe my paper mashay portfolio, my clay model of a horse though he did say it hadn’t any neck.

paper mashay portfolio (紙製のポートフォリオ) [名] a case for carrying loose sheets of paper

clay model (粘土模型) [名] a model made of clay

私の友人であり隣人であるセオドア・ローレンスには、私の紙製のポートフォリオと、彼が首がないと言っていた私の馬の粘土模型を遺贈する。

Also in return for his great kindness in the hour of affliction any one of my artistic works he likes, Noter Dame is the best.

in return for (お返しとして) [前] as a return or recompense for

great kindness (大きな親切) [名] a kind act

hour of affliction (苦難の時) [名] a time of great suffering

artistic work (芸術作品) [名] a work of art

Noter Dame (ノートルダム) [名] a cathedral in Paris

また、苦難の時に彼が示してくれた大きな親切に対するお返しとして、私の芸術作品の中で彼が気に入ったものならどれでも、ノートルダムが最高だ。

To our venerable benefactor Mr. Laurence I leave my purple box with a looking glass in the cover which will be nice for his pens and remind him of the departed girl who thanks him for his favors to her family, especially Beth.

venerable (尊敬すべき) [形] worthy of veneration or reverence

looking glass (鏡) [名] a mirror

departed (亡き) [形] no longer living

私たちの尊敬すべき恩人であるローレンスさんには、私の紫色の箱を残します。蓋に鏡が付いていて、彼のペンを入れるのにちょうどよく、彼の家族、特にベスへの好意に感謝する亡き少女を思い出させてくれるでしょう。

I wish my favorite playmate Kitty Bryant to have the blue silk apron and my gold-bead ring with a kiss.

playmate (遊び仲間) [名] a friend who you play with

Kitty Bryant (キティ・ブライアント) [名] a character in the story

私の大好きな遊び仲間のキティ・ブライアントには、青い絹のエプロンと金のビーズリングをキスと一緒にあげたい。

To Hannah I give the bandbox she wanted and all the patchwork I leave hoping she ‘will remember me, when it you see’.

ハンナには彼女が欲しがっていたバンドボックスと、彼女が「それを見たら私を思い出してくれる」ことを願って残したパッチワークをすべてあげる。

And now having disposed of my most valuable property I hope all will be satisfied and not blame the dead.

そして今、私の最も貴重な財産を処分したので、皆さんが満足し、死者を責めないことを願っている。

I forgive everyone, and trust we may all meet when the trump shall sound.

trump (トランペット) [名] a musical instrument with a long metal tube and a flared bell

私は皆を許すし、トランペットが鳴ったときに皆に会えると信じている。

Amen.

amen (アーメン) [名] a declaration of affirmation

アーメン。

To this will and testiment I set my hand and seal on this 20th day of Nov. Anni Domino 1861.

set (署名する) [動] write one's name on

seal (封印する) [動] close or fasten securely

this 20th day of Nov. (11月20日) [名] the 20th day of November

Anni Domino (西暦) [名] in the year of the Lord

この遺言書に私は1861年11月20日に署名し、封印する。

Amy Curtis March

エイミー・カーティス・マーチ

Witnesses:

witness (証人) [名] a person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place

証人:

Estelle Valnor, Theodore Laurence.

Estelle Valnor (エステル・ヴァルナー) [名] a character in the story

エステル・ヴァルナー、セオドア・ローレンス

The last name was written in pencil, and Amy explained that he was to rewrite it in ink and seal it up for her properly.

last name (苗字) [名] the name that comes after a person's first name

rewrite (書き直す) [動] write again or differently

苗字は鉛筆で書かれていて、エイミーは彼がそれをインクで書き直して、彼女のためにきちんと封印することになっていると説明した。

“What put it into your head?

put (思いつく) [動] to cause to be in a specified state

「どうしてそんなことを思いついたの?

Did anyone tell you about Beth’s giving away her things?” asked Laurie soberly, as Amy laid a bit of red tape, with sealing wax, a taper, and a standish before him.

red tape (赤いリボン) [名] a ribbon of red color

taper (蝋燭) [名] a long thin candle

standish (インク壺) [名] a stand for an inkwell

ベスが自分のものをあげたことを誰かから聞いたの?」とローリーは真面目な顔で尋ね、エイミーは彼の前に封蝋、蝋燭、インク壺と一緒に赤いリボンを置いた。

She explained and then asked anxiously, “What about Beth?”

what about (はどう) [句] what is the situation with regard to

彼女は説明してから心配そうに尋ねた、「ベスはどう?」

“I’m sorry I spoke, but as I did, I’ll tell you.

as (からには) [接] because; since

「口を滑らせてごめんなさい、でも言ってしまったからには話すよ。

She felt so ill one day that she told Jo she wanted to give her piano to Meg, her cats to you, and the poor old doll to Jo, who would love it for her sake.

feel ill (具合が悪い) [動] be sick

sake (ため) [名] purpose; reason

ある日彼女はとても具合が悪く、ピアノをメグに、猫をあなたに、そして古びたかわいそうな人形をジョーにあげたいと言いました。ジョーは彼女のためにそれを大事にしてくれるでしょう。

She was sorry she had so little to give, and left locks of hair to the rest of us, and her best love to Grandpa.

have little to give (あげるものが少ない) [動] not have much to give

lock of hair (髪の毛) [名] a piece of hair that is tied or held together

the rest of us (私たち) [名] the remaining people in a group

彼女はあげるものが少なくて残念だと言って、私たちには髪の毛を、おじいちゃんには愛を残しました。

She never thought of a will.”

彼女は遺言なんて考えもしませんでした。」

Laurie was signing and sealing as he spoke, and did not look up till a great tear dropped on the paper.

ローリーは話しながら署名して封をし、大きな涙が紙に落ちるまで顔を上げなかった。

Amy’s face was full of trouble, but she only said, “Don’t people put sort of postscripts to their wills, sometimes?”

put (書く) [動] write

sort of (ようなもの) [名] a kind of

postscript (追伸) [名] an additional message added to a letter after it has been signed

エイミーの顔は困惑に満ちていたが、彼女はただ「人は遺言に追伸のようなものを書くことがあるでしょう?」と言っただけだった。

“Yes, ‘codicils’, they call them.”

codicil (付言) [名] a supplement to a will

「そう、『付言』と呼ぶんだ。」

“Put one in mine then, that I wish all my curls cut off, and given round to my friends.

put (付け加える) [動] place, set, or arrange

「それなら私の遺言にも付け加えてください、私の巻き毛を全部切って、友達に配ってほしいと。

I forgot it, but I want it done though it will spoil my looks.”

spoil (悪くなる) [動] become bad or worse

忘れていたけど、見た目は悪くなるけどそうしてほしい。」

Laurie added it, smiling at Amy’s last and greatest sacrifice.

ローリーはエイミーの最後の最大の犠牲に微笑みながら、それを書き加えた。

Then he amused her for an hour, and was much interested in all her trials.

それから彼は彼女を1時間楽しませ、彼女の試みすべてにとても興味を持った。

But when he came to go, Amy held him back to whisper with trembling lips, “Is there really any danger about Beth?”

come to go (帰ろうとする) [動] come to a place in order to leave it

hold back (引きとめる) [動] restrain oneself from doing something

しかし彼が帰ろうとした時、エイミーは彼を引きとめて震える唇でささやいた、「ベスには本当に危険があるの?」

“I’m afraid there is, but we must hope for the best, so don’t cry, dear.”

there is (あるんだ) [動] exist

for the best (最善を) [名] the most favorable outcome

「残念ながらあるんだ、でも最善を期待しなくちゃいけない、だから泣かないで、エイミー。」

And Laurie put his arm about her with a brotherly gesture which was very comforting.

put one's arm about (肩を抱く) [動] put one's arm around

comforting (慰めになる) [形] providing comfort or consolation

そしてローリーは兄のようなしぐさで彼女の肩を抱き、それはとても慰めになった。

When he had gone, she went to her little chapel, and sitting in the twilight, prayed for Beth, with streaming tears and an aching heart, feeling that a million turquoise rings would not console her for the loss of her gentle little sister.

million (100万) [名] the number equivalent to the product of a thousand and a thousand

彼が帰ると、彼女は小さな礼拝堂に行き、夕暮れの中に座って、涙を流し、心を痛めながらベスのために祈り、100万個のトルコ石の指輪でも優しい妹を失った悲しみを慰めることはできないと感じた。

CHAPTER TWENTY: CONFIDENTIAL

CHAPTER TWENTY (第20章) [名] the twentieth chapter

CONFIDENTIAL (内緒話) [形] intended to be kept secret

第20章: 内緒話

I don’t think I have any words in which to tell the meeting of the mother and daughters.

母と娘たちの再会を語る言葉は私には見つからない。

Such hours are beautiful to live, but very hard to describe, so I will leave it to the imagination of my readers, merely saying that the house was full of genuine happiness, and that Meg’s tender hope was realized, for when Beth woke from that long, healing sleep, the first objects on which her eyes fell were the little rose and Mother’s face.

full (満ちる) [形] having a great deal or many

realize (実現する) [動] cause to happen

fall (映る) [動] be reflected in

そのような時間は生きるには美しいけれど、説明するのはとても難しいので、私は読者の想像力に任せ、ただ家が本物の幸せで満ちていたということと、メグの優しい希望が実現したことを言うだけにする。ベスが長い回復の眠りから目覚めたとき、彼女の目に最初に映ったのは小さなバラとママの顔だった。

Too weak to wonder at anything, she only smiled and nestled close in the loving arms about her, feeling that the hungry longing was satisfied at last.

too weak (弱りすぎて) [形] lacking the power to perform

close (近く) [副] to or at a short distance

何かを不思議に思うには弱りすぎていて、彼女はただ微笑み、愛情のこもった腕の中に寄り添い、飢えた憧れがついに満たされたと感じた。

Then she slept again, and the girls waited upon their mother, for she would not unclasp the thin hand which clung to hers even in sleep.

wait upon (世話をする) [動] attend to the needs of

unclasp (離す) [動] release the grip of

それから彼女はまた眠り、娘たちは母親の世話をした。母親は眠っている間も彼女の手を握りしめている細い手を離そうとしなかったからだ。

Hannah had ‘dished up’ an astonishing breakfast for the traveler, finding it impossible to vent her excitement in any other way, and Meg and Jo fed their mother like dutiful young storks, while they listened to her whispered account of Father’s state,

dish up (用意する) [動] to serve food

traveler (旅人) [名] a person who is traveling

impossible (できない) [形] not possible

vent (抑えきれない) [動] to express or release

dutiful (孝行な) [形] doing what you are expected to do

stork (コウノトリ) [名] a large wading bird with long legs and a long neck

ハンナは旅人のために驚くべき朝食を「用意」し、他の方法では興奮を抑えきれないと思い、メグとジョーは孝行な若いコウノトリのように母親に食事を与えながら、父親の状態についてささやくように話すのを聞いた。

Mr. Brooke’s promise to stay and nurse him, the delays which the storm occasioned on the homeward journey, and the unspeakable comfort Laurie’s hopeful face had given her when she arrived, worn out with fatigue, anxiety, and cold.

occasion (引き起こす) [動] cause or give rise to

homeward (帰路) [形] going or leading toward home

fatigue (疲労) [名] extreme tiredness

cold (寒さ) [名] the state of having a low temperature

ブルック氏が残って看病してくれるという約束、帰路の嵐による遅れ、そして疲労、不安、寒さで疲れ果てて到着したときにローリーの希望に満ちた顔が彼女に与えた言葉では言い表せないほどの慰め。

What a strange yet pleasant day that was.

なんと奇妙で楽しい日だったことか。

So brilliant and gay without, for all the world seemed abroad to welcome the first snow.

brilliant (まばゆいばかり) [形] very bright

gay (陽気) [形] happy and cheerful

without (外) [名] the space or area outside a place

all the world (世界中) [名] the whole world

abroad (外) [名] a foreign country

外はまばゆいばかりに明るく、陽気で、世界中が初雪を歓迎しているかのようだった。

So quiet and reposeful within, for everyone slept, spent with watching, and a Sabbath stillness reigned through the house, while nodding Hannah mounted guard at the door.

reposeful (落ち着いた) [形] calm and relaxed

Sabbath (安息日) [名] a day of religious observance and abstinence from work

stillness (静けさ) [名] the state of being quiet and calm

reign (広がる) [動] be widespread or current

家の中はとても静かで落ち着いており、みんな寝ていて、見守ることに疲れ、安息日の静けさが家中に広がり、ハンナはドアのところで警備をしていた。

With a blissful sense of burdens lifted off, Meg and Jo closed their weary eyes, and lay at rest, like storm-beaten boats safe at anchor in a quiet harbor.

blissful (至福の) [形] extremely happy

close (閉じる) [動] to move a door or window so as to cover an opening

lay (休む) [動] to be in or move into a resting position

anchor (停泊する) [動] to secure a ship or boat in a particular place with an anchor

harbor (港) [名] a sheltered place on the coast where ships and boats can dock

重荷が取り除かれた至福の感覚で、メグとジョーは疲れた目を閉じ、静かな港に安全に停泊している嵐に打たれた船のように休んだ。

Mrs. March would not leave Beth’s side, but rested in the big chair, waking often to look at, touch, and brood over her child, like a miser over some recovered treasure.

マーチ夫人はベスのそばを離れようとせず、大きな椅子で休み、取り戻した宝物を前にした守銭奴のように、よく目を覚まして子供を眺め、触れ、思い悩んだ。

Laurie meanwhile posted off to comfort Amy, and told his story so well that Aunt March actually ‘sniffed’ herself, and never once said “I told you so”.

post off (出かける) [動] go away

so well (上手に) [副] in a good manner

その間にローリーはエイミーを慰めるために出かけ、話を上手にしたので、マーチおばさんは実際に「鼻を鳴らし」、一度も「言った通りでしょう」とは言わなかった。

Amy came out so strong on this occasion that I think the good thoughts in the little chapel really began to bear fruit.

エイミーはこの機会にとても強くなったので、小さな礼拝堂での良い考えが本当に実を結び始めたと思う。

She dried her tears quickly, restrained her impatience to see her mother, and never even thought of the turquoise ring, when the old lady heartily agreed in Laurie’s opinion, that she behaved ‘like a capital little woman’.

impatience (焦り) [名] the quality of being impatient

彼女はすぐに涙をぬぐい、母に会いたいという焦りを抑え、ローリーが「立派な小さな女性のように」振る舞ったという意見に老婦人が心から同意したとき、トルコ石の指輪のことさえ考えなかった。

Even Polly seemed impressed, for he called her a good girl, blessed her buttons, and begged her to “come and take a walk, dear”, in his most affable tone.

impress (感心する) [動] to affect strongly or deeply

ポリーでさえ感心したようだった、というのも彼は彼女をいい子と呼び、彼女のボタンを祝福し、彼の最も愛想のいい口調で「おいで、散歩しよう」と頼んだのだから。

She would very gladly have gone out to enjoy the bright wintry weather, but discovering that Laurie was dropping with sleep in spite of manful efforts to conceal the fact, she persuaded him to rest on the sofa, while she wrote a note to her mother.

drop (眠り込む) [動] fall asleep

manful (男らしい) [形] having or showing qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of a man

persuade (説得する) [動] cause (someone) to do something by reasoning with them or giving them advice

彼女は喜んで外に出て明るい冬の天気を楽しみたいと思ったが、ローリーが事実を隠そうと男らしい努力をしているにもかかわらず眠り込んでしまうのを発見し、母親にメモを書いている間、彼をソファで休むように説得した。

She was a long time about it, and when she returned, he was stretched out with both arms under his head, sound asleep, while Aunt March had pulled down the curtains and sat doing nothing in an unusual fit of benignity.

be a long time about (長い時間かける) [動] take a long time to do something

both arms (両腕) [名] the two upper limbs of the human body

sound asleep (ぐっすり眠る) [形] in a deep sleep

pull down (下ろす) [動] cause to fall

fit (態度) [名] a sudden attack of a disease or of some other disorder

benignity (慈悲深い) [名] kindness or goodness

彼女は長い時間かけてそれを書き、戻ってきたときには、彼は両腕を頭の下に伸ばしてぐっすり眠り、マーチおばさんはカーテンを下ろして、いつもとは違う慈悲深い態度で何もせずに座っていた。

After a while, they began to think he was not going to wake up till night, and I’m not sure that he would, had he not been effectually roused by Amy’s cry of joy at sight of her mother.

had he not been (彼が起きていたかどうかは) [動] if he had not been

effectually (効果的に) [副] in an effective way

sight (見て) [名] the ability or an act of seeing

しばらくすると、彼らは彼が夜まで起きないのではないかと思い始め、母親を見て喜びの声を上げるエイミーの声で効果的に起こされなければ、彼が起きていたかどうかはわからない。

There probably were a good many happy little girls in and about the city that day, but it is my private opinion that Amy was the happiest of all, when she sat in her mother’s lap and told her trials, receiving consolation and compensation in the shape of approving smiles and fond caresses.

that day (その日) [名] the day being discussed

it is my private opinion that (私の個人的な意見では) [句] I think that

was the happiest of all (誰よりも幸せだった) [句] was happier than anyone else

sat (座った) [動] be in a position in which your weight is supported by your buttocks rather than your feet and your upper body is more or less upright

her mother's (母親の) [名] the female parent of a person

told (語った) [動] communicate information, facts, or news to someone in spoken or written words

her trials (試練) [名] a test of one's endurance of patience

receiving (受け取った) [動] be given, presented with, or paid something

compensation (報酬) [名] something, typically money, awarded to someone as a recompense for loss, injury, or suffering

in the shape of (という形で) [句] in the form of

approving (認める) [動] officially agree to or accept something

smiles (笑顔) [名] a pleased, kind, or amused expression, typically with the corners of the mouth turned up and the front teeth exposed

caresses (愛撫) [名] a gentle or loving touch

その日、街の中や周辺には幸せな少女たちがたくさんいただろうが、私の個人的な意見では、エイミーが母親の膝に座って試練を語り、慰めと報酬を受け取ったとき、彼女は誰よりも幸せだったと思う。

They were alone together in the chapel, to which her mother did not object when its purpose was explained to her.

be alone together (二人きりである) [動] be in a place with only one other person

purpose (目的) [名] the intention to do something

彼らは礼拝堂で二人きりだったが、その目的を説明されても母親は反対しなかった。

“On the contrary, I like it very much, dear,” looking from the dusty rosary to the well-worn little book, and the lovely picture with its garland of evergreen.

on the contrary (それどころか) [副] to the opposite effect

well-worn (使い古した) [形] showing signs of much use

evergreen (常緑樹) [名] a plant that has green leaves throughout the year

「それどころか、とても気に入ったよ」と、埃まみれのロザリオから使い古した小さな本、そして常緑樹の花輪をつけた素敵な絵を眺めながら言った。

“It is an excellent plan to have some place where we can go to be quiet, when things vex or grieve us.

have some place (場所がある) [動] have a place

be quiet (静かに過ごす) [動] be silent or make little noise

vex (悩む) [動] make someone feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried

「何かに悩んだり悲しんだりしたときに、静かに過ごせる場所があるのは素晴らしいことだ。

There are a good many hard times in this life of ours, but we can always bear them if we ask help in the right way.

a good many (多くの) [名] a large number of

ask (求める) [動] to make a request for something

私たちの人生には多くの困難な時期があるが、正しい方法で助けを求めれば、いつでも耐えることができる。

I think my little girl is learning this.”

私の小さな娘はこれを学んでいると思う。」

“Yes, Mother, and when I go home I mean to have a corner in the big closet to put my books and the copy of that picture which I’ve tried to make.

have a corner (隅を持つ) [動] have a place in a corner

big closet (大きなクローゼット) [名] a large closet

「そうよ、ママ、家に帰ったら、大きなクローゼットの隅に自分の本や、私が描こうとしているあの絵のコピーを置くつもりなの。

The woman’s face is not good, it’s too beautiful for me to draw, but the baby is done better, and I love it very much.

not good (よくない) [形] not satisfactory

too beautiful (美しすぎる) [形] very beautiful

done better (もっとうまく描けた) [動] do something in a more skillful way

love (気に入っている) [動] be fond of; like very much

女性の顔はよくないよ、私が描くには美しすぎるの、でも赤ちゃんはもっとうまく描けたし、とても気に入っているよ。

I like to think He was a little child once, for then I don’t seem so far away, and that helps me.”

like to (考えるのが好きだ) [動] be fond of or partial to

神様がかつて小さな子供だったと考えるのが好きだ、そうすると、それほど遠くにいるようには思えないし、それが私を助けてくれる。」

As Amy pointed to the smiling Christ child on his Mother’s knee, Mrs. March saw something on the lifted hand that made her smile.

エイミーが母親の膝の上で微笑むキリストの子供を指さしたとき、マーチ夫人は彼女を笑顔にする何かを持ち上げた手に見ました。

She said nothing, but Amy understood the look, and after a minute’s pause, she added gravely, “I wanted to speak to you about this, but I forgot it.

after a minute (一分ほど) [名] a period of time equal to sixty seconds

彼女は何も言いませんでしたが、エイミーはその表情を理解し、一分ほど間を置いて、真面目な顔でこう付け加えました、「これについてあなたに話したいと思っていたんだけど、忘れちゃった。

Aunt gave me the ring today.

叔母が今日指輪をくれたの。

She called me to her and kissed me, and put it on my finger, and said I was a credit to her, and she’d like to keep me always.

credit (誇り) [名] a source of pride

keep (そばに置いておく) [動] continue to have, use, or maintain

彼女は私を呼んでキスして、指輪を私の指にはめ、私は彼女の誇りであり、いつも私をそばに置いておきたいと言ってくれたの。

She gave that funny guard to keep the turquoise on, as it’s too big.

turquoise (ターコイズ) [名] a greenish-blue stone used in jewelry

彼女はターコイズがあまりに大きいので、それをはめておくためにあのおかしなガードもくれたの。

I’d like to wear them Mother, can I?”

ママ、これを着けたいんだけど、いい?」

“They are very pretty, but I think you’re rather too young for such ornaments, Amy,” said Mrs. March, looking at the plump little hand, with the band of sky-blue stones on the forefinger, and the quaint guard formed of two tiny golden hands clasped together.

band (指輪) [名] a ring or belt

forefinger (人差し指) [名] the finger next to the thumb

quaint (奇妙な) [形] attractive in an old-fashioned or unusual way

form (形) [名] the shape of something

tiny (小さな) [形] very small

clasp (握り合う) [動] hold or fasten together with a clasp

「とてもきれいだけど、エイミー、あなたはそんな装飾品をするにはまだ若すぎると思うよ」と、人差し指に空色の石の指輪をはめ、小さな金色の手が二つ握り合った形の奇妙なガードを付けた、ふっくらとした小さな手を見ながら、マーチ夫人は言った。

“I’ll try not to be vain,” said Amy.

「うぬぼれないようにするよ」とエイミーは言った。

“I don’t think I like it only because it’s so pretty, but I want to wear it as the girl in the story wore her bracelet, to remind me of something.”

「きれいだからだけに好きなわけじゃないと思うけど、物語の中の少女がブレスレットを着けたように、何かを思い出すために着けたいの」

“Do you mean Aunt March?” asked her mother, laughing.

「マーチおばさんのこと?」と母は笑いながら尋ねた。

“No, to remind me not to be selfish.”

remind (思い出す) [動] cause someone to remember something

「違うよ、わがままにならないように思い出すために」

Amy looked so earnest and sincere about it that her mother stopped laughing, and listened respectfully to the little plan.

respectfully (敬意を払って) [副] in a way that shows respect

エイミーは真剣で誠実そうに見えたので、母は笑うのをやめて、その小さな計画に敬意を払って耳を傾けた。

“I’ve thought a great deal lately about my ‘bundle of naughties’, and being selfish is the largest one in it, so I’m going to try hard to cure it, if I can.

「最近、自分の『いたずらの束』についてよく考えたんだけど、わがままが一番大きいから、できるなら治すように頑張ろうと思うの。

Beth isn’t selfish, and that’s the reason everyone loves her and feels so bad at the thoughts of losing her.

feel bad (悲しい気持ちになる) [動] feel sad or unhappy

ベスはわがままじゃないから、みんな彼女を愛していて、彼女を失うことを考えるととても悲しい気持ちになるのよ。

People wouldn’t feel so bad about me if I was sick, and I don’t deserve to have them, but I’d like to be loved and missed by a great many friends, so I’m going to try and be like Beth all I can.

feel bad (悪く思う) [動] feel guilty or unhappy

all I can (できる限り) [副] to the best of one's ability

私が病気になったとしても、人々は私のことをそれほど悪く思わないよ、それに私は彼らに愛される資格はないの、でも私はたくさんの友達に愛され、恋しがられたい、だから私はできる限りベスのようになろうと思うの。

I’m apt to forget my resolutions, but if I had something always about me to remind me, I guess I should do better.

be apt to (しがちである) [動] be likely to

do better (もっとうまくやる) [動] perform more successfully

私は自分の決意を忘れがちだけど、いつも思い出させてくれる何かがあれば、もっとうまくやれると思うの。

May we try this way?”

こうやってみてもいいかな?」

“Yes, but I have more faith in the corner of the big closet.

「そうね、でも私は大きなクローゼットの隅の方が信頼できるよ。

Wear your ring, dear, and do your best.

指輪をはめて、最善を尽くしてね。

I think you will prosper, for the sincere wish to be good is half the battle.

battle (戦い) [名] a fight between two or more armed forces

あなたは成功すると思うよ、善良でありたいという誠実な願いは戦いの半分だから。

Now I must go back to Beth.

ベスの所に戻らなくちゃ。

Keep up your heart, little daughter, and we will soon have you home again.”

keep up (元気を出す) [動] maintain or increase the rate, amount, or standard of

元気を出して、娘よ、すぐに家に帰れるからね」

That evening while Meg was writing to her father to report the traveler’s safe arrival, Jo slipped upstairs into Beth’s room, and finding her mother in her usual place, stood a minute twisting her fingers in her hair, with a worried gesture and an undecided look.

arrival (到着) [名] the action or process of arriving

twist (絡ませる) [動] turn or cause to turn around and around

その夜、メグが旅人の無事の到着を報告するために父親に手紙を書いている間に、ジョーは二階のベスの部屋に忍び込み、いつもの場所に母親がいるのを見つけると、心配そうな仕草と決まりきらない表情で、髪の毛に指を絡ませながらしばらく立っていた。

“What is it, deary?” asked Mrs. March, holding out her hand, with a face which invited confidence.

what is it (どうしたの) [句] what is the matter

deary (あなた) [名] a term of endearment

「どうしたの、あなた」とマーチ夫人は手を差し出し、信頼を誘うような顔で尋ねた。

“I want to tell you something, Mother.”

「ママ、話したいことがあるの」

“About Meg?”

「メグのこと?」

“How quickly you guessed!

「なんてすぐに当てるんだ!

Yes, it’s about her, and though it’s a little thing, it fidgets me.”

fidget (そわそわさせる) [動] make or cause to make small movements, typically through nervousness or impatience

ええ、彼女のことなんだけど、小さなことなんだけど、私をそわそわさせるの」

“Beth is asleep. Speak low, and tell me all about it.

speak low (小さな声で話す) [動] speak in a low voice

「ベスは寝ている。小さな声で、全部話してちょうだい。

That Moffat hasn’t been here, I hope?” asked Mrs. March rather sharply.

hasn't been (来ていない) [動] has not been

I hope (でしょうね) [慣] I wish or expect that

モファットさんがここに来たわけではないでしょうね?」とマーチ夫人は少しきつい口調で尋ねた。

“No. I should have shut the door in his face if he had,” said Jo, settling herself on the floor at her mother’s feet.

shut the door in one's face (ドアを閉める) [動] close the door in front of someone

settle oneself (腰を下ろす) [動] sit down

「いいえ、もし彼が来たら、私は彼の顔の前でドアを閉めたでしょう」とジョーは言い、母親の足元の床に腰を下ろした。

“Last summer Meg left a pair of gloves over at the Laurences’ and only one was returned.

last summer (去年の夏) [名] the summer of the previous year

over (に) [前] to a place

「去年の夏、メグはローレンス家に手袋を忘れて、片方だけ返されたの。

We forgot about it, till Teddy told me that Mr. Brooke owned that he liked Meg but didn’t dare say so, she was so young and he so poor.

私たちはそのことを忘れていたんだけど、テディがブルックさんがメグが好きだと認めたけど、彼女がとても若くて彼がとても貧乏だから、あえてそうは言わなかったと教えてくれたの。

Now, isn’t it a dreadful state of things?”

state (状況) [名] the way things are at a particular time

ねえ、ひどい状況じゃない?」

“Do you think Meg cares for him?” asked Mrs. March, with an anxious look.

care for (気にかける) [動] to be concerned about or interested in

「メグは彼を気にかけていると思う?」とマーチ夫人は心配そうな顔で尋ねた。

“Mercy me! I don’t know anything about love and such nonsense!” cried Jo, with a funny mixture of interest and contempt.

contempt (軽蔑) [名] the act of despising

「なんてこと! 私は恋愛とかそんなナンセンスなことは何も知らないよ!」とジョーは興味と軽蔑がおかしく混ざり合った様子で叫んだ。

“In novels, the girls show it by starting and blushing, fainting away, growing thin, and acting like fools.

grow thin (痩せる) [動] become thinner

「小説では、女の子たちはびっくりしたり、顔を赤らめたり、気絶したり、痩せたり、馬鹿みたいに振る舞ったりしてそれを示すよ。

Now Meg does not do anything of the sort.

でもメグはそんな風には何もしないよ。

She eats and drinks and sleeps like a sensible creature, she looks straight in my face when I talk about that man, and only blushes a little bit when Teddy jokes about lovers.

look straight (真っ直ぐに見る) [動] look directly

joke (冗談を言う) [動] say something humorous

彼女は分別のある生き物のように食べたり飲んだり眠ったりして、私があの男性について話す時も私の顔を真っ直ぐに見て、テディが恋人について冗談を言う時も少し顔を赤らめるだけよ。

I forbid him to do it, but he doesn’t mind me as he ought.”

私は彼にそれを禁じたんだけど、彼は私を気にしないのよ。」

“Then you fancy that Meg is not interested in John?”

be interested in (興味がある) [動] to have a feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone

「じゃあ、メグはジョンに興味がないと思うの?」

“Who?” cried Jo, staring.

「誰?」ジョーは叫び、じっと見つめた。

“Mr. Brooke. I call him ‘John’ now.

「ブルックさん。私は今彼を「ジョン」と呼んでいる。

We fell into the way of doing so at the hospital, and he likes it.”

fall into (呼ぶようになる) [動] get into the habit of doing something

病院でそう呼ぶようになって、彼もそれを気に入っている。」

“Oh, dear! I know you’ll take his part.

take one's part (味方をする) [動] support or defend someone or something

「ああ、おやおや! あなたは彼の味方をするでしょう。

He’s been good to Father, and you won’t send him away, but let Meg marry him, if she wants to.

send away (追い払う) [動] cause to go away

彼はパパに親切にしてくれたし、あなたは彼を追い払ったりせず、メグが望むなら彼と結婚させるでしょう。

Mean thing! To go petting Papa and helping you, just to wheedle you into liking him.”

mean (卑劣な) [形] unkind or unfair

wheedle (好きにさせる) [動] persuade someone to do something by coaxing or flattery

卑劣なやつ! パパを可愛がり、あなたを助けるのは、ただあなたに彼を好きにさせるためだ。」

And Jo pulled her hair again with a wrathful tweak.

wrathful (怒りにまかせて) [形] very angry

そしてジョーは怒りにまかせてもう一度髪を引っ張った。

“My dear, don’t get angry about it, and I will tell you how it happened.

get angry (怒る) [動] feel or show anger

「あなた、怒らないでくれ、経緯を話そう。

John went with me at Mr. Laurence’s request, and was so devoted to poor Father that we couldn’t help getting fond of him.

ジョンはローレンス氏の頼みで私と一緒に行き、可哀想なパパにとても献身的だったので、私たちは彼を好きにならずにはいられませんでした。

He was perfectly open and honorable about Meg, for he told us he loved her, but would earn a comfortable home before he asked her to marry him.

open (オープン) [形] not closed or blocked

honorable (誠実) [形] having or showing high moral standards

earn (手に入れる) [動] obtain by one's own labor or effort

彼はメグについてとてもオープンで誠実で、彼女を愛しているが、結婚を申し込む前に快適な家を手に入れるつもりだと話してくれた。

He only wanted our leave to love her and work for her, and the right to make her love him if he could.

彼はただ彼女を愛し、彼女のために働くための私たちの許可と、もし彼にできるなら彼女に彼を愛させる権利を望んだだけだった。

He is a truly excellent young man, and we could not refuse to listen to him, but I will not consent to Meg’s engaging herself so young.”

refuse (拒否する) [動] decline to accept

彼は本当に素晴らしい青年で、私たちは彼の話を聞くことを拒否することはできませんでしたが、私はメグがそんなに若くして婚約することには同意しません」

“Of course not. It would be idiotic!

「もちろん、そうは思わないよ。ばかげたことだよ!

I knew there was mischief brewing.

brew (起こる) [動] be in the process of happening

私はいたずらが起こっていることを知っていた。

I felt it, and now it’s worse than I imagined.

私はそれを感じていたし、今は想像していたよりもひどい。

I just wish I could marry Meg myself, and keep her safe in the family.”

私がメグと結婚して、家族の中で彼女を安全に守ることができたらいいのに」

This odd arrangement made Mrs. March smile, but she said gravely, “Jo, I confide in you and don’t wish you to say anything to Meg yet.

make (微笑む) [動] cause to smile

confide (信頼する) [動] to tell someone about something private or secret

wish (言わないでほしい) [動] to want something to happen

この奇妙な取り決めにママは微笑んだが、真面目な顔で言った、「ジョー、私はあなたを信頼しているし、まだメグには何も言わないでほしい。

When John comes back, and I see them together, I can judge better of her feelings toward him.”

ジョンが戻ってきて、2人が一緒にいるのを見たら、彼に対する彼女の気持ちをもっとよく判断できるよ」

“She’ll see those handsome eyes that she talks about, and then it will be all up with her.

talk about (話題にする) [動] speak about

be all up with (参ってしまう) [動] be finished or done for

「彼女は話題にしているあのハンサムな目を見て、それで彼女はすっかり参ってしまうよ。

She’s got such a soft heart, it will melt like butter in the sun if anyone looks sentimentlly at her.

soft heart (優しい心) [名] a kind and gentle person

sentimentlly (感傷的に) [副] in a way that shows a lot of emotion, especially sadness or love

彼女は本当に優しい心の持ち主だから、誰かが彼女を感傷的に見たら、それは太陽の下でバターのように溶けてしまうよ。

She read the short reports he sent more than she did your letters, and pinched me when I spoke of it, and likes brown eyes, and doesn’t think John an ugly name, and she’ll go and fall in love, and there’s an end of peace and fun, and cozy times together.

pinch (つねる) [動] squeeze or compress sharply between the fingers

fall in love (恋に落ちる) [動] begin to feel a strong romantic attachment to someone

彼女はあなたの手紙よりも彼が送った短い報告書を読んで、私がそのことを言うと私をつねり、茶色い目が好きで、ジョンを醜い名前だとは思っていないし、彼女は恋に落ちてしまうだろうし、平和と楽しみ、そして一緒に過ごす居心地の良い時間は終わりを告げるよ。

I see it all!

全部わかっちゃった!

They’ll go lovering around the house, and we shall have to dodge.

go lovering (いちゃいちゃする) [動] behave as a lover

around (中で) [前] in or into every part of

dodge (避ける) [動] avoid or evade by a sudden quick movement

彼らは家の中でいちゃいちゃするだろうし、私たちは避けなければならないよ。

Meg will be absorbed and no good to me any more.

be absorbed (夢中になる) [動] be deeply interested in something

no good (役に立たない) [形] not helpful or useful

メグは夢中になって、もう私には役に立たなくなるよ。

Brooke will scratch up a fortune somehow, carry her off, and make a hole in the family, and I shall break my heart, and everything will be abominably uncomfortable.

scratch up (ひっかき集める) [動] to collect or gather something with difficulty

carry off (連れ去る) [動] to take away by force

make a hole (穴を開ける) [動] to create an opening in something

break one's heart (心が張り裂けそうになる) [動] to cause someone to feel very sad or disappointed

abominably (ひどく) [副] in a very bad or unpleasant way

ブルックはなんとかして財産をひっかき集めて、彼女を連れ去り、家族に穴を開けるだろうし、私は心が張り裂けそうになるだろうし、すべてがひどく不快になるだろう。

Oh, dear me!

dear (なんて) [形] used as an affectionate or friendly form of address

ああ、なんてことだ!

Why weren’t we all boys, then there wouldn’t be any bother.”

weren't (じゃなかった) [動] were not

bother (面倒なこと) [名] something that is annoying or troublesome

どうして私たちみんな男の子じゃなかったんだろう、そうしたら面倒なことは何もなかっただろうに」

Jo leaned her chin on her knees in a disconsolate attitude and shook her fist at the reprehensible John.

chin (顎) [名] the lower part of a person's face below the mouth

disconsolate (悲しげな) [形] very unhappy and unable to be comforted

ジョーは悲しげな態度で膝に顎を乗せ、非難されるべきジョンに向かって拳を振り上げた。

Mrs. March sighed, and Jo looked up with an air of relief.

マーチ夫人はため息をつき、ジョーはほっとした様子で顔を上げた。

“You don’t like it, Mother? I’m glad of it.

glad (よかった) [形] pleased; happy

「気に入らないの、ママ? よかったよ。

Let’s send him about his business, and not tell Meg a word of it, but all be happy together as we always have been.”

彼を仕事に送り出して、メグには一言も言わずに、いつものようにみんなで幸せに過ごしましょう」

“I did wrong to sigh, Jo.

do wrong (間違いをする) [動] make a mistake

「ため息をついたのは間違いだったよ、ジョー。

It is natural and right you should all go to homes of your own in time, but I do want to keep my girls as long as I can, and I am sorry that this happened so soon, for Meg is only seventeen and it will be some years before John can make a home for her.

make (建てる) [動] construct or create something

いずれみんなが自分の家を持つのは自然なことだし、正しいことなんだけど、私はできるだけ長く娘たちをそばに置いておきたいし、こんなことがこんなに早く起こってしまって残念だよ、だってメグはまだ17歳だし、ジョンが彼女のために家を建てるまでには数年かかるでしょう。

Your father and I have agreed that she shall not bind herself in any way, nor be married, before twenty.

あなたのお父さんと私は、彼女が20歳になるまでは、いかなる形でも自分を縛ったり、結婚したりしないことに同意しました。

If she and John love one another, they can wait, and test the love by doing so.

彼女とジョンが愛し合っているのなら、待つこともできるし、そうすることで愛を試すこともできる。

She is conscientious, and I have no fear of her treating him unkindly.

conscientious (良心的) [形] governed by or done according to conscience

unkindly (不親切に) [副] in an unkind manner

彼女は良心的で、彼を不親切に扱う心配はありません。

My pretty, tender hearted girl!

tender hearted (優しい) [形] easily moved to love, pity, or sorrow

私のかわいくて優しい娘!

I hope things will go happily with her.”

go happily (うまくいく) [動] proceed well

彼女のことがうまくいくといいんだけど」

“Hadn’t you rather have her marry a rich man?” asked Jo, as her mother’s voice faltered a little over the last words.

falter (震える) [動] to hesitate or waver

「彼女に金持ちと結婚させたいとは思わないの?」とジョーは尋ねた。母の声が最後の方で少し震えたからだ。

“Money is a good and useful thing, Jo, and I hope my girls will never feel the need of it too bitterly, nor be tempted by too much.

need (必要性) [名] a thing that is wanted or required

bitterly (痛感する) [副] in a manner that is intensely and extremely unpleasant

「お金は良いものであり、役に立つものよ、ジョー、そして私は私の娘たちがお金の必要性をあまり痛感したり、あまりにも多くのお金に誘惑されたりしないことを願っているよ。

I should like to know that John was firmly established in some good business, which gave him an income large enough to keep free from debt and make Meg comfortable.

be firmly established (しっかりと就いている) [動] be firmly established

some good business (何か良い仕事) [名] some good business

give (得られる) [動] give

income (収入) [名] income

large enough (十分な) [形] large enough

keep free from (解放される) [動] keep free from

make comfortable (楽にする) [動] make comfortable

ジョンが借金から解放されてメグを楽にさせるのに十分な収入を得られる、何か良い仕事にしっかりと就いていることを知りたいよ。

I’m not ambitious for a splendid fortune, a fashionable position, or a great name for my girls.

fashionable (上流階級の) [形] of or relating to the upper classes

私は娘たちに素晴らしい財産や、上流階級の地位や、偉大な名声を望んではいない。

If rank and money come with love and virtue, also, I should accept them gratefully, and enjoy your good fortune, but I know, by experience, how much genuine happiness can be had in a plain little house, where the daily bread is earned, and some privations give sweetness to the few pleasures.

rank (地位) [名] a position in a social hierarchy

good fortune (幸運) [名] success or luck

genuine (本物の) [形] real; true

daily bread (日々の糧) [名] the food that is necessary for everyday life

privation (欠乏) [名] a state or condition of lacking something

sweetness (甘美さ) [名] the quality of being sweet

もし地位やお金が愛や美徳と共にやって来るなら、私はそれらを感謝して受け入れ、あなたの幸運を喜ぶべきだけれど、私は経験から、日々の糧を得て、いくつかの欠乏がわずかな楽しみに甘美さを与える、質素な小さな家でどれほど本物の幸せが得られるかを知っているよ。

I am content to see Meg begin humbly, for if I am not mistaken, she will be rich in the possession of a good man’s heart, and that is better than a fortune.”

mistaken (間違っている) [形] wrong in one's opinion or judgment

possession (所有) [名] the state of having, owning, or controlling something

私はメグが謙虚に始めるのを見ることに満足しているよ、なぜなら私が間違っていなければ、彼女は善良な男性の心を所有することで豊かになるでしょう、そしてそれは財産よりも良いことよ。」

“I understand, Mother, and quite agree, but I’m disappointed about Meg, for I’d planned to have her marry Teddy by-and-by and sit in the lap of luxury all her days.

「分かったよ、ママ、全く同感よ、でも私はメグについてはがっかりだよ、だって私は彼女がそのうちテディと結婚して、一生贅沢な生活を送るように計画していたのに。

Wouldn’t it be nice?” asked Jo, looking up with a brighter face.

素敵じゃない?」とジョーは明るい顔で上を見ながら尋ねた。

“He is younger than she, you know,” began Mrs. March, but Jo broke in...

「彼は彼女より若いのよ、分かるでしょう」とマーチ夫人は言い始めたが、ジョーは割って入った。

“Only a little, he’s old for his age, and tall, and can be quite grown-up in his manners if he likes.

only a little (ほんの少しだけ) [副] to a small extent

old for one's age (年齢の割に大人びている) [形] having the appearance or qualities of a person older than one's age

quite grown-up (かなり大人っぽい) [形] having the appearance or qualities of a person older than one's age

「ほんの少しだけよ、彼は年齢の割に大人びていて、背も高く、彼が望めば態度もかなり大人っぽくなるよ。

Then he’s rich and generous and good, and loves us all, and I say it’s a pity my plan is spoiled.”

それに彼は裕福で気前が良く、善良で、私たちみんなを愛しているし、私の計画が台無しになったのは残念だよ」

“I’m afraid Laurie is hardly grown-up enough for Meg, and altogether too much of a weathercock just now for anyone to depend on.

too much (あまりに) [副] to a greater extent than is desirable

weathercock (気まぐれ) [名] a person who changes their opinion or behavior frequently

「ローリーはメグには十分に大人ではないし、今は誰も頼りにできないほど気まぐれすぎると思うよ。

Don’t make plans, Jo, but let time and their own hearts mate your friends.

make plans (計画を立てる) [動] decide on and make arrangements for future events

mate (結び付ける) [動] come together or cause to come together

計画は立てないで、ジョー、時間と彼ら自身の心があなたの友人を結び付けるようにしなさい。

We can’t meddle safely in such matters, and had better not get ‘romantic rubbish’ as you call it, into our heads, lest it spoil our friendship.”

meddle (干渉する) [動] interfere in or busy oneself unduly with something that is not one's concern

私たちはそのような事柄に安全に干渉することはできないし、友情を台無しにしないように、あなたが言うところの「ロマンチックなゴミ」を頭に入れない方がいいよ」

“Well, I won’t, but I hate to see things going all crisscross and getting snarled up, when a pull here and a snip there would straighten it out.

crisscross (交差する) [動] form a cross with

snarl (混乱) [名] a tangle or knot

「そうね、そうしないよ、でも、あっちを引っ張ったり、こっちを切ったりすれば、物事がすべて交差して混乱してしまうのを見るのは嫌だよ。

I wish wearing flatirons on our heads would keep us from growing up.

flatiron (アイロン) [名] a device with a flat, heated surface that is used to press clothes

頭にアイロンをかければ大人にならないで済むといいのに。

But buds will be roses, and kittens cats, more’s the pity!”

しかし、つぼみはバラになり、子猫は猫になる、残念なことに!」

“What’s that about flatirons and cats?” asked Meg, as she crept into the room with the finished letter in her hand.

「アイロンと猫って何?」とメグは書き終えた手紙を手に部屋に忍び込みながら尋ねた。

“Only one of my stupid speeches.

「私の愚かなスピーチの1つにすぎないよ。

I’m going to bed.

寝るよ。

Come, Peggy,” said Jo, unfolding herself like an animated puzzle.

Peggy (ペギー) [名] a female given name

unfold (広げる) [動] open or spread out from a folded state

puzzle (パズル) [名] a game, toy, or problem designed to test ingenuity or knowledge

おいで、ペギー」とジョーはまるで動くパズルのように体を広げた。

“Quite right, and beautifully written.

quite right (まったくその通り) [副] absolutely correct

「まったくその通り、そして美しく書かれている。

Please add that I send my love to John,” said Mrs. March, as she glanced over the letter and gave it back.

ジョンに愛を送ると付け加えてください」とマーチ夫人は手紙に目を通し、返した。

“Do you call him ‘John’?” asked Meg, smiling, with her innocent eyes looking down into her mother’s.

「彼のことを『ジョン』と呼ぶの?」とメグは微笑みながら、無邪気な目で母親を見下ろした。

“Yes, he has been like a son to us, and we are very fond of him,” replied Mrs. March, returning the look with a keen one.

「そうよ、彼は私たちにとって息子のような存在で、私たちは彼がとても好きだよ」とマーチ夫人は鋭い視線でメグを見つめ返しながら答えた。

“I’m glad of that, he is so lonely.

「それはよかった、彼はとても孤独だから。

Good night, Mother, dear.

おやすみなさい、ママ。

It is so inexpressibly comfortable to have you here,” was Meg’s answer.

inexpressibly (言葉にできないほど) [副] to a degree that cannot be expressed

あなたがここにいてくれるのは、言葉にできないほど心地よいよ」というのがメグの答えだった。

The kiss her mother gave her was a very tender one, and as she went away, Mrs. March said, with a mixture of satisfaction and regret, “She does not love John yet, but will soon learn to.”

母親が彼女に与えたキスはとても優しいものだった、そして彼女が去ったとき、マーチ夫人は満足と後悔が混ざり合った気持ちで言った、「彼女はまだジョンを愛していないけど、すぐに愛するようになるでしょう」

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: LAURIE MAKES MISCHIEF, AND JO MAKES PEACE

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE (第21章) [名] the 21st chapter

第21章ローリーがいたずらをし、ジョーが仲直りさせる

Jo’s face was a study next day, for the secret rather weighed upon her, and she found it hard not to look mysterious and important.

weigh upon (重くのしかかる) [動] to be oppressive or burdensome to

mysterious (神秘的な) [形] full of mystery; difficult or impossible to understand or explain

次の日、ジョーの顔は研究の対象だった、秘密が彼女に重くのしかかっていたからで、彼女は神秘的で重要そうに見えないようにするのが難しいとわかった。

Meg observed it, but did not trouble herself to make inquiries, for she had learned that the best way to manage Jo was by the law of contraries, so she felt sure of being told everything if she did not ask.

law (法則) [名] a statement of fact or truth

feel (確信する) [動] be aware of through touch

メグはそれに気づいたが、尋ねようとはしなかった、なぜなら彼女はジョーを扱う最善の方法は反対の法則によることだと学んでいたからで、彼女は尋ねなければすべてを話してくれると確信していた。

She was rather surprised, therefore, when the silence remained unbroken, and Jo assumed a patronizing air, which decidedly aggravated Meg, who in turn assumed an air of dignified reserve and devoted herself to her mother.

remain unbroken (破られない) [動] stay whole or in one piece

dignified (威厳のある) [形] having or showing a high opinion of your own importance

reserve (控えめな) [名] the quality of being reserved or undemonstrative

だから、沈黙が破られず、ジョーが恩着せがましい態度をとったとき、彼女はかなり驚いた、それは明らかにメグを苛立たせ、メグは威厳のある控えめな態度をとり、母親に献身的に尽くした。

This left Jo to her own devices, for Mrs. March had taken her place as nurse, and bade her rest, exercise, and amuse herself after her long confinement.

leave to one's own devices (思うままになる) [動] be left to do whatever one wants

take one's place (代わりを務める) [動] act instead of someone

これでジョーは自分の思うままになった、なぜならマーチ夫人が看護師として彼女の代わりを務め、長い監禁生活の後に休息し、運動し、自分を楽しませるように言ったからだ。

Amy being gone, Laurie was her only refuge, and much as she enjoyed his society, she rather dreaded him just then, for he was an incorrigible tease, and she feared he would coax the secret from her.

be one's only refuge (唯一の避難所である) [動] to be the only place where someone can go to be safe or to escape from something

much as (〜にもかかわらず) [接] although

be an incorrigible tease (手に負えないほどからかう) [動] to be someone who likes to tease others in a playful way

coax (聞き出す) [動] to persuade someone to do something by being gentle or kind

エイミーがいなくなったので、ローリーが彼女の唯一の避難所だった、そして彼女は彼との交際を楽しんでいたが、彼は手に負えないほどからかうので、彼女は彼が彼女から秘密を聞き出してしまうのではないかと恐れていた。

She was quite right, for the mischief-loving lad no sooner suspected a mystery than he set himself to find it out, and led Jo a trying life of it.

be quite right (全く正しい) [動] be completely correct

mischief-loving (いたずら好きな) [形] fond of mischief

set oneself to (取りかかる) [動] begin doing something with determination

lead (苦労させる) [動] cause (someone) to experience something

彼女は全く正しかった、なぜならいたずら好きな少年は謎を疑うやいなや、それを解明しようとし、ジョーを苦労させたからだ。

He wheedled, bribed, ridiculed, threatened, and scolded;

bribe (買収する) [動] persuade someone to act in one's favor, typically illegally or dishonestly, by a gift of money or other inducement

ridicule (嘲る) [動] subject (someone or something) to contemptuous and dismissive language or behavior

threaten (脅す) [動] state one's intention to punish or hurt someone if the person does not do something in particular

彼は甘言を弄し、買収し、嘲り、脅し、叱った。

affected indifference, that he might surprise the truth from her;

affect (装う) [動] to make a pretense of

indifference (無関心) [名] lack of interest or concern

surprise (聞き出す) [動] to catch unawares

彼女から真実を聞き出そうと無関心を装った。

declared he knew, then that he didn’t care;

彼は知っていると宣言し、それから気にしていないと言った。

and at last, by dint of perseverance, he satisfied himself that it concerned Meg and Mr. Brooke.

by dint of (の力で) [前] by means of

perseverance (忍耐) [名] the quality of continuing to try to achieve a particular aim despite difficulties or delay in achieving it

satisfy (確信する) [動] be convinced of the truth of

concern (関する) [動] be about

そしてついに、忍耐の力で、彼はそれがメグとブルック氏に関するものだと確信した。

Feeling indignant that he was not taken into his tutor’s confidence, he set his wits to work to devise some proper retaliation for the slight.

feel indignant (憤慨する) [動] feel or show anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment

take into confidence (信頼する) [動] trust someone with a secret

set one's wits to work (知恵を絞る) [動] use one's intelligence to solve a problem

devise (考案する) [動] plan or invent a complex procedure or mechanism

retaliation (報復) [名] the action of returning a military attack, or counterattacking

slight (軽蔑) [名] a remark or action that is rude and shows that you do not respect someone

彼は家庭教師に信頼されていないことに憤慨し、その軽蔑に対して適切な報復をするために知恵を絞った。

Meg meanwhile had apparently forgotten the matter and was absorbed in preparations for her father’s return, but all of a sudden a change seemed to come over her, and, for a day or two, she was quite unlike herself.

in the meantime (その間) [副] during the intervening period of time

apparently (明らかに) [副] in a way that is obvious or easily perceived or understood

return (帰宅) [名] the action of coming back to a place

come over (訪れる) [動] happen to

for a day or two (一日か二日) [名] a short period of time

unlike (よう) [形] different from

その間メグは明らかにその件を忘れ、父の帰宅の準備に没頭していたが、突然彼女に変化が訪れたようで、一日か二日、彼女はまるで別人のようだった。

She started when spoken to, blushed when looked at, was very quiet, and sat over her sewing, with a timid, troubled look on her face.

be quiet (静かである) [動] make little or no noise

sit over (座る) [動] be in or assume a position in which one's weight is supported by one's buttocks rather than one's feet and one's upper body is more or less upright

彼女は話しかけられたらびっくりし、見られたら顔を赤らめ、とても静かで、臆病で困った顔で裁縫をしながら座っていた。

To her mother’s inquiries she answered that she was quite well, and Jo’s she silenced by begging to be let alone.

silence (黙らせる) [動] make someone stop talking

let alone (一人にする) [動] not to mention; not to speak of

母の問いかけには、彼女は元気だと答え、ジョーの問いかけには、一人にしてほしいと懇願して黙らせた。

“She feels it in the air—love, I mean—and she’s going very fast.

go (進む) [動] move at a steady and usually rapid pace

「彼女はそれを空気中で感じている、つまり恋愛で、彼女はとても速く進んでいる。

She’s got most of the symptoms—is twittery and cross, doesn’t eat, lies awake, and mopes in corners.

twittery (そわそわした) [形] nervous or excited

彼女はほとんどの症状が出ている、そわそわして不機嫌で、食べず、寝ずに、隅でふさぎ込んでいる。

I caught her singing that song he gave her, and once she said ‘John’, as you do, and then turned as red as a poppy.

catch (見つける) [動] to find or discover

give (もらう) [動] to transfer the possession of something to someone

poppy (ケシ) [名] a plant of the poppy family, especially the opium poppy

彼女が彼にもらった歌を歌っているのを見つけたし、一度彼女はあなたと同じように「ジョン」と言って、それからケシのように赤くなった。

Whatever shall we do?” said Jo, looking ready for any measures, however violent.

measure (手段) [名] a course of action

私たちに何ができるだろう?」とジョーはどんなに暴力的でもどんな手段も辞さない様子で言った。

“Nothing but wait.

「待つ以外に何も。

Let her alone, be kind and patient, and Father’s coming will settle everything,” replied her mother.

彼女を放っておきなさい、優しく忍耐強く、そしてパパが帰って来れば全てが解決するでしょう」と母は答えた。

“Here’s a note to you, Meg, all sealed up. How odd!

「メグ、あなたへの手紙よ、封がしてあるよ。なんて奇妙な!

Teddy never seals mine,” said Jo next day, as she distributed the contents of the little post office.

distribute (配る) [動] to give out or deliver

content (中身) [名] what is contained in something

テディは私の手紙に封をしないのに」とジョーは翌日、小さな郵便局の中身を配りながら言った。

Mrs. March and Jo were deep in their own affairs, when a sound from Meg made them look up to see her staring at her note with a frightened face.

deep in (没頭している) [形] deeply involved in

マーチ夫人とジョーは自分の用事に没頭していたが、メグが何か声を上げたので顔を上げると、メグが恐れた顔で手紙を見つめているのが見えた。

“My child, what is it?” cried her mother, running to her, while Jo tried to take the paper which had done the mischief.

run (駆け寄る) [動] to move at a speed faster than a walk

「どうしたの、メグ?」と母親は叫びながらメグのところに駆け寄り、ジョーはメグを困らせた手紙を奪い取ろうとした。

“It’s all a mistake, he didn’t send it.

「これは間違いだよ、彼はこんな手紙を送っていないよ。

Oh, Jo, how could you do it?”

ああ、ジョー、こんなことするなんて」

and Meg hid her face in her hands, crying as if her heart were quite broken.

メグは両手で顔を覆い、心が張り裂けそうに泣いた。

“Me! I’ve done nothing!

「私が? 私は何もしていないよ!

What’s she talking about?” cried Jo, bewildered.

bewilder (困惑させる) [動] confuse or puzzle

彼女は何を言っているの?」とジョーは困惑して叫んだ。

Meg’s mild eyes kindled with anger as she pulled a crumpled note from her pocket and threw it at Jo, saying reproachfully, “You wrote it, and that bad boy helped you.

kindle (燃え上がる) [動] to start to burn or to cause to start to burn

pull (取り出す) [動] to move something or someone toward oneself or the origin of the action

crumpled (くしゃくしゃになった) [形] having a lot of folds or wrinkles

throw (投げつける) [動] to propel through the air with a rapid movement of the arm and hand

reproachfully (非難がましく) [副] in a manner that expresses disapproval or criticism

メグの穏やかな目は怒りで燃え上がり、ポケットからくしゃくしゃになったメモを取り出してジョーに投げつけ、「あなたが書いたのよ、あの悪い男の子が手伝ったのよ。

How could you be so rude, so mean, and cruel to us both?”

どうして私たち二人にそんなに失礼で、卑劣で、残酷なことができるの?」

Jo hardly heard her, for she and her mother were reading the note, which was written in a peculiar hand.

hand (手書き) [名] the end of the arm beyond the wrist, including the palm, fingers, and thumb

ジョーはほとんど彼女の声を聞かなかった、なぜなら彼女と彼女の母親は奇妙な手書きで書かれたメモを読んでいたからだ。

“My Dearest Margaret,

「私の最愛のマーガレット、

“I can no longer restrain my passion, and must know my fate before I return.

no longer (もはや) [副] not anymore; not now

「私はもはや自分の情熱を抑えることができず、帰国する前に自分の運命を知る必要があります。

I dare not tell your parents yet, but I think they would consent if they knew that we adored one another.

私はまだあなたの両親に話す勇気がありませんが、私たちがお互いを愛し合っていることを知っていたら、彼らは同意してくれると思います。

Mr. Laurence will help me to some good place, and then, my sweet girl, you will make me happy.

good place (良い場所) [名] a place that is pleasant or desirable

sweet girl (可愛い娘) [名] a girl who is kind and pleasant

make me happy (私を幸せにしてくれる) [動] cause me to be happy

ローレンスさんが私を良い場所に連れて行ってくれるでしょう、そして私の可愛い娘よ、あなたは私を幸せにしてくれるでしょう。

I implore you to say nothing to your family yet, but to send one word of hope through Laurie to,

まだ家族には何も言わないでほしいと懇願するが、ローリーを通して一言だけ希望の言葉を送ってほしい。

“Your devoted John.”

「あなたの献身的なジョン」

“Oh, the little villain!

「ああ、この小さな悪党!

That’s the way he meant to pay me for keeping my word to Mother.

keep one's word (約束を守る) [動] do what one has promised to do

pay (報復する) [動] give money to in return for a service or product

それが、彼がママとの約束を守った私への報復だったのだ。

I’ll give him a hearty scolding and bring him over to beg pardon,” cried Jo, burning to execute immediate justice.

execute (執行する) [動] carry out a sentence of death on

justice (正義) [名] the quality of being just or fair

彼を心から叱って、謝罪させるよ」と、即座に正義を執行しようと燃えるジョーは叫んだ。

But her mother held her back, saying, with a look she seldom wore...

しかし、母は彼女を引き止め、めったに見せない表情で言った。

“Stop, Jo, you must clear yourself first.

clear (弁明しなさい) [動] make clear or plain

「待って、ジョー、まず自分を弁明しなさい。

You have played so many pranks that I am afraid you have had a hand in this.”

have a hand in (関与する) [動] be involved in

あなたはたくさんのいたずらをしてきたから、この件にも関与しているのではないかと心配だよ。」

“On my word, Mother, I haven’t! I never saw that note before, and don’t know anything about it, as true as I live!” said Jo, so earnestly that they believed her.

on my word (誓って) [副] I promise

as true as I live (本当よ) [副] I swear

that (ので) [接] for that reason; therefore

they (彼女たちは) [代] the people previously mentioned

「誓って、ママ、私はしてない! 私はそのメモを今まで見たことがないし、それについて何も知らない、本当よ!」とジョーは真剣に言ったので、彼女たちは彼女を信じた。

“If I had taken part in it I’d have done it better than this, and have written a sensible note.

take part in (関与する) [動] be involved in

「もし私が関与していたら、もっとうまくやって、もっとまともなメモを書いたよ。

I should think you’d have known Mr. Brooke wouldn’t write such stuff as that,” she added, scornfully tossing down the paper.

toss (投げ捨てる) [動] throw or fling something somewhere with a quick, light movement

ブルックさんがこんなものを書くはずがないってわかると思うけど」と彼女は付け加えて、紙を軽蔑して投げ捨てた。

“It’s like his writing,” faltered Meg, comparing it with the note in her hand.

compare (比べる) [動] to find the difference between two or more things

「彼の筆跡に似てるよ」とメグはためらいがちに言い、それを手元のメモと比べた。

“Oh, Meg, you didn’t answer it?” cried Mrs. March quickly.

answer (返事を書く) [動] respond to a question or request

「ああ、メグ、返事を書かなかったよね?」とマーチ夫人は素早く叫んだ。

“Yes, I did!”

「ええ、書いたよ!」

and Meg hid her face again, overcome with shame.

overcome (いっぱいになる) [動] succeed in dealing with (a problem or difficulty)

そしてメグは恥ずかしさでいっぱいになって、再び顔を隠した。

“Here’s a scrape!

「これは困った!

Do let me bring that wicked boy over to explain and be lectured.

lecture (お説教する) [動] give a lecture to

あのいたずらっ子を連れてきて、説明させて、お説教させてください。

I can’t rest till I get hold of him.”

get hold of (捕まえる) [動] to seize or grasp

彼を捕まえるまで休めません」

And Jo made for the door again.

make for (向かう) [動] go in the direction of

そしてジョーは再びドアに向かった。

“Hush! Let me handle this, for it is worse than I thought.

handle (処理する) [動] deal with or manage

「しーっ! これは私が処理するよ、思ったよりひどいみたいだから。

Margaret, tell me the whole story,” commanded Mrs. March, sitting down by Meg, yet keeping hold of Jo, lest she should fly off.

command (言う) [動] give an authoritative order

keep hold of (押さえる) [動] continue to hold

fly off (飛び出す) [動] move or travel very quickly

マーガレット、全部話して」とマーチ夫人は言い、メグのそばに座り、ジョーが飛び出さないように彼女を押さえた。

“I received the first letter from Laurie, who didn’t look as if he knew anything about it,” began Meg, without looking up.

「最初にローリーから手紙を受け取ったんだけど、彼は何も知らないようだった」とメグは顔を上げずに話し始めた。

“I was worried at first and meant to tell you, then I remembered how you liked Mr. Brooke, so I thought you wouldn’t mind if I kept my little secret for a few days.

「最初は心配であなたに話そうと思ったんだけど、あなたがブルックさんをどれだけ好きか思い出して、私がこの小さな秘密を数日間隠していても気にしないと思ったの。

I’m so silly that I liked to think no one knew, and while I was deciding what to say, I felt like the girls in books, who have such things to do.

私はとても愚かなので、誰も知らないと思うのが好きだったし、何を言うか決めている間は、本に出てくる女の子のような気分だった。

Forgive me, Mother, I’m paid for my silliness now.

pay (報いを受ける) [動] give (someone) money that is owed for work done, goods received, or a debt incurred

silliness (愚かさ) [名] a foolish or stupid act or remark

許して、ママ、私は今自分の愚かさの報いを受けている。

I never can look him in the face again.”

彼の顔を二度と見ることができない。」

“What did you say to him?”

「彼に何て言ったの?」

asked Mrs. March.

とマーチ夫人は尋ねた。

“I only said I was too young to do anything about it yet, that I didn’t wish to have secrets from you, and he must speak to father.

have secrets (隠し事をする) [動] keep something secret

「私はまだそれについて何かをするには若すぎる、あなたに隠し事をしたくない、そして彼は父に話さなければならないと言っただけです。

I was very grateful for his kindness, and would be his friend, but nothing more, for a long while.”

be grateful for (感謝している) [動] feel thankful for

nothing more (それ以上) [名] not anything more

私は彼の親切にとても感謝していて、彼の友人にはなりたいが、それ以上は長い間何もできない。」

Mrs. March smiled, as if well pleased, and Jo clapped her hands, exclaiming, with a laugh, “You are almost equal to Caroline Percy, who was a pattern of prudence! Tell on, Meg.

well pleased (満足そう) [形] satisfied

equal (匹敵する) [動] to be the same as or equivalent to

Caroline Percy (キャロライン・パーシー) [名] a character in the novel "Little Women"

prudence (慎重さ) [名] the quality of being careful and sensible

tell on (告げる) [動] to inform on or about

マーチ夫人は満足そうに微笑み、ジョーは手を叩いて笑いながら叫んだ、「あなたは慎重さの模範だったキャロライン・パーシーにほとんど匹敵するよ! 続けて、メグ。

What did he say to that?”

彼はそれに何と言った?」

“He writes in a different way entirely, telling me that he never sent any love letter at all, and is very sorry that my roguish sister, Jo, should take liberties with our names.

roguish (いたずらっ子な) [形] playfully mischievous

take liberties with (勝手に使う) [動] to do something that is not usually allowed or is not polite

「彼は全く違う書き方で、彼は決してラブレターを送ったことがなくて、私のいたずらっ子な妹のジョーが私たちの名前を勝手に使って申し訳ないと言っている。

It’s very kind and respectful, but think how dreadful for me!”

とても親切で礼儀正しいけど、私にとってどれほど恐ろしいことか考えてみろ!」

Meg leaned against her mother, looking the image of despair, and Jo tramped about the room, calling Laurie names.

lean against (もたれかかる) [動] be in or move into a sloping position

call (罵倒する) [動] shout or exclaim

メグは絶望の像のように母にもたれかかり、ジョーは部屋を歩き回り、ローリーを罵倒した。

All of a sudden she stopped, caught up the two notes, and after looking at them closely, said decidedly, “I don’t believe Brooke ever saw either of these letters.

catch up (つかむ) [動] grasp suddenly

closely (じっと) [副] in a way that is very near or very similar

突然彼女は立ち止まり、2通の手紙をつかみ、それらをじっと見た後、断言した。「ブルックがこれらの手紙のどちらかを見たとは思えない。

Teddy wrote both, and keeps yours to crow over me with because I wouldn’t tell him my secret.”

crow (威張る) [動] boast or brag

テディが両方書いて、私が彼に私の秘密を言わないから、私を威張るためにあなたの手紙を保管している。」

“Don’t have any secrets, Jo.

「秘密なんて持つな、ジョー。

Tell it to Mother and keep out of trouble, as I should have done,” said Meg warningly.

keep out of (巻き込まれないようにする) [動] avoid getting involved in

ママに話して、私がそうすべきだったように、トラブルに巻き込まれないようにしなさい」とメグは警告した。

“Bless you, child! Mother told me.”

「神のご加護を、子供よ! ママが教えてくれた。」

“That will do, Jo.

「それでいいよ、ジョー。

I’ll comfort Meg while you go and get Laurie.

get (連れてくる) [動] to go and bring someone or something back

あなたがローリーを連れてくるまで、私がメグを慰めておくよ。

I shall sift the matter to the bottom, and put a stop to such pranks at once.”

sift (調べる) [動] examine or investigate thoroughly

put a stop to (止める) [動] cause to cease; end

私はこの問題を徹底的に調べて、すぐにそのようないたずらを止めさせる。」

Away ran Jo, and Mrs. March gently told Meg Mr. Brooke’s real feelings.

ジョーは走り去り、マーチ夫人はメグにブルック氏の本当の気持ちを優しく伝えた。

“Now, dear, what are your own?

「さて、あなた自身の欠点は何かしら?

Do you love him enough to wait till he can make a home for you, or will you keep yourself quite free for the present?”

present (今のところ) [名] the period of time that is happening now

彼があなたのために家庭を築けるまで待てるほど彼を愛しているのか、それとも今のところは自由なままでいるのか?」

“I’ve been so scared and worried, I don’t want to have anything to do with lovers for a long while, perhaps never,” answered Meg petulantly.

be scared (怖がる) [動] feel fear

be worried (心配する) [動] feel fear or anxiety

「私はとても怖くて心配だったので、長い間恋人とは何も関係を持ちたくない、おそらく永遠に」とメグは不機嫌そうに答えた。

“If John doesn’t know anything about this nonsense, don’t tell him, and make Jo and Laurie hold their tongues.

「もしジョンがこのナンセンスについて何も知らないのなら、彼に話さないで、ジョーとローリーに口を閉ざさせなさい。

I won’t be deceived and plagued and made a fool of.

私は騙されたり、悩まされたり、馬鹿にされたりしないよ。

It’s a shame!”

恥ずかしい!」

Seeing Meg’s usually gentle temper was roused and her pride hurt by this mischievous joke, Mrs. March soothed her by promises of entire silence and great discretion for the future.

usually (普段は) [副] under normal conditions

rouse (刺激する) [動] cause to be active or excited

discretion (慎重) [名] the quality of being discreet; prudence

メグの普段は穏やかな性格がこのいたずらで刺激され、プライドが傷つけられたのを見て、マーチ夫人は将来は完全に沈黙を守り、慎重に行動すると約束して彼女をなだめた。

The instant Laurie’s step was heard in the hall, Meg fled into the study, and Mrs. March received the culprit alone.

ローリーの足音が玄関で聞こえた瞬間、メグは書斎に逃げ込み、マーチ夫人は一人で犯人を迎えた。

Jo had not told him why he was wanted, fearing he wouldn’t come, but he knew the minute he saw Mrs. March’s face, and stood twirling his hat with a guilty air which convicted him at once.

twirl (ぐるぐる回す) [動] spin or turn quickly and lightly

guilty (有罪の) [形] having committed a crime

convict (有罪にする) [動] declare (someone) guilty of a criminal offense by the verdict of a jury or the decision of a judge in a court of law

ジョーは彼が来ないのではないかと恐れて、なぜ彼が呼ばれたのかを彼に話していなかったが、彼はマーチ夫人の顔を見た瞬間にそれを悟り、有罪の空気で帽子をぐるぐる回しながら立っていた。

Jo was dismissed, but chose to march up and down the hall like a sentinel, having some fear that the prisoner might bolt.

be dismissed (退室を許される) [動] be allowed to leave

choose (することにする) [動] decide on and pick out

sentinel (歩哨) [名] a person or thing that watches or stands guard

prisoner (囚人) [名] a person who is kept in prison

bolt (逃げ出す) [動] run away suddenly

ジョーは退室を許されたが、囚人が逃げ出すのではないかと恐れて、歩哨のように廊下を行ったり来たりすることにした。

The sound of voices in the parlor rose and fell for half an hour, but what happened during that interview the girls never knew.

fall (下がる) [動] go down

interview (面談) [名] a conversation between a journalist and a person of public interest

応接間の声は30分ほど上下したが、その面談中に何が起こったのか、娘たちは知らなかった。

When they were called in, Laurie was standing by their mother with such a penitent face that Jo forgave him on the spot, but did not think it wise to betray the fact.

be called in (呼ばれる) [動] be summoned or invited

彼女たちが呼ばれた時、ローリーは母親のそばに立って、ジョーは彼をその場で許したほど後悔の念に満ちた顔をしていたが、その事実を裏切るのは賢明ではないと思った。

Meg received his humble apology, and was much comforted by the assurance that Brooke knew nothing of the joke.

apology (謝罪) [名] a regretful acknowledgment of an offense or failure

assurance (確信) [名] a statement or indication that something will happen or that something is true

メグは彼の謙虚な謝罪を受け、ブルックがそのジョークについて何も知らないという確信に大いに慰められた。

“I’ll never tell him to my dying day, wild horses shan’t drag it out of me, so you’ll forgive me, Meg, and I’ll do anything to show how out-and-out sorry I am,” he added, looking very much ashamed of himself.

dying day (死ぬまで) [名] the day on which someone dies

wild horse (野生の馬) [名] a horse that lives in the wild

out-and-out (全く) [形] complete and thorough

「死ぬまで彼には絶対に言わない、野生の馬が私からそれを引きずり出さないように、だから許してくれ、メグ、そして私がどれほど申し訳なく思っているか示すために何でもする」と彼は付け加えた、自分をとても恥ずかしく思っているように見えた。

“I’ll try, but it was a very ungentlemanly thing to do, I didn’t think you could be so sly and malicious, Laurie,” replied Meg, trying to hide her maidenly confusion under a gravely reproachful air.

ungentlemanly (紳士的ではない) [形] not polite or well-mannered

malicious (悪意がある) [形] deliberately intending to do harm

maidenly (乙女のような) [形] like a young unmarried woman

「努力するけど、それはとても紳士的ではないことで、あなたがそんなにずるくて悪意があるとは思わなかったよ、ローリー」とメグは答え、深刻な非難の空気の下で彼女の乙女のような混乱を隠そうとした。

“It was altogether abominable, and I don’t deserve to be spoken to for a month, but you will, though, won’t you?”

spoken (口をきいてもらう) [動] past participle of speak

month (一ヶ月) [名] one of the twelve divisions of a year

「それは全くひどいことだったし、私は一ヶ月も口をきいてもらう価値はないが、それでも君はそうしてくれるだろう、そうだろう?」

And Laurie folded his hands together with such and imploring gesture, as he spoke in his irresistibly persuasive tone, that it was impossible to frown upon him in spite of his scandalous behavior.

imploring (懇願する) [形] expressing an urgent request

irresistibly (抵抗できないほど) [副] in a way that is too strong or attractive to be resisted

scandalous (スキャンダラスな) [形] causing general public outrage by a perceived offense against morality or law

behavior (振る舞い) [名] the way that someone behaves

そしてローリーは、彼の抵抗できないほど説得力のある口調で話すとき、そのような懇願する身振りで両手を合わせたので、彼のスキャンダラスな振る舞いにもかかわらず、彼に眉をひそめることは不可能だった。

Meg pardoned him, and Mrs. March’s grave face relaxed, in spite of her efforts to keep sober, when she heard him declare that he would atone for his sins by all sorts of penances, and abase himself like a worm before the injured damsel.

relax (和らぐ) [動] to make or become less tense or anxious

keep sober (冷静さを保つ) [動] to remain calm and in control of oneself

penance (苦行) [名] a punishment that one imposes on oneself as an expression of remorse for having done something wrong

abase (身をかがめる) [動] to lower in rank, position, or reputation

worm (虫) [名] an invertebrate animal with a long, thin, soft body that has no legs

damsel (乙女) [名] a young unmarried woman

メグは彼を許し、マーチ夫人は、彼があらゆる種類の苦行によって自分の罪を償い、傷ついた乙女の前に虫のように身をかがめると宣言するのを聞いたとき、冷静さを保とうとする努力にもかかわらず、厳しい顔が和らいだ。

Jo stood aloof, meanwhile, trying to harden her heart against him, and succeeding only in primming up her face into an expression of entire disapprobation.

stand aloof (遠くに立つ) [動] to keep oneself apart from others

harden one's heart (心を固める) [動] to make oneself determined not to be affected by feelings of sympathy or compassion

succeed in (~するだけだった) [動] to achieve a desired aim or result

primming up (しかめる) [動] to make a prim expression

disapprobation (不承認) [名] disapproval

その間、ジョーは彼に対して心を固めようとして遠くに立っていたが、顔をしかめて完全に不承認の表情を浮かべるだけだった。

Laurie looked at her once or twice, but as she showed no sign of relenting, he felt injured, and turned his back on her till the others were done with him, when he made her a low bow and walked off without a word.

once or twice (一度か二度) [副] one or two times

turn one's back (背を向ける) [動] to turn away from someone or something

be done with (話し終わる) [動] to finish doing something

ローリーは彼女を一度か二度見たが、彼女が容赦する気配を見せなかったので、彼は傷ついた気持ちになり、他の人たちが彼と話し終わるまで彼女に背を向け、それから彼女に深くお辞儀をして、一言も言わずに立ち去った。

As soon as he had gone, she wished she had been more forgiving, and when Meg and her mother went upstairs, she felt lonely and longed for Teddy.

go (去る) [動] move away from a place

go upstairs (二階に上がる) [動] move to a higher floor

feel lonely (孤独を感じる) [動] feel sad because one has no friends or company

long for (恋しく思う) [動] feel a strong desire or wish for

彼が去るとすぐに、彼女はもっと許せばよかったと思い、メグと母親が二階に上がると、彼女は孤独を感じ、テディを恋しく思った。

After resisting for some time, she yielded to the impulse, and armed with a book to return, went over to the big house.

for some time (しばらく) [副] for a period of time

yield (負ける) [動] give way to

impulse (衝動) [名] a sudden strong and unreflective urge or desire to act

arm (携える) [動] equip oneself with

しばらく抵抗した後、彼女は衝動に負け、返す本を携えて、大きな家に行った。

“Is Mr. Laurence in?” asked Jo, of a housemaid, who was coming downstairs.

housemaid (メイド) [名] a woman employed in a house on domestic duties

come downstairs (階下から降りてくる) [動] move from a higher to a lower floor

「ローレンスさんはいらっしゃいますか?」とジョーは階下から降りてきたメイドに尋ねた。

“Yes, Miss, but I don’t believe he’s seeable just yet.”

seeable (会える) [形] able to be seen

just yet (まだ) [副] at this time; now

「はい、お嬢様、でもまだお会いできるとは思えません」

“Why not? Is he ill?”

「どうして? 病気ですか?」

“La, no Miss, but he’s had a scene with Mr. Laurie, who is in one of his tantrums about something, which vexes the old gentleman, so I dursn’t go nigh him.”

have a scene (喧嘩をする) [動] have an argument or fight

tantrum (かんしゃく) [名] an uncontrolled outburst of anger and frustration, typically in a young child

vex (困らせる) [動] annoy or worry

dursn't (近寄れない) [動] dare not

nigh (近寄る) [副] near; close

「いいえ、お嬢様、でもローリーさんと喧嘩をなさって、ローリーさんが何かのことでかんしゃくを起こして、おじいさまを困らせているので、私は近寄れません」

“Where is Laurie?”

「ローリーはどこ?」

“Shut up in his room, and he won’t answer, though I’ve been a-tapping.

「自分の部屋に閉じこもって、私がノックしても返事をしません。

I don’t know what’s to become of the dinner, for it’s ready, and there’s no one to eat it.”

what's to become of (どうなるのか) [名] what will happen to

it's ready (用意ができている) [動] be prepared or available

there's no one (誰もいない) [名] no person

to eat (食べる) [動] take into the body by the mouth

夕食の用意はできているのに、食べる人がいなくて、どうしたらいいのかわかりません」

“I’ll go and see what the matter is.

「私が行って、何が問題なのか見てきます。

I’m not afraid of either of them.”

either (どちらも) [形] one or the other of two people or things

どちらも怖くありません」

Up went Jo, and knocked smartly on the door of Laurie’s little study.

smartly (勢いよく) [副] in a quick, sharp, or vigorous way

ジョーは二階に上がり、ローリーの小さな書斎のドアを勢いよくノックした。

“Stop that, or I’ll open the door and make you!” called out the young gentleman in a threatening tone.

make (やめさせる) [動] cause to happen

「やめろ、さもないとドアを開けてやめさせるぞ!」と若い紳士は脅迫的な口調で叫んだ。

Jo immediately knocked again.

ジョーはすぐにまたノックした。

The door flew open, and in she bounced before Laurie could recover from his surprise.

fly open (勢いよく開く) [動] open suddenly and with force

recover from (立ち直る) [動] return to a normal state after a period of difficulty

ドアが勢いよく開き、ローリーが驚きから立ち直る前に彼女は飛び込んだ。

Seeing that he really was out of temper, Jo, who knew how to manage him, assumed a contrite expression, and going artistically down upon her knees, said meekly, “Please forgive me for being so cross.

out of temper (機嫌を損ねている) [形] angry or annoyed

assume (浮かべる) [動] take on

contrite (悔い改めた) [形] feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for a wrong committed

彼が本当に機嫌を損ねているのを見て、彼の扱い方を知っているジョーは、悔い改めた表情を浮かべ、芸術的にひざまずいて、「そんなに不機嫌になってしまってごめんなさい。

I came to make it up, and can’t go away till I have.”

仲直りしに来たの、仲直りするまでは帰れないよ」と柔和に言った。

“It’s all right. Get up, and don’t be a goose, Jo,” was the cavalier reply to her petition.

petition (嘆願) [名] a formal written request, typically one signed by many people, appealing to authority with respect to a particular cause

cavalier (横柄な) [形] showing a lack of proper concern or respect; offhand

「大丈夫。起きて、馬鹿なことはやめろ、ジョー」というのが彼女の嘆願に対する横柄な返事だった。

“Thank you, I will.

「ありがとう、そうするよ。

Could I ask what’s the matter?

何が問題なのか聞いてもいいかしら?

You don’t look exactly easy in your mind.”

easy (楽そう) [形] not difficult or demanding

mind (気持ち) [名] the state of a person's thoughts and feelings

あまり気が楽そうに見えないよ」

“I’ve been shaken, and I won’t bear it!” growled Laurie indignantly.

growl (うなる) [動] to make a low sound in the throat, as a dog does when angry

「私は揺さぶられたんだ、それに耐えられない!」ローリーは憤慨してうなった。

“Who did it?” demanded Jo.

「誰がやったの?」とジョーは尋ねた。

“Grandfather. If it had been anyone else I’d have...”

「おじいちゃん。もし他の誰かだったら、私は・・・」

And the injured youth finished his sentence by an energetic gesture of the right arm.

energetic (勢いよく) [形] having or showing great energy or activity

そして、傷ついた若者は右腕を勢いよく動かして文を終えた。

“That’s nothing. I often shake you, and you don’t mind,” said Jo soothingly.

「それは何でもない。私はよくあなたを揺さぶるけど、あなたは気にしない」とジョーはなだめるように言った。

“Pooh! You’re a girl, and it’s fun, but I’ll allow no man to shake me!”

Pooh (プーッ) [間] an expression of contempt or disgust

「プーッ! 君は女の子で、それは楽しいけど、男に揺さぶられるのは許さない!」

“I don’t think anyone would care to try it, if you looked as much like a thundercloud as you do now.

thundercloud (雷雲) [名] a cloud that produces thunder and lightning

「あなたが今のように雷雲のように見えたら、誰もそれを試そうとは思わないでしょう。

Why were you treated so?”

be treated (扱いを受ける) [動] be dealt with in a certain way

なぜそんな扱いを受けたの?」

“Just because I wouldn’t say what your mother wanted me for.

just because (ただ) [副] for the simple reason that

wouldn't say (言わなかった) [動] refuse to tell

「ただ、お母さんが私に何を求めているのか言わなかったから。

I’d promised not to tell, and of course I wasn’t going to break my word.”

言わないって約束したし、もちろん約束を破るつもりはなかった。」

“Couldn’t you satisfy your grandpa in any other way?”

any other way (他の方法) [名] a different way

「おじいちゃんを他の方法で満足させることはできなかったのか?」

“No, he would have the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

「いいえ、彼は真実、真実のすべて、そして真実以外は何も欲しがらなかった。

I’d have told my part of the scrape, if I could without bringing Meg in.

bring in (持ち出す) [動] introduce or mention

メグのことを持ち出さずに済むなら、私の側の失態は話しただろう。

As I couldn’t, I held my tongue, and bore the scolding till the old gentleman collared me.

collar (襟首) [名] the part of a garment that fits around the neck

それができなかったので、私は口を閉ざし、老紳士が私の襟首をつかむまで叱責に耐えた。

Then I bolted, for fear I should forget myself.”

その時、私は我を忘れるのではないかと恐れて、逃げ出した。」

“It wasn’t nice, but he’s sorry, I know, so go down and make up. I’ll help you.”

「それはよくなかったけど、彼は後悔しているよ、だから降りて仲直りしてきなさい。手伝ってあげる。」

“Hanged if I do! I’m not going to be lectured and pummelled by everyone, just for a bit of a frolic.

hang (首吊り) [動] suspend or be suspended

pummel (殴る) [動] strike repeatedly with the fists

frolic (おふざけ) [名] play or move about in a cheerful way

「そんなことしたら首吊りだよ! ちょっとしたおふざけでみんなに説教されたり殴られたりなんてしないよ。

I was sorry about Meg, and begged pardon like a man, but I won’t do it again, when I wasn’t in the wrong.”

be sorry about (悪かったと思う) [動] feel regret or guilt for something

beg pardon (謝る) [動] ask for forgiveness

like a man (男らしく) [副] in a way that is considered brave or strong

be in the wrong (自分が悪くない) [動] be mistaken or incorrect

メグには悪かったと思って、男らしく謝ったけど、自分が悪くないのに謝ったりはしない。」

“He didn’t know that.”

「彼は知らなかったのよ。」

“He ought to trust me, and not act as if I was a baby.

「彼は私を信頼して、私が赤ん坊であるかのように振る舞うべきではない。

It’s no use, Jo, he’s got to learn that I’m able to take care of myself, and don’t need anyone’s apron string to hold on by.”

apron string (前掛けの紐) [名] a string that ties an apron around the waist

無駄よ、ジョー、彼は私が自分の面倒を見ることができて、誰かの前掛けの紐につかまらなくてもいいことを学ばなければならないの。」

“What pepper pots you are!” sighed Jo.

pepper pot (短気な人) [名] a person who is easily angered

「なんて短気な人たちなんだろう!」とジョーはため息をついた。

“How do you mean to settle this affair?”

「この件をどう解決するつもり?」

“Well, he ought to beg pardon, and believe me when I say I can’t tell him what the fuss’s about.”

fuss (大騒ぎ) [名] a state of excessive commotion or excitement

「そうね、彼は謝るべきだし、私が彼に何がそんなに大騒ぎなのかわからないと言うのを信じるべきね。」

“Bless you! He won’t do that.”

「よかったよ! 彼はそんなことしないよ。」

“I won’t go down till he does.”

apologize (謝る) [動] express regret for a mistake

「彼が謝るまで降りない。」

“Now, Teddy, be sensible.

be sensible (分別を持ちなさい) [動] be based on or acting on good judgment or reason

「さあ、テディ、分別を持ちなさい。

Let it pass, and I’ll explain what I can.

let (過ぎる) [動] allow to pass

それを過ぎたら、できる限り説明するよ。

You can’t stay here, so what’s the use of being melodramatic?”

what's the use of (どうするの) [名] what is the point of

being (なる) [動] exist or occur in a specified state or condition

ここにはいられないんだから、メロドラマチックになってどうするの?」

“I don’t intend to stay here long, anyway.

「とにかく、ここに長くいるつもりはないよ。

I’ll slip off and take a journey somewhere, and when Grandpa misses me he’ll come round fast enough.”

slip off (こっそり抜け出す) [動] leave quietly or secretly

take a journey (旅に出る) [動] go on a trip

miss (寂しくなる) [動] feel sad or lonely because someone or something is not there

come round (機嫌を直す) [動] become more friendly or agreeable

こっそり抜け出してどこかへ旅に出るよ、そうしたらおじいちゃんは私がいなくて寂しくなって、すぐに機嫌を直すよ。」

“I dare say, but you ought not to go and worry him.”

ought not to (べきではない) [助] should not

「そうかもしれないけど、おじいちゃんを心配させるべきじゃないよ。」

“Don’t preach. I’ll go to Washington and see Brooke.

「説教しないで。ワシントンに行ってブルックに会うよ。

It’s gay there, and I’ll enjoy myself after the troubles.”

gay (楽しい) [形] happy and full of fun

そこは楽しいし、悩みの後で楽しむよ。」

“What fun you’d have!

「どんなに楽しいでしょう!

I wish I could run off too,” said Jo, forgetting her part of mentor in lively visions of martial life at the capital.

run off (逃げ出す) [動] leave quickly and secretly

mentor (指導者) [名] a wise and trusted counselor or teacher

vision (ビジョン) [名] the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom

martial (軍事) [形] of or relating to the armed forces or to war

私も逃げ出せたらいいのに」と、首都での軍事生活の活気あるビジョンの中で、指導者としての役割を忘れて言った。

“Come on, then! Why not?

why not (いいわ) [副] used to express acceptance of a proposal or suggestion

「それなら、おいで!

You go and surprise your father, and I’ll stir up old Brooke.

stir up (かき回す) [動] cause to be active or excited

君は行って父親を驚かせ、私は老ブルックをかき回すよ。

It would be a glorious joke.

それは素晴らしいジョークになるだろう。

Let’s do it, Jo.

やろうよ、ジョー。

We’ll leave a letter saying we are all right, and trot off at once.

leave a letter (手紙を残す) [動] write a letter and leave it for someone to read

trot off (出発する) [動] leave quickly

私たちは大丈夫だと手紙を残して、すぐに出発する。

I’ve got money enough.

お金は十分にある。

It will do you good, and no harm, as you go to your father.”

父親のところに行くのだから、あなたにとって良いことであり、害はない。」

For a moment Jo looked as if she would agree, for wild as the plan was, it just suited her.

for a moment (一瞬) [副] for a short period of time

一瞬、ジョーは同意するかのように見えたが、計画は乱暴だったが、彼女にはちょうど合っていた。

She was tired of care and confinement, longed for change, and thoughts of her father blended temptingly with the novel charms of camps and hospitals, liberty and fun.

confinement (監禁) [名] the state of being confined; imprisonment

long for (待ち望む) [動] to wish for something intensely

blend (混ざり合う) [動] to combine or be combined to form a harmonious or effective whole

temptingly (魅力的に) [副] in a tempting manner

novel (新しい) [形] not previously known or experienced

彼女は世話や監禁に飽き飽きし、変化を待ち望み、父親の考えはキャンプや病院、自由や楽しみの新しい魅力と魅力的に混ざり合っていた。

Her eyes kindled as they turned wistfully toward the window, but they fell on the old house opposite, and she shook her head with sorrowful decision.

shake (横に振る) [動] to move from side to side or up and down

sorrowful (悲しげな) [形] feeling or showing sadness

decision (決意) [名] a choice that you make about something after thinking about it

彼女の目は物欲しそうに窓の方を向くと輝いたが、向かいの古い家が目に映り、悲しげな決意で首を横に振った。

“If I was a boy, we’d run away together, and have a capital time, but as I’m a miserable girl, I must be proper and stop at home.

have a capital time (楽しい時間を過ごす) [動] have a very enjoyable time

「私が男の子だったら、一緒に逃げ出して、楽しい時間を過ごせるんだけど、私は惨めな女の子だから、きちんと家にいなくちゃいけない。

Don’t tempt me, Teddy, it’s a crazy plan.”

誘惑しないで、テディ、それは狂った計画よ。」

“That’s the fun of it,” began Laurie, who had got a willful fit on him and was possessed to break out of bounds in some way.

willful (わがまま) [形] done deliberately

bound (境界) [名] a limit or boundary

「それが楽しいんだ」とローリーは言い始めたが、彼はわがままで、どうにかして境界を打ち破りたいと思っていた。

“Hold your tongue!” cried Jo, covering her ears.

cover (ふさぐ) [動] put something over or in front of

「黙って!」とジョーは叫び、耳をふさいだ。

“‘Prunes and prisms’ are my doom, and I may as well make up my mind to it.

「『プルーンとプリズム』が私の運命で、覚悟を決めた方がいいよ。

I came here to moralize, not to hear things that make me skip to think of.”

moralize (道徳を説く) [動] make moral reflections or talk about morality

skip (飛ばす) [動] move or cause to move lightly and quickly, especially by hopping or jumping

私は道徳を説きに来たのであって、考えるのを飛ばしてしまうようなことを聞きに来たのではない。」

“I know Meg would wet-blanket such a proposal, but I thought you had more spirit,” began Laurie insinuatingly.

wet-blanket (水を差す) [動] spoil or mar the enjoyment of

proposal (提案) [名] a plan or suggestion, especially a formal or written one, put forward for consideration or discussion

insinuatingly (遠回しに) [副] in a way that suggests something unpleasant or critical in an indirect way

「メグがそんな提案をしたら水を差すだろうけど、君はもっと元気があると思ったんだ」とローリーは遠回しに言い始めた。

“Bad boy, be quiet!

「悪い子ね、静かにしなさい!

Sit down and think of your own sins, don’t go making me add to mine.

座って自分の罪を反省しなさい、私の罪を増やさないで。

If I get your grandpa to apologize for the shaking, will you give up running away?”

get (させる) [動] cause to be in a specified state

私がおじいさんに揺さぶったことを謝らせたら、家出は諦めてくれるかい?」

asked Jo seriously.

とジョーは真面目に尋ねた。

“Yes, but you won’t do it,” answered Laurie, who wished to make up, but felt that his outraged dignity must be appeased first.

outraged (傷つけられた) [形] very angry

appease (なだめる) [動] make peace with

「そう、でも君はそうしない」仲直りしたかったが、傷つけられたプライドをまずなだめなくてはならないと感じていたローリーは答えた。

“If I can manage the young one, I can the old one,” muttered Jo, as she walked away, leaving Laurie bent over a railroad map with his head propped up on both hands.

railroad map (鉄道地図) [名] a map showing the location of railroad tracks

prop up (支える) [動] support or hold up with or as if with a prop

both hands (両手) [名] the two hands of a person

「若いほうをどうにかできるなら、年寄りもどうにかできる」ローリーが両手で頭を支えながら鉄道地図に覆いかぶさっているのを残して、ジョーはつぶやきながら歩き去った。

“Come in!”

come in (どうぞ) [動] enter a place

「どうぞ」

and Mr. Laurence’s gruff voice sounded gruffer than ever, as Jo tapped at his door.

ジョーがドアをノックすると、ローレンス氏のぶっきらぼうな声がいつもよりぶっきらぼうに聞こえた。

“It’s only me, Sir, come to return a book,” she said blandly, as she entered.

blandly (当たり障りなく) [副] lacking strong features or characteristics

「私だけです、本を返しに来ました」彼女は当たり障りなく言うと、中に入った。

“Want any more?” asked the old gentleman, looking grim and vexed, but trying not to show it.

any more (もっと) [副] to any further extent or degree

vexed (困惑した) [形] annoyed or worried

「もっと欲しいか?」老紳士は不機嫌で困惑した顔をしながらも、それを表に出さないように努めて尋ねた。

“Yes, please. I like old Sam so well, I think I’ll try the second volume,” returned Jo, hoping to propitiate him by accepting a second dose of Boswell’s Johnson, as he had recommended that lively work.

old Sam (サム) [名] Samuel Johnson

second volume (第2巻) [名] the second book in a series

Boswell's Johnson (ボズウェルのジョンソン) [名] a biography of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell

「はい、お願いします。私はサムがとても好きなので、第2巻を読んでみようと思います」ジョーは、彼がその活気ある作品を推薦してくれたので、ボズウェルのジョンソンの第2巻を受け取って彼をなだめることを期待して答えた。

The shaggy eyebrows unbent a little as he rolled the steps toward the shelf where the Johnsonian literature was placed.

shaggy (もじゃもじゃの) [形] having or covered with long, rough, untidy hair

unbent (伸びる) [動] become straight

shelf (棚) [名] a long, flat piece of wood or rigid material, attached to a wall or forming part of a bookcase or other furniture, that provides a surface for the storage or display of objects

Johnsonian (ジョンソン文学) [形] of or relating to Samuel Johnson or his writings

彼がジョンソン文学が置かれている棚に向かって階段を転がすと、もじゃもじゃの眉毛が少し伸びた。

Jo skipped up, and sitting on the top step, affected to be searching for her book, but was really wondering how best to introduce the dangerous object of her visit.

skip (飛び上がる) [動] jump lightly

introduce (切り出す) [動] bring up (a topic) for discussion

ジョーは飛び上がって、一番上の段に座り、本を探すふりをしたが、実際は彼女の訪問の危険な目的をどうやって切り出せばいいのか考えていた。

Mr. Laurence seemed to suspect that something was brewing in her mind, for after taking several brisk turns about the room, he faced round on her, speaking so abruptly that Rasselas tumbled face downward on the floor.

seem to (ようである) [助] appear to be

take (回る) [動] move or travel around, over, or along

about (回る) [前] on all sides of; around

face (向く) [動] have the front or main side or surface oriented or directed toward

on (の方) [前] in the direction of

speak (話し始める) [動] say words or sentences

Rasselas (ラセラス) [名] a character in the story

downward (下にして) [副] toward a lower place or position

ローレンス氏は彼女の頭の中で何かが起こっているのではないかと疑っているようだった。部屋を何度かきびきびと回った後、彼は彼女の方を向いて、あまりに突然話し始めたので、ラセラスは顔を下にして床に転げ落ちた。

“What has that boy been about?

be about (~している) [動] be engaged in or occupied with

「あの少年は何をしていたんだ?

Don’t try to shield him.

shield (かばう) [動] protect from harm or danger

彼をかばおうとしないで。

I know he has been in mischief by the way he acted when he came home.

be in mischief (いたずらをしている) [動] be engaged in mischief

彼が帰宅した時の態度から、彼がいたずらをしていたことはわかっている。

I can’t get a word from him, and when I threatened to shake the truth out of him he bolted upstairs and locked himself into his room.”

get a word (聞き出す) [動] to obtain information from someone

shake the truth out of (真実を揺さぶる) [動] to force someone to tell the truth

bolt (駆け上がる) [動] to move or act with great speed

lock oneself into (閉じこもる) [動] to shut oneself in a room or building

彼から一言も聞き出せないし、彼から真実を揺さぶると脅したら、彼は二階に駆け上がり、自分の部屋に閉じこもってしまった。」

“He did wrong, but we forgave him, and all promised not to say a word to anyone,” began Jo reluctantly.

do wrong (悪いことをする) [動] commit a crime or a sin

not say a word (一言も言わない) [動] remain silent

「彼は悪いことをしたけど、私たちは彼を許して、誰にも一言も言わないと約束したんだ」とジョーはしぶしぶ話し始めた。

“That won’t do. He shall not shelter himself behind a promise from you softhearted girls.

shelter (隠れる) [動] take shelter or refuge

softhearted (優しい) [形] having a gentle and compassionate nature

「それはいけない。彼はあなたたちのような優しい女の子との約束に隠れてはいけない。

If he’s done anything amiss, he shall confess, beg pardon, and be punished.

do something amiss (何か悪いことをする) [動] do something wrong

be punished (罰せられる) [動] receive a penalty for a crime or wrongdoing

もし彼が何か悪いことをしたのなら、彼は告白し、許しを請い、罰せられるべきだ。

Out with it, Jo.

out with it (言いなさい) [動] say what you are thinking

言いなさい、ジョー。

I won’t be kept in the dark.”

be kept in the dark (知らないままにされる) [動] to be kept unaware of something

私は知らないままにしておかれるのは嫌だ。」

Mr. Laurence looked so alarming and spoke so sharply that Jo would have gladly run away, if she could, but she was perched aloft on the steps, and he stood at the foot, a lion in the path, so she had to stay and brave it out.

look so alarming (恐ろしい顔つき) [動] have a frightening appearance

speak so sharply (きつい口調で話す) [動] speak in a harsh or critical way

aloft (上に) [副] high up in the air

brave (勇敢に振る舞う) [動] face or endure danger or pain courageously

ローレンス氏は恐ろしい顔つきで、とてもきつい口調で話したので、ジョーは逃げ出したいと思ったが、彼女は階段の上にいて、彼は道をふさぐライオンのように階段の下にいたので、彼女はそこに留まって勇敢に振る舞わなければならなかった。

“Indeed, Sir, I cannot tell.

cannot tell (分かりません) [動] be unable to say or predict

「本当に、おじさま、私には分かりません。

Mother forbade it.

ママが禁止した。

Laurie has confessed, asked pardon, and been punished quite enough.

ask pardon (許しを請う) [動] ask for forgiveness

punish (罰する) [動] inflict a penalty or sanction on

ローリーは白状して、許しを請い、十分に罰を受けている。

We don’t keep silence to shield him, but someone else, and it will make more trouble if you interfere.

keep silence (沈黙を守る) [動] to remain silent

shield (守る) [動] to protect from harm or danger

someone else (他の誰か) [名] a person other than the one already mentioned

interfere (干渉する) [動] to get involved in something that is not your concern

私たちは彼を守るために沈黙を守っているのではなく、他の誰かを守っているのです。あなたが干渉すれば、もっと面倒なことになります。

Please don’t.

お願いだからやめて。

It was partly my fault, but it’s all right now.

partly (一部) [副] to some extent; in some degree

私のせいでもあったけど、もう大丈夫。

So let’s forget it, and talk about the Rambler or something pleasant.”

Rambler (ランブラー) [名] a person who walks for pleasure

だから忘れて、ランブラーか何か楽しい話をしよう。」

“Hang the Rambler!

「ランブラーは吊るせ!

Come down and give me your word that this harum-scarum boy of mine hasn’t done anything ungrateful or impertinent.

impertinent (無礼な) [形] lacking in respect for others

降りてきて、私のこの無鉄砲な息子が恩知らずなことや無礼なことをしていないと約束してくれ。

If he has, after all your kindness to him, I’ll thrash him with my own hands.”

もし彼が、君の親切にもかかわらず、そういったことをしたのなら、私はこの手で彼を打ちのめす。」

The threat sounded awful, but did not alarm Jo, for she knew the irascible old gentleman would never lift a finger against his grandson, whatever he might say to the contrary.

threat (脅し) [名] a statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action on someone in retribution for something done or not done

alarm (怖がらせる) [動] cause to feel frightened, anxious, or worried

lift a finger (指一本上げる) [動] make the slightest effort

against (に対して) [前] in opposition to

say to the contrary (反対のことを言う) [動] say the opposite of

その脅しは恐ろしく聞こえたが、ジョーを怖がらせることはなかった。なぜなら、彼女はこの短気な老紳士が、どんなに反対のことを言っても、孫に対して指一本上げることはないと知っていたからだ。

She obediently descended, and made as light of the prank as she could without betraying Meg or forgetting the truth.

make light of (軽く見せる) [動] treat as unimportant

彼女は素直に降りていき、メグを裏切ったり真実を忘れたりすることなく、できるだけいたずらを軽く見せた。

“Hum... ha... well, if the boy held his tongue because he promised, and not from obstinacy, I’ll forgive him.

「ふん・・・は・・・そうか、もしあの子が頑固さからではなく、約束したから口を閉ざしたのなら、私は彼を許そう。

He’s a stubborn fellow and hard to manage,” said Mr. Laurence, rubbing up his hair till it looked as if he had been out in a gale, and smoothing the frown from his brow with an air of relief.

stubborn (頑固な) [形] unwilling to change your opinion or to do what someone else wants

rub up (撫でる) [動] polish or clean by rubbing

gale (大風) [名] a very strong wind

彼は頑固なやつで、扱いにくい」とローレンス氏は言い、髪を撫でて大風に吹かれたようにし、安堵の表情で眉間のしわを伸ばした。

“So am I, but a kind word will govern me when all the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t,” said Jo, trying to say a kind word for her friend, who seemed to get out of one scrape only to fall into another.

So am I (私もそうよ) [代] I am also

kind word (優しい言葉) [名] a word that is kind

all the king's horses (王様の馬) [名] the horses of the king

all the king's men (王様の家来) [名] the men of the king

fall into (陥る) [動] get into a bad situation

「私もそうよ、でも王様の馬と王様の家来全員が私を支配できない時でも、優しい言葉なら私を支配できるよ」とジョーは言い、一つの困難から抜け出したと思ったらまた別の困難に陥ったように見える友人のために、優しい言葉をかけようとした。

“You think I’m not kind to him, hey?” was the sharp answer.

「私が彼に優しくしていないと思うのかい?」と鋭い答えが返ってきた。

“Oh, dear no, Sir.

「ああ、いいえ、そんなことはありません。

You are rather too kind sometimes, and then just a trifle hasty when he tries your patience.

あなたは時々優しすぎるし、彼があなたの忍耐を試す時にはちょっと性急すぎるよ。

Don’t you think you are?”

don't you think (そうは思わない) [動] used to express a belief or opinion

you are (そう) [代] the person or thing that is being discussed

そうは思わない?」

Jo was determined to have it out now, and tried to look quite placid, though she quaked a little after her bold speech.

have it out (吐き出す) [動] to have a fight or argument with someone in order to settle a disagreement

determined (決心する) [形] having made a firm decision about something

placid (穏やか) [形] calm and peaceful

ジョーは今それを吐き出そうと決心し、大胆な発言の後で少し震えたが、かなり穏やかに見えるように努めた。

To her great relief and surprise, the old gentleman only threw his spectacles onto the table with a rattle and exclaimed frankly, “You’re right, girl, I am!

to one's great relief (とても安心した) [句] to be very relieved

I am (私は) [代] the speaker or writer of the sentence

彼女の大きな安堵と驚いたことに、老紳士はガタガタと音を立てて眼鏡をテーブルに投げ捨て、率直に叫んだ。「君は正しい、娘よ、私は!

I love the boy, but he tries my patience past bearing, and I know how it will end, if we go on so.”

私はあの子を愛しているが、彼は私の忍耐を試すし、このままではどうなるか分かっている。」

“I’ll tell you, he’ll run away.”

「教えてあげよう、彼は逃げ出すよ。」

Jo was sorry for that speech the minute it was made.

be made (言う) [動] say or express

ジョーはそれを言った瞬間に後悔した。

She meant to warn him that Laurie would not bear much restraint, and hoped he would be more forebearing with the lad.

restraint (束縛) [名] a measure or condition that keeps someone or something under control or within limits

forebearing (寛容な) [形] patient and understanding; tolerant

彼女はローリーがあまり束縛に耐えられないことを彼に警告するつもりで、彼が少年に対してもっと寛容になることを望んだ。

Mr. Laurence’s ruddy face changed suddenly, and he sat down, with a troubled glance at the picture of a handsome man, which hung over his table.

ローレンス氏の赤ら顔が突然変わり、彼はテーブルの上に掛けられたハンサムな男性の写真を困ったようにちらっと見ながら腰を下ろした。

It was Laurie’s father, who had run away in his youth, and married against the imperious old man’s will.

Laurie's father (ローリーの父親) [名] the father of Laurie

imperious (横柄な) [形] arrogant and domineering

それはローリーの父親で、若い頃に逃げ出し、横柄な老人の意志に反して結婚した。

Jo fancied he remembered and regretted the past, and she wished she had held her tongue.

ジョーは彼が過去を思い出して後悔していると思い、口を閉じておけばよかったと思った。

“He won’t do it unless he is very much worried, and only threatens it sometimes, when he gets tired of studying.

unless (~しない限り) [接] except if; if not

「彼はよほど心配しない限りそんなことはしないよ、勉強に飽きたときだけ時々脅すだけよ。

I often think I should like to, especially since my hair was cut, so if you ever miss us, you may advertise for two boys and look among the ships bound for India.”

should like to (したい) [動] want to do something

miss (いなくなる) [動] fail to be present at or attend

advertise (募集する) [動] make a public announcement about something

look (探す) [動] try to find something

特に髪を切ってからはそうしたいと思っているので、もし私たちがいなくなったら、男の子二人を募集してインド行きの船を探してください。」

She laughed as she spoke, and Mr. Laurence looked relieved, evidently taking the whole as a joke.

look (ようだった) [動] seem to be

彼女は話しながら笑い、ローレンス氏は明らかに全部を冗談だと思って安心したようだった。

“You hussy, how dare you talk in that way?

hussy (あばずれ) [名] a woman who has many casual sexual relationships

「このあばずれ、よくもそんな口をきくよね?

Where’s your respect for me, and your proper bringing up?

bring up (育てる) [動] care for and educate (a child)

私に対する敬意はどこへ行ったの、きちんと育てられたの?

Bless the boys and girls!

男の子と女の子に祝福を!

What torments they are, yet we can’t do without them,” he said, pinching her cheeks good-humoredly.

can't do without (~なしではやっていけない) [動] be unable to manage or survive without

good-humoredly (愛情を込めて) [副] in a cheerful or humorous manner

なんて厄介な存在だ、でも彼女たちなしではやっていけない」と彼は言い、彼女の頬を愛情を込めてつねった。

“Go and bring that boy down to his dinner, tell him it’s all right, and advise him not to put on tragedy airs with his grandfather.

「行ってあの子を夕食に連れてきなさい、大丈夫だと伝えて、おじいちゃんに悲劇的な態度を取らないように言いなさい。

I won’t bear it.”

私は耐えられないよ。」

“He won’t come, Sir.

「彼は来ません、旦那様。

He feels badly because you didn’t believe him when he said he couldn’t tell.

feel badly (気分が悪い) [動] to feel sad or upset

didn't believe (信じない) [動] to not accept that (something) is true or real

couldn't tell (言えない) [動] to be unable to say or express something

彼は、言えないと言ったのにあなたが信じてくれなかったので、気分が悪いのです。

I think the shaking hurt his feelings very much.”

揺さぶったことで彼の気持ちをとても傷つけたのだと思います。」

Jo tried to look pathetic but must have failed, for Mr. Laurence began to laugh, and she knew the day was won.

look pathetic (哀れっぽく見せる) [動] to appear to be in a state of suffering or misery

must have failed (失敗したに違いない) [動] to be unsuccessful in doing or achieving something

begin to laugh (笑い始める) [動] to start laughing

ジョーは哀れっぽく見せようとしたが、失敗したに違いない、というのもローレンス氏は笑い始め、彼女はその日勝利したことを知ったからだ。

“I’m sorry for that, and ought to thank him for not shaking me, I suppose.

「それは申し訳なかった、私を揺さぶらなかったことを彼に感謝すべきだったと思う。

What the dickens does the fellow expect?”

what the dickens (いったい) [間] an expression of surprise or annoyance

いったいあいつは何を期待しているんだ?」

and the old gentleman looked a trifle ashamed of his own testiness.

look ashamed (恥ずかしそうにする) [動] to feel or show shame

そして老紳士は自分の短気さを少し恥ずかしそうにした。

“If I were you, I’d write him an apology, Sir.

if I were you (私があなたなら) [条] used to say what you would do if you were in the same situation as someone else

「私があなたなら、彼に謝罪の手紙を書きます、旦那様。

He says he won’t come down till he has one, and talks about Washington, and goes on in an absurd way.

彼はそれを手に入れるまでは降りてこないと言って、ワシントンについて話し、ばかげたことを続ける。

A formal apology will make him see how foolish he is, and bring him down quite amiable.

formal (正式な) [形] done in accordance with rules and regulations

bring down (降ろす) [動] cause to fall

正式な謝罪は彼に自分がどれほど愚かであるかを見せ、彼をとても愛想よく降ろすでしょう。

Try it.

試してみて。

He likes fun, and this way is better than talking.

彼は楽しみが好きで、この方法は話すよりも良い。

I’ll carry it up, and teach him his duty.”

私がそれを運び、彼に義務を教えよう。」

Mr. Laurence gave her a sharp look, and put on his spectacles, saying slowly, “You’re a sly puss, but I don’t mind being managed by you and Beth.

puss (子) [名] a cat

mind (構わない) [動] be concerned about or object to

ローレンス氏は彼女を鋭く見て、ゆっくりと「君はずるい子だね、でも君とベスに管理されるのは構わないよ。

Here, give me a bit of paper, and let us have done with this nonsense.”

here (ほら) [間] used to attract attention

ほら、紙を少しくれ、このナンセンスなことを終わらせよう。」

The note was written in the terms which one gentleman would use to another after offering some deep insult.

term (言葉) [名] a word or phrase used to describe a thing or to express a concept

その手紙は、ある紳士が別の紳士に深い侮辱を与えた後に使う言葉で書かれていた。

Jo dropped a kiss on the top of Mr. Laurence’s bald head, and ran up to slip the apology under Laurie’s door, advising him through the keyhole to be submissive, decorous, and a few other agreeable impossibilities.

drop a kiss (キスをする) [動] to kiss someone or something

bald head (禿げ頭) [名] a head that has no hair

decorous (礼儀正しい) [形] having or showing good manners

impossibility (不可能なこと) [名] something that cannot happen or be done

ジョーはローレンス氏の禿げ頭のてっぺんにキスをし、走って上がって謝罪の手紙をローリーのドアの下から滑り込ませ、鍵穴から従順で礼儀正しく、その他いくつかの好ましい不可能なことをするよう忠告した。

Finding the door locked again, she left the note to do its work, and was going quietly away, when the young gentleman slid down the banisters, and waited for her at the bottom, saying, with his most virtuous expression of countenance, “What a good fellow you are, Jo!

slide down (滑り降りる) [動] move downward quickly and smoothly

ドアが再び鍵がかかっているのを見つけ、彼女はその手紙に仕事をさせ、静かに立ち去ろうとした時、若い紳士が手すりを滑り降り、一番下で彼女を待ち、彼の最も高潔な表情で「君はなんていい奴なんだ、ジョー!

Did you get blown up?” he added, laughing.

get blown up (怒られる) [動] get scolded

怒られたのか?」と笑いながら付け加えた。

“No, he was pretty mild, on the whole.”

on the whole (全体的に) [副] generally speaking

「いいえ、全体的にかなり穏やかでした。」

“Ah! I got it all round.

get (怒られる) [動] receive as a punishment

all round (全面的に) [副] in all aspects or areas

「ああ! 私は全面的に怒られた。

Even you cast me off over there, and I felt just ready to go to the deuce,” he began apologetically.

cast off (捨て去る) [動] to get rid of something or someone

deuce (悪魔) [名] the devil

apologetically (謝罪し始める) [副] in a way that shows that you are sorry for something

君でさえあそこで私を捨て去ったし、私は悪魔のところに行く準備が整ったように感じたんだ」と彼は謝罪し始めた。

“Don’t talk that way, turn over a new leaf and begin again, Teddy, my son.”

turn over a new leaf (心を入れ替える) [動] to make a fresh start

「そんな言い方をするな、心を入れ替えてもう一度始めるんだ、テディ、息子よ。」

“I keep turning over new leaves, and spoiling them, as I used to spoil my copybooks, and I make so many beginnings there never will be an end,” he said dolefully.

turn over (めくる) [動] change the position of something by moving it over

copybook (ノート) [名] a book with blank or ruled pages for writing in

beginning (始まり) [名] the start of something

dolefully (悲しそうに) [副] in a sad way

「私は新しいページをめくっては台無しにし続けている、昔ノートを台無しにしていたように、そして私はあまりに多くの始まりを作っているので終わりは決して来ないだろう」と彼は悲しそうに言った。

“Go and eat your dinner, you’ll feel better after it.

「行って夕食を食べなさい、食べたら気分が良くなるよ。

Men always croak when they are hungry,” and Jo whisked out at the front door after that.

男性はお腹が空くといつも不平を言うのよ」と言い、ジョーはその後玄関からさっと出て行った。

“That’s a ‘label’ on my ‘sect’,” answered Laurie, quoting Amy, as he went to partake of humble pie dutifully with his grandfather, who was quite saintly in temper and overwhelmingly respectful in manner all the rest of the day.

quote (引用する) [動] repeat a passage or statement from someone else's writing or speech

partake (食べる) [動] take part in or experience something

dutifully (従順に) [副] in a way that shows that you are willing to obey rules or do what you are told

saintly (聖人のような) [形] very good, kind, or patient

respectful (敬意に満ちた) [形] showing a polite attitude towards someone or something

all the rest of the day (その日一日中) [名] the whole day

「それは私の『宗派』の『ラベル』です」とローリーはエイミーの言葉を引用して答え、その日一日中、気分は聖人のように穏やかで、態度は圧倒的に敬意に満ちた祖父と、従順にパイを食べに行った。

Everyone thought the matter ended and the little cloud blown over, but the mischief was done, for though others forgot it, Meg remembered.

blow over (吹き飛ばされる) [動] be forgotten or dismissed

be done (行われる) [動] be finished or completed

誰もが問題は終わり、小さな雲は吹き飛ばされたと思ったが、いたずらは行われ、他の人は忘れていたが、メグは覚えていた。

She never alluded to a certain person, but she thought of him a good deal, dreamed dreams more than ever, and once Jo, rummaging her sister’s desk for stamps, found a bit of paper scribbled over with the words, ‘Mrs. John Brooke’, whereat she groaned tragically and cast it into the fire, feeling that Laurie’s prank had hastened the evil day for her.

allude to (ほのめかす) [動] suggest or call attention to indirectly

a certain person (ある人) [名] a person who is not identified

a good deal (よく) [副] to a great extent or degree

more than ever (これまで以上に) [副] to a greater extent than ever before

stamp (切手) [名] a small adhesive piece of paper of specified value issued by a postal system and used to pay postage

bit of paper (紙切れ) [名] a small piece of paper

cast (投げ込む) [動] throw forcefully

hasten (早める) [動] cause to happen sooner than anticipated

evil day (不吉な日) [名] a day on which something bad happens

彼女はある人のことをほのめかすことはなかったが、彼のことをよく考え、これまで以上に夢を見、ジョーは一度、妹の机を切手で探し回り、「ジョン・ブルック夫人」という言葉が走り書きされた紙切れを見つけ、悲劇的にうめき声を上げて火の中に投げ込み、ローリーのいたずらが彼女にとっての不吉な日を早めたと感じた。

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: PLEASANT MEADOWS

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO (第22章) [名] the 22nd chapter

PLEASANT MEADOWS (プレザント・メドウズ) [名] a fictional place

第22章プレザント・メドウズ

Like sunshine after a storm were the peaceful weeks which followed.

嵐の後の太陽の光のように、その後の平和な数週間は続いた。

The invalids improved rapidly, and Mr. March began to talk of returning early in the new year.

improve (回復する) [動] get better

talk (話) [名] a speech or lecture

return (帰国) [動] go back to a place

病人は急速に回復し、マーチ氏は新年の早い時期に帰国する話を始めた。

Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats at first, and in time with doll’s sewing, which had fallen sadly behind-hand.

well-beloved (大好きな) [形] much loved

sadly (悲しいほど) [副] unhappily

behind-hand (遅れていた) [形] late or behind schedule

ベスはすぐに書斎のソファに一日中横たわることができ、最初は大好きな猫と遊び、やがて悲しいほど遅れていた人形の縫い物で遊ぶようになった。

Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her for a daily airing about the house in her strong arms.

stiff (硬直した) [形] not flexible or pliant

airing (散歩) [名] a walk in the fresh air

かつて活発だった手足が硬直して弱々しくなっていたので、ジョーは毎日、彼女を抱きかかえて家の周りを散歩させた。

Meg cheerfully blackened and burned her white hands cooking delicate messes for ‘the dear’, while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.

blacken (黒くする) [動] make or become black

delicate (おいしい) [形] pleasing to the senses

mess (料理) [名] a prepared dish of food

the dear (愛する人) [名] a person who is loved

a loyal slave (忠実な奴隷) [名] a person who is legally owned by someone else and has no personal freedom

of the ring (指輪の) [前] belonging to or connected with

her return (帰国) [名] the act of returning

giving away (あげる) [動] give as a present

as many as (できるだけ多くの) [限] the greatest number or amount of

her treasures (宝物) [名] a very valuable or precious thing

as (だけ) [接] to the extent or degree that

prevail on (受け入れてもらう) [動] persuade or induce

her sisters (姉妹たち) [名] a girl or woman who has the same parents as another person

to accept (受け入れる) [動] receive (something offered) willingly

メグは「愛する人」のためにおいしい料理を作ろうとして、白い手を黒く焦がしたりしたが、指輪の忠実な奴隷であるエイミーは、姉妹たちに受け入れてもらえるだけの宝物をあげて、帰国を祝った。

As Christmas approached, the usual mysteries began to haunt the house, and Jo frequently convulsed the family by proposing utterly impossible or magnificently absurd ceremonies, in honor of this unusually merry Christmas.

frequently (しばしば) [副] often; many times

convulse (混乱させる) [動] cause to be agitated or disturbed

utterly (まったく) [副] completely; absolutely

magnificently (壮大に) [副] in a magnificent manner

クリスマスが近づくにつれて、いつもの謎が家を悩ませ始め、ジョーは、この異常に陽気なクリスマスを記念して、まったく不可能で壮大に馬鹿げた儀式を提案して、家族をしばしば混乱させた。

Laurie was equally impracticable, and would have had bonfires, skyrockets, and triumphal arches, if he had had his own way.

equally (同じように) [副] in the same way

impracticable (非現実的) [形] not feasible

skyrocket (ロケット花火) [名] a type of firework that shoots into the sky

triumphal arch (凱旋門) [名] a monumental structure with one or more arched passageways, typically built to commemorate a military victory

ローリーも同じように非現実的で、もし彼が自分の思い通りにできたら、たき火やロケット花火、凱旋門を用意しただろう。

After many skirmishes and snubbings, the ambitious pair were considered effectually quenched and went about with forlorn faces, which were rather belied by explosions of laughter when the two got together.

snub (冷たい態度) [名] an act of ignoring someone or something

quench (抑える) [動] satisfy (one's thirst) by drinking

belie (嘘) [動] fail to give a true impression of

explosion (爆笑) [名] a sudden release of energy that causes a loud noise

何度も小競り合いや冷たい態度をとられた後、野心的な二人は効果的に抑えられたと考えられて、悲しそうな顔で歩き回っていたが、二人が集まると爆笑が起こり、むしろ嘘だった。

Several days of unusually mild weather fitly ushered in a splendid Christmas Day.

several days (数日間) [名] a period of time lasting more than one day but not as long as a week

fitly (ふさわしい) [副] in a suitable or proper manner

usher in (先導する) [動] to be a sign of the beginning of

数日間続いた異常なほど穏やかな天候は、素晴らしいクリスマスにふさわしいものだった。

Hannah ‘felt in her bones’ that it was going to be an unusually fine day, and she proved herself a true prophetess, for everybody and everything seemed bound to produce a grand success.

feel in one's bones (骨身に感じる) [動] to be absolutely certain about something

prophetess (預言者) [名] a woman who delivers prophecies

bound (違いない) [形] certain or very likely to happen

grand (大) [形] very large or impressive

ハンナは、今日は異常に良い日になるだろうと「骨身に感じ」、彼女は真の預言者であることを証明した。なぜなら、誰もが、そしてすべてが大成功を収めるに違いなかったからだ。

To begin with, Mr. March wrote that he should soon be with them, then Beth felt uncommonly well that morning, and, being dressed in her mother’s gift, a soft crimson merino wrapper, was borne in high triumph to the window to behold the offering of Jo and Laurie.

to begin with (まず) [副] first of all

with (帰る) [前] in the company of

uncommonly (珍しく) [副] unusually

being dressed in (着て) [動] put on clothes

merino (メリノ) [名] a breed of sheep that produces fine wool

wrapper (ガウン) [名] a loose outer garment

be borne (運ばれ) [動] carry or support

in high triumph (意気揚々と) [副] in a triumphant manner

to the window (窓辺に) [名] an opening in a wall or roof of a building or vehicle that allows the passage of light and, if not fixed, air and sound

to behold (眺めた) [動] look at or observe with great interest

まず、マーチ氏はすぐに帰ると書いてきたし、ベスはその朝、珍しく気分が良くて、母親からの贈り物である柔らかい深紅のメリノのガウンを着て、意気揚々と窓辺に運ばれ、ジョーとローリーの贈り物を眺めた。

The Unquenchables had done their best to be worthy of the name, for like elves they had worked by night and conjured up a comical surprise.

The Unquenchables (消せない火) [名] a group of people who are very enthusiastic and energetic

worthy (恥じない) [形] deserving of

conjure up (用意する) [動] to bring to mind

消せない火は、その名に恥じないように最善を尽くしていた。エルフのように夜通し働き、滑稽なサプライズを用意したのだ。

Out in the garden stood a stately snow maiden, crowned with holly, bearing a basket of fruit and flowers in one hand, a great roll of music in the other, a perfect rainbow of an Afghan round her chilly shoulders, and a Christmas carol issuing from her lips on a pink paper streamer.

out in the garden (庭に) [名] in the garden

crown (冠をかぶる) [動] put a crown on the head of

holly (ヒイラギ) [名] an evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves and red berries

the other (もう片方) [名] the other one of two things

great roll of music (大きな楽譜) [名] a large sheet of paper on which music is written

round (巻く) [動] move in a circular motion

chilly (冷えた) [形] cold

rainbow (虹色) [名] an arch of colors formed in the sky when the sun shines onto droplets of moisture in the atmosphere

Afghan (アフガン) [名] a person from Afghanistan

issue (口ずさむ) [動] come out or go out

streamer (紙テープ) [名] a long strip of paper that is used as a decoration

庭には、ヒイラギの冠をかぶった堂々とした雪の乙女が立っていて、片手には果物と花の入った籠を持ち、もう片方の手には大きな楽譜を持ち、冷えた肩には完璧な虹色のアフガンを巻き、ピンクの紙テープに書かれたクリスマスキャロルを口ずさんでいた。

THE JUNGFRAU TO BETH

JUNGFRAU (ユングフラウ) [名] a mountain in the Alps

ユングフラウからベスへ

God bless you, dear Queen Bess!

Queen Bess (ベス女王) [名] Elizabeth I, queen of England from 1558 to 1603

神のご加護を、親愛なるベス女王!

May nothing you dismay,

dismay (狼狽させる) [動] cause to lose courage or confidence

何もあなたを狼狽させませんように。

But health and peace and happiness

健康と平和と幸福だけが

Be yours, this Christmas day.

be yours (あなたのものとなりますように) [動] belong to you

this Christmas day (このクリスマスの日に) [名] the day on which Christmas is celebrated

あなたのものとなりますように、このクリスマスの日に。

Here’s fruit to feed our busy bee,

bee (ハチ) [名] a flying insect that is closely related to the wasp and produces honey and wax

ここに働きバチに与える果物がある。

And flowers for her nose.

そして彼女の鼻のための花がある。

Here’s music for her pianee,

ここに彼女のピアノのための楽譜がある。

An afghan for her toes,

afghan (アフガン編みの毛布) [名] a blanket or shawl made of crocheted squares

彼女の足の指のためのアフガン編みの毛布がある。

A portrait of Joanna, see,

ジョアンナの肖像画がある。

By Raphael No. 2,

by (作) [前] made by

Raphael (ラファエル) [名] a male given name

No. 2 (2世) [名] the second in a series

ラファエル2世作。

Who laboured with great industry

labour (働く) [動] work hard

彼は非常に熱心に働いた。

To make it fair and true.

それを公正で真実にするために。

Accept a ribbon red, I beg, For Madam Purrer’s tail, And ice cream made by lovely Peg, A Mont Blanc in a pail.

Madam Purrer (マダム・パーラー) [名] a cat

Peg (ペグ) [名] a short, thick piece of wood, metal, or plastic with a pointed or rounded end, used to fasten something or to hang things on

Mont Blanc (モンブラン) [名] the highest mountain in the Alps

赤いリボンを受け取ってください、マダム・パーラーのしっぽに、そして素敵なペグが作ったアイスクリーム、バケツに入ったモンブランを。

Their dearest love my makers laid Within my breast of snow.

maker (作り手) [名] a person who makes something

within (中に) [前] inside

私の作り手は、彼らの最も愛しい愛を私の雪の胸の中に置いた。

Accept it, and the Alpine maid, From Laurie and from Jo.

the Alpine maid (アルプスの乙女) [名] a young woman from the Alps

それを受け取ってください、そしてアルプスの乙女を、ローリーとジョーから。

How Beth laughed when she saw it, how Laurie ran up and down to bring in the gifts, and what ridiculous speeches Jo made as she presented them.

ベスがそれを見た時にどれほど笑ったか、ローリーが贈り物を持って来るためにどれほど走り回ったか、そしてジョーが贈り物を渡す時にどんなばかげたスピーチをしたか。

“I’m so full of happiness, that if Father was only here, I couldn’t hold one drop more,” said Beth, quite sighing with contentment as Jo carried her off to the study to rest after the excitement, and to refresh herself with some of the delicious grapes the ‘Jungfrau’ had sent her.

be here (ここにいる) [動] be present

couldn't (できない) [助] can not

hold (我慢する) [動] keep oneself from doing something

one drop (一滴) [名] a small amount of liquid

contentment (満足) [名] a state of happiness and satisfaction

as (とき) [接] at the time that; while

carry (連れて行く) [動] take or bring from one place to another

the study (書斎) [名] a room in a house used for reading, writing, or studying

the excitement (興奮) [名] a feeling of great happiness or pleasure

to refresh (元気を取り戻す) [動] make or become fresh or vigorous again

the delicious (おいしい) [形] very pleasant to the taste

grapes (ブドウ) [名] a small round fruit with a smooth dark skin and a juicy flesh, eaten as a dessert fruit or used in making wine

the 'Jungfrau' (ユングフラウ) [名] a mountain in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps

had sent (送った) [動] cause to go or be taken to a destination; arrange for the delivery of

「私はとても幸せでいっぱいで、もしパパがここにいたら、私はもう一滴も我慢できないよ」とベスは言い、ジョーが興奮の後に休憩し、「ユングフラウ」が送ってくれたおいしいブドウを食べて元気を取り戻すために書斎に連れて行ったとき、満足そうにため息をついた。

“So am I,” added Jo, slapping the pocket wherein reposed the long-desired Undine and Sintram.

slap (叩く) [動] hit with the open hand

desire (望む) [動] want or wish for

「私も」とジョーは付け加えて、長く望んでいたウンディーネとシントラムが眠っているポケットを叩いた。

“I’m sure I am,” echoed Amy, poring over the engraved copy of the Madonna and Child, which her mother had given her in a pretty frame.

pore over (じっと見つめる) [動] read or study attentively

Madonna and Child (聖母子像) [名] a picture or statue of Mary with the baby Jesus

frame (額縁) [名] a rigid structure that surrounds or encloses something such as a door or window

「私もそうよ」とエイミーは反響し、母親がきれいな額縁に入れて彼女にくれた聖母子像の複製をじっと見つめた。

“Of course I am!” cried Meg, smoothing the silvery folds of her first silk dress, for Mr. Laurence had insisted on giving it.

「もちろんよ!」とメグは叫び、ローレンスさんが贈ってくれた初めてのシルクのドレスの銀色のひだをなでた。

“How can I be otherwise?” said Mrs. March gratefully, as her eyes went from her husband’s letter to Beth’s smiling face, and her hand caressed the brooch made of gray and golden, chestnut and dark brown hair, which the girls had just fastened on her breast.

be otherwise (そうならないわけがない) [動] be different from what is stated

caress (撫でる) [動] touch or stroke gently or lovingly

dark brown (暗褐色) [形] of a dark shade of brown

「そうならないわけがないよ」とマーチ夫人は感謝して言い、夫の手紙からベスの笑顔に目を移し、娘たちが胸につけたばかりの灰色と金色、栗色と暗褐色の髪でできたブローチを撫でた。

Now and then, in this workaday world, things do happen in the delightful storybook fashion, and what a comfort it is.

workaday (日常生活) [形] ordinary; everyday

storybook (童話) [名] a book containing a story or collection of stories intended for children

時々、この日常生活の中で、楽しい童話のようなことが起こり、それはとても心地よいことだ。

Half an hour after everyone had said they were so happy they could only hold one drop more, the drop came.

みんなが幸せすぎてあと一滴しか入らないと言い合ってから30分後、その一滴がやってきた。

Laurie opened the parlor door and popped his head in very quietly.

ローリーは居間のドアを開け、とても静かに頭を突っ込んだ。

He might just as well have turned a somersault and uttered an Indian war whoop, for his face was so full of suppressed excitement and his voice so treacherously joyful that everyone jumped up, though he only said, in a queer, breathless voice, “Here’s another Christmas present for the March family.”

turn a somersault (宙返りをする) [動] perform an acrobatic feat in which the body makes a complete revolution in the air

war whoop (雄叫び) [名] a loud cry or yell

suppressed (抑えきれない) [形] kept under control

treacherously (裏切るように) [副] in a way that is dangerous or harmful

joyful (喜びにあふれた) [形] full of joy

jump up (飛び上がる) [動] leap or spring upward

breathless (息もつかせない) [形] out of breath

another (もう一つの) [形] an additional one

彼は宙返りをしてインディアンの雄叫びをあげてもよかったかもしれない。彼の顔は抑えきれない興奮に満ち、声は裏切るように喜びにあふれていたので、彼がただ奇妙な息もつかせない声で「マーチ家の皆さんへのもう一つのクリスマスプレゼントです」と言っただけなのに、みんなが飛び上がった。

Before the words were well out of his mouth, he was whisked away somehow, and in his place appeared a tall man, muffled up to the eyes, leaning on the arm of another tall man, who tried to say something and couldn’t.

well (十分に) [副] to a high standard or degree

muffle (覆う) [動] wrap or cover for warmth

言葉が口から出る前に、彼はどこかへ連れ去られ、代わりに目まで覆われた背の高い男が現れ、何か言おうとするが言えずにもう一人の背の高い男の腕に寄りかかった。

Of course there was a general stampede, and for several minutes everybody seemed to lose their wits, for the strangest things were done, and no one said a word.

general stampede (大混乱) [名] a sudden rush of people or animals in a particular direction

the strangest things (奇妙なこと) [名] things that are very unusual or unexpected

be done (起こる) [動] happen

say a word (一言も発さない) [動] say anything at all

もちろん大混乱になり、数分間誰もが正気を失ったようだった。奇妙なことが起こり、誰も一言も発しなかった。

Mr. March became invisible in the embrace of four pairs of loving arms.

become invisible (見えなくなる) [動] become unable to be seen

four pairs (四組) [名] four sets of two things

loving arms (愛情あふれる腕) [名] arms that are full of love

マーチ氏は四組の愛情あふれる腕に抱きしめられ、見えなくなった。

Jo disgraced herself by nearly fainting away, and had to be doctored by Laurie in the china closet.

doctor (手当てする) [動] treat medically

ジョーは気絶しそうになって恥をかいてしまい、食器棚でローリーに手当てしてもらわなければならなかった。

Mr. Brooke kissed Meg entirely by mistake, as he somewhat incoherently explained.

entirely (全く) [副] completely; totally

incoherently (支離滅裂に) [副] in an incoherent manner

ブルック氏は、多少支離滅裂に説明したように、全くの間違いでメグにキスをした。

And Amy, the dignified, tumbled over a stool, and never stopping to get up, hugged and cried over her father’s boots in the most touching manner.

tumble (つまづく) [動] fall or cause to fall suddenly

そして、威厳のあるエイミーはスツールにつまづき、立ち上がることなく、父のブーツを抱きしめて、とても感動的な態度で泣いた。

Mrs. March was the first to recover herself, and held up her hand with a warning, “Hush! Remember Beth.”

hold up (挙げる) [動] raise

マーチ夫人は最初に我に返り、警告するように手を挙げた。「静かに! ベスを思い出して。」

But it was too late.

too late (遅すぎる) [副] after the proper or usual time

しかし、遅すぎた。

The study door flew open, the little red wrapper appeared on the threshold, joy put strength into the feeble limbs, and Beth ran straight into her father’s arms.

little red wrapper (小さな赤いガウン) [名] a small red dressing gown

threshold (敷居) [名] the piece of wood or stone forming the bottom of a doorway

put strength into (力を与える) [動] make stronger

run straight into (まっすぐ走る) [動] run directly into

father's arms (父の腕) [名] the arms of one's father

書斎のドアが開き、小さな赤いガウンが敷居に現れ、喜びが弱った手足に力を与え、ベスは父の腕にまっすぐ走った。

Never mind what happened just after that, for the full hearts overflowed, washing away the bitterness of the past and leaving only the sweetness of the present.

just after (直後) [副] immediately after

overflow (あふれる) [動] flow over the brim of

wash away (洗い流す) [動] remove by washing

その直後に何が起こったかは気にしないでほしい、満ちた心があふれ、過去の苦しみを洗い流し、現在の甘さだけを残したからだ。

It was not at all romantic, but a hearty laugh set everybody straight again, for Hannah was discovered behind the door, sobbing over the fat turkey, which she had forgotten to put down when she rushed up from the kitchen.

straight (元の) [形] not bent or curved

turkey (七面鳥) [名] a large bird native to North America

put down (置き忘れる) [動] place on a lower level

up (上がる) [前] to a higher place

それは全くロマンチックではなかったが、心からの笑いが皆を元に戻した、というのもハンナがドアの後ろにいて、台所から急いで上がってきた時に置き忘れた太った七面鳥を抱えてすすり泣いているのが発見されたからだ。

As the laugh subsided, Mrs. March began to thank Mr. Brooke for his faithful care of her husband, at which Mr. Brooke suddenly remembered that Mr. March needed rest, and seizing Laurie, he precipitately retired.

precipitately (急いで) [副] in a hasty and therefore typically careless or reckless manner

笑いが収まると、マーチ夫人は夫を忠実に世話してくれたブルック氏に感謝し始め、ブルック氏はマーチ氏が休息を必要としていることを突然思い出し、ローリーを捕まえて急いで退散した。

Then the two invalids were ordered to repose, which they did, by both sitting in one big chair and talking hard.

それから二人の病人は休むように命じられ、二人とも大きな椅子に座って熱心に話し合った。

Mr. March told how he had longed to surprise them, and how, when the fine weather came, he had been allowed by his doctor to take advantage of it, how devoted Brooke had been, and how he was altogether a most estimable and upright young man.

take advantage of (利用する) [動] make good use of

estimable (立派な) [形] worthy of esteem or respect

upright (正直な) [形] honest and just

マーチ氏は、いかに自分達を驚かせたかったか、天気が良くなった時に医師からそれを利用することを許されたか、ブルックがどれほど献身的だったか、そして彼がどれほど立派で正直な青年であるかを語った。

Why Mr. March paused a minute just there, and after a glance at Meg, who was violently poking the fire, looked at his wife with an inquiring lift of the eyebrows, I leave you to imagine.

なぜマーチ氏がそこで一分間立ち止まり、激しく火をつついているメグを一瞥した後、眉を上げて尋ねるように妻を見たのかは、皆さんのご想像にお任せする。

Also why Mrs. March gently nodded her head and asked, rather abruptly, if he wouldn’t like to have something to eat.

また、なぜマーチ夫人がそっとうなずき、何か食べたくないかと唐突に尋ねたのかも、皆さんのご想像にお任せする。

Jo saw and understood the look, and she stalked grimly away to get wine and beef tea, muttering to herself as she slammed the door, “I hate estimable young men with brown eyes!”

beef tea (ビーフティー) [名] a drink made from beef extract

ジョーはその表情を見て理解し、ワインやビーフティーを取りにいかつい足取りで立ち去り、ドアをバタンと閉めながら「茶色い目の立派な青年なんて大嫌い!」とつぶやいた。

There never was such a Christmas dinner as they had that day.

Christmas dinner (クリスマスディナー) [名] a dinner eaten on Christmas Day

その日のようなクリスマスディナーはかつてなかった。

The fat turkey was a sight to behold, when Hannah sent him up, stuffed, browned, and decorated.

send up (持ってくる) [動] to cause to go up

stuff (詰め物をする) [動] to fill tightly with something

brown (焼き色をつける) [動] to make or become brown

decorate (飾り付ける) [動] to make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.

ハンナが詰め物をし、焼き色をつけて飾り付けた太った七面鳥は、見事な眺めだった。

So was the plum pudding, which melted in one’s mouth, likewise the jellies, in which Amy reveled like a fly in a honeypot.

plum pudding (プラムプディング) [名] a rich boiled or steamed pudding made with raisins, currants, and other dried fruits

jelly (ゼリー) [名] a fruit-flavored dessert made with gelatin

honeypot (蜜つぼ) [名] a container for honey

口の中でとろけるプラムプディングもそうだったし、エイミーが蜜つぼに群がるハエのように喜んだゼリーもそうだった。

Everything turned out well, which was a mercy, Hannah said, “For my mind was that flustered, Mum, that it’s a merrycle I didn’t roast the pudding, and stuff the turkey with raisins, let alone bilin’ of it in a cloth.”

turn out (判明する) [動] to become known or apparent

flustered (混乱した) [形] in a state of confusion or agitation

Mum (ママ) [名] a female parent

pudding (プディング) [名] a dessert made of a soft, sweet substance

roast (焼く) [動] cook by dry heat in an oven

raisin (レーズン) [名] a dried grape

stuff (詰める) [動] fill tightly with something

cloth (布) [名] a piece of woven or knitted material

bilin' (煮る) [動] cook or be cooked in a liquid that is bubbling gently

すべてがうまくいったが、それは幸いなことだった、とハンナは言った、「だって、ママ、私の頭は混乱していたから、布で包んで煮るどころか、プディングを焼いたり、七面鳥にレーズンを詰めたりしなかったのは奇跡よ。」

Mr. Laurence and his grandson dined with them, also Mr. Brooke, at whom Jo glowered darkly, to Laurie’s infinite amusement.

dine (食事をする) [動] eat dinner

darkly (じろじろと) [副] in a dark manner

infinite (とても) [形] very great or large

amusement (面白がる) [名] the state of being amused

ローレンスさんと孫も一緒に食事をし、ブルックさんも一緒だったが、ジョーは彼をじろじろと睨みつけ、ローリーはそれをとても面白がった。

Two easy chairs stood side by side at the head of the table, in which sat Beth and her father, feasting modestly on chicken and a little fruit.

stand side by side (並んで置かれる) [動] be next to each other

head (端) [名] the upper or front part of the human body, or the front or upper part of an animal's body

feast (食べる) [動] eat a large meal, typically on a special occasion

テーブルの端に2つの安楽椅子が並んで置かれ、ベスと父が座って、控えめにチキンと少しのフルーツを食べていた。

They drank healths, told stories, sang songs, ‘reminisced’, as the old folks say, and had a thoroughly good time.

drink healths (健康を祝して飲む) [動] drink to someone's health

tell stories (物語を語る) [動] narrate or relate a story

sing songs (歌を歌う) [動] produce musical sounds with the voice

reminisce (回想する) [動] recall past events

彼らは健康を祝して飲み、物語を語り、歌を歌い、年寄りたちが言うように「回想」し、とても楽しい時間を過ごした。

A sleigh ride had been planned, but the girls would not leave their father, so the guests departed early, and as twilight gathered, the happy family sat together round the fire.

depart (帰る) [動] leave

ソリに乗る計画だったが、娘たちは父親を置いて行かなかったので、客たちは早く帰り、夕暮れになると、幸せな家族は暖炉を囲んで座った。

“Just a year ago we were groaning over the dismal Christmas we expected to have.

ago (前) [副] earlier

groan (嘆く) [動] utter a deep moan

「ちょうど1年前、私たちは悲惨なクリスマスを過ごすだろうと嘆いていたよ。

Do you remember?” asked Jo, breaking a short pause which had followed a long conversation about many things.

覚えてる?」とジョーは、いろいろなことについて長い会話をした後の短い沈黙を破って尋ねた。

“Rather a pleasant year on the whole!” said Meg, smiling at the fire, and congratulating herself on having treated Mr. Brooke with dignity.

congratulate (祝福する) [動] express praise or admiration for an achievement or good fortune

「全体的にかなり楽しい一年だったよ!」とメグは暖炉に向かって微笑み、ブルック氏を威厳をもって扱ったことを自ら祝福した。

“I think it’s been a pretty hard one,” observed Amy, watching the light shine on her ring with thoughtful eyes.

pretty hard (かなり大変) [形] very difficult

thoughtful (物思いにふける) [形] thinking deeply or seriously

「かなり大変だったと思うよ」とエイミーは自分の指輪に光が当たるのを物思いにふけった目で眺めながら言った。

“I’m glad it’s over, because we’ve got you back,” whispered Beth, who sat on her father’s knee.

「終わってよかったよ、だってパパが戻ってきたんだもの」とベスは父の膝に座ってささやいた。

“Rather a rough road for you to travel, my little pilgrims, especially the latter part of it.

rough (険しい) [形] having a surface that is not smooth or level

「私の小さな巡礼者たちよ、特に後半は、あなたたちが旅するにはかなり険しい道だ。

But you have got on bravely, and I think the burdens are in a fair way to tumble off very soon,” said Mr. March, looking with fatherly satisfaction at the four young faces gathered round him.

get on (乗り越える) [動] to make progress

fatherly (父親らしい) [形] of or like a father

だが、君たちは勇敢に乗り越えてきたし、重荷もすぐに転げ落ちる道筋にあると思う」とマーチ氏は言い、自分の周りに集まった四人の若い顔を父親らしい満足感をもって眺めた。

“How do you know?

「どうして知っているの?

Did Mother tell you?” asked Jo.

ママが言ったの?」とジョーは尋ねた。

“Not much. Straws show which way the wind blows, and I’ve made several discoveries today.”

straw (麦わら) [名] a thin tube made of paper or plastic for sucking up a drink

「あまり。麦わらは風がどちらに吹くかを示し、私は今日いくつかの発見をした。」

“Oh, tell us what they are!” cried Meg, who sat beside him.

「ああ、何を発見したのかを教えて!」と彼の横に座っていたメグは叫んだ。

“Here is one.”

be (ある) [動] exist

「これが一つ。」

And taking up the hand which lay on the arm of his chair, he pointed to the roughened forefinger, a burn on the back, and two or three little hard spots on the palm.

take up (取る) [動] to grasp or grip

roughen (ざらざらした) [形] having a rough surface

burn (火傷) [名] an injury caused by heat or flame

back (手の甲) [名] the upper surface of the hand

palm (手のひら) [名] the inner surface of the hand

そして、椅子のひじ掛けに置かれていた手を取って、彼はざらざらした人差し指、手の甲の火傷、手のひらの2、3の小さな硬い部分を指さした。

“I remember a time when this hand was white and smooth, and your first care was to keep it so.

care (心配事) [名] a worry or difficulty

「この手が白くて滑らかだった頃を覚えているよ、そして、君の一番の心配事はそれを保つことだった。

It was very pretty then, but to me it is much prettier now, for in this seeming blemishes I read a little history.

to me (私には) [前] in my opinion

seeming (傷跡) [名] an apparent defect

blemish (傷跡) [名] a mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something

read (読み取る) [動] understand the meaning of written or printed words

その時はとてもきれいだったが、私には今の方がずっときれいだ、なぜなら、この傷跡に私は小さな歴史を読み取るからだ。

A burnt offering has been made to vanity, this hardened palm has earned something better than blisters, and I’m sure the sewing done by these pricked fingers will last a long time, so much good will went into the stitches.

burnt offering (焼き尽くす捧げ物) [名] a sacrifice that is completely burned

hardened (硬くなった) [形] made hard or harder

blister (水ぶくれ) [名] a small bubble on the skin filled with serum and caused by friction, burning, or other damage

虚栄心への焼き尽くす捧げ物が作られ、この硬くなった手のひらは水ぶくれよりも良い何かを得た、そして、私はこれらの刺された指によって行われた縫い物が長い間続くと確信している、とても多くの善意が縫い目に入った。

Meg, my dear, I value the womanly skill which keeps home happy more than white hands or fashionable accomplishments.

メグ、私の愛しい人、私は白い手や流行の技能よりも家庭を幸せに保つ女性らしい技能を大切にする。

I’m proud to shake this good, industrious little hand, and hope I shall not soon be asked to give it away.”

industrious (勤勉な) [形] working hard and steadily

be asked to (求められる) [動] be requested to do something

私はこの善良で勤勉な小さな手を握ることを誇りに思うし、すぐにそれを手放すように求められないことを願っている。」

If Meg had wanted a reward for hours of patient labor, she received it in the hearty pressure of her father’s hand and the approving smile he gave her.

pressure (握手) [名] the application of continuous force or influence

もしメグが何時間もの忍耐強い労働に対する報酬を望んでいたなら、彼女は父親の心からの握手と彼が彼女に向けた承認の笑顔でそれを受け取った。

“What about Jo? Please say something nice, for she has tried so hard and been so very, very good to me,” said Beth in her father’s ear.

what about (は?) [句] how about

say something nice (何かいいことを言って) [句] say something positive

try hard (頑張る) [動] make a great effort

very good (とてもよく) [形] very nice

in one's ear (耳元で) [句] close to one's ear

「ジョーは? 何かいいことを言ってあげて、彼女はとても頑張ってくれたし、私にとてもとてもよくしてくれたのよ」とベスは父親の耳元で言った。

He laughed and looked across at the tall girl who sat opposite, with an unusually mild expression in her face.

look across (見る) [動] look at something on the other side of something

彼は笑って、向かいに座っている背の高い娘を見た。彼女の顔には珍しく穏やかな表情があった。

“In spite of the curly crop, I don’t see the ‘son Jo’ whom I left a year ago,” said Mr. March.

crop (髪) [名] a short haircut

year (一年) [名] the period of time that the earth takes to make one complete orbit of the sun

「カールした髪にもかかわらず、私が一年前に残した「息子ジョー」は見えない」とマーチ氏は言った。

“I see a young lady who pins her collar straight, laces her boots neatly, and neither whistles, talks slang, nor lies on the rug as she used to do.

neatly (きちんと) [副] in a neat and tidy way

「私は、襟をまっすぐに留め、ブーツの紐をきちんと結び、口笛を吹いたり、俗語を話したり、以前のように敷物の上に寝転んだりしない若い女性を見ている。

Her face is rather thin and pale just now, with watching and anxiety, but I like to look at it, for it has grown gentler, and her voice is lower.

watching (見守り) [名] the action of observing or monitoring someone or something

彼女の顔は今、見守りと不安でかなり痩せて青白くなっているが、私はそれを見るのが好きで、それは優しくなり、彼女の声は低くなった。

She doesn’t bounce, but moves quietly, and takes care of a certain little person in a motherly way which delights me.

彼女は跳ね回らず、静かに動き、私を喜ばせる母親のような方法で、ある小さな人の世話をする。

I rather miss my wild girl, but if I get a strong, helpful, tenderhearted woman in her place, I shall feel quite satisfied.

miss (恋しい) [動] feel sad or unhappy about the absence of

tenderhearted (優しい) [形] having a gentle and compassionate nature

私はむしろ私の野生の少女が恋しいが、もし私が彼女の代わりに強く、親切で、優しい女性を得るなら、私はかなり満足するだろう。

I don’t know whether the shearing sobered our black sheep, but I do know that in all Washington I couldn’t find anything beautiful enough to be bought with the five-and-twenty dollars my good girl sent me.”

shearing (毛を刈ること) [名] the action of cutting the wool off a sheep or other animal

sober (落ち着かせる) [動] make or become more serious, sensible, or solemn

black sheep (厄介者) [名] a member of a family or group who is considered to be a disgrace to it

five-and-twenty dollars (25ドル) [名] an amount of money

good girl (良い娘) [名] a well-behaved or obedient girl

毛を刈ったことでうちの厄介者が落ち着いたかどうかはわからないが、ワシントン中を探しても、私の良い娘が送ってくれた25ドルで買えるほど美しいものは見つからなかったことは確かだ。」

Jo’s keen eyes were rather dim for a minute, and her thin face grew rosy in the firelight as she received her father’s praise, feeling that she did deserve a portion of it.

keen (鋭い) [形] having or showing great interest or enthusiasm

dim (ぼんやり) [形] not bright or distinct

ジョーの鋭い目は一瞬ぼんやりとし、父親の賞賛を受け、その一部に値すると感じた彼女の薄い顔は火の光でバラ色に染まった。

“Now, Beth,” said Amy, longing for her turn, but ready to wait.

longing (待ち望む) [動] have a strong wish or desire for

ready (覚悟を決める) [形] prepared or available for use or action

「さあ、ベス」とエイミーは自分の番を待ち望みながらも、待つ覚悟を決めていた。

“There’s so little of her, I’m afraid to say much, for fear she will slip away altogether, though she is not so shy as she used to be,” began their father cheerfully.

slip away (逃げる) [動] leave quietly or secretly

「彼女は以前ほど恥ずかしがり屋ではないが、あまりにも小さいので、あまり言うと、すっかり逃げてしまうのではないかと心配だ」と父親は陽気に話し始めた。

But recollecting how nearly he had lost her, he held her close, saying tenderly, with her cheek against his own, “I’ve got you safe, my Beth, and I’ll keep you so, please God.”

recollect (思い出す) [動] recall to the mind

safe (無事に) [形] free from harm or danger

しかし、どれほど彼女を失いそうになったかを思い出し、彼は彼女を抱きしめ、彼女の頬を自分の頬に当てて、「ベス、無事に帰ってきたね、神に誓って、これからも守るよ」と優しく言った。

After a minute’s silence, he looked down at Amy, who sat on the cricket at his feet, and said, with a caress of the shining hair...

一分ほど沈黙した後、彼は足元のクリケットに座っているエイミーを見下ろし、輝く髪を撫でながら言った。

“I observed that Amy took drumsticks at dinner, ran errands for her mother all the afternoon, gave Meg her place tonight, and has waited on every one with patience and good humor.

drumstick (ドラムスティック) [名] a stick used to play a drum

run errands (用事を済ませる) [動] do small jobs or tasks

all the afternoon (午後中ずっと) [名] the time from noon to evening

good humor (上機嫌) [名] a cheerful or optimistic mood

「エイミーが夕食にドラムスティックを取って、午後中ずっと母親の用事を済ませ、今夜はメグに席を譲り、忍耐強く上機嫌でみんなに仕えているのを見ました。

I also observe that she does not fret much nor look in the glass, and has not even mentioned a very pretty ring which she wears, so I conclude that she has learned to think of other people more and of herself less, and has decided to try and mold her character as carefully as she molds her little clay figures.

look in the glass (鏡を見る) [動] look at oneself in a mirror

mention (口にする) [動] speak about briefly

conclude (結論づける) [動] reach a decision or form an opinion about something

mold (造形する) [動] shape something into a desired form

また、彼女はあまりイライラしたり、鏡を見たりせず、身に着けているとてもきれいな指輪のことも口にしていないので、彼女は他人のことをもっと考え、自分のことをあまり考えないようになり、小さな粘土細工を造形するのと同じように、自分の性格も注意深く造形しようと決心したのではないかと結論づけています。

I am glad of this, for though I should be very proud of a graceful statue made by her,

for though (にもかかわらず) [接] despite the fact that

私はこれを嬉しく思っています。彼女が作った優雅な彫像をとても誇りに思うべきですが、

I shall be infinitely prouder of a lovable daughter with a talent for making life beautiful to herself and others.”

私は自分自身と他人の人生を美しくする才能を持つ愛すべき娘を無限に誇りに思うでしょう。」

“What are you thinking of, Beth?” asked Jo, when Amy had thanked her father and told about her ring.

「ベス、何を考えているの?」エイミーが父親に感謝して指輪のことを話した後、ジョーは尋ねた。

“I read in Pilgrim’s Progress today how, after many troubles, Christian and Hopeful came to a pleasant green meadow where lilies bloomed all year round, and there they rested happily, as we do now, before they went on to their journey’s end,” answered Beth, adding, as she slipped out of her father’s arms and went to the instrument, “It’s singing time now, and I want to be in my old place.

Hopeful (ホープフル) [名] a person who is full of hope

all year round (一年中) [副] throughout the year

「私は今日、巡礼者の進歩の中で、クリスチャンとホープフルが多くの困難を乗り越えて、一年中ユリが咲き誇る緑の牧草地にたどり着き、旅の終わりに向かう前に、私たちが今しているように、そこで幸せに休んだことを読みました」とベスは答え、父の腕から抜け出して楽器に向かいながら、「今は歌の時間です。私は昔の場所に行きたいのです。

I’ll try to sing the song of the shepherd boy which the Pilgrims heard.

shepherd (羊飼い) [名] a person who looks after sheep

Pilgrims (巡礼者) [名] a person who makes a religious journey

巡礼者が聞いた羊飼いの少年の歌を歌ってみようと思います。

I made the music for Father, because he likes the verses.”

私は父のために音楽を作りました。父は詩が好きだからです。」

So, sitting at the dear little piano, Beth softly touched the keys, and in the sweet voice they had never thought to hear again, sang to her own accompaniment the quaint hymn, which was a singularly fitting song for her.

ベスは愛する小さなピアノの前に座り、そっと鍵盤に触れ、二度と聞くことはできないと思っていた甘い声で、彼女にぴったりの古風な賛美歌を自分の伴奏に合わせて歌った。

He that is down need fear no fall,

落ちた者は落ちることを恐れる必要がない。

He that is low no pride.

低い者は誇りを持たない。

He that is humble ever shall

謙虚な者は永遠に

Have God to be his guide.

guide (導き手) [名] someone who shows the way to others

神を導き手とする。

I am content with what I have,

be content with (満足している) [動] be happy with

私は自分の持っているもので満足している。

Little be it, or much.

be it (であろうと) [動] be it that; whether it is that

much (たくさん) [形] great in quantity or degree

それが少しであろうと、たくさんであろうと。

And, Lord! Contentment still I crave,

Lord (主よ) [名] God

crave (切望する) [動] feel a powerful desire for

そして、主よ! 私は満足を切望する。

Because Thou savest such.

なぜなら、あなたはそのような人を救うからだ。

Fulness to them a burden is,

fulness (満腹) [名] the state of being full

満腹は彼らにとって重荷である。

That go on pilgrimage.

go on (出かける) [動] to continue or proceed

pilgrimage (巡礼) [名] a journey to a holy place

巡礼の旅に出かける。

Here little, and hereafter bliss,

hereafter (来世) [副] in the future

現世では少し、来世では至福。

Is best from age to age!

age to age (代々) [名] from one generation to another

代々最高のものだ!

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: AUNT MARCH SETTLES THE QUESTION

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE (第23章) [名] the 23rd chapter

SETTLES (解決する) [動] resolve or reach an agreement about

THE QUESTION (問題) [名] the issue or problem at hand

第23章マーチおばさんが問題を解決する

Like bees swarming after their queen, mother and daughters hovered about Mr. March the next day, neglecting everything to look at, wait upon, and listen to the new invalid, who was in a fair way to be killed by kindness.

swarm (群がる) [動] move or gather in a large group

女王蜂の周りに群がる蜂のように、母と娘たちは翌日、マーチ氏の周りをうろつき、すべてを無視して、親切に殺されそうになっている新しい病人を見たり、世話をしたり、話を聞いたりした。

As he sat propped up in a big chair by Beth’s sofa, with the other three close by, and Hannah popping in her head now and then ‘to peek at the dear man’, nothing seemed needed to complete their happiness.

close by (近くに) [副] near; not far away

peek (覗く) [動] look quickly or furtively

彼がベスのソファのそばの大きな椅子に腰を下ろし、他の3人が近くにいて、ハンナが時々「親愛なる男性を覗く」ために頭を突っ込んでいたので、彼らの幸せを完成させるのに何も必要ないようだった。

But something was needed, and the elder ones felt it, though none confessed the fact.

しかし、何かが必要だったし、年長の娘たちはそれを感じていたが、誰もその事実を認めなかった。

Mr. and Mrs. March looked at one another with an anxious expression, as their eyes followed Meg.

Mr. and Mrs. March (マーチ夫妻) [名] the parents of the four March sisters

マーチ夫妻はメグを見送りながら、心配そうな表情で顔を見合わせた。

Jo had sudden fits of sobriety, and was seen to shake her fist at Mr. Brooke’s umbrella, which had been left in the hall.

have a fit (発作を起こす) [動] to have a sudden attack of illness

sobriety (冷静さ) [名] the quality or state of being sober

shake one's fist (拳を振り上げる) [動] to make a gesture of anger or threat by closing one's hand tightly and moving it up and down

ジョーは突然冷静になり、玄関に置き忘れられたブルック氏の傘に拳を振り上げているのが見えた。

Meg was absent-minded, shy, and silent, started when the bell rang, and colored when John’s name was mentioned.

absent-minded (ぼんやりとした) [形] not paying attention to what is happening

start (びくっとする) [動] make a sudden involuntary movement

be mentioned (出る) [動] be referred to briefly

メグはぼんやりとしていて、内気で、黙りこくって、ベルが鳴るとびくっとし、ジョンの名前が出ると顔を赤らめた。

Amy said, “Everyone seemed waiting for something, and couldn’t settle down, which was queer, since Father was safe at home,” and Beth innocently wondered why their neighbors didn’t run over as usual.

settle down (落ち着く) [動] become calm or quiet

run over (来る) [動] go quickly to a place

エイミーは「みんな何かを待っているみたいで、落ち着かなくて、パパは家で無事なのに変ね」と言い、ベスはいつものように近所の人が来ないのはなぜだろうと無邪気に思った。

Laurie went by in the afternoon, and seeing Meg at the window, seemed suddenly possessed with a melodramatic fit, for he fell down on one knee in the snow, beat his breast, tore his hair, and clasped his hands imploringly, as if begging some boon.

beat (打つ) [動] strike repeatedly

implore (乞う) [動] beg urgently

boon (恩恵) [名] a thing that is helpful or beneficial

午後、ローリーが通りかかり、窓辺のメグを見て、突然メロドラマのような発作に襲われたようで、雪の上に片膝をつき、胸を打ち、髪を掻きむしり、何かの恩恵を乞うように両手を握り締めた。

And when Meg told him to behave himself and go away, he wrung imaginary tears out of his handkerchief, and staggered round the corner as if in utter despair.

wring (絞り出す) [動] squeeze or twist

そしてメグが彼に落ち着いて立ち去るように言うと、彼はハンカチから想像上の涙を絞り出し、まるで絶望したかのようによろめきながら角を曲がった。

“What does the goose mean?” said Meg, laughing and trying to look unconscious.

「ガチョウってどういう意味?」とメグは笑いながら、無意識を装おうとした。

“He’s showing you how your John will go on by-and-by.

「彼はあなたのジョンがこれからどうなるかを見せているのよ。

Touching, isn’t it?” answered Jo scornfully.

感動的ね、そう思わない?」とジョーは軽蔑的に答えた。

“Don’t say my John, it isn’t proper or true,” but Meg’s voice lingered over the words as if they sounded pleasant to her.

linger (長く残る) [動] be slow or reluctant to leave

「私のジョンなんて言わないで、それは適切でも真実でもないよ」しかしメグの声は、その言葉が彼女にとって心地よく聞こえたかのように、言葉の上に長く残った。

“Please don’t plague me, Jo, I’ve told you I don’t care much about him, and there isn’t to be anything said, but we are all to be friendly, and go on as before.”

「お願いだから私を悩ませないで、ジョー、彼のことはあまり気にしていないって言ったでしょう、何も言うことはないのよ、でも私たちはみんな仲良くして、今まで通りにやっていきましょう」

“We can’t, for something has been said, and Laurie’s mischief has spoiled you for me.

「できないよ、何かが言われてしまったし、ローリーのいたずらが私にとってあなたを台無しにしてしまった。

I see it, and so does Mother.

does (わかる) [動] perceive with the eyes

私にはわかるし、ママにもわかる。

You are not like your old self a bit, and seem ever so far away from me.

far away (遠く離れている) [形] at a great distance

あなたは昔の自分とは少しも似ていないし、私から遠く離れているように見える。

I don’t mean to plague you and will bear it like a man, but I do wish it was all settled.

君を悩ませるつもりはないし、男らしく耐えるつもりだが、すべてが解決すればいいと思う。

I hate to wait, so if you mean ever to do it, make haste and have it over quickly,” said Jo pettishly.

make haste (急ぐ) [動] hurry

have it over (終わらせる) [動] finish

待つのは嫌いだから、もしやるつもりなら急いで早く終わらせて」とジョーは不機嫌そうに言った。

“I can’t say anything till he speaks, and he won’t, because Father said I was too young,” began Meg, bending over her work with a queer little smile, which suggested that she did not quite agree with her father on that point.

can't say anything (何も言えない) [動] be unable to say anything

too young (若すぎる) [形] not old enough

bending over (かがみ込んだ) [動] lean or curve forward and downward

suggested (示唆した) [動] put forward for consideration

did not quite agree (あまり同意していなかった) [動] not agree completely

on that point (その点について) [名] on that particular matter

「彼が話すまでは何も言えないし、父が私が若すぎると言ったので彼は話さないだろう」とメグは言い始め、その点については父親にあまり同意していないことを示唆する奇妙な小さな笑みを浮かべて仕事にかがみ込んだ。

“If he did speak, you wouldn’t know what to say, but would cry or blush, or let him have his own way, instead of giving a good, decided no.”

have one's own way (自分の道を歩む) [動] do what one wants

good (きっぱりとした) [形] firm or definite

decided (ノー) [名] a negative response

「もし彼が話したら、あなたは何を言えばいいかわからないだろうけど、泣いたり、顔を赤らめたり、彼に自分の道を歩ませたりするだろうね、きっぱりとノーと言う代わりにね」

“I’m not so silly and weak as you think.

「私はあなたが思っているほど愚かで弱くないよ。

I know just what I should say, for I’ve planned it all, so I needn’t be taken unawares.

私は何を言うべきかよくわかっているよ、だって全部計画したんだもの、だから不意を突かれることはないよ。

There’s no knowing what may happen, and I wished to be prepared.”

there be no knowing (わからない) [動] be impossible to know

何が起こるかわからないし、準備しておきたかったんだ」

Jo couldn’t help smiling at the important air which Meg had unconsciously assumed and which was as becoming as the pretty color varying in her cheeks.

vary (変化する) [動] be different from one another

ジョーはメグが無意識に身につけた、そして彼女の頬の色の変化と同じくらい似合っている、重要な態度に微笑まずにはいられなかった。

“Would you mind telling me what you’d say?”

mind (教えてくれる) [動] be bothered or annoyed by

「何を言うか教えてくれる?」

asked Jo more respectfully.

ジョーはもっと敬意を込めて尋ねた。

“Not at all. You are sixteen now, quite old enough to be my confidant, and my experience will be useful to you by-and-by, perhaps, in your own affairs of this sort.”

old enough (十分な年齢) [形] having lived or existed for a long time

affair (問題) [名] a matter of public concern

「全然。あなたはもう16歳で、私の腹心になるには十分な年齢だし、私の経験は、おそらく、あなた自身のこの種の問題に役立つでしょう。」

“Don’t mean to have any.

「そんなつもりはない。

It’s fun to watch other people philander, but I should feel like a fool doing it myself,” said Jo, looking alarmed at the thought.

philander (浮気する) [動] have casual or short-lived sexual relationships with different partners

他人が浮気するのを見るのは楽しいけど、自分でやるのは馬鹿げた気分になるよ」とジョーは考えただけでも不安そうに言った。

“I think not, if you liked anyone very much, and he liked you.”

he (彼) [代] the male person being spoken about

「そうは思わないよ、もしあなたが誰かをとても好きで、彼もあなたを好きだったら。」

Meg spoke as if to herself, and glanced out at the lane where she had often seen lovers walking together in the summer twilight.

lane (小道) [名] a narrow road, especially in a rural area

メグは独り言のように言い、夏の夕暮れ時に恋人たちが一緒に歩いているのをよく見かけた小道をちらっと見た。

“I thought you were going to tell your speech to that man,” said Jo, rudely shortening her sister’s little reverie.

rudely (無礼に) [副] in a rude manner

shorten (打ち切る) [動] make or become shorter

reverie (空想) [名] a state of being pleasantly lost in thought

「あの人にスピーチを言うつもりだったんじゃないの」とジョーは妹の空想を無礼に打ち切った。

“Oh, I should merely say, quite calmly and decidedly, ‘Thank you, Mr. Brooke, you are very kind, but I agree with Father that I am too young to enter into any engagement at present, so please say no more, but let us be friends as we were.’”

calmly (冷静に) [副] in a calm manner

engagement (婚約) [名] a formal agreement to get married

say no more (何も言わない) [動] be silent

「ああ、私はただ、とても冷静に、そして決然とこう言うだけよ。「ありがとう、ブルックさん、とても親切にしてくださって、でも私はパパに同意します、私は今は婚約するには若すぎるので、これ以上何も言わないで、今まで通りの友達でいましょう」」

“Hum, that’s stiff and cool enough!

「ふん、それは十分に堅苦しくて冷たいよね!

I don’t believe you’ll ever say it, and I know he won’t be satisfied if you do.

あなたがそれを言うなんて信じられないよ、それにあなたがそう言っても彼は満足しないよ。

If he goes on like the rejected lovers in books, you’ll give in, rather than hurt his feelings.”

rejected (拒絶された) [形] not accepted

もし彼が本に出てくる拒絶された恋人のようにし続けたら、あなたは彼の気持ちを傷つけるよりは、折れるよ。」

“No, I won’t. I shall tell him I’ve made up my mind, and shall walk out of the room with dignity.”

walk out (出て行く) [動] leave a place, especially in an angry or determined way

「いいえ、折れないよ。私は彼に決心したことを告げて、威厳をもって部屋から出て行くよ。」

Meg rose as she spoke, and was just going to rehearse the dignified exit, when a step in the hall made her fly into her seat and begin to sew as fast as if her life depended on finishing that particular seam in a given time.

exit (退出) [名] the action of going out of or leaving a place

rehearse (予行演習する) [動] practice something before a performance

fast (急いで) [副] quickly

seam (縫い目) [名] a line of stitches joining two pieces of fabric together

given (決められた) [形] specified; particular

メグはそう言いながら立ち上がり、威厳のある退出の予行演習をしようとしたところ、廊下で足音がしたので、彼女は自分の席に飛び込み、まるで自分の命が決められた時間内にその縫い目を終えることにかかっているかのように、急いで縫い始めた。

Jo smothered a laugh at the sudden change, and when someone gave a modest tap, opened the door with a grim aspect which was anything but hospitable.

smother (こらえる) [動] to suppress or extinguish

tap (ノック) [名] a light blow or stroke

aspect (顔) [名] the way in which someone or something appears or is regarded

ジョーは突然の変化に笑いをこらえ、誰かが控えめにノックすると、決して歓迎的とは言えない険しい顔でドアを開けた。

“Good afternoon. I came to get my umbrella, that is, to see how your father finds himself today,” said Mr. Brooke, getting a trifle confused as his eyes went from one telltale face to the other.

Good afternoon (こんにちは) [名] a greeting used in the afternoon

find oneself (具合) [動] to be in a particular state or situation

get confused (混乱する) [動] to become bewildered or perplexed

telltale (告げ口する) [形] revealing or betraying something

「こんにちは。傘を取りに来たんだ、つまり、君たちのお父さんの具合を見に来たんだ」とブルック氏は言い、告げ口するような顔から別の顔へと視線を移すうちに、少し混乱してきた。

“It’s very well, he’s in the rack.

very well (とても良い) [副] in a very good manner

in the rack (棚に) [前] in a state of being tortured

「とても良いです、彼は棚にいます。

I’ll get him, and tell it you are here.”

彼を連れてきて、あなたがここにいると伝えます」

And having jumbled her father and the umbrella well together in her reply, Jo slipped out of the room to give Meg a chance to make her speech and air her dignity.

chance (機会) [名] a possibility of something happening

air (示す) [動] express or make known publicly

そして、返事の中で父親と傘を一緒にごちゃ混ぜにしたジョーは、メグにスピーチをして威厳を示す機会を与えるために部屋から抜け出した。

But the instant she vanished, Meg began to sidle toward the door, murmuring...

the instant (瞬間) [名] a very short space of time

しかし、彼女が姿を消した瞬間、メグはつぶやきながらドアに向かって横歩きし始めた。

“Mother will like to see you.

「ママはあなたに会いたがっているよ。

Pray sit down, I’ll call her.”

pray (お願い) [動] ask for something earnestly

sit down (座って待ってて) [動] take a seat

座って待ってて、呼んでくるよ」

“Don’t go. Are you afraid of me, Margaret?”

「行かないで。私を怖がっているのかい、マーガレット?」

and Mr. Brooke looked so hurt that Meg thought she must have done something very rude.

look hurt (傷ついたように見える) [動] appear to be in pain

must have done (したに違いない) [助] be certain or very likely to have done

something very rude (とても失礼なこと) [名] something that is very impolite or disrespectful

ブルック氏は傷ついたように見えたので、メグは自分が何かとても失礼なことをしたに違いないと思った。

She blushed up to the little curls on her forehead, for he had never called her Margaret before, and she was surprised to find how natural and sweet it seemed to hear him say it.

彼女は額の小さなカールまで赤面した、というのも彼はこれまで彼女をマーガレットと呼んだことがなかったし、彼がそう言うのを聞いてそれがどれほど自然で甘美に聞こえるかに気づいて驚いたからだ。

Anxious to appear friendly and at her ease, she put out her hand with a confiding gesture, and said gratefully...

ease (落ち着き) [名] a state of relaxation and freedom from anxiety or tension

友好的で落ち着いているように見せようと、彼女は信頼できる身振りで手を差し出し、感謝の気持ちを込めて言った。

“How can I be afraid when you have been so kind to Father?

be kind to (に親切にする) [動] be nice to; be friendly to

「あなたがパパにとても親切にしてくれたのに、どうして私が怖がれるでしょう?

I only wish I could thank you for it.”

感謝したいだけです」

“Shall I tell you how?” asked Mr. Brooke, holding the small hand fast in both his own, and looking down at Meg with so much love in the brown eyes that her heart began to flutter, and she both longed to run away and to stop and listen.

「どうすればいいか教えてあげようか?」とブルック氏は小さな手を両手でしっかりと握り、メグを見つめながら尋ねた。その茶色い瞳には愛情があふれ、メグの心臓はドキドキし始め、逃げ出したいと思うと同時に、立ち止まって話を聞きたいとも思った。

“Oh no, please don’t, I’d rather not,” she said, trying to withdraw her hand, and looking frightened in spite of her denial.

Oh no (ああ、いや) [間] an expression of surprise or disappointment

please don't (お願いだからやめて) [動] a polite request to stop doing something

I'd rather not (やめてほしい) [動] would prefer not to

denial (否定) [名] a statement that something is not true

「ああ、いや、お願いだからやめて、やめてほしい」と彼女は言い、手を離そうとしながらも、否定しているにもかかわらず怯えた様子だった。

“I won’t trouble you.

「困らせたりはしない。

I only want to know if you care for me a little, Meg.

メグ、君が私を少しでも気にかけているのか知りたいだけだ。

I love you so much, dear,” added Mr. Brooke tenderly.

君をとても愛しているんだ」とブルック氏は優しく付け加えた。

This was the moment for the calm, proper speech, but Meg didn’t make it.

落ち着いて、きちんとした言葉を言うべき時だったが、メグはそうしなかった。

She forgot every word of it, hung her head, and answered, “I don’t know,” so softly that John had to stoop down to catch the foolish little reply.

softly (小さな声で) [副] in a quiet and gentle way

彼女は言葉をすべて忘れ、頭を垂れて「わからない」と答えたが、あまりに小さな声だったので、ジョンはその愚かな返事を聞き取るために身をかがめなければならなかった。

He seemed to think it was worth the trouble, for he smiled to himself as if quite satisfied, pressed the plump hand gratefully, and said in his most persuasive tone, “Will you try and find out?

press (握る) [動] exert continuous physical force on

彼は苦労する価値があると思ったようだった、というのも、彼は満足そうに微笑み、ふっくらとした手を感謝の気持ちで握り、最も説得力のある口調で「調べてみませんか?

I want to know so much, for I can’t go to work with any heart until I learn whether I am to have my reward in the end or not.”

want to know (知りたい) [動] wish to know

any heart (心を込めて) [名] the organ that pumps blood around the body

until (まで) [接] up to the point in time or space when

in the end (最後に) [副] at the end; finally

とても知りたいのです、というのも、最後に報われるかどうかを知るまでは、心を込めて仕事に取り組むことができないからです」

“I’m too young,” faltered Meg, wondering why she was so fluttered, yet rather enjoying it.

falter (口ごもる) [動] speak hesitantly or uncertainly

flutter (もどぎまぎする) [動] move or fly quickly and unsteadily

「私は若すぎるよ」とメグは口ごもり、なぜ自分がこんなにもどぎまぎしているのか不思議に思いながらも、むしろそれを楽しんでいた。

“I’ll wait, and in the meantime, you could be learning to like me.

in the meantime (その間に) [副] in the intervening period of time

「私は待ちます、そしてその間に、あなたは私を好きになることを学ぶことができます。

Would it be a very hard lesson, dear?”

be (でしょうか) [助] used to form questions

それはとても難しい教訓でしょうか、ねえ?」

“Not if I chose to learn it, but. . .”

「私がそれを学ぶことを選んだのなら、そうではないが・・・」

“Please choose to learn, Meg.

「どうか学ぶことを選んでください、メグ。

I love to teach, and this is easier than German,” broke in John, getting possession of the other hand, so that she had no way of hiding her face as he bent to look into it.

get possession of (握る) [動] take or keep possession of

look into (覗き込む) [動] examine or inspect closely

私は教えるのが大好きで、これはドイツ語より簡単です」とジョンは割って入り、もう一方の手を握ったので、彼が顔を覗き込むようにかがんだとき、彼女は顔を隠す方法がなかった。

His tone was properly beseeching, but stealing a shy look at him, Meg saw that his eyes were merry as well as tender, and that he wore the satisfied smile of one who had no doubt of his success.

彼の口調は適切に懇願していたが、彼を恥ずかしそうに盗み見ると、メグは彼の目が優しいだけでなく陽気で、彼の成功を疑わない人の満足した笑みを浮かべているのを見た。

This nettled her.

nettle (イライラさせる) [動] annoy or irritate

これに彼女はイライラした。

Annie Moffat’s foolish lessons in coquetry came into her mind, and the love of power, which sleeps in the bosoms of the best of little women, woke up all of a sudden and took possession of her.

come into one's mind (頭に浮かぶ) [動] to be thought of or remembered

power (権力) [名] the ability to do or act

wake up (目覚める) [動] to stop sleeping

アニー・モファットの愚かな媚態のレッスンが彼女の頭に浮かび、最高の小さな女性たちの胸に眠る権力への愛が突然目覚め、彼女を支配した。

She felt excited and strange, and not knowing what else to do, followed a capricious impulse, and, withdrawing her hands, said petulantly, “I don’t choose. Please go away and let me be!”

not know (わからない) [動] be uncertain about

what else (他に何) [名] what more

capricious (気まぐれな) [形] showing sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior

彼女は興奮して奇妙な気分になり、他に何をしたらいいかわからず、気まぐれな衝動に従い、手を離して、「私は選びません。どうか立ち去って、私を放っておいてください!」

Poor Mr. Brooke looked as if his lovely castle in the air was tumbling about his ears, for he had never seen Meg in such a mood before, and it rather bewildered him.

かわいそうなブルック氏は、空中の美しい城が耳の周りで転がっているように見えた。なぜなら、彼はこれまでメグがこんな気分になっているのを見たことがなく、むしろ当惑したからだ。

“Do you really mean that?” he asked anxiously, following her as she walked away.

「本当にそう思っているの?」彼は心配そうに尋ね、彼女が歩き去る後を追った。

“Yes, I do. I don’t want to be worried about such things.

「そうよ。そんなことを心配したくないよ。

Father says I needn’t, it’s too soon and I’d rather not.”

rather not (そうしない) [副] would prefer not to

パパは、まだ早いし、そうする必要はないと言っているから、私はそうしないよ。」

“Mayn’t I hope you’ll change your mind by-and-by?

「そのうち考えが変わってくれると期待してもいいかな?

I’ll wait and say nothing till you have had more time.

have time (時間ができる) [動] have the time to do something

君がもっと時間ができるまで待って、何も言わないよ。

Don’t play with me, Meg.

play with (からかう) [動] to treat someone or something in a way that is not serious or respectful

私をからかわないで、メグ。

I didn’t think that of you.”

あなたにそんな考えがあるとは思わなかったよ。」

“Don’t think of me at all.

think of (気にする) [動] to be concerned about or interested in

「私のことは気にしないで。

I’d rather you wouldn’t,” said Meg, taking a naughty satisfaction in trying her lover’s patience and her own power.

would rather (むしろ) [助] prefer

やめてほしいよ」とメグは言い、恋人の忍耐と自分の力を試すことにいたずらっぽい満足感を覚えた。

He was grave and pale now, and looked decidedly more like the novel heroes whom she admired, but he neither slapped his forehead nor tramped about the room as they did.

彼は今や真面目で青ざめていて、彼女が憧れる小説のヒーローにずっと似ていたが、彼らのように額を叩いたり部屋を歩き回ったりはしなかった。

He just stood looking at her so wistfully, so tenderly, that she found her heart relenting in spite of herself.

relent (和らぐ) [動] become less severe or intense

彼はただ彼女をとても物欲しそうに、とても優しく見つめて立っていたので、彼女は思わず心が和らいだ。

What would have happened next I cannot say, if Aunt March had not come hobbling in at this interesting minute.

come hobbling in (足を引きずって入って来る) [動] walk in an awkward way

この興味深い瞬間にマーチおばさんが足を引きずって入って来なかったら、次に何が起こったか私にはわからない。

The old lady couldn’t resist her longing to see her nephew, for she had met Laurie as she took her airing, and hearing of Mr. March’s arrival, drove straight out to see him.

couldn't resist (抗えなかった) [動] be unable to stop oneself from doing something

longing (気持ち) [名] a strong feeling of wanting something

take her airing (散歩する) [動] go for a walk

hearing (聞いて) [動] perceive with the ear

straight out (直行する) [副] directly

老婦人は甥に会いたいという気持ちに抗えなかった。散歩中にローリーに会い、マーチ氏の到着を聞いて、彼に会いに車で直行したのだ。

The family were all busy in the back part of the house, and she had made her way quietly in, hoping to surprise them.

make one's way (入る) [動] go or travel somewhere

家族は皆家の奥で忙しくしていたので、彼女は彼らを驚かせようと思って静かに中に入った。

She did surprise two of them so much that Meg started as if she had seen a ghost, and Mr. Brooke vanished into the study.

彼女は二人をとても驚かせたので、メグは幽霊を見たかのようにぎょっとし、ブルック氏は書斎に姿を消した。

“Bless me, what’s all this?” cried the old lady with a rap of her cane as she glanced from the pale young gentleman to the scarlet young lady.

all this (これはどうしたこと) [名] the situation at hand

rap (鳴らす) [名] a sharp blow

「まあ、これはどうしたこと?」老婦人は青ざめた若い紳士から真っ赤な若い女性へと視線を移しながら、杖を鳴らして叫んだ。

“It’s Father’s friend.

「パパの友人です。

I’m so surprised to see you!” stammered Meg, feeling that she was in for a lecture now.

be surprised to see (会えて驚く) [動] be surprised to meet

be in for (される) [動] be about to experience something, usually something unpleasant

あなたに会えてとても驚いています!」メグは、今からお説教をされると感じて、どもった。

“That’s evident,” returned Aunt March, sitting down.

that (それは) [代] the thing or things mentioned before

「それは明らかだ」とマーチおばさんは言い、腰を下ろした。

“But what is Father’s friend saying to make you look like a peony?

look like (~のようになる) [動] to be similar to

peony (牡丹) [名] a flowering plant

「しかし、パパの友人が何を言ったら、あなたは牡丹のようになるのか?

There’s mischief going on, and I insist upon knowing what it is,” with another rap.

rap (ノック) [名] a sharp knock

何かいたずらをしているので、それが何かを知りたいと思います」ともう一度ノックした。

“We were only talking.

「ただ話していただけです。

Mr. Brooke came for his umbrella,” began Meg, wishing that Mr. Brooke and the umbrella were safely out of the house.

come for (取りに来る) [動] come to get

ブルックさんが傘を取りに来たの」とメグは言い始め、ブルックさんと傘が家から無事に出て行ってくれればいいのにと思った。

“Brooke? That boy’s tutor?

「ブルック? あの少年の家庭教師?

Ah! I understand now.

ああ! 今分かった。

I know all about it.

全部知っている。

Jo blundered into a wrong message in one of your Father’s letters, and I made her tell me.

ジョーはあなたのお父さんの手紙の1つで間違ったメッセージにぶつかり、私は彼女に私に話させた。

You haven’t gone and accepted him, child?” cried Aunt March, looking scandalized.

あなたは彼を受け入れていないのかい?」とマーチおばさんは叫び、憤慨した。

“Hush! He’ll hear.

「シーッ! 彼に聞こえてしまう。

Shan’t I call Mother?” said Meg, much troubled.

trouble (困惑する) [動] to cause to be worried or anxious

ママを呼んでこようか?」とメグは困惑して言った。

“Not yet. I’ve something to say to you, and I must free my mind at once.

not yet (まだだ) [副] not at this time; not yet

「まだだ。あなたに言いたいことがあるの、そしてすぐに心を解放しなくてはならないの。

Tell me, do you mean to marry this Cook?

教えて、このクックと結婚するつもりなの?

If you do, not one penny of my money ever goes to you.

not one penny (1ペニーも) [名] a small amount of money

もしそうするなら、私のお金は1ペニーもあなたには行かない。

Remember that, and be a sensible girl,” said the old lady impressively.

それを覚えておいて、分別のある娘になりなさい」と老婦人は印象深く言った。

Now Aunt March possessed in perfection the art of rousing the spirit of opposition in the gentlest people, and enjoyed doing it.

perfection (完璧) [名] the condition, state, or quality of being free or as free as possible from all flaws or defects

art (術) [名] a skill at doing a specified thing, typically one acquired through practice

opposition (反対) [名] the action of opposing something that you disagree with or disapprove of

さて、マーチおばさんは、最も優しい人々の中に反対の精神を呼び起こす術を完璧に持っていて、それをすることを楽しんでいた。

The best of us have a spice of perversity in us, especially when we are young and in love.

the best of us (私たちの誰もが) [名] all of us

have a spice of (少し~がある) [動] have a small amount of

perversity (ひねくれたところ) [名] the quality or state of being perverse

in love (恋をしている) [形] feeling a strong romantic or sexual attachment to someone

私たちの誰もが、特に若くて恋をしている時には、少しひねくれたところがある。

If Aunt March had begged Meg to accept John Brooke, she would probably have declared she couldn’t think of it, but as she was preemptorily ordered not to like him, she immediately made up her mind that she would.

John Brooke (ジョン・ブルック) [名] a young man who falls in love with Meg

declare (言い切る) [動] state something officially or formally

preemptorily (横柄に) [副] in a manner that does not allow contradiction or refusal

order (命令する) [動] give an authoritative command or instruction to

もしマーチおばさんがメグにジョン・ブルックを受け入れる様に頼んだら、彼女はおそらく考えられないと言い切っただろうが、彼を好きにならないようにと横柄に命令されたので、彼女はすぐに彼を好きになろうと決心した。

Inclination as well as perversity made the decision easy, and being already much excited, Meg opposed the old lady with unusual spirit.

inclination (好意) [名] a feeling of liking or wanting to do something

perversity (ひねくれた気持ち) [名] the quality of being deliberately unreasonable or difficult

oppose (反対する) [動] be against or disagree with

spirit (気迫) [名] a strong feeling or emotion

ひねくれた気持ちだけでなく、好意も決断を容易にし、すでにかなり興奮していたメグは、いつもとは違う気迫で老婦人に反対した。

“I shall marry whom I please, Aunt March, and you can leave your money to anyone you like,” she said, nodding her head with a resolute air.

resolute (決然とした) [形] admirably purposeful, determined, or unwavering

「私は私の好きな人と結婚するよ、マーチおばさん、そしてあなたはあなたのお金をあなたが好きな人に残せばいいよ」と彼女は決然とした態度で頭を縦に振って言った。

“Highty-tighty! Is that the way you take my advice, Miss?

take (受け止める) [動] accept or receive something offered

「生意気な! それが私の忠告に対する態度かね、お嬢さん?

You’ll be sorry for it by-and-by, when you’ve tried love in a cottage and found it a failure.”

cottage (小さな家) [名] a small house, especially in the country

いずれ、小さな家で愛を試して失敗した時に後悔するだろう。」

“It can’t be a worse one than some people find in big houses,” retorted Meg.

can't be (~ではありえない) [助] be not possible

find (失敗する) [動] experience or encounter

「大きな家で失敗する人たちよりはひどくはないよ」とメグは言い返した。

Aunt March put on her glasses and took a look at the girl, for she did not know her in this new mood.

マーチおばさんは眼鏡をかけ、少女をじっと見た、というのも彼女はこんな態度の彼女を知らなかったからだ。

Meg hardly knew herself, she felt so brave and independent, so glad to defend John and assert her right to love him, if she liked.

independent (独立した) [形] not dependent on or influenced by others

defend (守る) [動] protect from harm or danger

assert (主張する) [動] state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully

メグは自分がよくわからなかった、彼女はとても勇敢で独立心が強く、ジョンを守り、もし彼女が望むなら彼を愛する権利を主張することがとても嬉しかった。

Aunt March saw that she had begun wrong, and after a little pause, made a fresh start, saying as mildly as she could, “Now, Meg, my dear, be reasonable and take my advice.

start (言い直す) [名] the beginning of something

mildly (穏やかに) [副] in a gentle and moderate manner

be reasonable (道理をわきまえる) [動] be fair and sensible

マーチおばさんは自分の言い出し方がまずかったと気づき、少し間を置いてから、できるだけ穏やかに言い直した、「さあ、メグ、あなた、道理をわきまえて私の忠告を聞きなさい。

I mean it kindly, and don’t want you to spoil your whole life by making a mistake at the beginning.

don't want (してほしくないから) [動] not wish for

whole life (人生) [名] the entire period of a person's life

親切心で言っているのよ、最初に間違えて人生を台無しにしてほしくないから。

You ought to marry well and help your family.

あなたは良い結婚をして家族を助けるべきだ。

It’s your duty to make a rich match and it ought to be impressed upon you.”

impress (刻み込む) [動] make a strong impression on

金持ちと結婚するのがあなたの義務であり、それはあなたに刻み込まれるべきだ。」

“Father and Mother don’t think so.

「パパとママはそうは思っていないよ。

They like John though he is poor.”

ジョンは貧乏だけど、パパとママは彼が好きだよ。」

“Your parents, my dear, have no more worldly wisdom than a pair of babies.”

「あなたの両親は、私の愛しい人、赤ん坊のペアよりも世俗的な知恵がない。」

“I’m glad of it,” cried Meg stoutly.

「私はそれを嬉しく思うよ」とメグは頑固に叫んだ。

Aunt March took no notice, but went on with her lecture.

take no notice (気にしない) [動] fail to notice or to take account of

マーチおばさんは気にせず、説教を続けた。

“This Rook is poor and hasn’t got any rich relations, has he?”

relation (親戚) [名] a person who is connected with another by blood or marriage

「このルークは貧乏で、金持ちの親戚はいないね?」

“No, but he has many warm friends.”

「いいえ、でも彼にはたくさんの温かい友人がいます。」

“You can’t live on friends, try it and see how cool they’ll grow.

「友人に頼って生きることはできない、試してみれば彼らがどれほど冷たくなるかわかる。

He hasn’t any business, has he?”

彼には仕事がないね?」

“Not yet. Mr. Laurence is going to help him.”

not yet (まだ) [副] up to this time; so far

「まだです。ローレンスさんが彼を助けてくれるそうです。」

“That won’t last long.

「それは長続きしないだろう。

James Laurence is a crotchety old fellow and not to be depended on.

crotchety (気難しい) [形] bad-tempered and complaining

ジェームズ・ローレンスは気難しい老人で頼りにならない。

So you intend to marry a man without money, position, or business, and go on working harder than you do now, when you might be comfortable all your days by minding me and doing better?

だから、お金も地位も仕事もない男と結婚して、今よりももっと働くつもりなのか? 私の言うことを聞いて、もっといいことをすれば、毎日快適に過ごせるかもしれないのに?

I thought you had more sense, Meg.”

have more sense (もっと分別がある) [動] be more sensible

メグ、もっと分別があると思っていたよ。」

“I couldn’t do better if I waited half my life!

「人生の半分待っても、これ以上いいことはできない!

John is good and wise, he’s got heaps of talent, he’s willing to work and sure to get on, he’s so energetic and brave.

get on (成功する) [動] make progress; be successful

ジョンは善良で賢く、才能にあふれ、働く意欲があり、きっと成功するでしょう。とてもエネルギッシュで勇敢です。

Everyone likes and respects him, and I’m proud to think he cares for me, though I’m so poor and young and silly,” said Meg, looking prettier than ever in her earnestness.

誰もが彼を好きで尊敬しているし、私はとても貧しくて若くて愚かなのに、彼が私を気にかけてくれると思うと誇らしいよ」とメグは真剣な表情でこれまで以上に可愛く見えた。

“He knows you have got rich relations, child.

「彼はあなたが裕福な親戚がいることを知っているよ、子供。

That’s the secret of his liking, I suspect.”

それが彼の好意の秘密だと思うよ」

“Aunt March, how dare you say such a thing?

how dare you (よくもそんなことができますね) [慣] used to express anger or shock at something that someone has said or done

「マーチおばさん、よくもそんなことができますね?

John is above such meanness, and I won’t listen to you a minute if you talk so,” cried Meg indignantly, forgetting everything but the injustice of the old lady’s suspicions.

above (しない) [前] at a higher level or position than

meanness (卑劣なこと) [名] the quality of being mean

ジョンはそんな卑劣なことはしないよ、そんな言い方をするなら一分だって聞かないよ」とメグは憤慨して叫び、老婦人の疑惑の不当性以外はすべて忘れてしまった。

“My John wouldn’t marry for money, any more than I would.

「私のジョンは私と同じようにお金のために結婚することはないよ。

We are willing to work and we mean to wait.

be willing to (喜んで〜する) [動] be ready, eager, or prepared to do something

私たちは喜んで働くし、待つつもりだ。

I’m not afraid of being poor, for I’ve been happy so far, and I know I shall be with him because he loves me, and I...”

be poor (貧乏になる) [動] have little or no money

be happy (幸せになる) [動] feel or show pleasure or contentment

be with (一緒にいる) [動] be in the company of

私は貧乏になることを恐れていない、なぜなら私はこれまで幸せだったし、彼が私を愛しているから彼と一緒にいるだろうとわかっているし、私は・・・」

Meg stopped there, remembering all of a sudden that she hadn’t made up her mind, that she had told ‘her John’ to go away, and that he might be overhearing her inconsistent remarks.

inconsistent (一貫性のない) [形] not staying the same throughout

メグはそこで言葉を切り、突然、まだ決心がついていないことや、「彼女のジョン」に立ち去るように言ったこと、そして彼が彼女の一貫性のない発言を耳にしているかもしれないことを思い出した。

Aunt March was very angry, for she had set her heart on having her pretty niece make a fine match, and something in the girl’s happy young face made the lonely old woman feel both sad and sour.

set one's heart on (心を決める) [動] to be determined to do or have something

niece (姪) [名] a daughter of one's brother or sister

match (結婚) [名] a marriage

sad (悲しく) [形] unhappy or mournful

マーチおばさんはとても怒っていた、なぜなら彼女は彼女の可愛い姪が素晴らしい結婚をすることに心を決めていたし、少女の幸せそうな若い顔の何かが孤独な老婦人を悲しくも不機嫌にもさせたからだ。

“Well, I wash my hands of the whole affair!

wash one's hands of (手を引く) [動] refuse to take any further responsibility for something

「まあ、私はこの件から手を引くよ!

You are a willful child, and you’ve lost more than you know by this piece of folly.

willful (わがままな) [形] determined to have one's own way

あなたはわがままな子供で、この愚かなことであなたが知っている以上に多くのものを失った。

No, I won’t stop.

いいえ、やめません。

I’m disappointed in you, and haven’t spirits to see your father now.

be disappointed in (に失望している) [動] feel unhappy about something or someone

haven't spirits (気分ではない) [動] do not feel like doing something

私はあなたに失望しているし、今はあなたのお父さんに会う気分ではない。

Don’t expect anything from me when you are married.

結婚したら私に何も期待しないで。

Your Mr. Brooke’s friends must take care of you.

あなたのブルックさんの友人があなたの面倒を見てくれるはずだ。

I’m done with you forever.”

be done with (終わりだ) [動] to have finished doing or dealing with something

私はあなたとは永遠に終わりだ。」

And slamming the door in Meg’s face, Aunt March drove off in high dudgeon.

high dudgeon (激怒) [名] a state of great anger

そしてメグの顔の前でドアをバタンと閉め、マーチおばさんは激怒して車で去っていった。

She seemed to take all the girl’s courage with her, for when left alone, Meg stood for a moment, undecided whether to laugh or cry.

take (奪い去る) [動] move something or someone from one place to another

moment (しばらく) [名] a very short period of time

彼女は少女の勇気をすべて奪い去ったようだった、一人になった時、メグは笑うべきか泣くべきか決めかねてしばらく立っていた。

Before she could make up her mind, she was taken possession of by Mr. Brooke, who said all in one breath, “I couldn’t help hearing, Meg.

take possession of (捕まえる) [動] to take control of something

in one breath (一息に) [副] without pausing

help (~ずにはいられない) [動] to make it easier or possible for someone to do something

彼女が決心する前に、彼女はブルックさんに捕まえられ、彼は一息に言った、「メグ、聞かずにはいられなかった。

Thank you for defending me, and Aunt March for proving that you do care for me a little bit.”

私を守ってくれてありがとう、そしてマーチおばさんが私のことを少しは気にかけていることを証明してくれてありがとう。」

“I didn’t know how much till she abused you,” began Meg.

abuse (侮辱する) [動] use (something) to bad effect or for a bad purpose

「彼女があなたを侮辱するまで、どれほどか知らなかったよ」とメグは始めた。

“And I needn’t go away, but may stay and be happy, may I, dear?”

「そして私は去る必要はなくて、ここにいて幸せになってもいいの、ねえ、いいでしょう?」

Here was another fine chance to make the crushing speech and the stately exit, but Meg never thought of doing either, and disgraced herself forever in Jo’s eyes by meekly whispering, “Yes, John,” and hiding her face on Mr. Brooke’s waistcoat.

crushing (痛烈な) [形] overwhelming

waistcoat (チョッキ) [名] a man's garment for the upper body, typically sleeveless and worn over a shirt

ここに、痛烈なスピーチをして堂々と退場するもう一つの素晴らしい機会があったが、メグはどちらもしようとは考えず、従順に「はい、ジョン」とささやき、ブルックさんのチョッキに顔を隠して、ジョーの目に永遠に恥をさらした。

Fifteen minutes after Aunt March’s departure, Jo came softly downstairs, paused an instant at the parlor door, and hearing no sound within, nodded and smiled with a satisfied expression, saying to herself, “She has seen him away as we planned, and that affair is settled.

instant (一瞬) [名] a very short period of time

hearing (聞こえる) [動] be able to perceive with the ear

マーチおばさんが出発してから15分後、ジョーはそっと階下に降りてきて、応接間のドアのところで一瞬立ち止まり、中に音が聞こえないので、満足そうな表情でうなずき、微笑みながら、「彼女は私たちの計画通りに彼を見送り、その件は解決した。

I’ll go and hear the fun, and have a good laugh over it.”

have a good laugh (大笑いする) [動] laugh heartily

行って、その楽しみを聞いて、それで大笑いしよう。」

But poor Jo never got her laugh, for she was transfixed upon the threshold by a spectacle which held her there, staring with her mouth nearly as wide open as her eyes.

be transfixed (釘付けになる) [動] be held motionless by a strong emotion

as (同じくらい) [接] to the same degree or extent

しかし、かわいそうなジョーは笑うことができなかった、というのも、彼女は、目と同じくらい大きく口を開けて見つめている光景に、敷居の上で釘付けになってしまったからだ。

Going in to exult over a fallen enemy and to praise a strong-minded sister for the banishment of an objectionable lover, it certainly was a shock to behold the aforesaid enemy serenely sitting on the sofa, with the strongminded sister enthroned upon his knee and wearing an expression of the most abject submission.

fallen enemy (倒れた敵) [名] an enemy that has been defeated

banishment (追放) [名] the action of expelling someone from a place

aforesaid (前述の) [形] mentioned previously

serenely (落ち着いて) [副] in a calm, peaceful, or unruffled manner

enthrone (座らせる) [動] place on a throne

abject (卑屈な) [形] showing a lack of pride or dignity

submission (服従) [名] the action of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person

倒れた敵を喜び、好ましくない恋人を追放した強い意志を持つ妹を称賛するために中に入ると、前述の敵がソファに落ち着いて座り、強い意志を持つ妹が彼の膝の上に座り、最も卑屈な服従の表情を浮かべているのを見るのは確かにショックだった。

Jo gave a sort of gasp, as if a cold shower bath had suddenly fallen upon her, for such an unexpected turning of the tables actually took her breath away.

give a sort of gasp (息を呑む) [動] catch one's breath with an open mouth

cold shower bath (冷たいシャワー) [名] a shower with cold water

fall upon (降りかかる) [動] happen to

turning of the tables (展開) [名] a reversal of circumstances

ジョーは、まるで冷たいシャワーが突然降りかかったかのように、息を呑んだ。このような予想外の展開に、彼女は息もつかせないほどだった。

At the odd sound the lovers turned and saw her.

その奇妙な音に、恋人たちは振り返って彼女を見た。

Meg jumped up, looking both proud and shy, but ‘that man’, as Jo called him, actually laughed and said coolly, as he kissed the astonished newcomer, “Sister Jo, congratulate us!”

coolly (冷静に) [副] in a calm and unemotional manner

newcomer (新参者) [名] a person who has recently arrived

congratulate (祝う) [動] express praise or good wishes to (someone) on a special occasion

メグは飛び上がって、誇らしげで恥ずかしそうにしていたが、ジョーが呼ぶところの「あの男」は、実際に笑って、驚いた新参者にキスをしながら、「ジョー姉さん、おめでとう!」と冷静に言った。

That was adding insult to injury, it was altogether too much, and making some wild demonstration with her hands, Jo vanished without a word.

add insult to injury (傷口に塩を塗る) [動] to make a bad situation worse

demonstration (身振り) [名] a public expression of opinion or support

それは傷口に塩を塗るようなもので、あまりにもひどく、ジョーは手で何か激しい身振りをしながら、一言も言わずに姿を消した。

Rushing upstairs, she startled the invalids by exclaiming tragically as she burst into the room, “Oh, do somebody go down quick!

tragically (悲劇的に) [副] in a tragic manner

burst (飛び込む) [動] move or act suddenly and with great energy

彼女は急いで二階に駆け上がり、部屋に飛び込むと悲劇的な叫び声を上げて病人たちを驚かせた。「ああ、誰か早く降りてきて!

John Brooke is acting dreadfully, and Meg likes it!”

ジョン・ブルックがひどい振る舞いをしているのに、メグはそれを喜んでいるの!」

Mr. and Mrs. March left the room with speed, and casting herself upon the bed, Jo cried and scolded tempestuously as she told the awful news to Beth and Amy.

Mr. and Mrs. (夫妻) [名] a married couple

cast (身を投げ出す) [動] throw or fling forcefully

scold (わめく) [動] rebuke angrily

tempestuously (激しく) [副] in a violent or stormy manner

マーチ夫妻は急いで部屋を出て行き、ジョーはベッドに身を投げ出して、ベスとエイミーにひどい知らせを伝えながら、激しく泣きわめいた。

The little girls, however, considered it a most agreeable and interesting event, and Jo got little comfort from them, so she went up to her refuge in the garret, and confided her troubles to the rats.

event (出来事) [名] something that happens or takes place

しかし、小さな娘たちはそれをとても楽しく興味深い出来事と考えていたので、ジョーは彼女たちから慰めを得ることができず、屋根裏部屋の隠れ家に行って、ネズミに悩みを打ち明けた。

Nobody ever knew what went on in the parlor that afternoon, but a great deal of talking was done, and quiet Mr. Brooke astonished his friends by the eloquence and spirit with which he pleaded his suit, told his plans, and persuaded them to arrange everything just as he wanted it.

that afternoon (その午後) [名] the afternoon of that day

talking (話し合い) [名] the action of talking

eloquence (雄弁さ) [名] fluent or persuasive speaking or writing

suit (訴え) [名] a legal action

arrange (手配する) [動] make preparations for (an event)

just as (ちょうど~のように) [副] exactly in the manner that

その午後、居間で何が起こったのかは誰も知らなかったが、たくさんの話し合いが行われ、物静かなブルック氏は、彼の訴えを弁護し、計画を伝え、彼が望むようにすべてを手配するよう説得する雄弁さと精神で友人を驚かせた。

The tea bell rang before he had finished describing the paradise which he meant to earn for Meg, and he proudly took her in to supper, both looking so happy that Jo hadn’t the heart to be jealous or dismal.

paradise (楽園) [名] a place or state of bliss, felicity, or delight

proudly (誇らしげに) [副] in a proud manner

jealous (嫉妬する) [形] feeling or showing an envious resentment of someone or their achievements or advantages

彼がメグのために得ようとしている楽園の説明を終える前にお茶のベルが鳴り、彼は誇らしげに彼女を夕食に連れて行ったが、二人ともとても幸せそうだったので、ジョーは嫉妬したり、陰気になったりする気持ちにはなれなかった。

Amy was very much impressed by John’s devotion and Meg’s dignity, Beth beamed at them from a distance, while Mr. and Mrs. March surveyed the young couple with such tender satisfaction that it was perfectly evident Aunt March was right in calling them as ‘unworldly as a pair of babies’.

be impressed by (感銘を受ける) [動] to be affected strongly by something

devotion (献身) [名] love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause

beam (見つめる) [動] to smile very happily

エイミーはジョンの献身とメグの威厳にとても感銘を受け、ベスは遠くから二人を見つめ、マーチ夫妻は若い二人をとても優しく満足そうに眺めていたので、マーチおばさんが二人を「赤ん坊のように世間知らず」と呼んだのは正しかったことがはっきりとわかった。

No one ate much, but everyone looked very happy, and the old room seemed to brighten up amazingly when the first romance of the family began there.

brighten up (明るくなる) [動] become more cheerful

誰もあまり食べなかったが、みんなとても幸せそうに見え、家族の最初のロマンスが始まったとき、古い部屋は驚くほど明るくなったように見えた。

“You can’t say nothing pleasant ever happens now, can you, Meg?” said Amy, trying to decide how she would group the lovers in a sketch she was planning to make.

group (グループ分けする) [動] form or be formed into a group

「今は何も楽しいことが起こらないなんて言えないよね、メグ?」とエイミーは言い、彼女が描こうとしているスケッチの中で恋人たちをどのようにグループ分けするか決めようとしていた。

“No, I’m sure I can’t.

I can't (言えません) [動] be unable to

「いいえ、確かに言えません。

How much has happened since I said that!

私がそう言ってからどれだけ多くのことが起こったか!

It seems a year ago,” answered Meg, who was in a blissful dream lifted far above such common things as bread and butter.

a year ago (1年前) [名] the time 12 months before the present

common (ありふれた) [形] occurring, found, or done often; prevalent

1年前のことのようね」とメグは答えたが、彼女はパンやバターのようなありふれたものをはるかに超えた至福の夢の中にいた。

“The joys come close upon the sorrows this time, and I rather think the changes have begun,” said Mrs. March.

come close upon (すぐ後にやってくる) [動] follow closely

this time (今回は) [名] on this occasion

「今回は悲しみのすぐ後に喜びがやってきて、変化が始まったように思うよ」とマーチ夫人は言った。

“In most families there comes, now and then, a year full of events.

「ほとんどの家庭では、時々、出来事だらけの年がやってくる。

This has been such a one, but it ends well, after all.”

such a one (そんな年) [名] a year like that

end well (うまくいく) [動] have a good outcome

今年はそんな年だったけど、結局はうまくいったよね」

“Hope the next will end better,” muttered Jo, who found it very hard to see Meg absorbed in a stranger before her face, for Jo loved a few persons very dearly and dreaded to have their affection lost or lessened in any way.

better (もっとうまく) [副] to a greater degree

lessen (減る) [動] become or make smaller or less

「次はもっとうまく終わるといいな」とジョーはつぶやいたが、メグが目の前で他人に夢中になっているのを見るのは非常につらかった。ジョーは少数の人をとても愛していて、彼らの愛情が失われたり、減ったりすることを恐れていたからだ。

“I hope the third year from this will end better.

third year (3年後) [名] the year after the second year

「3年後にはもっとうまく終わるといいな。

I mean it shall, if I live to work out my plans,” said Mr. Brooke, smiling at Meg, as if everything had become possible to him now.

mean (つもりだ) [動] intend

work out (実行する) [動] carry out

私が計画を実行するまで生き延びれば、そうするつもりだ」とブルック氏は、今やすべてが可能になったかのようにメグに微笑みかけた。

“Doesn’t it seem very long to wait?” asked Amy, who was in a hurry for the wedding.

「待つのがとても長いように思えない?」と結婚式を急いでいたエイミーが尋ねた。

“I’ve got so much to learn before I shall be ready, it seems a short time to me,” answered Meg, with a sweet gravity in her face never seen there before.

so much (たくさん) [副] a lot

「準備ができるまで学ぶことがたくさんあるので、私には短い時間に思えます」とメグは答え、これまでに見たことのない甘い真面目な顔をしていた。

“You have only to wait, I am to do the work,” said John beginning his labors by picking up Meg’s napkin, with an expression which caused Jo to shake her head, and then say to herself with an air of relief as the front door banged, “Here comes Laurie.

have only to (ただ~すればよい) [動] need to do only

front door (玄関のドア) [名] the main door to a building

bang (バンと閉まる) [動] shut or be shut with a loud noise

「君は待つだけでいい、私が仕事をする」とジョンはメグのナプキンを拾い上げ、ジョーが首を横に振るような表情で仕事を始め、玄関のドアがバンと閉まると、ホッとした様子で独り言を言った。「ローリーが来た。

Now we shall have some sensible conversation.”

これでまともな会話ができる」

But Jo was mistaken, for Laurie came prancing in, overflowing with good spirits, bearing a great bridal-looking bouquet for ‘Mrs. John Brooke’, and evidently laboring under the delusion that the whole affair had been brought about by his excellent management.

come prancing in (飛び跳ねながら入ってくる) [動] come in a prancing manner

bridal (花嫁のような) [形] of or relating to a bride or a wedding

Mrs. John Brooke (ジョン・ブルック夫人) [名] the wife of John Brooke

delusion (錯覚) [名] a false belief or opinion

whole affair (一件) [名] the whole thing

excellent management (優れた采配) [名] the skillful handling of people or things

しかし、ジョーは間違っていた。ローリーは「ジョン・ブルック夫人」のために花嫁のような大きな花束を抱えて、上機嫌で飛び跳ねながら入ってきて、明らかにこの一件はすべて彼の優れた采配によってもたらされたという錯覚に陥っていた。

“I knew Brooke would have it all his own way, he always does, for when he makes up his mind to accomplish anything, it’s done though the sky falls,” said Laurie, when he had presented his offering and his congratulations.

have it all one's own way (思い通りにすべてをやり遂げる) [動] do whatever one wants

present (述べる) [動] give or send as a gift

offering (贈り物) [名] something that is offered

congratulation (祝福) [名] an expression of praise or admiration

「ブルックが自分の思い通りにすべてをやり遂げるだろうことはわかっていた、彼はいつもそうする、彼が何かを成し遂げようと決心したときには、空が落ちてきてもやり遂げる」とローリーは、彼の贈り物と祝福の言葉を述べたときに言った。

“Much obliged for that recommendation.

recommendation (推薦) [名] a proposal for appointment or election

「その推薦にはとても感謝している。

I take it as a good omen for the future and invite you to my wedding on the spot,” answered Mr. Brooke, who felt at peace with all mankind, even his mischievous pupil.

future (未来) [名] the time that is to come

spot (その場) [名] a particular place

mankind (人類) [名] human beings considered collectively

それを未来への良い前兆と受け取り、その場で君を私の結婚式に招待する」と、いたずらっ子の生徒でさえも含めたすべての人類と平和を感じているブルック氏は答えた。

“I’ll come if I’m at the ends of the earth, for the sight of Jo’s face alone on that occasion would be worth a long journey.

earth (地球) [名] the planet we live on

「地球の果てにいても来るよ、そのときのジョーの顔を見るだけでも長旅に値するだろう。

You don’t look festive, ma’am, what’s the matter?” asked Laurie, following her into a corner of the parlor, whither all had adjourned to greet Mr. Laurence.

look festive (浮かれ気分) [動] to be in a good mood

matter (どうしたんですか) [名] the problem or difficulty

follow (後について) [動] to go after someone or something

あなたは浮かれ気分ではないようですね、奥様、どうしたんですか?」とローリーは尋ね、彼女の後について客間の隅に行った、そこは皆がローレンス氏を迎えるために集まっていた場所だった。

“I don’t approve of the match, but I’ve made up my mind to bear it, and shall not say a word against it,” said Jo solemnly.

say a word (言葉を言う) [動] to speak

「私はその結婚に賛成ではないが、それに耐える決心をしたし、それに反対する言葉は言わないだろう」とジョーは厳粛に言った。

“You can’t know how hard it is for me to give up Meg,” she continued with a little quiver in her voice.

「私にとってメグを手放すことがどれほど難しいか、あなたにはわからないでしょう」と彼女は声を少し震わせながら続けた。

“You don’t give her up.

「あなたは彼女を手放すわけではない。

You only go halves,” said Laurie consolingly.

go halves (半分になる) [動] share something equally

consolingly (慰めの言葉をかけた) [副] in a way that makes someone feel less sad or disappointed

あなたは半分になるだけだ」とローリーは慰めの言葉をかけた。

“It can never be the same again.

be the same (元通りになる) [動] be identical or alike

「もう二度と元通りにはならない。

I’ve lost my dearest friend,” sighed Jo.

私は一番の親友を失った」とジョーはため息をついた。

“You’ve got me, anyhow.

「いずれにせよ、君には私がいる。

I’m not good for much, I know, but I’ll stand by you, Jo, all the days of my life.

not good for much (大した役には立たない) [形] not very useful or helpful

stand by (味方する) [動] support or defend

all the days of my life (私の人生が続く限り) [名] for the rest of my life

私は大した役には立たない、それはわかっているけど、私は君の味方だ、ジョー、私の人生が続く限り。

Upon my word I will!”

誓ってそうするよ!」

and Laurie meant what he said.

what (言ったことを) [名] that which is said

そしてローリーは言ったことを本気で思っていた。

“I know you will, and I’m ever so much obliged.

「そうしてくれるのはわかっているよ、そしてとても感謝しているよ。

You are always a great comfort to me, Teddy,” returned Jo, gratefully shaking hands.

テディ、あなたはいつも私をとても慰めてくれるよ」とジョーは感謝して握手した。

“Well, now, don’t be dismal, there’s a good fellow.

「さあ、落ち込まないで、いいやつなんだから。

It’s all right you see.

大丈夫だよ。

Meg is happy, Brooke will fly round and get settled immediately, Grandpa will attend to him, and it will be very jolly to see Meg in her own little house.

attend to (面倒を見る) [動] take care of

メグは幸せだし、ブルックはすぐに飛び回って落ち着くだろうし、おじいちゃんが彼の面倒を見てくれるだろうし、メグが自分の小さな家にいるのを見るのはとても楽しいだろう。

We’ll have capital times after she is gone, for I shall be through college before long, and then we’ll go abroad on some nice trip or other.

have capital times (楽しい時間を過ごす) [動] have a lot of fun

be gone (去る) [動] leave

be through college (大学を卒業する) [動] finish college

some nice trip or other (何か素敵な旅行) [名] some kind of nice trip

彼女が去った後、私たちは楽しい時間を過ごすだろう、というのも私はまもなく大学を卒業するし、それから私たちは海外旅行に行ったり、何か素敵な旅行に出かけたりするだろう。

Wouldn’t that console you?”

それで慰めにならないか?」

“I rather think it would, but there’s no knowing what may happen in three years,” said Jo thoughtfully.

rather (そう) [副] to some extent; somewhat

there's no knowing (わからない) [動] be not known or not knowable

three years (3年後) [名] a period of three years

「そう思うけど、3年後に何が起こるかわからない」とジョーは考え深く言った。

“That’s true. Don’t you wish you could take a look forward and see where we shall all be then?

forward (先) [副] toward the front or the future

「それは本当だ。先を見通して、その時私たちがどこにいるかを見ることができたらいいと思わないか?

I do,” returned Laurie.

思うよ」とローリーは答えた。

“I think not, for I might see something sad, and everyone looks so happy now, I don’t believe they could be much improved.”

「そうは思わないよ、悲しいことが見えるかもしれないし、今はみんなとても幸せそうに見えるから、これ以上良くなるとは思えないよ」

And Jo’s eyes went slowly round the room, brightening as they looked, for the prospect was a pleasant one.

go round (見回す) [動] look around

そしてジョーの目はゆっくりと部屋の中を見回し、見ているうちに明るくなった、というのもその見通しは楽しいものだったからだ。

Father and Mother sat together, quietly reliving the first chapter of the romance which for them began some twenty years ago.

relive (追体験する) [動] experience again

first chapter (第一章) [名] the first part of a story

パパとママは一緒に座り、20年ほど前に始まったロマンスの第一章を静かに追体験していた。

Amy was drawing the lovers, who sat apart in a beautiful world of their own, the light of which touched their faces with a grace the little artist could not copy.

copy (真似る) [動] make a replica of

エイミーは、自分たちの美しい世界で離れて座っている恋人たちを描いていたが、その光が彼らの顔に触れた優雅さは、小さな芸術家には真似できないものだった。

Beth lay on her sofa, talking cheerily with her old friend, who held her little hand as if he felt that it possessed the power to lead him along the peaceful way she walked.

cheerily (陽気に) [副] in a cheerful manner

old friend (古くからの友人) [名] a person whom one has known for a long time

little hand (小さな手) [名] a small hand

peaceful way (平和な道) [名] a path that is free of conflict or disturbance

ベスはソファに横になって、古くからの友人と陽気に話し込んでいたが、友人はベスの小さな手を握り、まるでベスが歩いている平和な道に沿って自分を導く力があるかのように感じていた。

Jo lounged in her favorite low seat, with the grave quiet look which best became her, and Laurie, leaning on the back of her chair, his chin on a level with her curly head, smiled with his friendliest aspect, and nodded at her in the long glass which reflected them both.

lounge (腰を下ろす) [動] sit or lie in a relaxed way

seat (椅子) [名] a thing made or used for sitting on

back (背もたれ) [名] the part of a chair that supports a person's back

level (同じ高さ) [名] a position on a scale of amount, quantity, rank, or quality

aspect (表情) [名] the way that someone's face appears

reflect (映す) [動] throw back light, heat, or sound without absorbing it

ジョーは彼女に一番似合う真面目で静かな表情で、お気に入りの低い椅子に腰を下ろし、ローリーは彼女の椅子の背もたれに寄りかかり、あごを彼女の巻き毛の頭と同じ高さにし、最も友好的な表情で微笑み、二人を映す長い鏡の中で彼女にうなずいた。

So the curtain falls upon Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy.

fall upon (閉じる) [動] come down or collapse

こうしてメグ、ジョー、ベス、エイミーの物語は幕を閉じる。

Whether it ever rises again, depends upon the reception given the first act of the domestic drama called Little Women.

reception (受け入れられる) [名] the way in which something is received or regarded

first act (第一幕) [名] the first part of a play

domestic drama (家庭劇) [名] a play about family life

再び幕が上がるか否かは、この「若草物語」と題する家庭劇の第一幕がどのように受け入れられるかにかかっている。

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: GOSSIP

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR (第24章) [名] the 24th chapter

第24章噂

In order that we may start afresh and go to Meg’s wedding with free minds, it will be well to begin with a little gossip about the Marches.

start afresh (気分一新する) [動] start again

begin with (始める) [動] start with

気分一新して、心置きなくメグの結婚式に出席するために、まずはマーチ家の噂話から始めよう。

And here let me premise that if any of the elders think there is too much ‘lovering’ in the story, as I fear they may (I’m not afraid the young folks will make that objection), I can only say with Mrs. March, “What can you expect when I have four gay girls in the house, and a dashing young neighbor over the way?”

premise (前置き) [名] a statement or proposition from which another is inferred or follows as a conclusion

too much (あまりに多い) [形] more than is wanted or needed

young folks (若い人は) [名] young people

make (思わない) [動] form or produce

objection (異議) [名] an expression of opposition to something

girls (娘) [名] a female child

dashing (素敵な) [形] very stylish

ここで前置きしておくが、もし年配の方でこの物語に「恋愛」があまりに多いと思われる方がいたら(若い人はそうは思わないと思うが)、私はマーチ夫人と同じように「家に四人の陽気な娘がいて、道の向こうには素敵な若い隣人がいるのに、何を期待するんですか?」としか言えない。

The three years that have passed have brought but few changes to the quiet family.

三年が過ぎたが、この静かな家庭にはほとんど変化がなかった。

The war is over, and Mr. March safely at home, busy with his books and the small parish which found in him a minister by nature as by grace, a quiet, studious man, rich in the wisdom that is better than learning, the charity which calls all mankind ‘brother’, the piety that blossoms into character, making it august and lovely.

parish (教区) [名] an administrative division of a diocese

minister (牧師) [名] a person authorized to perform the rites of a religion

grace (恵み) [名] a virtue or quality regarded as a gift from God

learning (学問) [名] the acquisition of knowledge through study

piety (敬虔さ) [名] the quality of being religious or reverent

august (威厳のある) [形] respected and impressive

戦争は終わり、マーチ氏は無事に帰宅し、本や小さな教区の世話に忙しくしていたが、彼は生まれつきの牧師であり、学問よりも優れた知恵に富み、すべての人類を「兄弟」と呼ぶ慈愛に満ち、人格に花開く敬虔さで威厳と愛らしさを兼ね備えた、静かで勤勉な人だった。

These attributes, in spite of poverty and the strict integrity which shut him out from the more worldly successes, attracted to him many admirable persons, as naturally as sweet herbs draw bees, and as naturally he gave them the honey into which fifty years of hard experience had distilled no bitter drop.

attribute (資質) [名] a quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something

integrity (誠実さ) [名] the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles

shut out (遠ざける) [動] prevent from entering or participating

attract (引き寄せる) [動] cause to come to oneself or itself, as by magnetic or gravitational force

admirable (立派な) [形] deserving of admiration

naturally (当然のことながら) [副] in a natural or normal way

herb (ハーブ) [名] any plant with leaves, seeds, or flowers used for flavoring, food, medicine, or perfume

これらの資質は、貧困と厳しい誠実さにもかかわらず、彼をより世俗的な成功から遠ざけていたが、甘いハーブが蜂を引き寄せるのと同じように、多くの立派な人々を彼に引き寄せ、彼は五十年の苦労を重ねた経験から得た蜂蜜を彼らに与えた。

Earnest young men found the gray-headed scholar as young at heart as they;

earnest (真面目な) [形] serious and sincere

gray-headed (白髪の) [形] having gray hair

scholar (学者) [名] a specialist in a particular branch of study

真面目な若者たちは、白髪の学者が自分たちと同じように心が若いことを知り、

thoughtful or troubled women instinctively brought their doubts to him, sure of finding the gentlest sympathy, the wisest counsel.

troubled (悩める) [形] experiencing problems or difficulties

instinctively (本能的に) [副] by natural instinct

counsel (助言) [名] advice, especially that given formally

思慮深い女性や悩める女性は、本能的に自分の疑問を彼に持ち込み、最も優しい同情と最も賢明な助言を得ることができた。

Sinners told their sins to the pure-hearted old man and were both rebuked and saved.

pure-hearted (純粋な心の) [形] having or showing a sincere and unselfish nature

罪人たちは純粋な心の老人に自分の罪を告白し、叱責されながらも救われた。

Gifted men found a companion in him.

gifted (才能ある) [形] having a special talent or natural ability

companion (仲間) [名] a person who accompanies another

才能ある人々は彼の中に仲間を見出した。

Ambitious men caught glimpses of nobler ambitions than their own, and even worldlings confessed that his beliefs were beautiful and true, although ‘they wouldn’t pay’.

worldling (世俗的な人) [名] a person who is interested only in worldly matters

野心的な人は、自分よりも高貴な野心を垣間見ることができ、世俗的な人でさえ、彼の信念は美しく真実であると告白したが、「彼らは支払わない」と言った。

To outsiders the five energetic women seemed to rule the house, and so they did in many things, but the quiet scholar, sitting among his books, was still the head of the family, the household conscience, anchor, and comforter, for to him the busy, anxious women always turned in troublous times, finding him, in the truest sense of those sacred words, husband and father.

outsider (外部の人) [名] a person who is not a member of a particular group

anchor (支え) [名] a heavy object attached to a rope or chain and used to moor a ship or boat to the sea bottom, or to provide a firm hold

comforter (慰め手) [名] a person or thing that gives consolation or comfort

troublous (困難な) [形] causing difficulty or problems

外部の人には、5人の元気な女性が家を支配しているように見え、実際多くのことでそうだったのだが、本に囲まれて座っている静かな学者は、忙しく心配性な女性たちがいつも困難な時に頼り、夫であり父であるという神聖な言葉の真の意味で彼を頼りにしていたので、彼は依然として家族の長であり、家庭の良心であり、支えであり、慰め手であった。

The girls gave their hearts into their mother’s keeping, their souls into their father’s, and to both parents, who lived and labored so faithfully for them, they gave a love that grew with their growth and bound them tenderly together by the sweetest tie which blesses life and outlives death.

both (両親) [形] the two people together

faithfully (誠実に) [副] in a loyal or faithful manner

growth (成長) [名] the process of increasing in size

tie (絆) [名] a bond or connection between people

娘たちは心を母に預け、魂を父に預け、自分たちのために誠実に生き、働いてくれた両親に、成長とともに育った愛を捧げ、人生を祝福し、死を乗り越える最も甘い絆で優しく結びつけた。

Mrs. March is as brisk and cheery, though rather grayer, than when we saw her last, and just now so absorbed in Meg’s affairs that the hospitals and homes still full of wounded ‘boys’ and soldiers’ widows, decidedly miss the motherly missionary’s visits.

cheery (明るい) [形] happy and positive

grayer (白髪が増えた) [形] having more gray hair

absorbed (夢中になっている) [形] deeply interested in something

wounded (負傷した) [形] physically injured

widow (未亡人) [名] a woman whose husband has died

missionary (宣教師) [名] a person who is sent on a religious mission, especially one sent to a foreign country

マーチ夫人は、前回会った時よりも少し白髪が増えたが、相変わらず元気で明るく、今はメグのことに夢中になっているので、負傷した「少年」や兵士の未亡人でいっぱいの病院や家庭では、母性的な宣教師の訪問を恋しく思っている。

John Brooke did his duty manfully for a year, got wounded, was sent home, and not allowed to return.

do one's duty (任務を果たす) [動] to do what you are expected to do

get wounded (負傷する) [動] to be injured

be sent home (帰国させられる) [動] to be forced to return to one's home country

not be allowed to (許されない) [動] to not be permitted to do something

return (復帰) [名] the act of going back to a place or condition

ジョン・ブルックは1年間、男らしく任務を果たしたが、負傷して帰国させられ、復帰は許されなかった。

He received no stars or bars, but he deserved them, for he cheerfully risked all he had, and life and love are very precious when both are in full bloom.

bar (勲章) [名] a piece of metal in the shape of a bar

risk (かけた) [動] expose (someone or something valued) to danger, harm, or loss

彼は星も勲章も受けなかったが、彼は喜んで自分のすべてをかけて戦ったので、それを受けるに値したし、人生と愛は両方とも満開の時にはとても貴重なものである。

Perfectly resigned to his discharge, he devoted himself to getting well, preparing for business, and earning a home for Meg.

resign (受け入れる) [動] accept something unpleasant that you cannot change

discharge (除隊) [名] the act of releasing someone from a position or office

earn (建てる) [動] gain or deserve something by one's own efforts

彼は除隊を完全に受け入れ、回復し、仕事の準備をし、メグのために家を建てることに専念した。

With the good sense and sturdy independence that characterized him, he refused Mr. Laurence’s more generous offers, and accepted the place of bookkeeper, feeling better satisfied to begin with an honestly earned salary than by running any risks with borrowed money.

good sense (良識) [名] sound practical judgment

sturdy (頑固な) [形] strong and firm

characterize (特徴である) [動] be a feature or quality of

place (地位) [名] a position or location

bookkeeper (簿記係) [名] a person who keeps or audits the financial records of a business

satisfied (満足感) [形] contented with one's situation

run (冒す) [動] expose oneself to

risk (リスク) [名] a situation involving exposure to danger

彼の特徴である良識と頑固な独立心で、彼はローレンス氏のより寛大な申し出を断り、簿記係の地位を受け入れ、借金をしてリスクを冒すよりも、正直に稼いだ給料で始めることに満足感を覚えた。

Meg had spent the time in working as well as waiting, growing womanly in character, wise in housewifely arts, and prettier than ever, for love is a great beautifier.

beautifier (美容師) [名] a person who makes someone or something more attractive

メグは待つだけでなく働くことにも時間を費やし、女性らしい性格になり、家事にも精通し、これまで以上にきれいになった。愛は偉大な美容師である。

She had her girlish ambitions and hopes, and felt some disappointment at the humble way in which the new life must begin.

girlish (少女らしい) [形] of or like a girl

彼女には少女らしい野心と希望があり、新しい人生が始まらなければならない謙虚な方法に少し失望を感じていた。

Ned Moffat had just married Sallie Gardiner, and Meg couldn’t help contrasting their fine house and carriage, many gifts, and splendid outfit with her own, and secretly wishing she could have the same.

contrasting (比べる) [動] be strikingly different from one another in juxtaposition or close association

outfit (衣装) [名] a set of clothes

secretly (密かに) [副] in a secret manner

wishing (願う) [動] feel or express a strong desire or hope for something that is not easily attainable

ネッド・モファットはサリー・ガーディナーと結婚したばかりで、メグは彼らの立派な家と馬車、たくさんの贈り物、そして素晴らしい衣装を自分と比べずにはいられず、密かに同じものが欲しいと願っていた。

But somehow envy and discontent soon vanished when she thought of all the patient love and labor John had put into the little home awaiting her, and when they sat together in the twilight, talking over their small plans, the future always grew so beautiful and bright that she forgot Sallie’s splendor and felt herself the richest, happiest girl in Christendom.

discontent (不満) [名] a feeling of dissatisfaction

await (待つ) [動] wait for

richest (最も裕福な) [形] having a great deal of money or assets

happiest (最も幸せな) [形] feeling or showing great pleasure or contentment

Christendom (キリスト教世界) [名] the Christian world

しかし、ジョンが彼女を待つ小さな家に注ぎ込んだ忍耐強い愛と労働を思うと、嫉妬や不満はすぐに消え、夕暮れ時に一緒に座って小さな計画について話していると、未来はいつもとても美しく明るくなり、サリーの素晴らしさを忘れ、自分はキリスト教世界で最も裕福で幸せな少女だと感じた。

Jo never went back to Aunt March, for the old lady took such a fancy to Amy that she bribed her with the offer of drawing lessons from one of the best teachers going, and for the sake of this advantage, Amy would have served a far harder mistress.

drawing lesson (絵のレッスン) [名] a lesson in drawing

one of the best teachers (最高の教師の一人) [名] a teacher who is among the best

for the sake of (のために) [前] for the purpose of; in order to achieve

advantage (利点) [名] a condition or circumstance that puts one in a favorable or superior position

harder (もっと厳しい) [形] more difficult

ジョーはマーチおばさんのところへは二度と戻らなかったが、老婦人はエイミーをとても気に入り、最高の教師の一人から絵のレッスンを受けられるようにと彼女を買収し、この利点のためにエイミーはもっと厳しい女主人に仕えただろう。

So she gave her mornings to duty, her afternoons to pleasure, and prospered finely.

give (割く) [動] devote or dedicate

prosper (進歩する) [動] flourish or thrive

だから彼女は午前中は義務に、午後は楽しみに時間を割き、順調に進歩した。

Jo meantime devoted herself to literature and Beth, who remained delicate long after the fever was a thing of the past.

remain (残る) [動] be left after others have gone

delicate (虚弱な) [形] easily broken or damaged

その間、ジョーは文学とベスに専念したが、ベスは熱が過去のものとなった後も長い間虚弱なままだった。

Not an invalid exactly, but never again the rosy, healthy creature she had been, yet always hopeful, happy, and serene, and busy with the quiet duties she loved, everyone’s friend, and an angel in the house, long before those who loved her most had learned to know it.

serene (穏やかな) [形] calm, peaceful, and untroubled

long before (ずっと前に) [副] a long time before

正確には病人ではないが、もう二度と以前のようなバラ色の健康体には戻らなかったが、それでもいつも希望に満ち、幸せで穏やかで、彼女が愛する静かな仕事に忙しく、誰もが彼女を愛する人がそれを知るずっと前から、みんなの友人であり、家の中の天使だった。

As long as The Spread Eagle paid her a dollar a column for her ‘rubbish’, as she called it, Jo felt herself a woman of means, and spun her little romances diligently.

a dollar (1ドル) [名] the basic monetary unit of the United States

a column (1列) [名] a vertical arrangement of items

a woman (女性) [名] an adult human female

means (裕福) [名] wealth or other resources

スプレッド・イーグルが彼女の言う「ゴミ」に対して一列につき一ドルを支払う限り、ジョーは自分が裕福な女性であると感じ、小さなロマンスを熱心に紡ぎだした。

But great plans fermented in her busy brain and ambitious mind, and the old tin kitchen in the garret held a slowly increasing pile of blotted manuscript, which was one day to place the name of March upon the roll of fame.

ferment (練られる) [動] to be in a state of agitation or intense activity

one day (いつの日か) [副] at some future time

place (載せる) [動] put in a particular position

fame (名声) [名] the state of being known or talked about by many people

しかし、彼女の忙しい頭脳と野心的な精神の中では壮大な計画が練られ、屋根裏部屋の古いブリキの台所には、ゆっくりと増えていくしみだらけの原稿の山があり、いつの日かマーチの名前を名声のリストに載せる日が来るだろう。

Laurie, having dutifully gone to college to please his grandfather, was now getting through it in the easiest possible manner to please himself.

dutifully (忠実に) [副] in a dutiful manner

get through (やり過ごす) [動] to manage to live or to deal with a difficult period of time

easiest (最も簡単な) [形] most easy

ローリーは祖父を喜ばせるために忠実に大学に通っていたが、今では自分を喜ばせるためにできるだけ楽な方法で大学生活を送っていた。

A universal favorite, thanks to money, manners, much talent, and the kindest heart that ever got its owner into scrapes by trying to get other people out of them, he stood in great danger of being spoiled, and probably would have been, like many another promising boy, if he had not possessed a talisman against evil in the memory of the kind old man who was bound up in his success, the motherly friend who watched over him as if he were her son, and last, but not least by any means, the knowledge that four innocent girls loved, admired, and believed in him with all their hearts.

manners (マナー) [名] polite or well-behaved social conduct

kindest (最も親切な) [形] having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature

scrape (傷) [名] a mark or area of damage on a surface

stand in (立つ) [動] be in a specified state or condition

promising (有望な) [形] likely to be successful or good

talisman (お守り) [名] an object, quality, or person that is believed to bring good luck or protection

bound up (縛られる) [動] be closely connected or associated with

least (少なくとも) [副] to the smallest extent or degree

お金、マナー、才能、そして他人を助けようとして自分を傷つけるような優しい心のおかげで、誰からも好かれていた彼は、甘やかされる危険性があり、他の有望な少年たちのように、彼の成功に縛られた親切な老人の記憶、彼を息子のように見守ってくれた母親のような友人、そして最後に、決して重要ではないわけではないが、4人の無垢な少女たちが心から彼を愛し、賞賛し、信じているという知識という悪に対するお守りを持っていなかったら、おそらくそうだっただろう。

Being only ‘a glorious human boy’, of course he frolicked and flirted, grew dandified, aquatic, sentimental, or gymnastic, as college fashions ordained, hazed and was hazed, talked slang, and more than once came perilously near suspension and expulsion.

dandified (ダンディになる) [形] excessively concerned with one's appearance

aquatic (水泳をする) [形] relating to water

sentimental (感傷的になる) [形] having or showing feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia

gymnastic (体操をする) [形] relating to gymnastics

ordain (従う) [動] officially order or decree

haze (いじめる) [動] harass or abuse

suspension (停学) [名] the temporary withdrawal of a privilege or service

expulsion (退学) [名] the action of forcing someone to leave a place, especially a country

彼はただの「栄光ある人間の少年」だったので、もちろん、大学の流行に従って、浮かれ騒ぎ、浮気し、ダンディになったり、水泳をしたり、感傷的になったり、体操をしたり、いじめたり、いじめられたり、俗語を話したり、何度も停学や退学に追い込まれそうになった。

But as high spirits and the love of fun were the causes of these pranks, he always managed to save himself by frank confession, honorable atonement, or the irresistible power of persuasion which he possessed in perfection.

high spirits (元気) [名] a cheerful or lively mood

love of fun (遊び好き) [名] the enjoyment of having fun

frank confession (率直な告白) [名] a confession that is open and honest

honorable atonement (名誉ある償い) [名] a way of making amends for a wrong that has been done

irresistible power (説得の力) [名] a power that is too strong to be resisted

しかし、これらのいたずらの原因は、元気と遊び好きだったため、彼はいつも率直な告白、名誉ある償い、あるいは彼が完璧に持っていた説得の力によって、自分を救うことができた。

In fact, he rather prided himself on his narrow escapes, and liked to thrill the girls with graphic accounts of his triumphs over wrathful tutors, dignified professors, and vanquished enemies.

pride oneself on (誇りに思う) [動] be proud of

narrow escape (危機一髪) [名] a situation in which you only just avoid being killed, injured, or harmed

thrill (興奮させる) [動] cause to feel a sudden intense feeling of excitement or pleasure

graphic (生き生きとした) [形] giving a vivid picture with explicit detail

wrathful (怒り狂った) [形] extremely angry

vanquish (打ち負かす) [動] defeat thoroughly

実際、彼は危機一髪で逃げ切ったことを誇りに思っており、怒り狂った家庭教師や威厳のある教授、そして打ち負かされた敵に対する勝利を生き生きと語って、少女たちを興奮させるのが好きだった。

The ‘men of my class’, were heroes in the eyes of the girls, who never wearied of the exploits of ‘our fellows’, and were frequently allowed to bask in the smiles of these great creatures, when Laurie brought them home with him.

men (男たち) [名] adult male human beings

class (クラス) [名] a group of students who are studying the same subject

weary (飽きる) [動] become or cause to become bored or impatient

bask (浴びる) [動] expose oneself to warmth and light

私のクラスの男たち」は、少女たちの目には英雄であり、「私たちの仲間」の功績に飽きることはなく、ローリーが彼らを家に連れてきたときには、しばしばこれらの偉大な生き物の笑顔を浴びることができた。

Amy especially enjoyed this high honor, and became quite a belle among them, for her ladyship early felt and learned to use the gift of fascination with which she was endowed.

high honor (名誉) [名] a person or thing that brings credit or glory

fascination (魅力) [名] the power to attract and hold the attention

endow (授ける) [動] provide with a permanent fund or source of income

エイミーは特にこの名誉を享受し、彼らの間でかなりの美人になった。彼女は早くから自分が授かった魅力という贈り物を感じ、使うことを学んだ。

Meg was too much absorbed in her private and particular John to care for any other lords of creation, and Beth too shy to do more than peep at them and wonder how Amy dared to order them about so, but Jo felt quite in her own element, and found it very difficult to refrain from imitating the gentlemanly attitudes, phrases, and feats, which seemed more natural to her than the decorums prescribed for young ladies.

particular (特別な) [形] more than is usual or average

element (本領) [名] a situation in which one feels comfortable and at ease

difficult (難しい) [形] needing much effort or skill to accomplish, deal with, or understand

refrain from (控える) [動] stop oneself from doing something

feat (偉業) [名] an achievement that requires great courage, skill, or strength

メグは自分の個人的なジョンに夢中になりすぎて、他の創造主を気にかける余裕がなく、ベスは恥ずかしがり屋で、彼らをのぞき見する以外に何もせず、エイミーがどうして彼らに命令するのか不思議に思っていたが、ジョーは自分の本領を発揮し、若い女性に求められる礼儀作法よりも自然に見える紳士的な態度、言い回し、偉業などを真似するのを我慢するのがとても難しいと感じていた。

They all liked Jo immensely, but never fell in love with her, though very few escaped without paying the tribute of a sentimental sigh or two at Amy’s shrine.

escape (逃げる) [動] get free from a situation

pay tribute (ため息をつく) [動] express admiration and respect for

shrine (神殿) [名] a place of worship

彼らは皆ジョーをとても好きだったが、彼女に恋をすることはなかったが、エイミーの神殿で感傷的なため息をつかずに逃げ出した者はほとんどいなかった。

And speaking of sentiment brings us very naturally to the ‘Dovecote’.

sentiment (感情) [名] a thought, view, or attitude, especially one based mainly on emotion

Dovecote (鳩小屋) [名] a small building for housing pigeons

そして、感情について話すことは、私たちをとても自然に「鳩小屋」へと導く。

That was the name of the little brown house Mr. Brooke had prepared for Meg’s first home.

それはブルック氏がメグの最初の家のために用意した小さな茶色い家の名前だった。

Laurie had christened it, saying it was highly appropriate to the gentle lovers who ‘went on together like a pair of turtledoves, with first a bill and then a coo’.

turtledove (キジバト) [名] a small dove with a soft purring call

bill (くちばし) [名] the beak of a bird

coo (クークー) [動] make a soft murmuring sound

ローリーは「一組のキジバトのように、最初はくちばしを合わせ、それからクークーと鳴きながら一緒に歩いていった」優しい恋人たちにとてもふさわしいと言って、その名をつけた。

It was a tiny house, with a little garden behind and a lawn about as big as a pocket handkerchief in the front.

それは小さな家で、後ろに小さな庭があり、前にはポケットハンカチほどの大きさの芝生があった。

Here Meg meant to have a fountain, shrubbery, and a profusion of lovely flowers, though just at present the fountain was represented by a weather-beaten urn, very like a dilapidated slopbowl, the shrubbery consisted of several young larches, undecided whether to live or die, and the profusion of flowers was merely hinted by regiments of sticks to show where seeds were planted.

shrubbery (低木) [名] a group of shrubs

profusion (豊富) [名] a large or excessive amount of something

at present (今のところ) [副] now; at this time

weather-beaten (風雨にさらされた) [形] damaged or worn by exposure to the weather

urn (つぼ) [名] a tall, rounded vase with a base and a flared or wide mouth

slopbowl (スロップボウル) [名] a bowl for holding slops

regiment (連隊) [名] a military unit

ここにメグは噴水、低木、そしてたくさんの美しい花を植えようと思っていたが、今のところ噴水は老朽化したスロップボウルのような風雨にさらされたつぼで表され、低木は生死を決めかねている数本の若いカラマツで構成され、花の豊富さは種が植えられた場所を示す棒の連隊によってほのめかされているだけだった。

But inside, it was altogether charming, and the happy bride saw no fault from garret to cellar.

fault (欠陥) [名] a defect or weakness in a person or thing

しかし、中はすっかり魅力的で、幸せな花嫁は屋根裏部屋から地下室まで何の欠陥も見なかった。

To be sure, the hall was so narrow it was fortunate that they had no piano, for one never could have been got in whole, the dining room was so small that six people were a tight fit, and the kitchen stairs seemed built for the express purpose of precipitating both servants and china pell-mell into the coalbin.

narrow (狭い) [形] of small width

whole (丸ごと) [形] all of; the entire amount of

tight fit (ぎゅうぎゅう詰め) [名] a situation in which there is not enough space for everyone or everything

pell-mell (無造作に) [副] in a confused, disorderly, or hurried manner

coalbin (石炭入れ) [名] a container for storing coal

確かに、玄関はとても狭く、ピアノがなくて幸いだった。ピアノは丸ごと入れることができなかったし、食堂はとても狭くて6人がぎゅうぎゅう詰めだったし、台所の階段は召使と陶器を無造作に石炭入れに放り込むために作られたように見えた。

But once get used to these slight blemishes and nothing could be more complete, for good sense and good taste had presided over the furnishing, and the result was highly satisfactory.

get used to (慣れる) [動] become familiar with something through repeated exposure

good taste (趣味) [名] the ability to discern what is of good quality or of a high aesthetic standard

preside over (支配する) [動] be in charge of or have control over

furnishing (家具) [名] the movable articles that are used to make a room or building suitable for living or working in

result (結果) [名] something that happens or comes about as a consequence of an action or other cause

しかし、いったんこれらのわずかな欠陥に慣れてしまえば、これ以上完全なものはない。良識と趣味が家具を支配し、その結果は非常に満足のいくものだった。

There were no marble-topped tables, long mirrors, or lace curtains in the little parlor, but simple furniture, plenty of books, a fine picture or two, a stand of flowers in the bay window, and, scattered all about, the pretty gifts which came from friendly hands and were the fairer for the loving messages they brought.

marble-topped table (大理石のテーブル) [名] a table with a marble top

long mirror (長い鏡) [名] a mirror that is long

lace curtain (レースのカーテン) [名] a curtain made of lace

little parlor (小さな応接間) [名] a small room used for receiving guests

simple furniture (シンプルな家具) [名] furniture that is not elaborate or complicated

plenty of books (たくさんの本) [名] a large number of books

fine picture (素晴らしい絵) [名] a picture that is of high quality

stand of flowers (花台) [名] a structure on which flowers can be placed

scattered all about (そこら中に散らばった) [動] spread around in an untidy way

pretty gift (美しい贈り物) [名] a gift that is attractive

friendly hand (友好的な手) [名] a hand that is offered in friendship

loving message (愛のメッセージ) [名] a message that expresses love

小さな応接間には大理石のテーブルや長い鏡、レースのカーテンなどはなく、シンプルな家具、たくさんの本、一つか二つの素晴らしい絵、出窓に花台、そしてそこら中に散らばった、友好的な手から届いた愛のメッセージが込められた美しい贈り物があった。

I don’t think the Parian Psyche Laurie gave lost any of its beauty because John put up the bracket it stood upon, that any upholsterer could have draped the plain muslin curtains more gracefully than Amy’s artistic hand, or that any store-room was ever better provided with good wishes, merry words, and happy hopes than that in which Jo and her mother put away Meg’s few boxes, barrels, and bundles, and I am morally certain that the spandy new kitchen never could have looked so cozy and neat if Hannah had not arranged every pot and pan a dozen times over, and laid the fire all ready for lighting the minute ‘Mis. Brooke came home’.

Parian Psyche (パリアン・プシュケ) [名] a type of porcelain figurine

bracket (台) [名] a support for a shelf or other object

upholsterer (室内装飾業者) [名] a person who makes or repairs upholstery

plain muslin (無地のモスリン) [名] a type of fabric

store-room (倉庫) [名] a room where things are stored

good wishes (良い願い) [名] a hope or desire for good fortune

merry words (陽気な言葉) [名] words that are cheerful or festive

happy hopes (幸せな希望) [名] hopes that are full of happiness

barrel (樽) [名] a round container with flat ends

spandy new (真新しい) [形] brand new

kitchen (キッチン) [名] a room where food is prepared and cooked

neat (きれい) [形] tidy and organized

pan (フライパン) [名] a flat, round pan with a handle, used for frying

Mis. Brooke (ミセス・ブルック) [名] a character in the story

came home (帰宅した) [動] to return home

ジョンが置いた台に載せたからといって、ローリーがくれたパリアン・プシュケの美しさが失われたとは思わないし、どんな室内装飾業者もエイミーの芸術的な手よりも優雅に無地のモスリンのカーテンをドレープできたとは思わないし、どんな倉庫もジョーと母親がメグの箱や樽や包みを片付けた倉庫よりも良い願いや陽気な言葉、幸せな希望で満たされていたとは思わないし、ハンナが鍋やフライパンを何十回も並べ替えて、「ミセス・ブルックが帰宅した」瞬間に火がつくように準備していなかったら、あの真新しいキッチンがこんなに居心地がよく、きれいに見えることはなかっただろうと確信している。

I also doubt if any young matron ever began life with so rich a supply of dusters, holders, and piece bags, for Beth made enough to last till the silver wedding came round, and invented three different kinds of dishcloths for the express service of the bridal china.

begin life (生活を始める) [動] start living

supply (用意) [名] a quantity of something that is available

duster (ダスター) [名] a cloth for dusting

silver wedding (銀婚式) [名] the 25th anniversary of a wedding

come round (迎える) [動] arrive or happen

invent (発明する) [動] create or design something that has not existed before

dishcloth (食器用布巾) [名] a cloth for washing dishes

express service (特別な用途) [名] a service that is faster than normal

bridal (花嫁の) [形] relating to a bride or a wedding

また、若い主婦がこれほど豊富なダスター、ホルダー、小物袋を用意して生活を始めたことがあったかどうかも疑わしい。ベスは銀婚式を迎えるまで十分に使える量を作り、花嫁の陶器のために三種類の食器用布巾を発明した。

People who hire all these things done for them never know what they lose, for the homeliest tasks get beautified if loving hands do them, and Meg found so many proofs of this that everything in her small nest, from the kitchen roller to the silver vase on her parlor table, was eloquent of home love and tender forethought.

hire (雇う) [動] employ for wages

never know (わからない) [動] be not aware of

homely (家庭的な) [形] of or relating to a home or family

beautify (美しくする) [動] make beautiful

roller (ローラー) [名] a cylindrical object that rotates on an axis

forethought (配慮) [名] careful thought about what is likely to happen or be needed in the future

これらのことをすべて他人に任せる人は、愛する人の手が触れればどんなに家庭的な仕事も美しくなるのに、何を失っているのかわからない。メグはその証拠をたくさん見つけ、台所のローラーから応接間のテーブルの銀の花瓶まで、小さな巣の中のすべてが家庭の愛と優しい配慮を雄弁に語っていた。

What happy times they had planning together, what solemn shopping excursions, what funny mistakes they made, and what shouts of laughter arose over Laurie’s ridiculous bargains.

excursion (旅行) [名] a short journey or trip

bargain (掘り出し物) [名] a thing bought or offered for sale at a low price

一緒に計画を立てている時は何と幸せだったか、真面目な買い物旅行、おかしな間違い、ローリーのばかげた掘り出し物にどんな笑い声が上がったことか。

In his love of jokes, this young gentleman, though nearly through college, was a much of a boy as ever.

ジョーク好きのこの若い紳士は、大学を卒業間近だったが、相変わらず少年のようだった。

His last whim had been to bring with him on his weekly visits some new, useful, and ingenious article for the young housekeeper.

last (最近の) [形] most recent

彼の最近の気まぐれは、毎週の訪問の際に若い主婦のために新しく、役に立つ、独創的な品物を持ってくることだった。

Now a bag of remarkable clothespins, next, a wonderful nutmeg grater which fell to pieces at the first trial, a knife cleaner that spoiled all the knives, or a sweeper that picked the nap neatly off the carpet and left the dirt, labor-saving soap that took the skin off one’s hands, infallible cements which stuck firmly to nothing but the fingers of the deluded buyer, and every kind of tinware, from a toy savings bank for odd pennies, to a wonderful boiler which would wash articles in its own steam with every prospect of exploding in the process.

grater (おろし金) [名] a kitchen utensil used for grating food

knife (ナイフ) [名] a cutting instrument with a blade and a handle

cleaner (クリーナー) [名] a substance or device used for cleaning

sweeper (掃除機) [名] a machine used for cleaning floors

nap (毛羽) [名] a short, light sleep

dirt (汚れ) [名] unwanted matter that soils or defiles

labor-saving (省力) [形] designed to reduce the amount of work needed

skin (皮膚) [名] the outer covering of the human or animal body

infallible (絶対確実) [形] incapable of error

cement (接着剤) [名] a substance used for sticking objects together

buyer (買い手) [名] a person who buys something

tinware (ブリキ製品) [名] articles made of tin

toy (おもちゃ) [名] an object for a child to play with

savings bank (貯金箱) [名] a bank that specializes in taking deposits from the general public

odd (小銭) [形] unusual or strange

penny (ペニー) [名] a British bronze coin worth one hundredth of a pound

boiler (ボイラー) [名] a closed vessel in which water is heated under pressure

process (過程) [名] a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end

素晴らしい洗濯バサミの袋、次は最初の試みで粉々になった素晴らしいナツメグおろし金、すべてのナイフを台無しにするナイフクリーナー、カーペットからきれいに毛羽を取り除き、汚れを残す掃除機、手から皮膚を剥ぎ取る省力石鹸、惑わされた買い手の指以外には何もくっつかない絶対確実な接着剤、あらゆる種類のブリキ製品、小銭用のおもちゃの貯金箱から、その過程で爆発する可能性のある蒸気で物を洗う素晴らしいボイラーまで。

In vain Meg begged him to stop.

メグは彼に止めるように懇願したが無駄だった。

John laughed at him, and Jo called him ‘Mr. Toodles’.

Mr. Toodles (トゥードルズさん) [名] a character in the story

ジョンは彼を笑い、ジョーは彼を「トゥードルズさん」と呼んだ。

He was possessed with a mania for patronizing Yankee ingenuity, and seeing his friends fitly furnished forth.

be possessed with (熱狂している) [動] to be filled with a strong feeling or emotion

mania (熱狂) [名] an excessive enthusiasm or desire; a craze

ingenuity (独創性) [名] the quality of being clever, original, and inventive

furnish (備え付ける) [動] to provide or supply with something

彼はヤンキーの独創性をひいきにし、友人たちが適切に備え付けられているのを見ることに熱狂していた。

So each week beheld some fresh absurdity.

each week (毎週) [名] once a week

behold (見られる) [動] see or observe

だから毎週何か新しいばかげたものが見られた。

Everything was done at last, even to Amy’s arranging different colored soaps to match the different colored rooms, and Beth’s setting the table for the first meal.

even to (に至るまで) [前] up to and including

colored (色の) [形] having a color

match (合わせる) [動] be the same as or similar to

ついにすべてが終わり、エイミーが部屋の色に合わせて色とりどりの石鹸を並べたり、ベスが最初の食事のテーブルを用意したりした。

“Are you satisfied?

「満足したかい?

Does it seem like home, and do you feel as if you should be happy here?” asked Mrs. March, as she and her daughter went through the new kingdom arm in arm, for just then they seemed to cling together more tenderly than ever.

seem like (思える) [動] appear to be

家のように思える? ここで幸せになれそう?」とマーチ夫人は娘と腕を組んで新しい王国を歩きながら尋ねた。ちょうどその時、二人はこれまで以上に優しく寄り添っているように見えた。

“Yes, Mother, perfectly satisfied, thanks to you all, and so happy that I can’t talk about it,” with a look that was far better than words.

thanks to (おかげで) [前] because of

was (だった) [動] be in the past tense

far (ずっと) [副] to a great extent

「ええ、ママ、みんなのおかげでとても満足しているし、言葉にできないほど幸せよ」と言葉よりもずっといい表情で答えた。

“If she only had a servant or two it would be all right,” said Amy, coming out of the parlor, where she had been trying to decide whether the bronze Mercury looked best on the whatnot or the mantlepiece.

Mercury (マーキュリー) [名] the Roman god of commerce, travel, and thievery

whatnot (whatnot) [名] a whatnot is a piece of furniture with shelves for displaying small objects

mantlepiece (マントルピース) [名] a shelf above a fireplace

「召使が一人か二人いれば大丈夫なんだけど」とエイミーは、ブロンズのマーキュリーが何に一番似合うか、マントルピースか、マントルピースかを決めようとしていた応接間から出てきて言った。

“Mother and I have talked that over, and I have made up my mind to try her way first.

「ママとそのことについて話し合ったんだけど、まずはママのやり方でやってみることにしたの。

There will be so little to do that with Lotty to run my errands and help me here and there,

so little (ほとんどない) [副] very little; not much

Lotty (ロッティ) [名] a person's name

ロッティが私の用事を済ませたり、あちこちで手伝ってくれたりするので、やることはほとんどありません。

I shall only have enough work to keep me from getting lazy or homesick,” answered Meg tranquilly.

homesick (ホームシックな) [形] longing for home

tranquilly (落ち着いて) [副] in a calm and untroubled manner

怠惰になったり、ホームシックになったりしないように、十分な仕事があるだけよ」とメグは落ち着いて答えた。

“Sallie Moffat has four,” began Amy.

Sallie Moffat (サリー・モファット) [名] a character in the story

begin (始めた) [動] start doing something

「サリー・モファットは4つ持っている」とエイミーは始めた。

“If Meg had four, the house wouldn’t hold them, and master and missis would have to camp in the garden,” broke in Jo, who, enveloped in a big blue pinafore, was giving the last polish to the door handles.

hold (入りきらない) [動] have enough space for

master (ご主人様) [名] the male head of a household

missis (奥様) [名] the female head of a household

camp (キャンプする) [動] live temporarily in a camp

pinafore (エプロン) [名] a garment worn over other clothes to protect them

give (磨いていた) [動] apply

handle (取っ手) [名] the part of a tool or object that is held in the hand when using it

「メグが4つ持っていたら、家には入りきらないし、ご主人様と奥様は庭でキャンプすることになるよ」と、大きな青いエプロンを着て、ドアの取っ手を磨いていたジョーが口を挟んだ。

“Sallie isn’t a poor man’s wife, and many maids are in keeping with her fine establishment.

「サリーは貧乏人の妻ではないし、多くのメイドが彼女の立派な家を守っている。

Meg and John begin humbly, but I have a feeling that there will be quite as much happiness in the little house as in the big one.

humbly (つつましく) [副] in a modest or respectful way

have a feeling (気がする) [動] have an intuition or a premonition

there will be (あるだろう) [動] will exist

quite as much (同じくらい) [副] to the same extent

メグとジョンはつつましく始めるが、私は小さな家にも大きな家と同じくらい幸せがあるような気がする。

It’s a great mistake for young girls like Meg to leave themselves nothing to do but dress, give orders, and gossip.

メグのような若い娘が、着飾って、命令して、噂話をする以外に何もしないのは大きな間違いだ。

When I was first married, I used to long for my new clothes to wear out or get torn, so that I might have the pleasure of mending them, for I got heartily sick of doing fancywork and tending my pocket handkerchief.”

when I was first married (私が結婚したばかりの頃) [名] the time when I first got married

get torn (破れる) [動] become torn

so that (そうすれば) [接] with the result or consequence that

might have (得られる) [助] be possible or likely to have

mending (繕う) [動] repair or restore something that is damaged or faulty

got heartily sick of (心底うんざりした) [動] became very tired of

doing fancywork (刺しゅうをする) [動] doing embroidery

tending (繕う) [動] repair or restore something that is damaged or faulty

私が結婚したばかりの頃は、新しい服が擦り切れたり破れたりするのを待ち望んでいたものだった。そうすれば、繕う楽しみが得られるからね。刺しゅうをしたり、ハンカチを繕ったりするのは、心底うんざりだったんだ」

“Why didn’t you go into the kitchen and make messes, as Sallie says she does to amuse herself, though they never turn out well and the servants laugh at her,” said Meg.

go into (行く) [動] move into or towards

turn out well (うまくいく) [動] have a good result

「サリーは、うまくいかなくて召使に笑われるけど、気晴らしに台所に行って料理をするって言ってたけど、どうしてそうしないの?」とメグは言った。

“I did after a while, not to ‘mess’ but to learn of Hannah how things should be done, that my servants need not laugh at me.

not to (~するためではない) [助] for the purpose of not doing something

「しばらくしてからそうしたよ。でも「料理」するためではなく、ハンナにどうすればいいかを習うためよ。召使に笑われないようにね。

It was play then, but there came a time when I was truly grateful that I not only possessed the will but the power to cook wholesome food for my little girls, and help myself when I could no longer afford to hire help.

help (家事) [名] the work of taking care of a home, such as cooking, cleaning, and looking after children

当時は遊びだったけど、娘たちのために健康的な食事を作ったり、家政婦を雇う余裕がなくなった時に自分で家事をしたりする意志と能力があることを心から感謝する時が来たよ。

You begin at the other end, Meg, dear, but the lessons you learn now will be of use to you by-and-by when John is a richer man, for the mistress of a house, however splendid, should know how work ought to be done, if she wishes to be well and honestly served.”

well (きちんと) [副] in a good or proper way

honestly (誠実に) [副] in a truthful way

メグ、あなたは逆から始めているけど、今学んでいることは、ジョンがもっと裕福になった時に役に立つよ。どんなに豪華な家でも、家事を取り仕切る女性は、きちんと誠実に仕えてもらいたいなら、仕事のやり方を知っておくべきだから」

“Yes, Mother, I’m sure of that,” said Meg, listening respectfully to the little lecture, for the best of women will hold forth upon the all absorbing subject of house keeping.

I'm sure of that (そう思うよ) [句] I am certain about that

listening (聞いていた) [動] give one's attention to a sound

the best of (女性の中の女性) [句] the best one of

will hold forth (語り続けるものだ) [句] will talk at length

the all absorbing (すべてを吸収する) [句] the all-encompassing

subject (テーマ) [名] the topic of a discussion or conversation

house keeping (家事) [名] the management of a household

「そうね、ママ、そう思うよ」とメグは言った。女性の中の女性は、家事というすべてを吸収するテーマについて語り続けるものだから、メグは短い講義を敬意をもって聞いていた。

“Do you know I like this room most of all in my baby house,” added Meg, a minute after, as they went upstairs and she looked into her well-stored linen closet.

go upstairs (2階に上がる) [動] move from a lower to a higher floor

「この家で一番好きな部屋はここなの」とメグは付け加えた。2階に上がり、きれいに整頓されたリネンクローゼットを覗きこんだ。

Beth was there, laying the snowy piles smoothly on the shelves and exulting over the goodly array.

smoothly (滑らかに) [副] in a smooth way

exult (歓喜する) [動] feel great happiness or triumph

ベスはそこにいて、雪のような山を棚に滑らかに並べ、その見事な配列に歓喜していた。

All three laughed as Meg spoke, for that linen closet was a joke.

all three (3人とも) [名] the three people

linen closet (リネンクローゼット) [名] a closet for storing linens

メグが話すと3人とも笑った。そのリネンクローゼットは冗談だったからだ。

You see, having said that if Meg married ‘that Brooke’ she shouldn’t have a cent of her money, Aunt March was rather in a quandary when time had appeased her wrath and made her repent her vow.

cent (一銭) [名] a unit of money equal to one hundredth of a dollar

quandary (困惑) [名] a state of uncertainty or perplexity

wrath (怒り) [名] extreme anger

メグが「あのブルック」と結婚したら、一銭も渡さないと言ったマーチおばさんは、時が経って怒りが静まり、誓いを後悔したときには、かなり困惑していた。

She never broke her word, and was much exercised in her mind how to get round it, and at last devised a plan whereby she could satisfy herself.

break one's word (約束を破る) [動] fail to keep a promise

get round (回避する) [動] avoid or circumvent

devise (立てる) [動] plan or invent

彼女は決して約束を破ることはなく、どうやってそれを回避するかを頭の中でいろいろと考え、ついに自分を納得させるための計画を立てた。

Mrs. Carrol, Florence’s mamma, was ordered to buy, have made, and marked a generous supply of house and table linen, and send it as her present, all of which was faithfully done, but the secret leaked out, and was greatly enjoyed by the family, for Aunt March tried to look utterly unconscious, and insisted that she could give nothing but the old-fashioned pearls long promised to the first bride.

Mrs. Carrol (キャロル夫人) [名] the mother of Florence

have made (作ってもらう) [動] cause to be made

mark (印をつける) [動] put a mark on

generous (大量の) [形] more than enough

supply (供給) [名] the amount of something that is available

done (行う) [動] carry out; perform

leak out (漏れる) [動] become known

greatly (大いに) [副] very much

utterly (全く) [副] absolutely; completely

フローレンスのママであるキャロル夫人は、家やテーブルのリネンを大量に買い、作り、印をつけて、プレゼントとして送るように命じられ、そのすべてを忠実にこなしたが、秘密が漏れてしまい、家族は大いに楽しんだ。マーチおばさんは全く知らない顔をしようとし、長い間最初の花嫁に約束していた昔ながらの真珠以外は何もあげられないと言い張ったからだ。

“That’s a housewifely taste which I am glad to see.

taste (趣味) [名] a personal preference or liking

「それは主婦らしい趣味で、私はそれを見ることができて嬉しい。

I had a young friend who set up housekeeping with six sheets, but she had finger bowls for company and that satisfied her,” said Mrs. March, patting the damask tablecloths, with a truly feminine appreciation of their fineness.

set up (始める) [動] start or begin

finger bowl (フィンガーボウル) [名] a small bowl of water for rinsing the fingers at table

satisfy (満足する) [動] be content with

fineness (上品さ) [名] the quality of being excellent or very good

私には若い友人がいて、シーツを6枚で家事を始めたが、彼女は来客用にフィンガーボウルを持っていて、それで満足していた」とマーチ夫人はダマスク織のテーブルクロスを撫でながら、その上品さを女性らしく評価した。

“I haven’t a single finger bowl, but this is a setout that will last me all my days, Hannah says.”

setout (セット) [名] a collection of things that are used together

all my days (一生涯) [名] the whole of one's life

「私はフィンガーボウルを一つも持っていませんが、これは私の一生涯続くセットだとハンナは言っています。」

And Meg looked quite contented, as well she might.

そしてメグは、彼女がそうであるように、とても満足そうに見えた。

A tall, broad-shouldered young fellow, with a cropped head, a felt basin of a hat, and a flyaway coat, came tramping down the road at a great pace, walked over the low fence without stopping to open the gate, straight up to Mrs. March, with both hands out and a hearty...

broad-shouldered (肩幅が広い) [形] having broad shoulders

cropped (刈り込んだ) [形] cut short

great (速い) [形] of an extent, amount, or intensity considerably above average

over (越える) [前] above or across

背が高く、肩幅の広い若い男が、頭を刈り込み、帽子のフェルトの洗面器と、飛び散ったコートを着て、道を大股で歩いてきて、門を開けるために立ち止まることなく低い塀を乗り越え、両手を広げて心からマーチ夫人のところにまっすぐ歩いていった。

“Here I am, Mother!

「ただいま、ママ!

Yes, it’s all right.”

はい、大丈夫です。」

The last words were in answer to the look the elder lady gave him, a kindly questioning look which the handsome eyes met so frankly that the little ceremony closed, as usual, with a motherly kiss.

elder (年配の) [形] of or relating to old people

questioning (問いかけるような) [形] expressing a question

最後の言葉は、年配の女性の彼に向けた視線に答えるものだった。優しく問いかけるような視線に、ハンサムな目がとても率直に応えたので、いつものように、母親のようなキスで小さな儀式は終わった。

“For Mrs. John Brooke, with the maker’s congratulations and compliments. Bless you, Beth!

congratulations (お祝い) [名] an expression of praise for an achievement or good wishes on a special occasion

compliments (賛辞) [名] a polite expression of praise or admiration

Bless you (よかったね) [句] used to express good wishes on parting or sneezing

「ジョン・ブルック夫人へ、作者からのお祝いと賛辞を込めて。ベス、よかったね!

What a refreshing spectacle you are, Jo.

ジョー、あなたはなんて爽やかな光景なのでしょう。

Amy, you are getting altogether too handsome for a single lady.”

エイミー、独身女性にしては、あまりにも美人になりすぎているよ。」

As Laurie spoke, he delivered a brown paper parcel to Meg, pulled Beth’s hair ribbon, stared at Jo’s big pinafore, and fell into an attitude of mock rapture before Amy, then shook hands all round, and everyone began to talk.

brown paper parcel (茶色の紙包み) [名] a package wrapped in brown paper

hair ribbon (髪のリボン) [名] a ribbon used to tie or decorate the hair

big pinafore (大きなエプロン) [名] a large apron

fall into (態度をとる) [動] assume a certain state or condition

mock rapture (狂喜乱舞) [名] an expression of great joy or happiness

begin to talk (話し始める) [動] start talking

ローリーはそう言いながら、メグに茶色の紙包みを渡し、ベスの髪のリボンを引っ張り、ジョーの大きなエプロンをじっと見つめ、エイミーの前で狂喜乱舞の態度をとり、それからみんなと握手して、みんなが話し始めた。

“Where is John?” asked Meg anxiously.

「ジョンはどこ?」とメグは心配そうに尋ねた。

“Stopped to get the license for tomorrow, ma’am.”

stop (寄る) [動] come to a halt

license (許可証) [名] a document giving official permission to do something

「明日の許可証をもらいに寄りました、奥様」

“Which side won the last match, Teddy?” inquired Jo, who persisted in feeling an interest in manly sports despite her nineteen years.

last match (最後の試合) [名] the final game in a series of games

persist (持ち続ける) [動] continue to exist or occur

sport (スポーツ) [名] an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment

「テディ、最後の試合はどっちが勝ったの?」とジョーは尋ねた。彼女は19歳にもかかわらず、男らしいスポーツに興味を持ち続けていた。

“Ours, of course.

「もちろん、うちのチームさ。

Wish you’d been there to see.”

見に来てくれたらよかったのに」

“How is the lovely Miss Randal?” asked Amy with a significant smile.

Miss Randal (ミス・ランドール) [名] a young woman

significant (意味ありげな) [形] having or likely to have influence or effect

「素敵なミス・ランドールはどうしてる?」とエイミーは意味ありげな笑みを浮かべて尋ねた。

“More cruel than ever.

「これまで以上に残酷だ。

Don’t you see how I’m pining away?”

pine away (恋い焦がれる) [動] to suffer from a strong desire for something

私がどれほど恋い焦がれているかわからないの?」

and Laurie gave his broad chest a sounding slap and heaved a melodramatic sigh.

give (叩く) [動] strike or hit

broad (広い) [形] having a large distance from one side to the other

chest (胸) [名] the front surface of a person's or animal's body between the neck and the abdomen

heave (つく) [動] utter or express with difficulty

そしてローリーは自分の広い胸を音を立てて叩き、芝居がかったため息をついた。

“What’s the last joke?

「最後のジョークは何?

Undo the bundle and see, Meg,” said Beth, eying the knobby parcel with curiosity.

undo (開ける) [動] untie or unfasten

包みを開けて見て、メグ」とベスは、好奇心をもって、こぶだらけの包みをじっと見つめながら言った。

“It’s a useful thing to have in the house in case of fire or thieves,” observed Laurie, as a watchman’s rattle appeared, amid the laughter of the girls.

fire (火事) [名] the burning of something that is not supposed to be burned

thief (泥棒) [名] a person who steals

watchman (夜警) [名] a person who guards a building or area at night

rattle (ガラガラ) [名] a toy or other object that makes a rattling sound

「火事や泥棒の時に家にあると便利なものだ」とローリーが言うと、少女たちの笑い声の中、夜警のガラガラが現れた。

“Any time when John is away and you get frightened, Mrs. Meg, just swing that out of the front window, and it will rouse the neighborhood in a jiffy.

any time (いつでも) [副] at any time; whenever

out (から) [前] from the inside to the outside of

front (正面) [形] of or at the front

jiffy (すぐに) [名] a very short time

「ジョンが留守で怖くなったらいつでも、メグ夫人、それを正面の窓から振り回せば、すぐに近所を起こすことができる。

Nice thing, isn’t it?”

isn't it (でしょう) [他] used in speech as a way of inviting agreement

いいものでしょう?」

and Laurie gave them a sample of its powers that made them cover up their ears.

sample (見本) [名] a small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like

cover up (ふさぐ) [動] to hide or conceal something

そしてローリーは、彼女たちが耳をふさぐほど、その威力を見せつけた。

“There’s gratitude for you!

「これが感謝の気持ちだ!

And speaking of gratitude reminds me to mention that you may thank Hannah for saving your wedding cake from destruction.

mention (言及する) [動] refer to briefly

destruction (破壊) [名] the action or process of causing so much damage to something that it no longer exists or cannot be repaired

そして感謝といえば、あなたのウェディングケーキを破壊から救ってくれたハンナに感謝するべきだということを思い出した。

I saw it going into your house as I came by, and if she hadn’t defended it manfully I’d have had a pick at it, for it looked like a remarkably plummy one.”

come by (通りかかる) [動] pass by

manfully (勇敢に) [副] in a courageous manner

pick at (つつく) [動] eat in small amounts

plummy (プラムがたくさん入っている) [形] full of plums

私が通りかかった時にあなたの家に入るのを見かけたが、もし彼女が勇敢に守らなかったら、私はそれをつついていただろう、というのもそれはとてもプラムがたくさん入っているように見えたからだ。」

“I wonder if you will ever grow up, Laurie,” said Meg in a matronly tone.

matronly (年配の女性のような) [形] like a mature woman

「ローリー、あなたはいつになったら大人になるのかしら」とメグは年配の女性のような口調で言った。

“I’m doing my best, ma’am, but can’t get much higher, I’m afraid, as six feet is about all men can do in these degenerate days,” responded the young gentleman, whose head was about level with the little chandelier.

get higher (大きくなる) [動] become bigger

six feet (6フィート) [名] a unit of length equal to 12 inches or 36 inches

men (男性) [名] an adult male human being

these (この) [限] the present time

degenerate (退廃した) [形] having lost the physical, mental, or moral qualities considered normal and desirable

days (時代) [名] a period of time

respond (答える) [動] say something in reply

level (高さ) [名] the height of something

chandelier (シャンデリア) [名] a decorative ceiling light with branches for holding several light bulbs

「最善を尽くしているのですが、これ以上は大きくなれないんです、この退廃した時代には6フィートが男性の限界なんです」と頭が小さなシャンデリアと同じ高さの若い紳士は答えた。

“I suppose it would be profanation to eat anything in this spick-and-span bower, so as I’m tremendously hungry, I propose an adjournment,” he added presently.

profanation (冒涜) [名] the act of treating something sacred with abuse or disrespect

adjournment (延期) [名] the act of suspending business or a meeting until a later date

「このきれいな部屋で何かを食べるのは冒涜だと思うので、とてもお腹が空いたし、延期を提案する」と彼はすぐに付け加えた。

“Mother and I are going to wait for John.

「ママと私はジョンを待つつもりよ。

There are some last things to settle,” said Meg, bustling away.

bustle (忙しそうに) [動] move or act in a busy, energetic, or hurried way

最後に決めておくべきことがいくつかあるのよ」とメグは忙しそうに立ち去った。

“Beth and I are going over to Kitty Bryant’s to get more flowers for tomorrow,” added Amy, tying a picturesque hat over her picturesque curls, and enjoying the effect as much as anybody.

「ベスと私はキティ・ブライアントの所に行って明日のためにもっと花をもらってくるよ」とエイミーは付け加えて、絵のようなカールの上に絵のような帽子をかぶり、誰よりもその効果を楽しんだ。

“Come, Jo, don’t desert a fellow.

「おいでよ、ジョー、仲間を見捨てるなよ。

I’m in such a state of exhaustion I can’t get home without help.

とても疲れ切ってしまって、助けなしでは家に帰れないんだ。

Don’t take off your apron, whatever you do, it’s peculiarly becoming,” said Laurie, as Jo bestowed his especial aversion in her capacious pocket

peculiarly (とても) [副] in a strange or unusual way

bestow (入れる) [動] confer or present as a gift

especial (特に) [形] special

capacious (大きな) [形] having a lot of space inside

何をするにしてもエプロンは脱がないで、とても似合っているよ」とローリーは言い、ジョーは彼の特に嫌いなものを彼女の大きなポケットに入れた。

and offered her arm to support his feeble steps.

そして彼の弱々しい足取りを支えるために腕を差し出した。

“Now, Teddy, I want to talk seriously to you about tomorrow,” began Jo, as they strolled away together.

「さて、テディ、明日のことについて真剣に話したいの」とジョーは言い始め、二人は一緒に歩き出した。

“You must promise to behave well, and not cut up any pranks, and spoil our plans.”

cut up (いたずらをする) [動] play a prank

「行儀よくして、いたずらをしたり、私たちの計画を台無しにしたりしないって約束してね」

“Not a prank.”

「いたずらなんてしない」

“And don’t say funny things when we ought to be sober.”

be sober (真面目な顔をする) [動] be serious

「そして、私たちが真面目な顔をしていなければならない時に、おかしなことを言わないでね」

“I never do. You are the one for that.”

for (~の方) [前] used to indicate the object, aim, or purpose of an action

「そんなことはしない。そういうのは君の方だ」

“And I implore you not to look at me during the ceremony.

ceremony (式) [名] a formal event or series of acts that is performed in a traditional way

「そして、式の間私を見ないようにお願いするよ。

I shall certainly laugh if you do.”

もし見たら、私はきっと笑ってしまうよ」

“You won’t see me, you’ll be crying so hard that the thick fog round you will obscure the prospect.”

fog (霧) [名] a cloud of water droplets suspended in the atmosphere near the ground

obscure (覆い隠す) [動] make unclear or less prominent

prospect (視界) [名] the view obtained from a particular place

「君は私を見ないだろう、君は泣きすぎて、君の周りの濃い霧が視界を覆い隠すだろう」

“I never cry unless for some great affliction.”

「私は何か大きな苦しみがない限り泣かないよ」

“Such as fellows going to college, hey?” cut in Laurie, with suggestive laugh.

such as (~のような) [接] for example

suggestive (意味ありげな) [形] suggesting or hinting at something

「大学に行く仲間たちみたいにね?」とローリーが意味ありげに笑いながら割って入った。

“Don’t be a peacock.

「孔雀になるな。

I only moaned a trifle to keep the girls company.”

keep company (付き合う) [動] associate with

私はただ娘たちと付き合うためにちょっとうめいただけだ」

“Exactly. I say, Jo, how is Grandpa this week? Pretty amiable?”

exactly (その通り) [副] in exact terms; precisely

「その通り。ねえ、ジョー、今週はおじいちゃんは元気? かなり愛想がいい?」

“Very. Why, have you got into a scrape and want to know how he’ll take it?”

「とても。どうして、何かトラブルに巻き込まれて、彼がどう受け止めるか知りたいの?」

asked Jo rather sharply.

とジョーは少しきつい口調で尋ねた。

“Now, Jo, do you think I’d look your mother in the face and say ‘All right’, if it wasn’t?”

look someone in the face (人の顔を見る) [動] to look directly at someone

「おい、ジョー、もしそうでなかったら、私があなたの母親の顔を見て「大丈夫」と言うと思うか?」

and Laurie stopped short, with an injured air.

とローリーは傷ついた様子で言葉を切った。

“No, I don’t.”

「いいえ、思わないよ」

“Then don’t go and be suspicious.

be suspicious (疑う) [動] have a feeling that something is not right or true

「それなら疑ったりしないで。

I only want some money,” said Laurie, walking on again, appeased by her hearty tone.

appease (安心させる) [動] make (someone) less angry or hostile

お金が欲しいだけなんだ」とローリーは言い、彼女の心からの口調に安心してまた歩き出した。

“You spend a great deal, Teddy.”

a great deal (随分) [名] a large amount or extent

「テディ、あなたは随分お金を使うよね」

“Bless you, I don’t spend it, it spends itself somehow, and is gone before I know it.”

bless (おやおや) [間] used to express surprise, mild annoyance, or relief

itself (勝手に) [代] used to emphasize the identity of the subject

「おやおや、私は使わないんだよ、お金が勝手に使われて、気がついたら無くなってるんだ」

“You are so generous and kind-hearted that you let people borrow, and can’t say ‘No’ to anyone.

kind-hearted (親切な) [形] having or showing a kind and sympathetic nature

say no (断る) [動] refuse to accept, consider, or do something

「あなたは寛大で親切だから、人に貸してあげて、誰にも「ノー」と言えないのよ。

We heard about Henshaw and all you did for him.

hear about (~について聞く) [動] be told or informed about

Henshaw (ヘンショー) [名] a surname

ヘンショーのことや、あなたが彼のためにしたことは全部聞いたよ。

If you always spent money in that way, no one would blame you,” said Jo warmly.

いつもそんな風にお金を使っていたら、誰もあなたを責めないでしょう」とジョーは熱く言った。

“Oh, he made a mountain out of a molehill.

make a mountain out of a molehill (針小棒大に言う) [動] to exaggerate the importance of something

「ああ、彼は針小棒大に言ったのよ。

You wouldn’t have me let that fine fellow work himself to death just for want of a little help, when he is worth a dozen of us lazy chaps, would you?”

fine fellow (立派な人) [名] a person who is good or worthy

work oneself to death (死ぬまで働く) [動] work very hard

just for want of (なくて) [前] because of the lack of

a little help (ちょっとした助け) [名] a small amount of assistance

be worth (の価値がある) [動] have a value of

a dozen (12) [名] a group of twelve things

lazy chap (怠け者) [名] a person who is lazy

would you (でしょう) [助] used in questions to express a request or to make an offer

あの立派な人が、私たち怠け者12人分の価値があるのに、ちょっとした助けがなくて死ぬまで働くなんて、させられないでしょう?」

“Of course not, but I don’t see the use of your having seventeen waistcoats, endless neckties, and a new hat every time you come home.

endless (無数の) [形] having or seeming to have no end or limit

necktie (ネクタイ) [名] a band of fabric worn around the neck

「もちろんそうじゃないけど、あなたが17枚のチョッキや、無数のネクタイ、それに家に帰ってくるたびに新しい帽子を持っている意味がわからないよ。

I thought you’d got over the dandy period, but every now and then it breaks out in a new spot.

dandy (ダンディ) [名] a man who gives much attention to his clothes and appearance

period (時期) [名] a length or portion of time

every now and then (時々) [副] occasionally

break out (現れる) [動] to appear suddenly

あなたはダンディな時期は終わったと思っていたけど、時々新しい場所でそれが現れるのね。

Just now it’s the fashion to be hideous, to make your head look like a scrubbing brush, wear a strait jacket, orange gloves, and clumping square-toed boots.

hideous (醜い) [形] very ugly or unpleasant to look at

scrubbing brush (たわし) [名] a brush with hard bristles for cleaning

strait jacket (拘束衣) [名] a garment with long sleeves that fastens at the back, used to restrain a violent or agitated person

clump (履く) [動] walk heavily and clumsily

square-toed (四角いつま先の) [形] having a square-shaped toe

今は醜く見えるのが流行で、頭をたわしみたいにして、拘束衣を着て、オレンジ色の手袋をして、四角いつま先のブーツを履くのよ。

If it was cheap ugliness, I’d say nothing, but it costs as much as the other, and I don’t get any satisfaction out of it.”

ugliness (醜さ) [名] the quality of being ugly

安い醜さなら何も言わないけど、他のと同じくらいお金がかかるし、私はそれで満足できないよ。」

Laurie threw back his head, and laughed so heartily at this attack, that the felt hat fell off, and Jo walked on it, which insult only afforded him an opportunity for expatiating on the advantages of a rough-and-ready costume, as he folded up the maltreated hat, and stuffed it into his pocket.

throw back (のけぞらせる) [動] move or cause to move suddenly or violently

attack (攻撃) [名] an aggressive and violent act against a person or place

walk on (踏みつける) [動] step on something

afford (与える) [動] provide or supply

expatiate (説明する) [動] speak or write at length or in detail

rough-and-ready (粗末な) [形] crude but effective in a particular situation

fold up (折りたたむ) [動] bend (something flexible and flat) over on itself so that one part lies on top of another

maltreat (手荒に扱う) [動] treat (someone or something) roughly or with violence

stuff (押し込む) [動] force (something) into a small space or container

ローリーは頭を後ろにのけぞらせ、この攻撃に心から笑ったので、フェルト帽が落ち、ジョーはそれを踏みつけたが、この侮辱は彼に、手荒に扱われた帽子を折りたたんでポケットに押し込むと、粗末な衣装の利点を説明する機会を与えただけだった。

“Don’t lecture any more, there’s a good soul!

「もう説教しないで、いい人ね!

I have enough all through the week, and like to enjoy myself when I come home.

have enough (十分に働く) [動] have enough of something

all through the week (一週間ずっと) [副] for the entire week

一週間ずっと十分に働いているのだから、家に帰ったら楽しみたいよ。

I’ll get myself up regardless of expense tomorrow and be a satisfaction to my friends.”

get oneself up (着飾る) [動] dress oneself in fine clothing

regardless of (糸目をつけずに) [副] without being influenced by

expense (お金) [名] a cost incurred in making or doing something

明日はお金に糸目をつけずに着飾って、友達を満足させてあげるよ。」

“I’ll leave you in peace if you’ll only let your hair grow.

leave in peace (放っておく) [動] not disturb or bother

「髪を伸ばすだけでいいなら、君を放っておくよ。

I’m not aristocratic, but I do object to being seen with a person who looks like a young prize fighter,” observed Jo severely.

aristocratic (貴族の) [形] belonging to or having the characteristics of the aristocracy

object to (嫌がる) [動] be opposed to

prize fighter (プロボクサー) [名] a professional boxer

severely (厳しく) [副] in a severe manner

私は貴族ではないけれど、若いプロボクサーのような人と見られるのは嫌だよ」とジョーは厳しく言った。

“This unassuming style promotes study, that’s why we adopt it,” returned Laurie, who certainly could not be accused of vanity, having voluntarily sacrificed a handsome curly crop to the demand for quarter-inch-long stubble.

unassuming (控えめな) [形] not arrogant or pretentious

accuse (非難する) [動] charge with a crime or offense

voluntarily (自発的に) [副] out of your own free will

demand (要求) [名] an insistent and peremptory request, made as if by right

quarter-inch (四分の一インチ) [名] a unit of length equal to one quarter of an inch

long (長さ) [名] the measurement of the extent of something from end to end

stubble (無精ひげ) [名] the short, stiff hairs that grow on a man's face when he has not shaved for a while

「この控えめなスタイルは勉強を促進するんだ、だから私たちはこれを採用しているんだ」と、四分の一インチの長さの無精ひげの要求にハンサムな巻き毛を自発的に犠牲にしたので、確かに虚栄心を非難されることはできないローリーは答えた。

“By the way, Jo, I think that little Parker is really getting desperate about Amy.

Parker (パーカー) [名] a surname

get desperate (夢中になる) [動] become very anxious or eager

「ところで、ジョー、あの小さなパーカーは本当にエイミーに夢中になっていると思うよ。

He talks of her constantly, writes poetry, and moons about in a most suspicious manner.

moon about (うろうろする) [動] move or act in an idle or dreamy manner

suspicious (怪しげな) [形] doubtful, questionable, or mistrustful

彼はいつも彼女のことを話したり、詩を書いたり、とても怪しげな態度でうろうろしている。

He’d better nip his little passion in the bud, hadn’t he?” added Laurie, in a confidential, elder brotherly tone, after a minute’s silence.

nip (摘み取る) [動] to remove by pinching or biting

bud (芽) [名] a small swelling on a plant that will develop into a flower, leaf, or new shoot

hadn't he (どうだろう) [助] used in speech to turn a statement into a question

彼は芽生えたばかりの恋心を摘み取った方がいいと思うんだが、どうだろう?」とローリーは、一分間の沈黙の後、兄のような口調で付け加えた。

“Of course he had.

had (そうよ) [動] have in the past tense

「もちろんそうよ。

We don’t want any more marrying in this family for years to come.

any more (これ以上) [副] to any extent or degree

for years to come (今後何年も) [名] in the future

私たちはこの家族で今後何年も結婚したくないよ。

Mercy on us, what are the children thinking of?”

なんてこと、子供たちは何を考えているの?」

and Jo looked as much scandalized as if Amy and little Parker were not yet in their teens.

scandalized (憤慨した) [形] shocked and outraged

ジョーは、エイミーと小さなパーカーがまだ十代にもなっていないかのように、とても憤慨した様子だった。

“It’s a fast age, and I don’t know what we are coming to, ma’am.

age (時代) [名] a period of time in which events occur

「せわしない時代で、私たちがどこに向かっているのかわかりません、奥様。

You are a mere infant, but you’ll go next, Jo, and we’ll be left lamenting,” said Laurie, shaking his head over the degeneracy of the times.

be left (残される) [動] remain after others have gone

lamenting (嘆き悲しむ) [動] express great sorrow or regret

degeneracy (退廃) [名] the state or process of being degenerate

君は赤ん坊にすぎないけど、次は君が行く番だ、ジョー、そして私たちは嘆き悲しむことになる」とローリーは時代の退廃に首を振りながら言った。

“Don’t be alarmed.

be alarmed (心配する) [動] feel or show fear or worry

「心配しないで。

I’m not one of the agreeable sort.

私は愛想のいい方ではない。

Nobody will want me, and it’s a mercy, for there should always be one old maid in a family.”

誰も私を欲しがらないでしょう、そしてそれは幸いなこと、家族にはいつも一人の老婆がいるべきだから。」

“You won’t give anyone a chance,” said Laurie, with a sidelong glance and a little more color than before in his sunburned face.

give someone a chance (誰かにチャンスを与える) [動] allow someone to do something

sidelong glance (横目でちらっと見る) [名] a quick or furtive look to one side

sunburned face (日焼けした顔) [名] a face that has been exposed to the sun for too long

「君は誰にもチャンスを与えない」とローリーは横目でちらっと見ながら、日焼けした顔に以前より少し色をつけて言った。

“You won’t show the soft side of your character, and if a fellow gets a peep at it by accident and can’t help showing that he likes it, you treat him as Mrs. Gummidge did her sweetheart, throw cold water over him, and get so thorny no one dares touch or look at you.”

get a peep (覗き見する) [動] to look quickly or furtively

Mrs. Gummidge (ガミッジ夫人) [名] a character in Charles Dickens's novel David Copperfield

sweetheart (恋人) [名] a person's beloved

throw cold water (冷たい水をかける) [動] to be discouraging or negative about something

thorny (とげとげしい) [形] full of thorns or spines

「君は自分の性格の柔らかい面を見せようとしない、そしてもし誰かが偶然それを覗き見して、それを好きだと示すのを我慢できないなら、君は彼をガミッジ夫人が彼女の恋人にしたのと同じように扱い、彼に冷たい水をかけて、誰も君に触れたり見ようとしたりしないようにとげとげしくする。」

“I don’t like that sort of thing.

「私はそういうのは好きじゃない。

I’m too busy to be worried with nonsense, and I think it’s dreadful to break up families so.

be worried (悩んでいる) [動] feeling or showing worry

私は忙しすぎてナンセンスなことに悩んでいる暇はないし、家族をそうやってバラバラにするのは恐ろしいことだと思う。

Now don’t say any more about it.

だからもうそのことについては何も言わないで。

Meg’s wedding has turned all our heads, and we talk of nothing but lovers and such absurdities.

nothing but (~ばかり) [副] only; exclusively

absurdity (ばかげたこと) [名] something that is ridiculous or foolish

メグの結婚式は私たちみんなの頭を狂わせ、私たちは恋人やそんなばかげたことばかり話している。

I don’t wish to get cross, so let’s change the subject;”

get cross (怒る) [動] become angry

change the subject (話題を変える) [動] start talking about something else

怒りたくないから話題を変えましょう」

and Jo looked quite ready to fling cold water on the slightest provocation.

fling (浴びせかける) [動] throw or hurl forcefully

cold water (冷水) [名] water that is not hot

slightest (少しの) [形] very small in degree; inconsiderable

provocation (挑発) [名] the action of provoking someone or something

そしてジョーは、少しでも挑発されたら冷水を浴びせかける準備ができているように見えた。

Whatever his feelings might have been, Laurie found a vent for them in a long low whistle and the fearful prediction as they parted at the gate, “Mark my words, Jo, you’ll go next.”

whistle (口笛) [名] a clear, high-pitched sound made by forcing breath out through a small hole between pursed lips

fearful (恐ろしい) [形] causing or likely to cause fear

prediction (予言) [名] a statement about what will happen in the future

mark (覚えておく) [動] notice or perceive

ローリーの感情が何であれ、彼は長く低い口笛を吹いて、門で別れるときに恐ろしい予言をすることで、その感情のはけ口を見つけた、「私の言うことを覚えておいて、ジョー、次はあなただ」

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: THE FIRST WEDDING

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE (第25章) [名] the 25th chapter

第25章最初の結婚式

The June roses over the porch were awake bright and early on that morning, rejoicing with all their hearts in the cloudless sunshine, like friendly little neighbors, as they were.

cloudless (雲一つない) [形] without clouds

その朝、ポーチの上の六月のバラは明るく早く目覚め、雲一つない日差しの中で、まるで友好的な小さな隣人のように、心から喜びにあふれていた。

Quite flushed with excitement were their ruddy faces, as they swung in the wind, whispering to one another what they had seen, for some peeped in at the dining room windows where the feast was spread, some climbed up to nod and smile at the sisters as they dressed the bride, others waved a welcome to those who came and went on various errands in garden, porch, and hall, and all, from the rosiest full-blown flower to the palest baby bud, offered their tribute of beauty and fragrance to the gentle mistress who had loved and tended them so long.

spread (広がる) [動] to stretch out over a wide area

dress (着せる) [動] to put clothes on

full-blown (満開の) [形] having reached the most advanced or extreme state

pale (淡い) [形] light in color or shade

offer (贈る) [動] to present something to someone as a gift

tribute (賛辞) [名] an act, statement, or gift that is intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration

fragrance (香り) [名] a pleasant, sweet smell

風に揺れながら、見たことを互いにささやきあうバラの赤い顔は興奮で真っ赤に染まっていた。宴が開かれている食堂の窓を覗き込むものもあれば、花嫁の衣装を着せる姉妹たちにうなずき微笑みかけるもの、庭やポーチ、玄関で用事を済ませる人々に歓迎の手を振るものなど、満開のバラから淡い色のつぼみまで、長い間愛情を込めて世話をしてくれた優しい女主人に、美と香りの賛辞を贈っていた。

Meg looked very like a rose herself, for all that was best and sweetest in heart and soul seemed to bloom into her face that day, making it fair and tender, with a charm more beautiful than beauty.

メグ自身もバラのように見えたが、心と魂の中の最も善良で優しい部分がすべてその日に彼女の顔に咲き誇り、美しさよりも美しい魅力を備えた、美しく優しい顔立ちになった。

Neither silk, lace, nor orange flowers would she have.

orange (オレンジ) [名] a round orange-colored fruit that grows on a tree

彼女は絹もレースもオレンジの花も欲しがらなかった。

“I don’t want a fashionable wedding, but only those about me whom I love, and to them I wish to look and be my familiar self.”

those (人々) [名] the people or things previously mentioned

about (周りにいる) [前] on every side of

「私は流行の結婚式は望んでいません。ただ、私の周りにいる愛する人たちの前で、いつもの自分らしくいたいのです。」

So she made her wedding gown herself, sewing into it the tender hopes and innocent romances of a girlish heart.

wedding gown (ウェディングドレス) [名] a dress worn by a bride at her wedding

sew (縫い込む) [動] join, fasten, or repair by making stitches with a needle and thread

だから彼女は自分でウェディングドレスを作り、少女らしい心の優しい希望と無垢なロマンスを縫い込んだ。

Her sisters braided up her pretty hair, and the only ornaments she wore were the lilies of the valley, which ‘her John’ liked best of all the flowers that grew.

braid (編み上げる) [動] to interweave three or more strands of hair

the only (唯一の) [形] the one and only

lily of the valley (スズラン) [名] a plant with small white bell-shaped flowers

彼女の姉妹は彼女のきれいな髪を編み上げ、彼女が身に着けた唯一の装飾品は「彼女のジョン」が育ったすべての花の中で一番好きだったスズランだった。

“You do look just like our own dear Meg, only so very sweet and lovely that I should hug you if it wouldn’t crumple your dress,” cried Amy, surveying her with delight when all was done.

only (とても) [副] to the exclusion of all others

「あなたは本当に私たちの愛するメグのように見えるよ、とても優しくて愛らしいので、ドレスをくしゃくしゃにしなければ抱きしめたいくらいだよ」とエイミーは叫び、すべてが終わった後、喜んで彼女を眺めた。

“Then I am satisfied.

satisfied (満足だ) [形] having had enough of something

「それなら満足だ。

But please hug and kiss me, everyone, and don’t mind my dress.

でも、みんな抱きしめてキスして、ドレスは気にしないで。

I want a great many crumples of this sort put into it today,” and Meg opened her arms to her sisters, who clung about her with April faces for a minute, feeling that the new love had not changed the old.

open one's arms (腕を広げる) [動] to welcome someone

今日はこんな風にたくさんくしゃくしゃにしてほしいの」とメグは姉妹たちに腕を広げ、姉妹たちは新しい愛が古い愛を変えていないことを感じながら、一瞬四月の顔で彼女にしがみついた。

“Now I’m going to tie John’s cravat for him, and then to stay a few minutes with Father quietly in the study,” and Meg ran down to perform these little ceremonies, and then to follow her mother wherever she went, conscious that in spite of the smiles on the motherly face, there was a secret sorrow hid in the motherly heart at the flight of the first bird from the nest.

perform (行う) [動] carry out, accomplish, or fulfill

wherever (どこへでも) [副] in or to whatever place

conscious (意識する) [形] aware of and responding to one's surroundings

「さて、ジョンのネクタイを結んであげてから、書斎で父と静かに数分過ごすよ」とメグはこれらの小さな儀式を行うために駆け下り、それから母親の顔に笑顔があるにもかかわらず、母親の心には巣から最初の鳥が飛び立ったことに対する秘密の悲しみが隠されていることを意識しながら、母親が行くところについて行った。

As the younger girls stand together, giving the last touches to their simple toilet, it may be a good time to tell of a few changes which three years have wrought in their appearance, for all are looking their best just now.

stand together (一緒に立つ) [動] be united or in agreement

give the last touches (最後の仕上げをする) [動] finish something

appearance (容姿) [名] the way that someone or something looks

若い娘たちが一緒に立って、シンプルな身支度に最後の仕上げをしているので、3年間で彼女たちの容姿に起こったいくつかの変化について話すのに良い機会かもしれない。

Jo’s angles are much softened, she has learned to carry herself with ease, if not grace.

angle (角ばった感じ) [名] a sharp corner

ジョーの角ばった感じはかなり和らいで、優雅とまではいかなくても、楽に振る舞えるようになった。

The curly crop has lengthened into a thick coil, more becoming to the small head atop of the tall figure.

lengthen (長く伸びる) [動] become longer

coil (巻き毛) [名] a length of something wound or arranged in a spiral

atop (上の) [前] on the top of

figure (体格) [名] the shape of a person's body

カールした髪は長く伸びて太い巻き毛となり、背の高い体格の上の小さめの頭に似合うようになった。

There is a fresh color in her brown cheeks, a soft shine in her eyes, and only gentle words fall from her sharp tongue today.

shine (輝き) [名] brightness produced by reflected light

彼女の褐色の頬には新鮮な色があり、目には柔らかい輝きがあり、今日は彼女の鋭い舌から優しい言葉しか出てこない。

Beth has grown slender, pale, and more quiet than ever.

slender (細い) [形] having a small width in proportion to length

ベスは細く、青白く、これまで以上に静かになった。

The beautiful, kind eyes are larger, and in them lies an expression that saddens one, although it is not sad itself.

itself (それ自体) [代] that thing or person itself; that very thing or person

美しく優しい目は大きくなり、それ自体は悲しくないのだが、人を悲しませるような表情が浮かんでいる。

It is the shadow of pain which touches the young face with such pathetic patience, but Beth seldom complains and always speaks hopefully of ‘being better soon’.

若い顔にそんな哀れな忍耐を与えているのは痛みの影だが、ベスはめったに不平を言わず、いつも「すぐに良くなる」と希望を込めて話す。

Amy is with truth considered ‘the flower of the family’, for at sixteen she has the air and bearing of a full-grown woman, not beautiful, but possessed of that indescribable charm called grace.

with truth (本当に) [副] in accordance with fact or reality

bearing (態度) [名] the way that someone behaves or conducts themselves

full-grown (大人の) [形] having reached full maturity

possessed of (備えた) [動] have as a quality or characteristic

indescribable (言葉では言い表せない) [形] too extreme or intense to be expressed or described in words

called (呼ばれる) [動] give a name to

エイミーは「家族の花」と見なされているが、それは16歳にして、美人ではないが、優雅さと呼ばれる言葉では言い表せない魅力を備えた、大人の女性の雰囲気と態度を持っているからだ。

One saw it in the lines of her figure, the make and motion of her hands, the flow of her dress, the droop of her hair, unconscious yet harmonious, and as attractive to many as beauty itself.

line (線) [名] a long thin mark

make (作り) [名] the way in which something is made

motion (動き) [名] the action or process of moving or being moved

flow (流れ) [名] the action or fact of moving or running smoothly and continuously

droop (垂れ下がり) [名] the state of being bent or hanging down

harmonious (調和のとれた) [形] having parts that work well together

彼女の姿の線、手の作りと動き、ドレスの流れ、髪の垂れ下がり、無意識でありながら調和のとれた、そして美そのものと同じくらい多くの人にとって魅力的なものの中にそれを見た。

Amy’s nose still afflicted her, for it never would grow Grecian, so did her mouth, being too wide, and having a decided chin.

afflict (悩ませる) [動] cause pain or suffering to

Grecian (ギリシャ人) [名] a native or inhabitant of Greece

エイミーの鼻はギリシャ人のようには決してならないため、彼女を悩ませ続け、口も広すぎて、顎がはっきりしていた。

These offending features gave character to her whole face, but she never could see it, and consoled herself with her wonderfully fair complexion, keen blue eyes, and curls more golden and abundant than ever.

give character (個性を与える) [動] make distinctive

complexion (肌) [名] the natural color, texture, and appearance of the skin, especially of the face

これらの不快な特徴は彼女の顔全体に個性を与えたが、彼女はそれを決して見ることができず、彼女の素晴らしく色白の肌、鋭い青い目、そしてこれまで以上に黄金色で豊かなカールを見て自分を慰めた。

All three wore suits of thin silver gray (their best gowns for the summer), with blush roses in hair and bosom, and all three looked just what they were, fresh-faced, happy-hearted girls, pausing a moment in their busy lives to read with wistful eyes the sweetest chapter in the romance of womanhood.

silver (シルバー) [名] a white precious metal

blush (バラ色の) [形] of a pinkish color

womanhood (女性) [名] the state or condition of being a woman

3人とも薄いシルバーグレーのスーツ(夏用の一番いいドレス)を着て、髪と胸にバラの花を飾り、3人ともまさにありのままの姿、つまり忙しい生活の中で一瞬立ち止まって、女性のロマンスの中で最も甘い章を物欲しげな目で読む、初々しい顔の幸せそうな少女たちだった。

There were to be no ceremonious performances, everything was to be as natural and homelike as possible, so when Aunt March arrived, she was scandalized to see the bride come running to welcome and lead her in, to find the bridegroom fastening up a garland that had fallen down, and to catch a glimpse of the paternal minister marching upstairs with a grave countenance and a wine bottle under each arm.

homelike (家庭的な) [形] like a home; cozy and comfortable

paternal (父方の) [形] related through one's father

儀式的なパフォーマンスは行われず、すべてが可能な限り自然で家庭的なものになるはずだったので、マーチおばさんが到着したとき、花嫁が走って出迎えに来て、花婿が落ちた花輪を留めているのを見て、また父親の牧師が両腕にワインボトルを抱えて厳しい顔つきで二階を行進しているのをちらっと見て、彼女は憤慨した。

“Upon my word, here’s a state of things!” cried the old lady, taking the seat of honor prepared for her, and settling the folds of her lavender moire with a great rustle.

here's a state of things (こんなことってあるかしら) [名] an expression of surprise or anger

honor (上座) [名] a position of great respect

lavender (ラベンダー色) [名] a pale purple color

moire (モアレ) [名] a fabric with a wavy or rippled pattern

rustle (音を立てる) [動] to make a soft, light sound like that of dry leaves being moved by the wind

「まったく、こんなことってあるかしら!」老婦人は彼女のために用意された上座に座り、ラベンダー色のモアレのひだを大きな音を立てて整えながら叫んだ。

“You oughtn’t to be seen till the last minute, child.”

「最後の瞬間まで姿を見せてはいけないのよ、お嬢さん」

“I’m not a show, Aunty, and no one is coming to stare at me, to criticize my dress, or count the cost of my luncheon.

「私は見世物ではないし、誰も私をじろじろ見たり、私の服装を批判したり、私の昼食の費用を数えたりするわけではないよ。

I’m too happy to care what anyone says or thinks, and I’m going to have my little wedding just as I like it.

私は幸せすぎて誰が何を言おうと考えようと気にしないし、自分の好きなように小さな結婚式を挙げるつもりよ。

John, dear, here’s your hammer.”

hammer (ハンマー) [名] a tool with a heavy metal head and a handle, used for breaking things

ジョン、ハンマーはここよ」

And away went Meg to help ‘that man’ in his highly improper employment.

improper (不適切な) [形] not correct or right

employment (仕事) [名] the state of being employed

そしてメグは「あの男」の非常に不適切な仕事の手伝いに行った。

Mr. Brooke didn’t even say, “Thank you,” but as he stooped for the unromantic tool, he kissed his little bride behind the folding door, with a look that made Aunt March whisk out her pocket handkerchief with a sudden dew in her sharp old eyes.

unromantic (ロマンチックではない) [形] not showing or feeling love or strong emotions

tool (道具) [名] a device or implement, especially one held in the hand, used to carry out a particular function

dew (涙) [名] small drops of water that form on cool surfaces at night

ブルック氏は「ありがとう」とさえ言わなかったが、ロマンチックとは言えない道具を拾おうとかがんだとき、折り戸の向こうにいる小さな花嫁にキスをした。その様子を見て、マーチおばさんはポケットからハンカチを取り出し、鋭い老眼に突然涙が浮かんだ。

A crash, a cry, and a laugh from Laurie, accompanied by the indecorous exclamation, “Jupiter Ammon! Jo’s upset the cake again!” caused a momentary flurry, which was hardly over when a flock of cousins arrived, and ‘the party came in’, as Beth used to say when a child.

crash (音) [名] a loud noise

cry (叫び) [名] a loud noise

indecorous (無礼な) [形] lacking good manners or taste

Jupiter Ammon (ジュピター・アンモン) [名] a Roman god

over (終わる) [前] finished

flock (大勢) [名] a large group of people

come in (始まる) [動] start

ローリーが「ジュピター・アンモン! ジョーがまたケーキをひっくり返した!」と叫び、笑い、一時的に混乱したが、いとこたちが大勢やってきて、ベスが子供の頃によく言っていたように「パーティーが始まった」ので、混乱はほとんど収まらなかった。

“Don’t let that young giant come near me, he worries me worse than mosquitoes,” whispered the old lady to Amy, as the rooms filled and Laurie’s black head towered above the rest.

giant (巨人) [名] a person of very great stature

mosquito (蚊) [名] a small flying insect that feeds on blood

tower (そびえ立つ) [動] be very tall or high

「あの若い巨人が私の近くに来ないようにしてちょうだい、彼は蚊よりも私を悩ませるのよ」と老婦人はエイミーにささやいた。部屋はいっぱいになり、ローリーの黒い頭が他の人よりも高くそびえ立っていた。

“He has promised to be very good today, and he can be perfectly elegant if he likes,” returned Amy, and gliding away to warn Hercules to beware of the dragon, which warning caused him to haunt the old lady with a devotion that nearly distracted her.

glide (すーっと離れる) [動] move smoothly and quickly

beware (気を付ける) [動] be careful or cautious

distract (悩ませる) [動] prevent someone from giving full attention to something

「彼は今日はとても行儀よくすると約束したし、彼は望めば完璧に優雅になれるのよ」とエイミーは答え、ヘラクレスにドラゴンに気をつけるように警告するためにすーっと離れていった。その警告により、彼は老婦人を悩ませるほどの献身で老婦人に付きまとった。

There was no bridal procession, but a sudden silence fell upon the room as Mr. March and the young couple took their places under the green arch.

bridal procession (結婚式の行列) [名] a procession of people accompanying the bride to the altar

sudden silence (突然の沈黙) [名] a sudden lack of noise

fall upon (静まり返る) [動] become quiet

young couple (若い夫婦) [名] a couple who are both young

green arch (緑のアーチ) [名] an arch made of green plants

結婚式の行列はなかったが、マーチ氏と若い夫婦が緑のアーチの下で席に着くと、突然部屋が静まり返った。

Mother and sisters gathered close, as if loath to give Meg up.

loath (嫌がる) [形] unwilling

母と姉妹たちは、メグを手放すのを嫌がっているかのように、近くに集まった。

The fatherly voice broke more than once, which only seemed to make the service more beautiful and solemn.

more than once (何度も) [副] on more than one occasion

service (式) [名] a ceremony of worship

父親の声は何度も途切れたが、それが式をより美しく厳粛なものにしているように思えた。

The bridegroom’s hand trembled visibly, and no one heard his replies.

visibly (明らかに) [副] in a way that is easy to see or understand

花婿の手は明らかに震え、誰も彼の返事を聞かなかった。

But Meg looked straight up in her husband’s eyes, and said, “I will!” with such tender trust in her own face and voice that her mother’s heart rejoiced and Aunt March sniffed audibly.

look straight up (まっすぐ見つめる) [動] look directly at someone or something

しかし、メグは夫の目をまっすぐ見つめ、「誓います!」と言い、その顔と声に優しい信頼が表れていたので、母の心は喜び、マーチおばさんは聞こえるように鼻を鳴らした。

Jo did not cry, though she was very near it once, and was only saved from a demonstration by the consciousness that Laurie was staring fixedly at her, with a comical mixture of merriment and emotion in his wicked black eyes.

very near (とても近い) [形] very close

saved (救われる) [動] to be rescued from harm or danger

fixedly (じっと) [副] in a fixed manner

wicked (いたずらっぽい) [形] playfully mischievous

ジョーは泣かなかったが、一度は泣きそうになったが、ローリーがいたずらっぽい黒い目に陽気さと感動がコミカルに混ざり合ってじっと見つめているのに気づいて、泣かずにすんだ。

Beth kept her face hidden on her mother’s shoulder, but Amy stood like a graceful statue, with a most becoming ray of sunshine touching her white forehead and the flower in her hair.

ray (日差し) [名] a line or narrow beam of light

ベスは母親の肩に顔を隠したままだったが、エイミーは優雅な彫像のように立っていて、白い額と髪の花に最も似合う日差しが当たっていた。

It wasn’t at all the thing, I’m afraid, but the minute she was fairly married, Meg cried, “The first kiss for Marmee!” and turning, gave it with her heart on her lips.

the thing (そうではありませんでした) [名] the correct or desired thing

I'm afraid (残念ながら) [句] I regret to say

married (結婚した) [動] join in marriage

残念ながら、それはまったくそうではありませんでしたが、彼女が正式に結婚した瞬間、メグは「最初のキスはママに!」と叫び、振り返って、唇に心を込めてキスをしました。

During the next fifteen minutes she looked more like a rose than ever, for everyone availed themselves of their privileges to the fullest extent, from Mr. Laurence to old Hannah, who, adorned with a headdress fearfully and wonderfully made, fell upon her in the hall, crying with a sob and a chuckle, “Bless you, deary, a hundred times!

next fifteen minutes (次の15分間) [名] the period of time that starts now and ends fifteen minutes from now

avail oneself of (利用する) [動] make use of

privilege (特権) [名] a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people

fullest extent (最大限) [名] the greatest degree or amount possible

old Hannah (老ハンナ) [名] a female given name

headdress (頭飾り) [名] an ornamental covering for the head

fearfully (恐ろしく) [副] in a fearful manner

fall upon (襲いかかる) [動] attack suddenly and violently

chuckle (くすくす笑い) [名] a quiet or suppressed laugh

hundred (100) [名] the cardinal number that is equal to ten times ten

次の15分間、彼女はこれまで以上にバラのように見えました。ローレンス氏から老ハンナまで、誰もが自分の特権を最大限に利用したからです。老ハンナは恐ろしく素晴らしく作られた頭飾りで飾られ、玄関で彼女に襲いかかり、すすり泣きながら「100回も祝福します!

The cake ain’t hurt a mite, and everything looks lovely.”

mite (少し) [名] a very small amount

ケーキは少しも傷んでないし、すべてが素敵に見えます」

Everybody cleared up after that, and said something brilliant, or tried to, which did just as well, for laughter is ready when hearts are light.

clear up (元気を取り戻す) [動] become fine after being cloudy or rainy

brilliant (気の利いた) [形] very bright or intelligent

just as well (同じくらいうまく) [副] equally well

その後、みんなは元気を取り戻し、何か気の利いたことを言ったり、言おうとしたりしたが、どちらも同じくらいうまくいった。心が軽ければ、すぐに笑えるものだ。

There was no display of gifts, for they were already in the little house, nor was there an elaborate breakfast, but a plentiful lunch of cake and fruit, dressed with flowers.

display (展示) [名] a public exhibition of objects

little house (小さな家) [名] a small house

elaborate (手の込んだ) [形] very complicated or detailed

plentiful (豊富な) [形] existing or available in large quantities; abundant

贈り物はすでに小さな家にあったので展示はせず、手の込んだ朝食も用意せず、花を添えたケーキや果物などの豊富な昼食を用意した。

Mr. Laurence and Aunt March shrugged and smiled at one another when water, lemonade, and coffee were found to be to only sorts of nectar which the three Hebes carried round.

nectar (蜜) [名] a sweet liquid produced by flowers that is attractive to pollinators

Hebe (ヘーベー) [名] the Greek goddess of youth

ローレンス氏とマーチおばさんは、水、レモネード、コーヒーが3人のヘーベーが運び回る唯一の蜜のようなものだと分かると、肩をすくめて互いに微笑み合った。

No one said anything, till Laurie, who insisted on serving the bride, appeared before her, with a loaded salver in his hand and a puzzled expression on his face.

serve (給仕する) [動] provide a service to

puzzled (困惑した) [形] confused or perplexed

誰も何も言わなかったが、花嫁に給仕すると主張したローリーが、手に載せた盆を持ち、困惑した表情で彼女の前に現れた。

“Has Jo smashed all the bottles by accident?” he whispered, “or am I merely laboring under a delusion that I saw some lying about loose this morning?”

「ジョーは誤ってすべての瓶を壊してしまったのか?」と彼はささやいた。「それとも、今朝、いくつかの瓶が転がっているのを見たというのは、私の勘違いだったのか?」

“No, your grandfather kindly offered us his best, and Aunt March actually sent some, but Father put away a little for Beth, and dispatched the rest to the Soldier’s Home.

dispatch (送る) [動] send off to a destination or for a purpose

Soldier's Home (兵士の家) [名] a home for retired or disabled soldiers

「いいえ、あなたのお祖父様が親切にも最高のワインを提供してくださり、マーチおばさんも実際にワインを送ってくださったのですが、パパはベスのために少し取っておいて、残りは兵士の家に送りました。

You know he thinks that wine should be used only in illness, and Mother says that neither she nor her daughters will ever offer it to any young man under her roof.”

パパはワインは病気の時にだけ飲むべきだと思っているし、ママは彼女も娘たちも、この家の下で若い男性にワインを提供することは絶対にないと言っています。」

Meg spoke seriously and expected to see Laurie frown or laugh, but he did neither, for after a quick look at her, he said, in his impetuous way, “I like that! For I’ve seen enough harm done to wish other women would think as you do.”

impetuous (衝動的な) [形] acting or done without forethought or planning

done (した) [動] perform or execute

would (だろう) [助] used to express a desire, request, or willingness

メグは真面目に話し、ローリーが眉をひそめたり笑ったりするのを期待していたが、彼はどちらもしなかった。彼女をちらっと見た後、彼は衝動的に言った。「それはいいね! 他の女性も君と同じように考えてくれたらと思うほど、私は十分に害をみてきた。」

“You are not made wise by experience, I hope?”

be made wise (賢くなる) [動] become wise

「経験で賢くなったわけではないでしょうね?」

and there was an anxious accent in Meg’s voice.

メグの声には不安なアクセントがあった。

“No. I give you my word for it.

give one's word (誓う) [動] make a solemn promise

「いいえ、誓ってもいい。

Don’t think too well of me, either, this is not one of my temptations.

think well of (よく考える) [動] have a high opinion of

私をあまりよく考えないで、これは私の誘惑の一つではない。

Being brought up where wine is as common as water and almost as harmless, I don’t care for it, but when a pretty girl offers it, one doesn’t like to refuse, you see.”

be brought up (育つ) [動] be raised

common (一般的) [形] of or relating to the great majority of people

ワインが水と同じくらい一般的でほとんど無害なところで育ったので、私は気にしないが、可愛い女の子がそれを差し出すと、人は断りたくないものだ」

“But you will, for the sake of others, if not for your own.

「でも、自分のためにでなくても、他の人のためにそうするでしょう。

Come, Laurie, promise, and give me one more reason to call this the happiest day of my life.”

more (もう一つ) [形] greater in amount or degree

さあ、ローリー、約束して、これを私の人生で一番幸せな日と呼ぶ理由をもう一つちょうだい」

A demand so sudden and so serious made the young man hesitate a moment, for ridicule is often harder to bear than self-denial.

ridicule (嘲笑) [名] the subjection of someone or something to contemptuous and dismissive language or behavior

あまりに突然で真剣な要求に、若者は一瞬ためらった。なぜなら、嘲笑はしばしば自己否定よりも耐え難いものだ。

Meg knew that if he gave the promise he would keep it at all costs, and feeling her power, used it as a woman may for her friend’s good.

cost (犠牲) [名] the price paid to acquire, produce, accomplish, or maintain something

メグは、もし彼が約束したら、どんな犠牲を払ってもそれを守るだろうと知っていたので、自分の力を自覚し、友人のために女性がそうするようにそれを利用した。

She did not speak, but she looked up at him with a face made very eloquent by happiness, and a smile which said, “No one can refuse me anything today.”

彼女は何も言わなかったが、幸せで雄弁になった顔で彼を見上げ、「今日は誰も私に何も拒否できない」と言った笑顔を浮かべた。

Laurie certainly could not, and with an answering smile, he gave her his hand, saying heartily, “I promise, Mrs. Brooke!”

answering (答える) [形] that answers

ローリーは確かにそうすることができず、答える笑顔で、彼は彼女に手を差し出し、「約束します、ブルック夫人!」と心から言った。

“I thank you, very, very much.”

very (本当に) [副] in a high degree; extremely

「本当に、本当にありがとう」

“And I drink ‘long life to your resolution’, Teddy,” cried Jo, baptizing him with a splash of lemonade, as she waved her glass and beamed approvingly upon him.

long life (長生き) [名] a long life

baptize (洗礼する) [動] to give a name to

splash (はねかける) [動] to cause (a liquid) to strike or fall on something in scattered drops or small quantities

beam (微笑む) [動] to smile radiantly

「そして私は『あなたの決意に長生きを』と飲むよ、テディ」とジョーは叫び、グラスを振りながら彼にレモネードをはねかけ、彼を認めるように微笑んだ。

So the toast was drunk, the pledge made and loyally kept in spite of many temptations, for with instinctive wisdom, the girls seized a happy moment to do their friend a service, for which he thanked them all his life.

pledge (誓い) [名] a solemn promise or undertaking

make (立てる) [動] create, produce, or bring into existence

こうして乾杯し、誓いを立て、多くの誘惑にもかかわらず忠実に守った。なぜなら、少女たちは本能的な知恵で、友人に奉仕する幸せな瞬間をとらえ、彼は生涯彼女たちに感謝したからだ。

After lunch, people strolled about, by twos and threes, through the house and garden, enjoying the sunshine without and within.

after lunch (昼食後) [名] the time after lunch

twos and threes (2人、3人) [名] small groups

昼食後、人々は2人、3人と家や庭を散策し、屋外と屋内で日差しを楽しんだ。

Meg and John happened to be standing together in the middle of the grass plot, when Laurie was seized with an inspiration which put the finishing touch to this unfashionable wedding.

grass plot (芝生) [名] an area of short, regularly mown grass in the garden of a house or park

finishing touch (最後の仕上げ) [名] a final action or event that completes or perfects something

unfashionable (流行遅れ) [形] not in fashion; outmoded

メグとジョンがたまたま芝生の真ん中に一緒に立っていたとき、ローリーはこの流行遅れの結婚式に最後の仕上げを施すひらめきを得た。

“All the married people take hands and dance round the new-made husband and wife, as the Germans do, while we bachelors and spinsters prance in couples outside!” cried Laurie, promenading down the path with Amy, with such infectious spirit and skill that everyone else followed their example without a murmur.

take hands (手をつないで) [動] hold hands

German (ドイツ人) [名] a native or inhabitant of Germany

bachelor (独身者) [名] an unmarried man

prance (踊る) [動] move or go about in a lively, spirited, or proud way

infectious (伝染する) [形] likely to spread from one person to another

spirit (熱意) [名] the quality of being lively or energetic

「ドイツ人のように、結婚している人はみんな手をつないで新婚夫婦の周りで踊り、独身者は外でカップルで踊りましょう!」とローリーは叫び、エイミーと一緒に小道を散歩したが、その熱意と技が伝染して、他のみんなもつぶやくことなく彼らの例に倣った。

Mr. and Mrs. March, Aunt and Uncle Carrol began it, others rapidly joined in, even Sallie Moffat, after a moment’s hesitation, threw her train over her arm and whisked Ned into the ring.

Aunt and Uncle Carrol (キャロルおばさんとおじさん) [名] the relatives of the March family

others (他の人たち) [名] other people

rapidly (すぐに) [副] very quickly

join in (加わる) [動] take part in an activity

after a moment's hesitation (一瞬ためらった後) [名] after a short period of time

throw (かける) [動] move or cause to move quickly and suddenly

ring (輪) [名] a circular object

マーチ夫妻、キャロルおばさんとおじさんが踊り始め、他の人たちもすぐに加わり、サリー・モファットも一瞬ためらった後、ドレスの裾を腕にかけ、ネッドを輪の中に連れ込んだ。

But the crowning joke was Mr. Laurence and Aunt March, for when the stately old gentleman chasseed solemnly up to the old lady, she just tucked her cane under her arm, and hopped briskly away to join hands with the rest and dance about the bridal pair, while the young folks pervaded the garden like butterflies on a midsummer day.

crowning (一番の) [形] most important or significant

chasse (近づく) [動] move quickly and lightly

tuck (抱える) [動] put or hold in a specified place or position

hop (飛び跳ねる) [動] move by jumping on one foot

join hands (手をつなぐ) [動] hold hands

bridal pair (新婚夫婦) [名] a newly married couple

pervade (舞い散る) [動] spread or be present throughout

しかし、一番の笑い話はローレンスさんとマーチおばさんで、威厳のある老紳士が老婦人のところに厳かに近づいていくと、老婦人は杖を小脇に抱えて、元気よく飛び跳ねて他の人たちと手をつなぎ、新婚夫婦の周りで踊り、若者たちは真夏の日の蝶のように庭に舞い散った。

Want of breath brought the impromptu ball to a close, and then people began to go.

want of (不足) [名] lack of

bring to a close (終わらせる) [動] cause to end

息切れで即興の舞踏会は終わり、人々は帰り始めた。

“I wish you well, my dear, I heartily wish you well, but I think you’ll be sorry for it,” said Aunt March to Meg, adding to the bridegroom, as he led her to the carriage, “You’ve got a treasure, young man, see that you deserve it.”

「お幸せに、お幸せに、心からお幸せに、でも後悔すると思うよ」とマーチおばさんはメグに言い、花婿が彼女を馬車に連れて行くと、「宝物を手に入れたのよ、若者、それに値する人間になりなさい」と付け加えた。

“That is the prettiest wedding I’ve been to for an age, Ned, and I don’t see why, for there wasn’t a bit of style about it,” observed Mrs. Moffat to her husband, as they drove away.

age (久しぶり) [名] a period of time

style (洗練) [名] a distinctive manner of doing something

「久しぶりに素敵な結婚式だったよ、ネッド、でもなぜだかわからないよ、だって、少しも洗練されていなかったもの」とモファット夫人は馬車で帰る途中、夫に言った。

“Laurie, my lad, if you ever want to indulge in this sort of thing, get one of those little girls to help you, and I shall be perfectly satisfied,” said Mr. Laurence, settling himself in his easy chair to rest after the excitement of the morning.

indulge (ふける) [動] allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of

「ローリー、もしこんなことをしたいと思ったら、あの子たちに手伝ってもらいなさい、そうすれば私は大満足だ」とローレンスさんは、午前中の興奮の後に安楽椅子に腰を下ろして言った。

“I’ll do my best to gratify you, Sir,” was Laurie’s unusually dutiful reply, as he carefully unpinned the posy Jo had put in his buttonhole.

do my best (最善を尽くす) [動] try as hard as possible

gratify (満足させる) [動] give (someone) great pleasure

unpin (外す) [動] unfasten or detach by removing a pin

「ご満足いただけるよう最善を尽くします」とローリーは珍しく従順に答え、ジョーがボタンホールに挿した花束を注意深く外した。

The little house was not far away, and the only bridal journey Meg had was the quiet walk with John from the old home to the new.

小さな家は遠くなく、メグの唯一の新婚旅行は、ジョンと古い家から新しい家まで静かに歩くことだった。

When she came down, looking like a pretty Quakeress in her dove-colored suit and straw bonnet tied with white, they all gathered about her to say ‘good-by’, as tenderly as if she had been going to make the grand tour.

Quakeress (クエーカー教徒) [名] a member of the Religious Society of Friends

dove-colored (鳩色の) [形] of a light gray color

straw bonnet (麦わら帽子) [名] a hat made of straw

grand tour (壮大な旅) [名] a tour of the principal cities and places of interest in Europe

彼女が降りてきたとき、鳩色のスーツと白いリボンのついた麦わら帽子をかぶったかわいいクエーカー教徒のように見え、みんなが彼女の周りに集まって、まるで彼女が壮大な旅に出かけるかのように優しく「さよなら」を言った。

“Don’t feel that I am separated from you, Marmee dear, or that I love you any the less for loving John so much,” she said, clinging to her mother, with full eyes for a moment.

「ママ、私があなたから離れたとか、ジョンをとても愛しているからあなたを愛していないとか、そんな風に思わないで」と彼女は母親にしがみつき、一瞬目がいっぱいになった。

“I shall come every day, Father, and expect to keep my old place in all your hearts, though I am married.

「パパ、私は毎日来ます、そして結婚しても、皆さんの心の中で私の古い場所を保つことを期待しています。

Beth is going to be with me a great deal, and the other girls will drop in now and then to laugh at my housekeeping struggles.

drop in (立ち寄る) [動] visit someone or something for a short time

ベスは私とずっと一緒にいるつもりだし、他の娘たちも時々立ち寄って私の家事の苦労を笑うでしょう。

Thank you all for my happy wedding day.

私の幸せな結婚式の日に皆さんありがとうございました。

Good-by, good-by!”

さようなら、さようなら!」

They stood watching her, with faces full of love and hope and tender pride as she walked away, leaning on her husband’s arm, with her hands full of flowers and the June sunshine brightening her happy face—and so Meg’s married life began.

彼女が夫の腕に寄りかかり、両手に花を抱え、六月の日差しが幸せそうな顔を輝かせながら歩き去っていくのを、愛と希望と優しい誇りに満ちた顔で見つめていた。こうしてメグの結婚生活が始まった。

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: ARTISTIC ATTEMPTS

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX (第26章) [名] the 26th chapter

ARTISTIC ATTEMPTS (芸術的試み) [名] an effort to create art

第26章芸術的試み

It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius, especially ambitious young men and women.

才能と天才の違いを学ぶには長い時間がかかる、特に野心的な若い男女には。

Amy was learning this distinction through much tribulation, for mistaking enthusiasm for inspiration, she attempted every branch of art with youthful audacity.

distinction (区別) [名] the quality or state of being distinguishable

tribulation (苦難) [名] a cause of great trouble or suffering

inspiration (インスピレーション) [名] the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative

attempt (挑戦する) [動] make an effort to achieve something

branch (分野) [名] a part of a tree that grows out from the trunk

エイミーは、熱意をインスピレーションと勘違いして、若さゆえの大胆さで芸術のあらゆる分野に挑戦し、多くの苦難を経てこの区別を学んでいた。

For a long time there was a lull in the ‘mud-pie’ business, and she devoted herself to the finest pen-and-ink drawing, in which she showed such taste and skill that her graceful handiwork proved both pleasant and profitable.

for a long time (長い間) [副] for a long period of time

devote oneself to (専念する) [動] give all of one's time and energy to

pen-and-ink drawing (ペンとインクを使った絵) [名] a drawing made with a pen and ink

handiwork (手仕事) [名] work done by hand

長い間「泥パイ」作りは小休止し、彼女はペンとインクを使った最高の絵に専念し、その優雅な手仕事は楽しくもあり、利益にもなるほどの趣味と技を見せた。

But over-strained eyes caused pen and ink to be laid aside for a bold attempt at poker-sketching.

over-strained (酷使した) [形] used too much

lay aside (脇に置く) [動] put to one side

poker (ポーカー) [名] a card game played by two or more people in which each player bets that the value of his or her hand is greater than that of the other players

しかし、目を酷使しすぎたため、ペンとインクを脇に置いて、大胆にもポーカーのスケッチに挑戦した。

While this attack lasted, the family lived in constant fear of a conflagration, for the odor of burning wood pervaded the house at all hours, smoke issued from attic and shed with alarming frequency, red-hot pokers lay about promiscuously, and Hannah never went to bed without a pail of water and the dinner bell at her door in case of fire.

live in constant fear of (常に恐れて暮らす) [動] be in a state of constant fear

conflagration (大火事) [名] a large and destructive fire

burning wood (木が燃える) [名] wood that is on fire

at all hours (四六時中) [副] all the time

attic (屋根裏部屋) [名] a space inside and below the roof of a house

shed (小屋) [名] a small building, typically made of wood and used for storage

with alarming frequency (驚くほど頻繁に) [副] so often that it is worrying

poker (火かき棒) [名] a metal rod with a handle, used for stirring a fire

lay about (散乱する) [動] be lying around

promiscuously (無差別に) [副] in a way that is not careful or selective

この熱病が続く間、家族は常に大火事を恐れて暮らしていた。というのも、木が燃える匂いが四六時中家中に漂い、屋根裏部屋や小屋から煙が驚くほど頻繁に出て、真っ赤に焼けた火かき棒が散乱していたからだ。ハンナは火事になった場合に備えて、水の入ったバケツと食事用のベルをドアのところに置かずには寝なかった。

Raphael’s face was found boldly executed on the underside of the moulding board, and Bacchus on the head of a beer barrel.

Raphael (ラファエロ) [名] a famous Italian painter

boldly (大胆に) [副] in a confident and courageous manner

execute (描く) [動] carry out or put into effect

underside (裏側) [名] the bottom or lower side of something

moulding board (成形板) [名] a board used to shape dough

Bacchus (バッカス) [名] the Roman god of wine

beer barrel (ビール樽) [名] a barrel used to store beer

ラファエロの顔は、成形板の裏側に大胆に描かれ、バッカスはビール樽の頭に描かれていた。

A chanting cherub adorned the cover of the sugar bucket, and attempts to portray Romeo and Juliet supplied kindling for some time.

portray (描く) [動] to represent in a picture or sculpture

supply (供給する) [動] to make available

kindling (火種) [名] small pieces of wood or other material used for starting a fire

歌う天使が砂糖入れの蓋を飾り、ロミオとジュリエットを描こうとしたことがしばらくの間、火種となった。

From fire to oil was a natural transition for burned fingers, and Amy fell to painting with undiminished ardor.

transition (移行) [名] the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another

burn (火傷する) [動] be injured or damaged by fire or heat

undiminished (衰えることのない) [形] not reduced in size, amount, or value

ardor (情熱) [名] strong and barely controllable emotion

火から油へは、火傷した指には自然な移行であり、エイミーは衰えることのない情熱で絵を描き始めた。

An artist friend fitted her out with his castoff palettes, brushes, and colors, and she daubed away, producing pastoral and marine views such as were never seen on land or sea.

fit out (貸す) [動] supply with something

castoff (使い古した) [形] no longer wanted or needed

palette (パレット) [名] a thin, usually wooden board or tablet on which an artist arranges and mixes paints

daub (描き出す) [動] paint or cover roughly or crudely

marine (海の) [形] of or relating to the sea

ある芸術家の友人が、使い古したパレット、筆、絵の具を彼女に貸してくれて、彼女は陸や海では見たこともないような牧歌的な風景や海の景色を描き出した。

Her monstrosities in the way of cattle would have taken prizes at an agricultural fair, and the perilous pitching of her vessels would have produced seasickness in the most nautical observer, if the utter disregard to all known rules of shipbuilding and rigging had not convulsed him with laughter at the first glance.

cattle (牛) [名] a large domesticated ungulate

monstrosity (怪物) [名] something that is outrageously or hideously ugly or distorted

agricultural fair (農業博覧会) [名] a fair that is focused on agriculture

prize (賞) [名] a reward for winning a competition

pitching (ピッチング) [名] the action of throwing something

vessel (船) [名] a ship or large boat

seasickness (船酔い) [名] a feeling of nausea and dizziness caused by the motion of a ship

observer (観察者) [名] a person who observes something

utter (完全な) [形] complete or total

disregard (無視) [名] the action of ignoring someone or something

shipbuilding (造船) [名] the construction of ships

rigging (索具) [名] the system of ropes, cables, and chains employed to support a ship's masts and control or work its sails

convulse (笑い転げる) [動] to shake or cause to shake with laughter

first glance (一目) [名] a quick or cursory look

彼女の牛の怪物は農業博覧会で賞をとっただろうし、彼女の船の危険なピッチングは、造船と索具のすべての既知のルールを完全に無視して、一目見ただけで笑い転げなければ、最も航海に詳しい観察者でも船酔いを引き起こしただろう。

Swarthy boys and dark-eyed Madonnas, staring at you from one corner of the studio, suggested Murillo;

Swarthy (浅黒い) [形] dark-complexioned

dark-eyed (黒い目の) [形] having dark eyes

Madonna (マドンナ) [名] the mother of Jesus

studio (スタジオ) [名] a place where an artist works

suggest (連想させる) [動] cause to think of or call to mind

スタジオの片隅からあなたを見つめる浅黒い少年たちと黒い目のマドンナたちは、ムリーリョを連想させた。

oily brown shadows of faces with a lurid streak in the wrong place, meant Rembrandt;

oily (油絵の具の) [形] containing or covered with oil

lurid (不自然な) [形] causing shock or horror; sensational

streak (筋) [名] a long, thin mark or band of a different color or substance

Rembrandt (レンブラント) [名] a Dutch painter and etcher of the 17th century

油絵の具の茶色い影が顔に不自然な筋を描き、レンブラントを連想させた。

buxom ladies and dropiscal infants, Rubens;

buxom (豊満な) [形] (of a woman) plump and attractive

dropiscal (水腫の) [形] of or relating to dropsy

Rubens (ルーベンス) [名] a Flemish painter

豊満な女性と水腫の幼児はルーベンス。

and Turner appeared in tempests of blue thunder, orange lightning, brown rain, and purple clouds, with a tomato-colored splash in the middle, which might be the sun or a bouy, a sailor’s shirt or a king’s robe, as the spectator pleased.

Turner (ターナー) [名] Joseph Mallord William Turner, an English Romantic landscape painter

thunder (雷) [名] the loud noise caused by lightning

orange (オレンジ色の) [形] of the color intermediate between red and yellow, as of an orange

lightning (稲妻) [名] a flash of light produced by an electrical discharge of very short duration and high voltage

tomato (トマト) [名] a glossy red or yellow fruit with a juicy pulp, eaten as a vegetable

bouy (ブイ) [名] a floating object that is anchored to the bottom of a body of water to mark a channel, hazard, or other feature

shirt (シャツ) [名] a garment for the upper body made of cotton or a similar fabric, with a collar, sleeves, and buttons down the front

ターナーは青い雷、オレンジ色の稲妻、茶色の雨、紫の雲の嵐の中に現れ、真ん中にトマト色の水しぶきがあり、それは太陽やブイ、船乗りのシャツや王のローブなど、見る人の好みに合わせて描かれていた。

Charcoal portraits came next, and the entire family hung in a row, looking as wild and crocky as if just evoked from a coalbin.

charcoal (木炭) [名] a black or dark gray porous solid consisting of carbon obtained by heating wood or other organic matter in the absence of air

crocky (奇妙な) [形] strange or unusual

次に木炭画の肖像画が現れ、家族全員が一列に並んで吊るされ、まるで石炭箱から呼び起こされたかのようにワイルドで奇妙に見えた。

Softened into crayon sketches, they did better, for the likenesses were good, and Amy’s hair, Jo’s nose, Meg’s mouth, and Laurie’s eyes were pronounced ‘wonderfully fine’.

crayon (クレヨン) [名] a stick of colored wax, chalk, or charcoal used for drawing

pronounce (評される) [動] declare or announce officially or formally

クレヨンのスケッチに柔らかく描かれた肖像画は、似顔絵がうまく描かれていて、エイミーの髪、ジョーの鼻、メグの口、ローリーの目は「素晴らしく美しい」と評された。

A return to clay and plaster followed, and ghostly casts of her acquaintances haunted corners of the house, or tumbled off closet shelves onto people’s heads.

cast (石膏像) [名] a copy of a sculpture made by taking a mold of the original and filling it with a hard material

acquaintance (知人) [名] a person one knows slightly

その後、粘土と石膏に戻り、彼女の知人の幽霊のような石膏像が家の隅に出没したり、クローゼットの棚から落ちて人の頭の上に落ちたりした。

Children were enticed in as models, till their incoherent accounts of her mysterious doings caused Miss Amy to be regarded in the light of a young ogress.

entice (誘い込む) [動] attract by offering pleasure or advantage

model (モデル) [名] a person who poses for an artist, photographer, or sculptor

doing (行動) [名] something that is done

ogress (鬼女) [名] a female monster

子供たちがモデルとして誘い込まれ、エイミーの不可解な行動について支離滅裂な説明を繰り返したため、エイミーは若い鬼女のような目で見られるようになった。

Her efforts in this line, however, were brought to an abrupt close by an untoward accident, which quenched her ardor.

line (方面) [名] a direction or course

abrupt (突然の) [形] sudden and unexpected

close (終わり) [名] the end of something

untoward (不幸な) [形] inappropriate or undesirable

quench (冷める) [動] to put out a fire or a light

しかし、この方面での彼女の努力は、不幸な事故によって突然終わりを告げ、彼女の情熱は冷めてしまった。

Other models failing her for a time, she undertook to cast her own pretty foot, and the family were one day alarmed by an unearthly bumping and screaming and running to the rescue, found the young enthusiast hopping wildly about the shed with her foot held fast in a pan full of plaster, which had hardened with unexpected rapidity.

unearthly (この世のものとは思えない) [形] not of this world; supernatural

bump (衝突) [名] a collision or impact

enthusiast (熱狂者) [名] a person who is very interested in a particular activity or subject

wildly (狂ったように) [副] in a wild or uncontrolled manner

rapidity (速さ) [名] the quality or state of being rapid

他のモデルがしばらく彼女を失敗させたので、彼女は自分のきれいな足をキャストすることを引き受け、家族はある日、この世のものとは思えないような衝突と叫び声に驚いて救助に駆けつけ、若い熱狂者が小屋の中を狂ったように飛び跳ねているのを発見した。

With much difficulty and some danger she was dug out, for Jo was so overcome with laughter while she excavated that her knife went too far, cut the poor foot, and left a lasting memorial of one artistic attempt, at least.

with much difficulty (非常に困難で) [副] with great difficulty

some danger (危険な目に遭いながら) [名] a situation that is dangerous

be dug out (掘り出された) [動] be excavated

be overcome with (~でいっぱいになる) [動] be overwhelmed with

she excavated (掘り起こしている) [動] she dug

that (あまりに) [接] so that

her knife (ナイフ) [名] a cutting instrument with a blade and a handle

go too far (行き過ぎる) [動] go beyond what is acceptable

a lasting memorial (永続的な記念碑) [名] a monument that will last for a long time

artistic (芸術的) [形] concerned with art or artists

彼女は非常に困難で危険な目に遭いながら掘り出されたが、ジョーは掘り起こしている間に笑いすぎてナイフが行き過ぎてかわいそうな足を切ってしまい、少なくとも一つの芸術的試みの永続的な記念碑を残してしまった。

After this Amy subsided, till a mania for sketching from nature set her to haunting river, field, and wood, for picturesque studies, and sighing for ruins to copy.

after this (この後) [副] after this time

nature (自然) [名] the physical world and everything in it

haunting (探し求める) [動] visit frequently

sigh (探し求める) [動] emit a long, deep, audible breath expressing sadness, tiredness, relief, or a similar feeling

この後、エイミーは落ち着きを取り戻し、自然からスケッチする熱狂が彼女を川、野原、森に連れて行き、絵のような研究をし、コピーする遺跡を探し求めるまでになった。

She caught endless colds sitting on damp grass to book ‘a delicious bit’, composed of a stone, a stump, one mushroom, and a broken mullein stalk, or ‘a heavenly mass of clouds’, that looked like a choice display of featherbeds when done.

catch (ひく) [動] become infected with

book (予約する) [動] arrange for and pay for in advance

bit (一口) [名] a small piece, part, or amount

compose (できている) [動] be made up of

stump (切り株) [名] the bottom part of a tree that is left standing after the main part has been cut down

mushroom (キノコ) [名] an umbrella-shaped fungus growing in the ground, on wood, or on decaying matter

broken (折れた) [形] having been fractured or damaged

mullein (モウズイカ) [名] a tall plant with hairy leaves and yellow flowers

stalk (茎) [名] the main stem of a plant

mass (塊) [名] a large number of people or things

featherbed (羽毛布団) [名] a bed with a mattress filled with feathers

choice (展示品) [名] an act of choosing

彼女は湿った草の上に座って、石、切り株、キノコ、折れたモウズイカの茎でできた「おいしい一口」や、完成すると羽毛布団の展示品のように見える「天国の雲の塊」を予約するために、延々と風邪をひいていた。

She sacrificed her complexion floating on the river in the midsummer sun to study light and shade, and got a wrinkle over her nose trying after ‘points of sight’, or whatever the squint-and-string performance is called.

midsummer (真夏) [名] the middle of summer

shade (影) [名] comparative darkness and coolness caused by shelter from direct sunlight

point of sight (視点) [名] the position from which something is observed

squint (斜視) [名] a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned with each other

string (弦) [名] a thin piece of wire or other material used on a musical instrument

彼女は真夏の太陽の下で川に浮かんで、明暗を研究するために顔色を犠牲にし、「視点」や斜視と弦の演奏と呼ばれるものを追いかけて鼻にしわを寄せた。

If ‘genius is eternal patience’, as Michelangelo affirms, Amy had some claim to the divine attribute, for she persevered in spite of all obstacles, failures, and discouragements, firmly believing that in time she should do something worthy to be called ‘high art’.

eternal (永遠の) [形] lasting forever

Michelangelo (ミケランジェロ) [名] an Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet of the High Renaissance

affirm (断言する) [動] state as a fact; assert strongly and publicly

persevere (忍耐強く努力する) [動] continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success

discouragement (落胆) [名] the action of discouraging someone or the state of being discouraged

high art (ハイアート) [名] the fine arts

ミケランジェロが断言するように「天才とは永遠の忍耐」であるならば、エイミーには神の属性に対するある種の権利があった。なぜなら、彼女はあらゆる障害、失敗、落胆にもかかわらず、やがて「ハイアート」と呼ばれるに値することをするべきだと固く信じて忍耐強く努力したからである。

She was learning, doing, and enjoying other things, meanwhile, for she had resolved to be an attractive and accomplished woman, even if she never became a great artist.

その間、彼女は他の事を学び、行い、楽しんでいた。なぜなら、彼女は偉大な芸術家にはならなくても、魅力的で教養のある女性になろうと決意していたからだ。

Here she succeeded better, for she was one of those happily created beings who please without effort, make friends everywhere, and take life so gracefully and easily that less fortunate souls are tempted to believe that such are born under a lucky star.

everywhere (どこでも) [副] in all places or situations

less fortunate (恵まれない) [形] having little or no luck

tempted (信じたくなる) [動] be strongly attracted to something

lucky (幸運な) [形] having, bringing, or resulting from good luck

ここで彼女はより成功した。なぜなら、彼女は努力せずに喜び、どこでも友達を作り、優雅に簡単に人生を歩む幸せに創造された存在の一人であり、恵まれない魂はそのような人が幸運の星の下に生まれたと信じたくなるような人だったからだ。

Everybody liked her, for among her good gifts was tact.

誰もが彼女を好きだった。なぜなら、彼女の良い贈り物の中に機転があったからだ。

She had an instinctive sense of what was pleasing and proper, always said the right thing to the right person, did just what suited the time and place, and was so self-possessed that her sisters used to say, “If Amy went to court without any rehearsal beforehand, she’d know exactly what to do.”

have an instinctive sense of (本能的な感覚がある) [動] to have a natural ability to do something

pleasing (喜ばしい) [形] giving or capable of giving joy or pleasure

go to court (法廷に行く) [動] to appear in a court of law

rehearsal (予行演習) [名] a practice or trial performance of a play, concert, etc., in preparation for a public presentation

exactly (正確に) [副] in a precise and accurate manner

彼女には何が喜ばしく適切かについて本能的な感覚があり、いつも正しい人に正しいことを言い、時と場所に合ったことだけをし、とても落ち着いていたので、姉妹たちは「エイミーが事前に予行演習なしに法廷に行ったら、彼女は何をすべきか正確に分かるだろう」と言っていた。

One of her weaknesses was a desire to move in ‘our best society’, without being quite sure what the best really was.

weakness (弱点) [名] a quality or feature regarded as a disadvantage or fault

move (移る) [動] change from one place to another

彼女の弱点の一つは、最高のものが本当に何であるかよくわからないまま、「私たちの最高の社会」に移りたいという願望だった。

Money, position, fashionable accomplishments, and elegant manners were most desirable things in her eyes, and she liked to associate with those who possessed them, often mistaking the false for the true, and admiring what was not admirable.

desirable (望ましい) [形] worth having or wanting

associate (付き合う) [動] join or connect

false (偽物) [形] not true or genuine

お金、地位、流行の功績、優雅なマナーは彼女の目には最も望ましいものであり、彼女はそれらを持っている人と付き合うのが好きで、しばしば偽物を本物と間違え、賞賛に値しないものを賞賛した。

Never forgetting that by birth she was a gentlewoman, she cultivated her aristocratic tastes and feelings, so that when the opportunity came she might be ready to take the place from which poverty now excluded her.

by birth (生まれながらに) [副] by being born

gentlewoman (上品な女性) [名] a woman of good breeding

take (就く) [動] move into a specified position

exclude (除外する) [動] keep or shut out; prevent from entering

生まれながらに上品な女性であることを忘れず、貴族的な趣味や感覚を養い、機会が来れば貧困から除外された場所に就く準備ができるようにしていた。

“My lady,” as her friends called her, sincerely desired to be a genuine lady, and was so at heart, but had yet to learn that money cannot buy refinement of nature, that rank does not always confer nobility, and that true breeding makes itself felt in spite of external drawbacks.

genuine (本物) [形] real; not fake

breeding (育ち) [名] the way in which someone is brought up

external (外面的な) [形] of or relating to the outside of something

drawback (欠点) [名] a disadvantage or problem

友人たちが彼女を呼ぶように「私のお嬢様」は心から本物のお嬢様になることを望み、心からそうだったのだが、お金では自然の洗練は買えない、地位は必ずしも高貴さを授けるわけではない、真の育ちは外面的な欠点にもかかわらず感じられるということをまだ学んでいなかった。

“I want to ask a favor of you, Mamma,” Amy said, coming in with an important air one day.

ask a favor (お願いする) [動] ask for a favor

important air (重要な空気) [名] an air of importance

「ママにお願いしたいことがあるの」とエイミーはある日、重要な空気で入ってきた。

“Well, little girl, what is it?” replied her mother, in whose eyes the stately young lady still remained ‘the baby’.

「さて、お嬢ちゃん、何だい?」と母親は答えたが、その目には堂々とした若い女性がまだ「赤ちゃん」のままだった。

“Our drawing class breaks up next week, and before the girls separate for the summer, I want to ask them out here for a day.

drawing class (絵のクラス) [名] a class where people learn how to draw

break up (終わる) [動] come to an end

ask out (招待する) [動] invite someone to go out with you

「私たちの絵のクラスは来週終わり、夏休みに入る前に、みんなをここに招待したいの。

They are wild to see the river, sketch the broken bridge, and copy some of the things they admire in my book.

broken (壊れた) [形] no longer working or in one piece

みんな川を見たり、壊れた橋をスケッチしたり、私の本の中で気に入ったものをいくつか写したいと思っているの。

They have been very kind to me in many ways, and I am grateful, for they are all rich and I know I am poor, yet they never made any difference.”

in many ways (いろいろな面で) [副] in a variety of ways

be grateful (感謝する) [動] be thankful

be rich (裕福である) [動] having a great deal of money or property

be poor (貧乏である) [動] having little or no money or property

make a difference (変えようとする) [動] cause a change

みんないろいろな面で私にとても親切にしてくれていて、感謝しているよ。みんな裕福で、私は貧乏だとわかっているのに、みんなは何も変えようとしないの。」

“Why should they?”

「なぜそうする必要があるんだ?」

and Mrs. March put the question with what the girls called her ‘Maria Theresa air’.

put the question (質問する) [動] ask a question

Maria Theresa (マリア・テレジア) [名] the only female ruler of the Habsburg dominions and the last of the House of Habsburg

とマーチ夫人は娘たちが「マリア・テレジアの態度」と呼ぶ態度で質問した。

“You know as well as I that it does make a difference with nearly everyone, so don’t ruffle up like a dear, motherly hen, when your chickens get pecked by smarter birds.

make a difference (違いを生む) [動] have an effect or impact

ruffle up (羽を逆立てる) [動] to make or become untidy

chicken (ひよこ) [名] a young bird

smarter (賢い) [形] having or showing intelligence, especially of a high level

「あなたも私と同じように、ほとんどの人にとってそれが違いを生むことを知っているよ。だから、あなたのひよこが賢い鳥につつかれたときに、愛する母親のようなめんどりのように羽を逆立てないで。

The ugly duckling turned out a swan, you know.”

ugly duckling (醜いアヒルの子) [名] a person who is not attractive or popular when young but who later becomes very attractive or popular

turn out (なる) [動] to become or develop into

swan (白鳥) [名] a large water bird with a long neck

醜いアヒルの子が白鳥になったようにね。」

and Amy smiled without bitterness, for she possessed a happy temper and hopeful spirit.

そしてエイミーは苦々しさもなく微笑んだ。彼女は幸せな気質と希望に満ちた精神の持ち主だったからだ。

Mrs. March laughed, and smoothed down her maternal pride as she asked,

smooth down (なだめる) [動] make calm or quiet

マーチ夫人は笑い、母親としてのプライドをなだめながら尋ねた。

“Well, my swan, what is your plan?”

「さて、私の白鳥さん、あなたの計画は?」

“I should like to ask the girls out to lunch next week, to take them for a drive to the places they want to see, a row on the river, perhaps, and make a little artistic fete for them.”

want to see (行きたい) [動] wish to visit

「来週、娘たちを昼食に誘って、行きたい場所に連れて行ったり、川でボートを漕いだり、ちょっとした芸術的な祭りを開いたりしたいと思っています。」

“That looks feasible.

feasible (実現可能) [形] capable of being done or carried out

「それは実現可能そうですね。

What do you want for lunch?

昼食に何が食べたい?

Cake, sandwiches, fruit, and coffee will be all that is necessary, I suppose?”

sandwich (サンドイッチ) [名] two pieces of bread with a layer of food between them

be all that is necessary (十分である) [動] be enough

ケーキ、サンドイッチ、フルーツ、コーヒーがあれば十分でしょう?」

“Oh, dear, no! We must have cold tongue and chicken, French chocolate and ice cream, besides.

cold tongue (冷たい牛タン) [名] a dish made from the tongue of a cow

French chocolate (フランスチョコレート) [名] a type of chocolate that is made in France

「ああ、いや! 冷たい牛タンとチキン、フランスチョコレートとアイスクリームも必要よ。

The girls are used to such things, and I want my lunch to be proper and elegant, though I do work for my living.”

elegant (上品な) [形] tastefully fine or luxurious in dress, style, design, etc.

娘たちはそういうものに慣れているし、私は生計を立てるために働いているけど、昼食はきちんと上品なものにしたいの」

“How many young ladies are there?” asked her mother, beginning to look sober.

how many (何人) [限] what number of

「お嬢様は何人いらっしゃるの?」と母は真面目な顔つきで尋ねた。

“Twelve or fourteen in the class, but I dare say they won’t all come.”

fourteen (14) [名] the number 14

「クラスには12人か14人いるんだけど、全員は来ないと思う」

“Bless me, child, you will have to charter an omnibus to carry them about.”

bless (なんてこと) [動] to make the sign of the cross over

charter (予約する) [動] to hire or rent

omnibus (貸切バス) [名] a bus

「なんてこと、子供たちを運ぶのに貸切バスを予約しなくちゃいけないよ」

“Why, Mother, how can you think of such a thing?

「どうして、ママ、そんなことを考えるの?

Not more than six or eight will probably come, so I shall hire a beach wagon and borrow Mr. Laurence’s cherry-bounce.” (Hannah’s pronunciation of char-a-banc.)

not more than (せいぜい) [副] at the most

eight (8) [名] the number 8

hire (借りる) [動] pay money for the temporary use of

beach wagon (ビーチワゴン) [名] a type of station wagon

cherry-bounce (チェリーバウンス) [名] a type of carriage

char-a-banc (シャラバン) [名] a type of carriage

おそらく6人か8人しか来ないと思うから、ビーチワゴンを借りて、ローレンスさんのチェリーバウンス(ハンナのシャラバンの発音)を借りるよ」

“All of this will be expensive, Amy.”

all of (全部で) [名] the whole of

be expensive (高くつく) [動] cost a lot of money

「全部で高くつくよ、エイミー」

“Not very. I’ve calculated the cost, and I’ll pay for it myself.”

not very (そんなに高くない) [副] not to a great extent

calculate (計算する) [動] determine the amount or number of

「そんなに高くないよ。費用は計算したし、自分で払うよ」

“Don’t you think, dear, that as these girls are used to such things, and the best we can do will be nothing new, that some simpler plan would be pleasanter to them, as a change if nothing more, and much better for us than buying or borrowing what we don’t need, and attempting a style not in keeping with our circumstances?”

nothing new (目新しさはない) [名] not new or unusual

simpler (もっとシンプルな) [形] less complicated or elaborate

pleasanter (楽しい) [形] more enjoyable or agreeable

nothing more (それ以上のものはない) [名] no more than that

attempt (試す) [動] make an effort to do something

keep with (合う) [動] be in harmony or accordance with

「ねえ、この子たちはそういうことに慣れているし、私たちがどんなに頑張っても目新しさはないのだから、もっとシンプルな計画の方が、彼女たちにとって変化があって楽しいし、私たちにとっても、必要のないものを買ったり借りたりして、私たちの状況に合わないスタイルを試すよりもずっといいと思うんだけど」

“If I can’t have it as I like, I don’t care to have it at all.

「自分の好きなようにできないなら、まったくやりたくないよ。

I know that I can carry it out perfectly well, if you and the girls will help a little, and I don’t see why I can’t if I’m willing to pay for it,” said Amy, with the decision which opposition was apt to change into obstinacy.

carry out (行う) [動] to perform or execute

don't see (わからない) [動] fail to understand

apt (ありがち) [形] likely or liable to do or be something

obstinacy (頑固) [名] the quality of being unwilling to change one's opinion or to do what someone else wants

ママと姉妹が少し手伝ってくれれば、完璧にできると思うし、自分でお金を払うつもりなら、できない理由がわからないよ」とエイミーは反対されると頑固になる決意で言った。

Mrs. March knew that experience was an excellent teacher, and when it was possible she left her children to learn alone the lessons which she would gladly have made easier, if they had not objected to taking advice as much as they did salts and senna.

when it was possible (可能な限り) [副] if it is possible

easier (もっと簡単に) [形] less difficult

object (嫌がる) [動] express or feel disapproval of or opposition to

senna (センナ) [名] a plant of the pea family, native to tropical Africa and Asia and having yellow flowers and pinnate leaves

マーチ夫人は経験が優れた教師であることを知っていたので、子供たちが塩やセンナと同じくらいアドバイスを受けることを嫌がらなければ、喜んでもっと簡単にしたであろう教訓を、可能な限り子供たちに一人で学ばせていた。

“Very well, Amy, if your heart is set upon it, and you see your way through without too great an outlay of money, time, and temper, I’ll say no more.

set upon (その気になる) [動] to attack someone or something

see one's way through (やり遂げる) [動] to complete or finish something

outlay (かける) [名] an amount of money spent

「エイミー、もしあなたがその気になって、お金や時間や気分をあまりかけずにやり遂げるつもりなら、もう何も言いません。

Talk it over with the girls, and whichever way you decide, I’ll do my best to help you.”

whichever (どちらでも) [形] no matter which

姉妹と話し合って、どちらに決めても、私はあなたを助けるために最善を尽くします」

“Thanks, Mother, you are always so kind.”

「ありがとう、ママ、いつも優しいね」

and away went Amy to lay her plan before her sisters.

lay (打ち明ける) [動] to put or set down

そしてエイミーは姉妹たちの前に自分の計画を打ち明けに行った。

Meg agreed at once, and promised her aid, gladly offering anything she possessed, from her little house itself to her very best saltspoons.

aid (援助) [名] help, typically of a practical nature

saltspoon (塩スプーン) [名] a small spoon for taking salt

メグはすぐに同意し、自分の小さな家から最高の塩スプーンまで、持っているものなら何でも喜んで差し出し、援助を約束した。

But Jo frowned upon the whole project and would have nothing to do with it at first.

frown upon (眉をひそめる) [動] to disapprove of

project (計画) [名] a plan or proposal

have nothing to do with (関係を持とうとしない) [動] to be unrelated to

しかし、ジョーは計画全体に眉をひそめ、最初は何も関係を持とうとしなかった。

“Why in the world should you spend your money, worry your family, and turn the house upside down for a parcel of girls who don’t care a sixpence for you?

in the world (いったい) [副] used to express surprise, anger, or emphasis

sixpence (6ペンス) [名] a small British coin worth six pennies

「いったいどうして、あなたを少しも気にかけていない女の子たちのために、お金を使い、家族を心配させ、家をひっくり返すようなことをするのか?

I thought you had too much pride and sense to truckle to any mortal woman just because she wears French boots and rides in a coupe,” said Jo, who, being called from the tragic climax of her novel, was not in the best mood for social enterprises.

sense (分別) [名] a feeling that something is the case

truckle (媚びを売る) [動] be subservient to

mortal (どんな) [形] subject to death

coupe (クーペ) [名] a car with a fixed roof, two doors, and a sloping rear

tragic (悲劇的な) [形] causing great suffering, pain, or unhappiness

social (社交的な) [形] involving interaction with other people

enterprise (催し) [名] a project or undertaking, typically one that is difficult or requires effort

あなたはプライドも分別もあって、フランス製のブーツを履いてクーペに乗っているというだけで、どんな女性にも媚びを売るようなことはしないと思っていたのに」とジョーは言ったが、彼女は小説の悲劇的なクライマックスから呼び出され、社交的な催しには最適な気分ではなかったのである。

“I don’t truckle, and I hate being patronized as much as you do!” returned Amy indignantly, for the two still jangled when such questions arose.

truckle (媚び売る) [動] be subservient or obsequious

patronize (上から目線でする) [動] treat in a condescending manner

「媚び売りなんてしないし、あなたと同じくらい上から目線でされるのは嫌い!」とエイミーは憤慨して言い返したが、そのような問題が起こると、二人はいつも言い争いになった。

“The girls do care for me, and I for them, and there’s a great deal of kindness and sense and talent among them, in spite of what you call fashionable nonsense.

「あの子たちは私を気にかけてくれるし、私もあの子たちを気にかけているし、あなたが言うところの流行のナンセンスにもかかわらず、あの子たちの中には優しさや分別や才能がたくさんある。

You don’t care to make people like you, to go into good society, and cultivate your manners and tastes.

go into (出入りする) [動] enter

cultivate (磨く) [動] refine or improve

あなたは人に好かれようとしたり、上流社会に出入りしたり、マナーや趣味を磨いたりしようとしない。

I do, and I mean to make the most of every chance that comes.

make the most of (最大限に生かす) [動] to use something in the best possible way

私はそうするし、どんなチャンスも最大限に生かすつもりだ。

You can go through the world with your elbows out and your nose in the air, and call it independence, if you like.

go through (渡り歩く) [動] travel through or across

あなたは肘を張り、鼻を高くして世の中を渡り歩き、それを独立と呼ぶこともできる。

That’s not my way.”

それは私のやり方ではない。」

When Amy had whetted her tongue and freed her mind she usually got the best of it, for she seldom failed to have common sense on her side, while Jo carried her love of liberty and hate of conventionalities to such an unlimited extent that she naturally found herself worsted in an argument.

whet (研ぎ澄ます) [動] sharpen

get the best of (得る) [動] to defeat or outwit

common sense (常識) [名] sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts

carry (抱く) [動] to hold or support while moving

hate (憎しみ) [名] a very strong feeling of dislike

unlimited (無制限の) [形] without any limit

find oneself (~だと気づく) [動] to discover or realize something about oneself

worsted (負ける) [動] to be defeated or beaten

エイミーが舌を研ぎ澄まし、心を解放したとき、彼女はたいていその最善の部分を得た。なぜなら、彼女はめったに自分の側に常識を持ち合わせていなかったからだ。一方、ジョーは自由への愛と因習への憎しみを無制限に抱いていたため、当然のことながら議論では負けていた。

Amy’s definition of Jo’s idea of independence was such a good hit that both burst out laughing, and the discussion took a more amiable turn.

definition (定義) [名] a statement of the exact meaning of a word, especially in a dictionary

good hit (良いヒット) [名] a successful or well-received action or event

burst out laughing (大笑いする) [動] to suddenly start laughing loudly

take a turn (進む) [動] to change direction or course

エイミーのジョーの独立の考えの定義は非常に良いヒットだったので、二人とも大笑いし、議論はより友好的な方向に進んだ。

Much against her will, Jo at length consented to sacrifice a day to Mrs. Grundy, and help her sister through what she regarded as ‘a nonsensical business’.

much against one's will (自分の意志に反して) [副] unwillingly

at length (ついに) [副] after a long time

Mrs. Grundy (グランディ夫人) [名] a character in the story

nonsensical (無意味な) [形] having no meaning or making no sense

ジョーは自分の意志に反して、ついにグランディ夫人に一日を犠牲にして、彼女が「無意味な仕事」と考えていることを通して妹を助けることに同意した。

The invitations were sent, nearly all accepted, and the following Monday was set apart for the grand event.

following (次の) [形] next in time or order

set apart (用意する) [動] reserve for a special purpose

招待状が送られ、ほとんどすべてが受け入れられ、次の月曜日は盛大なイベントのために用意された。

Hannah was out of humor because her week’s work was deranged, and prophesied that “ef the washin’ and ironin’ warn’t done reg’lar, nothin’ would go well anywheres”.

out of humor (機嫌が悪い) [形] not in a good mood

deranged (狂った) [形] mentally ill

prophesy (予言する) [動] predict the future

washin' (洗濯) [名] the act of washing

ironin' (アイロンがけ) [名] the act of ironing

warn't (wasn't) [動] was not

done (行われる) [動] performed or accomplished

reg'lar (きちんと) [形] regular

nothin' (何も) [名] nothing

anywheres (どこも) [副] anywhere

ハンナは週の仕事が狂ってしまったので機嫌が悪く、「洗濯とアイロンがけがきちんと行われなければ、どこもうまくいかない」と予言した。

This hitch in the mainspring of the domestic machinery had a bad effect upon the whole concern, but Amy’s motto was ‘Nil desperandum’, and having made up her mind what to do, she proceeded to do it in spite of all obstacles.

mainspring (ぜんまい) [名] the principal or most important part of something

domestic (家庭用) [形] of or relating to the home

hitch (ひっかかり) [名] an unexpected difficulty or problem

bad effect (悪影響) [名] a harmful or damaging effect

concern (懸念) [名] a matter of interest or importance

家庭用機械のぜんまいのこのひっかかりは、全体に悪影響を及ぼしたが、エイミーのモットーは「絶望するな」であり、何をすべきかを決心した彼女は、あらゆる障害にもかかわらずそれを実行した。

To begin with, Hannah’s cooking didn’t turn out well.

to begin with (そもそも) [副] in the first place

turn out (うまくいく) [動] have a particular result

そもそもハンナの料理はうまくいかなかった。

The chicken was tough, the tongue too salty, and the chocolate wouldn’t froth properly.

chicken (鶏肉) [名] the meat of a chicken

tough (硬い) [形] strong and hard to break

salty (塩辛い) [形] having a taste like that of salt

chocolate (チョコレート) [名] a food made from roasted and ground cacao seeds

froth (泡立つ) [動] to form or produce a mass of small bubbles

鶏肉は硬く、舌は塩辛く、チョコレートはきちんと泡立たなかった。

Then the cake and ice cost more than Amy expected, so did the wagon, and various other expenses, which seemed trifling at the outset, counted up rather alarmingly afterward.

expect (予想する) [動] regard as likely to happen

outset (最初) [名] the start or beginning of something

count up (計算する) [動] add up

それからケーキとアイスはエイミーが予想したよりも高くつき、馬車もそうだったし、最初は些細なことに思えた他の様々な出費も、後で計算してみるとかなり驚くほどだった。

Beth got a cold and took to her bed.

get a cold (風邪をひく) [動] catch a cold

take to one's bed (寝込む) [動] go to bed because of illness

ベスは風邪をひいて寝込んだ。

Meg had an unusual number of callers to keep her at home, and Jo was in such a divided state of mind that her breakages, accidents, and mistakes were uncommonly numerous, serious, and trying.

caller (訪問者) [名] a person who visits someone

be in (いる) [動] be in a specified state

divided (分裂した) [形] split into two or more parts

breakage (破損) [名] the action of breaking something

numerous (多い) [形] great in number; many

trying (試練) [形] difficult to endure

メグは家にいるために異常に多くの訪問者があり、ジョーは心が分裂した状態だったので、彼女の破損、事故、間違いは異常に多く、深刻で、試練だった。

If it was not fair on Monday, the young ladies were to come on Tuesday, an arrangement which aggravated Jo and Hannah to the last degree.

fair (晴れ) [形] (of weather) fine and dry

Tuesday (火曜日) [名] the third day of the week

月曜日が晴れなければ、若い女性たちは火曜日に来ることになっていたが、この取り決めはジョーとハンナを極度に苛立たせた。

On Monday morning the weather was in that undecided state which is more exasperating than a steady pour.

on Monday morning (月曜日の朝) [名] the morning of the day after Sunday

exasperating (腹立たしい) [形] very annoying

steady (降り続く) [形] regular, even, and continuous

pour (雨) [名] a heavy and continuous rain

月曜日の朝、天気は雨が降り続くよりももっと腹立たしい、はっきりしない状態だった。

It drizzled a little, shone a little, blew a little, and didn’t make up its mind till it was too late for anyone else to make up theirs.

drizzle (霧雨が降る) [動] rain lightly

shine (日が差す) [動] be bright

blow (風が吹く) [動] move or be moved by the wind

theirs (自分たちの) [代] belonging to or connected with the people or things previously mentioned

少し霧雨が降り、少し日が差し、少し風が吹き、誰もが決心するには遅すぎるまで決心がつかなかった。

Amy was up at dawn, hustling people out of their beds and through their breakfasts, that the house might be got in order.

hustle (追い出す) [動] move or cause to move energetically or rapidly

get in order (整える) [動] arrange in a neat, tidy, or organized way

エイミーは夜明け前に起きて、家を整えるために人々をベッドから追い出し、朝食を済ませさせた。

The parlor struck her as looking uncommonly shabby, but without stopping to sigh for what she had not, she skillfully made the best of what she had, arranging chairs over the worn places in the carpet, covering stains on the walls with homemade statuary, which gave an artistic air to the room, as did the lovely vases of flowers Jo scattered about.

skillfully (巧みに) [副] with skill or expertise

make the best of (最大限に活用する) [動] to use something in the most effective way

worn (すり切れた) [形] damaged or made thin by much use

homemade (自家製の) [形] made in the home

statuary (彫像) [名] a statue or a group of statues

scatter (散りばめる) [動] throw around in an untidy way

客間は彼女には並外れてみすぼらしく見えたが、彼女はないもののためにため息をつくのを止めずに、カーペットのすり切れた場所に椅子を並べ、壁の汚れを自家製の彫像で覆い、部屋に芸術的な雰囲気を与え、ジョーが散りばめた美しい花瓶もそうだった。

The lunch looked charming, and as she surveyed it, she sincerely hoped it would taste well, and that the borrowed glass, china, and silver would get safely home again.

survey (調べる) [動] examine and record the area and features of (an area of land)

昼食は魅力的に見え、彼女はそれを調べながら、それがおいしく、借りたガラス、陶器、銀が再び無事に家に帰ることを心から望んだ。

The carriages were promised, Meg and Mother were all ready to do the honors, Beth was able to help Hannah behind the scenes, Jo had engaged to be as lively and amiable as an absent mind, and aching head, and a very decided disapproval of everybody and everything would allow, and as she wearily dressed, Amy cheered herself with anticipations of the happy moment when, lunch safely over, she should drive away with her friends for an afternoon of artistic delights, for the ‘cherry bounce’ and the broken bridge were her strong points.

absent mind (ぼんやりした頭) [名] a state of mental distraction

aching head (痛む頭) [名] a headache

disapproval (不承認) [名] an expression or statement of disapproval

wearily (疲れた) [形] feeling or showing extreme tiredness

anticipation (期待) [名] the action of anticipating something; expectation or prediction

happy moment (幸せな瞬間) [名] a moment of time in which one feels happy

drive away (車で出かける) [動] leave a place in a vehicle

artistic delight (芸術的な楽しみ) [名] pleasure derived from art or artistic creation

cherry bounce (チェリーバウンス) [名] a liqueur made from cherries

broken bridge (壊れた橋) [名] a bridge that is no longer in use or is in disrepair

馬車は約束され、メグとママはすべて名誉を与える準備ができており、ベスは舞台裏でハンナを助けることができ、ジョーはぼんやりした頭と痛む頭、そして誰もが非常にはっきりと不承認である限り、活発で愛想がよいことを約束し、エイミーは疲れた服を着て、昼食が無事に終わり、午後には芸術的な楽しみのために友達と一緒に車で出かけるべき幸せな瞬間を期待して自分を元気づけた。

Then came the hours of suspense, during which she vibrated from parlor to porch, while public opinion varied like the weathercock.

public opinion (世論) [名] the beliefs or views of the majority of the people

それから、彼女が客間からポーチへと行き来する不安な時間が訪れ、世論は風見鶏のように変化した。

A smart shower at eleven had evidently quenched the enthusiasm of the young ladies who were to arrive at twelve, for nobody came, and at two the exhausted family sat down in a blaze of sunshine to consume the perishable portions of the feast, that nothing might be lost.

smart (激しい) [形] very great or intense

consume (食べる) [動] eat

perishable (腐りやすい) [形] liable to decay or spoil

portion (部分) [名] a part of a whole

11時の激しいにわか雨が、12時に到着するはずの若い女性たちの熱意を明らかに消し去った。誰も来なかったからだ。そして2時に疲れ果てた家族は、何も失われないように、宴会の腐りやすい部分を食べるために、まばゆい日差しの中で腰を下ろした。

“No doubt about the weather today, they will certainly come, so we must fly round and be ready for them,” said Amy, as the sun woke her next morning.

「今日の天気は間違いない、彼らは確かに来るだろうから、私たちは飛び回って彼らの準備をしなければならない」とエイミーは翌朝太陽が彼女を起こしたときに言った。

She spoke briskly, but in her secret soul she wished she had said nothing about Tuesday, for her interest like her cake was getting a little stale.

stale (古くなっている) [形] no longer fresh or good

彼女は元気よく話したが、心の中では火曜日については何も言わなければよかったと思った。ケーキのような彼女の興味は少し古くなっていたからだ。

“I can’t get any lobsters, so you will have to do without salad today,” said Mr. March, coming in half an hour later, with an expression of placid despair.

salad (サラダ) [名] a dish consisting of a mixture of raw or cooked vegetables

placid (穏やかな) [形] free from disturbance or excitement

「ロブスターが手に入らないから、今日はサラダなしでやらなければならない」とマーチ氏は30分後に穏やかな絶望の表情で言った。

“Use the chicken then, the toughness won’t matter in a salad,” advised his wife.

toughness (硬さ) [名] the quality or state of being tough

「それなら鶏肉を使いなさい、サラダなら硬さは問題にならないよ」と妻は助言した。

“Hannah left it on the kitchen table a minute, and the kittens got at it.

kitchen table (台所のテーブル) [名] a table in a kitchen

「ハンナが台所のテーブルに少し置いておいたら、子猫が食べちゃったのよ。

I’m very sorry, Amy,” added Beth, who was still a patroness of cats.

patroness (愛護者) [名] a woman who gives financial or other support to a person, organization, cause, or activity

エイミー、本当にごめんなさい」と、まだ猫の愛護者であるベスが付け加えた。

“Then I must have a lobster, for tongue alone won’t do,” said Amy decidedly.

do (だめ) [動] be sufficient or adequate

「それならロブスターが欲しいよ、舌だけではだめよ」とエイミーは断固として言った。

“Shall I rush into town and demand one?” asked Jo, with the magnanimity of a martyr.

town (町) [名] an urban area that has a name, defined boundaries, and local government, and that is generally larger than a village and smaller than a city

magnanimity (寛大さ) [名] the quality of being magnanimous; generosity

「町に急いで行って、要求しようか?」とジョーは殉教者の寛大さで尋ねた。

“You’d come bringing it home under your arm without any paper, just to try me.

arm (小脇) [名] an upper limb of the human body

「私を試すために、紙に包まずに小脇に抱えて帰ってくるでしょう。

I’ll go myself,” answered Amy, whose temper was beginning to fail.

自分で行くよ」とエイミーは答えたが、彼女の気分は悪くなり始めていた。

Shrouded in a thick veil and armed with a genteel traveling basket, she departed, feeling that a cool drive would soothe her ruffled spirit and fit her for the labors of the day.

shroud (包む) [動] cover or envelop completely

genteel (上品な) [形] belonging to or characteristic of polite society

ruffled (波立った) [形] having a rough or uneven surface

厚いベールに身を包み、上品な旅行かごを携えて、彼女は出発した。涼しいドライブが彼女の波立った精神を落ち着かせ、その日の労働に備えてくれるだろうと感じていた。

After some delay, the object of her desire was procured, likewise a bottle of dressing to prevent further loss of time at home, and off she drove again, well pleased with her own forethought.

after some delay (少し遅れた後) [副] after a short period of time

object (対象) [名] a thing that is being considered, discussed, or dealt with

procure (調達する) [動] obtain by care, effort, or the use of special means

dressing (ドレッシング) [名] a sauce for salads

prevent (防ぐ) [動] keep from happening or arising

well pleased (満足している) [形] very happy or satisfied

少し遅れた後、彼女の欲望の対象は、同様に家でそれ以上の時間の損失を防ぐためにドレッシングボトルを調達し、彼女は再び運転し、彼女自身の先見の明に満足していた。

As the omnibus contained only one other passenger, a sleepy old lady, Amy pocketed her veil and beguiled the tedium of the way by trying to find out where all her money had gone to.

passenger (乗客) [名] a person who is traveling in a vehicle

sleepy (眠そうな) [形] feeling a need to sleep

pocket (ポケットに入れる) [動] put into a pocket

beguile (退屈しのぎをする) [動] charm or enchant

tedium (退屈) [名] the state of being bored or uninterested

乗合馬車には眠そうな老婦人しか乗客がいなかったので、エイミーはベールをポケットに入れ、自分のお金がどこに消えたのかを探して退屈しのぎをした。

So busy was she with her card full of refractory figures that she did not observe a newcomer, who entered without stopping the vehicle, till a masculine voice said, “Good morning, Miss March,” and, looking up, she beheld one of Laurie’s most elegant college friends.

figure (数字) [名] a numerical symbol

vehicle (車) [名] a means of transportation

masculine (男性の) [形] having qualities or appearance regarded as characteristic of men

彼女は手に負えない数字でいっぱいのカードに忙しくしていたので、男性の声が「おはよう、ミス・マーチ」と言うまで、車を止めずに入ってきた新参者に気づかなかった。見上げると、ローリーの最も優雅な大学の友人の一人が見えた。

Fervently hoping that he would get out before she did, Amy utterly ignored the basket at her feet, and congratulating herself that she had on her new traveling dress, returned the young man’s greeting with her usual suavity and spirit.

fervently (切に) [副] with great warmth or intensity

get out (降りる) [動] leave a place

return (応える) [動] give, send, or put back

suavity (愛想のよさ) [名] the quality of being charming, graceful, or polite

彼が自分より先に降りてくれることを切に願いながら、エイミーは足元のかごを無視し、新しい旅行服を着ていることを祝福し、いつもの愛想のよさと元気で青年の挨拶に応えた。

They got on excellently, for Amy’s chief care was soon set at rest by learning that the gentleman would leave first, and she was chatting away in a peculiarly lofty strain, when the old lady got out.

excellently (うまく) [副] very well

set at rest (安心する) [動] to make or become calm or quiet

lofty (高尚な) [形] of high moral or intellectual value

strain (緊張) [名] a state of mental or emotional tension

彼らはうまくやっていた、エイミーの主な心配は、紳士が最初に去ることを知ることによってすぐに休息に設定され、彼女は老婦人が降りたときに、独特の高尚な緊張で離れておしゃべりしていた。

In stumbling to the door, she upset the basket, and—oh horror!—the lobster, in all its vulgar size and brilliancy, was revealed to the highborn eyes of a Tudor!

stumble (よろめく) [動] walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall

horror (恐ろしいこと) [名] an intense feeling of fear, shock, or disgust

size (大きさ) [名] the physical magnitude of something

brilliancy (輝き) [名] the quality of being bright and radiant

reveal (さらされる) [動] make (something) known or apparent

highborn (高貴な) [形] of noble birth

ドアまでよろめきながら歩いていくと、彼女はかごをひっくり返してしまった。そして、なんと恐ろしいことに、ロブスターがその下品な大きさと輝きをもって、チューダー家の高貴な目にさらされてしまったのだ。

“By Jove, she’s forgotten her dinner!” cried the unconscious youth, poking the scarlet monster into its place with his cane, and preparing to hand out the basket after the old lady.

by Jove (おい) [間] an expression of surprise or excitement

monster (怪物) [名] a large, ugly, and frightening imaginary creature

hand out (差し出す) [動] give something to someone

「おい、彼女は夕食を忘れているぞ!」と、無意識の若者は叫び、真っ赤な怪物を杖で元の場所に戻し、老婦人の後ろからかごを差し出そうとした。

“Please don’t—it’s—it’s mine,” murmured Amy, with a face nearly as red as her fish.

「お願い、それは私のものです」とエイミーは魚のように真っ赤な顔でつぶやいた。

“Oh, really, I beg pardon.

「ああ、本当に、失礼しました。

It’s an uncommonly fine one, isn’t it?” said Tudor, with great presence of mind, and an air of sober interest that did credit to his breeding.

珍しく立派なものですね」とチューダーは、育ちの良さを示す落ち着いた態度で言った。

Amy recovered herself in a breath, set her basket boldly on the seat, and said, laughing, “Don’t you wish you were to have some of the salad he’s going to make, and to see the charming young ladies who are to eat it?”

seat (座席) [名] a place on which someone may sit, especially a chair with a back

エイミーは息を切らして自分を取り戻し、かごを大胆に座席に置いて、「彼が作ろうとしているサラダを食べて、それを食べる魅力的な若い女性たちに会いたいと思いませんか?」と笑いながら言った。

Now that was tact, for two of the ruling foibles of the masculine mind were touched.

男性の心を支配する二つの弱点に触れたのだから、これはまさに機転だった。

The lobster was instantly surrounded by a halo of pleasing reminiscences, and curiosity about ‘the charming young ladies’ diverted his mind from the comical mishap.

instantly (すぐに) [副] without delay or hesitation

halo (光輪) [名] a ring of light around the head of a saint or holy person

reminiscence (回想) [名] a story or account of a past event

ロブスターはすぐに心地よい回想の光輪に囲まれ、「魅力的な若い女性たち」への好奇心が彼の心を滑稽な災難からそらした。

“I suppose he’ll laugh and joke over it with Laurie, but I shan’t see them, that’s a comfort,” thought Amy, as Tudor bowed and departed.

「彼はローリーと笑い合って冗談を言うだろうけど、私は彼らに会わないでしょう、それは慰めです」とチューダーがお辞儀をして出発したとき、エイミーは思った。

She did not mention this meeting at home (though she discovered that, thanks to the upset, her new dress was much damaged by the rivulets of dressing that meandered down the skirt), but went through with the preparations which now seemed more irksome than before, and at twelve o’clock all was ready again.

mention (話す) [動] to speak about something

upset (動揺) [名] a state of being unhappy or disappointed

damage (傷つく) [動] to cause harm or injury to

rivulet (小川) [名] a small stream

meander (流れ落ちる) [動] to follow a winding course

go through (終える) [動] to experience or endure something

twelve o'clock (12時) [名] the time that is one hour after eleven o'clock and one hour before one o'clock

彼女はこの出会いを家では話さなかったが(動揺のおかげで、新しいドレスがスカートを流れ落ちるドレッシングの小川によってかなり傷ついていることに気づいたが)、今では以前よりも厄介に思える準備を終え、12時にはすべてが再び準備が整った。

Feeling that the neighbors were interested in her movements, she wished to efface the memory of yesterday’s failure by a grand success today, so she ordered the ‘cherry bounce’, and drove away in state to meet and escort her guests to the banquet.

efface (消し去る) [動] wipe out

escort (案内する) [動] accompany a person in order to protect or guard them

banquet (宴会) [名] a large formal dinner party

近所の人たちが自分の行動に興味を持っていると感じた彼女は、昨日の失敗の記憶を今日の大成功で消し去りたいと思い、「チェリー・バウンス」を注文し、客を迎えて宴会に案内するために堂々と車を走らせた。

“There’s the rumble, they’re coming!

rumble (音) [名] a low, heavy, continuous sound like that of thunder or heavy traffic

「音がする、彼らが来ている!

I’ll go onto the porch and meet them.

go onto (行く) [動] move or travel toward or into

私はポーチに行って彼らに会おう。

It looks hospitable, and I want the poor child to have a good time after all her trouble,” said Mrs. March, suiting the action to the word.

poor (あの子) [形] unfortunate

action (行動) [名] the fact or process of doing something

歓迎されているように見えるし、あの子は苦労した後だから、楽しい時間を過ごして欲しいよ」とマーチ夫人は言葉通りに行動した。

But after one glance, she retired, with an indescribable expression, for looking quite lost in the big carriage, sat Amy and one young lady.

lost (迷子) [形] unable to find one's way

しかし、一目見た後、彼女は言葉では言い表せない表情で退散した。大きな馬車の中で迷子になったように見えるエイミーと一人の若い女性が座っていたからだ。

“Run, Beth, and help Hannah clear half the things off the table.

「ベス、走ってハンナがテーブルの上のものを半分片付けるのを手伝って。

It will be too absurd to put a luncheon for twelve before a single girl,” cried Jo, hurrying away to the lower regions, too excited to stop even for a laugh.

luncheon (昼食) [名] a light meal served in the middle of the day

region (階) [名] an area of land

一人の少女の前に十二人分の昼食を置くなんてあまりにも馬鹿げているよ」と叫び、笑うことさえできないほど興奮して、急いで下の階へ降りていった。

In came Amy, quite calm and delightfully cordial to the one guest who had kept her promise.

delightfully (とても) [副] in a delightful manner

エイミーが入って来たが、彼女は約束を守った一人の客に対して、とても落ち着いていて、とても愛想がよかった。

The rest of the family, being of a dramatic turn, played their parts equally well, and Miss Eliott found them a most hilarious set, for it was impossible to control entirely the merriment which possessed them.

the rest of (残りの) [名] the remaining part of

hilarious (陽気な) [形] extremely funny

家族の残りの者たちも、劇的な転換期を迎えていたので、同じように自分の役を演じ、エリオット嬢は彼らが最も陽気な集団であることに気づいた。彼らを支配している陽気さを完全に抑えることは不可能だったからだ。

The remodeled lunch being gaily partaken of, the studio and garden visited, and art discussed with enthusiasm, Amy ordered a buggy (alas for the elegant cherry-bounce), and drove her friend quietly about the neighborhood till sunset, when ‘the party went out’.

buggy (馬車) [名] a small horse-drawn vehicle

作り直した昼食を陽気に食べ、スタジオと庭を訪れ、熱心に芸術について話し合った後、エイミーは馬車を注文し(優雅なチェリーバウンスのために)、日没まで友人を静かに近所を案内し、「パーティーは終わった」。

As she came walking in, looking very tired but as composed as ever, she observed that every vestige of the unfortunate fete had disappeared, except a suspicious pucker about the corners of Jo’s mouth.

look tired (疲れた様子) [動] appear to be tired

as composed as ever (いつものように落ち着いている) [副] in the same calm manner as always

every vestige (すべての痕跡) [名] a trace or visible sign of something that is no longer present

disappear (消え去る) [動] cease to exist or be visible

pucker (ひだ) [名] a wrinkle or small fold in a surface

彼女が歩いて入ってくると、とても疲れた様子だったが、いつものように落ち着いており、ジョーの口の端に怪しげなひだがある以外は、不幸な祝宴の痕跡はすべて消え去っていることに気づいた。

“You’ve had a loverly afternoon for your drive, dear,” said her mother, as respectfully as if the whole twelve had come.

「ドライブには素敵な午後だったよね、お嬢さん」と母親は、まるで12人全員が来たかのように丁寧に言った。

“Miss Eliott is a very sweet girl, and seemed to enjoy herself, I thought,” observed Beth, with unusual warmth.

Miss Eliott (エリオット嬢) [名] a young unmarried woman

warmth (熱っぽさ) [名] the quality or state of being warm

「エリオット嬢はとても優しい娘で、楽しんでいたようでした」とベスは珍しく熱っぽく言った。

“Could you spare me some of your cake?

「ケーキを少し分けてくれないか?

I really need some,

本当に必要なんだ。

I have so much company, and I can’t make such delicious stuff as yours,” asked Meg soberly.

have so much company (とてもたくさんの来客がある) [動] have a lot of guests

とてもたくさんの来客があって、あなたのようなおいしいものが作れないの」とメグは真面目に頼んだ。

“Take it all. I’m the only one here who likes sweet things, and it will mold before I can dispose of it,” answered Amy, thinking with a sigh of the generous store she had laid in for such an end as this.

this (こんな) [形] of the kind or degree previously mentioned or implied

「全部持っていって。甘いものが好きなのは私だけだし、私が処分する前にカビが生えてしまうよ」とエイミーは答え、こんな目的のために用意した豊富な品揃えを思い浮かべてため息をついた。

“It’s a pity Laurie isn’t here to help us,” began Jo, as they sat down to ice cream and salad for the second time in two days.

two days (二日間) [名] a period of forty-eight hours

「ローリーがここにいなくて手伝ってくれないのは残念だよ」とジョーは言い、二日間で二度目となるアイスクリームとサラダを食べるために腰を下ろした。

A warning look from her mother checked any further remarks, and the whole family ate in heroic silence, till Mr. March mildly observed, “salad was one of the favorite dishes of the ancients, and Evelyn...”

heroic (英雄的な) [形] having or displaying the qualities of a hero

ancient (古代人) [名] a person who lived in ancient times

Evelyn (イヴリン) [名] a female given name

母親からの警告の視線がそれ以上の発言を抑え、家族全員が英雄的な沈黙の中で食事をしたが、マーチ氏が穏やかに「サラダは古代人の好物の一つだったし、イヴリンは・・・」と言った。

Here a general explosion of laughter cut short the ‘history of salads’, to the great surprise of the learned gentleman.

general (一斉の) [形] involving or affecting all or most people, places, or things

cut short (中断する) [動] bring to an end before its natural or planned conclusion

learned (博識な) [形] having or showing great knowledge or learning

ここで一斉に爆笑が起こり、「サラダの歴史」は中断され、博識な紳士は大変驚いた。

“Bundle everything into a basket and send it to the Hummels.

bundle (入れる) [動] put together in a bundle

「全部かごに入れて、フンメルさんに送りなさい。

Germans like messes.

ドイツ人は散らかっているのが好きだ。

I’m sick of the sight of this, and there’s no reason you should all die of a surfeit because I’ve been a fool,” cried Amy, wiping her eyes.

be sick of (うんざりする) [動] be disgusted with

there be no reason (理由はない) [動] there is no cause or justification for

die of (死ぬ) [動] stop living

surfeit (食べ過ぎ) [名] an excessive amount of something

これを見ると気分が悪くなるし、私が馬鹿だったからといって、みんなが食べ過ぎで死ぬ理由はないよ」とエイミーは目をぬぐいながら叫んだ。

“I thought I should have died when I saw you two girls rattling about in the what-you-call-it, like two little kernels in a very big nutshell, and Mother waiting in state to receive the throng,” sighed Jo, quite spent with laughter.

kernel (実) [名] the softer, usually edible part contained within the shell of a nut

nutshell (殻) [名] the hard outer covering of a nut

state (堂々と) [名] the condition of being

spend (疲れる) [動] use up

「あなたたち二人が、とても大きな殻の中の二つの小さな実のように、あの何とかいうものの中をガタガタと動き回っているのを見た時、私は死んでしまうかと思ったよ、そしてママは群衆を迎えるために堂々と待っていたのよ」とジョーはため息をつき、笑い疲れた。

“I’m very sorry you were disappointed, dear, but we all did our best to satisfy you,” said Mrs. March, in a tone full of motherly regret.

「がっかりさせてしまって本当に申し訳ないよ、でもみんなあなたを満足させるために最善を尽くしたのよ」とマーチ夫人は母親らしい後悔の念を込めて言った。

“I am satisfied. I’ve done what I undertook, and it’s not my fault that it failed.

「満足しているよ。私は引き受けたことをやったし、失敗したのは私のせいではない。

I comfort myself with that,” said Amy with a little quiver in her voice.

私はそれで自分を慰めているの」とエイミーは声を少し震わせながら言った。

“I thank you all very much for helping me, and I’ll thank you still more if you won’t allude to it for a month, at least.”

「私を助けてくれたことにとても感謝しているよ、そして少なくとも一ヶ月はそれに触れないでくれたらもっと感謝するよ」

No one did for several months, but the word ‘fete’ always produced a general smile, and Laurie’s birthday gift to Amy was a tiny coral lobster in the shape of a charm for her watch guard.

several months (数ヶ月) [名] a period of time

charm (お守り) [名] a small ornament worn on a chain or bracelet

guard (鎖) [名] a chain or metal band worn on the wrist or ankle

誰も数ヶ月間触れなかったが、「祝宴」という言葉はいつもみんなを笑顔にし、ローリーがエイミーに贈った誕生日プレゼントは、彼女の時計の鎖につけるお守りのような形をした小さな珊瑚のロブスターだった。

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN: LITERARY LESSONS

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN (第27章) [名] the 27th chapter

LITERARY LESSONS (文学の教訓) [名] lessons about literature

第27章文学の教訓

Fortune suddenly smiled upon Jo, and dropped a good luck penny in her path.

luck (幸運) [名] success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions

運命は突然ジョーに微笑みかけ、彼女の道に幸運のペニーを落とした。

Not a golden penny, exactly, but I doubt if half a million would have given more real happiness then did the little sum that came to her in this wise.

golden penny (金貨) [名] a coin made of gold

half a million (50万ドル) [名] five hundred thousand

real happiness (本当の幸せ) [名] a feeling or state of well-being and contentment

this wise (この賢い方法) [名] this way

正確には金貨ではないが、50万ドルがこの賢い方法で彼女に来た小額のお金よりももっと本当の幸せを与えたかどうかは疑わしい。

Every few weeks she would shut herself up in her room, put on her scribbling suit, and ‘fall into a vortex’, as she expressed it, writing away at her novel with all her heart and soul, for till that was finished she could find no peace.

every few weeks (数週間ごとに) [副] once every few weeks

shut oneself up (閉じこもる) [動] to stay in a place and not go out

fall into (落ちる) [動] to move or be moved from a higher to a lower position

vortex (渦) [名] a mass of swirling water

write away (書き続ける) [動] to write continuously

heart and soul (心を込めて) [名] with all one's energy and enthusiasm

数週間ごとに彼女は自分の部屋に閉じこもり、走り書き用の服を着て、彼女が表現したように「渦に落ち」、心を込めて小説を書き続けた。それが終わるまで彼女は安らぎを見つけることができなかった。

Her ‘scribbling suit’ consisted of a black woolen pinafore on which she could wipe her pen at will, and a cap of the same material, adorned with a cheerful red bow, into which she bundled her hair when the decks were cleared for action.

woolen (ウールの) [形] made of wool

at will (自由に) [副] as one wishes

deck (準備) [名] a floorlike surface

clear (整う) [動] to make free from obstruction or difficulty

彼女の「走り書き用服」は、彼女が自由にペンを拭くことができる黒いウールのエプロンと、同じ素材でできた帽子で、陽気な赤いリボンで飾られ、行動の準備が整うと彼女は髪を束ねた。

This cap was a beacon to the inquiring eyes of her family, who during these periods kept their distance, merely popping in their heads semi-occasionally to ask, with interest, “Does genius burn, Jo?”

beacon (目印) [名] a signal or light that warns or guides

inquiring (探究心) [形] asking questions; eager to learn

keep one's distance (距離を置く) [動] to stay away from someone or something

merely (ただ) [副] only; simply

pop in (頭を突っ込む) [動] to visit someone or something briefly

semi-occasionally (時折) [副] not very often

この帽子は彼女の家族の探究心の目印であり、この時期には家族は距離を置き、時折頭を突っ込んで興味深そうに「天才は燃えているか、ジョー?」と尋ねるだけだった。

They did not always venture even to ask this question, but took an observation of the cap, and judged accordingly.

venture (あえてする) [動] do something that involves taking a risk

彼らはいつもこの質問をすることさえしなかったが、帽子を観察し、それに応じて判断した。

If this expressive article of dress was drawn low upon the forehead, it was a sign that hard work was going on, in exciting moments it was pushed rakishly askew, and when despair seized the author it was plucked wholly off, and cast upon the floor.

article of dress (衣服) [名] a piece of clothing

hard work (激しい作業) [名] work that is difficult or demanding

exciting moment (興奮した瞬間) [名] a moment that is exciting

rakishly (斜めに) [副] in a rakish manner

askew (斜めに) [副] to one side; awry

author (作者) [名] a writer of a book, article, or report

wholly (完全に) [副] completely

この表現力豊かな衣服が額の低い位置に引っ張られていたら、それは激しい作業が行われていることのしるしであり、興奮した瞬間にはそれは斜めに押し込まれ、絶望が作者を襲ったときにはそれは完全に引き抜かれ、床に投げ捨てられた。

At such times the intruder silently withdrew, and not until the red bow was seen gaily erect upon the gifted brow, did anyone dare address Jo.

at such times (そのような時には) [副] on such occasions

intruder (侵入者) [名] someone who enters a place or situation without permission or welcome

withdraw (退散する) [動] go away from a place

address (話しかける) [動] speak to someone

そのような時には侵入者は黙って退散し、赤いリボンが才能ある額に陽気に立っているのが見えるまでは誰もジョーに話しかけようとはしなかった。

She did not think herself a genius by any means, but when the writing fit came on, she gave herself up to it with entire abandon, and led a blissful life, unconscious of want, care, or bad weather, while she sat safe and happy in an imaginary world, full of friends almost as real and dear to her as any in the flesh.

by any means (決して) [副] in any way; at all

give oneself up to (身を任せる) [動] to surrender oneself to

unconscious of (意識せずに) [形] not aware of

bad weather (悪天候) [名] unpleasant or severe weather

real (現実の) [形] actually existing as a thing or occurring in fact; not imagined or supposed

彼女は決して自分を天才だとは思っていなかったが、書くべきことがやってくると、彼女はそれに身を任せ、欠乏や心配事、悪天候を意識せずに至福の生活を送り、安全で幸せな想像の世界に座り、現実の友人と同じくらい現実的で大切な友人に囲まれていた。

Sleep forsook her eyes, meals stood untasted, day and night were all too short to enjoy the happiness which blessed her only at such times, and made these hours worth living, even if they bore no other fruit.

forsook (捨てる) [動] give up or renounce

untasted (味わうことなく) [形] not tasted

day (昼) [名] the period of light between sunrise and sunset

too short (短すぎる) [形] not long enough

at such times (そのような時に) [副] at times like this

眠りは彼女の目を捨て、食事は味わうことなく、昼も夜も短すぎて、そのような時にだけ彼女を祝福する幸せを楽しむことができず、他の果実を結ばなくても、これらの時間を生きる価値のあるものにした。

The divine afflatus usually lasted a week or two, and then she emerged from her ‘vortex’, hungry, sleepy, cross, or despondent.

afflatus (霊感) [名] a divine creative impulse

usually (通常) [副] in most cases; more often than not

sleepy (眠気) [形] feeling a need or desire to sleep

神の霊感は通常一週間か二週間続き、それから彼女は空腹、眠気、怒り、または落胆した状態で「渦」から抜け出した。

She was just recovering from one of these attacks when she was prevailed upon to escort Miss Crocker to a lecture, and in return for her virtue was rewarded with a new idea.

prevail (説得する) [動] be victorious or gain the upper hand

escort (連れて行く) [動] accompany someone or something to a place

彼女がクロッカー嬢を講演会に連れて行くように説得された時、彼女はちょうどこれらの発作の一つから回復していたところであり、彼女の美徳の見返りに新しい考えが報われた。

It was a People’s Course, the lecture on the Pyramids, and Jo rather wondered at the choice of such a subject for such an audience, but took it for granted that some great social evil would be remedied or some great want supplied by unfolding the glories of the Pharaohs to an audience whose thoughts were busy with the price of coal and flour, and whose lives were spent in trying to solve harder riddles than that of the Sphinx.

People's Course (講演会) [名] a series of lectures on a particular subject

Pyramids (ピラミッド) [名] a massive structure with a square or triangular base and sloping sides that meet in a point at the top, especially one built as a royal tomb in ancient Egypt

choice (選択) [名] the act of choosing

take for granted (当然だと思う) [動] assume that something is true or will happen

some great social evil (大きな社会的悪) [名] a serious problem that affects society as a whole

be remedied (是正される) [動] be put right

some great want (大きな欠乏) [名] a serious lack of something

supplied (補われる) [動] provided

unfolding (解き明かす) [動] reveal or make clear

Pharaohs (ファラオ) [名] a ruler in ancient Egypt

coal (石炭) [名] a black or dark brown combustible mineral

flour (小麦粉) [名] a powder obtained by grinding grain, especially wheat, and used to make bread, cakes, and pastry

be spent (費やされる) [動] be used up

trying to solve (解こうとする) [動] make an effort to find a solution to

riddles (謎) [名] a question or statement intentionally phrased so as to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer or meaning

Sphinx (スフィンクス) [名] a mythical creature with a lion's body and a human head, an important image in Egyptian and Greek art and mythology

それはピラミッドに関する講演会で、ジョーはそのような聴衆のためにそのような主題を選んだことに少し驚いたが、石炭や小麦粉の価格で頭がいっぱいで、スフィンクスよりも難しい謎を解こうと人生を費やしている聴衆にファラオの栄光を解き明かすことで、何か大きな社会的悪が是正されたり、何か大きな欠乏が補われるのは当然だと思った。

They were early, and while Miss Crocker set the heel of her stocking, Jo amused herself by examining the faces of the people who occupied the seat with them.

be early (早めに着く) [動] arrive before the usual or expected time

set the heel (かかとを直す) [動] repair the heel of a sock

彼女たちは早めに着き、クロッカー嬢が靴下のかかとを直している間に、ジョーは一緒に席に座っている人々の顔を調べて楽しんでいた。

On her left were two matrons, with massive foreheads and bonnets to match, discussing Women’s Rights and making tatting.

on one's left (左側に) [副] on the left side of someone or something

matron (婦人) [名] a married woman, especially one who is mature and has children

massive (大きな) [形] large in size, amount, or extent

Women's Rights (女性の権利) [名] the rights of women

tatting (タティングレース) [名] a kind of lace made by hand with a shuttle and a single thread

彼女の左側には、大きな額とそれに合ったボンネットをつけた二人の婦人がいて、女性の権利について議論し、タティングレースを作っていた。

Beyond sat a pair of humble lovers, artlessly holding each other by the hand, a somber spinster eating peppermints out of a paper bag, and an old gentleman taking his preparatory nap behind a yellow bandanna.

beyond (向こう) [副] on or to the further side of

artlessly (素朴に) [副] in a simple and natural way

somber (陰気な) [形] dark or dull in color

peppermint (ペパーミント) [名] a plant of the mint family, with aromatic leaves and small pink or white flowers

paper bag (紙袋) [名] a bag made of paper

preparatory (準備的な) [形] serving to prepare

bandanna (バンダナ) [名] a large, brightly colored handkerchief

その向こうには、素朴に手をつないで座っている謙虚な恋人同士、紙袋からペパーミントを食べている陰気な独身女性、黄色いバンダナの後ろで準備的な昼寝をしている老紳士がいた。

On her right, her only neighbor was a studious looking lad absorbed in a newspaper.

on one's right (右側に) [副] on the right side of someone or something

studious (勉強熱心そうな) [形] devoted to study or learning

彼女の右側には、新聞に夢中になっている勉強熱心そうな少年が隣に座っていた。

It was a pictorial sheet, and Jo examined the work of art nearest her, idly wondering what fortuitous concatenation of circumstances needed the melodramatic illustration of an Indian in full war costume, tumbling over a precipice with a wolf at his throat, while two infuriated young gentlemen, with unnaturally small feet and big eyes, were stabbing each other close by, and a disheveled female was flying away in the background with her mouth wide open.

pictorial sheet (絵入りの新聞) [名] a newspaper with pictures

idly (ぼんやりと) [副] in an idle manner

fortuitous concatenation of circumstances (偶然の状況の連鎖) [名] a series of events that happen by chance

melodramatic illustration (メロドラマのような挿絵) [名] an illustration that is exaggerated or too emotional

Indian (インディアン) [名] a member of any of the indigenous peoples of North, Central, or South America

full war costume (戦闘服) [名] a uniform worn by soldiers in battle

wolf (狼) [名] a wild carnivorous mammal that is related to the dog

infuriated (激高した) [形] very angry

unnaturally (不自然に) [副] in an unnatural manner

close by (近くで) [副] near

disheveled (髪を振り乱した) [形] untidy or disordered

fly away (逃げていく) [動] leave quickly

background (背景) [名] the part of a scene that is furthest from the viewer

それは絵入りの新聞で、ジョーは自分の一番近くにある芸術作品を調べ、どんな偶然の状況の連鎖が、戦闘服を着たインディアンが狼に喉笛を噛みつかれながら崖から転落し、その近くで不自然に小さな足と大きな目をした二人の激高した若い紳士が互いに刺し合い、髪を振り乱した女性が口を大きく開けて逃げていくというメロドラマのような挿絵を必要としたのかとぼんやりと考えていた。

Pausing to turn a page, the lad saw her looking and, with boyish good nature offered half his paper, saying bluntly, “want to read it?

good nature (気さくさ) [名] the quality of being friendly and cheerful

bluntly (率直に) [副] in a direct and outspoken manner

ページをめくるために立ち止まった少年は、彼女が覗き込んでいるのを見て、少年らしい気さくさで新聞の半分を差し出し、「読みたい?

That’s a first-rate story.”

first-rate (一流の) [形] of the highest quality

一流の話だよ」

Jo accepted it with a smile, for she had never outgrown her liking for lads, and soon found herself involved in the usual labyrinth of love, mystery, and murder, for the story belonged to that class of light literature in which the passions have a holiday, and when the author’s invention fails, a grand catastrophe clears the stage of one half the dramatis personae, leaving the other half to exult over their downfall.

find oneself (巻き込まれる) [動] become involved in something

labyrinth (迷宮) [名] a maze of paths or tunnels in which it is difficult to find one's way

murder (殺人) [名] the unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another

class (類) [名] a set or category of things having some property or attribute in common and differentiated from others by kind, type, or quality

light literature (軽文学) [名] literature that is easy to read and is not intended to be serious or scholarly

invention (創作) [名] the creation of something new

catastrophe (惨事) [名] a sudden event, such as an accident or a natural disaster, that causes great damage or loss of life

clear (消える) [動] go away

dramatis personae (登場人物) [名] the characters in a play

other (残りの) [形] used to refer to a person or thing that is different or separate from one already mentioned or known about

downfall (没落) [名] a loss of power, status, or reputation

ジョーは笑顔でそれを受け取った、というのも彼女は少年好きを卒業したことがなく、すぐにいつもの愛、謎、殺人の迷宮に巻き込まれてしまったからだ、というのもその物語は情熱が休日を迎える軽文学の類に属し、作者の創作が失敗すると大惨事が起こって登場人物の半分が舞台から消え、残りの半分は彼らの没落を喜ぶという内容だったからだ。

“Prime, isn’t it?” asked the boy, as her eye went down the last paragraph of her portion.

prime (最高) [形] of the highest quality

paragraph (段落) [名] a distinct section of a piece of writing, usually dealing with a single theme and indicated by a new line, indentation, or numbering

「最高だよね?」と少年が尋ね、彼女の目は自分の部分の最後の段落に下がった。

“I think you and I could do as well as that if we tried,” returned Jo, amused at his admiration of the trash.

trash (くだらないもの) [名] something that is of poor quality

「あなたと私だって、やればこれくらいできると思うよ」とジョーは答え、彼がくだらないものを賞賛しているのを面白がった。

“I should think I was a pretty lucky chap if I could.

chap (やつ) [名] a man or boy

「もしできたら、自分はかなり幸運なやつだと思うよ。

She makes a good living out of such stories, they say.”

make a living (生計を立てる) [動] earn enough money to support oneself

彼女はそんな話でかなり稼いでるらしいよ。」

and he pointed to the name of Mrs. S.L.A.N.G. Northbury, under the title of the tale.

title (題名) [名] the name of a book, poem, or other work

そして彼は物語の題名の下にあるS.L.A.N.G.ノースベリー夫人の名前を指さした。

“Do you know her?” asked Jo, with sudden interest.

「彼女を知っているの?」とジョーは急に興味を抱いて尋ねた。

“No, but I read all her pieces, and I know a fellow who works in the office where this paper is printed.”

「いや、でも彼女の作品は全部読んでいるし、この新聞が印刷されている事務所で働いている仲間を知っている。」

“Do you say she makes a good living out of stories like this?”

make a good living (かなり稼ぐ) [動] earn a lot of money

「彼女はこんな話でかなり稼いでるって言ってた?」

and Jo looked more respectfully at the agitated group and thickly sprinkled exclamation points that adorned the page.

group (群衆) [名] a number of people or things that are located, gathered, or classed together

thickly (びっしりと) [副] in a dense manner

sprinkle (散りばめる) [動] scatter in small drops or particles

そしてジョーは、興奮した群衆とページを飾るびっしりと散りばめられた感嘆符をより敬意をもって眺めた。

“Guess she does! She knows just what folks like, and gets paid well for writing it.”

get paid (稼ぐ) [動] to receive money in exchange for work or a service

「そうだろうね! 彼女は人々が何を好むかを知っていて、それを書くことでかなり稼いでいる。」

Here the lecture began, but Jo heard very little of it, for while Professor Sands was prosing away about Belzoni, Cheops, scarabei, and hieroglyphics, she was covertly taking down the address of the paper, and boldly resolving to try for the hundred-dollar prize offered in its columns for a sensational story.

very little (ほとんど~ない) [副] not very much; only a small amount

for (~の間) [接] during the time that

Professor Sands (サンド教授) [名] a professor named Sands

Belzoni (ベルゾーニ) [名] an Italian explorer and archaeologist

Cheops (クフ) [名] an ancient Egyptian pharaoh

scarabei (スカラベ) [名] a type of beetle

hieroglyphics (象形文字) [名] a writing system using pictures or symbols

covertly (こっそりと) [副] in a secret or hidden way

take down (書き留める) [動] write down

address (住所) [名] the details of the place where someone lives or an organization is located

try for (挑戦する) [動] make an attempt to achieve or acquire

hundred-dollar (百ドル) [形] worth a hundred dollars

prize (賞金) [名] a reward given to a winner

column (記事) [名] a piece of writing published in a newspaper or magazine

sensational (センセーショナルな) [形] causing great public interest and excitement

ここで講義が始まったが、ジョーはほとんど聞いていなかった。サンド教授がベルゾーニ、クフ、スカラベ、象形文字について長々と話している間、彼女はこっそりと新聞の住所を書き留め、センセーショナルな記事に懸けられた百ドルの賞金に挑戦しようと大胆に決意していた。

By the time the lecture ended and the audience awoke, she had built up a splendid fortune for herself (not the first founded on paper), and was already deep in the concoction of her story, being unable to decide whether the duel should come before the elopement or after the murder.

build up (築き上げる) [動] increase in size, amount, or intensity

herself (彼女は) [代] used to refer to a woman previously mentioned or easily identified

found (見つける) [動] establish or originate

deep (深く) [形] extending far down from the top or surface

concoction (構想) [名] the preparation of a dish or medical preparation by combining various ingredients

unable (決めかねていた) [形] lacking the skill or power to do something

duel (決闘) [名] a prearranged combat between two people, fought with deadly weapons according to an agreed set of rules

elopement (駆け落ち) [名] run away secretly with a lover, especially to get married

講義が終わり、聴衆が目を覚ます頃には、彼女は(紙の上で初めてではない)素晴らしい財産を築き上げ、すでに物語の構想に深く入り込んでいて、決闘が駆け落ちの前か殺人の後か決めかねていた。

She said nothing of her plan at home, but fell to work next day, much to the disquiet of her mother, who always looked a little anxious when ‘genius took to burning’.

say nothing of (何も言わない) [動] not to mention

much to (大いに) [副] to a great extent

disquiet (不安) [名] a feeling of worry or nervousness

look anxious (不安そうな顔をする) [動] appear worried or nervous

take to (燃え上がる) [動] start doing something regularly or habitually

彼女は家では自分の計画について何も言わなかったが、翌日には仕事に取り掛かり、「天才が燃え上がる」といつも少し不安そうな顔をする母親を大いに不安にさせた。

Jo had never tried this style before, contenting herself with very mild romances for The Spread Eagle.

ジョーはこれまでこのスタイルを試したことがなく、スプレッド・イーグルのための非常に穏やかなロマンスで満足していた。

Her experience and miscellaneous reading were of service now, for they gave her some idea of dramatic effect, and supplied plot, language, and costumes.

miscellaneous (雑多な) [形] of various kinds

of service (役に立つ) [形] useful

plot (プロット) [名] the main events of a play, novel, film, or similar work, devised and presented by the writer as an interrelated sequence

彼女の経験と雑多な読書は今や役に立った。それらは彼女に劇的な効果のアイデアを与え、プロット、言葉遣い、衣装を提供してくれた。

Her story was as full of desperation and despair as her limited acquaintance with those uncomfortable emotions enabled her to make it, and having located it in Lisbon, she wound up with an earthquake, as a striking and appropriate denouement.

desperation (絶望) [名] a state of despair, typically one which results in rash or extreme behavior

enable (書ける) [動] make possible

locate (舞台にする) [動] discover the exact place or position of

Lisbon (リスボン) [名] the capital and largest city of Portugal

wind up (終わらせる) [動] bring or come to an end

striking (印象的な) [形] attracting attention by being unusual or extreme

denouement (結末) [名] the final part of a play, film, or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved

彼女の物語は、そういった不快な感情をあまり知らない彼女が書ける限りの絶望と失望に満ちていて、リスボンを舞台にしていたため、印象的で適切な結末として地震で終わらせた。

The manuscript was privately dispatched, accompanied by a note, modestly saying that if the tale didn’t get the prize, which the writer hardly dared expect, she would be very glad to receive any sum it might be considered worth.

modestly (控え目に) [副] in a modest manner

その原稿は、もしその物語が賞を得られなかったら、作者はほとんど期待していなかったが、その価値があるとみなされる金額を受け取ることができればとても嬉しいと控え目に述べたメモを添えて、内緒で発送された。

Six weeks is a long time to wait, and a still longer time for a girl to keep a secret, but Jo did both, and was just beginning to give up all hope of ever seeing her manuscript again, when a letter arrived which almost took her breath away, for on opening it, a check for a hundred dollars fell into her lap.

six weeks (六週間) [名] a period of time

check (小切手) [名] an order to pay a stated sum from a particular account, whereas a cheque is a form of payment that is written and signed by the payer

六週間は待つには長い時間であり、少女が秘密を守るにはさらに長い時間だが、ジョーは両方ともやり、彼女の原稿を再び見ることへのすべての希望を捨て始めていたとき、息もつかせない手紙が届き、それを開くと、百ドルの小切手が彼女の膝に落ちた。

For a minute she stared at it as if it had been a snake, then she read her letter and began to cry.

for a minute (一分間) [名] a unit of time equal to 60 seconds

snake (蛇) [名] a limbless reptile with a long, thin body and a forked tongue

一分間、彼女はそれを蛇であるかのように見つめ、それから手紙を読んで泣き始めた。

If the amiable gentleman who wrote that kindly note could have known what intense happiness he was giving a fellow creature, I think he would devote his leisure hours, if he has any, to that amusement, for Jo valued the letter more than the money, because it was encouraging, and after years of effort it was so pleasant to find that she had learned to do something, though it was only to write a sensation story.

intense (強い) [形] of extreme force, degree, or strength

leisure (暇な) [形] free from work or duties

もしあの親切なメモを書いた愛想の良い紳士が、彼が仲間の人間にどれほど強い幸福を与えているかを知ることができたら、彼はもし暇な時間があれば、その楽しみに費やすだろうと思う、なぜならジョーはお金よりも手紙を大切にしていたからだ、なぜならそれは励みになり、長年の努力の末、彼女が何かをすることを学んだことがとても嬉しかったからだ、それはただセンセーションストーリーを書くことだったが。

A prouder young woman was seldom seen than she, when, having composed herself, she electrified the family by appearing before them with the letter in one hand, the check in the other, announcing that she had won the prize.

young woman (若い女性) [名] a young female human being

compose oneself (落ち着きを取り戻す) [動] to calm oneself down

electrify (驚かせる) [動] to startle or shock

彼女ほど誇り高き若い女性はめったに見られなかった、彼女が落ち着きを取り戻したとき、彼女は片手に手紙を持ち、もう片方の手に小切手を持って家族の前に現れ、賞を獲得したことを発表して家族を驚かせた。

Of course there was a great jubilee, and when the story came everyone read and praised it, though after her father had told her that the language was good, the romance fresh and hearty, and the tragedy quite thrilling, he shook his head, and said in his unworldly way...

hearty (心がこもった) [形] showing warmth or affection

unworldly (非現実的な) [形] not concerned with practical matters or everyday life

もちろん、大いに喜び、物語が届くと誰もがそれを読んで賞賛したが、彼女の父親は彼女に言葉遣いがよく、ロマンスは新鮮で心がこもっており、悲劇は非常にスリリングだと言った後、彼は首を横に振り、彼の非現実的な方法で言った...

“You can do better than this, Jo.

「ジョー、君ならもっとうまくできるよ。

Aim at the highest, and never mind the money.”

aim (目指す) [動] direct or point at a target

もっと高いところを目指せ、お金のことは気にするな」

“I think the money is the best part of it.

「お金が一番いいところだと思うよ。

What will you do with such a fortune?” asked Amy, regarding the magic slip of paper with a reverential eye.

do with (どうする) [動] deal with

slip of paper (紙切れ) [名] a small piece of paper

reverential (敬虔な) [形] showing deep respect for God or for something else that is considered holy

そんなに大金どうするの?」とエイミーは魔法の紙切れを敬虔な目で見つめながら尋ねた。

“Send Beth and Mother to the seaside for a month or two,” answered Jo promptly.

seaside (海辺) [名] the land bordering the sea

promptly (即座に) [副] without delay; immediately

「ベスとママを海辺に1,2ヶ月行かせてあげる」とジョーは即答した。

To the seaside they went, after much discussion, and though Beth didn’t come home as plump and rosy as could be desired, she was much better, while Mrs. March declared she felt ten years younger.

さんざん話し合った末に、海辺に行くことになり、ベスは望むほどふっくらとバラ色にはならなかったが、ずっと良くなり、マーチ夫人は10歳若返った気分だと宣言した。

So Jo was satisfied with the investment of her prize money, and fell to work with a cheery spirit, bent on earning more of those delightful checks.

investment (使い道) [名] the action or process of investing money

prize money (賞金) [名] money awarded as a prize

spirit (気分) [名] a person's mood or emotional state

だからジョーは賞金の使い道に満足し、陽気な気分で仕事に取りかかり、あの嬉しい小切手をもっと稼ごうと決意した。

She did earn several that year, and began to feel herself a power in the house, for by the magic of a pen, her ‘rubbish’ turned into comforts for them all.

that year (その年) [名] the year being discussed

turn into (変わる) [動] become

その年、彼女は実際に何枚か稼ぎ、家の中で自分が力を持っていると感じ始めていた。ペンの魔法で、彼女の「くだらないもの」が家族みんなの慰めになったからだ。

The Duke’s Daughter paid the butcher’s bill, A Phantom Hand put down a new carpet, and the Curse of the Coventrys proved the blessing of the Marches in the way of groceries and gowns.

Duke's Daughter (公爵令嬢) [名] the daughter of a duke

Phantom Hand (幽霊の手) [名] a hand that is not real

put down (敷く) [動] place on a surface

Curse of the Coventrys (コベントリー家の呪い) [名] a curse that is said to have been placed on the Coventry family

Marches (マーチ家) [名] the family of the Marches

grocery (食料品) [名] food that is sold in a store

公爵令嬢」は肉屋の請求書を支払い、「幽霊の手」は新しいカーペットを敷き、「コベントリー家の呪い」は食料品やドレスという形でマーチ家の祝福となった。

Wealth is certainly a most desirable thing, but poverty has its sunny side, and one of the sweet uses of adversity is the genuine satisfaction which comes from hearty work of head or hand, and to the inspiration of necessity, we owe half the wise, beautiful, and useful blessings of the world.

sunny (明るい) [形] bright with sunlight

adversity (逆境) [名] unfavorable circumstances

necessity (必要性) [名] the quality or state of being necessary

owe (負っている) [動] have or feel a duty or obligation to do something

富は確かに最も望ましいものだけれど、貧困にも明るい面があり、逆境の甘い使い道の1つは、頭や手で心を込めて働くことから得られる真の満足感であり、必要に迫られたことから、私たちは世界の賢く、美しく、役に立つ恵みの半分を得ている。

Jo enjoyed a taste of this satisfaction, and ceased to envy richer girls, taking great comfort in the knowledge that she could supply her own wants, and need ask no one for a penny.

richer (裕福な) [形] having a great deal of money or assets

take comfort in (慰めを見出す) [動] be consoled or comforted by

supply (満たす) [動] provide or furnish with

ジョーは、この満足感を味わい、裕福な少女たちを羨むのをやめ、自分の欲求を満たすことができ、誰にも一銭も頼む必要がないという知識に大きな慰めを見出した。

Little notice was taken of her stories, but they found a market, and encouraged by this fact, she resolved to make a bold stroke for fame and fortune.

notice (注目) [名] the act of observing or taking notice

take (注目される) [動] attract or hold the attention of

stroke (一歩) [名] a single action or movement

彼女の物語はほとんど注目されなかったが、市場を見つけ、この事実に勇気づけられて、彼女は名声と富のために大胆な一歩を踏み出すことを決意した。

Having copied her novel for the fourth time, read it to all her confidential friends, and submitted it with fear and trembling to three publishers, she at last disposed of it, on condition that she would cut it down one third, and omit all the parts which she particularly admired.

fourth (4回) [形] coming after three others in a series; 4th

confidential (親しい) [形] entrusted with private information

submit (提出する) [動] present for consideration or discussion

publisher (出版社) [名] a person or company that prepares and issues books, journals, music, or other works for sale

cut down (削る) [動] reduce in size or amount

one third (3分の1) [名] one of three equal parts

omit (省く) [動] leave out or exclude

彼女は小説を4回書き直し、親しい友人全員に読んでもらい、恐れと震えながら3人の出版社に提出し、3分の1に削り、特に気に入っている部分をすべて省くという条件で、ついに処分した。

“Now I must either bundle it back in to my tin kitchen to mold, pay for printing it myself, or chop it up to suit purchasers and get what I can for it.

mold (型) [名] a hollow container into which liquid is poured to create a solid object

printing (印刷) [名] the process of producing books, newspapers, or other printed material

chop (切り刻む) [動] cut into small pieces

purchaser (購入者) [名] a person who buys something

「今は、それを束ねてブリキの台所に戻して型にするか、自分で印刷代を払うか、購入者に合うように切り刻んで、できるだけのことをしなければならない。

Fame is a very good thing to have in the house, but cash is more convenient, so I wish to take the sense of the meeting on this important subject,” said Jo, calling a family council.

cash (現金) [名] money in the form of coins or banknotes

convenient (便利) [形] involving little trouble or effort

take the sense of (意見を聞く) [動] to understand the meaning of

subject (問題) [名] a matter that is being discussed, considered, or dealt with

call (招集する) [動] to summon or request the presence of

council (会議) [名] an assembly of people for formal discussions

名声は家にあるととても良いことだが、現金の方が便利なので、この重要な問題について会議の意見を聞きたい」とジョーは家族会議を招集した。

“Don’t spoil your book, my girl, for there is more in it than you know, and the idea is well worked out.

work out (練る) [動] plan or devise

「本を台無しにしないで、娘よ、そこにはあなたが知っている以上のものがあり、アイデアはよく練られている。

Let it wait and ripen,” was her father’s advice, and he practiced what he preached, having waited patiently thirty years for fruit of his own to ripen, and being in no haste to gather it even now when it was sweet and mellow.

ripen (熟す) [動] become or cause to become mature

thirty years (30年) [名] a period of 30 years

gather (収穫する) [動] bring together or come together

mellow (熟した) [形] (of fruit) soft, ripe, and sweet

待って熟させなさい」というのが父のアドバイスで、彼は自分の果実が熟すのを30年も辛抱強く待ち、甘くて熟した今でも急いで収穫しようとはせず、説教したことを実践していた。

“It seems to me that Jo will profit more by taking the trial than by waiting,” said Mrs. March.

profit (利益を得る) [動] gain an advantage or benefit

「ジョーは待つよりも試練を受けることでより多くの利益を得るように思える」とマーチ夫人は言った。

“Criticism is the best test of such work, for it will show her both unsuspected merits and faults, and help her to do better next time.

criticism (批判) [名] the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes

fault (短所) [名] an unattractive or unsatisfactory feature, especially in a person's character

「批判はそのような作品の最高の試練であり、彼女に予期せぬ長所と短所の両方を示し、次回より良い作品を作るのに役立つ。

We are too partial, but the praise and blame of outsiders will prove useful, even if she gets but little money.”

partial (偏った) [形] biased; not impartial

blame (非難) [名] an expression of disapproval or criticism

prove (判明する) [動] to be found or shown to be

私たちは偏りすぎているが、彼女が少ししかお金をもらえなくても、部外者の賞賛と非難は役に立つだろう。」

“Yes,” said Jo, knitting her brows, “that’s just it. I’ve been fussing over the thing so long, I really don’t know whether it’s good, bad, or indifferent.

fuss (悩む) [動] to make an unnecessary or excessive amount of trouble about something

「そう」とジョーは眉をひそめて言った、「まさにそれだ。私は長い間そのことで悩んできたので、それが良いのか悪いのか、無関心なのか本当にわからない。

It will be a great help to have cool, impartial persons take a look at it, and tell me what they think of it.”

impartial (公平な) [形] not partial or biased; just or fair

take a look at (見てもらう) [動] to examine or inspect

tell (教えてくれる) [動] to communicate or express by speech

great help (大きな助け) [名] a significant amount of assistance

冷静で公平な人にそれを見てもらい、どう思っているか教えてくれるのは大きな助けになるだろう。」

“I wouldn’t leave a word out of it.

leave out (省く) [動] not include

「私は一言も省かないだろう。

You’ll spoil it if you do, for the interest of the story is more in the minds than in the actions of the people, and it will be all a muddle if you don’t explain as you go on,” said Meg, who firmly believed that this book was the most remarkable novel ever written.

interest (面白さ) [名] the quality of being interesting

それを省いたら台無しになるよ、物語の面白さは人々の行動よりも心の中にあるし、読み進めるうちに説明しないとすべてが混乱してしまうよ」とメグは言った、彼女はこの本がこれまでに書かれた中で最も素晴らしい小説だと固く信じていた。

“But Mr. Allen says, ‘Leave out the explanations, make it brief and dramatic, and let the characters tell the story’,” interrupted Jo, turning to the publisher’s note.

Mr. Allen (アレン氏) [名] a man

「でも、アレンは『説明は省いて、短く劇的に、登場人物に物語を語らせろ』と言っている」とジョーは出版社のメモに目を向けながら口を挟んだ。

“Do as he tells you.

「彼の言う通りにしなさい。

He knows what will sell, and we don’t.

sell (売れる) [動] be bought by a customer

彼は何が売れるか知っているし、私たちは知らない。

Make a good, popular book, and get as much money as you can.

popular (人気のある) [形] liked or admired by many people

get (稼ぐ) [動] receive as a return for effort or work

良い、人気のある本を書いて、できるだけ多くのお金を稼ぎなさい。

By-and-by, when you’ve got a name, you can afford to digress, and have philosophical and metaphysical people in your novels,” said Amy, who took a strictly practical view of the subject.

digress (脱線する) [動] turn aside from the main subject

philosophical (哲学的) [形] of or relating to the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence

metaphysical (形而上学的) [形] of or relating to metaphysics

take a view (考える) [動] have a particular opinion about something

やがて、名前が知られるようになったら、脱線して、小説に哲学的で形而上学的な人物を出せばいいのよ」と、この問題を厳密に実用的に考えたエイミーは言った。

“Well,” said Jo, laughing, “if my people are ‘philosophical and metaphysical’, it isn’t my fault, for I know nothing about such things, except what I hear father say, sometimes.

well (まあ) [間] an expression of surprise, hesitation, or disgust

people (登場人物) [名] the inhabitants of a particular country, area, or period

「まあ」とジョーは笑いながら言った、「私の登場人物が「哲学的で形而上学的」なら、それは私のせいではないよ、だって私は、時々パパが言うのを聞く以外は、そんな事については何も知らないもの。

If I’ve got some of his wise ideas jumbled up with my romance, so much the better for me.

get (混ざる) [動] receive or come to have

so much the better (それだけ良いこと) [副] to a greater extent; more

もし私の恋愛小説にパパの賢い考えが混ざっていたら、私にとってはそれだけ良いことよ。

Now, Beth, what do you say?”

さあ、ベス、どう思う?」

“I should so like to see it printed soon,” was all Beth said, and smiled in saying it.

should (したい) [助] expressing a wish or desire

「早く印刷されたものが見たいよ」というのがベスの言ったすべてで、そう言いながら微笑んだ。

But there was an unconscious emphasis on the last word, and a wistful look in the eyes that never lost their childlike candor, which chilled Jo’s heart for a minute with a forboding fear, and decided her to make her little venture ‘soon’.

emphasis (強調) [名] special importance or prominence given to something

word (単語) [名] a unit of language that native speakers can identify

childlike (子供のような) [形] having or showing the qualities or characteristics of a child

candor (率直さ) [名] the quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness

chill (冷やす) [動] make or become cold

venture (冒険) [名] a risky or daring journey or undertaking

しかし、最後の単語に無意識の強調があり、子供のような率直さを失わない目に物欲しそうな表情があり、それがジョーの心を一瞬不吉な恐怖で冷やし、彼女に「すぐに」小さな冒険を決意させた。

So, with Spartan firmness, the young authoress laid her first-born on her table, and chopped it up as ruthlessly as any ogre.

Spartan (スパルタの) [形] of or relating to Sparta or its people

firmness (固い決意) [名] the quality or state of being firm

first-born (処女作) [名] the first child born to a couple

chop up (切り刻む) [動] cut into small pieces with repeated sharp blows

だから、スパルタの固い決意で、若い女流作家は自分の処女作をテーブルに置き、鬼のように無情に切り刻んだ。

In the hope of pleasing everyone, she took everyone’s advice, and like the old man and his donkey in the fable suited nobody.

in the hope of (~を期待して) [前] with the hope of

take (受け入れる) [動] accept or receive

みんなを喜ばせようとして、彼女はみんなのアドバイスを受け入れ、寓話の老人とロバのように誰にも合わない結果になった。

Her father liked the metaphysical streak which had unconsciously got into it, so that was allowed to remain though she had her doubts about it.

allow (残される) [動] permit to do something

彼女の父親は、無意識のうちにそこに入ってしまった形而上学的な筋書きを気に入っていたので、彼女はそれに疑問を抱いていたが、それは残された。

Her mother thought that there was a trifle too much description.

彼女の母親は、説明が少し多すぎると思った。

Out, therefore it came, and with it many necessary links in the story.

out (削除される) [副] not in; away from

link (つながり) [名] a relationship or connection between two or more things

だから、それは削除され、それに伴って物語の多くの必要なつながりも削除された。

Meg admired the tragedy, so Jo piled up the agony to suit her, while Amy objected to the fun, and, with the best intentions in life, Jo quenched the spritly scenes which relieved the somber character of the story.

pile up (積み重ねる) [動] accumulate or be accumulated in a large amount

intention (意図) [名] a determination to act in a certain way

quench (消す) [動] extinguish or cause to die out

メグは悲劇を賞賛したので、ジョーは彼女に合うように苦悶を積み重ねたが、エイミーは楽しみに反対し、人生で最善の意図を持って、ジョーは物語の陰鬱な性格を和らげる元気な場面を消した。

Then, to complicate the ruin, she cut it down one third, and confidingly sent the poor little romance, like a picked robin, out into the big, busy world to try its fate.

complicate (複雑にする) [動] make more complicated or complex

ruin (破滅) [名] the state of decay, collapse, or destruction

poor (貧弱な) [形] lacking in quality or value

robin (ロビン) [名] a small North American thrush with a reddish breast

それから、破滅を複雑にするために、彼女はそれを3分の1に切り、その運命を試すために、摘み取られたロビンのように、貧弱な小さなロマンスを、大きくて忙しい世界に送り出した。

Well, it was printed, and she got three hundred dollars for it, likewise plenty of praise and blame, both so much greater than she expected that she was thrown into a state of bewilderment from which it took her some time to recover.

three hundred dollars (三百ドル) [名] an amount of money

likewise (また) [副] in addition; also; too

throw (陥れる) [動] cause to be in a particular state or condition

bewilderment (混乱) [名] a state of confusion or uncertainty

それが印刷され、彼女は三百ドルを受け取った。また、たくさんの賞賛と非難も受けた。どちらも彼女が予想していたよりもはるかに大きく、彼女は混乱状態に陥り、回復するまでにしばらく時間がかかった。

“You said, Mother, that criticism would help me.

「ママ、批判は私を助けてくれるって言ったよ。

But how can it, when it’s so contradictory that I don’t know whether I’ve written a promising book or broken all the ten commandments?” cried poor Jo, turning over a heap of notices, the perusal of which filled her with pride and joy one minute, wrath and dismay the next.

contradictory (矛盾している) [形] inconsistent with

ten commandments (十戒) [名] the ten rules given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai

turn over (ひっくり返す) [動] to change from one position to another

perusal (熟読) [名] the action of reading something carefully

でも、私が有望な本を書いたのか、十戒をすべて破ったのかわからないほど矛盾しているのに、どうしてそうなるの?」と、かわいそうなジョーは叫び、通知の山をひっくり返した。それを熟読すると、彼女は誇りと喜びで満たされ、次の瞬間には怒りと狼狽に襲われた。

“This man says, ‘An exquisite book, full of truth, beauty, and earnestness.’ ‘All is sweet, pure, and healthy.’” continued the perplexed authoress.

perplexed (当惑した) [形] completely baffled; very confused

「この人は『真実、美、真剣さに満ちた絶妙な本』『すべてが甘く、純粋で、健康的』と言っている」と当惑した著者は続けた。

“The next, ‘The theory of the book is bad, full of morbid fancies, spiritualistic ideas, and unnatural characters.’ Now, as I had no theory of any kind, don’t believe in Spiritualism, and copied my characters from life, I don’t see how this critic can be right.

theory (理論) [名] a set of principles on which the practice of an activity is based

morbid (病的な) [形] relating to or characteristic of disease

spiritualistic (心霊主義的な) [形] relating to or characteristic of spiritualism

「次は『この本の理論は悪く、病的な空想、心霊主義的な考え、不自然な登場人物でいっぱいだ』。私は何の理論も持っていないし、心霊主義を信じていないし、登場人物は実生活から写し取ったものなので、この批評家が正しいとは思えない。

Another says, ‘It’s one of the best American novels which has appeared for years.’ (I know better than that), and the next asserts that ‘Though it is original, and written with great force and feeling, it is a dangerous book.’ ’Tisn’t!

another (別の人) [名] a different person

one of the best (最高の1つ) [名] one of the most excellent

I know better than that (私はそれよりもっとよく知っている) [句] I have more knowledge or information about something than someone else

next (次の人) [名] the person or thing that comes after the one mentioned

original (独創的) [形] not dependent on other people's ideas; inventive

dangerous (危険な) [形] able or likely to cause harm or injury

’Tisn’t (そんなことはない) [他] it is not

別の人は『これは長年出版された中で最高のアメリカ小説の1つだ』(私はそれよりもっとよく知っている)と言い、次の人は『独創的で、力強く、感情を込めて書かれているが、危険な本だ』と断言している。そんなことはない!

Some make fun of it, some overpraise, and nearly all insist that I had a deep theory to expound, when I only wrote it for the pleasure and the money.

overpraise (過度に賞賛する) [動] praise too much

deep theory (深い理論) [名] a theory that is difficult to understand

expound (解説する) [動] explain in detail

ある人はそれをからかい、ある人は過度に賞賛し、ほとんどすべての人が私には深い理論があってそれを解説したのだと主張するが、私はただ楽しみとお金のために書いただけだ。

I wish I’d printed the whole or not at all, for I do hate to be so misjudged.”

misjudge (誤解する) [動] form an inaccurate or unfair opinion or conclusion about

全部印刷するか、まったく印刷しないかすればよかったのに、こんなに誤解されるのは本当に嫌だ」

Her family and friends administered comfort and commendation liberally.

administer (与える) [動] to give or apply

commendation (賞賛) [名] the expression of approval or praise

彼女の家族や友人は慰めや賞賛を惜しみなく与えた。

Yet it was a hard time for sensitive, high-spirited Jo, who meant so well and had apparently done so ill.

sensitive (感受性が強い) [形] quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences

high-spirited (元気な) [形] having a bold, energetic, or cheerful nature

mean well (善いことをしようとして) [動] have good intentions

do ill (悪いことをする) [動] do something wrong

それでも、善いことをしようとして明らかに悪いことをしてしまった、感受性が強く元気なジョーにとってはつらい時期だった。

But it did her good, for those whose opinion had real value gave her the criticism which is an author’s best education, and when the first soreness was over, she could laugh at her poor little book, yet believe in it still, and feel herself the wiser and stronger for the buffeting she had received.

real value (真の価値) [名] the actual worth of something

soreness (痛み) [名] a state of being sore

wiser (賢い) [形] having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment

stronger (強い) [形] having the power to perform well or to withstand

buffeting (打撃) [名] the action of striking or knocking against something repeatedly

しかし、それは彼女にとって良いことだった、なぜなら、意見に真の価値がある人々が、作家にとって最高の教育である批判を彼女に与えてくれたからだ、そして、最初の痛みが終わったとき、彼女は自分の貧弱な小さな本を笑うことができ、それでもまだそれを信じ、受けた打撃によって自分自身がより賢く、より強くなったと感じることができた。

“Not being a genius, like Keats, it won’t kill me,” she said stoutly, “and I’ve got the joke on my side, after all, for the parts that were taken straight out of real life are denounced as impossible and absurd, and the scenes that I made up out of my own silly head are pronounced ‘charmingly natural, tender, and true’.

kill (死ぬ) [動] cause to die

straight (直接) [副] without changing direction or stopping

real life (現実の生活) [名] life as it is actually experienced

make up (作り上げる) [動] invent or fabricate

charmingly (魅力的に) [副] in a charming manner

「キーツのような天才ではないから、それで死ぬことはないよ」と彼女は断固として言った、「それに、結局のところ、現実の生活から直接取り出した部分は不可能で馬鹿げていると非難され、私の愚かな頭で作った場面は「魅力的に自然で、優しく、真実だ」と宣言されているので、私は自分の側にジョークを持っているのよ。

So I’ll comfort myself with that, and when I’m ready, I’ll up again and take another.”

take (挑戦する) [動] to accept or undertake

だから、それで自分を慰めて、準備ができたらまた立ち上がって、もう一度挑戦するよ。」

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: DOMESTIC EXPERIENCES

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT (第28章) [名] a division of a book

DOMESTIC EXPERIENCES (家庭での経験) [名] experiences that happen in the home

第28章家庭での経験

Like most other young matrons, Meg began her married life with the determination to be a model housekeeper.

matron (主婦) [名] a married woman

married life (結婚生活) [名] the life of a married couple

determination (決意) [名] the quality of being determined

他のほとんどの若い主婦たちと同じように、メグは模範的な主婦になる決意で結婚生活を始めた。

John should find home a paradise, he should always see a smiling face, should fare sumptuously every day, and never know the loss of a button.

ジョンは家を楽園だと感じ、いつも笑顔を見ることができ、毎日豪華な食事をし、ボタンがなくなったことを知ることはないだろう。

She brought so much love, energy, and cheerfulness to the work that she could not but succeed, in spite of some obstacles.

cheerfulness (明るさ) [名] the quality of being cheerful

could not but (せざるを得なかった) [助] have no alternative but to

彼女は仕事にとても多くの愛情、エネルギー、そして明るさをもたらしたので、いくつかの障害にもかかわらず、成功せざるを得なかった。

Her paradise was not a tranquil one, for the little woman fussed, was over-anxious to please, and bustled about like a true Martha, cumbered with many cares.

tranquil (穏やかな) [形] free from disturbance or agitation

over-anxious (喜ばせようとしすぎる) [形] excessively anxious

bustle (せわしなく動き回る) [動] move or cause to move in a busy, energetic, or hurried way

Martha (マルタ) [名] a woman who is very busy with domestic tasks

cumber (悩ます) [動] be a burden to

彼女の楽園は穏やかなものではなかった。なぜなら、この小さな女性は、気を使いすぎ、喜ばせようとしすぎて、多くの心配事に悩まされている真のマルタのようにせわしなく動き回っていたからだ。

She was too tired, sometimes, even to smile, John grew dyspeptic after a course of dainty dishes and ungratefully demanded plain fare.

grow dyspeptic (消化不良になる) [動] become ill-tempered or irritable

彼女は疲れすぎて、時々、笑顔さえ浮かべることができず、ジョンはおいしい料理を食べた後、消化不良になり、恩知らずにも質素な食事を要求した。

As for buttons, she soon learned to wonder where they went, to shake her head over the carelessness of men, and to threaten to make him sew them on himself, and see if his work would stand impatient and clumsy fingers any better than hers.

carelessness (不注意) [名] the trait of not being careful

clumsy (不器用) [形] lacking in skill or coordination

ボタンについては、彼女はすぐにそれらがどこに行ったのか不思議に思うようになり、男性の不注意に頭を振り、彼に自分で縫い付けるように脅し、彼の仕事が彼女よりもせっかちで不器用な指に耐えられるかどうかを確かめるようになった。

They were very happy, even after they discovered that they couldn’t live on love alone.

live on (生きる) [動] continue to live

彼らは愛だけで生きていけないことを発見した後でさえ、とても幸せだった。

John did not find Meg’s beauty diminished, though she beamed at him from behind the familiar coffee pot.

diminish (衰える) [動] become or make smaller or less

coffee pot (コーヒーポット) [名] a pot with a spout and handle in which coffee is made or served

ジョンはメグの美しさが衰えたとは思わなかったが、彼女はおなじみのコーヒーポットの後ろから彼に微笑みかけた。

Nor did Meg miss any of the romance from the daily parting, when her husband followed up his kiss with the tender inquiry, “Shall I send some veal or mutton for dinner, darling?”

parting (別れ) [名] the action of leaving or being left

veal (子牛肉) [名] the meat of a calf

mutton (羊肉) [名] the flesh of a mature sheep

メグもまた、夫がキスの後に「夕食に子牛肉か羊肉を送ろうか?」と優しく尋ねてくれたとき、毎日の別れからロマンスを失うことはなかった。

The little house ceased to be a glorified bower, but it became a home, and the young couple soon felt that it was a change for the better.

cease (なくなる) [動] come to an end

glorified (美しい) [形] having or deserving glory

小さな家は美しいあずまやではなくなったが、家庭となり、若い夫婦はすぐにそれが良い方向への変化だと感じた。

At first they played keep-house, and frolicked over it like children.

keep-house (ままごと) [名] a game in which children pretend to be adults and imitate their activities

最初は、彼らはままごとをして、子供のようにはしゃいでいた。

Then John took steadily to business, feeling the cares of the head of a family upon his shoulders, and Meg laid by her cambric wrappers, put on a big apron, and fell to work, as before said, with more energy than discretion.

take to (取りかかる) [動] begin to do or engage in

wrapper (包み) [名] a piece of paper or plastic in which something is wrapped

それからジョンは、一家の長としての心配を肩に感じながら、着々と仕事に取り組み、メグはカンブリックの包みを置いて、大きなエプロンを着け、前述のように、分別よりも精力的に仕事に取りかかった。

While the cooking mania lasted she went through Mrs. Cornelius’s Receipt Book as if it were a mathematical exercise, working out the problems with patience and care.

cooking mania (料理熱) [名] a craze for cooking

go through (読み進める) [動] read or examine something from beginning to end

Mrs. Cornelius (コーネリアス夫人) [名] a woman whose husband's surname is Cornelius

Receipt Book (レシピ本) [名] a book containing recipes

mathematical exercise (数学の練習問題) [名] a problem involving mathematics

work out (解く) [動] find the answer to a problem

料理熱が続いている間は、彼女はコーネリアス夫人のレシピ本を数学の練習問題のように、忍耐強く丁寧に問題を解きながら読み進めた。

Sometimes her family were invited in to help eat up a too bounteous feast of successes, or Lotty would be privately dispatched with a batch of failures, which were to be concealed from all eyes in the convenient stomachs of the little Hummels.

eat up (平らげる) [動] eat all of something

privately (こっそり) [副] in a way that is not known or seen by other people

failure (失敗作) [名] the lack of success

stomach (胃袋) [名] the organ in the body that receives food from the esophagus and begins digestion

時には、彼女の家族が招待されて、あまりにも豊富な成功の宴を食べるのを手伝ったり、ロッティが失敗作をこっそり運び出し、小さなフンメルたちの都合の良い胃袋に隠したりすることもあった。

An evening with John over the account books usually produced a temporary lull in the culinary enthusiasm, and a frugal fit would ensue, during which the poor man was put through a course of bread pudding, hash, and warmed-over coffee, which tried his soul, although he bore it with praiseworthy fortitude.

account book (帳簿) [名] a book in which accounts are kept

temporary (一時的な) [形] lasting for only a short period of time; not permanent

frugal (質素な) [形] sparing or economical with regard to money or food

ensue (続く) [動] happen or occur afterwards or as a result

put through (出す) [動] cause to undergo or experience

bread pudding (パンプディング) [名] a dessert made of bread soaked in a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and spices

hash (ハッシュ) [名] a dish of cooked meat and potatoes cut into small pieces and mixed together

warmed-over (温め直した) [形] heated again

fortitude (忍耐) [名] courage in facing pain or danger

ジョンと帳簿をめぐる夜は、たいてい料理熱が一時的に落ち着き、質素な食事が続くのだが、その間、ジョンはパンプディング、ハッシュ、温め直したコーヒーを出され、彼の魂を試すことになったが、彼はそれを賞賛に値する忍耐で耐えた。

Before the golden mean was found, however, Meg added to her domestic possessions what young couples seldom get on long without, a family jar.

golden mean (黄金律) [名] the principle of moderation in all things

be found (見つける) [動] discover or notice

domestic possession (家庭の持ち物) [名] something that is owned by a family

get on (続く) [動] continue

family jar (家庭のいざこざ) [名] a disagreement or argument within a family

しかし、黄金律が見つかるまでに、メグは家庭の持ち物に、若い夫婦が長く続くことはめったにない、家庭のいざこざを加えた。

Fired with a housewifely wish to see her storeroom stocked with homemade preserves, she undertook to put up her own currant jelly.

fire (燃える) [動] to be excited or enthusiastic about something

storeroom (貯蔵庫) [名] a room where things are stored

preserve (ジャム) [名] a food that is made by cooking fruit and sugar together

undertake (作る) [動] to make or produce something

currant (スグリ) [名] a small black or red berry that is used in cooking

彼女は、自家製のジャムが貯蔵庫にぎっしり詰まっているのを見たいという主婦らしい願いに燃えて、自分でスグリのゼリーを作ることにした。

John was requested to order home a dozen or so of little pots and an extra quantity of sugar, for their own currants were ripe and were to be attended to at once.

so (ほど) [副] approximately

ジョンは、家で育てたスグリが熟してすぐに手入れをしなければならなかったので、小さな鍋を1ダースほどと砂糖を余分に注文するように頼まれた。

As John firmly believed that ‘my wife’ was equal to anything, and took a natural pride in her skill, he resolved that she should be gratified, and their only crop of fruit laid by in a most pleasing form for winter use.

equal (平等) [形] the same in quantity, size, value, or status

take pride in (誇りを持つ) [動] be proud of

crop (収穫物) [名] the total produce of a particular crop

lay by (保存する) [動] put (something) aside for future use

ジョンは「妻」は何事にも平等であると固く信じ、彼女の技量に自然な誇りを持っていたので、彼女を満足させ、彼らの唯一の果実を冬に使うために最も喜ばしい形で保存しようと決心した。

Home came four dozen delightful little pots, half a barrel of sugar, and a small boy to pick the currants for her.

four dozen (4ダース) [名] a quantity consisting of twelve items

家に4ダースの素敵な小さな鍋と半樽の砂糖、そして彼女のためにスグリを摘む小さな男の子がやってきた。

With her pretty hair tucked into a little cap, arms bared to the elbow, and a checked apron which had a coquettish look in spite of the bib, the young housewife fell to work, feeling no doubts about her success, for hadn’t she seen Hannah do it hundreds of times?

tuck (押し込む) [動] push or fold the edges or ends of something into or under something else

bare (まくり) [動] make bare

coquettish (コケティッシュな) [形] attractive in a playful way

bib (よだれかけ) [名] a piece of cloth or plastic put under a baby's chin to protect its clothes

きれいな髪を小さな帽子に押し込み、腕を肘までまくり、よだれかけにもかかわらずコケティッシュなチェックのエプロンをつけた若い主婦は、ハンナが何百回もするのを見てきたので、成功を疑うことなく仕事に取りかかった。

The array of pots rather amazed her at first, but John was so fond of jelly, and the nice little jars would look so well on the top shelf, that Meg resolved to fill them all, and spent a long day picking, boiling, straining, and fussing over her jelly.

array (配列) [名] an arrangement of quantities in rows and columns

amaze (驚かせる) [動] surprise greatly

jar (瓶) [名] a wide-mouthed cylindrical container made of glass or pottery

look (似合う) [動] appear to be

so well (とてもよく) [副] very well

top (一番上の) [形] highest in position

boil (煮沸する) [動] cook or be cooked in boiling water

strain (濾す) [動] pass through a sieve or other straining device

fuss (手間をかける) [動] make an unnecessary or excessive amount of trouble about something

最初は鍋の配列に驚いたが、ジョンはゼリーがとても好きで、素敵な小さな瓶は一番上の棚にとてもよく似合うので、メグはそれらをすべて満たそうと決心し、長い一日を摘み取り、煮沸し、濾し、ゼリーに手間をかけた。

She did her best, she asked advice of Mrs. Cornelius, she racked her brain to remember what Hannah did that she left undone, she reboiled, resugared, and restrained, but that dreadful stuff wouldn’t ‘jell’.

ask advice of (アドバイスを求める) [動] to ask someone for their opinion or recommendation about what to do

rack one's brain (頭を悩ませる) [動] to think very hard about something

reboiled (再沸騰させる) [動] to boil again

resugared (砂糖を加える) [動] to add sugar to something again

restrain (抑制する) [動] to hold back or keep under control

stuff (物) [名] an uncountable mass of something

jell (ゼリー状になる) [動] to become firm or solid

彼女は最善を尽くし、コーネリアス夫人にアドバイスを求め、ハンナが何をしたか思い出そうと頭を悩ませ、再沸騰させ、砂糖を加え、抑制したが、その恐ろしい物は「ゼリー状」にはならなかった。

She longed to run home, bib and all, and ask Mother to lend her a hand, but John and she had agreed that they would never annoy anyone with their private worries, experiments, or quarrels.

run home (家に帰る) [動] go home

lend a hand (手を貸す) [動] to help someone

annoy (迷惑をかける) [動] to cause slight anger or irritation

worry (悩み) [名] a feeling of unhappiness or nervousness that you have about a problem

彼女はよだれかけをつけたまま家に帰り、母に手を貸して欲しいと頼みたいと思ったが、ジョンと彼女は個人的な悩みや実験、喧嘩で誰にも迷惑をかけないと約束していた。

They had laughed over that last word as if the idea it suggested was a most preposterous one, but they had held to their resolve, and whenever they could get on without help they did so, and no one interfered, for Mrs. March had advised the plan.

laugh over (笑う) [動] to laugh about something

last word (最後の言葉) [名] the final statement in a discussion

suggest (示唆する) [動] to mention or introduce as a possibility

preposterous (馬鹿げた) [形] contrary to reason or common sense; utterly absurd or ridiculous

hold to (守る) [動] to keep or maintain

advise (賛成する) [動] to give advice to someone

彼らはその最後の言葉を、それが示唆する考えが最も馬鹿げたものであるかのように笑ったが、彼らは決意を守り、助けなしにやっていけるときはいつでもそうし、誰も干渉しなかった。なぜなら、マーチ夫人がその計画に賛成していたからだ。

So Meg wrestled alone with the refractory sweetmeats all that hot summer day, and at five o’clock sat down in her topsy-turvey kitchen, wrung her bedaubed hands, lifted up her voice and wept.

wrestle (格闘する) [動] engage in a violent or determined struggle

sweetmeat (甘いお菓子) [名] a candy or other sweet food

hot summer day (暑い夏の日) [名] a day in the summer when the temperature is high

five o'clock (五時) [名] the time of day that is five hours after noon

topsy-turvey (めちゃくちゃな) [形] in a state of confusion or disorder

bedaub (汚す) [動] smear or daub with a sticky substance

lift up (上げる) [動] raise to a higher position

だからメグはその暑い夏の日中、頑固な甘いお菓子と一人で格闘し、五時にめちゃくちゃになった台所に座り、汚れた手を絞り、声を上げて泣いた。

Now, in the first flush of the new life, she had often said, “My husband shall always feel free to bring a friend home whenever he likes.

first flush (最初の頃) [名] the first or early stage of something

new life (新婚生活) [名] the early period of a marriage

feel free (遠慮なく) [動] not hesitate to do something

新婚生活の最初の頃、彼女はよく「夫はいつでも好きな時に友人を家に連れて来られるようにするよ。

I shall always be prepared.

いつでも準備しておくよ。

There shall be no flurry, no scolding, no discomfort, but a neat house, a cheerful wife, and a good dinner.

scolding (叱る) [名] an angry rebuke

discomfort (不快) [名] a feeling of slight pain or physical or mental unease

慌てたり、叱ったり、不快な思いをさせたりせず、きちんとした家、陽気な妻、おいしい夕食を用意するよ。

John, dear, never stop to ask my leave, invite whom you please, and be sure of a welcome from me.”

never stop (やめて) [動] cease doing something

ジョン、私の許可を求めるのはやめて、誰でも好きな人を招待して、私が歓迎するから」と言っていた。

How charming that was, to be sure!

how charming (なんて素敵な) [形] very attractive or pleasing

なんて素敵なことでしょう!

John quite glowed with pride to hear her say it, and felt what a blessed thing it was to have a superior wife.

blessed (幸せ) [形] having a special favor or protection of God

ジョンは彼女がそう言うのを聞いて、誇らしげに輝き、優れた妻を持つことがどれほど幸せなことかを感じた。

But, although they had had company from time to time, it never happened to be unexpected, and Meg had never had an opportunity to distinguish herself till now.

from time to time (時々) [副] occasionally

happen to (起こる) [動] take place or occur

distinguish (際立たせる) [動] be a distinctive feature of

しかし、時々来客があったが、予期せぬことはなく、メグは今までに自分を際立たせる機会がなかった。

It always happens so in this vale of tears, there is an inevitability about such things which we can only wonder at, deplore, and bear as we best can.

vale of tears (涙の谷) [名] the world as a place of suffering

inevitability (必然性) [名] the quality of being certain to happen

deplore (嘆く) [動] feel or express strong disapproval of

この涙の谷ではいつもそうしたことが起こり、そうしたことには必然性があって、私たちはただ驚き、嘆き、できる限り耐えるしかない。

If John had not forgotten all about the jelly, it really would have been unpardonable in him to choose that day, of all the days in the year, to bring a friend home to dinner unexpectedly.

ジョンがゼリーのことをすっかり忘れていなかったら、一年のうちでよりによってその日に、予期せず友人を夕食に連れ帰るなんて、本当に許しがたいことだっただろう。

Congratulating himself that a handsome repast had been ordered that morning, feeling sure that it would be ready to the minute, and indulging in pleasant anticipations of the charming effect it would produce, when his pretty wife came running out to meet him, he escorted his friend to his mansion, with the irrepressible satisfaction of a young host and husband.

run out (走り出す) [動] leave a place quickly

その朝、立派な食事を注文したことを自ら祝福し、時間通りに準備が整うだろうと確信し、きれいな妻が彼に会いに走って来たとき、それが生み出す魅力的な効果の楽しい期待にふけり、彼は若いホストと夫の抑えきれない満足感で、彼の友人を彼の大邸宅に案内した。

It is a world of disappointments, as John discovered when he reached the Dovecote.

ジョンが鳩小屋に着いたときに発見したように、それは失望の世界だ。

The front door usually stood hospitably open.

hospitably (親切に) [副] in a friendly and welcoming manner

玄関のドアはいつも親切に開け放たれていた。

Now it was not only shut, but locked, and yesterday’s mud still adorned the steps.

shut (閉まっている) [動] move or cause to move into a closed position

今は閉まっているだけでなく、鍵がかかっていて、昨日の泥がまだ階段を飾っていた。

The parlor windows were closed and curtained, no picture of the pretty wife sewing on the piazza, in white, with a distracting little bow in her hair, or a bright-eyed hostess, smiling a shy welcome as she greeted her guest.

close (閉める) [動] move a door or window so as to leave no space

piazza (ピアッツァ) [名] a public square or open space in a city

hostess (女主人) [名] a woman who entertains guests in her home

客間の窓は閉められ、カーテンが引かれ、ピアッツァで白い服を着て、髪に小さなリボンを付けたきれいな妻が裁縫をしている姿や、目を輝かせた女主人が客を迎えるときに恥ずかしそうに微笑んでいる姿は見られなかった。

Nothing of the sort, for not a soul appeared but a sanginary-looking boy asleep under the current bushes.

nothing of the sort (そのようなことは何も起こらず) [名] not at all like that

sanginary-looking (血色の良い) [形] having a healthy reddish color

current (サンザシ) [名] a shrub or small tree of the rose family

そのようなことは何も起こらず、サンザシの茂みの下で眠っている血色の良い少年以外は誰も現れなかった。

“I’m afraid something has happened.

「何かあったのではないかと心配だ。

Step into the garden, Scott, while I look up Mrs. Brooke,” said John, alarmed at the silence and solitude.

step into (足を踏み入れる) [動] enter

look up (探す) [動] search for and find information about

Mrs. Brooke (ブルック夫人) [名] the wife of Mr. Brooke

alarmed (驚いて) [形] frightened or anxious

solitude (孤独) [名] the state of being alone

ブルック夫人を探す間、庭に足を踏み入れてください、スコット」とジョンは静寂と孤独に驚いて言った。

Round the house he hurried, led by a pungent smell of burned sugar, and Mr. Scott strolled after him, with a queer look on his face.

round the house (家の周り) [名] the area around a house

pungent (刺激的な) [形] having a strong, sharp smell or taste

Mr. Scott (スコット氏) [名] a man named Scott

彼は焦げた砂糖の刺激的な匂いに導かれて家の周りを急ぎ、スコット氏は奇妙な表情で彼の後ろを歩いた。

He paused discreetly at a distance when Brooke disappeared, but he could both see and hear, and being a bachelor, enjoyed the prospect mightily.

distance (遠く) [名] the space between two points

bachelor (独身) [名] a man who has never been married

ブルックが姿を消したとき、彼は遠くで慎重に立ち止まったが、彼は見ることも聞くこともでき、独身だったので、その見通しを大いに楽しんだ。

In the kitchen reigned confusion and despair.

台所では混乱と絶望が支配していた。

One edition of jelly was trickled from pot to pot, another lay upon the floor, and a third was burning gaily on the stove.

edition (版) [名] a particular version of a published work

trickle (流れる) [動] flow slowly and steadily

ゼリーの1つは鍋から鍋へと流れ、もう1つは床に置かれ、3つ目はストーブの上で陽気に燃えていた。

Lotty, with Teutonic phlegm, was calmly eating bread and currant wine, for the jelly was still in a hopelessly liquid state, while Mrs. Brooke, with her apron over her head, sat sobbing dismally.

Teutonic (テュートン人の) [形] of or relating to the Germanic peoples

phlegm (冷静さ) [名] calmness and self-possession in a difficult situation

currant (カラント) [名] a small black dried fruit

hopelessly (絶望的に) [副] in a hopeless manner

liquid (液体状) [形] being or having the properties of a liquid

dismally (悲しそうに) [副] in a dismal manner

ゼリーがまだ絶望的に液体状だったので、ロッティはテュートン人の冷静さでパンとカラントワインを落ち着いて食べていたが、ブルック夫人はエプロンを頭にかぶって悲しそうにすすり泣いていた。

“My dearest girl, what is the matter?” cried John, rushing in, with awful visions of scalded hands, sudden news of affliction, and secret consternation at the thought of the guest in the garden.

matter (どうしたんだ) [名] the substance or material of which a thing is made or composed

vision (幻覚) [名] the ability or an instance of great perception, esp. of future developments

scald (火傷する) [動] burn with hot liquid or steam

consternation (驚愕) [名] a feeling of fear or shock, esp. at something unexpected

「私の最愛の娘、どうしたんだ?」とジョンは叫び、火傷した手、突然の悲しみの知らせ、庭にいる客のことを考えてひそかに驚愕する恐ろしい幻覚を抱きながら、駆け込んできた。

“Oh, John, I am so tired and hot and cross and worried!

worried (心配している) [形] feeling or showing worry

「ああ、ジョン、私はとても疲れていて、暑くて、イライラして、心配しているの!

I’ve been at it till I’m all worn out.

be at it (それをやる) [動] be engaged in an activity

私は疲れ果てるまでそれをやってきた。

Do come and help me or I shall die!”

助けに来てくれないと死んでしまう!」

and the exhausted housewife cast herself upon his breast, giving him a sweet welcome in every sense of the word, for her pinafore had been baptized at the same time as the floor.

sense (意味) [名] a way in which something can be understood

baptize (洗礼を受ける) [動] to ceremonially admit someone into the Christian Church

疲れ果てた主婦は彼の胸に身を投げ出し、あらゆる意味で彼を優しく迎え入れた。彼女のエプロンは床と同時に洗礼を受けていたからだ。

“What worries you dear?

「何を心配しているの?

Has anything dreadful happened?” asked the anxious John, tenderly kissing the crown of the little cap, which was all askew.

crown (頭頂部) [名] the top of the head

askew (ゆがんだ) [形] not in a straight or level position

何か恐ろしいことが起こったのかい?」と心配そうなジョンは尋ね、すっかりゆがんでしまった小さな帽子の頭頂部に優しくキスをした。

“Yes,” sobbed Meg despairingly.

「そうよ」とメグは絶望的にすすり泣いた。

“Tell me quick, then. Don’t cry.

「それなら早く教えて。泣かないで。

I can bear anything better than that.

泣かれるのは耐えられない。

Out with it, love.”

out with it (早く言って) [動] say it quickly

love (愛しい人) [名] a person who is loved

早く言って、愛しい人」

“The... The jelly won’t jell

「ゼリーが固まらないの

and I don’t know what to do!”

どうしたらいいかわからないの」

John Brooke laughed then as he never dared to laugh afterward, and the derisive Scott smiled involuntarily as he heard the hearty peal, which put the finishing stroke to poor Meg’s woe.

derisive (嘲笑的な) [形] expressing contempt or ridicule

involuntarily (思わず) [副] without conscious control

finishing stroke (最後の一撃) [名] the final action that completes something

ジョン・ブルックはその後二度と笑えなかったほど笑い、嘲笑的なスコットは、その心からの笑い声を聞いて思わず微笑んだが、それが哀れなメグの悲しみに最後の一撃を与えた。

“Is that all? Fling it out of the window, and don’t bother any more about it.

fling (投げ捨てる) [動] throw or move with a violent motion

bother (気にする) [動] be concerned or worried about

「それだけ? 窓から投げ捨てて、もう気にしないで。

I’ll buy you quarts if you want it, but for heaven’s sake don’t have hysterics, for I’ve brought Jack Scott home to dinner, and...”

for heaven's sake (お願いだから) [間] used to express annoyance, impatience, or surprise

have hysterics (ヒステリーを起こす) [動] become very upset or excited

Jack Scott (ジャック・スコット) [名] a character in the story

欲しければ何クォートでも買ってあげるけど、お願いだからヒステリーを起こさないで、ジャック・スコットを夕食に連れてきたんだ」

John got no further, for Meg cast him off, and clasped her hands with a tragic gesture as she fell into a chair, exclaiming in a tone of mingled indignation, reproach, and dismay...

get no further (それ以上話せない) [動] be unable to make any more progress

cast off (振り払う) [動] throw away or get rid of

indignation (憤慨) [名] anger aroused by something unjust or unworthy

ジョンはそれ以上話せなかった、メグが彼を振り払い、悲劇的な身振りで両手を握り締め、椅子に倒れ込み、憤慨、非難、狼狽が混ざった口調で叫んだ。

“A man to dinner, and everything in a mess!

mess (めちゃくちゃ) [名] a state of confusion or untidiness

「夕食に男性が来るってのに、何もかもめちゃくちゃ!

John Brooke, how could you do such a thing?”

ジョン・ブルック、どうしてこんなことができるの?」

“Hush, he’s in the garden!

「しーっ、彼は庭にいるよ!

I forgot the confounded jelly, but it can’t be helped now,” said John, surveying the prospect with an anxious eye.

can't be helped (どうしようもない) [動] be unable to be changed or avoided

あの忌々しいゼリーを忘れていたが、今となってはどうしようもない」とジョンは不安な目で状況を眺めながら言った。

“You ought to have sent word, or told me this morning, and you ought to have remembered how busy I was,” continued Meg petulantly, for even turtledoves will peck when ruffled.

ought to have (するべきだった) [助] should have

send word (知らせを送る) [動] send a message

how busy (どれだけ忙しい) [形] having a great deal to do

ruffle (羽を逆立てる) [動] make or become disordered or disheveled

「今朝、知らせを送るか、私に言うべきだったし、私がどれだけ忙しかったか覚えておくべきだった」とメグは不機嫌そうに続けた。なぜなら、キジバトも羽を逆立てればつつくからだ。

“I didn’t know it this morning, and there was no time to send word, for I met him on the way out.

word (知らせ) [名] a unit of language, consisting of one or more spoken sounds or their written representation, that functions as a principal carrier of meaning

「今朝は知らなかったし、知らせを送る時間もなかったんだ、出かける途中で彼に会ったんだ。

I never thought of asking leave, when you have always told me to do as I liked.

いつも好きなようにしなさいと言われているのに、許可を求めるなんて考えもしなかったよ。

I never tried it before, and hang me if I ever do again!” added John, with an aggrieved air.

aggrieved (悲しげな) [形] feeling resentment at having been unfairly treated

今までやったことがなかったし、二度とやったら首を吊るすよ!」とジョンは悲しげな様子で付け加えた。

“I should hope not!

「そうはならないことを願うよ!

Take him away at once.

すぐに連れて行ってください。

I can’t see him, and there isn’t any dinner.”

彼に会えないし、夕食もないよ。」

“Well, I like that!

「まあ、それはいいよ!

Where’s the beef and vegetables I sent home, and the pudding you promised?” cried John, rushing to the larder.

vegetable (野菜) [名] a plant or part of a plant that is eaten as food

pudding (プリン) [名] a dessert made of milk, sugar, and other ingredients

私が送った牛肉と野菜はどこだ、それに約束したプリンは?」と叫び、食料貯蔵室に駆け込んだ。

“I hadn’t time to cook anything.

「何も料理する時間がなかったよ。

I meant to dine at Mother’s.

Mother's (ママのところ) [名] the place where one's mother lives

ママのところで食事するつもりだったんだ。

I’m sorry, but I was so busy,” and Meg’s tears began again.

ごめんなさい、でもとても忙しかったの」そしてメグはまた泣き始めた。

John was a mild man, but he was human, and after a long day’s work to come home tired, hungry, and hopeful, to find a chaotic house, an empty table, and a cross wife was not exactly conducive to repose of mind or manner.

long day (長い一日) [名] a day that seems to last a long time

chaotic (混沌とした) [形] in a state of complete confusion and disorder

conducive (役立つ) [形] tending to cause or bring about

ジョンは温厚な男だったが、人間だったし、長い一日の仕事の後に疲れ、空腹で、希望を持って帰宅して、混沌とした家、空のテーブル、そして不機嫌な妻を見つけることは、心や態度の休息にはあまり役立たなかった。

He restrained himself however, and the little squall would have blown over, but for one unlucky word.

しかし、彼は自制し、小さなスコールも吹き飛ばされただろうが、一つの不運な言葉があった。

“It’s a scrape, I acknowledge, but if you will lend a hand, we’ll pull through and have a good time yet.

pull through (切り抜ける) [動] get through a difficult situation

「それは困ったことだと認めるが、もし君が手を貸してくれるなら、私たちは切り抜けて、楽しい時間を過ごせるだろう。

Don’t cry, dear, but just exert yourself a bit, and fix us up something to eat.

exert (頑張る) [動] to make a physical or mental effort

fix (用意する) [動] to prepare or make ready

泣かないで、でもちょっと頑張って、何か食べるものを用意して。

We’re both as hungry as hunters, so we shan’t mind what it is.

hunter (ハンター) [名] a person who hunts animals or birds

私たちは二人ともハンターのようにお腹が空いているので、何でもいいんです。

Give us the cold meat, and bread and cheese.

meat (肉) [名] the flesh of an animal or a bird that is eaten as food

cheese (チーズ) [名] a food made from the pressed curds of milk

冷たい肉とパンとチーズをください。

We won’t ask for jelly.”

ゼリーは頼まないよ」

He meant it to be a good-natured joke, but that one word sealed his fate.

seal (決まった) [動] decide or determine finally and conclusively

彼はそれを善意のジョークのつもりだったが、その一言で彼の運命は決まった。

Meg thought it was too cruel to hint about her sad failure, and the last atom of patience vanished as he spoke.

メグは自分の悲しい失敗をほのめかすのは残酷すぎると思い、彼が話している間に最後の忍耐の原子が消えてしまった。

“You must get yourself out of the scrape as you can.

「できるだけ早くこの状況から抜け出さないと。

I’m too used up to ‘exert’ myself for anyone.

exert (努力する) [動] make a physical or mental effort

私は誰かのために「努力」するにはあまりにも疲れ果てている。

It’s like a man to propose a bone and vulgar bread and cheese for company.

bone (骨) [名] one of the hard parts inside the body of a person or animal that are covered with muscle, skin etc

骨と下品なパンとチーズを会社に提案するなんて男らしいよね。

I won’t have anything of the sort in my house.

私の家にはそんなものは置かないよ。

Take that Scott up to Mother’s, and tell him I’m away, sick, dead, anything.

スコットをママのところへ連れて行って、私が留守だとか、病気だとか、死んだとか、何でもいいから言って。

I won’t see him, and you two can laugh at me and my jelly as much as you like.

私は彼に会わないし、あなたたち二人は私と私のゼリーを好きなだけ笑ってもいいよ。

You won’t have anything else here.”

else (他には) [副] other than what has been mentioned

あなたはここでは何も食べられないよ。」

and having delivered her defiance all on one breath, Meg cast away her pinafore and precipitately left the field to bemoan herself in her own room.

deliver (吐き出す) [動] say or express something

defiance (反抗) [名] open resistance; bold disobedience

one breath (一息) [名] a single inhalation and exhalation

field (戦場) [名] a place where a battle is fought

bemoan (嘆く) [動] express great regret or guilt about

そして、一息に反抗の言葉を吐き出すと、メグはエプロンを投げ捨てて、自分の部屋で嘆くために、急いで戦場を去った。

What those two creatures did in her absence, she never knew, but Mr. Scott was not taken ‘up to Mother’s’, and when Meg descended, after they had strolled away together, she found traces of a promiscuous lunch which filled her with horror.

promiscuous (無差別な) [形] having or characterized by many transient sexual relationships

彼女がいない間にあの二人が何をしたのか、彼女は知らなかったが、スコット氏は「ママのところ」に連れて行かれず、二人が一緒に散歩に出かけた後、メグが降りてきた時、彼女は恐怖でいっぱいになる無差別な昼食の跡を見つけた。

Lotty reported that they had eaten “a much, and greatly laughed, and the master bid her throw away all the sweet stuff, and hide the pots.”

throw away (捨てる) [動] get rid of something by putting it in a place where it will not be used again

ロッティは、彼らが「たくさん食べて、大いに笑い、主人が甘いものを全部捨てて、鍋を隠すように言った」と報告した。

Meg longed to go and tell Mother, but a sense of shame at her own short-comings, of loyalty to John, “who might be cruel, but nobody should know it,” restrained her, and after a summary cleaning up, she dressed herself prettily, and sat down to wait for John to come and be forgiven.

short-coming (欠点) [名] a fault or defect

loyalty (忠誠心) [名] the quality of being loyal

summary (大まかな) [形] brief

clean up (片付ける) [動] to make clean or neat

メグはママのところに行って話したいと思ったが、自分の欠点に対する恥ずかしさや、「残酷かもしれないが、誰も知らない」ジョンへの忠誠心が彼女を抑え、大まかに片付けた後、きれいに着飾って、ジョンが来て許されるのを待った。

Unfortunately, John didn’t come, not seeing the matter in that light.

not see (考えていない) [動] fail to understand or realize

light (ように) [名] a way of considering something

残念ながら、ジョンは来なかったし、そのようには考えていなかった。

He had carried it off as a good joke with Scott, excused his little wife as well as he could, and played the host so hospitably that his friend enjoyed the impromptu dinner, and promised to come again, but John was angry, though he did not show it, he felt that Meg had deserted him in his hour of need.

carry off (やり過ごす) [動] to do or perform successfully

good joke (良いジョーク) [名] a funny story or remark

excuse (許す) [動] to forgive someone for something

little wife (小さな妻) [名] a wife who is small in stature

play the host (ホストを演じる) [動] to act as the host of a party or event

show (出す) [動] to exhibit or display

hour of need (必要な時) [名] a time when someone is in need of help

彼はスコットと共にそれを良いジョークとしてやり過ごし、できる限り小さな妻を許し、友人が即興の夕食を楽しんでまた来ると約束するほど親切にホストを演じたが、ジョンは怒っていた、彼はそれを出さなかったが、彼はメグが必要な時に彼を見捨てたと感じた。

“It wasn’t fair to tell a man to bring folks home any time, with perfect freedom, and when he took you at your word, to flame up and blame him, and leave him in the lurch, to be laughed at or pitied.

perfect freedom (完全な自由) [名] the state of being free from all restrictions or limitations

take at one's word (信じる) [動] believe what someone says

flame up (怒らせる) [動] become angry

leave in the lurch (困らせる) [動] leave in a difficult situation

laugh at (笑われる) [動] be amused by

「いつでも自由に人を家に連れて来るように言い、彼があなたの言葉を信じたら、彼を怒らせて非難し、彼を困らせて笑われたり、哀れまれたりするのは公平ではなかった。

No, by George, it wasn’t!

wasn't (そうじゃなかった) [動] was not

いいや、ジョージ、そうじゃなかった!

And Meg must know it.”

そしてメグはそれを知っているはずだ。」

He had fumed inwardly during the feast, but when the flurry was over and he strolled home after seeing Scott off, a milder mood came over him.

inwardly (内心で) [副] on the inside; in the mind

stroll (歩いて帰る) [動] to walk in a slow and relaxed way

彼は宴会の間内心で腹を立てていたが、慌ただしさが終わり、スコットを見送った後家まで歩いて帰ると、穏やかな気持ちになった。

“Poor little thing!

「かわいそうに!

It was hard upon her when she tried so heartily to please me.

hard upon (辛い思いをさせる) [動] cause someone to suffer

彼女が私を喜ばせようと心から努力しているのに、彼女に辛い思いをさせてしまった。

She was wrong, of course, but then she was young.

be wrong (間違っている) [動] not correct or true

be young (若い) [動] having lived or existed for only a short time

彼女は間違っていたが、彼女は若かった。

I must be patient and teach her.”

私は忍耐強く彼女を教えなければならない。」

He hoped she had not gone home—he hated gossip and interference.

彼は彼女が家に帰っていないことを望んだ。彼は噂話や干渉を嫌った。

For a minute he was ruffled again at the mere thought of it, and then the fear that Meg would cry herself sick softened his heart, and sent him on at a quicker pace, resolving to be calm and kind, but firm, quite firm, and show her where she had failed in her duty to her spouse.

be ruffled (イライラする) [動] be irritated or annoyed

at the mere thought of (思い出して) [名] the action of thinking about something

and then (そして) [接] after that; afterwards

the fear that (という恐怖) [名] an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat

would cry herself sick (泣きすぎて病気になってしまうかもしれない) [動] to shed tears

his heart (彼の心) [名] the organ that pumps blood around the body

and sent him on (彼を送り出した) [動] cause to go or be taken to a destination; arrange for the delivery of

at a quicker pace (足早に) [名] the rate at which someone or something moves or operates, or with which something happens or changes

resolving to be (決意し) [動] make a firm decision about

calm (落ち着いて) [形] not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other emotions

and kind (優しく) [形] having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature

but firm (しかし断固として) [形] not soft or yielding to the touch; hard

quite firm (断固として) [形] not soft or yielding to the touch; hard

and show her (彼女に指摘しようと) [動] cause or allow to be seen

where she had failed (彼女が怠った点) [名] the state or fact of not achieving the desired end or ends

in her duty (義務) [名] a moral or legal obligation

to her spouse (夫に対する) [名] a husband or wife

一瞬、彼はそれを思い出してまたイライラしたが、メグが泣きすぎて病気になってしまうかもしれないという恐怖が彼の心を和らげ、彼は落ち着いて優しく、しかし断固として、彼女が夫に対する義務を怠った点を指摘しようと決意し、足早に歩き出した。

Meg likewise resolved to be ‘calm and kind, but firm’, and show him his duty.

firm (断固とした) [形] not soft or yielding to pressure

メグもまた「落ち着いて優しく、しかし断固として」彼に彼の義務を示すことを決意した。

She longed to run to meet him, and beg pardon, and be kissed and comforted, as she was sure of being, but, of course, she did nothing of the sort, and when she saw John coming, began to hum quite naturally, as she rocked and sewed, like a lady of leisure in her best parlor.

hum (鼻歌を歌う) [動] sing with closed lips

rock (揺らす) [動] move or cause to move slowly and gently to and fro

彼女は彼に会いに走って行き、許しを請い、キスされて慰められたいと切望したが、もちろん、彼女はそのようなことは何もせず、ジョンが来るのを見ると、彼女は最高の応接室でくつろぐ女性のように、揺り椅子に座って裁縫をしながら、ごく自然に鼻歌を歌い始めた。

John was a little disappointed not to find a tender Niobe, but feeling that his dignity demanded the first apology, he made none, only came leisurely in and laid himself upon the sofa with the singularly relevant remark, “We are going to have a new moon, my dear.”

Niobe (ニオベ) [名] a woman in Greek mythology who was turned into a stone

singularly (奇妙に) [副] in a way that is very unusual or strange

relevant (関連した) [形] closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered

new moon (新月) [名] the phase of the moon in which it is in conjunction with the sun and invisible

ジョンは優しいニオベを見つけられなくて少しがっかりしたが、彼の尊厳が最初の謝罪を要求していると感じて、彼は何もせず、ただゆっくりと入って来て、ソファに横になり、「新月になるよ、愛しい人」と奇妙に関連した発言をした。

“I’ve no objection,” was Meg’s equally soothing remark.

remark (口調) [名] a comment or statement that expresses an opinion or reaction

「異議はないよ」とメグも同じように落ち着いた口調で言った。

A few other topics of general interest were introduced by Mr. Brooke and wet-blanketed by Mrs. Brooke, and conversation languished.

topic (話題) [名] the subject of a conversation or discussion

general interest (一般的な関心) [名] something that is interesting to most people

languish (途切れ途切れになる) [動] lose or lack vitality

ブルック氏が一般的な関心のある話題をいくつか持ち出したが、ブルック夫人が水を差したため、会話は途切れ途切れになった。

John went to one window, unfolded his paper, and wrapped himself in it, figuratively speaking.

figuratively (比喩的に) [副] in a metaphorical sense

ジョンは窓の1つに行き、新聞を広げ、比喩的に言えば、それに身を包んだ。

Meg went to the other window, and sewed as if new rosettes for slippers were among the necessaries of life.

rosette (ロゼット) [名] a round or oval decoration made of ribbon or fabric, gathered in the middle

メグは別の窓に行き、スリッパの新しいロゼットが生活必需品であるかのように縫い物をしていた。

Neither spoke.

どちらも口をきかなかった。

Both looked quite ‘calm and firm’, and both felt desperately uncomfortable.

firm (しっかり) [形] strong or solid

どちらも「落ち着いていてしっかり」しているように見えたが、どちらもひどく居心地が悪かった。

“Oh, dear,” thought Meg, “married life is very trying, and does need infinite patience as well as love, as Mother says.”

very trying (本当に大変で) [形] very difficult or annoying

infinite (無限の) [形] having no limits or end

「ああ、困ったよ」メグは思った。「結婚生活は本当に大変で、ママが言うように愛だけでなく無限の忍耐が必要だよ」

The word ‘Mother’ suggested other maternal counsels given long ago, and received with unbelieving protests.

suggest (思い出させる) [動] cause to be remembered

long ago (ずっと前に) [副] a long time ago

unbelieving (信じられない) [形] not believing

protest (抗議) [名] a statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something

ママ」という言葉は、ずっと前に与えられた他の母親の忠告を思い出させ、信じられない抗議を受けた。

“John is a good man, but he has his faults, and you must learn to see and bear with them, remembering your own.

「ジョンはいい男だけれど、欠点もあるし、あなたは自分の欠点を思い出しながら、彼の欠点を見て我慢することを学ばなければならない。

He is very decided, but never will be obstinate, if you reason kindly, not oppose impatiently.

be decided (決断力がある) [動] having or showing the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively

be obstinate (頑固である) [動] stubbornly refusing to change your opinion or to do what someone else wants you to do

彼はとても決断力があるけれど、あなたが優しく説得して、短気な態度で反対しなければ、決して頑固にはならないよ。

He is very accurate, and particular about the truth—a good trait, though you call him ‘fussy’.

accurate (正確な) [形] free from error; correct

particular (こだわる) [形] having a special liking for something

trait (特性) [名] a distinguishing characteristic or quality

彼はとても正確で、真実にこだわるのよ。あなたは彼を「うるさい」と言うけれど、それは良い特性よ。

Never deceive him by look or word, Meg, and he will give you the confidence you deserve, the support you need.

support (支え) [名] the activity of providing for or maintaining someone or something

決して態度や言葉で彼を欺いてはいけないよ、メグ。そうすれば、彼はあなたに相応しい信頼と必要な支えを与えてくれるでしょう。

He has a temper, not like ours—one flash and then all over—but the white, still anger that is seldom stirred, but once kindled is hard to quench.

flash (爆発) [名] a sudden and brief burst of light or heat

all over (終わる) [形] finished; completed

stir (かき立てる) [動] move or cause to move slightly

彼は私たちとは違って、一瞬で怒りが爆発するのではなく、めったに怒らないが、一度怒るとなかなか消えない、静かな怒りを持つ人です。

Be careful, be very careful, not to wake his anger against yourself, for peace and happiness depend on keeping his respect.

wake (向ける) [動] cause to become awake

彼の怒りを自分に向けないように、注意して、とても注意してね。平和と幸福は彼の尊敬を保つことにかかっているよ。

Watch yourself, be the first to ask pardon if you both err, and guard against the little piques, misunderstandings, and hasty words that often pave the way for bitter sorrow and regret.”

ask pardon (謝る) [動] express regret for a fault

err (間違える) [動] be wrong or mistaken

guard against (注意する) [動] take precautions against

misunderstanding (誤解) [名] a failure to understand something correctly

often (しばしば) [副] frequently; many times

pave the way for (道を開く) [動] make it possible for something to happen

自分を律しなさい。もし二人とも間違ったら、先に謝りなさい。そして、しばしば苦い悲しみや後悔の道を開く、小さな苛立ちや誤解、軽率な言葉に注意しなさい。」

These words came back to Meg, as she sat sewing in the sunset, especially the last.

come back (浮かぶ) [動] return to one's memory

夕暮れ時に座って裁縫をしていると、これらの言葉がメグの頭に浮かんだ。特に最後の一言が。

This was the first serious disagreement, her own hasty speeches sounded both silly and unkind, as she recalled them, her own anger looked childish now, and thoughts of poor John coming home to such a scene quite melted her heart.

disagreement (意見の相違) [名] a lack of consensus or approval

unkind (不親切な) [形] lacking in kindness or sympathy

recall (思い出す) [動] bring back to the mind

これが初めての深刻な意見の相違だった。彼女自身の軽率な言葉は、思い出してみると愚かで不親切に聞こえ、自分の怒りは子供じみているように思え、こんな場面に帰宅するかわいそうなジョンのことを思うと、彼女の心はすっかり溶けてしまった。

She glanced at him with tears in her eyes, but he did not see them.

彼女は涙を浮かべて彼をちらっと見たが、彼はそれに気づかなかった。

She put down her work and got up, thinking, “I will be the first to say, ‘Forgive me’”, but he did not seem to hear her.

彼女は仕事を置いて立ち上がり、「私が先に『許して』と言うよ」と思ったが、彼は彼女の声を聞いていないようだった。

She went very slowly across the room, for pride was hard to swallow, and stood by him, but he did not turn his head.

go across (横切る) [動] move from one side to the other

swallow (捨てる) [動] to put up with or tolerate

turn one's head (頭を向ける) [動] to move one's head so as to face in a different direction

彼女はプライドを捨てきれず、ゆっくりと部屋を横切って彼のそばに立ったが、彼は頭を向けなかった。

For a minute she felt as if she really couldn’t do it, then came the thought, “This is the beginning.

一瞬、彼女は本当にできないような気がしたが、それから「これが始まりなんだ。

I’ll do my part, and have nothing to reproach myself with,” and stooping down, she softly kissed her husband on the forehead.

do one's part (自分の役割を果たす) [動] do what one is expected to do

have nothing to (何もない) [動] not have anything to

reproach (責める) [動] express disapproval of or disappointment with

softly (優しく) [副] gently; lightly

私は自分の役割を果たすし、自分を責めることは何もない」と思い、身をかがめて夫の額に優しくキスをした。

Of course that settled it.

settle (決着がつく) [動] reach a decision about something

もちろんそれで決着がついた。

The penitent kiss was better than a world of words, and John had her on his knee in a minute, saying tenderly...

world (何よりも) [名] the earth and all the people living on it

後悔のキスは何よりも雄弁で、ジョンはすぐに彼女を膝に乗せ、優しく言った。

“It was too bad to laugh at the poor little jelly pots.

pot (ポット) [名] a small container with a handle, used for cooking or serving food

「かわいそうなゼリーポットを笑うなんてひどい。

Forgive me, dear.

許してね、あなた。

I never will again!”

will (する) [助] have something already planned or arranged; have something that is bound to happen; will

二度としないよ!」

But he did, oh bless you, yes, hundreds of times, and so did Meg, both declaring that it was the sweetest jelly they ever made, for family peace was preserved in that little family jar.

hundreds (何百) [名] the plural form of hundred

でも彼は、ああ、神のご加護を、そう、何百回もそうしたし、メグもそうした、二人ともそれは今まで作った中で一番甘いゼリーだと宣言した、家族の平和がその小さな家族の瓶の中に保存されていたからだ。

After this, Meg had Mr. Scott to dinner by special invitation, and served him up a pleasant feast without a cooked wife for the first course, on which occasion she was so gay and gracious, and made everything go off so charmingly, that Mr. Scott told John he was a lucky fellow, and shook his head over the hardships of bachelorhood all the way home.

special invitation (特別招待) [名] an invitation to a special event

first course (最初のコース) [名] the first dish served at a meal

gracious (優雅な) [形] characterized by kindness and courtesy

hardship (苦労) [名] something that is difficult to do or endure

bachelorhood (独身生活) [名] the state of being unmarried

all the way (首を振りながら) [副] to the full extent or degree possible

この後、メグは特別招待でスコット氏を夕食に招き、最初のコースに妻を焼かずに楽しい宴会を催したが、その際に彼女はとても陽気で優雅で、すべてがとても魅力的に進んだので、スコット氏はジョンに彼は幸運な男だと言い、独身生活の苦労に首を振りながら帰宅した。

In the autumn, new trials and experiences came to Meg.

秋になると、メグに新たな試練と経験が訪れた。

Sallie Moffat renewed her friendship, was always running out for a dish of gossip at the little house, or inviting ‘that poor dear’ to come in and spend the day at the big house.

renew (取り戻す) [動] make or become new, fresh, or strong again

dish (一杯) [名] a shallow, typically flat-bottomed container in which food is served

サリー・モファットは友情を取り戻し、いつも小さな家でゴシップをしたり、「あのかわいそうな人」を招待して大きな家で一日を過ごしたりしていた。

It was pleasant, for in dull weather Meg often felt lonely.

天気の悪い日にはメグはよく孤独を感じていたので、それはうれしいことだった。

All were busy at home, John absent till night, and nothing to do but sew, or read, or potter about.

absent (いない) [形] not present

potter (ぶらぶらする) [動] move or act in an unhurried or ineffective way

家ではみんな忙しく、ジョンは夜まで帰らず、裁縫をしたり、本を読んだり、ぶらぶらする以外に何もすることがなかった。

So it naturally fell out that Meg got into the way of gadding and gossiping with her friend.

fall out (起こる) [動] happen

get into (始める) [動] start doing something

gadding (遊び歩く) [動] go about idly or without purpose

gossiping (おしゃべりする) [動] talk about other people's private lives

だから、メグが友人と遊び歩いたり、おしゃべりしたりするのは自然なことだった。

Seeing Sallie’s pretty things made her long for such, and pity herself because she had not got them.

long for (欲しがる) [動] to feel a strong desire or wish for

pity (悲しむ) [動] feel sorrow or compassion for

サリーのきれいな品々を見て、メグはそんなものが欲しくなり、持っていないことを悲しんだ。

Sallie was very kind, and often offered her the coveted trifles, but Meg declined them, knowing that John wouldn’t like it, and then this foolish little woman went and did what John disliked even worse.

coveted (欲しがっている) [形] greatly desired

knowing (知っている) [動] be aware of

dislike (嫌がる) [動] have a feeling of aversion to

even worse (もっと嫌がること) [名] something that is even more unpleasant or undesirable

サリーはとても親切で、よくメグに欲しがっている小物をくれたが、メグはジョンがそれを好まないことを知っていたので断った。そして、この愚かな小娘はジョンがもっと嫌がることをした。

She knew her husband’s income, and she loved to feel that he trusted her, not only with his happiness, but what some men seem to value more—his money.

メグは夫の収入を知っていたし、夫が自分の幸せだけでなく、男性がより大切にすると思われるお金を自分を信頼して任せてくれることを嬉しく思っていた。

She knew where it was, was free to take what she liked, and all he asked was that she should keep account of every penny, pay bills once a month, and remember that she was a poor man’s wife.

be free to (自由に〜できる) [動] be allowed to

take (使う) [動] use

keep account of (記録する) [動] record

remember (忘れない) [動] not forget

メグはお金のありかを知っていて、好きなだけ使ってよかったし、ジョンがメグに求めたのは、一銭一銭を記録して、月に一度請求書を支払い、自分が貧乏人の妻であることを忘れないことだけだった。

Till now she had done well, been prudent and exact, kept her little account books neatly, and showed them to him monthly without fear.

till now (これまで) [副] up to the present time

prudent (慎重な) [形] acting with or showing care for the consequences of an action; careful

exact (正確な) [形] not deviating from truth or fact; accurate

keep (つける) [動] maintain in a specified state

account book (家計簿) [名] a book in which one's financial transactions are recorded

monthly (毎月) [副] once a month

without fear (恐れることなく) [副] without being afraid

これまでメグはうまくやってきたし、慎重で正確で、小さな家計簿をきちんとつけて、毎月恐れることなくジョンに見せていた。

But that autumn the serpent got into Meg’s paradise, and tempted her like many a modern Eve, not with apples, but with dress.

that autumn (その秋) [名] the autumn of that year

serpent (蛇) [名] a snake

しかし、その秋、蛇がメグの楽園に入り込み、多くの現代のイヴのように、リンゴではなくドレスでメグを誘惑した。

Meg didn’t like to be pitied and made to feel poor.

be pitied (哀れに思われる) [動] to be felt sorry for

be made to feel (~だと感じさせられる) [動] to be caused to feel

メグは哀れに思われるのも、貧乏だと感じさせられるのも嫌だった。

It irritated her, but she was ashamed to confess it, and now and then she tried to console herself by buying something pretty, so that Sallie needn’t think she had to economize.

economize (節約する) [動] be careful not to spend too much money or use too much of something

メグはイライラしたが、それを認めるのは恥ずかしく、時々、サリーがメグが節約しなければならないと思わないように、何かきれいなものを買って自分を慰めようとした。

She always felt wicked after it, for the pretty things were seldom necessaries, but then they cost so little, it wasn’t worth worrying about, so the trifles increased unconsciously, and in the shopping excursions she was no longer a passive looker-on.

feel wicked (罪悪感を覚える) [動] feel guilty

necessaries (必需品) [名] something that is absolutely essential

shopping excursion (買い物旅行) [名] a trip to a store or stores to buy goods

passive (受動的な) [形] acted upon and not acting

looker-on (見物人) [名] a spectator

メグはいつもその後で罪悪感を覚えたが、きれいなものはめったに必需品ではなかったが、値段が安いので心配する価値がなく、無意識のうちに些細なものが増え、買い物旅行ではもはや受動的な見物人ではなくなった。

But the trifles cost more than one would imagine, and when she cast up her accounts at the end of the month the sum total rather scared her.

cast up (計算する) [動] add up

account (計算) [名] a record of financial transactions

scare (びっくりさせる) [動] cause to become afraid or anxious

しかし、些細なものは想像以上に高くつき、月末に計算してみると、合計金額にメグはびっくりした。

John was busy that month and left the bills to her, the next month he was absent, but the third he had a grand quarterly settling up, and Meg never forgot it.

that month (その月) [名] the month being discussed

next month (翌月) [名] the month after the current month

be absent (不在) [動] not present

third (三ヶ月目) [名] the ordinal number of three

have a grand quarterly settling up (四半期決算を済ませる) [動] to finish the process of calculating and reporting a company's financial performance over a period of three months

ジョンはその月は忙しくて請求書をメグに任せ、翌月は不在だったが、三ヶ月目には四半期決算を済ませ、メグはそれを忘れることはなかった。

A few days before she had done a dreadful thing, and it weighed upon her conscience.

a few days before (数日前に) [名] a few days ago

数日前にメグは恐ろしいことをしており、それが良心を重くしていた。

Sallie had been buying silks, and Meg longed for a new one, just a handsome light one for parties, her black silk was so common, and thin things for evening wear were only proper for girls.

wear (服) [名] items of clothing

サリーは絹を買っていたし、メグは新しい絹を欲しがっていたが、パーティー用の素敵な薄手の絹が欲しかったし、黒い絹はありきたりだったし、夜会服用の薄手のものは若い娘にしか似合わなかった。

Aunt March usually gave the sisters a present of twenty-five dollars apiece at New Year’s.

apiece (一人) [副] for each one

New Year (お正月) [名] the first day of the year

マーチおばさんは、いつもお正月に姉妹に一人25ドルのプレゼントをくれた。

That was only a month to wait, and here was a lovely violet silk going at a bargain, and she had the money, if she only dared to take it.

only (たった) [副] and no more; and nothing else

take (買う) [動] buy or purchase

待つのはたった一ヶ月で、ここには素敵なすみれ色の絹が安く売られていて、お金さえあれば、勇気を出して買うだけだった。

John always said what was his was hers, but would he think it right to spend not only the prospective five-and-twenty, but another five-and-twenty out of the household fund?

hers (メグのもの) [代] belonging to or connected with her

would (だろうか) [助] used to express a polite request

prospective (将来の) [形] expected or likely to happen or become

five-and-twenty (25ドル) [名] the sum of five and twenty

fund (資金) [名] a sum of money saved or made available for a particular purpose

ジョンはいつも自分のものはメグのものだと言っていたが、将来の25ドルだけでなく、家計からさらに25ドルも使うことを正しいと思うだろうか?

That was the question.

それが問題だった。

Sallie had urged her to do it, had offered to lend the money, and with the best intentions in life had tempted Meg beyond her strength.

urge (促す) [動] try to persuade someone to do something

beyond (超えて) [前] on the other side of

サリーはメグにそうするように促し、お金を貸すと申し出て、人生で最高の意図を持ってメグを彼女の力を超えて誘惑した。

In an evil moment the shopman held up the lovely, shimmering folds, and said, “A bargain, I assure, you, ma’am.”

evil (不運な) [形] causing harm or injury

shopman (店員) [名] a man who works in a shop

shimmering (きらめく) [形] shining or glowing with a soft light

fold (布) [名] a piece of cloth that is folded

bargain (お買い得) [名] something that is bought or sold for a lower price than its usual or true value

assure (言う) [動] to tell someone something positively or confidently

不運な瞬間に店員は素敵にきらめく布を持ち上げ、「お買い得ですよ、奥様」と言った。

She answered, “I’ll take it,” and it was cut off and paid for, and Sallie had exulted, and she had laughed as if it were a thing of no consequence, and driven away, feeling as if she had stolen something, and the police were after her.

consequence (大したこと) [名] the effect, result, or outcome of something

police (警察) [名] the civil force of a state responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order

メグは「買います」と答え、布は切り取られ、支払いが済み、サリーは大喜びし、メグはまるで大したことがないかのように笑い、何かを盗んで警察に追われているような気持ちで車を走らせた。

When she got home, she tried to assuage the pangs of remorse by spreading forth the lovely silk, but it looked less silvery now, didn’t become her, after all, and the words ‘fifty dollars’ seemed stamped like a pattern down each breadth.

spread forth (広げる) [動] stretch out or open out

less (薄れ) [形] not as much or as many

stamp (刻印されている) [動] mark with a stamp

pattern (模様) [名] a repeated decorative design

家に帰ると、メグは素敵な絹を広げて後悔の念を和らげようとしたが、今では銀色が薄れ、結局似合わず、「50ドル」という言葉が幅の広い模様のように刻印されているように見えた。

She put it away, but it haunted her, not delightfully as a new dress should, but dreadfully like the ghost of a folly that was not easily laid.

haunt (つきまとう) [動] to visit frequently

delightfully (うれしく) [副] in a very pleasing manner

laid (寝かされる) [動] to be put to rest

メグはそれを片付けたが、新しいドレスのようにうれしくではなく、簡単には寝かされない愚行の亡霊のように恐ろしく、メグにつきまとう。

When John got out his books that night, Meg’s heart sank, and for the first time in her married life, she was afraid of her husband.

その夜ジョンが本を取り出した時、メグの心は沈み、結婚生活で初めて夫を恐れた。

The kind, brown eyes looked as if they could be stern, and though he was unusually merry, she fancied he had found her out, but didn’t mean to let her know it.

find out (見抜く) [動] to discover or notice something

優しい茶色の目は厳しい目にもなりうるように見え、彼はいつもになく陽気だったが、メグは彼が自分のことを見抜いているのではないかと想像したが、それを知らせようとはしない。

The house bills were all paid, the books all in order.

house bill (家の請求書) [名] a bill for the expenses of a household

book (帳簿) [名] a set of sheets of paper, parchment, or similar materials that are fastened together to hinge at one side

in order (整っている) [形] arranged or organized in a neat, tidy, or systematic way

家の請求書はすべて支払われ、帳簿はすべて整っていた。

John had praised her, and was undoing the old pocketbook which they called the ‘bank’, when Meg, knowing that it was quite empty, stopped his hand, saying nervously...

undo (開けようとする) [動] unfasten or untie

pocketbook (手帳) [名] a small booklike case for carrying money, typically having a compartment for paper money and several pockets for other items

bank (銀行) [名] a financial institution that provides a safe place to keep and exchange money

ジョンはメグをほめ、二人が「銀行」と呼んでいる古い手帳を開けようとしたが、メグはそれが空っぽだと知っていたので、彼の手を止め、神経質に言った。

“You haven’t seen my private expense book yet.”

book (帳) [名] a set of blank or ruled sheets of paper, parchment, or similar materials that are fastened together to hinge at one side

「あなたはまだ私の個人的な出費帳を見ていないよ」

John never asked to see it, but she always insisted on his doing so, and used to enjoy his masculine amazement at the queer things women wanted, and made him guess what piping was, demand fiercely the meaning of a hug-me-tight, or wonder how a little thing composed of three rosebuds, a bit of velvet, and a pair of strings, could possibly be a bonnet, and cost six dollars.

piping (パイピング) [名] a system of pipes

meaning (意味) [名] what is meant by a word, text, concept, or action

hug-me-tight (ハグミータイト) [名] a woman's short, close-fitting jacket

rosebud (バラのつぼみ) [名] the bud of a rose

possibly (どうして) [副] perhaps; maybe

ジョンは決してそれを見たいとは言わなかったが、メグはいつも彼にそうするように言い、女性が欲しがる奇妙なものに対する彼の男性的な驚きを楽しんでいた。そして、彼にパイピングとは何かを推測させたり、ハグミータイトの意味を激しく要求したり、3つのバラのつぼみ、少しのベルベット、1対の紐でできた小さなものがどうしてボンネットになり、6ドルもするのか不思議に思わせたりしていた。

That night he looked as if he would like the fun of quizzing her figures and pretending to be horrified at her extravagance, as he often did, being particularly proud of his prudent wife.

quiz (クイズにする) [動] question closely

extravagance (浪費) [名] spending money or resources freely and recklessly; lavish expenditure

その夜、彼はいつものように、彼女の数字をクイズにして、彼女の浪費に恐ろしいふりをして、彼の賢明な妻を特に誇りに思っているように見えた。

The little book was brought slowly out and laid down before him.

bring out (取り出す) [動] to cause to appear

小さな本がゆっくりと取り出され、彼の前に置かれた。

Meg got behind his chair under pretense of smoothing the wrinkles out of his tired forehead, and standing there, she said, with her panic increasing with every word...

get behind (後ろに回る) [動] move to the back of

pretense (ふり) [名] an act of pretending

panic (パニック) [名] sudden uncontrollable anxiety

メグは彼の疲れた額のしわを伸ばすふりをして彼の椅子の後ろに回り、そこに立って、言葉を重ねるごとにパニックを増しながら言った。

“John, dear, I’m ashamed to show you my book, for I’ve really been dreadfully extravagant lately.

「ジョン、あなた、あなたに私の本を見せるのが恥ずかしいの、だって、最近、本当にひどく浪費しているの。

I go about so much I must have things, you know, and Sallie advised my getting it, so I did, and my New Year’s money will partly pay for it, but I was sorry after I had done it, for I knew you’d think it wrong in me.”

私、あちこち出歩くから、いろいろ必要なのよ、サリーが買うように勧めたから買ったんだけど、お年玉で一部は払えるけど、買った後で後悔したよ、だって、あなたが私を間違っていると思うだろうってわかっていたから」

John laughed, and drew her round beside him, saying goodhumoredly, “Don’t go and hide.

ジョンは笑って、彼女を自分のそばに引き寄せ、上機嫌に言った、「逃げ隠れするな。

I won’t beat you if you have got a pair of killing boots.

beat (殴る) [動] hit repeatedly

君が素敵なブーツを買ったとしても、君を殴ったりはしない。

I’m rather proud of my wife’s feet, and don’t mind if she does pay eight or nine dollars for her boots, if they are good ones.”

don't mind (気にしない) [動] not object to or be troubled by

私は妻の足を誇りに思っているし、ブーツに8ドルか9ドル払っても、良いものなら気にしないよ」

That had been one of her last ‘trifles’, and John’s eye had fallen on it as he spoke.

fall on (落ちる) [動] land on

それは彼女の最後の「ささいなもの」の一つで、ジョンは話しながらそれに目を落とした。

“Oh, what will he say when he comes to that awful fifty dollars!” thought Meg, with a shiver.

come to (たどり着く) [動] reach a certain point

fifty dollars (50ドル) [名] an amount of money

「ああ、あの恐ろしい50ドルにたどり着いたら彼は何と言うだろう!」メグは震えながら考えた。

“It’s worse than boots, it’s a silk dress,” she said, with the calmness of desperation, for she wanted the worst over.

calmness (冷静さ) [名] the quality or state of being calm

「ブーツよりもっとひどい、絹のドレスなの」彼女は最悪の状況を終わらせたかったので、絶望の冷静さで言った。

“Well, dear, what is the ‘dem’d total’, as Mr. Mantalini says?”

Mr. Mantalini (マンタリーニ氏) [名] a character in the story

「さて、マンタリーニ氏が言うように、合計はいくらだ?」

That didn’t sound like John, and she knew he was looking up at her with the straightforward look that she had always been ready to meet and answer with one as frank till now.

sound like (聞こえる) [動] to seem to be

straightforward (真っ直ぐな) [形] going or directed straight ahead

それはジョンらしく聞こえなかったし、彼女は彼が彼女を真っ直ぐな目で見つめているのを知っていた。彼女は今までいつも率直に答える準備ができていた。

She turned the page and her head at the same time, pointing to the sum which would have been bad enough without the fifty, but which was appalling to her with that added.

sum (額) [名] a particular amount of money

add (加わる) [動] join or combine two or more things together

appalling (ぞっとする) [形] causing shock or dismay

彼女はページをめくると同時に頭を向け、50ドルがなくても十分にひどい額を指さしたが、それが加わったことで彼女はぞっとした。

For a minute the room was very still, then John said slowly—but she could feel it cost him an effort to express no displeasure—. . .

displeasure (不快感) [名] a feeling of annoyance or slight anger

しばらく部屋はとても静かだったが、ジョンはゆっくりと言った。しかし、彼女は彼が不快感を表明しないように努力しているのを感じることができた。

“Well, I don’t know that fifty is much for a dress, with all the furbelows and notions you have to have to finish it off these days.”

furbelow (装飾品) [名] a showy ornament or trimming

notion (小物) [名] a small article of haberdashery or household goods

「まあ、最近はドレスを仕上げるのに必要なすべての装飾品や小物があるので、50ドルがドレスに高額かどうかはわからない。」

“It isn’t made or trimmed,” sighed Meg, faintly, for a sudden recollection of the cost still to be incurred quite overwhelmed her.

trim (飾る) [動] decorate or embellish

faintly (かすかに) [副] in a faint manner

incur (かかる) [動] become subject to

overwhelm (圧倒する) [動] defeat completely

「まだ作ったり、飾ったりしていないの」とメグはかすかにため息をついた。まだかかる費用を突然思い出して、彼女はすっかり圧倒されてしまった。

“Twenty-five yards of silk seems a good deal to cover one small woman, but I’ve no doubt my wife will look as fine as Ned Moffat’s when she gets it on,” said John dryly.

twenty-five yards (25ヤード) [名] a unit of length equal to 3 feet or 36 inches

I've no doubt (間違いない) [名] a feeling of certainty

as fine as (同じくらい素敵) [形] very good

gets (着る) [動] receive

it (それを) [代] the thing or animal previously mentioned

on (着る) [副] in or into a position of contact or covering

dryly (辛口に) [副] in a matter-of-fact way

「25ヤードの絹は1人の小さな女性を覆うのに十分な量のようだが、私の妻がそれを着ればネッド・モファットの妻と同じくらい素敵に見えることは間違いない」とジョンは辛口に言った。

“I know you are angry, John, but I can’t help it.

「あなたが怒っているのは知っているよ、ジョン、でも仕方がないのよ。

I don’t mean to waste your money, and I didn’t think those little things would count up so.

あなたのお金を無駄にするつもりはないよ、それにこんな小さなものがそんなに高くつくとは思わなかった。

I can’t resist them when I see Sallie buying all she wants, and pitying me because I don’t.

resist (我慢する) [動] to stop oneself from doing something

サリーが欲しいものを全部買って、私が買わないからって私を哀れむのを見たら、私は我慢できないよ。

I try to be contented, but it is hard, and I’m tired of being poor.”

be contented (満足する) [動] be happy with what one has

be tired of (疲れる) [動] be bored with or annoyed by

私は満足しようと努力するけど、それは難しいし、貧乏であることに疲れたよ。」

The last words were spoken so low she thought he did not hear them, but he did, and they wounded him deeply, for he had denied himself many pleasures for Meg’s sake.

low (小さな) [形] not high or tall

wound (傷つける) [動] inflict a wound on

deny (禁じる) [動] refuse to admit the truth or existence of

最後の言葉はとても小さな声で話されたので、彼女は彼が聞こえていないと思ったが、彼は聞こえており、その言葉は彼を深く傷つけた、なぜなら彼はメグのために多くの楽しみを自分に禁じていたからだ。

She could have bitten her tongue out the minute she had said it, for John pushed the books away and got up, saying with a little quiver in his voice, “I was afraid of this.

bite one's tongue out (舌を噛み切りたいと思う) [動] to regret having said something

push away (押しのける) [動] move something away from oneself

quiver (震える) [動] shake or tremble slightly

彼女はそれを言った瞬間に自分の舌を噛み切りたいと思った、なぜならジョンは本を押しのけて立ち上がり、声を少し震わせながら言った、「私はこれを恐れていた。

I do my best, Meg.”

私は最善を尽くしている、メグ。」

If he had scolded her, or even shaken her, it would not have broken her heart like those few words.

break (傷つける) [動] cause a wound or injury to

もし彼が彼女を叱ったり、あるいは彼女を揺さぶったりしたとしても、それらの数語のように彼女の心を傷つけることはなかっただろう。

She ran to him and held him close, crying, with repentant tears, “Oh, John, my dear, kind, hard-working boy.

run to (走り寄る) [動] move quickly by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

repentant (後悔の) [形] feeling or showing regret or guilt for a wrong committed

hard-working (勤勉な) [形] working with energy and commitment

彼女は彼のところに走り寄り、彼を抱きしめて、後悔の涙を流しながら、「ああ、ジョン、私の愛する、優しい、勤勉な少年。

I didn’t mean it!

本気で言ったんじゃない!

It was so wicked, so untrue and ungrateful, how could I say it!

wicked (ひどい) [形] very bad or serious

untrue (真実ではない) [形] not true

とてもひどい、真実ではない、恩知らずなこと、どうしてそんなことを言えたんだろう!

Oh, how could I say it!”

ああ、どうしてそんなことを言えたんだろう!」

He was very kind, forgave her readily, and did not utter one reproach, but Meg knew that she had done and said a thing which would not be forgotten soon, although he might never allude to it again.

be very kind (とても親切だ) [動] be very nice

readily (すぐに) [副] without difficulty or hesitation

allude (言及する) [動] suggest or call attention to indirectly

彼はとても親切で、すぐに彼女を許し、一言も非難の言葉を発しなかったが、メグは、彼が二度とそのことに言及することはなくても、自分がしたことや言ったことがすぐに忘れ去られることはないだろうとわかっていた。

She had promised to love him for better or worse, and then she, his wife, had reproached him with his poverty, after spending his earnings recklessly.

for better or worse (どんなことがあっても) [副] in good times and bad

recklessly (無謀に) [副] without thinking or caring about the consequences of an action

彼女は彼をどんなことがあっても愛すると約束し、それから彼女、彼の妻は、彼の稼ぎを無謀に使い果たした後で、彼の貧しさをなじったのだ。

It was dreadful, and the worst of it was John went on so quietly afterward, just as if nothing had happened, except that he stayed in town later, and worked at night when she had gone to cry herself to sleep.

go on (過ごす) [動] continue in a specified way

それはひどいことだったが、最悪なのは、ジョンがその後、何も起こらなかったかのように静かに過ごしたことだった。ただ、彼は町に遅くまで残り、彼女が泣きながら眠りについた夜に仕事をしただけだった。

A week of remorse nearly made Meg sick, and the discovery that John had countermanded the order for his new greatcoat reduced her to a state of despair which was pathetic to behold.

a week (一週間) [名] a period of seven days

discovery (発見) [名] the act of finding something

countermand (取り消す) [動] to cancel or reverse an order or command

reduce (陥れる) [動] to make or become smaller or less

一週間の悔恨でメグはほとんど病気になり、ジョンが新しいコートの注文を取り消したことを知った彼女は、見るも哀れな絶望状態に陥った。

He had simply said, in answer to her surprised inquiries as to the change, “I can’t afford it, my dear.”

彼は、その変更に対する彼女の驚いた問いに答えて、「買う余裕がないんだよ」とだけ言った。

Meg said no more, but a few minutes after he found her in the hall with her face buried in the old greatcoat, crying as if her heart would break.

greatcoat (コート) [名] a heavy overcoat

メグはそれ以上何も言わなかったが、数分後、彼は彼女が玄関で古いコートに顔を埋めて、心臓が張り裂けそうに泣いているのを見つけた。

They had a long talk that night, and Meg learned to love her husband better for his poverty, because it seemed to have made a man of him, given him the strength and courage to fight his own way, and taught him a tender patience with which to bear and comfort the natural longings and failures of those he loved.

long talk (長い時間話し合う) [名] a conversation that lasts a long time

learn to love (愛するようになる) [動] come to love

make a man of (一人前の男にする) [動] make someone more mature or responsible

fight one's own way (自分の道を切り開く) [動] achieve something through one's own efforts

natural longing (自然な憧れ) [名] a strong desire for something

その夜、二人は長い時間話し合い、メグは夫の貧しさを愛するようになった。貧しさが彼を一人前の男にし、自分の道を切り開く強さと勇気を与え、愛する人の自然な憧れや失敗に耐え、慰めるための優しい忍耐を教えてくれたように思えたからだ。

Next day she put her pride in her pocket, went to Sallie, told the truth, and asked her to buy the silk as a favor.

put one's pride in one's pocket (プライドを捨てる) [動] to swallow one's pride

tell the truth (真実を告げる) [動] to be honest

翌日、彼女はプライドを捨ててサリーのところへ行き、真実を告げて、絹を買ってくれと頼んだ。

The good-natured Mrs. Moffat willingly did so, and had the delicacy not to make her a present of it immediately afterward.

have the delicacy (繊細さを持つ) [動] be sensitive or tactful

not to make (しない) [動] not to do

気立ての良いモファット夫人は喜んでそうしてくれ、その直後にそれをプレゼントにしない繊細さを持っていた。

Then Meg ordered home the greatcoat, and when John arrived, she put it on, and asked him how he liked her new silk gown.

order home (注文する) [動] to give an order for something to be delivered to one's home

like (思う) [動] to be fond of; to be pleased with

それからメグはコートを注文し、ジョンが帰宅するとそれを着て、新しい絹のドレスをどう思うか尋ねた。

One can imagine what answer he made, how he received his present, and what a blissful state of things ensued.

彼がどんな答えをしたのか、どんな風にプレゼントを受け取ったのか、どんなに幸せな状態になったのか、想像に難くない。

John came home early, Meg gadded no more, and that greatcoat was put on in the morning by a very happy husband, and taken off at night by a most devoted little wife.

in the morning (朝) [名] the period of time from sunrise to noon

at night (夜) [名] the period of time from sunset to sunrise

ジョンは早く帰宅し、メグは外出せず、そのコートは朝、とても幸せな夫に着せられ、夜には最も献身的な小さな妻に脱がされた。

So the year rolled round, and at midsummer there came to Meg a new experience, the deepest and tenderest of a woman’s life.

roll round (過ぎる) [動] pass by

come to (経験する) [動] have happen to

こうして一年が過ぎ、真夏にメグは女性の人生で最も深く優しい新しい経験をした。

Laurie came sneaking into the kitchen of the Dovecote one Saturday, with an excited face, and was received with the clash of cymbals, for Hannah clapped her hands with a saucepan in one and the cover in the other.

one Saturday (ある土曜日) [名] a day of the week

sneak (忍び込む) [動] go or come secretly or stealthily

saucepan (鍋) [名] a deep cooking pan with a handle and a lid

ある土曜日、ローリーは興奮した顔で鳩小屋の台所に忍び込んできて、シンバルの音で迎えられた。ハンナが片手に鍋、もう片方の手に蓋を持って手を叩いたからだ。

“How’s the little mamma?

「小さなママは元気?

Where is everybody?

みんなどこ?

Why didn’t you tell me before I came home?” began Laurie in a loud whisper.

帰ってくる前に教えてくれればよかったのに」とローリーは大きな声でささやき始めた。

“Happy as a queen, the dear!

「女王様のように幸せよ、あの子は!

Every soul of ’em is upstairs a worshipin’.

every soul (みんな) [名] every person

worship (礼拝) [名] the act of showing respect to God

みんな二階で礼拝してるよ。

We didn’t want no hurrycanes round.

hurrycane (ハリケーン) [名] a severe tropical storm with high winds and heavy rain

ハリケーンなんて来なくてよかったよ。

Now you go into the parlor, and I’ll send ’em down to you,” with which somewhat involved reply Hannah vanished, chuckling ecstatically.

ecstatically (恍惚とした) [副] in a state of intense joy or delight

さあ、居間にいらっしゃい、すぐにお呼びします」と、やや複雑な返事を残してハンナは恍惚とした笑いを漏らしながら姿を消した。

Presently Jo appeared, proudly bearing a flannel bundle laid forth upon a large pillow.

flannel (フランネル) [名] a soft woven fabric, usually of wool or a wool blend

やがてジョーが、大きな枕の上に置かれたフランネルの包みを誇らしげに抱えて現れた。

Jo’s face was very sober, but her eyes twinkled, and there was an odd sound in her voice of repressed emotion of some sort.

repressed (抑え込んだ) [形] held back or kept under control

ジョーの顔は真面目そのものだったが、目はきらきらと輝き、声には何かを抑え込んだような奇妙な響きがあった。

“Shut your eyes and hold out your arms,” she said invitingly.

hold out (伸ばす) [動] stretch out

「目を閉じて腕を伸ばして」と彼女は誘うように言った。

Laurie backed precipitately into a corner, and put his hands behind him with an imploring gesture.

back (後ずさりする) [動] move backwards

precipitately (慌てて) [副] in a hasty and reckless manner

ローリーは慌てて隅に後ずさり、懇願するような仕草で両手を後ろに回した。

“No, thank you. I’d rather not.

「いいえ、ありがとう。やめておくよ。

I shall drop it or smash it, as sure as fate.”

sure (確実に) [副] certainly; definitely

落とすか壊すか、運命のように確実に。」

“Then you shan’t see your nevvy,” said Jo decidedly, turning as if to go.

nevvy (甥) [名] the son of one's brother or sister

「それなら、あなたの甥には会えませんよ」とジョーは決然と言い、帰りかけるように振り返った。

“I will, I will! Only you must be responsible for damages.”

be responsible for (責任を負う) [動] be in charge of or have control over

「そうするよ、そうするよ! でも、損害はあなたが責任を負わなければならないよ。」

and obeying orders, Laurie heroically shut his eyes while something was put into his arms.

そして命令に従って、ローリーは何か腕に抱えさせられる間、勇敢に目を閉じた。

A peal of laughter from Jo, Amy, Mrs. March, Hannah, and John caused him to open them the next minute, to find himself invested with two babies instead of one.

invested (抱かされている) [動] put money into something with the hope of getting more money back

ジョー、エイミー、ママ、ハンナ、ジョンからの笑い声で、彼は次の瞬間目を開け、一人ではなく二人の赤ちゃんを抱かされていることに気づいた。

No wonder they laughed, for the expression of his face was droll enough to convulse a Quaker, as he stood and stared wildly from the unconscious innocents to the hilarious spectators with such dismay that Jo sat down on the floor and screamed.

no wonder (無理もない) [名] it is not surprising

droll (滑稽な) [形] amusing in an odd or whimsical way

Quaker (クエーカー教徒) [名] a member of the Religious Society of Friends

sit down (座り込む) [動] take or be in a sitting position

彼らが笑うのも無理はない、彼の顔の表情はクエーカー教徒を笑い転げさせるほど滑稽だった、彼は立って、無意識の無垢な赤ちゃんから陽気な観客を、ジョーが床に座り込んで叫ぶほど狼狽して、激しく見つめた。

“Twins, by Jupiter!” was all he said for a minute, then turning to the women with an appealing look that was comically piteous, he added, “Take ’em quick, somebody!

Jupiter (なんてこった) [名] the largest planet in the solar system

「双子だ、なんてこった!」と彼はしばらくの間それだけを言い、それから女性達の方をコミカルに哀れな懇願するような表情で振り返り、「誰か、早く連れて行ってくれ!

I’m going to laugh, and I shall drop ’em.”

笑いそうになって、落としてしまいそうだ。」

Jo rescued his babies, and marched up and down, with one on each arm, as if already initiated into the mysteries of babytending, while Laurie laughed till the tears ran down his cheeks.

initiate (知っている) [動] cause to begin

babytending (赤ちゃんの世話) [名] the care of a baby

ジョーは彼から赤ちゃんを救い出し、まるですでに赤ちゃんの世話の秘密を知っているように、両腕に一人ずつ抱えて行進し、ローリーは涙が頬を伝うまで笑った。

“It’s the best joke of the season, isn’t it?

「今季最高のジョークだろう?

I wouldn’t have told you, for I set my heart on surprising you, and I flatter myself I’ve done it,” said Jo, when she got her breath.

flatter oneself (自負する) [動] to have an unduly high opinion of oneself

get one's breath (息を整える) [動] to breathe normally again after being out of breath

あなたを驚かせようと決めていたから、あなたには言わなかったし、それができたと自負しているよ」とジョーは息を整えて言った。

“I never was more staggered in my life. Isn’t it fun? Are they boys?

be staggered (驚かされる) [動] be shocked or surprised

「人生でこれほど驚かされたことはない。楽しいでしょう? 男の子?

What are you going to name them?

go to (する予定である) [助] have something already planned or arranged; have something that is bound to happen; will

どんな名前にするの?

Let’s have another look.

have a look (見てみましょう) [動] to look at something

もう一度見てみましょう。

Hold me up, Jo, for upon my life it’s one too many for me,” returned Laurie, regarding the infants with the air of a big, benevolent Newfoundland looking at a pair of infantile kittens.

hold up (支える) [動] support or give assistance to

too many (多すぎる) [形] more than is wanted or needed

benevolent (慈悲深い) [形] well meaning and kindly

Newfoundland (ニューファンドランド) [名] a large dog with a thick black or brown coat

infantile (幼い) [形] of or relating to infants or infancy

私を支えて、ジョー、私の人生でこれは私には多すぎる」とローリーは答え、幼い子猫のペアを見ている大きくて慈悲深いニューファンドランドの空気で幼児を見た。

“Boy and girl. Aren’t they beauties?” said the proud papa, beaming upon the little red squirmers as if they were unfledged angels.

beam (輝かせる) [動] to shine brightly

squirmer (身悶えする者) [名] a person who squirms

unfledged (羽の生えていない) [形] not yet having developed feathers

「男の子と女の子。美人でしょう?」と誇らしげなパパは、まるで羽の生えていない天使であるかのように小さな赤い身悶えする者たちを輝かせながら言った。

“Most remarkable children I ever saw. Which is which?”

「私が今まで見た中で最も素晴らしい子供たちだ。どっちがどっち?」

and Laurie bent like a well-sweep to examine the prodigies.

prodigy (天才児) [名] a young person with exceptional qualities or abilities

そしてローリーは天才児たちを調べるために井戸のつるべのようにかがんだ。

“Amy put a blue ribbon on the boy and a pink on the girl, French fashion, so you can always tell.

put (付ける) [動] place, set, or attach

tell (見分けがつく) [動] communicate or express by speech or other methods

「エイミーは男の子に青いリボン、女の子にピンクのリボンを付けたのよ、フランス風にね、だからいつでも見分けがつくよ。

Besides, one has blue eyes and one brown.

それに、片方は青い目で、もう片方は茶色い目よ。

Kiss them, Uncle Teddy,” said wicked Jo.

uncle (おじ) [名] the brother of one's father or mother

テディおじさん、キスしてあげて」と意地悪なジョーは言った。

“I’m afraid they mightn’t like it,” began Laurie, with unusual timidity in such matters.

mightn't (かもしれない) [助] may not

timidity (臆病) [名] the quality or state of being timid

「彼らはそれを好まないかもしれない」とローリーはそんな事柄では珍しく臆病に言い始めた。

“Of course they will, they are used to it now.

will (好む) [助] be willing to

「もちろん好むよ、彼らは今ではそれに慣れているのよ。

Do it this minute, sir!” commanded Jo, fearing he might propose a proxy.

this minute (今すぐ) [副] immediately

proxy (代理人) [名] a person authorized to act for another

今すぐやって、おじさん!」とジョーは彼が代理人を申し出るかもしれないと恐れて命令した。

Laurie screwed up his face and obeyed with a gingerly peck at each little cheek that produced another laugh, and made the babies squeal.

screw up (しかめる) [動] to make a face

gingerly (そっと) [副] in a careful or cautious manner

squeal (悲鳴) [名] a high-pitched scream or cry

ローリーは顔をしかめて、小さな頬をそっとつついて従い、また笑い声を上げ、赤ちゃんを悲鳴を上げた。

“There, I knew they didn’t like it!

「ほら、彼らはそれを好まないって分かってた!

That’s the boy, see him kick, he hits out with his fists like a good one.

That's the boy (いいぞ) [他] used to express approval or encouragement

kick (蹴り) [名] a blow with the foot

hit (殴る) [動] strike with the hand or a weapon or other object

good one (いいやつ) [名] a person who is kind, generous, or friendly

いいぞ、蹴りを見ろ、いいやつみたいに拳で殴る。

Now then, young Brooke, pitch into a man of your own size, will you?” cried Laurie, delighted with a poke in the face from a tiny fist, flapping aimlessly about.

pitch into (投げつける) [動] to throw something at someone or something

aimlessly (あてもなく) [副] without a purpose or aim

さあ、若いブルック、自分と同じ大きさの男に投げつけろ、どうだ?」とローリーは叫び、小さな拳で顔を突かれたのを喜び、あてもなく羽ばたいた。

“He’s to be named John Laurence, and the girl Margaret, after mother and grandmother.

be named (名付けられる) [動] be given a name

John Laurence (ジョン・ローレンス) [名] a male name

「彼はジョン・ローレンスと名付けられ、女の子は母と祖母にちなんでマーガレットと名付けられる。

We shall call her Daisey, so as not to have two Megs, and I suppose the mannie will be Jack, unless we find a better name,” said Amy, with aunt-like interest.

mannie (男の子) [名] a male child

Jack (ジャック) [名] a character in the story

私たちは彼女をデイジーと呼ぶことにするよ、2人のメグがいないために、そして、もっといい名前を見つけない限り、男の子はジャックになると思うよ」とエイミーは叔母のような関心をもって言った。

“Name him Demijohn, and call him Demi for short,” said Laurie.

name (名付ける) [動] give a name to

short (略して) [形] of little length or duration

「彼をデミジョンと名付けて、略してデミと呼べばいい」とローリーは言った。

“Daisy and Demi, just the thing!

Demi (デミ) [名] a demigod

「デイジーとデミ、まさにその通り!

I knew Teddy would do it,” cried Jo clapping her hands.

テディならそうするだろうと思ったよ」とジョーは手を叩いて叫んだ。

Teddy certainly had done it that time, for the babies were ‘Daisy’ and ‘Demi’ to the end of the chapter.

テディは確かにその時にそれをやってのけたのだった、なぜなら、赤ちゃんたちはその章の終わりまで「デイジー」と「デミ」だったからだ。

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE: CALLS

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE (第29章) [名] a division of a book

CALLS (訪問) [名] a brief visit

第29章訪問

“Come, Jo, it’s time.”

「さあ、ジョー、時間よ」

“For what?”

「何の?」

“You don’t mean to say you have forgotten that you promised to make half a dozen calls with me today?”

「今日、私と一緒に半ダースも訪問する約束をしたのを忘れたなんて言わないでしょうね?」

“I’ve done a good many rash and foolish things in my life, but I don’t think I ever was mad enough to say I’d make six calls in one day, when a single one upsets me for a week.”

a good many (たくさん) [名] a large number

mad (狂った) [形] insane; crazy

one day (1日) [名] a period of 24 hours

「私は人生で無鉄砲で愚かなことをたくさんしてきたけど、1回で1週間も気分が悪くなるのに、1日に6回も訪問するなんて言うほど狂ったことはないと思う」

“Yes, you did, it was a bargain between us.

「そう、そう言ったのよ、それは私たちの間の約束だったよ。

I was to finish the crayon of Beth for you, and you were to go properly with me, and return our neighbors’ visits.”

私はあなたのためにベスのクレヨンを仕上げることになっていて、あなたは私と一緒にきちんと行って、近所の人の訪問に応えることになっていたのよ」

“If it was fair, that was in the bond, and I stand to the letter of my bond, Shylock.

bond (契約書) [名] a written agreement by which a person undertakes to perform a certain act for another, especially to pay a sum of money to that person

stand to (従う) [動] be likely to benefit from

Shylock (シャイロック) [名] the main antagonist in William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice

「それが公正なら、それは契約書に書いてあったし、私は契約書に従うよ、シャイロック。

There is a pile of clouds in the east, it’s not fair, and I don’t go.”

fair (良くない) [形] just or appropriate in the circumstances

go (行かない) [動] move at a regular and fairly rapid pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

東の空に雲が積み重なっている、天気は良くない、だから私は行かない」

“Now, that’s shirking.

shirk (怠慢) [名] the avoidance of work or responsibility

「それは怠慢よ。

It’s a lovely day, no prospect of rain, and you pride yourself on keeping promises, so be honorable, come and do your duty, and then be at peace for another six months.”

lovely day (いい天気) [名] a day with good weather

no prospect of rain (雨の心配もない) [名] no chance of rain

keeping promises (約束を守る) [名] the act of doing what one has said one will do

honorable (名誉にかけて) [形] worthy of honor or respect

do one's duty (義務を果たす) [動] carry out one's obligations

at peace (安らかに過ごす) [形] in a state of tranquility or quiet

another six months (また6ヶ月間) [名] an additional six months

今日はいい天気で、雨の心配もないし、あなたは約束を守ることに誇りを持っているのだから、名誉にかけて、来なさい、そして義務を果たして、それからまた6ヶ月間安らかに過ごしなさい」

At that minute Jo was particularly absorbed in dressmaking, for she was mantua-maker general to the family, and took especial credit to herself because she could use a needle as well as a pen.

at that minute (そのとき) [副] at that time

dressmaking (洋裁) [名] the art of making clothes

take credit (誇りに思う) [動] be proud of

needle (針) [名] a thin, sharp piece of metal with a point at one end and a hole for thread at the other

そのとき、ジョーは特に洋裁に熱中していた、というのも彼女は家族の洋裁師で、針もペンも使えることを特に誇りに思っていたからだ。

It was very provoking to be arrested in the act of a first trying-on, and ordered out to make calls in her best array on a warm July day.

be arrested (呼び止められる) [動] to be stopped or detained

trying-on (試着) [名] the act of putting on clothes to see how they fit or look

初めての試着の途中で呼び止められ、暑い7月の日に一番いい服を着て訪問に出かけろと命じられるのは、とても腹立たしいことだった。

She hated calls of the formal sort, and never made any till Amy compelled her with a bargain, bribe, or promise.

compel (強制する) [動] force or oblige (someone) to do something

bribe (賄賂) [名] a sum of money or other valuables given or promised to someone in order to persuade them to do something

彼女は形式的な訪問を嫌い、エイミーが取引、賄賂、約束で彼女を強制するまで決してしなかった。

In the present instance there was no escape, and having clashed her scissors rebelliously, while protesting that she smelled thunder, she gave in, put away her work, and taking up her hat and gloves with an air of resignation, told Amy the victim was ready.

in the present instance (今の状況では) [名] in this case

escape (逃げ道) [名] a way of getting out of a situation

clash (鳴らす) [動] to make a loud noise by striking together

rebelliously (反抗的に) [副] in a rebellious manner

smell (匂いがする) [動] to sense the odor of

give in (降参する) [動] to stop resisting or opposing

resignation (諦め) [名] the act of giving up a position or office

今の状況では逃げ道はなく、雷の匂いがすると言いながら反抗的にハサミを鳴らした後、彼女は降参し、仕事を片付け、諦めた様子で帽子と手袋を取り、エイミーに犠牲者の準備ができたと告げた。

“Jo March, you are perverse enough to provoke a saint!

Jo March (ジョー・マーチ) [名] the main character of the story

perverse (ひねくれ者) [形] deliberately deviating from what is considered right or normal

provoke (怒らせる) [動] to cause to feel angry or annoyed

「ジョー・マーチ、あなたは聖人をも怒らせるくらいひねくれ者だ!

You don’t intend to make calls in that state, I hope,” cried Amy, surveying her with amazement.

make calls (訪問する) [動] visit someone

あなた、そんな格好で訪問するつもりじゃないでしょうね」とエイミーは叫び、驚いて彼女を眺めた。

“Why not? I’m neat and cool and comfortable, quite proper for a dusty walk on a warm day.

「どうして? 私はきちんとしていて、涼しくて、楽で、暖かい日に埃っぽい道を歩くのにとても適している。

If people care more for my clothes than they do for me, I don’t wish to see them.

人々が私よりも私の服を気にかけるのなら、私は彼らに会いたくない。

You can dress for both, and be as elegant as you please.

as you please (好きなだけ) [副] to the extent or degree that you wish

あなたは両方のために着飾って、好きなだけ優雅に振る舞うことができる。

It pays for you to be fine.

あなたが上品であることは報われる。

It doesn’t for me, and furbelows only worry me.”

do not (ない) [助] used to form the negative present tense

furbelow (フリル) [名] a gathered or pleated border or flounce on a garment

私には報われないし、フリルだけが私を悩ます。」

“Oh, dear!” sighed Amy, “now she’s in a contrary fit, and will drive me distracted before I can get her properly ready.

drive (させる) [動] to cause someone or something to move or be moved in a specified way

「ああ、困ったよ!」とエイミーはため息をついた、「今彼女は反対の態度をとっていて、私が彼女をきちんと準備させる前に私を混乱させるでしょう。

I’m sure it’s no pleasure to me to go today, but it’s a debt we owe society, and there’s no one to pay it but you and me.

I'm sure (確かだ) [句] I am certain

no pleasure (喜びではない) [名] not a pleasant thing

you and me (あなたと私) [代] the speaker and the person or people being spoken to

今日行くのは私にとって喜びではないのは確かだけれど、それは私たちが社会に負っている借金であり、あなたと私以外にそれを支払う人はいない。

I’ll do anything for you, Jo, if you’ll only dress yourself nicely, and come and help me do the civil.

do the civil (礼儀正しくする) [動] behave in a polite manner

ジョー、あなたがきちんとした服を着て、私に礼儀正しくするのを手伝ってくれたら、私はあなたのために何でもするよ。

You can talk so well, look so aristocratic in your best things, and behave so beautifully, if you try, that I’m proud of you.

aristocratic (貴族的) [形] of or relating to the aristocracy

あなたはとても上手に話せるし、あなたの一番いい服を着ればとても貴族的に見えるし、努力すればとても美しく振る舞えるので、私はあなたを誇りに思うよ。

I’m afraid to go alone, do come and take care of me.”

一人で行くのは怖いから、一緒に来てください。」

“You’re an artful little puss to flatter and wheedle your cross old sister in that way.

artful (ずる賢い) [形] skillful or clever in a way that is not honest

「あなたは、そんな風にあなたの気難しいお姉さんにお世辞を言って甘い言葉をかけるずる賢い子ね。

The idea of my being aristocratic and well-bred, and your being afraid to go anywhere alone!

well-bred (育ちがよい) [形] having or showing good manners

私が貴族的で育ちがよく、あなたが一人でどこかに行くのを怖がるなんて!

I don’t know which is the most absurd.

which (どちら) [代] the one or ones out of a set from which to choose

どちらがよりばかげているかわからないよ。

Well, I’ll go if I must, and do my best.

まあ、行かなければならないなら行って、ベストを尽くすよ。

You shall be commander of the expedition, and I’ll obey blindly, will that satisfy you?” said Jo, with a sudden change from perversity to lamblike submission.

commander (指揮官) [名] a person in charge of a military operation

あなたが遠征の指揮官になって、私は盲目的に従うよ、それで満足する?」とジョーは、突然、ひねくれ者から子羊のような従順さに変わった。

“You’re a perfect cherub!

「あなたは完璧な天使だよ!

Now put on all your best things, and I’ll tell you how to behave at each place, so that you will make a good impression.

さあ、一番いい服を着て、それぞれの場所でどう振る舞えばいいか教えてあげるから、いい印象を与えられるようにね。

I want people to like you, and they would if you’d only try to be a little more agreeable.

みんなにあなたを好きになってもらいたいの、もう少し愛想よくすればみんな好きになってくれるよ。

Do your hair the pretty way, and put the pink rose in your bonnet.

do one's hair (髪を結う) [動] arrange one's hair in a particular style

髪をきれいに結って、ボンネットにピンクのバラを飾りなさい。

It’s becoming, and you look too sober in your plain suit.

suit (服) [名] a set of clothes to be worn together, typically consisting of a jacket and trousers or skirt

似合うよ、地味な服だと真面目すぎるように見えるもの。

Take your light gloves and the embroidered handkerchief.

embroidered (刺繍の) [形] decorated with needlework

薄手の手袋と刺繍のハンカチを持って行きなさい。

We’ll stop at Meg’s, and borrow her white sunshade, and then you can have my dove-colored one.”

sunshade (日傘) [名] a parasol

メグのところに寄って、白い日傘を借りましょう、そうすれば私の鳩色の日傘を貸してあげられるよ。」

While Amy dressed, she issued her orders, and Jo obeyed them, not without entering her protest, however, for she sighed as she rustled into her new organdie, frowned darkly at herself as she tied her bonnet strings in an irreproachable bow, wrestled viciously with pins as she put on her collar, wrinkled up her features generally as she shook out the handkerchief, whose embroidery was as irritating to her nose as the present mission was to her feelings, and when she had squeezed her hands into tight gloves with three buttons and a tassel, as the last touch of elegance, she turned to Amy with an imbecile expression of countenance, saying meekly...

issue (出す) [動] produce or deliver

rustle (着る) [動] make a light, dry, swishing sound

organdie (オーガンジー) [名] a fine, transparent, stiff cotton fabric

irreproachable (非の打ちどころのない) [形] beyond criticism

shake out (広げる) [動] unfold or spread out

embroidery (刺繍) [名] the art or process of embroidering

irritating (刺激する) [形] causing annoyance, slight anger, or discomfort

mission (任務) [名] an important assignment or task

squeeze (押し込む) [動] exert pressure on from both sides

tassel (タッセル) [名] a tuft of threads, cords, or other material hanging from a knot or loop

imbecile (愚かな) [形] foolish or stupid

エイミーが着替える間、彼女は命令を出し、ジョーはそれに従ったが、抗議せずにはいられなかった、というのも、彼女は新しいオーガンジーを着るときにため息をつき、ボンネットの紐を非の打ちどころのないリボンで結ぶときには暗く顔をしかめ、襟をつけるときにピンと激しく格闘し、ハンカチを広げるときには顔全体にしわを寄せ、その刺繍は彼女の鼻を刺激し、現在の任務は彼女の感情を刺激し、優雅さの最後の仕上げとして、3つのボタンとタッセルのついたきつい手袋に手を押し込んだとき、彼女はエイミーに向かって愚かな表情で、おとなしく言った。

“I’m perfectly miserable, but if you consider me presentable, I die happy.”

presentable (人前に出られる) [形] fit to be seen in public

「私はとても惨めだよ、でもあなたが私を人前に出られると思うなら、私は幸せに死ねるよ。」

“You’re highly satisfactory.

「あなたは非常に満足です。

Turn slowly round, and let me get a careful view.”

turn round (回る) [動] change direction, position, or course

view (見解) [名] a way of regarding situations or topics

ゆっくりと回って、よく見させて。」

Jo revolved, and Amy gave a touch here and there, then fell back, with her head on one side, observing graciously, “Yes, you’ll do. Your head is all I could ask, for that white bonnet with the rose is quite ravishing.

revolve (回る) [動] move in a circular motion

give a touch (手を加える) [動] make a small change or addition to something

fall back (後ろに下がる) [動] move backwards

ask (望む) [動] express a wish for something

ravishing (素敵な) [形] extremely attractive

ジョーは回り、エイミーはあちこちに手を加え、それから頭を片側に傾けて後ろに下がり、優雅に観察した。「そう、あなたは大丈夫よ。あなたの頭は私が望むすべてです、バラのついた白いボンネットはとても素敵です。

Hold back your shoulders, and carry your hands easily, no matter if your gloves do pinch.

hold back (引く) [動] to keep from advancing

pinch (きつい) [動] to squeeze or compress something tightly, usually with the fingers

肩を後ろに引いて、手袋がきつくても手を楽に運びなさい。

There’s one thing you can do well, Jo, that is, wear a shawl.

ジョー、あなたが上手にできることが一つあるよ、それはショールを着ることよ。

I can’t, but it’s very nice to see you, and I’m so glad Aunt March gave you that lovely one.

できないけど、あなたに会えてとても嬉しいよ、そしてマーチおばさんがあなたにあの素敵なものをくれてとても嬉しいよ。

It’s simple, but handsome, and those folds over the arm are really artistic.

シンプルだけど素敵で、腕の上のひだは本当に芸術的ね。

Is the point of my mantle in the middle, and have I looped my dress evenly?

point (先) [名] the sharp end of a tool, weapon, or other object

loop (巻く) [動] form into a loop

evenly (均等に) [副] in a regular or even manner

私のマントの先は真ん中にあるかしら、そしてドレスを均等に巻いたかしら?

I like to show my boots, for my feet are pretty, though my nose isn’t.”

私はブーツを見せるのが好きよ、私の足はきれいだから、鼻はきれいじゃないけど。」

“You are a thing of beauty and a joy forever,” said Jo, looking through her hand with the air of a connoisseur at the blue feather against the golden hair.

look through (眺める) [動] to examine or inspect

connoisseur (鑑定家) [名] an expert judge in matters of taste

「あなたは美しいもので、永遠の喜びだ」とジョーは言い、金色の髪に映える青い羽を鑑定家のような態度で手を通して眺めた。

“Am I to drag my best dress through the dust, or loop it up, please, ma’am?”

loop up (巻き上げる) [動] fasten or wind around something

「私の一番いいドレスをほこりの中に引きずって行くべきでしょうか、それとも巻き上げるべきでしょうか、奥様?」

“Hold it up when you walk, but drop it in the house.

drop (下ろす) [動] cause to fall by releasing hold of

「歩く時は持ち上げなさい、でも家の中では下ろしなさい。

The sweeping style suits you best, and you must learn to trail your skirts gracefully.

sweeping (長い) [形] moving or extending in a long, smooth curve

長いスタイルがあなたに一番似合うし、優雅にスカートを引く方法を学ばなければならない。

You haven’t half buttoned one cuff, do it at once.

cuff (袖口) [名] the end of a sleeve, especially when it is turned back

片方の袖口のボタンを半分も留めていない、すぐに留めなさい。

You’ll never look finished if you are not careful about the little details, for they make up the pleasing whole.”

look finished (完成したように見える) [動] appear to be complete

little detail (細かい点) [名] a small aspect of something or an individual fact or item

make up (構成する) [動] constitute

pleasing whole (美しい全体) [名] a complete and attractive thing

細かい点に注意を払わないと、決して完成したようには見えないよ、細かい点が全体を美しくするのよ。」

Jo sighed, and proceeded to burst the buttons off her glove, in doing up her cuff, but at last both were ready, and sailed away, looking as ‘pretty as picters’, Hannah said, as she hung out of the upper window to watch them.

burst (破る) [動] break or cause to break suddenly and violently

sail away (出かける) [動] leave a place by ship

hang out (身を乗り出す) [動] spend time doing nothing in particular

upper window (二階の窓) [名] a window on the second floor of a building

ジョーはため息をつき、袖口を留めようとして手袋のボタンを破ってしまったが、ついに二人とも準備が整い、ハンナが二階の窓から身を乗り出して見送る中、「絵のようにきれい」な姿で出かけていった。

“Now, Jo dear, the Chesters consider themselves very elegant people, so I want you to put on your best deportment.

deportment (態度) [名] the way a person behaves

「さて、ジョー、チェスター家は自分たちをとても上品な人だと思っているのよ、だから、あなたには最高の態度で臨んでほしいの。

Don’t make any of your abrupt remarks, or do anything odd, will you?

あなたの唐突な発言をしたり、奇妙なことをしたりしないでね?

Just be calm, cool, and quiet, that’s safe and ladylike, and you can easily do it for fifteen minutes,” said Amy, as they approached the first place, having borrowed the white parasol and been inspected by Meg, with a baby on each arm.

ladylike (上品な) [形] appropriate for a well-bred woman

parasol (日傘) [名] a light umbrella used as a sunshade

inspect (検査する) [動] examine or inspect officially

落ち着いて、冷静に、静かにしていれば、安全で上品だし、15分くらいなら簡単にできるよ」とエイミーは言い、白い日傘を借りて、両腕に赤ちゃんを抱えたメグに検査してもらい、最初の場所に近づいた。

“Let me see. ‘Calm, cool, and quiet’, yes, I think I can promise that.

cool (冷静に) [形] having or showing little or no emotion

「ええと、「落ち着いて、冷静に、静かに」ね、うん、それは約束できると思う。

I’ve played the part of a prim young lady on the stage, and I’ll try it off.

play the part of (役を演じる) [動] act as

舞台では上品な若い女性の役を演じたことがあるから、それを試してみよう。

My powers are great, as you shall see, so be easy in your mind, my child.”

easy (安心) [形] free from worry or anxiety

私の力は偉大で、これからわかるだろうから、安心しなさい、私の子よ」

Amy looked relieved, but naughty Jo took her at her word, for during the first call she sat with every limb gracefully composed, every fold correctly draped, calm as a summer sea, cool as a snowbank, and as silent as the sphinx.

take someone at their word (言葉を真に受ける) [動] believe what someone says

first call (最初の訪問) [名] the first visit

compose (組む) [動] put together

drape (垂らす) [動] hang or arrange in a loose or flowing manner

calm (穏やか) [形] not stormy or disturbed

summer sea (夏の海) [名] the sea in summer

snowbank (雪の山) [名] a large mass of snow

エイミーは安心したように見えたが、いたずらっ子のジョーは彼女の言葉を真に受け、最初の訪問の間は、手足を優雅に組み、ひだを正しく垂らし、夏の海のように穏やかで、雪の山のように涼しく、スフィンクスのように静かに座っていた。

In vain Mrs. Chester alluded to her ‘charming novel’, and the Misses Chester introduced parties, picnics, the opera, and the fashions.

Mrs. Chester (チェスター夫人) [名] the wife of Mr. Chester

Misses Chester (チェスター嬢) [名] the daughters of Mr. Chester

チェスター夫人が彼女の「魅力的な小説」に言及し、チェスター嬢がパーティー、ピクニック、オペラ、ファッションを紹介しても無駄だった。

Each and all were answered by a smile, a bow, and a demure “Yes” or “No” with the chill on.

each and all (どれもすべて) [名] every single one

demure (冷静な) [形] reserved, modest, and shy

chill (冷静) [名] a feeling of coldness

どれもすべて、微笑み、お辞儀、そして冷静な「はい」または「いいえ」で答えられた。

In vain Amy telegraphed the word ‘talk’, tried to draw her out, and administered covert pokes with her foot.

draw out (誘い出す) [動] cause to come out

administer (つつく) [動] give or apply

covert (こっそり) [形] not openly acknowledged or displayed

エイミーが「話せ」と合図したり、彼女を誘い出そうとしたり、足でこっそりつついたりしても無駄だった。

Jo sat as if blandly unconscious of it all, with deportment like Maud’s face, ‘icily regular, splendidly null’.

blandly (無表情に) [副] in a bland manner

unconscious (意識していない) [形] not conscious

icily (氷のように) [副] in an icy manner

splendidly (見事なまでに) [副] in a splendid manner

null (無表情) [形] having no legal or binding force

ジョーは、まるでそのすべてを意識していないかのように、モードの顔のような態度で「氷のように規則正しく、見事なまでに無表情」で座っていた。

“What a haughty, uninteresting creature that oldest Miss March is!” was the unfortunately audible remark of one of the ladies, as the door closed upon their guests.

haughty (傲慢な) [形] arrogantly superior and disdainful

uninteresting (つまらない) [形] not interesting

unfortunately (不幸にも) [副] in an unlucky manner

audible (聞こえてしまう) [形] loud enough to be heard

close (閉まる) [動] move so as to cover an opening

「マーチ家の一番上の娘さんは、なんて傲慢でつまらない人なんでしょう!」と、客が帰った後、女性の一人が発した言葉が不幸にも聞こえてしまった。

Jo laughed noiselessly all through the hall, but Amy looked disgusted at the failure of her instructions, and very naturally laid the blame upon Jo.

instruction (指示) [名] a direction or order

ジョーはホールの間ずっと音を立てずに笑っていたが、エイミーは自分の指示が失敗したことに嫌気がさしたようで、当然のことながらジョーを責めた。

“How could you mistake me so?

mistake (誤解する) [動] to understand or interpret incorrectly

so (そんな風に) [副] in the manner or way mentioned

「どうして私をそんな風に誤解するのよ?

I merely meant you to be properly dignified and composed, and you made yourself a perfect stock and stone.

composed (落ち着いている) [形] calm and in control of your feelings

perfect (まるで) [形] complete; having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be

stock (石像) [名] a piece of wood or stone that has been carved into the shape of a person or animal

私はただ、あなたがきちんと威厳を持って落ち着いていればいいと思っただけなのに、あなたはまるで石像のようだったよ。

Try to be sociable at the Lambs’.

be sociable (社交的になる) [動] be friendly and pleasant

ラム家では社交的になるように努力しなさい。

Gossip as other girls do, and be interested in dress and flirtations and whatever nonsense comes up.

flirtation (浮気) [名] a brief romantic or sexual relationship

nonsense (くだらないこと) [名] something that is silly or foolish

他の女の子たちのようにおしゃべりをして、服装や浮気やくだらないことに興味を持ちなさい。

They move in the best society, are valuable persons for us to know, and I wouldn’t fail to make a good impression there for anything.”

move in (属する) [動] be a member of

彼らは上流社会に属していて、私たちが知っておくべき価値のある人たちだから、私はどんなことがあってもそこで良い印象を与え損なうようなことはしたくないよ。」

“I’ll be agreeable.

be agreeable (愛想よくする) [動] be pleasant to be with or deal with

「私は愛想よくするよ。

I’ll gossip and giggle, and have horrors and raptures over any trifle you like.

おしゃべりして、くすくす笑って、どんな些細なことでもあなたが望むように恐怖や歓喜を抱くよ。

I rather enjoy this, and now I’ll imitate what is called ‘a charming girl’.

私はむしろこれを楽しむよ、そして今から「魅力的な女の子」と呼ばれるものを真似するよ。

I can do it, for I have May Chester as a model, and I’ll improve upon her.

have (できる) [動] be able to do

私にはできるよ、だってメイ・チェスターをモデルにできるし、彼女より上手くやるよ。

See if the Lambs don’t say, ‘What a lively, nice creature that Jo March is!”

Lambs (ラム家) [名] the Lamb family

ラム家が「ジョー・マーチはなんて生き生きとした素敵な子なんだろう!」と言わないかどうか見てみなさい。

Amy felt anxious, as well she might, for when Jo turned freakish there was no knowing where she would stop.

as well (また) [副] in addition; also

turn freakish (気まぐれになる) [動] to become strange or unusual

there was no knowing (わからない) [動] to be unable to understand or comprehend something

エイミーは心配になった、ジョーが気まぐれになるとどこで止まるのかわからないからだ。

Amy’s face was a study when she saw her sister skim into the next drawing room, kiss all the young ladies with effusion, beam graciously upon the young gentlemen, and join in the chat with a spirit which amazed the beholder.

skim (滑り込む) [動] move or cause to move quickly and smoothly

effusion (熱烈に) [名] an unrestrained expression of emotion

ladies (女性たち) [名] a woman of good breeding, refinement, and education

gentlemen (紳士たち) [名] a man of good breeding, refinement, and education

chat (会話) [名] an informal conversation

spirit (元気さ) [名] the quality or state of being full of energy and life

beholder (見る者) [名] a person who looks at something

エイミーの顔は、姉が隣の応接室に滑り込み、若い女性たち全員に熱烈にキスをし、若い紳士たちに優雅に微笑みかけ、見る者を驚かせるような元気さで会話に加わるのを見た時の研究材料だった。

Amy was taken possession of by Mrs. Lamb, with whom she was a favorite, and forced to hear a long account of Lucretia’s last attack, while three delightful young gentlemen hovered near, waiting for a pause when they might rush in and rescue her.

Mrs. Lamb (ラム夫人) [名] a woman who is married to Mr. Lamb

force (強制する) [動] to make someone do something

hear (聞かされる) [動] to perceive with the ear

pause (休憩) [名] a temporary stop

rescue (助け出す) [動] to save someone or something from a dangerous or unpleasant situation

エイミーはラム夫人に捕まってしまった、彼女はラム夫人のお気に入りだったのだ、そしてルクレティアの最後の発作の長い話を強制的に聞かされた、その間、三人の素敵な若い紳士が近くをうろつき、彼女を急いで助け出せる休憩を待っていた。

So situated, she was powerless to check Jo, who seemed possessed by a spirit of mischief, and talked away as volubly as the lady.

so situated (そういう状況で) [副] in such a situation

powerless (無力な) [形] lacking the power to perform

check (止める) [動] stop or slow the progress of

volubly (雄弁に) [副] in a fluent or copious manner

そういう状況で、彼女はジョーを止めることができなかった、ジョーはいたずら心に取り憑かれているようで、その女性と同じくらい雄弁にしゃべり続けた。

A knot of heads gathered about her, and Amy strained her ears to hear what was going on, for broken sentences filled her with curiosity, and frequent peals of laughter made her wild to share the fun.

knot (人だかり) [名] a group of people

strain (そばだてる) [動] make an effort to hear or see something

broken (途切れ途切れ) [形] not continuous

彼女の周りに人だかりができ、エイミーは何が起こっているのか聞こうと耳をそばだてた、途切れ途切れの文が彼女を好奇心でいっぱいにし、頻繁に起こる笑い声が彼女をその楽しみに加わりたい気持ちにさせた。

One may imagine her suffering on overhearing fragments of this sort of conversation.

suffering (苦しみ) [名] the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship

このような会話の断片を耳にした彼女の苦しみは想像に難くない。

“She rides splendidly. Who taught her?”

splendidly (見事に) [副] in a very impressive way

「彼女は見事に乗馬する。誰が彼女に教えたのか?」

“No one. She used to practice mounting, holding the reins, and sitting straight on an old saddle in a tree.

「誰も。彼女は馬に乗り、手綱を握り、木の上の古い鞍にまっすぐ座る練習をしていた。

Now she rides anything, for she doesn’t know what fear is, and the stableman lets her have horses cheap because she trains them to carry ladies so well.

stableman (馬丁) [名] a man who works in a stable

今では彼女は何にでも乗る、恐怖というものを知らないからだ、そして馬丁は彼女に馬を安く貸す、彼女が馬を女性を乗せるようにとてもよく訓練するからだ。

She has such a passion for it, I often tell her if everything else fails, she can be a horsebreaker, and get her living so.”

have a passion for (情熱を持つ) [動] to be extremely enthusiastic about something

horsebreaker (調教師) [名] a person who trains horses

get one's living (生計を立てる) [動] to earn enough money to support oneself

彼女はそれにとても情熱を持っているので、私はよく彼女に、もし他の全てが失敗しても、彼女は調教師になって、それで生計を立てることができると話す。」

At this awful speech Amy contained herself with difficulty, for the impression was being given that she was rather a fast young lady, which was her especial aversion.

contain (我慢する) [動] to hold or keep within limits

difficulty (苦労) [名] a problem; a situation that is hard to deal with

このひどい言葉にエイミーは我慢するのに苦労した、なぜなら彼女はどちらかというと軽薄な若い女性であるという印象を与えていたからで、それは彼女が特に嫌悪していることだった。

But what could she do?

しかし彼女に何ができるだろうか?

For the old lady was in the middle of her story, and long before it was done, Jo was off again, making more droll revelations and committing still more fearful blunders.

in the middle of (途中) [前] in the process of doing something

revelation (暴露) [名] the making known of something that was previously secret

老婦人は話の途中だったし、それが終わるずっと前に、ジョーはまた飛び出し、もっと滑稽な暴露をしたり、もっと恐ろしい失態を犯したりした。

“Yes, Amy was in despair that day, for all the good beasts were gone, and of three left, one was lame, one blind, and the other so balky that you had to put dirt in his mouth before he would start.

gone (出払っている) [動] be no longer present

blind (盲目) [形] unable to see; sightless

balky (気難しい) [形] unwilling to cooperate or do what is wanted

start (出発) [動] begin a journey

「そう、エイミーはその日絶望していた、なぜなら良い馬は全て出払っていて、残った三頭のうち一頭は足が不自由で、一頭は盲目で、もう一頭は非常に気難しいので、出発させる前に口に土を入れなければならなかった。

Nice animal for a pleasure party, wasn’t it?”

遊びに行くにはいい動物だったね?」

“Which did she choose?” asked one of the laughing gentlemen, who enjoyed the subject.

「彼女はどれを選んだんだ?」と、この話題を楽しんでいる笑っている紳士の一人がつぶやいた。

“None of them. She heard of a young horse at the farm house over the river, and though a lady had never ridden him, she resolved to try, because he was handsome and spirited.

none of (どれも~ない) [代] not one of

farm house (農家) [名] a house on a farm

spirited (元気) [形] full of energy and life

「どれも選ばなかった。彼女は川の向こうの農家にいる若い馬のことを聞き、女性が乗ったことはなかったが、ハンサムで元気だったので乗ってみようと決心した。

Her struggles were really pathetic.

struggle (奮闘) [名] a violent effort to get free

彼女の奮闘は本当に哀れだった。

There was no one to bring the horse to the saddle, so she took the saddle to the horse.

馬を鞍に連れて行く人がいなかったので、彼女は鞍を馬のところに持っていった。

My dear creature, she actually rowed it over the river, put it on her head, and marched up to the barn to the utter amazement of the old man!”

barn (納屋) [名] a large farm building used for storing grain or housing livestock

私の愛しい人、彼女は実際にそれを川を渡って漕ぎ、頭に乗せて、老人を驚かせながら納屋まで行進したんだ!」

“Did she ride the horse?”

「彼女は馬に乗ったの?」

“Of course she did, and had a capital time.

「もちろん乗ったよ、そしてとても楽しんだ。

I expected to see her brought home in fragments, but she managed him perfectly, and was the life of the party.”

私は彼女がバラバラになって家に連れて帰られると思っていたが、彼女は彼を完璧に扱い、パーティーの人気者だった。」

“Well, I call that plucky!”

plucky (勇敢な) [形] courageous and determined

「まあ、私はそれを勇敢と呼ぶよ!」

and young Mr. Lamb turned an approving glance upon Amy, wondering what his mother could be saying to make the girl look so red and uncomfortable.

Mr. Lamb (ラム氏) [名] a man with the surname Lamb

そして若いラム氏は、母親が何を言ったら少女がそんなに赤くなって居心地が悪そうにしているのかと思いながら、エイミーを認めるようにちらっと見た。

She was still redder and more uncomfortable a moment after, when a sudden turn in the conversation introduced the subject of dress.

redder (赤くなり) [形] of a color at the end of the color spectrum next to orange and opposite violet, as of blood, fire, or rubies

turn (変わる) [動] change in direction, position, or course

introduce (変わる) [動] bring (something) into existence or use

彼女はさらに赤くなり、会話が急に服装の話題に変わったときにはさらに居心地が悪くなった。

One of the young ladies asked Jo where she got the pretty drab hat she wore to the picnic and stupid Jo, instead of mentioning the place where it was bought two years ago, must needs answer with unnecessary frankness, “Oh, Amy painted it.

drab (灰色の) [形] lacking in color

two years ago (二年前) [名] the time two years before the present

unnecessary (不必要に) [形] not needed

frankness (率直に) [名] the quality of being honest and direct in speech or writing

paint (塗る) [動] cover the surface of (something) with paint or a similar substance

若い女性の一人ジョーがピクニックに被って来たきれいな灰色の帽子をどこで手に入れたのか尋ね、愚かなジョーは、二年前に買った場所を言う代わりに、不必要に率直に答えた。「ああ、エイミーが塗ったのよ。

You can’t buy those soft shades, so we paint ours any color we like.

shade (色合い) [名] a color, especially with regard to its light and dark qualities

あんな柔らかい色合いの帽子は買えないから、私たちは好きな色に塗るの。

It’s a great comfort to have an artistic sister.”

芸術的な姉妹がいるのは本当に心強いよ。」

“Isn’t that an original idea?” cried Miss Lamb, who found Jo great fun.

「それは独創的な考えね」とジョーをとても面白いと思ったラム嬢が叫んだ。

“That’s nothing compared to some of her brilliant performances.

compare to (比べる) [動] estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between

brilliant (素晴らしい) [形] exceptionally clever or talented

「それは彼女の素晴らしいパフォーマンスのいくつかと比べたら何でもないよ。

There’s nothing the child can’t do.

あの子にできないことは何もないよ。

Why, she wanted a pair of blue boots for Sallie’s party, so she just painted her soiled white ones the loveliest shade of sky blue you ever saw, and they looked exactly like satin,” added Jo, with an air of pride in her sister’s accomplishments that exasperated Amy till she felt that it would be a relief to throw her cardcase at her.

satin (サテン) [名] a smooth, glossy fabric, usually of silk, with a dull back

exasperate (憤慨させる) [動] irritate intensely

cardcase (名刺入れ) [名] a small case for carrying business cards

だって、彼女はサリーのパーティーのために青いブーツが欲しかったのに、汚れた白いブーツを今まで見た中で一番素敵な空色に塗っただけで、サテンそっくりに見えたのよ」とジョーは妹の功績を誇らしげに付け加えた。

“We read a story of yours the other day, and enjoyed it very much,” observed the elder Miss Lamb, wishing to compliment the literary lady, who did not look the character just then, it must be confessed.

Miss Lamb (ラム嬢) [名] the name of a person

just then (その時) [副] at that time

「先日、あなたのお話を読みましたが、とても楽しかったです」と、ラム嬢は、正直に言って、その時はキャラクターには見えなかった文学的な女性を褒めようと思って言った。

Any mention of her ‘works’ always had a bad effect upon Jo, who either grew rigid and looked offended, or changed the subject with a brusque remark, as now.

mention (言及) [名] a remark that briefly refers to something

have a bad effect (悪い影響を与える) [動] to cause harm or damage

grow rigid (硬直する) [動] to become stiff or inflexible

brusque remark (無愛想な言葉) [名] a rude or abrupt comment

彼女の「作品」について言及すると、ジョーはいつも悪い影響を受け、硬直して気分を害したように見えたり、今のように無愛想な言葉で話題を変えたりした。

“Sorry you could find nothing better to read.

「もっといい読み物が見つからなかったのは残念だ。

I write that rubbish because it sells, and ordinary people like it.

私がそんなくだらないものを書くのは、それが売れて、普通の人たちがそれを好むからだ。

Are you going to New York this winter?”

this winter (今年の冬) [名] the winter of this year

New York (ニューヨーク) [名] a state in the northeastern U.S.

今年の冬はニューヨークに行くの?」

As Miss Lamb had ‘enjoyed’ the story, this speech was not exactly grateful or complimentary.

complimentary (賛辞) [形] expressing a compliment

ラム嬢は物語を「楽しんで」いたので、この言葉は感謝や賛辞とは言えなかった。

The minute it was made Jo saw her mistake, but fearing to make the matter worse, suddenly remembered that it was for her to make the first move toward departure, and did so with an abruptness that left three people with half-finished sentences in their mouths.

make worse (悪化させる) [動] cause to become worse

make the first move (最初の行動を起こす) [動] take the initiative

do so (そうした) [動] do that

abruptness (突然) [名] suddenness

half-finished (半分終わった) [形] partially completed

言った瞬間にジョーは自分の間違いに気づいたが、事態を悪化させることを恐れて、突然、自分が出発に向けて最初の行動を起こす番だと思い出し、突然そうしたので、3人は口の中で半分終わった文を残した。

“Amy, we must go.

「エイミー、行かなくちゃ。

Good-by, dear, do come and see us.

さようなら、また来てね。

We are pining for a visit.

pine for (心待ちにする) [動] long for; yearn for

訪問を心待ちにしているよ。

I don’t dare to ask you, Mr. Lamb, but if you should come, I don’t think I shall have the heart to send you away.”

send away (お帰しする) [動] cause to go away; dismiss

ラムさん、あえてお願いするわけではないのですが、もし来てくださったら、お帰しする勇気はないと思います」

Jo said this with such a droll imitation of May Chester’s gushing style that Amy got out of the room as rapidly as possible, feeling a strong desire to laugh and cry at the same time.

imitation (真似) [名] the action of using someone or something as a model

May Chester (メイ・チェスター) [名] the name of a person

gushing (熱狂的な) [形] expressing great enthusiasm

rapidly (急いで) [副] with great speed

ジョーはメイ・チェスターの熱狂的なスタイルをとても滑稽に真似て言ったので、エイミーは笑いたい気持ちと泣きたい気持ちが同時に起こり、できるだけ早く部屋から出て行った。

“Didn’t I do well?” asked Jo, with a satisfied air as they walked away.

「私、うまくやったでしょう?」と、2人が歩き去る時にジョーは満足げに尋ねた。

“Nothing could have been worse,” was Amy’s crushing reply.

nothing (これ以上ひどいことはない) [名] not a thing; no single thing

could have been (あり得ない) [助] be able to have been

crushing (つぶやき) [形] overwhelming or oppressive

「これ以上ひどいことはないよ」というのがエイミーのつぶやきだった。

“What possessed you to tell those stories about my saddle, and the hats and boots, and all the rest of it?”

possess (とりつく) [動] have as a characteristic or quality

「私の鞍や帽子やブーツやその他もろもろについて、あんな話をするなんて、いったい何がとりついちゃったの?」

“Why, it’s funny, and amuses people.

「だって、面白いし、みんな喜ぶんだもの。

They know we are poor, so it’s no use pretending that we have grooms, buy three or four hats a season, and have things as easy and fine as they do.”

groom (馬丁) [名] a person employed to take care of horses

みんな私たちが貧乏だって知ってるんだから、馬丁がいたり、季節ごとに帽子を3つも4つも買ったり、みんなと同じように楽で上品な生活をしてるふりをしても無駄よ」

“You needn’t go and tell them all our little shifts, and expose our poverty in that perfectly unnecessary way.

shift (工夫) [名] a slight change in position, direction, or tendency

expose (さらけだす) [動] make visible

「私たちのささやかな工夫をみんなに話したり、貧乏をさらけだす必要なんてないよ。

You haven’t a bit of proper pride, and never will learn when to hold your tongue and when to speak,” said Amy despairingly.

a bit of (少しの) [名] a small amount of

proper (まともな) [形] of the required quality or standard

あなたには少しもまともなプライドがないのよ。いつ口を閉じて、いつ話せばいいのか、いつまでたっても学習しないのね」とエイミーは絶望的に言った。

Poor Jo looked abashed, and silently chafed the end of her nose with the stiff handkerchief, as if performing a penance for her misdemeanors.

look abashed (恥ずかしそうに見える) [動] appear embarrassed

chafe (こする) [動] rub or cause to rub against something

end (先) [名] the last part of something

penance (償い) [名] a punishment that you give yourself because you feel guilty about something you have done

かわいそうなジョーは恥ずかしそうに、自分の軽犯罪に対する償いをしているように、固いハンカチで鼻の先をこすった。

“How shall I behave here?” she asked, as they approached the third mansion.

「ここではどんなふうに振る舞えばいいの?」と彼女は3番目の邸宅に近づきながら尋ねた。

“Just as you please.

just as (お好きなように) [副] in the way that you want

「お好きなように。

I wash my hands of you,” was Amy’s short answer.

私はあなたには関知しないよ」というのがエイミーの短い答えだった。

“Then I’ll enjoy myself.

「それなら私は楽しむよ。

The boys are at home, and we’ll have a comfortable time.

have a comfortable time (楽しい時間を過ごす) [動] enjoy oneself

男の子たちは家にいて、私たちは楽しい時間を過ごすよ。

Goodness knows I need a little change, for elegance has a bad effect upon my constitution,” returned Jo gruffly, being disturbed by her failure to suit.

Goodness knows (神様はご存知だ) [間] an expression of surprise or disgust

constitution (体質) [名] the physical or mental state of a person

優雅さは私の体質に悪い影響を与えるので、私は少し変化が必要だということを神様はご存知だ」とジョーは不機嫌そうに答え、彼女が似合わないことに困惑した。

An enthusiastic welcome from three big boys and several pretty children speedily soothed her ruffled feelings, and leaving Amy to entertain the hostess and Mr. Tudor, who happened to be calling likewise, Jo devoted herself to the young folks and found the change refreshing.

Tudor (チューダー) [名] a member of the English royal dynasty that ruled from 1485 to 1603

happen (偶然) [動] take place by chance

3人の大きな男の子と数人のかわいい子供たちからの熱狂的な歓迎は、彼女の波立った感情を素早くなだめ、エイミーをホステスと、偶然同じように訪れていたチューダー氏をもてなすために残して、ジョーは若い人たちのために自分を捧げ、その変化が新鮮だと感じた。

She listened to college stories with deep interest, caressed pointers and poodles without a murmur, agreed heartily that “Tom Brown was a brick,” regardless of the improper form of praise, and when one lad proposed a visit to his turtle tank, she went with an alacrity which caused Mamma to smile upon her, as that motherly lady settled the cap which was left in a ruinous condition by filial hugs, bearlike but affectionate, and dearer to her than the most faultless coiffure from the hands of an inspired Frenchwoman.

pointer (ポインター) [名] a large, short-haired breed of dog

murmur (不平) [名] a low, indistinct sound

Tom Brown (トム・ブラウン) [名] the main character in Thomas Hughes's novel Tom Brown's School Days

brick (レンガ) [名] a small, rectangular block of clay, used in building

form (形式) [名] the way that something is done or presented

tank (水槽) [名] a large container for holding liquid

alacrity (敏捷さ) [名] brisk and cheerful readiness

settle (かぶせる) [動] put something in a specified place

ruinous (破滅的な) [形] causing or likely to cause ruin

condition (状態) [名] the state of something

filial (親孝行の) [形] of or due from a son or daughter

bearlike (熊のような) [形] resembling a bear

dearer (大切な) [形] more beloved or esteemed

inspired (インスピレーションを受けた) [形] having had an idea or feeling that gives you the urge or ability to do something

彼女は大学の話を深い関心を持って聞き、ポインターやプードルを不平を言わずに愛撫し、不適切な賞賛の形式に関係なく「トム・ブラウンはレンガだった」と心から同意し、一人の少年が彼のカメの水槽への訪問を提案したとき、彼女は母親が彼女に微笑みかけるほどの敏捷さで行き、その母親のような女性は、親孝行の抱擁によって破滅的な状態に残された帽子をかぶせ、熊のようだが愛情深く、そして彼女にとって、インスピレーションを受けたフランス人女性の手による最も完璧な髪型よりも大切なものだった。

Leaving her sister to her own devices, Amy proceeded to enjoy herself to her heart’s content.

own device (思うまま) [名] one's own plan or method

proceed (楽しみ始めた) [動] start doing something

妹を自分の思うままにさせて、エイミーは心ゆくまで楽しみ始めた。

Mr. Tudor’s uncle had married an English lady who was third cousin to a living lord, and Amy regarded the whole family with great respect, for in spite of her American birth and breeding, she possessed that reverence for titles which haunts the best of us—that unacknowledged loyalty to the early faith in kings which set the most democratic nation under the sun in ferment at the coming of a royal yellow-haired laddie, some years ago, and which still has something to do with the love the young country bears the old, like that of a big son for an imperious little mother, who held him while she could, and let him go with a farewell scolding when he rebelled.

Mr. Tudor (チューダー氏) [名] a man

third cousin (三従兄弟) [名] the child of one's parent's second cousin

regard (尊敬する) [動] think highly of

birth (生まれ) [名] the beginning of life

reverence (畏敬の念) [名] a feeling of deep respect

unacknowledged (認められていない) [形] not recognized or admitted

faith (信仰) [名] a strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion

democratic (民主的な) [形] of or relating to democracy

ferment (混乱させる) [動] cause to be in a state of unrest or excitement

royal (王家の) [形] of or relating to a king or queen or their family

yellow-haired (黄金の髪の) [形] having hair of a yellow color

laddie (王子) [名] a young man

some years ago (数年前) [名] a period of time in the past

still (今でも) [副] even now; even so

have something to do with (関係がある) [動] be connected or associated with

チューダー氏の叔父は、生きている領主の三従兄弟であるイギリス人女性と結婚しており、エイミーは家族全員をとても尊敬していた。なぜなら、彼女はアメリカ生まれで育ったにもかかわらず、私たちの誰もが持つ称号への畏敬の念を持ち合わせていたからだ。それは、数年前、黄金の髪の王子がやってきたときに、太陽の下で最も民主的な国を混乱させた王への初期の信仰に対する、認められていない忠誠心であり、今でも若い国が古い国に抱く愛と関係がある。それは、横柄な小さな母親に対する大きな息子の愛のようなもので、母親はできる限り息子を抱きしめ、息子が反抗したときには別れの叱責とともに彼を手放した。

But even the satisfaction of talking with a distant connection of the British nobility did not render Amy forgetful of time, and when the proper number of minutes had passed, she reluctantly tore herself from this aristocratic society, and looked about for Jo, fervently hoping that her incorrigible sister would not be found in any position which should bring disgrace upon the name of March.

connection (親戚) [名] a relationship in which a person is connected with another person or thing

render (させる) [動] cause to be or become

forgetful (忘れる) [形] tending to forget

fervently (熱心に) [副] in a fervent manner

incorrigible (手に負えない) [形] not able to be changed or reformed

しかし、イギリス貴族の遠い親戚と話す満足感でさえ、エイミーに時間を忘れさせることはなく、適当な時間が経過すると、彼女はしぶしぶこの貴族社会から離れ、ジョーを探し回り、彼女の手に負えない妹がマーチの名前に恥をかかせるどんな立場にもいないことを熱心に願った。

It might have been worse, but Amy considered it bad.

もっとひどい状況だったかもしれないが、エイミーはそれをひどいと思った。

For Jo sat on the grass, with an encampment of boys about her, and a dirty-footed dog reposing on the skirt of her state and festival dress, as she related one of Laurie’s pranks to her admiring audience.

encampment (陣地) [名] a temporary camp

repose (横たわる) [動] lie or be laid to rest

relate (語る) [動] give an account of

ジョーは芝生の上に座り、周りには男の子たちが陣取っていて、汚れた足の犬が彼女の晴れ着のスカートの上に横たわっていた。彼女はローリーのいたずらの一つを、感心した聴衆に語っていた。

One small child was poking turtles with Amy’s cherished parasol, a second was eating gingerbread over Jo’s best bonnet, and a third playing ball with her gloves, but all were enjoying themselves, and when Jo collected her damaged property to go, her escort accompanied her, begging her to come again, “It was such fun to hear about Laurie’s larks.”

turtle (亀) [名] any of the order Testudines of reptiles with a body encased in a bony shell

second (二人目) [名] the second person or thing in a series

accompany (同行する) [動] go somewhere with someone

一人の小さな子供がエイミーの大切な日傘で亀をつつき、二人目はジョーの一番のボンネットの上でジンジャーブレッドを食べ、三人目は彼女の手袋でボール遊びをしていたが、みんな楽しんでいて、ジョーが傷んだ持ち物を集めて帰ろうとすると、彼女の護衛が同行し、「ローリーのいたずらの話を聞くのはとても楽しかった」とまた来るように頼んだ。

“Capital boys, aren’t they?

capital (いい) [形] very good

「いい子たちでしょう?

I feel quite young and brisk again after that.”

その後は、また若返った気分になるよ」

said Jo, strolling along with her hands behind her, partly from habit, partly to conceal the bespattered parasol.

bespatter (汚す) [動] splash with liquid or other wet matter

ジョーは、半分は習慣から、半分は汚れた日傘を隠すために、後ろ手に組んで歩きながら言った。

“Why do you always avoid Mr. Tudor?” asked Amy, wisely refraining from any comment upon Jo’s dilapidated appearance.

avoid (避ける) [動] keep away from or stop oneself from doing something

refrain (控える) [動] stop oneself from doing something

「どうしていつもチューダーさんを避けるの?」とエイミーは尋ねたが、ジョーのみすぼらしい外見については賢明にも何も言わなかった。

“Don’t like him, he puts on airs, snubs his sisters, worries his father, and doesn’t speak respectfully of his mother.

put on airs (気取った態度で) [動] behave in a way that is intended to impress others

snub (無視する) [動] ignore someone or something intentionally

speak respectfully (敬って話す) [動] talk about someone or something in a way that shows that you admire them

「彼は好きじゃないよ、気取った態度で、妹たちを無視して、父親を心配させ、母親を敬って話さない。

Laurie says he is fast, and I don’t consider him a desirable acquaintance, so I let him alone.”

ローリーは彼は軽薄だと言うし、私は彼が望ましい知り合いだとは思わないので、彼を放っておくのよ」

“You might treat him civilly, at least.

civilly (礼儀正しく) [副] in a polite and courteous way

「少なくとも、彼に礼儀正しく接することはできるでしょう。

You gave him a cool nod, and just now you bowed and smiled in the politest way to Tommy Chamberlain, whose father keeps a grocery store.

politest (丁寧な) [形] very polite

Tommy Chamberlain (トミー・チェンバレン) [名] a character in the story

keep (経営する) [動] have or maintain for use or service

あなたは彼に冷たく会釈しただけなのに、たった今、父親が食料品店を経営しているトミー・チェンバレンにはとても丁寧にお辞儀をして微笑んだよ。

If you had just reversed the nod and the bow, it would have been right,” said Amy reprovingly.

reverse (逆にする) [動] turn the other way around

reprovingly (非難するように) [副] in a way that expresses disapproval

会釈とお辞儀を逆にすればよかったのに」とエイミーは非難するように言った。

“No, it wouldn’t,” returned Jo, “I neither like, respect, nor admire Tudor, though his grandfather’s uncle’s nephew’s niece was a third cousin to a lord.

「いいえ、そうはならないよ」とジョーは答えた。「私はチューダーが好きでも、尊敬も、賞賛もしていないよ、彼の祖父の叔父の甥の姪が貴族の三従兄弟だったとしてもね。

Tommy is poor and bashful and good and very clever.

Tommy (トミー) [名] a male given name

トミーは貧乏で恥ずかしがり屋で善良でとても賢い。

I think well of him, and like to show that I do, for he is a gentleman in spite of the brown paper parcels.”

私は彼を高く評価しているし、そう思っていることを示したいの、だって彼は茶色の紙包みにもかかわらず紳士だもの。」

“It’s no use trying to argue with you,” began Amy.

argue (議論する) [動] exchange diverging or opposite views, typically in a heated or angry way

「あなたと議論しようとしても無駄だよ」とエイミーは始めた。

“Not the least, my dear,” interrupted Jo, “so let us look amiable, and drop a card here, as the Kings are evidently out, for which I’m deeply grateful.”

not the least (少しも) [副] not at all

interrupt (さえぎる) [動] to break the continuity of

look amiable (愛想よくする) [動] to appear friendly and pleasant

drop a card (カードを置く) [動] to leave a card at someone's house

out (留守) [形] not at home

「少しも、私の愛しい人」とジョーはさえぎった。「だから愛想よくして、ここにカードを置きましょう、キング家は明らかに留守で、そのことに私はとても感謝しています。」

The family cardcase having done its duty the girls walked on, and Jo uttered another thanksgiving on reaching the fifth house, and being told that the young ladies were engaged.

walk on (歩き続ける) [動] continue walking

thanksgiving (感謝) [名] the expression of gratitude

家族の名刺入れがその役目を果たしたので、娘たちは歩き続け、5軒目の家に着いて、若い女性たちが婚約していると告げられると、ジョーは再び感謝の言葉を口にした。

“Now let us go home, and never mind Aunt March today.

「さあ、家に帰りましょう、今日はマーチおばさんのことは気にしないで。

We can run down there any time, and it’s really a pity to trail through the dust in our best bibs and tuckers, when we are tired and cross.”

run down (走って行く) [動] go somewhere quickly

trail (歩く) [動] walk slowly and without hurry

tucker (服) [名] a piece of cloth used as a covering

いつでもあそこへ走って行けるし、疲れて不機嫌な時に、一番いいよそ行きの服を着て埃の中を歩くのは本当に残念だよ。」

“Speak for yourself, if you please.

speak for oneself (自分のことは自分で言う) [動] to express one's own opinion or feelings

please (ください) [動] to make happy or satisfied

「自分のことは自分で言ってください。

Aunt March likes to have us pay her the compliment of coming in style, and making a formal call.

マーチおばさんは、私たちがきちんとした服装で正式な訪問をすることで、彼女に敬意を払うのがお好きだよ。

It’s a little thing to do, but it gives her pleasure, and I don’t believe it will hurt your things half so much as letting dirty dogs and clumping boys spoil them.

小さなことだけど、彼女は喜ぶし、汚い犬やどたどた歩く男の子に服を台無しにされるよりは、半分も傷まないと思うよ。

Stoop down, and let me take the crumbs off of your bonnet.”

stoop down (かがむ) [動] bend one's head and body forward and downward

take off (取る) [動] remove something from a surface or place

かがんで、ボンネットのパンくずを取らせて。」

“What a good girl you are, Amy!” said Jo, with a repentant glance from her own damaged costume to that of her sister, which was fresh and spotless still.

damaged (傷んだ) [形] impaired or injured

spotless (汚れのない) [形] free from dirt or stains

「エイミー、なんていい子なの!」とジョーは、自分の傷んだ衣装から、まだ新しくて汚れのない妹の衣装へと悔い改めた視線を向けて言った。

“I wish it was as easy for me to do little things to please people as it is for you.

「私もあなたみたいに、人を楽しませるような小さなことが簡単にできたらいいのに。

I think of them, but it takes too much time to do them, so I wait for a chance to confer a great favor, and let the small ones slip, but they tell best in the end, I fancy.”

favor (親切) [名] an act of kindness

slip (見過ごす) [動] fail to be noticed or remembered

tell (一番いい) [動] be effective or successful

in the end (結局) [副] finally; ultimately

そういうことを考えはするけど、それをするには時間がかかりすぎるから、大きな親切をする機会を待って、小さな親切は見過ごしてしまうの。でも、結局は小さな親切が一番いいと思うよ。」

Amy smiled and was mollified at once, saying with a maternal air, “Women should learn to be agreeable, particularly poor ones, for they have no other way of repaying the kindnesses they receive.

be mollified (機嫌を直す) [動] to be made less angry or hostile

no other way (他に方法がない) [名] no alternative

repay (報いる) [動] to pay back

エイミーは微笑んで、すぐに機嫌を直し、母親のような態度で言った、「女性は愛想よくすることを学ぶべきよ、特に貧しい女性は、受けた親切に報いる方法が他にないのだから。

If you’d remember that, and practice it, you’d be better liked than I am, because there is more of you.”

それを覚えて実践すれば、あなたは私よりも好かれるよ、だってあなたの方が私より上手なんだから。」

“I’m a crotchety old thing, and always shall be, but I’m willing to own that you are right, only it’s easier for me to risk my life for a person than to be pleasant to him when I don’t feel like it.

feel like (気分) [動] to be inclined or disposed

「私は気難しい年寄りだし、これからもずっとそうだろうけど、あなたが正しいことは認めるよ、ただ、私にとって、誰かのために命をかける方が、気分でない時に愛想よくするよりも簡単なのよ。

It’s a great misfortune to have such strong likes and dislikes, isn’t it?”

isn't it (よね) [他] used to turn a statement into a yes-no question

そんなに好き嫌いが激しいのは大きな不幸よね?」

“It’s a greater not to be able to hide them.

be able to (できる) [助] have the ability to do something

「それを隠せないのはもっと不幸よ。

I don’t mind saying that I don’t approve of Tudor any more than you do, but I’m not called upon to tell him so.

don't mind (構わない) [動] be indifferent to

any more than (と同じように) [副] to the same extent as

call upon (言う必要) [動] request or require the presence of

私もあなたと同じようにチューダーを認めていないと言うのは構わないけど、彼にそう言う必要はないよ。

Neither are you, and there is no use in making yourself disagreeable because he is.”

there is no use in (する必要はない) [動] be pointless or futile

making (する) [動] cause to be or become

disagreeable (不愉快な) [形] unpleasant or unacceptable

あなたもそうする必要はないし、彼がそうだからといって自分を不愉快にする必要はないよ。」

“But I think girls ought to show when they disapprove of young men, and how can they do it except by their manners?

disapprove (認めない) [動] have or express an unfavorable opinion of

「でも、女の子は若い男性を認めないときには態度で示すべきだと思うし、態度以外にどうやって示せるの?

Preaching does not do any good, as I know to my sorrow, since I’ve had Teddie to manage.

preaching (説教) [名] the delivering of a sermon or religious address

説教は何も役に立たない、テディを管理するようになってから、私は悲しみを知ってるんだ。

But there are many little ways in which I can influence him without a word, and I say we ought to do it to others if we can.”

でも、言葉を使わずに彼に影響を与えることができる小さな方法はたくさんあるし、できれば他の人にもそうすべきだと思うよ。」

“Teddy is a remarkable boy, and can’t be taken as a sample of other boys,” said Amy, in a tone of solemn conviction, which would have convulsed the ‘remarkable boy’ if he had heard it.

conviction (確信) [名] a firmly held belief or opinion

「テディは優れた少年で、他の少年の見本にはならないよ」とエイミーは厳粛な確信の口調で言ったが、もしそれを聞いていたら「優れた少年」はひっくり返っていただろう。

“If we were belles, or women of wealth and position, we might do something, perhaps, but for us to frown at one set of young gentlemen because we don’t approve of them, and smile upon another set because we do, wouldn’t have a particle of effect, and we should only be considered odd and puritanical.”

approve (認める) [動] to have or express a favorable opinion of

puritanical (潔癖な) [形] practicing or affecting strict religious or moral behavior

「もし私たちが美人だったり、富と地位のある女性だったら、何かできるかもしれないけど、私たちが認めないからといって若い紳士たちに眉をひそめ、認めるからといって別の紳士たちに微笑みかけたところで、何の効果もないし、ただ奇妙で潔癖な人と思われるだけよ。」

“So we are to countenance things and people which we detest, merely because we are not belles and millionaires, are we?

countenance (容認する) [動] to accept or tolerate

millionaire (億万長者) [名] a person whose wealth is greater than one million dollars or pounds

「だから私たちは、美人でも億万長者でもないという理由だけで、嫌いな物や人を容認しなければならないの?

That’s a nice sort of morality.”

morality (道徳) [名] a system of values and beliefs concerning what is right and what is wrong

それはいい道徳ね。」

“I can’t argue about it, I only know that it’s the way of the world, and people who set themselves against it only get laughed at for their pains.

set oneself against (反対する) [動] be opposed to

pain (苦労) [名] mental or emotional suffering or torment

「それについては議論できないよ、それが世の中のやり方だということだけは知っているよ、それに反対する人はその苦労を笑われるだけよ。

I don’t like reformers, and I hope you never try to be one.”

reformer (改革者) [名] someone who works to make changes in the way that an institution or system operates

私は改革者が嫌いだから、あなたも改革者になろうとしないでほしいよ。」

“I do like them, and I shall be one if I can, for in spite of the laughing the world would never get on without them.

get on (前進する) [動] make progress; advance

「私は改革者が好きよ、できるなら私も改革者になるよ、笑われるにもかかわらず、世界は改革者なしでは決して前進しないよ。

We can’t agree about that, for you belong to the old set, and I to the new.

そのことについては合意できないよね、あなたは古い考えの持ち主で、私は新しい考えの持ち主だから。

You will get on the best, but I shall have the liveliest time of it.

liveliest (一番活発な) [形] full of life or energy

あなたはうまくやっていくでしょうけど、私はその中で一番活発な時間を過ごすでしょう。

I should rather enjoy the brickbats and hooting, I think.”

brickbat (批判) [名] a piece of brick used as a missile

hooting (野次) [名] a loud shout of derision or disapproval

私はむしろ批判や野次を楽しむと思うよ。」

“Well, compose yourself now, and don’t worry Aunt with your new ideas.”

「さて、落ち着いて、あなたの新しい考えで叔母さんを心配させないで。」

“I’ll try not to, but I’m always possessed to burst out with some particularly blunt speech or revolutionary sentiment before her.

burst out (爆発させる) [動] to suddenly say or do something

revolutionary (革命的な) [形] involving or causing a complete or dramatic change

「そうしないように努力するけど、私はいつも彼女の前で特に無愛想な言葉や革命的な感情を爆発させてしまう。

It’s my doom, and I can’t help it.”

can't help (どうしようもない) [動] be unable to do anything about

それは私の運命で、どうしようもないの。」

They found Aunt Carrol with the old lady, both absorbed in some very interesting subject, but they dropped it as the girls came in, with a conscious look which betrayed that they had been talking about their nieces.

Aunt Carrol (キャロルおばさん) [名] the aunt of the March sisters

absorb (夢中になる) [動] hold the attention of completely

drop (止める) [動] stop doing something

キャロルおばさんが老婦人といて、二人とも何かとても興味深い話題に夢中になっているのを見つけたが、少女たちが入ってくると、姪たちのことを話していたことを示す意識的な表情で、その話題を止めた。

Jo was not in a good humor, and the perverse fit returned, but Amy, who had virtuously done her duty, kept her temper and pleased everybody, was in a most angelic frame of mind.

humor (機嫌) [名] a state of mind

virtuously (立派に) [副] in a way that is morally good

frame of mind (心境) [名] a person's mental state

ジョーは機嫌が悪く、ひねくれた発作が戻ってきたが、自分の義務を立派に果たして、気分を保ち、みんなを喜ばせたエイミーは、最も天使のような心境だった。

This amiable spirit was felt at once, and both aunts ‘my deared’ her affectionately, looking what they afterward said emphatically, “That child improves every day.”

emphatically (強調して) [副] in a forceful or definite manner

improve (成長する) [動] become or make better

この愛すべき精神はすぐに感じられ、二人のおばはどちらも愛情を込めて「私の愛しい人」と言い、後で強調して言ったことを見ると、「あの子は毎日成長している」

“Are you going to help about the fair, dear?” asked Mrs. Carrol, as Amy sat down beside her with the confiding air elderly people like so well in the young.

fair (バザー) [名] a gathering of people for the sale of goods

elderly (年配者) [形] old or aging

young (若者) [名] a person who is relatively young

「あなたはバザーを手伝うつもりなの、ねえ?」とキャロル夫人は尋ねた。エイミーが年配者が若者に好むような信頼できる態度で彼女のそばに座ったとき。

“Yes, Aunt. Mrs. Chester asked me if I would, and I offered to tend a table, as I have nothing but my time to give.”

tend (世話をする) [動] regularly or frequently behave in a particular manner

「はい、おばさん。チェスター夫人が私に手伝うかどうか尋ねたので、私は時間しか差し出せるものがないので、テーブルの世話を申し出ました。」

“I’m not,” put in Jo decidedly.

「私はそうは思わない」とジョーは断言した。

“I hate to be patronized, and the Chesters think it’s a great favor to allow us to help with their highly connected fair.

be patronized (ひいきされる) [動] treat with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority

Chesters (チェスター家) [名] the Chester family

「私はひいきされるのが嫌いだし、チェスター家は私たちが彼らの非常につながりのあるバザーを手伝うことを許可するのは大きな恩恵だと思っている。

I wonder you consented, Amy, they only want you to work.”

エイミー、あなたが同意したなんて不思議だよ、彼らはあなたに働いてもらいたいだけよ。」

“I am willing to work.

「私は喜んで働きます。

It’s for the freedmen as well as the Chesters, and I think it very kind of them to let me share the labor and the fun.

freedman (解放奴隷) [名] a man who has been freed from slavery

それはチェスター家のためだけでなく、解放奴隷のためでもあるし、私に労働と楽しみを分かち合わせてくれるのは彼らのとても親切なことだと思っている。

Patronage does not trouble me when it is well meant.”

patronage (ひいき) [名] the support and encouragement given by a patron

trouble (気にする) [動] cause to be worried or anxious

善意のひいきなら私は気にしないよ。」

“Quite right and proper.

「全く正しいし、適切だ。

I like your grateful spirit, my dear.

あなたの感謝の精神が好きよ、私の愛しい人。

It’s a pleasure to help people who appreciate our efforts.

私たちの努力を評価してくれる人を助けるのは喜びだ。

Some do not, and that is trying,” observed Aunt March, looking over her spectacles at Jo, who sat apart, rocking herself, with a somewhat morose expression.

do not (そうでない人) [動] not do something

that is (それは) [代] the thing that has just been mentioned

sit apart (離れて座る) [動] sit away from others

somewhat (やや) [副] to a moderate extent or by a moderate amount

morose (不機嫌な) [形] sullen and ill-tempered

そうでない人もいるし、それは試練だ」とマーチおばさんは、離れて座り、やや不機嫌な表情で体を揺らしているジョーを眼鏡越しに見ながら言った。

If Jo had only known what a great happiness was wavering in the balance for one of them, she would have turned dove-like in a minute, but unfortunately, we don’t have windows in our breasts, and cannot see what goes on in the minds of our friends.

If Jo had only known (もしジョーが知っていたら) [名] a hypothetical situation

great happiness (大きな幸せ) [名] a state of well-being and contentment

waver (揺れる) [動] move or cause to move up and down or from side to side in an irregular or unsteady way

balance (天秤) [名] an instrument for weighing, typically a pair of scales or a beam suspended from a central pivot

one of them (そのうちの一人) [名] a member of a group of people or things

turn dove-like (鳩のようになってしまう) [動] become gentle and peaceful

もしジョーが、そのうちの一人にとってどんなに大きな幸せが天秤にかけられているのかを知っていたら、彼女はすぐに鳩のようになってしまっただろうが、残念ながら、私たちの胸には窓がなく、友人の心の中で何が起こっているのかを見ることができない。

Better for us that we cannot as a general thing, but now and then it would be such a comfort, such a saving of time and temper.

saving (節約) [名] the reduction in the amount of time or money spent

一般的にできない方が私たちにはいいのだが、時々それがとても楽で、時間と気分を節約できる。

By her next speech, Jo deprived herself of several years of pleasure, and received a timely lesson in the art of holding her tongue.

deprive (奪う) [動] take something away from someone

timely (時宜を得た) [形] happening or done at a good or suitable time

次のスピーチで、ジョーは数年間の楽しみを奪われ、口を閉ざす術について時宜を得た教訓を得た。

“I don’t like favors, they oppress and make me feel like a slave.

「私は好意は好きではない、それは私を抑圧し、奴隷のような気分にさせる。

I’d rather do everything for myself, and be perfectly independent.”

do everything (何でもする) [動] do all that is possible

be perfectly independent (完全に自立する) [動] be free from the influence, guidance, or control of others

私は自分で何でもして、完全に自立したい。」

“Ahem!” coughed Aunt Carrol softly, with a look at Aunt March.

cough (咳払いをする) [動] expel air from the lungs with a sudden sharp sound

「エヘン!」キャロルおばさんはマーチおばさんを見ながら、そっと咳払いをした。

“I told you so,” said Aunt March, with a decided nod to Aunt Carrol.

「言ったでしょう」マーチおばさんはキャロルおばさんに決然とうなずきながら言った。

Mercifully unconscious of what she had done, Jo sat with her nose in the air, and a revolutionary aspect which was anything but inviting.

mercifully (幸いにも) [副] in a merciful manner

幸いにも自分がしたことに気づかず、ジョーは鼻を空中に突き出し、招待されるどころか革命的な面持ちで座っていた。

“Do you speak French, dear?” asked Mrs. Carrol, laying a hand on Amy’s.

speak French (フランス語を話す) [動] to be able to communicate in French

lay a hand on (手を置く) [動] to touch someone or something with a hand

「フランス語は話せるのかい?」キャロル夫人はエイミーの手に手を置きながら尋ねた。

“Pretty well, thanks to Aunt March, who lets Esther talk to me as often as I like,” replied Amy, with a grateful look, which caused the old lady to smile affably.

as often as I like (好きなだけ) [副] as frequently as I want

「マーチおばさんのおかげで、かなり上手です。マーチおばさんは私が好きなだけエスターと話せるようにしてくれています」エイミーは感謝のまなざしを向け、老婦人は愛想よく微笑んだ。

“How are you about languages?” asked Mrs. Carrol of Jo.

how are you about (どう) [句] what is your ability in

「あなたは語学はどう?」キャロル夫人はジョーに尋ねた。

“Don’t know a word.

「一言も知りません。

I’m very stupid about studying anything, can’t bear French, it’s such a slippery, silly sort of language,” was the brusque reply.

brusque (無愛想な) [形] abrupt or offhand in manner

私は勉強がとても苦手で、フランス語は我慢できません。とても滑りやすくて、ばかげた言語です」と無愛想に答えた。

Another look passed between the ladies, and Aunt March said to Amy, “You are quite strong and well now, dear, I believe?

pass (交わされる) [動] be exchanged

女性たちの間でまた視線が交わされ、マーチおばさんはエイミーに言った、「あなたは今、かなり元気で健康なのよ、そうでしょう?

Eyes don’t trouble you any more, do they?”

trouble (痛む) [動] cause pain or discomfort to

目はもう痛くないよね?」

“Not at all, thank you, ma’am.

not at all (全く) [副] to no extent; in no way

「全く、ありがとうございます、奥様。

I’m very well, and mean to do great things next winter, so that I may be ready for Rome, whenever that joyful time arrives.”

mean to do (するつもりである) [動] have as one's intention or objective

next winter (来年の冬) [名] the winter of the year after this one

great thing (素晴らしいこと) [名] something that is very good or impressive

私はとても元気で、来年の冬には素晴らしいことをするつもりです。そうすれば、その楽しい時がいつ来てもローマに行く準備が整うでしょう。」

“Good girl! You deserve to go, and I’m sure you will some day,” said Aunt March, with an approving pat on the head, as Amy picked up her ball for her.

good girl (いい子) [名] a girl who behaves well

approving (撫でながら) [形] expressing approval

pat (撫でながら) [名] a light stroke or tap

on the head (頭を) [名] the upper part of the human body or the front or upper part of the body of an animal, typically separated from the rest of the body by a neck

「いい子ね! あなたは行く価値があるよ、いつかきっと行くよ」とマーチおばさんはエイミーが彼女のためにボールを拾ったときに、頭を撫でながら言った。

Crosspatch, draw the latch, Sit by the fire and spin,

draw (下ろす) [動] move or pull something in a specified direction

latch (掛け金) [名] a fastening for a door or window

気難しい人、掛け金を下ろして、火のそばに座って糸を紡いで、

squalled Polly, bending down from his perch on the back of her chair to peep into Jo’s face, with such a comical air of impertinent inquiry that it was impossible to help laughing.

bend down (身をかがめる) [動] move your body downwards

ポリーは椅子の背もたれに止まっていたところから身をかがめてジョーの顔をのぞき込み、笑わずにはいられないような滑稽な態度で無礼な質問をした。

“Most observing bird,” said the old lady.

「とても観察力のある鳥ね」と老婦人は言った。

“Come and take a walk, my dear?” cried Polly, hopping toward the china closet, with a look suggestive of a lump of sugar.

come and take a walk (散歩に行こう) [動] go for a walk

suggestive (連想させる) [形] making someone think of something

「散歩に行こうか、お嬢さん?」とポリーは叫び、砂糖の塊を連想させるような表情で食器棚に向かって飛び跳ねた。

“Thank you, I will. Come Amy.”

「ありがとう、そうするよ。エイミー、おいで」

and Jo brought the visit to an end, feeling more strongly than ever that calls did have a bad effect upon her constitution.

bring to an end (終える) [動] cause to finish or stop

than ever (これまで以上に) [副] more than ever before

have a bad effect (悪影響を及ぼす) [動] cause harm or damage

そして、ジョーは訪問を終え、訪問が彼女の体質に悪影響を及ぼしていることをこれまで以上に強く感じた。

She shook hands in a gentlemanly manner, but Amy kissed both the aunts, and the girls departed, leaving behind them the impression of shadow and sunshine, which impression caused Aunt March to say, as they vanished...

彼女は紳士的な態度で握手したが、エイミーは両方の叔母にキスをし、少女たちは影と日差しの印象を残して去り、その印象がマーチおばさんに彼女たちが姿を消したときにこう言わせた。

“You’d better do it, Mary. I’ll supply the money.”

supply (出す) [動] provide or furnish

「メアリー、そうした方がいいよ。お金は私が出すよ」

and Aunt Carrol to reply decidedly, “I certainly will, if her father and mother consent.”

キャロルおばさんは決然と答えた。「彼女の父親と母親が同意するなら、私は確かにそうするよ」

CHAPTER THIRTY: CONSEQUENCES

CHAPTER THIRTY (第30章) [名] the 30th chapter

CONSEQUENCES (結果) [名] the effect, result, or outcome of something

第30章: 結果

Mrs. Chester’s fair was so very elegant and select that it was considered a great honor by the young ladies of the neighborhood to be invited to take a table, and everyone was much interested in the matter.

select (選りすぐりの) [形] carefully chosen as being the best or most suitable

チェスター夫人の慈善市はとても上品で選りすぐりのものだったので、近所の若い女性たちはテーブルに招待されることをとても光栄に思っており、誰もがそのことにとても興味を持っていた。

Amy was asked, but Jo was not, which was fortunate for all parties, as her elbows were decidedly akimbo at this period of her life, and it took a good many hard knocks to teach her how to get on easily.

akimbo (腰に当てる) [形] with hands on hips and elbows turned outward

take (要する) [動] require

hard knock (苦労) [名] a difficult experience

get on (過ごす) [動] manage or fare in a particular way

エイミーは誘われたが、ジョーは誘われなかった。それは、彼女の人生においてこの時期は、彼女の肘が明らかに腰に当てられており、彼女が楽に過ごす方法を教えるのにかなりの苦労を要したので、すべての関係者にとって幸運なことだった。

The ‘haughty, uninteresting creature’ was let severely alone, but Amy’s talent and taste were duly complimented by the offer of the art table, and she exerted herself to prepare and secure appropriate and valuable contributions to it.

duly (十分に) [副] in accordance with what is required or appropriate

contribution (貢献) [名] a gift or payment given to a common fund or collection

傲慢でつまらない生き物」は厳しく放っておかれたが、エイミーの才能と趣味は芸術のテーブルの申し出によって十分に褒められ、彼女はそれに適切で価値のある貢献を準備し、確保するために努力した。

Everything went on smoothly till the day before the fair opened, then there occurred one of the little skirmishes which it is almost impossible to avoid, when some five-and-twenty women, old and young, with all their private piques and prejudices, try to work together.

smoothly (順調に) [副] without problems or difficulties

the day before (前日) [名] the day preceding the present day

some (およそ) [限] approximately

five-and-twenty (25) [名] the cardinal number that is the sum of five and twenty

prejudice (偏見) [名] preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience

慈善市が開かれる前日まではすべてが順調に進んでいたが、老いも若きも25人ほどの女性が、それぞれの私的な恨みや偏見を抱えながら一緒に仕事をしようとすると、避けることがほとんど不可能な小さな小競り合いが起こった。

May Chester was rather jealous of Amy because the latter was a greater favorite than herself, and just at this time several trifling circumstances occurred to increase the feeling.

favorite (人気がある) [形] liked or preferred above all others

this time (この時) [名] the present time

circumstance (出来事) [名] a fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action

メイ・チェスターはエイミーが自分よりも人気があるため、エイミーに嫉妬していたが、ちょうどこの時にいくつかの些細な出来事が起こり、その気持ちが強まった。

Amy’s dainty pen-and-ink work entirely eclipsed May’s painted vases—that was one thorn.

pen-and-ink (ペンとインク) [名] a drawing made with a pen and ink

eclipse (凌駕する) [動] be much greater or better than

painted (彩色した) [形] covered with paint

thorn (棘) [名] a sharp, pointed part of a plant

エイミーの優美なペンとインクの作品は、メイの彩色した花瓶を完全に凌駕していた。それは一つの棘だった。

Then the all conquering Tudor had danced four times with Amy at a late party and only once with May—that was thorn number two.

all conquering (すべてを征服した) [形] having conquered all

それから、すべてを征服したチューダーは、最近のパーティーでエイミーと4回踊り、メイとは1回しか踊らなかった。それが2つ目の棘だった。

But the chief grievance that rankled in her soul, and gave an excuse for her unfriendly conduct, was a rumor which some obliging gossip had whispered to her, that the March girls had made fun of her at the Lambs’.

rankle (巣くう) [動] cause a feeling of annoyance or slight anger

give an excuse (言い訳する) [動] offer an explanation for something

unfriendly (非友好的な) [形] not friendly

conduct (態度) [名] the manner in which a person behaves

しかし、彼女の魂に巣くい、彼女の非友好的な態度の言い訳となった主な不満は、マーチ家の娘たちがラム家で彼女をからかったという噂だった。

All the blame of this should have fallen upon Jo, for her naughty imitation had been too lifelike to escape detection, and the frolicsome Lambs had permitted the joke to escape.

blame (責任) [名] the state or fact of having done something wrong

fall upon (かかる) [動] be the responsibility of

naughty (いたずらな) [形] (of a child) badly behaved

lifelike (本物そっくり) [形] very realistic

escape (見破られない) [動] avoid or elude

frolicsome (ラム家の人々) [形] playful

permit (逃がしてしまう) [動] allow to do something

このすべての責任はジョーにあるべきだった。彼女のいたずらな真似は、あまりにも本物そっくりで、見破られないわけがなかったし、ラム家の人々は、そのジョークを逃がしてしまったのだ。

No hint of this had reached the culprits, however, and Amy’s dismay can be imagined, when, the very evening before the fair, as she was putting the last touches to her pretty table, Mrs. Chester, who, of course, resented the supposed ridicule of her daughter, said, in a bland tone, but with a cold look...

reach (届く) [動] stretch out so as to touch or grasp something

Chester (チェスター) [名] a city in the northwest of England

bland (穏やかな) [形] lacking strong features or characteristics

しかし、このことは犯人には伝わっておらず、エイミーの狼狽ぶりは想像に難くない。バザーの前夜、エイミーがきれいなテーブルに最後の仕上げをしていると、チェスター夫人が、もちろん娘が馬鹿にされたと思い込んで憤慨していたので、穏やかな口調で、しかし冷たい目で言った。

“I find, dear, that there is some feeling among the young ladies about my giving this table to anyone but my girls.

「お嬢さん、このテーブルを私の娘たち以外の誰かに渡すことについて、若い女性たちの間で何か感じていることがわかりました。

As this is the most prominent, and some say the most attractive table of all, and they are the chief getters-up of the fair, it is thought best for them to take this place.

prominent (目立つ) [形] important; famous

getter-up (主催者) [名] a person who organizes and manages an event

これが最も目立つテーブルであり、また最も魅力的なテーブルであると言う人もいますし、彼女たちがバザーの主催者でもあるので、彼女たちがこの場所に座るのが一番いいと考えられています。

I’m sorry, but I know you are too sincerely interested in the cause to mind a little personal disappointment, and you shall have another table if you like.”

cause (活動) [名] a principle, aim, or movement to which one is committed and which one is prepared to defend or advocate

personal (個人的な) [形] of or concerning one's private life, relationships, and emotions rather than matters connected with one's public or professional career

申し訳ありませんが、あなたは個人的な失望を気にするよりも、この活動に真剣に興味を持っていることを知っています。もしよろしければ、別のテーブルを用意しましょう」

Mrs. Chester fancied beforehand that it would be easy to deliver this little speech, but when the time came, she found it rather difficult to utter it naturally, with Amy’s unsuspicious eyes looking straight at her full of surprise and trouble.

deliver (話す) [動] to give or send out

utter (話す) [動] to say or express

unsuspicious (疑いのない) [形] not suspecting or mistrusting

full (満ちて) [形] having reached the limit

チェスター夫人は、この短いスピーチをするのは簡単だろうと前もって思っていたが、いざとなると、エイミーの疑いのない目が驚きと困惑に満ちて自分をまっすぐ見つめているのを前に、自然に話すのがかなり難しいことに気づいた。

Amy felt that there was something behind this, but could not guess what, and said quietly, feeling hurt, and showing that she did, “Perhaps you had rather I took no table at all?”

エイミーは、この背後に何かがあることを感じたが、それが何かは推測できず、傷ついた気持ちで、また傷ついていることを見せながら、静かに言った、「私がテーブルを全く取らない方がよかったのでしょうか?」

“Now, my dear, don’t have any ill feeling, I beg.

now (ねえ) [間] used to attract attention or to express surprise, disappointment, or disgust

have any ill feeling (嫌な気持ちになる) [動] feel resentment or anger

「ねえ、私の愛しい人、嫌な気持ちにならないでね、お願い。

It’s merely a matter of expediency, you see, my girls will naturally take the lead, and this table is considered their proper place.

expediency (便宜) [名] the quality of being convenient and practical

それは単に便宜上の問題で、私の娘たちが当然先頭に立つでしょうし、このテーブルは彼女たちの適切な場所と考えられています。

I think it very appropriate to you, and feel very grateful for your efforts to make it so pretty, but we must give up our private wishes, of course, and I will see that you have a good place elsewhere.

elsewhere (他の場所で) [副] in or to some other place

私はあなたにとてもふさわしいと思うし、それをとてもきれいにしようと努力してくれたことにとても感謝しているけど、もちろん私たちは個人的な希望を諦めなければならないし、私はあなたが他の場所で良い場所にいけるようにするよ。

Wouldn’t you like the flower table?

flower table (花のテーブル) [名] a table with flowers on it

花のテーブルはいかがですか?

The little girls undertook it, but they are discouraged.

小さな女の子たちが引き受けたが、彼女たちは落胆している。

You could make a charming thing of it, and the flower table is always attractive you know.”

あなたなら素敵なものにできるし、花のテーブルはいつも魅力的よ」

“Especially to gentlemen,” added May, with a look which enlightened Amy as to one cause of her sudden fall from favor.

enlighten (悟る) [動] make someone aware of

fall (嫌われる) [動] become less popular or less respected

「特に紳士には」とメイは付け加えた。その表情からエイミーは、自分が突然嫌われた原因の1つを悟った。

She colored angrily, but took no other notice of that girlish sarcasm, and answered with unexpected amiability...

sarcasm (皮肉) [名] the use of irony to mock or convey contempt

amiability (愛想の良さ) [名] the quality of being friendly and pleasant

彼女は怒って顔を赤らめたが、その少女らしい皮肉にはそれ以上気づかず、思いがけない愛想の良さで答えた。

“It shall be as you please, Mrs. Chester.

as you please (お好きなように) [副] in whatever way you like

「チェスター夫人、あなたのお好きなようにしましょう。

I’ll give up my place here at once, and attend to the flowers, if you like.”

give up (離れる) [動] stop doing something

よろしければ、すぐにここを離れて、お花の世話をします」

“You can put your own things on your own table, if you prefer,” began May, feeling a little conscience-stricken, as she looked at the pretty racks, the painted shells, and quaint illuminations Amy had so carefully made and so gracefully arranged.

conscience-stricken (良心の呵責) [形] feeling guilty about something you have done

shell (貝殻) [名] the hard protective outer case of a mollusk or crustacean

illumination (イルミネーション) [名] the action or fact of illuminating or being illuminated

「もしよかったら、自分のテーブルに自分のものを置いてもいいよ」とメイは言い始めたが、エイミーがとても丁寧に作り、優雅に配置したきれいな棚、塗られた貝殻、趣のあるイルミネーションを見て、少し良心の呵責を感じた。

She meant it kindly, but Amy mistook her meaning, and said quickly...

mean (言うつもりだった) [動] intend to convey or indicate

彼女は親切に言ったつもりだったが、エイミーは彼女の意味を誤解して、すぐに言った。

“Oh, certainly, if they are in your way,” and sweeping her contributions into her apron, pell-mell, she walked off, feeling that herself and her works of art had been insulted past forgiveness.

in one's way (邪魔である) [副] obstructing one's progress

sweep (押し込む) [動] move or carry with a swift, smooth, continuous movement

forgiveness (許し) [名] the action or an act of forgiving

「ああ、確かに、もし邪魔なら」と言って、彼女は自分の貢献物をエプロンに無造作に押し込み、自分と自分の芸術作品が許しがたい侮辱を受けたと感じながら立ち去った。

“Now she’s mad. Oh, dear, I wish I hadn’t asked you to speak, Mama,” said May, looking disconsolately at the empty spaces on her table.

be mad (怒っている) [動] be angry

hadn't (していなかった) [助] had not

disconsolately (悲しそうに) [副] in a very unhappy way

space (スペース) [名] the area or distance between or around things

「今、彼女は怒っている。ああ、ママ、あなたに話さなければよかったのに」とメイは自分のテーブルの空きスペースを悲しそうに見つめながら言った。

“Girls’ quarrels are soon over,” returned her mother, feeling a trifle ashamed of her own part in this one, as well she might.

「女の子の喧嘩はすぐに終わるよ」と母親は答えたが、この喧嘩で自分の役割を少し恥ずかしく思っていた。

The little girls hailed Amy and her treasures with delight, which cordial reception somewhat soothed her perturbed spirit, and she fell to work, determined to succeed florally, if she could not artistically.

hail (迎える) [動] greet or attract the attention of

cordial reception (心からの歓迎) [名] a warm and friendly welcome

soothe (和らげる) [動] make less intense or severe

perturbed spirit (混乱した精神) [名] a disturbed or troubled mind

fall to work (仕事に取りかかる) [動] start working

florally (花の面で) [副] in a way that relates to flowers

少女たちはエイミーと彼女の宝物を喜んで迎え、その心からの歓迎が彼女の混乱した精神を幾分和らげ、彼女は芸術的には成功できなくても、花の面では成功しようと決意して仕事に取りかかった。

But everything seemed against her.

しかし、すべてが彼女に反対しているようだった。

It was late, and she was tired.

遅く、彼女は疲れていた。

Everyone was too busy with their own affairs to help her, and the little girls were only hindrances, for the dears fussed and chattered like so many magpies, making a great deal of confusion in their artless efforts to preserve the most perfect order.

hindrance (邪魔) [名] something that makes it difficult to do something

artless (無邪気な) [形] lacking art or skill

preserve (保つ) [動] keep something in its original state

誰もが自分のことで忙しくて彼女を助けることができず、小さな女の子たちは邪魔になるだけで、可愛い子たちはたくさんのカササギのように騒ぎ立てておしゃべりし、最も完璧な秩序を保とうとする無邪気な努力の中で大いに混乱を招いた。

The evergreen arch wouldn’t stay firm after she got it up, but wiggled and threatened to tumble down on her head when the hanging baskets were filled.

evergreen arch (常緑樹のアーチ) [名] an arch made of evergreen plants

stay firm (しっかりする) [動] be or remain stable or fixed

wiggle (揺れる) [動] move or cause to move up and down or from side to side with small rapid movements

threaten (落ちそうになる) [動] be likely to happen

常緑樹のアーチは、彼女がそれを立てた後もしっかりせず、吊り下げられたバスケットがいっぱいになると、揺れて頭の上に落ちそうになった。

Her best tile got a splash of water, which left a sepia tear on the Cupid’s cheek.

get (かかる) [動] receive or be given

sepia (セピア色) [名] a reddish-brown color

Cupid (キューピッド) [名] the Roman god of love

彼女の一番のタイルに水がかかり、キューピッドの頬にセピア色の涙が残った。

She bruised her hands with hammering, and got cold working in a draft, which last affliction filled her with apprehensions for the morrow.

bruise (傷つける) [動] inflict an injury on

draft (風通しの良いところ) [名] a current of air

apprehension (不安) [名] fear or worry about something that is going to happen

彼女はハンマーで手を傷つけ、風通しの良いところで作業をしていて風邪をひいてしまい、この最後の苦しみが彼女を明日への不安でいっぱいにした。

Any girl reader who has suffered like afflictions will sympathize with poor Amy and wish her well through her task.

同じような苦しみを味わった読者の女の子は、かわいそうなエイミーに同情し、彼女の仕事を無事に終えてほしいと願うだろう。

There was great indignation at home when she told her story that evening.

その夜、彼女がその話をした時、家では大いに憤慨した。

Her mother said it was a shame, but told her she had done right.

right (正しいこと) [名] that which is morally or ethically correct

彼女の母はそれは恥ずべきことだと言ったが、彼女は正しいことをしたと言った。

Beth declared she wouldn’t go to the fair at all, and Jo demanded why she didn’t take all her pretty things and leave those mean people to get on without her.

declare (言う) [動] to make a statement about something

ベスは絶対にバザーには行かないと言い、ジョーはなぜ彼女が自分のきれいなものを全部持っていって、あの意地悪な人たちが彼女なしでやっていけるようにしないのかと尋ねた。

“Because they are mean is no reason why I should be.

no reason (理由はない) [名] no cause or justification

「彼らが意地悪だからといって、私が意地悪になる理由にはならない。

I hate such things, and though I think I’ve a right to be hurt, I don’t intend to show it.

私はそういうことが嫌いだし、傷つく権利があると思うけど、それを表すつもりはない。

They will feel that more than angry speeches or huffy actions, won’t they, Marmee?”

huffy (ふくれっ面) [形] easily offended

彼らは怒った言葉やふくれっ面よりもそれを感じるよね、ママ?」

“That’s the right spirit, my dear.

「それが正しい精神よ、あなた。

A kiss for a blow is always best, though it’s not very easy to give it sometimes,” said her mother, with the air of one who had learned the difference between preaching and practicing.

practicing (実践) [名] the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories about such application or use

殴られたらキスを返すのがいつも一番いいけど、時々そうするのは簡単ではないよ」と、説教と実践の違いを学んだ人の態度で母親は言った。

In spite of various very natural temptations to resent and retaliate, Amy adhered to her resolution all the next day, bent on conquering her enemy by kindness.

retaliate (報復する) [動] return a military attack, or counterattack

adhere to (守る) [動] stick fast to

憤慨したり報復したりしたいというごく自然な誘惑がいろいろあったにもかかわらず、エイミーは翌日一日中自分の決意を守り、親切で敵を征服しようと決意した。

She began well, thanks to a silent reminder that came to her unexpectedly, but most opportunely.

unexpectedly (思いがけず) [副] not expected

opportunely (好都合な時に) [副] at a time that is convenient or advantageous

彼女は、思いがけず、しかし最も好都合な時に、無言の思い出させてくれたおかげで、うまく始めた。

As she arranged her table that morning, while the little girls were in the anteroom filling the baskets, she took up her pet production, a little book, the antique cover of which her father had found among his treasures, and in which on leaves of vellum she had beautifully illuminated different texts.

cover (表紙) [名] the outer protective covering of a book or magazine

vellum (羊皮紙) [名] a fine parchment made from the unsplit skins of young calves

illuminate (彩色する) [動] decorate (a manuscript) with gold, silver, or brilliant colors

text (テキスト) [名] the main body of a book or other written work, as distinct from footnotes, appendices, or illustrations

その朝、彼女がテーブルを整えていると、小さな女の子たちが控え室でバスケットに詰め物をしている間に、彼女は自分のペット作品である小さな本を取り出した。その本は、父親が宝物の中から見つけたアンティークの表紙で、羊皮紙の葉にさまざまなテキストを美しく彩色したものだった。

As she turned the pages rich in dainty devices with very pardonable pride, her eye fell upon one verse that made her stop and think.

turn the page (ページをめくる) [動] to move to the next page

device (工夫) [名] a thing made for a particular purpose

verse (詩) [名] a metrical composition

彼女が非常に許されるべき誇りを持って、優美な工夫に富んだページをめくっていると、彼女の目は一つの詩に落ち、彼女は立ち止まって考えた。

Framed in a brilliant scrollwork of scarlet, blue and gold, with little spirits of good will helping one another up and down among the thorns and flowers, were the words, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

scrollwork (渦巻き模様) [名] an ornamental design of scrolls

scarlet (緋色) [名] a bright red color

thorn (茨) [名] a sharp, woody projection on a plant

thyself (汝) [代] yourself

緋色、青、金の鮮やかな渦巻き模様の中に、善意の小さな精霊たちが茨や花の間を行ったり来たりしながら助け合っている言葉が、「汝、隣人を愛せよ」だった。

“I ought, but I don’t,” thought Amy, as her eye went from the bright page to May’s discontented face behind the big vases, that could not hide the vacancies her pretty work had once filled.

vacancy (空席) [名] an unoccupied position or job

「そうすべきなんだけど、そうは思わない」とエイミーは考え、彼女の目は明るいページから、彼女のきれいな作品がかつて埋めていた空席を隠すことができない大きな花瓶の後ろにいるメイの不満そうな顔へと移った。

Amy stood a minute, turning the leaves in her hand, reading on each some sweet rebuke for all heartburnings and uncharitableness of spirit.

heartburning (胸焼け) [名] a burning sensation in the esophagus

uncharitableness (不寛容) [名] the quality of being uncharitable

エイミーはしばらく立って、手の中で葉をめくり、すべての胸焼けと精神の不寛容に対する甘い叱責をそれぞれに読んだ。

Many wise and true sermons are preached us every day by unconscious ministers in street, school, office, or home.

preach (説く) [動] deliver a sermon

多くの賢明で真実の説教が、毎日、道、学校、事務所、家庭で無意識の牧師によって説かれている。

Even a fair table may become a pulpit, if it can offer the good and helpful words which are never out of season.

pulpit (説教壇) [名] a raised platform in a church or chapel from which the preacher delivers a sermon

helpful (役立つ) [形] providing assistance

季節外れにならない善い言葉や役立つ言葉を提供できるなら、公正なテーブルでさえ説教壇になるかもしれない。

Amy’s conscience preached her a little sermon from that text, then and there, and she did what many of us do not always do, took the sermon to heart, and straightway put it in practice.

take to heart (心に留める) [動] to consider or think about seriously

put into practice (実践する) [動] to do something rather than just talking about it

エイミーの良心は、そのテキストから彼女に小さな説教を説き、彼女は私たちの多くがいつもしないことを行い、説教を心に留め、すぐにそれを実践した。

A group of girls were standing about May’s table, admiring the pretty things, and talking over the change of saleswomen.

少女たちの一団がメイのテーブルの周りに立って、きれいなものを賞賛し、店員の交代について話していた。

They dropped their voices, but Amy knew they were speaking of her, hearing one side of the story and judging accordingly.

彼女たちは声を落としたが、エイミーは彼女たちが自分のことを話しているのだと分かり、話の片方だけを聞いて、それに従って判断していた。

It was not pleasant, but a better spirit had come over her, and presently a chance offered for proving it.

come over (目覚める) [動] to be suddenly affected by a strong feeling

それは愉快なことではなかったが、彼女はより良い精神に目覚め、すぐにそれを証明する機会が訪れた。

She heard May say sorrowfully...

彼女はメイが悲しそうに言うのを聞いた。

“It’s too bad, for there is no time to make other things, and I don’t want to fill up with odds and ends.

no time (時間がない) [名] a lack of time

fill up (埋める) [動] to make or become full

「それは残念だよ、他のものを作る時間はないし、私はガラクタで埋めたくないの。

The table was just complete then.

テーブルはちょうど完成したところだった。

Now it’s spoiled.”

今では台無しだよ。」

“I dare say she’d put them back if you asked her,” suggested someone.

「頼めば彼女は元に戻すと思うよ」と誰かが提案した。

“How could I after all the fuss?” began May, but she did not finish, for Amy’s voice came across the hall, saying pleasantly...

fuss (騒ぎ) [名] a state of confusion or excitement

come across (聞こえてくる) [動] be perceived or understood in a particular way

「あんなに騒いだ後でどうやって?」とメイは言い始めたが、彼女は言い終えなかった、なぜならエイミーの声がホールから聞こえてきて、愛想よく言ったからだ。

“You may have them, and welcome, without asking, if you want them.

have (持っていく) [動] to hold, possess, or own

「もし欲しければ、頼まなくても、どうぞ持っていって。

I was just thinking I’d offer to put them back, for they belong to your table rather than mine.

thinking (思っている) [動] have a particular opinion or belief

belong (似合う) [動] be a member of a group or organization

ちょうど元に戻そうかと思っていたところよ、だって私のテーブルよりあなたのテーブルに似合うから。

Here they are, please take them, and forgive me if I was hasty in carrying them away last night.”

here they are (はい、どうぞ) [句] used to give something to someone

はい、どうぞ、昨日の夜に勝手に持っていってしまってごめんなさい。」

As she spoke, Amy returned her contribution, with a nod and a smile, and hurried away again, feeling that it was easier to do a friendly thing than it was to stay and be thanked for it.

contribution (寄付金) [名] a gift or payment

hurry away (急いで立ち去る) [動] leave quickly

そう言いながら、エイミーは寄付金を返し、うなずいて微笑み、また急いで立ち去った、友好的な行いをすることは、そこにいて感謝されるよりも簡単だと感じながら。

“Now, I call that lovely of her, don’t you?” cried one girl.

don't you (そう思わない) [句] used in speech to ask for confirmation of a statement

「ねえ、彼女って素敵よね、そう思わない?」と一人の少女が叫んだ。

May’s answer was inaudible, but another young lady, whose temper was evidently a little soured by making lemonade, added, with a disagreeable laugh, “Very lovely, for she knew she wouldn’t sell them at her own table.”

inaudible (聞こえない) [形] unable to be heard

sour (すさむ) [動] become bad-tempered or resentful

メイの答えは聞こえなかったが、レモネード作りで気分が少しすさんでいるらしいもう一人の若い女性が、不快な笑い声を上げて、「とても素敵ね、だって自分のテーブルでは売れないってわかってるんだもの」と付け加えた。

Now, that was hard.

be hard (難しい) [動] be difficult to do or understand

さあ、それは難しかった。

When we make little sacrifices we like to have them appreciated, at least, and for a minute Amy was sorry she had done it, feeling that virtue was not always its own reward.

make little sacrifices (小さな犠牲を払う) [動] give up something important or valuable for the sake of achieving something else

like to have them appreciated (評価してもらいたいと思う) [動] be grateful for

not always (いつもわけではない) [副] not on all occasions; not at all times

its own reward (それ自体が報われる) [名] something that is worth doing for its own sake

私たちが小さな犠牲を払う時、少なくともそれを評価してもらいたいと思うし、エイミーは、美徳はいつもそれ自体が報われるわけではないと感じて、一瞬、そうしたことを後悔した。

But it is, as she presently discovered, for her spirits began to rise, and her table to blossom under her skillful hands, the girls were very kind, and that one little act seemed to have cleared the atmosphere amazingly.

skillful (巧みな) [形] having or showing skill

clear (浄化する) [動] make or become free of obstacles or blockages

しかし、彼女がすぐに気づいたように、彼女の気分は上向き始め、彼女のテーブルは彼女の巧みな手によって花開き、少女たちはとても親切で、その一つの小さな行為が驚くほど雰囲気を浄化したようだった。

It was a very long day and a hard one for Amy, as she sat behind her table, often quite alone, for the little girls deserted very soon.

a very long day (とても長い一日) [名] a day that seems to last a long time

a hard one (つらい一日) [名] a day that is difficult or unpleasant

desert (いなくなる) [動] leave a person or place that one is supposed to stay with

エイミーにとってはとても長い一日で、テーブルの後ろに座って、小さな女の子たちはすぐにいなくなってしまったので、しばしば一人ぼっちで、つらい一日だった。

Few cared to buy flowers in summer, and her bouquets began to droop long before night.

droop (しおれる) [動] hang or sag downward

夏に花を買おうとする人はほとんどおらず、彼女の花束は夜になるずっと前からしおれ始めていた。

The art table was the most attractive in the room.

美術のテーブルは部屋の中で一番魅力的だった。

There was a crowd about it all day long, and the tenders were constantly flying to and fro with important faces and rattling money boxes.

all day long (一日中) [副] for the entire day

tender (入札者) [名] a person who makes a tender

fly (行き来する) [動] move or travel quickly

money box (募金箱) [名] a box with a slot into which money can be put

一日中その周りには人だかりができ、入札者たちは重要な顔つきでガチャガチャと音を立てる募金箱を持って絶えず行き来していた。

Amy often looked wistfully across, longing to be there, where she felt at home and happy, instead of in a corner with nothing to do.

corner (隅っこ) [名] the area or space where two or more sides or edges meet

エイミーはよくあちらを物欲しそうに眺め、何もすることがない隅っこにいるよりも、家にいるようにくつろげて幸せに感じられるあちらに行きたいと思った。

It might seem no hardship to some of us, but to a pretty, blithe young girl, it was not only tedious, but very trying, and the thought of Laurie and his friends made it a real martyrdom.

some of us (私たちの一部) [名] some of the people in a group that includes the speaker

tedious (退屈な) [形] too long, slow, or dull

trying (つらい) [形] difficult to deal with

martyrdom (殉教) [名] the death or suffering of a martyr

私たちの一部には苦労とは思えないかもしれないが、かわいくて陽気な少女にとっては、退屈なだけでなく、とてもつらいことであり、ローリーや彼の友人たちのことを考えると、それは本当に殉教のようだった。

She did not go home till night, and then she looked so pale and quiet that they knew the day had been a hard one, though she made no complaint, and did not even tell what she had done.

make no complaint (不平を言わない) [動] not express dissatisfaction or annoyance

彼女は夜まで帰宅せず、帰宅した時はとても青白く静かだったので、彼女は何も不平を言わず、何をしていたかさえ言わなかったが、家族はその日が大変な一日だったことを知った。

Her mother gave her an extra cordial cup of tea.

give (淹れる) [動] provide or supply

extra (いつもより濃い) [形] more than is usual or expected

cordial (お茶) [名] a sweet fruit-flavored drink

母は彼女にいつもより濃いお茶を淹れてくれた。

Beth helped her dress, and made a charming little wreath for her hair, while Jo astonished her family by getting herself up with unusual care, and hinting darkly that the tables were about to be turned.

ベスは彼女の着替えを手伝い、髪に魅力的な小さな花輪を作り、一方ジョーはいつもと違って念入りに身支度を整え、立場が逆転しようとしていることをほのめかして家族を驚かせた。

“Don’t do anything rude, pray Jo;

「失礼なことはしないでね、ジョー。

I won’t have any fuss made, so let it all pass and behave yourself,” begged Amy, as she departed early, hoping to find a reinforcement of flowers to refresh her poor little table.

make a fuss (騒ぎを起こす) [動] complain or protest noisily or strongly

let it all pass (すべて忘れる) [動] forget about something

behave oneself (行儀よくする) [動] act in a proper or polite manner

reinforcement (補強) [名] the action or process of strengthening or being strengthened

refresh (飾る) [動] make (something) fresh, new, or different

騒ぎは起こしたくないから、すべて忘れて行儀よくしてね」とエイミーは頼み、自分の貧弱なテーブルを飾る花を探そうと早めに出発した。

“I merely intend to make myself entrancingly agreeable to every one I know, and to keep them in your corner as long as possible.

make oneself (自分を~にする) [動] cause oneself to be or become

entrancingly (魅力的に) [副] in a way that is very attractive or appealing

agreeable (感じがよい) [形] pleasant or attractive

as long as possible (できるだけ長く) [副] for the longest time that is possible

「私はただ、知っているすべての人に自分を魅力的に感じさせ、できるだけ長くあなたのコーナーに留まらせようと思っているだけです。

Teddy and his boys will lend a hand, and we’ll have a good time yet.” returned Jo, leaning over the gate to watch for Laurie.

lend a hand (手伝う) [動] help someone

watch for (待つ) [動] wait for

テディと彼の仲間が手伝ってくれるし、まだ楽しい時間を過ごせるよ」とジョーは答え、門に寄りかかってローリーを待った。

Presently the familiar tramp was heard in the dusk, and she ran out to meet him.

tramp (足音) [名] the sound of someone walking heavily

やがて夕暮れ時におなじみの足音が聞こえ、彼女は彼に会いに走り出した。

“Is that my boy?”

「私の息子か?」

“As sure as this is my girl!”

as sure as (確かだ) [副] without doubt; certainly

「これが私の娘であるのと同じくらい確かだ!」

and Laurie tucked her hand under his arm with the air of a man whose every wish was gratified.

tuck (挟む) [動] put or place something somewhere

そしてローリーは、あらゆる望みが叶った男の態度で、彼女の手を自分の腕の下に挟んだ。

“Oh, Teddy, such doings!”

doings (こと) [名] an event or action

「ああ、テディ、こんなことを!」

and Jo told Amy’s wrongs with sisterly zeal.

sisterly (姉妹らしい) [形] of or like a sister

zeal (熱意) [名] great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective

そしてジョーは姉妹らしい熱意でエイミーの過ちを話した。

“A flock of our fellows are going to drive over by-and-by, and I’ll be hanged if I don’t make them buy every flower she’s got, and camp down before her table afterward,” said Laurie, espousing her cause with warmth.

drive over (車でやって来る) [動] come or go by car

cause (主義) [名] a principle or movement that one is committed to

「うちの仲間が大勢で車でやって来るんだが、彼女の花を全部買わせて、その後彼女のテーブルの前に陣取らせなかったら、私は首を吊るすよ」とローリーは熱心に彼女の味方をして言った。

“The flowers are not at all nice, Amy says, and the fresh ones may not arrive in time.

「花は全くきれいじゃないし、エイミーは、新鮮な花は間に合わないかもしれないって言うのよ。

I don’t wish to be unjust or suspicious, but I shouldn’t wonder if they never came at all.

suspicious (疑い深い) [形] tending to suspect; distrustful

不公平なことや疑い深いことは言いたくないけど、もし花が全く届かなくても驚かないよ。

When people do one mean thing they are very likely to do another,” observed Jo in a disgusted tone.

do one mean thing (卑劣なことをする) [動] do something that is not nice or fair

very likely (可能性が高い) [副] probably

人が卑劣なことをしたら、また別の卑劣なことをする可能性が高いのよ」とジョーは嫌悪感を込めて言った。

“Didn’t Hayes give you the best out of our gardens? I told him to.”

「ヘイズはうちの庭で一番いい花を渡さなかったのか? 渡すように言ったんだが」

“I didn’t know that, he forgot, I suppose, and, as your grandpa was poorly, I didn’t like to worry him by asking, though I did want some.”

poorly (具合が悪い) [形] in a bad or unsatisfactory way

「それは知らなかったよ、彼は忘れたのよ、おじいさまが具合が悪かったから、花が欲しかったけど、頼んで心配をかけたくなかったよ」

“Now, Jo, how could you think there was any need of asking?

could (できた) [助] have the ability or opportunity to do something

think (思えた) [動] have a particular opinion, belief, or idea about someone or something

asking (頼む) [動] make a request for something

「おい、ジョー、頼む必要があったなんてどうして思えたんだ?

They are just as much yours as mine.

just as much (同じくらい) [副] to the same degree or extent

花は私のものと同じくらいあなたのものでもあるんだ。

Don’t we always go halves in everything?” began Laurie, in the tone that always made Jo turn thorny.

turn thorny (苛立たせる) [動] make someone angry or annoyed

いつも何でも半分ずつにしないかい?」とローリーはいつもジョーを苛立たせる口調で言った。

“Gracious, I hope not!

「ありがとう、そうはならないといいけど!

Half of some of your things wouldn’t suit me at all.

あなたのものの半分は私には全く似合わないよ。

But we mustn’t stand philandering here.

philandering (いちゃいちゃする) [動] flirt with someone

でも、ここでいちゃいちゃしてちゃいけないな。

I’ve got to help Amy, so you go and make yourself splendid, and if you’ll be so very kind as to let Hayes take a few nice flowers up to the Hall,

got to (~しなければならない) [助] have to; must

make oneself splendid (素敵に着飾る) [動] dress oneself up

私はエイミーを手伝わなくちゃいけないから、あなたは行って、素敵に着飾って、もしヘイズに素敵な花をホールに持っていかせてくれるなら、

I’ll bless you forever.”

私は永遠にあなたを祝福するよ。」

“Couldn’t you do it now?” asked Laurie, so suggestively that Jo shut the gate in his face with inhospitable haste, and called through the bars, “Go away, Teddy, I’m busy.”

suggestively (意味ありげに) [副] in a way that suggests something

haste (速さ) [名] hurry; urgency

go away (行っちゃって) [動] leave; depart

「今できないの?」とローリーがあまりに意味ありげに尋ねたので、ジョーは冷淡な速さで彼の顔の前で門を閉め、格子越しに「行っちゃって、テディ、忙しいの」と呼びかけた。

Thanks to the conspirators, the tables were turned that night, for Hayes sent up a wilderness of flowers, with a lovely basket arranged in his best manner for a centerpiece.

conspirator (共謀者) [名] a person who takes part in a conspiracy

send up (送る) [動] cause to go or be taken to a destination

centerpiece (センターピース) [名] an object or arrangement of objects occupying a central position, especially on a table

共謀者たちのおかげで、その夜は立場が逆転し、ヘイズは花の山を送り、素敵なバスケットをセンターピースとして彼の最高のやり方でアレンジした。

Then the March family turned out en masse, and Jo exerted herself to some purpose, for people not only came, but stayed, laughing at her nonsense, admiring Amy’s taste, and apparently enjoying themselves very much.

March family (マーチ一家) [名] the family of the March sisters

turn out (現れる) [動] come or go to an event or place

en masse (集団で) [副] all together; as a group

exert oneself (努力する) [動] make a great effort

some purpose (何か目的) [名] an intention to do something

それからマーチ一家が集団で現れ、ジョーは何か目的のために努力した、というのも人々は来ただけでなく、残って、彼女のナンセンスな話に笑い、エイミーの趣味を賞賛し、明らかにとても楽しんでいたからだ。

Laurie and his friends gallantly threw themselves into the breach, bought up the bouquets, encamped before the table, and made that corner the liveliest spot in the room.

throw oneself into (飛び込む) [動] to become involved in something with great energy or enthusiasm

breach (穴) [名] a gap in a wall, barrier, or defence

buy up (買い占める) [動] to buy all or as much as possible of something

encamp (陣取る) [動] to set up a camp

ローリーと彼の友人たちは勇敢にその穴に飛び込み、花束を買い占め、テーブルの前に陣取り、その角を部屋で一番活気のある場所にした。

Amy was in her element now, and out of gratitude, if nothing more, was as spritely and gracious as possible, coming to the conclusion, about that time, that virtue was its own reward, after all.

in one's element (本領を発揮する) [熟] in a situation in which one feels happy, at ease, or able to function effectively

nothing more (それ以上ではないにしても) [熟] only that and no more

spritely (元気な) [形] lively and energetic

as possible (できるだけ) [副] to the highest degree or extent possible

come to the conclusion (結論に達する) [熟] reach a decision or judgment after consideration

about that time (その頃には) [副] at or around that time

エイミーは今や自分の本領を発揮し、感謝の気持ちから、それ以上ではないにしても、できるだけ元気で優雅に振る舞い、その頃には、結局のところ、美徳はそれ自体が報いであるという結論に達していた。

Jo behaved herself with exemplary propriety, and when Amy was happily surrounded by her guard of honor, Jo circulated about the Hall, picking up various bits of gossip, which enlightened her upon the subject of the Chester change of base.

exemplary (模範的な) [形] serving as a model

guard of honor (名誉の護衛) [名] a ceremonial escort

enlighten (啓発する) [動] give greater knowledge and understanding to

base (基地) [名] a place from which an activity is directed

ジョーは模範的な礼儀正しさで振る舞い、エイミーが名誉の護衛に囲まれて幸せそうにしているとき、ジョーはホールを回り、チェスターの基地変更の話題について彼女を啓発する様々なゴシップを集めた。

She reproached herself for her share of the ill feeling and resolved to exonerate Amy as soon as possible.

ill feeling (悪感情) [名] a feeling of dislike or hostility

exonerate (許す) [動] officially clear someone of a crime or responsibility

彼女は自分の悪感情を自らを責め、エイミーをできるだけ早く許そうと決心した。

She also discovered what Amy had done about the things in the morning, and considered her a model of magnanimity.

彼女はまた、エイミーが午前中に何をしたかを発見し、彼女を寛大さの模範だと思った。

As she passed the art table, she glanced over it for her sister’s things, but saw no sign of them.

彼女は美術のテーブルを通り過ぎるとき、妹のものがないかちらっと見回したが、それらしきものは見当たらなかった。

“Tucked away out of sight, I dare say,” thought Jo, who could forgive her own wrongs, but hotly resented any insult offered her family.

tuck away (隠す) [動] put something in a safe or secret place

hotly (激しく) [副] in a passionate or angry manner

「見えないところに隠したんだよ」と、自分の過ちは許せても家族への侮辱には激しく憤慨するジョーは思った。

“Good evening, Miss Jo.

good evening (こんばんは) [名] a greeting used in the evening

「こんばんは、ジョーさん。

How does Amy get on?” asked May with a conciliatory air, for she wanted to show that she also could be generous.

conciliatory (なだめるような) [形] intended or likely to placate or pacify

エイミーはどうしてる?」とメイは、自分も寛大になれることを示したかったので、なだめるような態度で尋ねた。

“She has sold everything she had that was worth selling, and now she is enjoying herself.

「彼女は売る価値のあるものはすべて売り払って、今は楽しんでいます。

The flower table is always attractive, you know, ‘especially to gentlemen’.”

花のテーブルはいつも魅力的よ、特に紳士にはね」

Jo couldn’t resist giving that little slap, but May took it so meekly she regretted it a minute after, and fell to praising the great vases, which still remained unsold.

slap (皮肉) [名] a remark or act that is critical or insulting

ジョーはついつい皮肉を言ってしまったが、メイはそれをとても素直に受け止めたので、ジョーはすぐに後悔し、まだ売れ残っている大きな花瓶を褒め始めた。

“Is Amy’s illumination anywhere about?

illumination (彩色画) [名] a decoration or illustration in a book or manuscript

「エイミーの彩色画はどこかにある?

I took a fancy to buy that for Father,” said Jo, very anxious to learn the fate of her sister’s work.

anxious (知りたくてたまらない) [形] very worried or nervous

あれをパパに買ってあげようと思ったの」と妹の作品の運命を知りたくてたまらないジョーは言った。

“Everything of Amy’s sold long ago.

「エイミーの作品は全部とっくに売れちゃったよ。

I took care that the right people saw them, and they made a nice little sum of money for us,” returned May, who had overcome sundry small temptations, as well as Amy had, that day.

make (入った) [動] earn or gain

nice (かなりの) [形] very good or pleasing

ちゃんとした人に見てもらえるよう気を配ったのよ、それで私たちにかなりのお金が入ったよ」と、その日エイミーと同じように、いろいろな小さな誘惑に打ち勝ったメイは答えた。

Much gratified, Jo rushed back to tell the good news, and Amy looked both touched and surprised by the report of May’s word and manner.

look (見せる) [動] have a particular appearance

touch (感動させる) [動] move (someone) emotionally

大いに満足したジョーは、急いで戻って良い知らせを伝え、エイミーはメイの言葉と態度の報告に感動と驚きの両方を見せた。

“Now, gentlemen, I want you to go and do your duty by the other tables as generously as you have by mine, especially the art table,” she said, ordering out ‘Teddy’s own’, as the girls called the college friends.

「さて、皆さん、私のテーブルでしてくれたように、他のテーブルでも、特にアートテーブルで、気前よく義務を果たして欲しいよ」と彼女は言い、娘たちが大学の友人と呼ぶ「テディの仲間」を送り出した。

“‘Charge, Chester, charge!’ is the motto for that table, but do your duty like men, and you’ll get your money’s worth of art in every sense of the word,” said the irrepressible Jo, as the devoted phalanx prepared to take the field.

get one's money's worth (お金に見合うだけのものを手に入れる) [動] to receive something of equal value to the money you have spent

phalanx (ファランクス) [名] a body of heavily armed infantry standing in close formation

take the field (戦場に出る) [動] to go into battle

「『突撃、チェスター、突撃!』があのテーブルのモットーよ、でも男らしく義務を果たせば、あらゆる意味でお金に見合うだけの芸術品が手に入るよ」と、抑えきれないジョーは言い、献身的なファランクスは戦場に出る準備をした。

“To hear is to obey, but March is fairer far than May,” said little Parker, making a frantic effort to be both witty and tender, and getting promptly quenched by Laurie, who said...

fairer (公平だ) [形] just or impartial

frantic (必死の) [形] wildly excited or agitated

「聞くということは従うことだが、三月は五月よりもずっと公平だ」と、小さなパーカーは機知に富み、優しくしようと必死に努力したが、すぐにローリーに消されてしまった。

“Very well, my son, for a small boy!”

「よくやった、息子よ、小さな男の子にしては!」

and walked him off, with a paternal pat on the head.

walk off (連れて行く) [動] leave a place

paternal (父親らしい) [形] of or like a father

父親らしく頭を撫でながら、彼を連れて行った。

“Buy the vases,” whispered Amy to Laurie, as a final heaping of coals of fire on her enemy’s head.

「花瓶を買って」とエイミーはローリーにささやき、敵の頭に火のついた石炭を最後に積み上げた。

To May’s great delight, Mr. Laurence not only bought the vases, but pervaded the hall with one under each arm.

to one's delight (嬉しいことに) [句] to one's pleasure

メイにとってとても嬉しいことに、ローレンス氏は花瓶を買っただけでなく、両腕に抱えてホールを歩き回った。

The other gentlemen speculated with equal rashness in all sorts of frail trifles, and wandered helplessly about afterward, burdened with wax flowers, painted fans, filigree portfolios, and other useful and appropriate purchases.

speculate (手を出す) [動] to make a risky investment

rashness (無鉄砲) [名] the quality of being foolishly adventurous or bold

frail (壊れやすい) [形] easily broken or damaged

helplessly (どうしようもなく) [副] without help or the ability to help oneself

burden (悩ます) [動] to weigh down with a heavy load

wax (蝋) [名] a solid, noncrystalline substance that is plastic when warm and hard when cool

paint (彩色) [動] to color with paint

filigree (透かし細工) [名] delicate ornamental work of fine wire

他の紳士たちも同じように無鉄砲にあらゆる種類の壊れやすい小物に手を出して、その後、蝋の花、彩色した扇子、透かし細工のポートフォリオ、その他の役に立つ適切な買い物に悩まされて、どうしようもなくさまよっていた。

Aunt Carrol was there, heard the story, looked pleased, and said something to Mrs. March in a corner, which made the latter lady beam with satisfaction, and watch Amy with a face full of mingled pride and anxiety, though she did not betray the cause of her pleasure till several days later.

キャロルおばさんがそこにいて、その話を聞いて、嬉しそうにしており、隅でマーチ夫人に何かを言ったので、マーチ夫人は満足そうに微笑み、エイミーを誇りと不安が入り混じった顔で見守っていたが、数日後までその喜びの原因を明かすことはなかった。

The fair was pronounced a success, and when May bade Amy goodnight, she did not gush as usual, but gave her an affectionate kiss, and a look which said ‘forgive and forget’.

goodnight (おやすみ) [名] a farewell said at night

gush (はしゃぐ) [動] to flow or cause to flow copiously

affectionate (愛情のこもった) [形] showing love or affection

バザーは大成功に終わり、メイがエイミーにおやすみを言う時、いつものようにはしゃぐことはせず、愛情のこもったキスをして、「許して忘れる」という表情をした。

That satisfied Amy, and when she got home she found the vases paraded on the parlor chimney piece with a great bouquet in each.

chimney (暖炉) [名] a structure that contains a passage through which smoke from a fire is carried away

piece (部分) [名] a portion of something

エイミーはそれで満足し、家に帰ると、花瓶がそれぞれ大きな花束を抱えて居間の暖炉の上に並んでいるのを見つけた。

“The reward of merit for a magnanimous March,” as Laurie announced with a flourish.

magnanimous (寛大な) [形] generous or forgiving, especially towards a rival or someone less powerful than oneself

flourish (華々しく) [動] to grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way

「寛大なマーチ家の功労賞」とローリーは華々しく発表した。

“You’ve a deal more principle and generosity and nobleness of character than I ever gave you credit for, Amy.

deal (ずっと) [名] a great deal; a lot

principle (主義) [名] a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning

generosity (寛大さ) [名] the quality of being kind and generous

nobleness (高潔) [名] the quality of being morally good and worthy of respect

「エイミー、君は私が今まで思っていたよりもずっと、主義や寛大さや高潔な性格を持っている。

You’ve behaved sweetly, and I respect you with all my heart,” said Jo warmly, as they brushed their hair together late that night.

sweetly (優しく) [副] in a kind and pleasant way

君は優しく振る舞ったし、私は心から君を尊敬する」と、その夜遅く一緒に髪をとかしながらジョーは熱く言った。

“Yes, we all do, and love her for being so ready to forgive.

being (すぐに) [名] the state or quality of existing

「そう、みんなそう思っているし、すぐに許してくれる彼女を愛している。

It must have been dreadfully hard, after working so long and setting your heart on selling your own pretty things.

あんなに長い時間働いて、自分のきれいなものを売ろうと決心した後で、それはとてもつらかったに違いない。

I don’t believe I could have done it as kindly as you did,” added Beth from her pillow.

I don't believe (私は信じない) [動] be unable to accept that something is true or real

I could have done (私にはできた) [動] be able to do something

as kindly as (みたいに) [副] in a kind manner

you did (あなたは) [代] the person or thing that is being talked about

私にはあなたみたいに親切にできなかったと思う」とベスは枕から付け加えた。

“Why, girls, you needn’t praise me so.

「まあ、娘たち、そんなに私をほめる必要はないよ。

I only did as I’d be done by.

do as (するようにする) [動] act in the same way as

be done by (される) [動] be acted on by

I’d (私が) [代] I would

be done (される) [動] be acted on by

私はただ自分がされたいようにしただけよ。

You laugh at me when I say I want to be a lady, but I mean a true gentlewoman in mind and manners, and I try to do it as far as I know how.

私がレディになりたいと言うと、あなたは笑うけど、私は心とマナーにおいて真の淑女になりたいの、そして私はできる限りそうしようと努力している。

I can’t explain exactly, but I want to be above the little meannesses and follies and faults that spoil so many women.

can't explain (説明できない) [動] be unable to explain

want to be (なりたい) [動] desire or wish to be

above (超える) [前] in a higher position than

folly (愚かさ) [名] a foolish act, idea, or practice

正確に説明できないけど、私は多くの女性を台無しにする小さな卑劣さや愚かさや欠点を超えたいの。

I’m far from it now, but I do my best, and hope in time to be what Mother is.”

far from (程遠い) [副] not even close to

what (人) [名] the kind of person that

今は程遠いけど、私はベストを尽くすし、やがてママのような人になりたいと思う。」

Amy spoke earnestly, and Jo said, with a cordial hug, “I understand now what you mean, and I’ll never laugh at you again.

エイミーは真剣に話し、ジョーは心から抱きしめて言った、「今はあなたの言っていることが分かったよ、もう二度とあなたを笑わないよ。

You are getting on faster than you think, and I’ll take lessons of you in true politeness, for you’ve learned the secret, I believe.

faster (より早く) [副] at a higher speed

take lessons (レッスンを受ける) [動] learn something by being taught

あなたは思っているよりも早く成長しているし、私はあなたから真の礼儀作法のレッスンを受けるよ、だってあなたはその秘密を学んだと思うから。

Try away, deary, you’ll get your reward some day, and no one will be more delighted than I shall.”

deary (愛しい人) [名] a person who is loved

努力しなさい、愛しい人、いつか報われるよ、そして私ほど喜ぶ人はいないよ。」

A week later Amy did get her reward, and poor Jo found it hard to be delighted.

a week later (一週間後) [名] seven days after the present time

一週間後、エイミーは報酬を得たが、かわいそうなジョーは喜ぶのが難しかった。

A letter came from Aunt Carrol, and Mrs. March’s face was illuminated to such a degree when she read it that Jo and Beth, who were with her, demanded what the glad tidings were.

illuminate (輝く) [動] light up

degree (ほど) [名] the amount, level, or extent to which something happens or is present

キャロルおばさんから手紙が届き、マーチ夫人はそれを読んだとき、顔が輝いていたので、一緒にいたジョーとベスは、どんな嬉しい知らせなのかと尋ねた。

“Aunt Carrol is going abroad next month, and wants...”

「キャロルおばさんは来月海外に行くんだけど、」

“Me to go with her!” burst in Jo, flying out of her chair in an uncontrollable rapture.

burst in (飛び出す) [動] to enter a place suddenly and noisily

uncontrollable (抑えきれない) [形] not able to be controlled

「私も一緒に行くの!」ジョーは抑えきれない喜びで椅子から飛び出した。

“No, dear, not you. It’s Amy.”

「いいえ、あなたではないよ。エイミーよ。」

“Oh, Mother! She’s too young, it’s my turn first.

「ママ! エイミーは幼すぎるよ、まずは私の番よ。

I’ve wanted it so long.

ずっと行きたかったのよ。

It would do me so much good, and be so altogether splendid.

do good (良いこと) [名] something that is beneficial or helpful

私にとってとても良いことで、とても素晴らしいことよ。

I must go!”

行かなくちゃ!」

“I’m afraid it’s impossible, Jo.

「それは無理だと思うよ、ジョー。

Aunt says Amy, decidedly, and it is not for us to dictate when she offers such a favor.”

叔母さんはエイミーだと決めたのよ、そして彼女がそんな好意を示してくれた時に私たちが口を挟むべきではないよ。」

“It’s always so. Amy has all the fun and I have all the work.

「いつもそうよ。エイミーは楽しいことばかりで、私は仕事ばかり。

It isn’t fair, oh, it isn’t fair!” cried Jo passionately.

公平じゃないよ、ああ、公平じゃないよ!」とジョーは激しく叫んだ。

“I’m afraid it’s partly your own fault, dear.

「それは、恐らく、一部はあなた自身の責任なのよ、あなた。

When Aunt spoke to me the other day, she regretted your blunt manners and too independent spirit, and here she writes, as if quoting something you had said—‘I planned at first to ask Jo, but as ‘favors burden her’, and she ‘hates French’, I think I won’t venture to invite her.

venture (招待する) [動] undertake a risky or daring journey or course of action

先日、おばさんが私に話しかけた時、あなたの無愛想な態度とあまりに独立心が強いことを残念がっていたし、ここには、あなたが言ったことを引用するかのようにこう書いてあるよ、「最初はジョーに頼もうと思ったんだけど、「頼みごとは彼女には重荷」だし、彼女は「フランス語が嫌い」だから、彼女を招待するのはやめようと思う。

Amy is more docile, will make a good companion for Flo, and receive gratefully any help the trip may give her.”

エイミーはもっと従順で、フローの良い仲間になるだろうし、旅行が彼女に与えてくれるどんな助けも感謝して受け取るだろう。」

“Oh, my tongue, my abominable tongue!

abominable (憎しみに満ちた) [形] causing disgust or hatred

「ああ、私の舌、私の憎しみに満ちた舌!

Why can’t I learn to keep it quiet?” groaned Jo, remembering words which had been her undoing.

keep quiet (黙っている) [動] not say anything

undo (失敗) [名] a mistake that causes problems or harm

どうして黙っていることを学べないんだろう?」と、ジョーは自分の失敗の原因となった言葉を思い出してうめいた。

When she had heard the explanation of the quoted phrases, Mrs. March said sorrowfully...

quoted (引用された) [形] repeated exactly

引用された言葉の説明を聞いたマーチ夫人は悲しそうに言った。

“I wish you could have gone, but there is no hope of it this time, so try to bear it cheerfully, and don’t sadden Amy’s pleasure by reproaches or regrets.”

could have gone (行けたらいいのに) [動] be able to go

there is no hope (望みがない) [名] a feeling of expectation and desire for something to happen

「あなたが行けたらいいのにと思うけど、今回は望みがないよ、だから元気に耐えるようにして、非難や後悔でエイミーの楽しみを悲しませないでね。」

“I’ll try,” said Jo, winking hard as she knelt down to pick up the basket she had joyfully upset.

kneel down (ひざまずく) [動] go down on one's knees

「やってみる」とジョーは言い、喜んでひっくり返したバスケットを拾うためにひざまずきながら、激しくウィンクした。

“I’ll take a leaf out of her book, and try not only to seem glad, but to be so, and not grudge her one minute of happiness.

take a leaf out of someone's book (真似をする) [動] to copy someone's behavior

seem (嬉しそうにする) [動] to appear to be

grudge (恨む) [動] to be unwilling to give or allow

「彼女の真似をして、嬉しそうにするだけでなく、本当に嬉しくして、彼女の幸せを少しも恨まないようにしよう。

But it won’t be easy, for it is a dreadful disappointment,” and poor Jo bedewed the little fat pincushion she held with several very bitter tears.

bedew (濡らす) [動] to wet with dew or something like dew

pincushion (針刺し) [名] a small cushion into which pins are stuck for ready use

でも、それは簡単なことではないだろう、だってひどくがっかりしているんだもの」そして、かわいそうなジョーは、手に持っていた小さな太った針刺しを、とても苦い涙で濡らした。

“Jo, dear, I’m very selfish, but I couldn’t spare you, and I’m glad you are not going quite yet,” whispered Beth, embracing her, basket and all, with such a clinging touch and loving face that Jo felt comforted in spite of the sharp regret that made her want to box her own ears, and humbly beg Aunt Carrol to burden her with this favor, and see how gratefully she would bear it.

spare (失う) [動] do without

embrace (抱きしめる) [動] hold closely in one's arms, as in affection

touch (手触り) [名] the ability or sense of feeling something with the hands

sharp (激しい) [形] having a very thin edge or point

burden (負わせる) [動] be a heavy load for

「ジョー、愛しい人、私はとてもわがままだけど、あなたを失うことはできないよ、あなたがまだ行かないでくれて嬉しい」とベスはささやき、バスケットもろとも彼女を抱きしめた、そのしがみつくような手触りと愛情のこもった顔に、ジョーは自分の耳を殴りたくなるような激しい後悔にもかかわらず、慰められた気持ちになり、キャロルおばさんにこの恩恵を負わせ、どれほど感謝して耐えるかを見てほしいと謙虚に懇願した。

By the time Amy came in, Jo was able to take her part in the family jubilation, not quite as heartily as usual, perhaps, but without repinings at Amy’s good fortune.

take part in (加わる) [動] participate in

jubilation (歓喜) [名] a feeling or show of great happiness or triumph

repining (恨む) [動] feel or express discontent or dissatisfaction

エイミーが家に入ってくる頃には、ジョーは家族の歓喜に加わることができた、いつもほど心からではなかったかもしれないが、エイミーの幸運を恨むことなく。

The young lady herself received the news as tidings of great joy, went about in a solemn sort of rapture, and began to sort her colors and pack her pencils that evening, leaving such trifles as clothes, money, and passports to those less absorbed in visions of art than herself.

tidings (知らせ) [名] news

great joy (大きな喜び) [名] a feeling of great happiness

go about (取り掛かる) [動] to do something in a particular way

passport (パスポート) [名] an official document issued by a government, certifying the holder's identity and citizenship and entitling them to travel under its protection to and from foreign countries

若い女性自身はその知らせを大きな喜びとして受け取り、厳粛な歓喜に包まれて、その夜は服やお金、パスポートなどの些細なものを自分よりも芸術の幻想に没頭していない人々に任せて、色を分類したり、鉛筆を詰め込んだりし始めた。

“It isn’t a mere pleasure trip to me, girls,” she said impressively, as she scraped her best palette.

「私にとって、これは単なる遊びの旅ではないのよ、娘たち」と彼女は、一番のパレットを削りながら、印象的に言った。

“It will decide my career, for if I have any genius, I shall find it out in Rome, and will do something to prove it.”

career (キャリア) [名] an occupation or profession, especially one requiring special training, followed as one's lifework

「私のキャリアを決定するのよ、もし私に才能があるなら、ローマでそれを発見して、それを証明するために何かをするよ。」

“Suppose you haven’t?” said Jo, sewing away, with red eyes, at the new collars which were to be handed over to Amy.

hand over (渡す) [動] give to someone else

「もし才能がなかったら?」とジョーはエイミーに渡す新しい襟を赤い目で縫いながら言った。

“Then I shall come home and teach drawing for my living,” replied the aspirant for fame, with philosophic composure.

living (生計) [名] the means by which one earns a living

aspirant (熱望する人) [名] a person who aspires to something

philosophic (哲学的な) [形] of or relating to philosophy

「そうしたら、家に帰って生計を立てるために絵を教えればいいよ」と名声を熱望する人は哲学的な落ち着き払って答えた。

But she made a wry face at the prospect, and scratched away at her palette as if bent on vigorous measures before she gave up her hopes.

scratch away (ひっかく) [動] to remove or damage something by scratching

give up (捨てる) [動] to stop doing something or trying to do something

しかし、彼女はその見通しに顔をしかめ、希望を捨てる前に、精力的な対策に乗り出したようにパレットをひっかいた。

“No, you won’t. You hate hard work, and you’ll marry some rich man, and come home to sit in the lap of luxury all your days,” said Jo.

sit in the lap of luxury (贅沢に暮らす) [動] live in a very comfortable and expensive way

all your days (毎日) [名] every day

「いいえ、そうはならないよ。あなたはきつい仕事が嫌いだし、お金持ちと結婚して、家に帰って毎日贅沢に暮らすことになるよ」とジョーは言った。

“Your predictions sometimes come to pass, but I don’t believe that one will.

come to pass (当たる) [動] happen or occur

one (それ) [代] the person or thing mentioned previously

will (当たる) [動] happen or occur

「あなたの予言は時々当たるけど、私はそれが当たるとは信じないよ。

I’m sure I wish it would, for if I can’t be an artist myself, I should like to be able to help those who are,” said Amy, smiling, as if the part of Lady Bountiful would suit her better than that of a poor drawing teacher.

I wish (いいな) [動] feel or express a strong desire or hope for something that is not easily attainable

I should like (できたらいいな) [動] feel or express a strong desire or hope for something that is not easily attainable

smiling (微笑みながら) [動] form one's features into a pleased, kind, or amused expression, typically with the corners of the mouth turned up and the front teeth exposed

the part of (役) [名] a character assigned to an actor in a play, movie, etc.

Lady Bountiful (気前のいい女性) [名] a kind and generous woman

would suit (合っている) [動] be appropriate or acceptable to

that of (役) [名] a character assigned to an actor in a play, movie, etc.

a poor (貧しい) [形] having little money or few possessions

私自身が芸術家になれないのなら、芸術家を助けることができたらいいな」とエイミーは、貧しい絵の教師よりも、気前のいい女性の役の方が自分に合っているかのように微笑みながら言った。

“Hum!” said Jo, with a sigh.

「ふん!」とジョーはため息をついた。

“If you wish it you’ll have it, for your wishes are always granted—mine never.”

「あなたが望むなら、あなたはそれを手に入れるよ、だってあなたの願いはいつも叶うんだもの、私のは決して叶わないのに。」

“Would you like to go?” asked Amy, thoughtfully patting her nose with her knife.

would you like to (したいですか) [助] want to

「行きたい?」とエイミーはナイフで鼻を軽く叩きながら尋ねた。

“Rather!”

「むしろ!」

“Well, in a year or two I’ll send for you, and we’ll dig in the Forum for relics, and carry out all the plans we’ve made so many times.”

dig (掘り起こす) [動] to break up and move earth

「そうね、1年か2年したら迎えに来てもらうよ、そうしたら遺跡を掘り起こして、何度も立てた計画を全部実行するのよ。」

“Thank you. I’ll remind you of your promise when that joyful day comes, if it ever does,” returned Jo, accepting the vague but magnificent offer as gratefully as she could.

joyful (嬉しい) [形] feeling, showing, or causing great happiness

vague (漠然としている) [形] of uncertain, indefinite, or unclear character or meaning

magnificent (壮大な) [形] impressively beautiful or impressive in size, scale, or grandeur

「ありがとう。ジョーは、その漠然としているが壮大な申し出をできる限り感謝して受け入れ、「もしそんな嬉しい日が来たら、約束を思い出させるよ」と答えた。

There was not much time for preparation, and the house was in a ferment till Amy was off.

ferment (大騒ぎ) [名] a state of great excitement or agitation

準備する時間はあまりなく、家はエイミーが出発するまで大騒ぎだった。

Jo bore up very well till the last flutter of blue ribbon vanished, when she retired to her refuge, the garret, and cried till she couldn’t cry any more.

bore up (耐える) [動] to endure or tolerate something

blue ribbon (青いリボン) [名] a blue ribbon

ジョーは、青いリボンの最後のひらめきが消えるまではよく耐えたが、それから自分の隠れ家である屋根裏部屋に引っ込み、もう泣けなくなるまで泣いた。

Amy likewise bore up stoutly till the steamer sailed.

bear up (耐える) [動] to endure or tolerate something

stoutly (気丈に) [副] in a brave or determined manner

steamer (蒸気船) [名] a ship that is powered by a steam engine

sail (出航する) [動] to travel by water

エイミーも同様に、蒸気船が出航するまでは気丈に耐えた。

Then just as the gangway was about to be withdrawn, it suddenly came over her that a whole ocean was soon to roll between her and those who loved her best, and she clung to Laurie, the last lingerer, saying with a sob...

gangway (タラップ) [名] a movable bridge used for boarding or leaving a ship

be about to (されようとした) [助] be on the point of doing something

come over (気づく) [動] to affect or seize suddenly

ocean (大海原) [名] the body of salt water covering most of the earth's surface and surrounding its land masses

それから、タラップが取り外されようとしたちょうどその時、彼女と彼女を最も愛する人々との間に大海原が広がろうとしていることに突然気づき、彼女は最後に残ったローリーにしがみついて、すすり泣きながら言った。

“Oh, take care of them for me, and if anything should happen...”

「ああ、私のためにみんなの面倒を見てね、そして何かあったら・・・」

“I will, dear, I will, and if anything happens, I’ll come and comfort you,” whispered Laurie, little dreaming that he would be called upon to keep his word.

dream (思う) [動] have a dream

be called upon (呼ばれる) [動] be asked or required to do something

「そうするよ、そうするよ、そして何かあったら、私が行って君を慰めるよ」とローリーはささやいたが、彼は自分の約束を守るために呼ばれることになるとは少しも思っていなかった。

So Amy sailed away to find the Old World, which is always new and beautiful to young eyes, while her father and friend watched her from the shore, fervently hoping that none but gentle fortunes would befall the happy-hearted girl, who waved her hand to them till they could see nothing but the summer sunshine dazzling on the sea.

Old World (旧世界) [名] the world known to Europeans before the discovery of the Americas

none but (以外) [副] no one or nothing except

befall (訪れる) [動] happen to

happy-hearted (幸せな) [形] having or showing a cheerful or positive disposition

dazzle (眩しく輝く) [動] shine brightly so as to blind the eyes temporarily

こうしてエイミーは、若い目にはいつも新しく美しい旧世界を見つけるために出航し、父親と友人は岸から彼女を見守り、夏の日差しが海に眩しく輝く以外何も見えなくなるまで手を振る幸せな少女に、穏やかな幸運だけが訪れることを熱心に願った。

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE: OUR FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE (第31章) [名] the 31st chapter

OUR FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT (私たちの海外特派員) [名] a journalist who reports from a foreign country

第31章私たちの海外特派員

London

London (ロンドン) [名] the capital city of England and the United Kingdom

ロンドン

Dearest People, Here I really sit at a front window of the Bath Hotel, Piccadilly.

Dearest People (親愛なる皆さん) [名] the people who are most loved by the speaker

front window (正面の窓) [名] a window that faces the street

Bath Hotel (バスホテル) [名] a hotel in the city of Bath, England

Piccadilly (ピカデリー) [名] a street in London

親愛なる皆さん、私は本当にピカデリーにあるバスホテルの正面の窓際に座っています。

It’s not a fashionable place, but Uncle stopped here years ago, and won’t go anywhere else.

anywhere else (他の場所) [名] any other place

ファッショナブルな場所ではないが、おじさんは何年も前にここに泊まって以来、他の場所には行かない。

However, we don’t mean to stay long, so it’s no great matter.

however (でも) [副] nevertheless; on the other hand

no great matter (大した問題ではない) [名] not a serious problem

でも、長く滞在するつもりはないので、大した問題ではない。

Oh, I can’t begin to tell you how I enjoy it all!

ああ、どれだけ楽しんでいるのか、とても言い表せない!

I never can, so I’ll only give you bits out of my notebook, for I’ve done nothing but sketch and scribble since I started.

notebook (ノート) [名] a small book with blank or ruled pages for writing notes in

とてもできないので、ノートの一部だけお見せしましょう。出発してからずっとスケッチや走り書きばかりしています。

I sent a line from Halifax, when I felt pretty miserable, but after that I got on delightfully, seldom ill, on deck all day, with plenty of pleasant people to amuse me.

Halifax (ハリファックス) [名] the capital of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia

ハリファックスから手紙を送ったときは、かなり惨めな気持ちだったけど、その後は楽しく過ごせるようになったし、めったに具合が悪くなることもなく、一日中甲板にいて、たくさんの楽しい人たちと過ごした。

Everyone was very kind to me, especially the officers.

officer (士官) [名] a person holding a position of authority or command

みんな私にとても親切で、特に士官たちはそうだった。

Don’t laugh, Jo, gentlemen really are very necessary aboard ship, to hold on to, or to wait upon one, and as they have nothing to do, it’s a mercy to make them useful, otherwise they would smoke themselves to death, I’m afraid.

aboard (船上) [副] on or in a ship, train, or other vehicle

have nothing to do (何もすることがない) [動] be idle or unoccupied

smoke oneself to death (煙草を吸って死ぬ) [動] die from smoking too much

笑わないで、ジョー、船上では紳士は本当に必要で、つかまったり、世話をしてもらったり、彼らは何もすることがないので、彼らを役に立たせるのは慈悲深いことで、そうでなければ、彼らは煙草を吸って死んでしまうでしょう。

Aunt and Flo were poorly all the way, and liked to be let alone, so when I had done what I could for them, I went and enjoyed myself.

Flo (フロ) [名] a female given name

like (言ってた) [動] be fond of; be pleased with

do what I could (できることをする) [動] do what is possible

おばさんとフロはずっと具合が悪くて、一人にしておいてほしいと言っていたので、私は二人のためにできることをしたら、出かけて楽しんでいた。

Such walks on deck, such sunsets, such splendid air and waves!

wave (波) [名] a wall of water that moves towards the shore

甲板を歩いたり、夕日を眺めたり、素晴らしい空気と波を楽しんだり!

It was almost as exciting as riding a fast horse, when we went rushing on so grandly.

exciting (刺激的) [形] causing great interest or excitement

grandly (壮大に) [副] impressively or magnificently

私たちが壮大に突き進むとき、それは速い馬に乗るのと同じくらい刺激的だった。

I wish Beth could have come, it would have done her so much good.

could have (できたらよかったのに) [助] used to express a wish or regret

would have (よかったのに) [助] used to express a wish or regret

done (よかったのに) [動] perform, execute, or accomplish

ベスが来れたらよかったのに、彼女にとってとてもよかったのに。

As for Jo, she would have gone up and sat on the maintop jib, or whatever the high thing is called, made friends with the engineers, and tooted on the captain’s speaking trumpet, she’d have been in such a state of rapture.

maintop jib (メイントップジブ) [名] a triangular sail set on a stay extending from the maintopmast head to the foremast

whatever (何であれ) [代] no matter what; anything or everything that

engineer (機関士) [名] a person who designs, builds, or maintains engines, machines, or public works

toot (吹く) [動] make a short, sharp sound with a horn, trumpet, or other wind instrument

speaking trumpet (伝声管) [名] a trumpet-shaped device used to amplify the human voice

ジョーなら、上に行ってメイントップジブか、あの高いものが何と呼ばれているかわからないけど、そこに座って、機関士と友達になって、船長の伝声管を吹いて、とても有頂天になっていただろう。

It was all heavenly, but I was glad to see the Irish coast, and found it very lovely, so green and sunny, with brown cabins here and there, ruins on some of the hills, and gentlemen’s countryseats in the valleys, with deer feeding in the parks.

coast (海岸) [名] the land next to the sea

cabin (小屋) [名] a small, simple house, especially one made of wood

countryseat (田舎の邸宅) [名] a large country house

すべてが天国のようだったが、私はアイルランドの海岸を見ることができて嬉しかったし、とても美しく、緑が多くて日当たりがよく、あちこちに茶色の小屋があり、丘には遺跡があり、谷には紳士の田舎の邸宅があり、公園には鹿が餌を食べているのを見つけた。

It was early in the morning, but I didn’t regret getting up to see it, for the bay was full of little boats, the shore so picturesque, and a rosy sky overhead.

early in the morning (早朝) [名] the early part of the morning

bay (湾) [名] a body of water that is connected to a larger body of water and almost surrounded by land

早朝だったが、それを見るために起きたことを後悔しなかった、湾は小さな船でいっぱいで、岸はとても絵のようで、頭上にはバラ色の空があった。

I never shall forget it.

私はそれを決して忘れないだろう。

At Queenstown one of my new acquaintances left us, Mr. Lennox, and when I said something about the Lakes of Killarney, he sighed, and sung, with a look at me...

Queenstown (クイーンズタウン) [名] a city in New Zealand

Lennox (レノックス) [名] a surname

Killarney (キラーニー) [名] a town in Ireland

クイーンズタウンで私の新しい知り合いの一人、レノックスさんが私たちのもとを去り、私がキラーニー湖について何か言うと、彼はため息をつき、私を見つめながら歌った。

“Oh, have you e’er heard of Kate Kearney?

have you e'er heard of (聞いたことがありますか) [動] be aware of the existence or occurrence of

Kate Kearney (ケイト・カーニー) [名] a character in the story

「ああ、ケイト・カーニーのことを聞いたことがありますか?

She lives on the banks of Killarney;

bank (ほとり) [名] the land alongside a river

彼女はキラーニーのほとりに住んでいます。

From the glance of her eye,

glance (輝き) [名] a quick or hurried look

彼女の目の輝きから、

Shun danger and fly,

危険を避けて飛び、

For fatal’s the glance of Kate Kearney.”

fatal (致命的) [形] causing death

ケイト・カーニーの視線は致命的だから。」

Wasn’t that nonsensical?

ナンセンスでしょう?

We only stopped at Liverpool a few hours.

Liverpool (リバプール) [名] a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England

a few hours (数時間) [名] a small number of hours

私たちはリバプールに数時間だけ滞在した。

It’s a dirty, noisy place, and I was glad to leave it.

noisy (騒がしい) [形] making a lot of noise

そこは汚くて騒がしい場所で、私はそこを離れることができて嬉しかった。

Uncle rushed out and bought a pair of dogskin gloves, some ugly, thick shoes, and an umbrella, and got shaved à la mutton chop, the first thing.

shave (剃る) [動] cut the hair off

mutton chop (マトンチョップ) [名] a piece of meat from the ribs of a sheep

おじさんは急いで出かけて、犬皮の手袋、醜くて厚い靴、傘を買い、まずマトンチョップ風に髭を剃った。

Then he flattered himself that he looked like a true Briton, but the first time he had the mud cleaned off his shoes, the little bootblack knew that an American stood in them, and said, with a grin, “There yer har, sir.

Briton (英国人) [名] a native or inhabitant of Great Britain

first time (初めて) [名] the first occasion on which something happens or is done

bootblack (靴磨き) [名] a person who polishes shoes for a living

grin (ニヤニヤする) [動] smile broadly

there (はい) [副] in that place

yer (どうぞ) [代] you

har (どうぞ) [間] an expression of surprise or alarm

それから彼は自分が真の英国人のように見えると自慢したが、初めて靴の泥を落とした時、小さな靴磨きはアメリカ人がその靴を履いていることを知り、ニヤニヤしながら言った、「はい、どうぞ。

I’ve given ’em the latest Yankee shine.”

最新のヤンキーの輝きを与えました」

It amused Uncle immensely.

おじさんはとても面白がった。

Oh, I must tell you what that absurd Lennox did!

ああ、あのばかげたレノックスが何をしたかを話さなくちゃ!

He got his friend Ward, who came on with us, to order a bouquet for me, and the first thing I saw in my room was a lovely one, with “Robert Lennox’s compliments,” on the card.

彼は私たちと一緒に来た友人のウォードに私のために花束を注文してもらい、私が部屋で最初に目にしたのはカードに「ロバート・レノックスの賛辞」と書かれた素敵なものだった。

Wasn’t that fun, girls?

楽しかったでしょう、娘たち?

I like traveling.

私は旅行が好きだ。

I never shall get to London if I don’t hurry.

get to (着く) [動] arrive at

急がないとロンドンには着けない。

The trip was like riding through a long picture gallery, full of lovely landscapes.

picture gallery (美術館) [名] a building or room in which pictures are exhibited

その旅は、美しい風景画がいっぱいの長い美術館を歩いているようだった。

The farmhouses were my delight, with thatched roofs, ivy up to the eaves, latticed windows, and stout women with rosy children at the doors.

farmhouse (農家) [名] a house on a farm

thatched roof (茅葺き屋根) [名] a roof made of straw or reeds

ivy (ツタ) [名] a climbing plant with shiny green leaves

eave (軒先) [名] the edge of a roof that projects beyond the side of a building

latticed window (格子窓) [名] a window with a lattice

stout (恰幅の良い) [形] rather fat

農家は私の楽しみで、茅葺き屋根、軒先まで伸びたツタ、格子窓、そして玄関にはバラ色の子供たちを連れた恰幅の良い女性たちがいた。

The very cattle looked more tranquil than ours, as they stood knee-deep in clover, and the hens had a contented cluck, as if they never got nervous like Yankee biddies.

clover (クローバー) [名] a plant with three-lobed leaves

hen (雌鶏) [名] a female chicken

cluck (コッコッコと鳴く) [動] make a clucking sound

biddy (雌鶏) [名] a hen

牛でさえ、クローバーに膝まで埋もれて立っている様子は、うちの牛よりも穏やかに見えたし、雌鶏は、ヤンキーの雌鶏のように神経質になることがないかのように、満足そうにコッコッコと鳴いていた。

Such perfect color I never saw, the grass so green, sky so blue, grain so yellow, woods so dark, I was in a rapture all the way.

such (あんなに) [形] of a kind or degree previously mentioned or indicated

grain (穀物) [名] the seed of a cereal

あんなに完璧な色は見たことがなかった、草はあんなに緑で、空はあんなに青く、穀物はあんなに黄色く、森はあんなに暗く、私はずっと恍惚としていた。

So was Flo, and we kept bouncing from one side to the other, trying to see everything while we were whisking along at the rate of sixty miles an hour.

rate (速さ) [名] the speed at which someone or something moves or operates, or at which something happens or changes

フロもそうだったし、私たちは時速60マイルの速さで走っている間にすべてを見ようと、左右に跳ね回り続けた。

Aunt was tired and went to sleep, but Uncle read his guidebook, and wouldn’t be astonished at anything.

be tired (疲れる) [動] feel a need to rest

go to sleep (眠る) [動] rest with the eyes closed

おばさんは疲れて眠ってしまったが、おじさんはガイドブックを読んでいて、何事にも驚かなかった。

This is the way we went on.

これが私たちの進み方だった。

Amy, flying up—“Oh, that must be Kenilworth, that gray place among the trees!”

fly up (飛び上がる) [動] jump up

Kenilworth (ケニルワース) [名] a town in Warwickshire, England

エイミーは飛び上がって、「ああ、あれはケニルワースだよ、木々の間のあの灰色の場所よ!」

Flo, darting to my window—“How sweet! We must go there sometime, won’t we Papa?”

dart (飛びつく) [動] move suddenly and quickly

sweet (素敵) [形] very good or pleasant

フロは私の窓に飛びついて、「なんて素敵! いつか行かなきゃね、パパ?」

Uncle, calmly admiring his boots—“No, my dear, not unless you want beer, that’s a brewery.”

beer (ビール) [名] an alcoholic drink made from fermented grain

brewery (ビール工場) [名] a place where beer is made

おじは、落ち着いて自分のブーツを眺めながら、「いや、ビールでも飲みたいのなら別だが、あれはビール工場だ」

A pause—then Flo cried out, “Bless me, there’s a gallows and a man going up.”

gallows (絞首台) [名] a structure, typically with two or more uprights and a crosspiece, for the hanging of criminals

一瞬の沈黙の後、フロが叫んだ、「なんてこと、絞首台があって、男が登っているよ」

“Where, where?” shrieks Amy, staring out at two tall posts with a crossbeam and some dangling chains.

shriek (叫ぶ) [動] utter a high-pitched piercing cry

post (柱) [名] a long piece of timber or metal set upright in the ground and used to support something

crossbeam (横木) [名] a beam that crosses another

dangle (ぶら下がる) [動] hang or swing loosely

「どこ、どこ?」とエイミーは叫び、横木と鎖がぶら下がった2本の柱を見つめた。

“A colliery,” remarks Uncle, with a twinkle of the eye.

colliery (炭鉱) [名] a coal mine

「炭鉱だ」とおじは目を輝かせて言った。

“Here’s a lovely flock of lambs all lying down,” says Amy.

lie down (寝そべる) [動] be in or move into a resting position

「ここにかわいい子羊の群れが寝そべっているよ」とエイミーが言った。

“See, Papa, aren’t they pretty?” added Flo sentimentally.

sentimentally (感傷的に) [副] in a way that shows too much emotion

「見て、パパ、かわいいでしょう?」とフロは感傷的に付け加えた。

“Geese, young ladies,” returns Uncle, in a tone that keeps us quiet till Flo settles down to enjoy the Flirtations of Captain Cavendish, and I have the scenery all to myself.

keep quiet (黙る) [動] not make any noise

scenery (景色) [名] the natural features of a landscape

all to oneself (独り占め) [名] having something all to oneself

「ガチョウですよ、お嬢さん方」とおじは答え、フロがキャベンディッシュ大佐の浮気を楽しむために落ち着き、私が景色を独り占めするまで私たちを黙らせる口調で言った。

Of course it rained when we got to London, and there was nothing to be seen but fog and umbrellas.

rain (雨が降る) [動] fall in drops of water from the clouds

私たちがロンドンに着いた時はもちろん雨が降り、霧と傘以外何も見えなかった。

We rested, unpacked, and shopped a little between the showers.

unpack (荷をほどく) [動] remove the contents of

私たちは休憩し、荷をほどき、にわか雨の合間に少し買い物をした。

Aunt Mary got me some new things, for I came off in such a hurry I wasn’t half ready.

Aunt Mary (メアリーおばさん) [名] the sister of one's mother or father

come off (出発した) [動] leave or depart

メアリーおばさんが私に新しいものを買ってくれた、というのも私はとても急いで出発したので、半分も準備ができていなかったので。

A white hat and blue feather, a muslin dress to match, and the loveliest mantle you ever saw.

mantle (マントル) [名] a loose sleeveless cloak or wrap

白い帽子に青い羽根、それに合うモスリンのドレス、そして今まで見た中で一番素敵なマントル。

Shopping in Regent Street is perfectly splendid.

Regent Street (リージェント・ストリート) [名] a street in London

リージェント・ストリートでの買い物は本当に素晴らしい。

Things seem so cheap, nice ribbons only sixpence a yard.

yard (ヤード) [名] a unit of length equal to 3 feet or 36 inches

物はとても安いようで、素敵なリボンは1ヤード6ペンス。

I laid in a stock, but shall get my gloves in Paris.

lay in (買いだめする) [動] to buy and store a large supply of something

stock (買いだめ) [名] a supply of something that is available for use

私は買いだめしたが、手袋はパリで買うつもり。

Doesn’t that sound sort of elegant and rich?

優雅で豊かな響きでしょう?

Flo and I, for the fun of it, ordered a hansom cab, while Aunt and Uncle were out, and went for a drive, though we learned afterward that it wasn’t the thing for young ladies to ride in them alone.

for the fun of it (面白半分に) [副] for the sake of amusement

order (呼ぶ) [動] give an instruction to do something

hansom cab (ハンサム・キャブ) [名] a two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage

go for a drive (ドライブに出かける) [動] go for a ride in a car

フローと私は、叔母と叔父が外出している間に、面白半分にハンサム・キャブを呼んでドライブに出かけたが、後で若い女性が一人では乗るべきではないことを知った。

It was so droll! For when we were shut in by the wooden apron, the man drove so fast that Flo was frightened, and told me to stop him, but he was up outside behind somewhere, and I couldn’t get at him.

shut in (閉じ込める) [動] confine or enclose

wooden (木製の) [形] made of wood

get at (近づく) [動] reach or obtain

とてもおかしかった! 木製のエプロンで閉じ込められたとき、男があまりに速く走るのでフローは怖がって私に止めるように言ったが、彼はどこか後ろの外にいて、私は彼に近づけなかった。

He didn’t hear me call, nor see me flap my parasol in front, and there we were, quite helpless, rattling away, and whirling around corners at a breakneck pace.

call (呼びかけ) [名] a shout or cry

whirl (猛スピードで曲がる) [動] move or cause to move rapidly around and around

彼は私の呼びかけも、私が前でパラソルをパタパタさせるのも聞こえなかったし、見えもしなかった。私たちは全く無力で、ガタガタと音を立てながら、猛スピードで角を曲がっていた。

At last, in my despair, I saw a little door in the roof, and on poking it open, a red eye appeared, and a beery voice said...

ついに、絶望して、屋根に小さなドアがあるのを見つけ、それを突いて開けると、赤い目が現れ、ビールのような声が言った。

“Now, then, mum?”

「さて、ママ?」

I gave my order as soberly as I could, and slamming down the door, with an “Aye, aye, mum,” the man made his horse walk, as if going to a funeral.

soberly (冷静に) [副] in a serious, sensible, and solemn manner

私はできるだけ冷静に命令し、ドアをバタンと閉めると、「はい、はい、ママ」と言って、男は葬式に行くかのように馬を歩かせた。

I poked again and said, “A little faster,” then off he went, helter-skelter as before, and we resigned ourselves to our fate.

faster (速く) [副] at a high speed

helter-skelter (無茶苦茶に) [副] in a disorderly or confused manner

resign oneself to (身を任せる) [動] accept something that is unpleasant or difficult

私は再び突いて、「もう少し速く」と言うと、彼は以前のように無茶苦茶に走り出し、私たちは運命に身を任せた。

Today was fair, and we went to Hyde Park, close by, for we are more aristocratic than we look.

fair (天気が良い) [形] (of the weather) fine; sunny

Hyde Park (ハイドパーク) [名] a large park in central London

今日は天気が良かったので、私たちは近くのハイドパークに行きました。私たちは見た目よりも貴族的なのです。

The Duke of Devonshire lives near.

Duke of Devonshire (デボンシャー公爵) [名] a title of nobility in the Peerage of England

デボンシャー公爵が近くに住んでいる。

I often see his footmen lounging at the back gate, and the Duke of Wellington’s house is not far off.

footman (従者) [名] a male servant who attends the door, waits at table, or ushers in guests

back gate (裏門) [名] a gate at the back of a building or area

Duke of Wellington (ウェリントン公爵) [名] Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, was an Anglo-Irish soldier and statesman who was one of the leading military and political figures of 19th-century Britain

not far off (そう遠くない) [副] not a great distance away

私はよく彼の従者が裏門でくつろいでいるのを見かけるし、ウェリントン公爵の家もそう遠くない。

Such sights as I saw, my dear!

私が見た光景は、私の愛しい人!

It was as good as Punch, for there were fat dowagers rolling about in their red and yellow coaches, with gorgeous Jeameses in silk stockings and velvet coats, up behind, and powdered coachmen in front.

as good as (同じくらい良い) [形] to the same degree or extent

Punch (パンチ) [名] a puppet character in a traditional puppet show

dowager (未亡人) [名] a widow of a person of high rank or title

roll about (転がり回る) [動] move or cause to move in a circular manner

coach (馬車) [名] a horse-drawn carriage

up behind (後ろに) [副] in or toward the rear

front (前に) [副] in or toward the front

powdered (粉をつけた) [形] covered with powder

パンチと同じくらい良かったのは、太った未亡人が赤と黄色の馬車で転がり回り、後ろには絹のストッキングとベルベットのコートを着た豪華なジェームズが、前には粉をつけた御者がいたからだ。

Smart maids, with the rosiest children I ever saw, handsome girls, looking half asleep, dandies in queer English hats and lavender kids lounging about, and tall soldiers, in short red jackets and muffin caps stuck on one side, looking so funny I longed to sketch them.

kid (子供) [名] a young person

stick (突き刺す) [動] push a sharp or pointed part into or through

私が今まで見た中で一番バラ色の子供たちを連れた賢いメイド、半分眠っているような美しい少女たち、奇妙なイギリス製の帽子をかぶったダンディやラベンダーの子供たちがくつろいでいて、背の高い兵士たちは短い赤いジャケットを着て、マフィン帽子を片側に突き刺して、とてもおかしかったので、私は彼らをスケッチしたいと思った。

Rotten Row means ‘Route de Roi’, or the king’s way, but now it’s more like a riding school than anything else.

Rotten Row (ロットン・ロウ) [名] a road in Hyde Park, London

Route de Roi (王の道) [名] a road in Hyde Park, London

riding school (乗馬学校) [名] a school where people learn to ride horses

ロットン・ロウとは「王の道」という意味だが、今では乗馬学校のようなものだ。

The horses are splendid, and the men, especially the grooms, ride well, but the women are stiff, and bounce, which isn’t according to our rules.

bounce (跳ね返る) [動] move quickly up, down, or from side to side

馬は素晴らしく、男性、特に花婿は上手に乗るが、女性は硬く、跳ね返り、それは私たちのルールに従っていない。

I longed to show them a tearing American gallop, for they trotted solemnly up and down, in their scant habits and high hats, looking like the women in a toy Noah’s Ark.

show (披露する) [動] to cause or allow to be seen

gallop (ギャロップ) [名] the fastest gait of a horse

up and down (上下に) [副] in an alternating upward and downward direction

scant (わずかな) [形] lacking in quantity or quality

high hat (高い帽子) [名] a top hat

Noah's Ark (ノアの箱舟) [名] a ship in the Bible that was built by Noah to save his family and animals from a great flood

私は彼らにアメリカのギャロップを披露したいと思った。彼らは、おもちゃのノアの箱舟の中の女性のように、わずかな習慣と高い帽子をかぶって、厳粛に上下に小走りしていたからだ。

Everyone rides—old men, stout ladies, little children—and the young folks do a deal of flirting here, I saw a pair exchange rose buds, for it’s the thing to wear one in the button-hole, and I thought it rather a nice little idea.

little child (小さな子供) [名] a child who is small

young folk (若者) [名] a young person

rose bud (バラのつぼみ) [名] the flower of a rose before it opens

button-hole (ボタンホール) [名] a slit through which a button is passed to fasten a garment

nice little idea (いいアイデア) [名] a good idea

老人、太った女性、小さな子供たち、そして若者たちはここでいちゃいちゃしている。私は一組のカップルがバラのつぼみを交換しているのを見た。ボタンホールにバラのつぼみをつけるのがおしゃれだからだ。

In the P.M. to Westminster Abbey, but don’t expect me to describe it, that’s impossible, so I’ll only say it was sublime!

Westminster Abbey (ウェストミンスター寺院) [名] a large church in London

sublime (荘厳な) [形] of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe

午後にはウェストミンスター寺院に行ったが、それを説明しろなんて言わないでくれ、それは不可能だ、だからただ荘厳だったと言うだけにする!

This evening we are going to see Fechter, which will be an appropriate end to the happiest day of my life.

this evening (今夜) [名] the evening of the present day

go to see (会いに行く) [動] go to visit

Fechter (フェヒター) [名] a German actor

the happiest day (最も幸せな一日) [名] the day on which one is most happy

my life (私の人生) [名] the period during which one is alive

今夜はフェヒターに会いに行くが、それは私の人生で最も幸せな一日の終わりにふさわしいものになるだろう。

It’s very late, but I can’t let my letter go in the morning without telling you what happened last evening.

とても遅い時間だけれど、昨日の夕方の出来事を話さずにこの手紙を朝に出すわけにはいかない。

Who do you think came in, as we were at tea?

私たちがお茶を飲んでいるときに誰が入ってきたと思う?

Laurie’s English friends, Fred and Frank Vaughn!

ローリーのイギリス人の友人、フレッドとフランク・ヴォーン!

I was so surprised, for I shouldn’t have known them but for the cards.

shouldn't have (~しなかっただろう) [助] should not have

card (名刺) [名] a small piece of stiff paper with a person's name and address printed on it

私はとても驚いた、というのも名刺がなければ彼らだとは分からなかっただろうから。

Both are tall fellows with whiskers, Fred handsome in the English style, and Frank much better, for he only limps slightly, and uses no crutches.

どちらもひげを生やした背の高い男で、フレッドはイギリス風のハンサムな男で、フランクは少し足を引きずるだけで松葉杖も使わないのでずっとましだ。

They had heard from Laurie where we were to be, and came to ask us to their house, but Uncle won’t go, so we shall return the call, and see them as we can.

hear from (聞く) [動] receive a message from

return (かける) [動] give back

彼らはローリーから私たちがどこにいるか聞いていて、私たちを彼らの家に招待しに来たのだが、おじさんは行かないので、私たちは電話をかけ直して、できるだけ彼らに会うつもりだ。

They went to the theater with us, and we did have such a good time, for Frank devoted himself to Flo, and Fred and I talked over past, present, and future fun as if we had known each other all our days.

present (現在) [名] the time now

彼らは私たちと一緒に劇場に行ったが、フランクがフロに熱心で、フレッドと私はまるで昔から知っているかのように過去、現在、未来の楽しみについて話し合ったので、とても楽しい時間を過ごした。

Tell Beth Frank asked for her, and was sorry to hear of her ill health.

ask for (尋ねる) [動] request to be given or allowed to have

ill health (病気) [名] a state of being unwell

ベスにフランクが彼女のことを尋ねていたこと、彼女の病気のことを聞いて残念に思っていることを伝えて。

Fred laughed when I spoke of Jo, and sent his ‘respectful compliments to the big hat’.

私がジョーのことを話すとフレッドは笑い、「大きな帽子に敬意を表する」と言った。

Neither of them had forgotten Camp Laurence, or the fun we had there.

どちらもキャンプ・ローレンスやそこでの楽しみを忘れていなかった。

What ages ago it seems, doesn’t it?

what ages ago (何年も前) [名] a long time ago

何年も前のことのように思えるよね。

Aunt is tapping on the wall for the third time, so I must stop.

おばさんが三度壁を叩いているので、もうやめなくては。

I really feel like a dissipated London fine lady, writing here so late, with my room full of pretty things, and my head a jumble of parks, theaters, new gowns, and gallant creatures who say “Ah!” and twirl their blond mustaches with the true English lordliness.

feel like (気分だ) [動] to be in the mood for

dissipated (放蕩娘) [形] having spent a lot of time and energy on pleasure

twirl (ひねる) [動] to twist or turn something quickly and lightly

blond (金髪の) [形] having fair hair and skin

mustache (口ひげ) [名] the hair growing on a man's upper lip

lordliness (貴族らしく) [名] the quality or state of being a lord

こんなに遅くまでこんなところに座って書いていて、部屋はきれいなものでいっぱいで、頭の中は公園、劇場、新しいドレス、そして「ああ!」と言って金髪の口ひげをイギリス貴族らしくひねる勇敢な生き物でいっぱいで、私は本当にロンドンの放蕩娘になった気分だ。

I long to see you all, and in spite of my nonsense am, as ever, your loving...

long to (会いたい) [動] have a strong wish or desire for

as ever (いつも通り) [副] in the same way as always

loving (愛している) [動] feel a deep or constant affection for

みんなに会いたいよ。こんなばかげたことを書いていても、いつも通りみんなを愛しているよ。

AMY

エイミー

PARIS

パリ

Dear girls,

親愛なる娘たちへ

In my last I told you about our London visit, how kind the Vaughns were, and what pleasant parties they made for us.

前回の手紙では、ロンドン訪問のこと、ヴォーン家がどれほど親切だったか、そして私たちのためにどんなに楽しいパーティーを開いてくれたかをお話ししました。

I enjoyed the trips to Hampton Court and the Kensington Museum more than anything else, for at Hampton I saw Raphael’s cartoons, and at the Museum, rooms full of pictures by Turner, Lawrence, Reynolds, Hogarth, and the other great creatures.

Hampton Court (ハンプトンコート) [名] a royal palace in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

Kensington Museum (ケンジントン博物館) [名] a museum in Kensington, London

more than anything else (何よりも) [副] more than anything else

Hampton (ハンプトン) [名] a royal palace in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

cartoon (漫画) [名] a humorous or satirical drawing

Museum (博物館) [名] a place where objects of historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural interest are stored and exhibited

Lawrence (ローレンス) [名] an English portrait painter

Reynolds (レイノルズ) [名] an English portrait painter

Hogarth (ホガース) [名] an English painter, writer, and engraver

creature (芸術家) [名] a person who creates art

ハンプトンコートとケンジントン博物館への旅行は何よりも楽しかった。ハンプトンではラファエロの漫画を見たし、博物館ではターナー、ローレンス、レイノルズ、ホガース、その他の偉大な芸術家たちの絵で部屋がいっぱいだった。

The day in Richmond Park was charming, for we had a regular English picnic, and I had more splendid oaks and groups of deer than I could copy, also heard a nightingale, and saw larks go up.

Richmond Park (リッチモンド公園) [名] a park in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

regular (イギリス式の) [形] done or happening frequently or at regular intervals

go up (飛び立つ) [動] move upwards

リッチモンド公園での一日はすばらしかった。イギリス式のピクニックをしたり、模写しきれないほどたくさんの立派なオークの木や鹿の群れを見たり、ナイチンゲールの声を聞いたり、ヒバリが飛び立つのを見たりした。

We ‘did’ London to our heart’s content, thanks to Fred and Frank, and were sorry to go away, for though English people are slow to take you in, when they once make up their minds to do it they cannot be outdone in hospitality, I think.

do (満喫する) [動] experience or enjoy to the full

be slow to (遅い) [動] not happening or moving quickly

take in (受け入れる) [動] allow to enter

cannot be outdone (負けない) [動] not able to be exceeded or surpassed

フレッドとフランクのおかげで、私たちは心ゆくまでロンドンを「満喫」し、去るのが残念だった。イギリス人は人を受け入れるのが遅いけれど、一度受け入れると決めたら、もてなしの心では誰にも負けないと思う。

The Vaughns hope to meet us in Rome next winter, and I shall be dreadfully disappointed if they don’t, for Grace and I are great friends, and the boys very nice fellows, especially Fred.

The Vaughns (ヴォーン家) [名] the Vaughn family

great friends (大の仲良し) [名] very close friends

very nice (とても素敵な) [形] very good or pleasant

fellows (人たち) [名] people

ヴォーン家は来年の冬にローマで会いたいと言っていて、もし会えなかったらとてもがっかりするだろう。グレースと私は大の仲良しだし、男の子たちもとても素敵な人たちで、特にフレッドは素敵だ。

Well, we were hardly settled here, when he turned up again, saying he had come for a holiday, and was going to Switzerland.

turn up (現れる) [動] arrive or appear

holiday (休暇) [名] a day on which one does not work

私たちがここに落ち着くか落ち着かないうちに、彼はまた現れて、休暇で来た、スイスに行きたいと言った。

Aunt looked sober at first, but he was so cool about it she couldn’t say a word.

look sober (真面目な顔をする) [動] appear serious or solemn

couldn't say a word (何も言えなかった) [動] be unable to speak

伯母は最初は真面目な顔をしていたが、彼があまりに冷静なので何も言えなかった。

And now we get on nicely, and are very glad he came, for he speaks French like a native, and I don’t know what we should do without him.

nicely (うまく) [副] in a pleasant way

native (母国語) [名] a person born in a particular place

そして今では私たちはうまくやっていて、彼が来てくれてとても嬉しい。彼はフランス語を母国語のように話すので、彼なしではどうしたらいいのかわからない。

Uncle doesn’t know ten words, and insists on talking English very loud, as if it would make people understand him.

おじは10語も知らないのに、大声で英語を話せば通じると思っている。

Aunt’s pronunciation is old-fashioned, and Flo and I, though we flattered ourselves that we knew a good deal, find we don’t, and are very grateful to have Fred do the ‘parley vooing’, as Uncle calls it.

flatter oneself (思い込む) [動] to have a high opinion of oneself

おばの発音は古風で、フローと私は、自分たちがかなり知っていると思い込んでいたが、そうではないことがわかり、おじが言うように、フレッドに「パルリー・ヴーイング」をしてもらえてとても感謝している。

Such delightful times as we are having!

私たちが過ごしているなんて楽しい時間!

Sight-seeing from morning till night, stopping for nice lunches in the gay cafes, and meeting with all sorts of droll adventures.

sight-seeing (観光) [名] the activity of visiting places of interest

cafe (カフェ) [名] a small restaurant

droll (奇妙な) [形] amusing in an odd way

朝から晩まで観光し、陽気なカフェでおいしいランチを食べ、あらゆる種類の奇妙な冒険に出会う。

Rainy days I spend in the Louvre, revelling in pictures.

Louvre (ルーブル美術館) [名] a museum in Paris, France

雨の日はルーブル美術館で絵画を堪能する。

Jo would turn up her naughty nose at some of the finest, because she has no soul for art, but I have, and I’m cultivating eye and taste as fast as I can.

turn up (向けるだろう) [動] direct or point upwards

finest (最高のもの) [名] the best of something

taste (味) [名] the sensation produced when a substance in the mouth reacts chemically with taste receptor cells located on taste buds in the oral cavity

as fast as (できるだけ早く) [副] at the highest possible speed

ジョーは芸術に対する魂がないので、最高のもののいくつかに彼女のいたずらな鼻を向けるだろうが、私は持っていて、私はできるだけ早く目と味を養っている。

She would like the relics of great people better, for I’ve seen her Napoleon’s cocked hat and gray coat, his baby’s cradle and his old toothbrush, also Marie Antoinette’s little shoe, the ring of Saint Denis, Charlemagne’s sword, and many other interesting things.

cocked hat (三角帽子) [名] a hat with a brim turned up on two or three sides

gray coat (灰色のコートと) [名] a coat that is gray in color

cradle (ゆりかご) [名] a small bed for a baby

toothbrush (歯ブラシ) [名] a brush for cleaning the teeth

Marie Antoinette (マリー・アントワネット) [名] the queen of France from 1774 to 1793

little shoe (小さな靴) [名] a shoe that is small in size

Saint Denis (聖ドニ) [名] a Christian martyr and saint

Charlemagne (シャルルマーニュ) [名] a king of the Franks from 768 to 814

彼女は偉人の遺物の方が好きで、ナポレオンの三角帽子と灰色のコートと、彼の赤ん坊のゆりかごと古い歯ブラシ、マリー・アントワネットの小さな靴、聖ドニの指輪、シャルルマーニュの剣、その他多くの興味深いものを見てきた。

I’ll talk for hours about them when I come, but haven’t time to write.

帰ったら何時間も話すつもりだが、書く時間がない。

The Palais Royale is a heavenly place, so full of bijouterie and lovely things that I’m nearly distracted because I can’t buy them.

Palais Royale (パレ・ロワイヤル) [名] a palace in Paris

bijouterie (宝石) [名] jewelry made with imitation gems

パレ・ロワイヤルは天国のような場所で、宝石や素敵なものがたくさんあって、買えないので気が散りそうになる。

Fred wanted to get me some, but of course I didn’t allow it.

フレッドは私にいくつか買ってあげたかったが、もちろん私はそれを許さなかった。

Then the Bois and Champs Elysees are tres magnifique.

Bois (ブローニュの森) [名] a large park in Paris

Champs Elysees (シャンゼリゼ通り) [名] a famous street in Paris

tres magnifique (本当に素晴らしい) [形] very beautiful

それから、ブローニュの森とシャンゼリゼ通りは本当に素晴らしい。

I’ve seen the imperial family several times, the emperor an ugly, hard-looking man, the empress pale and pretty, but dressed in bad taste, I thought—purple dress, green hat, and yellow gloves.

imperial family (皇室) [名] the family of an emperor

emperor (皇帝) [名] the male ruler of an empire

hard-looking (いかつい) [形] having a tough or aggressive appearance

empress (皇后) [名] the wife or widow of an emperor

bad taste (悪趣味) [名] a lack of good judgment or taste

私は皇室を何度か見たことがあるが、皇帝は醜く、いかつい顔つきの男で、皇后は青白く、かわいらしいが、紫のドレス、緑の帽子、黄色の手袋という悪趣味な服装をしていると思った。

Little Nap is a handsome boy, who sits chatting to his tutor, and kisses his hand to the people as he passes in his four-horse barouche, with postilions in red satin jackets and a mounted guard before and behind.

Little Nap (小さなナポレオン) [名] Napoleon II

kiss (振る) [動] touch or press with the lips as a sign of love, sexual desire, reverence, or greeting

four-horse barouche (四頭立ての馬車) [名] a horse-drawn carriage with a folding hood over the rear seats

postilion (ポスティリオン) [名] a person who rides the near horse of the leaders in a team of horses drawing a carriage

mounted guard (騎馬警備員) [名] a person who guards something while riding a horse

小さなナポレオンはハンサムな少年で、家庭教師とおしゃべりしながら座り、赤いサテンのジャケットを着たポスティリオンと前後に騎馬警備員を従えた四頭立ての馬車で通り過ぎる時に人々に手を振る。

We often walk in the Tuileries Gardens, for they are lovely, though the antique Luxembourg Gardens suit me better.

Tuileries Gardens (チュイルリー公園) [名] a public garden located between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, France

Luxembourg Gardens (リュクサンブール公園) [名] a garden in Paris, France

私たちはよくチュイルリー公園を散歩するが、そこは素敵だが、私にはアンティークなリュクサンブール公園の方が合っている。

Pere la Chaise is very curious, for many of the tombs are like small rooms, and looking in, one sees a table, with images or pictures of the dead, and chairs for the mourners to sit in when they come to lament.

Pere la Chaise (ペール・ラシェーズ墓地) [名] a cemetery in Paris

look in (覗く) [動] look inside

image (像) [名] a representation of the external form of a person or thing in art

mourner (会葬者) [名] a person who attends a funeral

sit in (座る) [動] be in or occupy a place or position

ペール・ラシェーズ墓地はとても珍しい墓地で、墓の多くは小さな部屋のようで、中を覗くと、死者の像や写真が飾られたテーブルと、会葬者が嘆き悲しむ時に座る椅子がある。

That is so Frenchy.

Frenchy (フランス的) [形] of or relating to France or its people or language

とてもフランス的だ。

Our rooms are on the Rue de Rivoli, and sitting on the balcony, we look up and down the long, brilliant street.

Rue de Rivoli (リヴォリ通り) [名] a street in Paris

balcony (バルコニー) [名] a platform with a railing that projects from the wall of a building, typically at an upper level

look up and down (見上げたり見下ろしたりしている) [動] look at something from top to bottom or from bottom to top

私たちの部屋はリヴォリ通りに面していて、バルコニーに座って長く輝く通りを見上げたり見下ろしたりしている。

It is so pleasant that we spend our evenings talking there when too tired with our day’s work to go out.

とても気持ちがいいので、日中の仕事で疲れすぎて外出できないときは、そこで夜を過ごして話をしている。

Fred is very entertaining, and is altogether the most agreeable young man I ever knew—except Laurie, whose manners are more charming.

entertaining (面白い) [形] providing entertainment

young man (若者) [名] a young male

フレッドはとても面白い人で、私が今までに知った中で最も感じのいい若者だ。ローリーは別として、彼の態度はもっと魅力的だ。

I wish Fred was dark, for I don’t fancy light men, however, the Vaughns are very rich and come of an excellent family, so I won’t find fault with their yellow hair, as my own is yellower.

dark (黒髪) [形] having a dark color

light (色白) [形] having a light color

fancy (好きではない) [動] like or be fond of

find fault with (文句を言う) [動] criticize or complain about

yellower (もっと黄色い) [形] more yellow

フレッドが黒髪だったらいいのにと思う。私は色白の男性は好きではない。しかし、ヴォーン家はとても裕福で、素晴らしい家柄なので、彼らの黄色い髪の毛に文句を言うつもりはない。私の髪の毛はもっと黄色い。

Next week we are off to Germany and Switzerland, and as we shall travel fast, I shall only be able to give you hasty letters.

be off to (~へ行く) [動] leave for a destination

Germany (ドイツ) [名] a country in Europe

来週はドイツとスイスに行き、急いで旅行するので、急いで書いた手紙しか出せない。

I keep my diary, and try to ‘remember correctly and describe clearly all that I see and admire’, as Father advised.

diary (日記) [名] a blank book for writing down your thoughts and experiences

describe (描写する) [動] give an account of

clearly (はっきりと) [副] in a clear manner

私は日記をつけ、パパの忠告通り「見たものや感心したものをすべて正しく記憶し、はっきりと描写する」ようにしている。

It is good practice for me, and with my sketchbook will give you a better idea of my tour than these scribbles.

sketchbook (スケッチブック) [名] a book with blank or lightly ruled pages for sketching

tour (旅行) [名] a trip that people take for pleasure, during which they visit several places

それは私にとって良い練習になるし、私のスケッチブックがあれば、これらの走り書きよりも私の旅行をよりよく理解してもらえるだろう。

Adieu, I embrace you tenderly.

さようなら、優しく抱きしめます。

“Votre Amie.”

Votre Amie (あなたの友人) [名] your friend

「あなたの友人」

HEIDELBERG

HEIDELBERG (ハイデルベルク) [名] a city in Germany

ハイデルベルク

My dear Mamma,

親愛なるママ、

Having a quiet hour before we leave for Berne, I’ll try to tell you what has happened, for some of it is very important, as you will see.

have a quiet hour (静かな時間がある) [動] have a period of time with no noise or activity

leave for (に向けて出発する) [動] go away from a place

ベルンに向けて出発する前に静かな時間があるので、何が起こったかをお話ししましょう。そのうちのいくつかは、ご覧の通りとても重要です。

The sail up the Rhine was perfect, and I just sat and enjoyed it with all my might.

sail (船旅) [名] a trip on a ship

Rhine (ライン川) [名] a river in Germany

ライン川を遡る船旅は完璧で、私はただ座って全力で楽しんだ。

Get Father’s old guidebooks and read about it.

パパの古いガイドブックを取り出して、それについて読んでみなさい。

I haven’t words beautiful enough to describe it.

それを表現するのに十分な美しい言葉を持ち合わせていない。

At Coblentz we had a lovely time, for some students from Bonn, with whom Fred got acquainted on the boat, gave us a serenade.

Coblentz (コブレンツ) [名] a city in Germany

lovely (楽しい) [形] very pleasing or enjoyable

Bonn (ボン) [名] a city in Germany

コブレンツでは、フレッドが船で知り合ったボン出身の学生たちがセレナーデを歌ってくれて、とても楽しい時間を過ごした。

It was a moonlight night, and about one o’clock Flo and I were waked by the most delicious music under our windows.

moonlight night (月明かりの夜) [名] a night when the moon is shining

about one o'clock (一時頃) [名] about one hour after midnight

月明かりの夜で、一時頃、フローと私は窓の下でとても素敵な音楽で起こされた。

We flew up, and hid behind the curtains, but sly peeps showed us Fred and the students singing away down below.

fly up (飛び起きる) [動] get up quickly

show (見える) [動] be visible

私たちは飛び起きてカーテンの後ろに隠れたが、こっそり覗くと、フレッドと学生たちが下で歌っているのが見えた。

It was the most romantic thing I ever saw—the river, the bridge of boats, the great fortress opposite, moonlight everywhere, and music fit to melt a heart of stone.

fortress (要塞) [名] a military stronghold

それは私が今まで見た中で最もロマンチックなものだった—川、船の橋、向かいの大きな要塞、至る所の月明かり、そして石の心を溶かすのにふさわしい音楽。

When they were done we threw down some flowers, and saw them scramble for them, kiss their hands to the invisible ladies, and go laughing away, to smoke and drink beer, I suppose.

be done (歌い終わる) [動] finish doing something

throw down (投げる) [動] cause to fall by releasing from a hold

scramble (奪い合う) [動] move or climb hurriedly and with difficulty

invisible (見えない) [形] unable to be seen

彼らが歌い終わると、私たちは花を投げ、彼らが花を奪い合い、見えない女性たちに手を振り、笑いながら去っていくのを見たが、たぶんタバコを吸ったりビールを飲んだりに行ったのだろう。

Next morning Fred showed me one of the crumpled flowers in his vest pocket, and looked very sentimental.

crumpled (しわくちゃになった) [形] having creases or wrinkles

vest pocket (チョッキのポケット) [名] a pocket in a vest

翌朝、フレッドはチョッキのポケットにしわくちゃになった花の一つを見せ、とても感傷的に見えた。

I laughed at him, and said I didn’t throw it, but Flo, which seemed to disgust him, for he tossed it out of the window, and turned sensible again.

disgust (嫌がる) [動] to cause to feel intense aversion

toss (放り投げる) [動] to throw or roll with a quick, light movement

turn (戻る) [動] to change direction, position, or course

私は彼を笑い、投げたのは私ではなくフロだと言ったが、彼はそれを窓から放り投げてまた正気に戻ったので、彼はそれを嫌がっているようだった。

I’m afraid I’m going to have trouble with that boy, it begins to look like it.

begin (思えてきた) [動] start to happen or exist

私はあの子とトラブルを起こすのではないかと心配している、そう思えてきた。

The baths at Nassau were very gay, so was Baden-Baden, where Fred lost some money, and I scolded him.

Nassau (ナッソー) [名] the capital of the Bahamas

bath (温泉) [名] a place where people can wash themselves

Baden-Baden (バーデンバーデン) [名] a spa town in Germany

ナッソーの温泉はとても華やかで、バーデンバーデンもそうだった。そこでフレッドはいくらかお金を失い、私は彼を叱った。

He needs someone to look after him when Frank is not with him.

彼にはフランクがいない時に面倒を見てくれる人が必要だ。

Kate said once she hoped he’d marry soon, and I quite agree with her that it would be well for him.

ケイトは一度彼がすぐに結婚することを望んでいると言い、私は彼にとってそれが良いことだと彼女に全く同意する。

Frankfurt was delightful.

Frankfurt (フランクフルト) [名] a city in Germany

be delightful (楽しい) [動] giving great pleasure; delightful

フランクフルトは楽しかった。

I saw Goethe’s house, Schiller’s statue, and Dannecker’s famous ‘Ariadne.’

Goethe (ゲーテ) [名] a German poet, playwright, novelist, scientist, statesman, theatre director, and critic

Dannecker (ダンネッカー) [名] a German sculptor

Ariadne (アリアドネ) [名] a Cretan princess who helped Theseus escape the labyrinth

私はゲーテの家、シラーの像、ダンネッカーの有名な「アリアドネ」を見た。

It was very lovely, but I should have enjoyed it more if I had known the story better.

それはとても素敵だったが、物語をもっと知っていたらもっと楽しめただろう。

I didn’t like to ask, as everyone knew it or pretended they did.

誰もが知っているか、知っているふりをしているので、私は尋ねたくなかった。

I wish Jo would tell me all about it.

ジョーがそのことについて全部話してくれたらいいのに。

I ought to have read more, for I find I don’t know anything, and it mortifies me.

mortify (悔しくさせる) [動] cause a severe loss in the dignity of

私はもっと本を読むべきだった、なぜなら私は何も知らないことが分かり、それが私を悔しくさせるからだ。

Now comes the serious part, for it happened here, and Fred has just gone.

さあ、深刻な部分がやってくる、なぜならそれはここで起こり、フレッドはちょうど行ってしまったからだ。

He has been so kind and jolly that we all got quite fond of him.

jolly (陽気) [形] full of high spirits and good humor

彼はとても親切で陽気なので、私たちはみんな彼をとても好きになった。

I never thought of anything but a traveling friendship till the serenade night.

traveling (旅先での) [形] going from one place to another

私はセレナーデの夜まで旅先での友情以外は何も考えていなかった。

Since then I’ve begun to feel that the moonlight walks, balcony talks, and daily adventures were something more to him than fun.

talk (会話) [名] a conversation

それ以来、私は月明かりの散歩、バルコニーでの会話、日々の冒険が彼にとって楽しみ以上の何かであると感じ始めた。

I haven’t flirted, Mother, truly, but remembered what you said to me, and have done my very best.

私は浮気なんてしていないよ、ママ、本当に、でもママが私に言ったこと覚えていて、最善を尽くしてきたよ。

I can’t help it if people like me.

人々が私を好きになっても仕方がない。

I don’t try to make them, and it worries me if I don’t care for them, though Jo says I haven’t got any heart.

私は友達を作ろうとはしていないし、彼らを気にかけないと心配になる、ジョーは私には心がないと言うけど。

Now I know Mother will shake her head, and the girls say, “Oh, the mercenary little wretch!”, but I’ve made up my mind, and if Fred asks me, I shall accept him, though I’m not madly in love.

mercenary (お金に目がくらんだ) [形] primarily concerned with making money

wretch (哀れな子) [名] a person who is in a very unhappy or unfortunate situation

madly (狂ったように) [副] in a way that is wild or uncontrolled

in love (恋をする) [動] feel a deep romantic or sexual attachment to (someone)

ママは首を横に振るだろうし、娘たちは「ああ、お金に目がくらんだ哀れな子!」と言うだろうけど、私は決心したし、フレッドが私に尋ねたら、私は彼を受け入れるつもりだ、私は狂ったように恋をしていないけど。

I like him, and we get on comfortably together.

get on (仲良くする) [動] be on good terms with

comfortably (心地よい) [副] in a way that is physically or mentally comfortable

私は彼が好きだし、私たちは一緒にいて心地よい。

He is handsome, young, clever enough, and very rich—ever so much richer than the Laurences.

彼はハンサムで、若く、十分に賢く、とても裕福で、ローレンス家よりもずっと裕福だ。

I don’t think his family would object, and I should be very happy, for they are all kind, well-bred, generous people, and they like me.

彼の家族が反対するとは思わないし、彼らはみんな親切で、育ちがよく、寛大な人々で、私を気に入ってくれているので、私はとても幸せになるだろう。

Fred, as the eldest twin, will have the estate, I suppose, and such a splendid one it is!

eldest (年長の) [形] older than all others

estate (私有地) [名] a large piece of land with a large house on it

フレッドは双子の兄として、私有地を相続するだろうし、それはとても素晴らしいことだ!

A city house in a fashionable street, not so showy as our big houses, but twice as comfortable and full of solid luxury, such as English people believe in.

showy (派手な) [形] attracting notice or attention

believe in (信じる) [動] have faith in the truth or existence of

ファッショナブルな通りにある街の家は、私たちの大きな家ほど派手ではないが、イギリス人が信じているような、2倍快適で、堅固な贅沢に満ちている。

I like it, for it’s genuine.

私はそれが好きだ、なぜならそれは本物だからだ。

I’ve seen the plate, the family jewels, the old servants, and pictures of the country place, with its park, great house, lovely grounds, and fine horses.

family jewel (家宝の宝石) [名] a valuable object that has been in a family for several generations

old servant (年老いた召使) [名] a person who performs duties for others, especially a person employed in a house on domestic duties or as a personal attendant

country place (田舎の場所) [名] a place in the country

great house (大きな家) [名] a large house

lovely ground (美しい敷地) [名] a beautiful area of land

fine horse (立派な馬) [名] a good-looking horse

私は皿、家宝の宝石、年老いた召使、そして公園、大きな家、美しい敷地、立派な馬がいる田舎の場所の写真を見てきた。

Oh, it would be all I should ask!

ああ、それは私が求めるべき全てだ!

And I’d rather have it than any title such as girls snap up so readily, and find nothing behind.

title (肩書き) [名] a name that describes someone's position or job

snap up (飛びつく) [動] to accept or take eagerly

そして私は、女の子がすぐに飛びつき、後ろに何も見つけられないようなどんな肩書きよりも、それを持ちたい。

I may be mercenary, but I hate poverty, and don’t mean to bear it a minute longer than I can help.

help (耐えられる) [動] to be of use to

私はお金に目がくらんでいるかもしれないが、貧乏は嫌いで、耐えられる時間より長く耐えるつもりはない。

One of us must marry well.

私たちの誰かが、良い結婚をしなければならない。

Meg didn’t, Jo won’t, Beth can’t yet, so I shall, and make everything okay all round.

okay (うまく) [形] satisfactory; good; fine

メグはそうしなかったし、ジョーはそうしないし、ベスはまだできないから、私がそうして、全てをうまくやってみせる。

I wouldn’t marry a man I hated or despised.

despise (軽蔑する) [動] look down on with intense aversion

私は嫌いだったり軽蔑している男性とは結婚しない。

You may be sure of that, and though Fred is not my model hero, he does very well, and in time I should get fond enough of him if he was very fond of me, and let me do just as I liked.

be sure of (確信する) [動] be certain about

get fond of (好きになる) [動] become fond of

just as (好きなように) [副] in the way that

あなたはそれを信じていいし、フレッドは私の理想のヒーローではないけれど、彼は非常によくやっていて、もし彼が私をとても好きで、私が好きなようにさせてくれるなら、私はやがて彼を十分に好きになるだろう。

So I’ve been turning the matter over in my mind the last week, for it was impossible to help seeing that Fred liked me.

turn over (ぐるぐる回す) [動] to think about something repeatedly

last week (この一週間) [名] the week before the present one

だから私はこの一週間、この問題を頭の中でぐるぐる回していた、フレッドが私を好きだということを見過ごすことは不可能だったから。

He said nothing, but little things showed it.

little thing (些細なこと) [名] a small or unimportant thing

show (分かる) [動] be clear or obvious

彼は何も言わなかったが、些細なことでそれが分かった。

He never goes with Flo, always gets on my side of the carriage, table, or promenade, looks sentimental when we are alone, and frowns at anyone else who ventures to speak to me.

get on (乗る) [動] go up or into

promenade (散歩道) [名] a paved public walk, especially one along a seafront

彼は決してフロと行かず、いつも馬車、テーブル、散歩道で私の側にいて、私たちが二人きりの時は感傷的に見え、私に話しかけようとする人には誰にでも眉をひそめる。

Yesterday at dinner, when an Austrian officer stared at us and then said something to his friend, a rakish-looking baron, about ‘ein wonderschones Blondchen’, Fred looked as fierce as a lion, and cut his meat so savagely it nearly flew off his plate.

Austrian (オーストリアの) [形] of or relating to Austria or its people

rakish (ならず者のような) [形] having a dashing, jaunty, or slightly disreputable quality or appearance

baron (男爵) [名] a member of the lowest order of the British peerage

savagely (乱暴に) [副] in a fierce, violent, or uncontrolled manner

昨日の夕食の時、オーストリアの将校が私たちをじろじろと見た後、彼の友人である、ならず者のような男爵に「ein wonderschones Blondchen」について何かを言ったとき、フレッドはライオンのように激しくなり、肉をとても乱暴に切ったので、お皿から飛びそうになった。

He isn’t one of the cool, stiff Englishmen, but is rather peppery, for he has Scotch blood in him, as one might guess from his bonnie blue eyes.

Englishmen (イギリス人) [名] a person from England

peppery (短気な) [形] having a hot or sharp flavor

Scotch (スコットランド人) [名] a person from Scotland

bonnie (美しい) [形] attractive; pretty

彼は冷静で堅苦しいイギリス人ではなく、むしろ短気で、彼の美しい青い目から推測できるように、彼にはスコットランド人の血が流れている。

Well, last evening we went up to the castle about sunset, at least all of us but Fred, who was to meet us there after going to the Post Restante for letters.

last evening (昨日の夕方) [名] the evening of the day before today

all of us (私たち全員) [名] all the people in a group that includes the speaker

Post Restante (郵便局留め) [名] a postal service in which mail is held at a post office until it is collected by the addressee

さて、昨日の夕方、私たちは日没頃に城に登った。少なくともフレッド以外の全員は、郵便局に手紙を取りに行った後、そこで私たちと会うことになっていた。

We had a charming time poking about the ruins, the vaults where the monster tun is, and the beautiful gardens made by the elector long ago for his English wife.

poke about (散策する) [動] to explore or examine something in a casual or leisurely way

vault (地下室) [名] an arched structure forming a ceiling or roof

tun (樽) [名] a large cask or barrel

elector (選帝侯) [名] a German prince entitled to take part in the election of the Holy Roman Emperor

私たちは遺跡、怪物のような樽がある地下室、そして選帝侯がイギリス人の妻のためにずっと前に作った美しい庭園を散策して楽しい時間を過ごした。

I liked the great terrace best, for the view was divine, so while the rest went to see the rooms inside, I sat there trying to sketch the gray stone lion’s head on the wall, with scarlet woodbine sprays hanging round it.

terrace (テラス) [名] a flat area of land next to a house

view (眺め) [名] the ability or opportunity to see something

woodbine (ウッドバイン) [名] a climbing plant with fragrant yellow flowers

私は大テラスが一番好きで、眺めが神々しかったので、他の人たちが中の部屋を見に行っている間に、私はそこに座って、壁に描かれた灰色の石のライオンの頭と、その周りに垂れ下がる緋色のウッドバインの枝をスケッチしようとした。

I felt as if I’d got into a romance, sitting there, watching the Neckar rolling through the valley, listening to the music of the Austrian band below, and waiting for my lover, like a real storybook girl.

band (楽団) [名] a group of musicians who play together

そこに座って、ネッカー川が谷を流れる様子を眺め、下のオーストリア楽団の音楽を聴きながら、まるで本物の物語の少女のように恋人を待っているうちに、私は恋愛小説の中に入ってしまったような気がした。

I had a feeling that something was going to happen and I was ready for it.

have a feeling (予感がする) [動] to have a feeling or belief about something

何かが起こりそうな予感がして、私はその準備ができていた。

I didn’t feel blushy or quakey, but quite cool and only a little excited.

blushy (顔を赤らめる) [形] red in the face

quakey (震える) [形] shaking or trembling

私は顔を赤らめたり、震えたりすることはなく、かなり冷静で、少し興奮しているだけだった。

By-and-by I heard Fred’s voice, and then he came hurrying through the great arch to find me.

やがてフレッドの声が聞こえ、彼は私を探しに大アーチを急いでやってきた。

He looked so troubled that I forgot all about myself, and asked what the matter was.

彼はとても困った顔をしていたので、私は自分のことをすっかり忘れて、どうしたのかと尋ねた。

He said he’d just got a letter begging him to come home, for Frank was very ill.

彼は、フランクがとても具合が悪いので、帰宅を懇願する手紙を受け取ったばかりだと言った。

So he was going at once on the night train and only had time to say good-by.

night train (夜行列車) [名] a train that runs at night

だから彼は夜行列車ですぐに帰ることになっていて、お別れの言葉を言う時間しかなかった。

I was very sorry for him, and disappointed for myself, but only for a minute because he said, as he shook hands, and said it in a way that I could not mistake, “I shall soon come back, you won’t forget me, Amy?”

only for a minute (ほんの一瞬) [副] for a very short time

in a way that (言い方で) [名] a method, style, or manner of doing something

could not mistake (間違えようのない) [動] be wrong about

私は彼をとても気の毒に思い、自分自身にも失望したが、彼が握手しながら、私が間違えようのない言い方で「すぐに戻ってくるよ、忘れないでね、エイミー?」と言ったので、ほんの一瞬だった。

I didn’t promise, but I looked at him, and he seemed satisfied, and there was no time for anything but messages and good-byes, for he was off in an hour, and we all miss him very much.

message (伝言) [名] a verbal, written, or recorded communication sent to or left for a recipient who cannot be reached directly

miss (寂しく思う) [動] feel sad or lonely as a result of the absence of a person or thing

私は約束しなかったが、彼を見ると、彼は満足そうだったし、彼は1時間後に出発するので、伝言とお別れの言葉を言う時間しかなく、私たちは皆彼がいなくてとても寂しい。

I know he wanted to speak, but I think, from something he once hinted, that he had promised his father not to do anything of the sort yet a while, for he is a rash boy, and the old gentleman dreads a foreign daughter-in-law.

彼が話したがっていたのは知っているが、彼がかつてほのめかしたことによると、彼は父親にしばらくはそのようなことをしないと約束していたらしい。彼は軽率な少年で、老紳士は外国人の嫁を恐れているのだ。

We shall soon meet in Rome, and then, if I don’t change my mind, I’ll say “Yes, thank you,” when he says “Will you, please?”

will you (結婚してくれませんか) [動] a polite request

私たちはまもなくローマで会うだろうし、それから、もし私が気が変わらなかったら、彼が「結婚してくれませんか?」と言ったら、「はい、ありがとう」と言うつもりだ。

Of course this is all very private, but I wished you to know what was going on.

もちろん、これはすべてとてもプライベートなことだけれど、私はあなたに何が起こっているのか知ってほしかった。

Don’t be anxious about me, remember I am your ‘prudent Amy’, and be sure I will do nothing rashly.

be anxious about (心配する) [動] feel fear, worry, or nervousness about

rashly (軽率に) [副] without careful thought or planning

私のことを心配しないで、私はあなたの「思慮深いエイミー」であることを思い出して、私が軽率なことは何もしないことを確かめて。

Send me as much advice as you like.

好きなだけアドバイスを送って。

I’ll use it if I can.

できるならそれを使おう。

I wish I could see you for a good talk, Marmee.

ママ、あなたに会ってゆっくりおしゃべりできたらいいのに。

Love and trust me.

私を愛して信じて。

Ever your AMY

your (あなたの) [他] belonging to or connected with the person or thing mentioned

いつもあなたのエイミー

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO: TENDER TROUBLES

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO (第32章) [名] a division of a book

TENDER TROUBLES (優しい悩み) [名] a problem or difficulty

第32章優しい悩み

“Jo, I’m anxious about Beth.”

「ジョー、ベスが心配だよ」

“Why, Mother, she has seemed unusually well since the babies came.”

「どうして、ママ、赤ちゃんが来てから、ベスはいつもより元気そうよ」

“It’s not her health that troubles me now, it’s her spirits.

「今私を悩ませているのは彼女の健康ではなく、彼女の精神なのよ。

I’m sure there is something on her mind, and I want you to discover what it is.”

彼女の心には何かあるに違いないよ、そしてそれが何かをあなたが見つけてほしいの」

“What makes you think so, Mother?”

「どうしてそう思うの、ママ?」

“She sits alone a good deal, and doesn’t talk to her father as much as she used.

sit alone (一人で座る) [動] be in a sitting position by oneself

「彼女はよく一人で座っているし、以前ほど父親と話さない。

I found her crying over the babies the other day.

先日、彼女が赤ちゃんたちのことで泣いているのを見つけたのよ。

When she sings, the songs are always sad ones, and now and then I see a look in her face that I don’t understand.

彼女が歌う時、歌はいつも悲しいもので、時々彼女の顔に私には理解できない表情を見かけるの。

This isn’t like Beth, and it worries me.”

ベスらしくないし、心配だよ。」

“Have you asked her about it?”

「彼女にそれについて尋ねた?」

“I have tried once or twice, but she either evaded my questions or looked so distressed that I stopped.

evade (避ける) [動] escape or avoid, especially by cleverness or trickery

「一度か二度試したけど、彼女は私の質問を避けたり、とても苦しそうに見えたのでやめたの。

I never force my children’s confidence, and I seldom have to wait for long.”

force (強要する) [動] make someone do something against their will

私は子供たちの信頼を強要することは決してしないし、長く待たなければならないことはめったにない。」

Mrs. March glanced at Jo as she spoke, but the face opposite seemed quite unconscious of any secret disquietude but Beth’s, and after sewing thoughtfully for a minute, Jo said, “I think she is growing up, and so begins to dream dreams, and have hopes and fears and fidgets, without knowing why or being able to explain them.

disquietude (不安) [名] a feeling of worry or nervousness

fidget (そわそわ) [動] make small movements, typically of the hands and feet, through nervousness or impatience

マーチ夫人は話しながらジョーをちらっと見たが、向かいの顔はベス以外の秘密の不安を全く意識していないようだった。そして、しばらく考えながら縫い物をした後、ジョーは言った、「彼女は成長しているんだと思う、だから夢を見始め、希望や恐れやそわそわを抱え始めているんだ、理由も説明もできないままに。

Why, Mother, Beth’s eighteen, but we don’t realize it, and treat her like a child, forgetting she’s a woman.”

realize (理解する) [動] be fully aware of

だって、ママ、ベスは18歳なのに、私たちはそれを理解せずに、彼女が女性であることを忘れて、子供のように扱っているんだもの。」

“So she is. Dear heart, how fast you do grow up,” returned her mother with a sigh and a smile.

heart (子) [名] a young person

「そうね。愛しい子よ、あなたはなんて早く成長するのでしょう」と母はため息をつきながら微笑んだ。

“Can’t be helped, Marmee, so you must resign yourself to all sorts of worries, and let your birds hop out of the nest, one by one.

「仕方ないよ、ママ、だからあなたはあらゆる心配に身を任せて、あなたの鳥たちが巣から飛び立つのを、一羽ずつ見守らなければならないよ。

I promise never to hop very far, if that is any comfort to you.”

私があまり遠くへ飛び立たないと約束するよ、それで少しは安心する?」

“It’s a great comfort, Jo.

「とても安心するよ、ジョー。

I always feel strong when you are at home, now Meg is gone.

feel strong (心強い) [動] feel confident or courageous

あなたが家にいる時はいつも心強いのよ、メグがいなくなった今は。

Beth is too feeble and Amy too young to depend upon, but when the tug comes, you are always ready.”

too feeble (弱すぎる) [形] lacking physical strength

depend upon (頼る) [動] rely on

when the tug comes (いざという時) [名] when the time comes

ベスは頼るには弱すぎるし、エイミーは若すぎるけど、いざという時にはあなたはいつも頼りになるよ。」

“Why, you know I don’t mind hard jobs much, and there must always be one scrub in a family.

hard job (きつい仕事) [名] a job that is difficult or demanding

scrub (雑用係) [名] a person who does menial or hard work

「だって、私がきつい仕事は気にしないって知ってるでしょ、それに家族にはいつも一人は雑用係が必要よ。

Amy is splendid in fine works and I’m not, but I feel in my element when all the carpets are to be taken up, or half the family fall sick at once.

splendid (得意) [形] very impressive or very good

fine work (細かい仕事) [名] work that requires a high level of skill or precision

be to be (取り上げられる) [動] to be going to be

fall sick (病気になる) [動] to become ill

エイミーは細かい仕事が得意で私はそうじゃないけど、カーペットを全部取り上げたり、家族の半分が一度に病気になったりした時は、自分の本領を発揮できる気がするよ。

Amy is distinguishing herself abroad, but if anything is amiss at home, I’m your man.”

distinguish (活躍する) [動] make noticeable or different

amiss (あったら) [形] wrong or faulty

エイミーは外で活躍しているけど、家で何かあったら私が頼りよ。」

“I leave Beth to your hands, then, for she will open her tender little heart to her Jo sooner than to anyone else.

「それならベスはあなたに任せるよ、彼女は誰よりも早くジョーに優しい小さな心を開くでしょうから。

Be very kind, and don’t let her think anyone watches or talks about her.

be kind (優しくする) [動] be friendly, generous, or considerate

とても優しくして、誰かが彼女を見たり話したりしていると思わせないように。

If she only would get quite strong and cheerful again, I shouldn’t have a wish in the world.”

get strong (元気になる) [動] become strong

彼女が元気になって明るくなれば、私はこの世に望むものは何もないよ。」

“Happy woman! I’ve got heaps.”

「幸せな女性! 私には山ほどあるよ。」

“My dear, what are they?”

「私の愛しい人、それは何?」

“I’ll settle Bethy’s troubles, and then I’ll tell you mine.

「ベティの悩みを解決してから、私の悩みを話すよ。

They are not very wearing, so they’ll keep.”

あまり着ていないから、まだ着られるよ。」

and Jo stitched away, with a wise nod which set her mother’s heart at rest about her for the present at least.

stitch (縫う) [動] make or repair (something) with stitches

set one's heart at rest (安心させる) [動] make someone feel less worried or anxious

そして、ジョーは賢そうにうなずきながら縫い物を続け、少なくとも今のところは母の心を落ち着かせた。

While apparently absorbed in her own affairs, Jo watched Beth, and after many conflicting conjectures, finally settled upon one which seemed to explain the change in her.

conflicting (矛盾する) [形] contradictory

conjecture (推測) [名] an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information

settle upon (たどり着く) [動] decide on

自分のことに熱中しているように見せながら、ジョーはベスを観察し、多くの矛盾する推測を重ねた後、ついに彼女の変化を説明できると思われる推測にたどり着いた。

A slight incident gave Jo the clue to the mystery, she thought, and lively fancy, loving heart did the rest.

incident (出来事) [名] something that happens

clue (手がかり) [名] a fact or piece of information that helps you to understand or find out about something

ちょっとした出来事がジョーに謎の手がかりを与え、彼女の活発な空想と愛情深い心が残りのことをした。

She was affecting to write busily one Saturday afternoon, when she and Beth were alone together.

one Saturday afternoon (ある土曜日の午後) [名] the afternoon of a Saturday

ある土曜日の午後、彼女とベスだけになった時、彼女は忙しそうに書いているふりをしていた。

Yet as she scribbled, she kept her eye on her sister, who seemed unusually quiet.

keep an eye on (目を光らせる) [動] watch closely

それでも、彼女は走り書きをしながら、異常に静かに見える妹に目を光らせていた。

Sitting at the window, Beth’s work often dropped into her lap, and she leaned her head upon her hand, in a dejected attitude, while her eyes rested on the dull, autumnal landscape.

dejected (落ち込んだ) [形] sad and disappointed

rest (向ける) [動] direct one's gaze

autumnal (秋の) [形] relating to or characteristic of autumn

窓際に座って、ベスの仕事はしばしば膝の上に落ち、彼女は落ち込んだ態度で頭を手にもたせ、目を鈍い秋の風景に向けた。

Suddenly some one passed below, whistling like an operatic blackbird, and a voice called out, “All serene! Coming in tonight.”

blackbird (クロウタドリ) [名] a bird of the thrush family with a black plumage

突然、誰かが下を通り過ぎ、オペラのクロウタドリのように口笛を吹き、「すべて穏やかだ! 今夜来る。」

Beth started, leaned forward, smiled and nodded, watched the passer-by till his quick tramp died away, then said softly as if to herself, “How strong and well and happy that dear boy looks.”

lean forward (前かがみになる) [動] bend the upper part of your body forward

ベスはびっくりして、前かがみになり、微笑んでうなずき、通りすがりの人の足音が消えるまで見守り、それから独り言のように「あの愛しい少年はなんて強く、元気で、幸せそうに見えるのでしょう」と言った。

“Hum!” said Jo, still intent upon her sister’s face, for the bright color faded as quickly as it came, the smile vanished, and presently a tear lay shining on the window ledge.

intent (じっと見つめる) [形] having one's mind fixed on something

fade (消える) [動] gradually grow faint or dim

window ledge (窓枠) [名] a flat surface below a window

「ふん!」とジョーは言ったが、まだ妹の顔をじっと見つめていた。明るい色が来た時と同じくらい早く消え、笑顔が消え、やがて涙が窓枠に輝いていた。

Beth whisked it off, and in her half-averted face read a tender sorrow that made her own eyes fill.

averted (そむけた) [形] turned away from

ベスはそれを払い落とし、半分そむけた顔に、自分の目がいっぱいになるような優しい悲しみを読み取った。

Fearing to betray herself, she slipped away, murmuring something about needing more paper.

slip away (そっと立ち去る) [動] leave quietly and quickly

自分の気持ちがばれるのを恐れて、彼女は紙がもっと必要だと言って、そっと立ち去った。

“Mercy on me, Beth loves Laurie!” she said, sitting down in her own room, pale with the shock of the discovery which she believed she had just made.

「なんてことだ、ベスはローリーを愛しているんだ!」彼女は自分の部屋に座り、今発見したと思った衝撃で青ざめて言った。

“I never dreamed of such a thing.

「そんな夢にも思わなかった。

What will Mother say?

ママは何と言うだろう?

I wonder if her...” there Jo stopped and turned scarlet with a sudden thought.

彼女は・・・」そこでジョーは言葉を切り、突然の考えに真っ赤になった。

“If he shouldn’t love back again, how dreadful it would be.

love back (愛してくれる) [動] to love someone in return

「もし彼が愛してくれなかったら、どんなに恐ろしいことだろう。

He must. I’ll make him!” and she shook her head threateningly at the picture of the mischievous-looking boy laughing at her from the wall.

彼はそうするはず。そうさせるよ!」そして彼女は壁から彼女を笑っているいたずらっぽい顔の少年の写真に向かって脅すように頭を振った。

“Oh dear, we are growing up with a vengeance.

vengeance (急速に) [名] punishment inflicted or retribution exacted for an injury or wrong

「ああ、私たちは急速に成長しているよ。

Here’s Meg married and a mamma, Amy flourishing away at Paris, and Beth in love.

メグは結婚してママになり、エイミーはパリで活躍し、ベスは恋をしている。

I’m the only one that has sense enough to keep out of mischief.”

keep out of (避ける) [動] avoid or stay away from

私だけがいたずらを避けるのに十分な分別があるよ。」

Jo thought intently for a minute with her eyes fixed on the picture, then she smoothed out her wrinkled forehead and said, with a decided nod at the face opposite, “No thank you, sir, you’re very charming, but you’ve no more stability than a weathercock.

think intently (熱心に考える) [動] think with a lot of effort

with her eyes fixed on (目を固定して) [動] with her eyes focused on

smooth out (なめらかにする) [動] make smooth

with a decided nod (決然とうなずきながら) [動] with a determined nod

at the face opposite (向かいの顔に) [名] at the face on the other side

no thank you (いいえ、ありがとう) [間] a polite expression of refusal

sir (あなた) [名] a polite or respectful form of address used for a man

no more (それ以上ない) [副] not more; no greater

stability (安定性) [名] the state of being stable

ジョーは絵に目を固定して一分間熱心に考え、それからしわの寄った額をなめらかにし、向かいの顔に決然とうなずきながら言った、「いいえ、ありがとう、あなたはとても魅力的ですが、風見鶏よりも安定性がありません。

So you needn’t write touching notes and smile in that insinuating way, for it won’t do a bit of good, and I won’t have it.”

touch (感動的な) [形] arousing strong feelings of sympathy, pity, or the like

insinuating (そんな風に) [形] suggesting or hinting something unpleasant or derogatory in an indirect and unpleasant way

だから、感動的なメモを書いたり、そんな風にほほ笑んだりする必要はないよ、だってそれは少しも役に立たないし、私はそれを受け取らないよ。」

Then she sighed, and fell into a reverie from which she did not wake till the early twilight sent her down to take new observations, which only confirmed her suspicion.

twilight (薄明かり) [名] the soft light from the sky when the sun is just below the horizon

confirm (裏付ける) [動] establish the truth or correctness of

それから彼女はため息をつき、早朝の薄明かりが彼女を新たな観察に送り出すまで目覚めない夢想に陥り、それは彼女の疑いを裏付けるだけだった。

Though Laurie flirted with Amy and joked with Jo, his manner to Beth had always been peculiarly kind and gentle, but so was everybody’s.

ローリーはエイミーと浮気したり、ジョーと冗談を言ったりしていたが、ベスに対する態度はいつも特に親切で優しかったが、誰もがそうだった。

Therefore, no one thought of imagining that he cared more for her than for the others.

think of (想像する) [動] to form a mental image of something

だから、誰も彼が他の人よりも彼女を気にかけているなんて想像もしなかった。

Indeed, a general impression had prevailed in the family of late that ‘our boy’ was getting fonder than ever of Jo, who, however, wouldn’t hear a word upon the subject and scolded violently if anyone dared to suggest it.

indeed (実際) [副] in fact; really; truly

general impression (一般的な印象) [名] a general feeling or idea about something

prevail (広まる) [動] be widespread or current

fonder (好き) [形] having a strong liking for

suggest (ほのめかす) [動] mention or introduce as a possibility

実際、最近では「うちの男の子」がジョーをこれまで以上に好きになっているという一般的な印象が家族に広まっていたが、ジョーは誰かがそれをほのめかそうものなら、その話題については一言も聞こうとせず、激しく叱りつけた。

If they had known the various tender passages which had been nipped in the bud, they would have had the immense satisfaction of saying, “I told you so.”

immense (計り知れない) [形] extremely great or large

もし彼らが、つぼみのうちに摘み取られた様々な優しい一節を知っていたら、「だから言ったでしょう」と言うことで、計り知れない満足感を得ていただろう。

But Jo hated ‘philandering’, and wouldn’t allow it, always having a joke or a smile ready at the least sign of impending danger.

しかし、ジョーは「浮気」を嫌い、それを許さず、危険が迫っている兆候が少しでもあれば、いつも冗談を言ったり、笑顔を浮かべたりした。

When Laurie first went to college, he fell in love about once a month, but these small flames were as brief as ardent, did no damage, and much amused Jo, who took great interest in the alternations of hope, despair, and resignation, which were confided to her in their weekly conferences.

about once a month (月に一度くらい) [副] approximately once every month

flame (炎) [名] a hot glowing body of ignited gas that is generated by a chemical reaction

ardent (熱烈な) [形] very enthusiastic or passionate

do no damage (ダメージを与えない) [動] cause no harm or injury

take great interest in (大きな関心を持つ) [動] be very interested in

alternation (交代) [名] the action of alternating between two or more things

conference (会議) [名] a formal meeting of people with a shared interest

ローリーが初めて大学に行ったとき、彼は月に一度くらい恋に落ちたが、これらの小さな炎は熱烈なほど短く、何のダメージも与えなかったし、ジョーは毎週の会議で彼女に打ち明けられる希望、絶望、諦めの交代に大きな関心を持ち、とても面白がっていた。

But there came a time when Laurie ceased to worship at many shrines, hinted darkly at one all-absorbing passion, and indulged occasionally in Byronic fits of gloom.

しかし、ローリーが多くの神社で参拝するのをやめ、一つのすべてを吸収する情熱を暗にほのめかし、時折バイロンのような憂鬱な気分にふける時が来た。

Then he avoided the tender subject altogether, wrote philosophical notes to Jo, turned studious, and gave out that he was going to ‘dig’, intending to graduate in a blaze of glory.

give out (告げる) [動] make known; announce

それから彼は優しい話題を避け、ジョーに哲学的なメモを書き、勉強に励み、栄光の輝きの中で卒業するつもりで「掘り下げる」つもりだと告げた。

This suited the young lady better than twilight confidences, tender pressures of the hand, and eloquent glances of the eye, for with Jo, brain developed earlier than heart, and she preferred imaginary heroes to real ones, because when tired of them, the former could be shut up in the tin kitchen till called for, and the latter were less manageable.

pressure (圧力) [名] the force exerted on a surface by an object

brain (脳) [名] the organ of the body that controls all mental and physical actions

call for (呼ばれる) [動] require or request the presence of

manageable (扱いやすい) [形] able to be managed or controlled

これは、夕暮れの信頼、優しい手の圧力、雄弁な目のちらっと見ることよりも、若い女性に適していた。ジョーは、心よりも脳が早く発達し、彼女は想像上の英雄を本物の英雄よりも好んだ。なぜなら、彼らに飽きたとき、前者は呼ばれるまでブリキの台所に閉じ込めておくことができ、後者は扱いにくかったからである。

Things were in this state when the grand discovery was made, and Jo watched Laurie that night as she had never done before.

物事はこのような状態で、大発見がなされ、ジョーはその夜、今までにないほどローリーを観察した。

If she had not got the new idea into her head, she would have seen nothing unusual in the fact that Beth was very quiet, and Laurie very kind to her.

get into one's head (頭に浮かべる) [動] to become obsessed with something

もし彼女が新しい考えを頭に浮かべなかったら、ベスがとても静かで、ローリーが彼女にとても親切だったという事実に何も変わったことは見なかっただろう。

But having given the rein to her lively fancy, it galloped away with her at a great pace, and common sense, being rather weakened by a long course of romance writing, did not come to the rescue.

give rein to (手綱を渡す) [動] give free rein to; give free scope to

gallop (駆け去る) [動] go at a fast pace

come to the rescue (助けに来る) [動] come to help someone in a difficult situation

しかし、彼女の生き生きとした空想に手綱を渡したため、それは彼女と一緒に大急ぎで駆け去り、長い恋愛小説の執筆によってかなり弱っていた常識は、助けに来なかった。

As usual Beth lay on the sofa and Laurie sat in a low chair close by, amusing her with all sorts of gossip, for she depended on her weekly ‘spin’, and he never disappointed her.

spin (おしゃべり) [名] an act of talking or chatting

いつものようにベスはソファに横になり、ローリーは近くの低い椅子に座って、あらゆる種類のゴシップで彼女を楽しませていた。彼女は毎週の「おしゃべり」を頼りにしていたし、彼は決して彼女をがっかりさせることはなかった。

But that evening Jo fancied that Beth’s eyes rested on the lively, dark face beside her with peculiar pleasure, and that she listened with intense interest to an account of some exciting cricket match, though the phrases, ‘caught off a tice’, ‘stumped off his ground’, and ‘the leg hit for three’, were as intelligible to her as Sanskrit.

peculiar (特別な) [形] strange or odd; unusual

intense (非常に) [形] very great or extreme

match (試合) [名] a contest in which people or teams compete against each other

catch off (捕まえる) [動] to grab or seize something

stump (踏み外す) [動] to walk or move clumsily or with difficulty

ground (地面) [名] the solid surface of the earth

intelligible (理解しにくい) [形] able to be understood

Sanskrit (サンスクリット語) [名] an ancient language of India

しかし、その夜、ジョーはベスの目が彼女の横にある生き生きとした黒い顔に特別な喜びをもって休んでいるように見え、また「タイスを捕まえた」「彼のグラウンドを踏み外した」「脚が3つ当たった」というフレーズはサンスクリット語と同じくらい理解しにくいものだったにもかかわらず、彼女がいくつかのエキサイティングなクリケットの試合の話を非常に興味深く聞いているように思えた。

She also fancied, having set her heart upon seeing it, that she saw a certain increase of gentleness in Laurie’s manner, that he dropped his voice now and then, laughed less than usual, was a little absent-minded, and settled the afghan over Beth’s feet with an assiduity that was really almost tender.

set one's heart upon (決心する) [動] to be determined to do or have something

increase (増加) [名] the amount by which something increases

gentleness (優しさ) [名] the quality of being kind or gentle

less (少ない) [形] not as much

assiduity (熱心さ) [名] the quality of being very careful and thorough

彼女はまた、それを見ようと決心して、ローリーの態度に優しさが増し、時々声を落とし、いつもより笑いが少なく、少しぼんやりしていて、ベスの足にかけるアフガンを本当に優しいほどの熱心さで整えているのを見たような気がした。

“Who knows? Stranger things have happened,” thought Jo, as she fussed about the room.

who knows (誰が知っている) [慣] used to express the fact that one does not know something

stranger (もっと奇妙な) [形] belonging to a country or language other than one's own

fuss (うろうろする) [動] make a fuss; complain

「誰が知っている? もっと奇妙なことが起こった」とジョーは部屋をうろうろしながら考えた。

“She will make quite an angel of him, and he will make life delightfully easy and pleasant for the dear, if they only love each other.

make quite an angel of (すっかり天使にしてしまう) [動] make someone very happy

make life delightfully easy and pleasant (人生をとても楽に、そして快適にしてくれる) [動] make life very easy and enjoyable

love each other (愛し合う) [動] have a strong feeling of affection for each other

「彼女は彼をすっかり天使にしてしまうだろうし、彼は愛する彼女のために人生をとても楽に、そして快適にしてくれるだろう。

I don’t see how he can help it, and I do believe he would if the rest of us were out of the way.”

out of the way (邪魔をしない) [形] not blocking or obstructing something

彼がどうやってそれを助けることができるのかわからないし、私たちの残りが邪魔をしなければ彼はそうするだろうと信じている。」

As everyone was out of the way but herself, Jo began to feel that she ought to dispose of herself with all speed.

begin to feel (感じ始めた) [動] start to experience

all speed (大急ぎで) [名] the highest possible speed

自分以外の誰もが邪魔をしていないので、ジョーは大急ぎで自分を始末するべきだと感じ始めた。

But where should she go?

しかし、彼女はどこへ行くべきか?

And burning to lay herself upon the shrine of sisterly devotion, she sat down to settle that point.

devotion (愛) [名] love

そして、姉妹愛の神殿に身を横たえようと燃え上がり、彼女はその点を解決するために腰を下ろした。

Now, the old sofa was a regular patriarch of a sofa—long, broad, well-cushioned, and low, a trifle shabby, as well it might be, for the girls had slept and sprawled on it as babies, fished over the back, rode on the arms, and had menageries under it as children, and rested tired heads, dreamed dreams, and listened to tender talk on it as young women.

patriarch (家長) [名] the male head of a family or tribe

well-cushioned (クッションがよく効いていて) [形] having a lot of padding

as well it might be (それもそのはずで) [句] not surprisingly

sprawl (寝そべる) [動] sit or lie with the limbs spread out

fish (釣りをする) [動] try to catch fish

menagerie (動物園) [名] a collection of wild animals kept in captivity for exhibition

さて、古いソファはソファの長老格で、長くて幅広く、クッションがよく効いていて、低く、ちょっとみすぼらしい感じがしたが、それもそのはずで、娘たちは赤ちゃんの頃からそのソファで寝たり、寝そべったり、背もたれから釣りをしたり、肘掛けに乗ったり、子供の頃にはその下に動物園を作ったり、疲れた頭を休めたり、夢を見たり、若い女性の頃には優しい話を聞いたりしていた。

They all loved it, for it was a family refuge, and one corner had always been Jo’s favorite lounging place.

lounging place (くつろぎの場) [名] a place where one can relax

家族の隠れ家であり、片隅はいつもジョーのお気に入りのくつろぎの場だったので、みんながそれを愛していた。

Among the many pillows that adorned the venerable couch was one, hard, round, covered with prickly horsehair, and furnished with a knobby button at each end.

venerable (由緒ある) [形] worthy of respect

couch (ソファ) [名] a long upholstered piece of furniture for several people to sit on

hard (硬い) [形] firm or solid to the touch

prickly (とげとげしい) [形] having prickles

knobby (節くれだった) [形] having knobs

由緒あるソファを飾るたくさんの枕の中に、硬くて丸く、とげとげしい馬の毛で覆われ、両端に節くれだったボタンが付いた枕があった。

This repulsive pillow was her especial property, being used as a weapon of defense, a barricade, or a stern preventive of too much slumber.

property (所有物) [名] something that is owned

weapon (武器) [名] an object or device that is used or intended to be used to cause bodily harm or physical damage

defense (防御) [名] the action of defending from or resisting attack

barricade (バリケード) [名] a barrier or obstacle

preventive (予防策) [名] something that prevents something from happening

slumber (眠り) [名] sleep

この忌まわしい枕は彼女の特別な所有物で、防御の武器、バリケード、あるいはあまりにも多くの眠りを防ぐ厳しい予防策として使われていた。

Laurie knew this pillow well, and had cause to regard it with deep aversion, having been unmercifully pummeled with it in former days when romping was allowed, and now frequently debarred by it from the seat he most coveted next to Jo in the sofa corner.

have cause to (理由がある) [動] have a good reason to

unmercifully (無慈悲に) [副] without mercy

frequently (頻繁に) [副] often

debar (締め出す) [動] exclude or shut out

next to (隣に) [前] immediately following

ローリーはこの枕をよく知っていて、昔はそれで無慈悲に殴られたり、今ではソファの隅のジョーの隣の一番欲しがっている席からそれで締め出されたりと、深い嫌悪感を抱く理由があった。

If ‘the sausage’ as they called it, stood on end, it was a sign that he might approach and repose, but if it lay flat across the sofa, woe to man, woman, or child who dared disturb it!

sausage (ソーセージ) [名] a cylindrical length of minced and seasoned pork, beef, or other meat encased in a skin, typically sold raw to be grilled or fried before eating

stand on end (立っている) [動] to be in a vertical position

lay flat (横たわる) [動] to be in a horizontal position

彼らが呼ぶところの「ソーセージ」が立っていたら、彼が近づいて休んでもいいという合図だったが、ソファの上に横たわっていたとしたら、それを邪魔する勇気のある男、女、子供には災いだった!

That evening Jo forgot to barricade her corner, and had not been in her seat five minutes, before a massive form appeared beside her, and with both arms spread over the sofa back, both long legs stretched out before him, Laurie exclaimed, with a sigh of satisfaction...

barricade (バリケードする) [動] block or defend with a barricade

five minutes (5分) [名] a period of time equal to 300 seconds

form (人影) [名] a visible shape or configuration

その夜、ジョーは自分の隅をバリケードするのを忘れ、席に座って5分も経たないうちに、大きな人影が彼女の横に現れ、両腕をソファの背もたれに広げ、長い両足を前に伸ばして、ローリーは満足のため息をつきながら叫んだ。

“Now, this is filling at the price.”

「さて、これは値段の割に満足感があるな」

“No slang,” snapped Jo, slamming down the pillow.

snap (言う) [動] say something quickly or sharply

slam (叩きつける) [動] hit or strike with great force

「俗語は禁止」とジョーは枕を叩きつけながら言った。

But it was too late, there was no room for it, and coasting onto the floor, it disappeared in a most mysterious manner.

no room (余地がない) [名] no space

しかし、それは遅すぎ、それのための余地はなく、床に滑り落ち、それは最も神秘的な方法で姿を消した。

“Come, Jo, don’t be thorny.

「おい、ジョー、棘があるな。

After studying himself to a skeleton all the week, a fellow deserves petting and ought to get it.”

all the week (一週間) [名] a period of seven days

skeleton (骨と皮) [名] the bony framework of a vertebrate

一週間骨と皮になるまで勉強した後では、男は甘やかされる価値があるし、甘やかされるべきだ」

“Beth will pet you. I’m busy.”

「ベスが甘やかしてくれるよ。私は忙しいの」

“No, she’s not to be bothered with me, but you like that sort of thing, unless you’ve suddenly lost your taste for it. Have you?

be bothered with (構う) [動] to be concerned with or interested in

taste (興味) [名] a liking or preference for something

「いや、彼女は私に構う必要はないが、君はそういうことが好きだろう、急に興味を失ったというのでなければ。興味を失ったのか?

Do you hate your boy, and want to fire pillows at him?”

fire (投げつける) [動] throw or propel with force

君は君の男の子を嫌い、彼に枕を投げつけたいのか?」

Anything more wheedlesome than that touching appeal was seldom heard, but Jo quenched ‘her boy’ by turning on him with a stern query, “How many bouquets have you sent Miss Randal this week?”

wheedlesome (甘い) [形] using flattery or coaxing to persuade someone to do something

touching (感動的な) [形] arousing strong emotions

quench (黙らせる) [動] put out (a fire)

turn on (向き直る) [動] change from being friendly to being hostile

query (質問) [名] a question

その感動的な訴えよりも甘い言葉はめったに聞かれなかったが、ジョーは「今週、ミス・ランドールに何束の花束を送った?」と厳しい質問で彼に向き直り、「彼女の男の子」を黙らせた。

“Not one, upon my word. She’s engaged. Now then.”

not one (一束も) [名] not a single one

be engaged (婚約している) [動] be formally pledged to be married

「誓って、一束も。彼女は婚約している。さあ、どうぞ。」

“I’m glad of it, that’s one of your foolish extravagances, sending flowers and things to girls for whom you don’t care two pins,” continued Jo reprovingly.

「それはよかった、それはあなたの愚かな浪費の一つで、あなたが二本のピンを気にかけない女の子に花や物を送ることだ」とジョーは非難を続けた。

“Sensible girls for whom I do care whole papers of pins won’t let me send them ‘flowers and things’, so what can I do?

「私がピンの束を気にかける分別のある女の子は、私に「花や物」を送らせてくれない、だから私はどうしたらいい?

My feelings need a ‘vent’.”

私の感情は「通気口」が必要だ。」

“Mother doesn’t approve of flirting even in fun, and you do flirt desperately, Teddy.”

「ママはふざけても浮気は認めないし、テディは必死に浮気するのよ。」

“I’d give anything if I could answer, ‘So do you’.

「もし私が「あなたも」と答えることができたら、私は何でも差し出すよ。

As I can’t, I’ll merely say that I don’t see any harm in that pleasant little game, if all parties understand that it’s only play.”

all parties (すべての当事者) [名] everyone involved

できないので、私はただ、すべての当事者がそれがただの遊びだと理解しているなら、その楽しい小さなゲームに何の害も見当たらないとだけ言うよ。」

“Well, it does look pleasant, but I can’t learn how it’s done.

「まあ、それは確かに楽しそうに見えるけど、どうやるのかわからないよ。

I’ve tried, because one feels awkward in company not to do as everybody else is doing, but I don’t seem to get on”, said Jo, forgetting to play mentor.

feel awkward (気まずい) [動] feel uncomfortable or embarrassed

do as everybody else is doing (みんながしていることをする) [動] do the same thing as everyone else

play mentor (指導者を演じる) [動] act as a mentor

試してみたんだけど、みんながしていることをしないのは気まずい気がするけど、うまくいかないみたい」と、ジョーは指導者を演じるのを忘れて言った。

“Take lessons of Amy, she has a regular talent for it.”

take lessons (習う) [動] receive instruction

have a talent (才能がある) [動] be naturally good at something

「エイミーに習いなさい、彼女にはその才能があるよ。」

“Yes, she does it very prettily, and never seems to go too far.

prettily (上手に) [副] in a pretty manner

「そうね、彼女はとても上手にやって、決して行き過ぎないよ。

I suppose it’s natural to some people to please without trying, and others to always say and do the wrong thing in the wrong place.”

努力せずに喜ばせるのが自然な人もいれば、いつも間違った場所で間違ったことを言ったりしたりするのが自然な人もいると思うよ。」

“I’m glad you can’t flirt.

「あなたが浮気できないのは嬉しいよ。

It’s really refreshing to see a sensible, straightforward girl, who can be jolly and kind without making a fool of herself.

straightforward (率直な) [形] honest and direct

自分を馬鹿にせずに陽気で親切にできる、賢明で率直な女の子を見るのは本当に新鮮だ。

Between ourselves, Jo, some of the girls I know really do go on at such a rate I’m ashamed of them.

between ourselves (内緒だけど) [副] in private

the girls (女の子) [名] a young female human being

I know (私が知っている) [動] be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information

do go on (進んでいる) [動] continue

at such a rate (そんな調子で) [副] at such a speed

I'm ashamed of (恥ずかしいと思う) [動] be ashamed of

内緒だけど、ジョー、私が知っている女の子の中には、本当にそんな調子で進んでいて、恥ずかしいと思う子もいるよ。

They don’t mean any harm, I’m sure, but if they knew how we fellows talked about them afterward, they’d mend their ways, I fancy.”

mean any harm (悪気はない) [動] have no intention of causing harm

mend one's ways (態度を改める) [動] change one's behavior for the better

悪気はないのは確かだが、後で私たちがどんな風に話しているか知ったら、態度を改めると思うよ。」

“They do the same, and as their tongues are the sharpest, you fellows get the worst of it, for you are as silly as they, every bit.

get the worst of it (最悪の目に遭う) [動] suffer the most in a situation

「彼女たちも同じことをしているし、彼女たちの舌は最も鋭いから、君たちは最悪の目に遭うんだ、君たちは彼女たちと同じくらい愚かだからね。

If you behaved properly, they would, but knowing you like their nonsense, they keep it up, and then you blame them.”

keep up (続ける) [動] continue doing something

君たちがきちんと振る舞えば、彼女たちもそうするだろうけど、君たちが彼女たちのナンセンスが好きだと知っているので、彼女たちはそれを続けるし、君たちは彼女たちを非難する。」

“Much you know about it, ma’am,” said Laurie in a superior tone.

in a superior tone (優越感のある口調で) [副] in a way that shows that you think you are better than other people

「よくご存じですね、奥様」ローリーは優越感のある口調で言った。

“We don’t like romps and flirts, though we may act as if we did sometimes.

「私たちは、時々そうするように振る舞うかもしれないけど、はしゃいだり、いちゃついたりするのは好きじゃない。

The pretty, modest girls are never talked about, except respectfully, among gentleman.

きれいで、控えめな女の子は、紳士の間では、敬意を払って以外は、決して話題にされない。

Bless your innocent soul!

あなたの無垢な魂に祝福を!

If you could be in my place for a month you’d see things that would astonish you a trifle.

be in one's place (立場になる) [動] to be in the same situation as someone else

もしあなたが私の立場になって一ヶ月過ごせたら、あなたを驚かせるようなことが見れるでしょう。

Upon my word, when I see one of those harum-scarum girls, I always want to say with our friend Cock Robin...

those (そういう) [限] used to refer to a thing previously mentioned or easily identified

Cock Robin (コック・ロビン) [名] a character in a nursery rhyme

誓って言うけど、私はそういう無鉄砲な女の子を見ると、いつも私たちの友人のコック・ロビンと一緒に言いたいと思うの...

“Out upon you, fie upon you, Bold-faced jig!”

out upon you (出て行け) [間] an expression of disgust or anger

fie upon you (恥を知れ) [間] an expression of disgust or anger

bold-faced (厚かましい) [形] impudent or brazen

「出て行け、恥を知れ、厚かましいジグ!」

It was impossible to help laughing at the funny conflict between Laurie’s chivalrous reluctance to speak ill of womankind, and his very natural dislike of the unfeminine folly of which fashionable society showed him many samples.

chivalrous (騎士道精神) [形] having the qualities of a knight

reluctance (嫌がる) [名] unwillingness to do something

speak ill of (悪口を言う) [動] say something bad about someone or something

womankind (女性) [名] women as a group

dislike (嫌悪感) [名] a feeling of not liking something or someone

unfeminine (女性らしくない) [形] not having the qualities or appearance considered typical of a woman

fashionable society (上流社会) [名] the social group of people who are rich and fashionable

show (見かける) [動] be visible or noticeable

sample (例) [名] a small part of something that shows what the whole thing is like

女性の悪口を言うのを嫌がるローリーの騎士道精神と、上流社会でよく見かける女性らしくない愚行に対する彼のごく自然な嫌悪感との間のおかしな矛盾に思わず笑ってしまった。

Jo knew that ‘young Laurence’ was regarded as a most eligible parti by worldly mamas, was much smiled upon by their daughters, and flattered enough by ladies of all ages to make a coxcomb of him, so she watched him rather jealously, fearing he would be spoiled, and rejoiced more than she confessed to find that he still believed in modest girls.

be regarded as (見なされる) [動] consider or think of as

most eligible (最もふさわしい) [形] most suitable or appropriate

parti (相手) [名] a person with whom one is having a relationship

be smiled upon (微笑みかけられる) [動] be favored or approved of

be flattered (お世辞を言われる) [動] be pleased or gratify

coxcomb (気取った男) [名] a vain and conceited man

jealously (嫉妬深く) [副] in a jealous manner

ジョーは「若いローレンス」が世俗的なママたちに最もふさわしい相手と見なされていることを知っていた。彼は娘たちに微笑みかけられ、あらゆる年齢の女性に十分にお世辞を言われて、彼を気取った男にしていた。だから彼女は彼が甘やかされるのを恐れて、彼をかなり嫉妬深く見守っていた。そして彼がまだ控えめな女の子を信じていることを知って、彼女が告白する以上に喜んだ。

Returning suddenly to her admonitory tone, she said, dropping her voice, “If you must have a ‘vent’, Teddy, go and devote yourself to one of the ‘pretty, modest girls’ whom you do respect, and not waste your time with the silly ones.”

admonitory (忠告する) [形] giving or containing a warning or reprimand

突然、彼女は忠告する口調に戻り、声を落として言った、「もしあなたが「はけ口」を必要とするなら、テディ、行って、あなたが尊敬する「かわいくて控えめな女の子」の一人のために自分を捧げなさい。そして、愚かな女の子たちと時間を無駄にしないで。」

“You really advise it?”

「本当にそう勧めるの?」

and Laurie looked at her with an odd mixture of anxiety and merriment in his face.

そしてローリーは不安と陽気さが奇妙に混ざった表情で彼女を見た。

“Yes, I do, but you’d better wait till you are through college, on the whole, and be fitting yourself for the place meantime.

「そうよ、でも、全体的に見て、大学を卒業するまで待って、その間にその場所にふさわしい自分になるようにした方がいいよ。

You’re not half good enough for—well, whoever the modest girl may be.”

good enough (十分に良い) [形] of a satisfactory standard

あなたは、その控えめな女の子が誰であれ、その人の半分もよくはないよ。」

and Jo looked a little queer likewise, for a name had almost escaped her.

look a little queer (少し奇妙な顔をする) [動] have a strange expression on one's face

escape (口から出そうになる) [動] come out of one's mouth

そしてジョーもまた少し奇妙な顔をした、というのも、ある名前が彼女の口から出そうになったからだ。

“That I’m not!” acquiesced Laurie, with an expression of humility quite new to him, as he dropped his eyes and absently wound Jo’s apron tassel round his finger.

acquiesce (同意する) [動] accept something reluctantly but without protest

tassel (房) [名] a tuft of loosely hanging threads, cords, or other material attached to the edge or extremity of something

「そうじゃない!」ローリーは彼には全く新しい謙虚な表情で同意し、目を落としてぼんやりとジョーのエプロンの房を指に巻き付けた。

“Mercy on us, this will never do,” thought Jo, adding aloud, “Go and sing to me.

never do (ダメ) [動] be unacceptable

「なんてこと、こんなのダメだよ」とジョーは思い、声を出して「歌ってちょうだい。

I’m dying for some music, and always like yours.”

die for (たまらない) [動] be extremely eager to have or do something

音楽が聴きたくてたまらないの、いつもあなたの歌が好きよ。」

“I’d rather stay here, thank you.”

「ここにいたいよ、ありがとう。」

“Well, you can’t, there isn’t room.

there isn't (ない) [動] not exist

「そうはいかないよ、場所がないんだ。

Go and make yourself useful, since you are too big to be ornamental.

make oneself useful (役に立つことをする) [動] do something that is helpful

too big (大きすぎる) [形] larger than necessary or desirable

ornamental (飾り物) [形] serving to decorate or embellish

行って役に立つことをしなさい、あなたは飾り物には大きすぎるのだから。

I thought you hated to be tied to a woman’s apron string?” retorted Jo, quoting certain rebellious words of his own.

apron string (エプロンの紐) [名] the strings of an apron

女性のエプロンの紐に縛られるのは嫌いだったんじゃないの?」とジョーは彼自身の反抗的な言葉を引用して言い返した。

“Ah, that depends on who wears the apron!”

「ああ、それはエプロンを着ているのが誰かによるな!」

and Laurie gave an audacious tweak at the tassel.

give (ひねる) [動] cause to move or change position

そしてローリーは房を大胆にひねった。

“Are you going?” demanded Jo, diving for the pillow.

「行くの?」とジョーは枕に飛び込みながら尋ねた。

He fled at once, and the minute it was well, “Up with the bonnets of bonnie Dundee,” she slipped away to return no more till the young gentleman departed in high dudgeon.

彼はすぐに逃げ出し、それがうまくいった瞬間、「ボニー・ダンディーのボンネットを上げて」彼女は逃げ出し、若い紳士が激怒して出発するまで二度と戻らなかった。

Jo lay long awake that night, and was just dropping off when the sound of a stifled sob made her fly to Beth’s bedside, with the anxious inquiry, “What is it, dear?”

lie awake (起きる) [動] be awake while lying in bed

bedside (枕元) [名] the side of a bed

anxious inquiry (心配そうに尋ねる) [名] a question asked in a worried or concerned manner

ジョーはその夜長い間起きていて、ちょうど眠りにつこうとしたとき、押し殺したすすり泣きが聞こえたので、ベスの枕元に飛んで行き、「どうしたの、ベス?」と心配そうに尋ねた。

“I thought you were asleep,” sobbed Beth.

「寝ていると思った」とベスはすすり泣いた。

“Is it the old pain, my precious?”

old (また) [形] having existed for a long time

「また痛いの?」

“No, it’s a new one, but I can bear it,” and Beth tried to check her tears.

check (こらえる) [動] to hold back or restrain

「違う、新しい痛みだけど、我慢できる」とベスは涙をこらえようとした。

“Tell me all about it, and let me cure it as I often did the other.”

「全部話して、いつものように治してあげる」

“You can’t, there is no cure.”

cure (治療法) [名] a medicine or treatment that cures a disease or condition

「治せないよ、治療法はないの」

There Beth’s voice gave way, and clinging to her sister, she cried so despairingly that Jo was frightened.

give way (震える) [動] to break down or collapse

ベスの声が震え、姉にしがみついて、あまりにも絶望的に泣くので、ジョーは怖くなった。

“Where is it? Shall I call Mother?”

「どこが痛いの? ママを呼ぼうか?」

“No, no, don’t call her, don’t tell her.

「いいえ、いいえ、呼ばないで、言わないで。

I shall be better soon.

be better (良くなる) [動] become better

すぐに良くなるよ。

Lie down here and ‘poor’ my head.

poor (撫でる) [動] stroke or caress gently or soothingly

ここに横になって私の頭を撫でて。

I’ll be quiet and go to sleep, indeed I will.”

静かにして寝るよ、本当にそうするよ。」

Jo obeyed, but as her hand went softly to and fro across Beth’s hot forehead and wet eyelids, her heart was very full and she longed to speak.

eyelid (まぶた) [名] the upper or lower fold of skin that covers the front of the eyeball

ジョーは従ったが、彼女の手がベスの熱い額と濡れたまぶたを優しく行き来するにつれて、彼女の心はいっぱいになり、話したくてたまらなくなった。

But young as she was, Jo had learned that hearts, like flowers, cannot be rudely handled, but must open naturally, so though she believed she knew the cause of Beth’s new pain, she only said, in her tenderest tone, “Does anything trouble you, deary?”

rudely (乱暴に) [副] in a rough or violent manner

trouble (困る) [動] to cause difficulty or problems for

しかし、若いながらもジョーは、心は花のように乱暴に扱うことはできず、自然に開かなければならないことを学んでいたので、ベスの新しい痛みの原因を知っていると思いながらも、彼女はただ優しい口調で「何か困ったことがあるの、ダーリン?」と言っただけだった。

“Yes, Jo,” after a long pause.

「そうよ、ジョー」長い沈黙の後。

“Wouldn’t it comfort you to tell me what it is?”

「それが何かを私に話せば楽になるんじゃない?」

“Not now, not yet.”

not now (今は) [副] not at this time

「今は、まだ」

“Then I won’t ask, but remember, Bethy, that Mother and Jo are always glad to hear and help you, if they can.”

「じゃあ聞かないよ、でも覚えておいて、ベシー、ママとジョーはいつでも喜んであなたの話を聞いて、できることなら助けてあげるよ」

“I know it. I’ll tell you by-and-by.”

「わかってる。そのうち話すよ」

“Is the pain better now?”

「痛みは良くなった?」

“Oh, yes, much better, you are so comfortable, Jo.”

「ああ、ええ、ずっと良くなったよ、ジョー、あなたはとても心地よいよ」

“Go to sleep, dear.

go to sleep (寝なさい) [動] go to bed and fall asleep

「寝なさい、あなた。

I’ll stay with you.”

私がついていてあげる」

So cheek to cheek they fell asleep, and on the morrow Beth seemed quite herself again, for at eighteen neither heads nor hearts ache long, and a loving word can medicine most ills.

cheek to cheek (頬を寄せ合って) [副] with the cheeks touching

on the morrow (翌日) [名] the next day

herself (元気) [名] her normal or healthy condition

at eighteen (十八歳では) [副] at the age of eighteen

medicine (治す) [動] treat with medicine

こうして二人は頬を寄せ合って眠り、翌日にはベスはすっかり元気になったようだった。十八歳では頭も心も長く痛むことはないし、愛情のこもった言葉はほとんどの病気を治すことができる。

But Jo had made up her mind, and after pondering over a project for some days, she confided it to her mother.

ponder (熟考する) [動] think about carefully

しかし、ジョーは決心し、数日間計画について熟考した後、母親に打ち明けた。

“You asked me the other day what my wishes were.

「この前、私の願いは何かと聞きましたね。

I’ll tell you one of them, Marmee,” she began, as they sat along together.

along (二人きり) [副] together

ママ、そのうちの一つを話すよ」と二人きりになった時に切り出した。

“I want to go away somewhere this winter for a change.”

「この冬、気分転換にどこかへ行きたいの。」

“Why, Jo?”

「どうして、ジョー?」

and her mother looked up quickly, as if the words suggested a double meaning.

double meaning (二重の意味) [名] a word or phrase open to two interpretations

母は、その言葉に二重の意味があるかのように、素早く顔を上げた。

With her eyes on her work Jo answered soberly, “I want something new.

with one's eyes on (目を落としたまま) [副] with one's attention focused on

ジョーは仕事に目を落としたまま、真面目な顔で答えた。「何か新しいことがしたいの。

I feel restless and anxious to be seeing, doing, and learning more than I am.

今よりももっと見たり、したり、学んだりしたい気持ちで落ち着かないの。

I brood too much over my own small affairs, and need stirring up, so as I can be spared this winter, I’d like to hop a little way and try my wings.”

stirring (刺激) [名] something that rouses or incites

spare (暇) [形] not in use or occupied

自分の小さな事柄について考えすぎてしまうし、刺激が必要だから、この冬は暇だし、少し飛び立って自分の翼を試してみたいのよ。」

“Where will you hop?”

「どこへ飛び立つの?」

“To New York. I had a bright idea yesterday, and this is it.

「ニューヨークへ。昨日、いい考えが浮かんだの。

You know Mrs. Kirke wrote to you for some respectable young person to teach her children and sew.

Mrs. Kirke (カーク夫人) [名] a woman who is married to Mr. Kirke

write to (手紙をくれる) [動] send a letter to

カーク夫人が子供たちに勉強と裁縫を教えてくれる立派な若い人を探しているって手紙をくれたでしょう。

It’s rather hard to find just the thing, but I think I should suit if I tried.”

thing (仕事) [名] a task or an action that needs to be done

ちょうどいい仕事を見つけるのはかなり難しいけど、努力すれば見つかると思うよ」

“My dear, go out to service in that great boarding house!”

go out to service (働く) [動] work for someone

boarding house (下宿屋) [名] a house where people pay to live and eat

「あなたが、あの大きな下宿屋で働くなんて!」

and Mrs. March looked surprised, but not displeased.

not displeased (不機嫌ではなかった) [形] not angry or annoyed

マーチ夫人は驚いたが、不機嫌ではなかった。

“It’s not exactly going out to service, for Mrs. Kirke is your friend—the kindest soul that ever lived—and would make things pleasant for me, I know.

make things pleasant (快く迎えてくれる) [動] make something enjoyable or agreeable

「働きに出るというわけではないよ、カーク夫人はママの友人で、この世で一番優しい人だから、私を快く迎えてくれると思う。

Her family is separate from the rest, and no one knows me there.

separate (別) [形] not connected or joined

彼女の家族は他の人とは別で、誰も私のことを知らないよ。

Don’t care if they do.

do (知っている) [動] be aware of; be acquainted with

知っていても気にしないよ。

It’s honest work, and I’m not ashamed of it.”

正直な仕事だし、恥ずかしくはないよ」

“Nor I. But your writing?”

「私も。でも、あなたの執筆は?」

“All the better for the change.

all the better (ずっといい) [形] much better

「変化した方がずっといいよ。

I shall see and hear new things, get new ideas, and even if I haven’t much time there,

even if (たとえ~でも) [接] despite the fact that

新しいことを見たり聞いたりして、新しいアイデアを得るでしょうし、そこにあまり時間がなくても、

I shall bring home quantities of material for my rubbish.”

bring home (家に持ち帰る) [動] take or carry home

私のくだらないもののためにたくさんの材料を家に持ち帰るでしょう。」

“I have no doubt of it, but are these your only reasons for this sudden fancy?”

have no doubt of (疑わない) [動] be certain about

「それは疑わないけど、それがこの突然の空想の唯一の理由なの?」

“No, Mother.”

「いいえ、ママ。」

“May I know the others?”

may (知りたい) [助] expressing a wish or hope

「他の理由も知りたいよ。」

Jo looked up and Jo looked down, then said slowly, with sudden color in her cheeks.

color (赤くなる) [動] change color

ジョーは上を見たり下を見たりし、それからゆっくりと言った。頬が急に赤くなった。

“It may be vain and wrong to say it, but—I’m afraid—Laurie is getting too fond of me.”

「こんなことを言うのはうぬぼれかもしれないし、間違っているかもしれないけど、ローリーが私を好きになりすぎているのではないかと心配なの。」

“Then you don’t care for him in the way it is evident he begins to care for you?”

care for (好きになる) [動] feel love or affection for

「それなら、彼があなたを好きになり始めているのと同じようには彼を好きではないのね?」

and Mrs. March looked anxious as she put the question.

look anxious (心配そうに尋ねる) [動] to appear to be worried or concerned

put the question (尋ねる) [動] to ask a question

とマーチ夫人は心配そうに尋ねた。

“Mercy, no! I love the dear boy, as I always have, and am immensely proud of him, but as for anything more, it’s out of the question.”

out of the question (ありえない) [形] not worth considering; not possible

「いいえ、そんなことはありません。あの子は大好きだし、いつもそうだったし、とても誇りに思っているけど、それ以上はありえないよ。」

“I’m glad of that, Jo.”

「それはよかったよ、ジョー。」

“Why, please?”

「どうして?」

“Because, dear, I don’t think you suited to one another.

「だって、あなたたち、お似合いじゃないと思うの。

As friends you are very happy, and your frequent quarrels soon blow over, but I fear you would both rebel if you were mated for life.

blow over (仲直りできる) [動] to pass away without having any lasting effect

fear (思う) [動] be afraid or anxious that something is the case or will happen

rebel (反発しあう) [動] fight against or refuse to obey those in authority

友達としてはとてもうまくいっているし、よく喧嘩するけどすぐに仲直りできるけど、もし結婚したら二人とも反発しあうと思うの。

You are too much alike and too fond of freedom, not to mention hot tempers and strong wills, to get on happily together, in a relation which needs infinite patience and forbearance, as well as love.”

alike (似ている) [形] having a similar appearance or qualities

not to mention (言うまでもなく) [副] in addition to; besides

strong will (強い意志) [名] a firm determination to do something

get on (暮らす) [動] live or manage

forbearance (寛容) [名] the quality of being patient and tolerant

あなたたちはあまりにも似ていて、自由を愛しすぎているし、短気で意志が強いし、愛だけでなく無限の忍耐と寛容を必要とする関係で一緒に幸せに暮らすには向いていないよ。」

“That’s just the feeling I had, though I couldn’t express it.

express (言葉にする) [動] put into words

「それが私が感じていたことなのよ、言葉にできなかったけど。

I’m glad you think he is only beginning to care for me.

care (好きになる) [動] feel love or affection for

彼が私を好きになり始めたばかりだとあなたが思ってくれているのは嬉しいよ。

It would trouble me sadly to make him unhappy, for I couldn’t fall in love with the dear old fellow merely out of gratitude, could I?”

trouble (悲しむ) [動] feel sad, worried, or unhappy

彼を不幸にするのはとても悲しいことよ、だって、あの親愛なる年配の紳士にただ感謝の気持ちから恋をすることはできないもの、そうでしょう?」

“You are sure of his feeling for you?”

be sure of (確信している) [動] to be certain about something

for (に対して) [前] in relation to; with regard to

「彼があなたを好きだと確信しているの?」

The color deepened in Jo’s cheeks as she answered, with the look of mingled pleasure, pride, and pain which young girls wear when speaking of first lovers, “I’m afraid it is so, Mother.

deepen (濃くなる) [動] become more intense

ジョーの頬の色が濃くなり、若い娘が初めての恋人について話すときに見せる喜び、誇り、痛みが混ざった表情で答えた。「そうみたい、ママ。

He hasn’t said anything, but he looks a great deal.

彼は何も言わなかったけど、とてもそう見えたよ。

I think I had better go away before it comes to anything.”

何かが起こる前に去った方がいいと思うよ。」

“I agree with you, and if it can be managed you shall go.”

manage (うまくいく) [動] succeed in doing something

「そうね、もしうまくいけば行かせてあげるよ。」

Jo looked relieved, and after a pause, said, smiling, “How Mrs. Moffat would wonder at your want of management, if she knew, and how she will rejoice that Annie may still hope.”

after a pause (しばらくしてから) [副] after a short period of time

want of management (管理不足) [名] a lack of control or supervision

ジョーはほっとした様子で、しばらくしてから笑顔で言った。「モファット夫人が知ったら、あなたの管理不足にどれほど驚くでしょう、そしてアニーがまだ希望を持っていることをどれほど喜ぶでしょう。」

“Ah, Jo, mothers may differ in their management, but the hope is the same in all—the desire to see their children happy.

management (管理) [名] the process of managing

「ああ、ジョー、母親は管理方法が違うかもしれないけど、希望はみんな同じよ、子供たちが幸せになるのを見たいという願望よ。

Meg is so, and I am content with her success.

メグはそうよ、そして私は彼女の成功に満足しているよ。

You I leave to enjoy your liberty till you tire of it, for only then will you find that there is something sweeter.

tire (飽きる) [動] become bored with

only then (そうして初めて) [副] only at that time; not before

あなたは飽きるまで自由を楽しんでもらうことにするよ、そうして初めてもっと甘美なものがあることに気づくでしょう。

Amy is my chief care now, but her good sense will help her.

今はエイミーが私の主な心配事だけど、彼女の良識が彼女を助けてくれるでしょう。

For Beth, I indulge no hopes except that she may be well.

for (については) [前] with regard to; concerning

ベスについては、彼女が元気になる以外に望みはないよ。

By the way, she seems brighter this last day or two.

brighter (元気そう) [形] more cheerful or lively

this last day or two (この一、二日) [名] the last two days

ところで、彼女はこの一、二日元気そうね。

Have you spoken to her?’

speak to (話す) [動] talk to

彼女と話した?」

“Yes, she owned she had a trouble, and promised to tell me by-and-by.

「そう、彼女は悩みがあることを認めて、そのうち話すと約束したよ。

I said no more, for I think I know it,” and Jo told her little story.

say no more (何も言わなかった) [動] to not say anything else

私はそれ以上何も言わなかった、なぜなら私はそれを知っていると思うから」そしてジョーは彼女の小さな話をした。

Mrs. March shook her head, and did not take so romantic a view of the case, but looked grave, and repeated her opinion that for Laurie’s sake Jo should go away for a time.

take a view of (見解を持つ) [動] have an opinion about

case (件) [名] a particular situation or event

look grave (深刻そうに見える) [動] appear serious or worried

for Laurie's sake (ローリーのために) [名] for the benefit of Laurie

マーチ夫人は首を振り、その件をそれほどロマンチックには見ず、深刻そうに、ローリーのためにジョーはしばらく離れるべきだという意見を繰り返した。

“Let us say nothing about it to him till the plan is settled, then I’ll run away before he can collect his wits and be tragic.

collect one's wits (落ち着く) [動] calm down and think clearly

be tragic (悲劇的になる) [動] be very sad or unfortunate

「計画が決まるまで彼には何も言わないようにしましょう、そうしたら彼が落ち着いて悲劇的になる前に私は逃げます。

Beth must think I’m going to please myself, as I am, for I can’t talk about Laurie to her.

ベスは私が自分を喜ばせようとしていると思っているに違いない、なぜなら私は彼女にローリーのことを話すことができないからだ。

But she can pet and comfort him after I’m gone, and so cure him of this romantic notion.

cure (救う) [動] to make someone or something better or healthier

しかし、彼女は私がいなくなった後で彼をかわいがり、慰めることができ、そうして彼をこのロマンチックな考えから救うことができる。

He’s been through so many little trials of the sort, he’s used to it, and will soon get over his lovelornity.”

be through (経験する) [動] have finished or completed

used to (慣れっこ) [形] familiar with something through repeated exposure

彼はそういった小さな試練をたくさん経験してきたので、慣れっこで、すぐに失恋を乗り越えるでしょう。」

Jo spoke hopefully, but could not rid herself of the foreboding fear that this ‘little trial’ would be harder than the others, and that Laurie would not get over his ‘lovelornity’ as easily as heretofore.

speak hopefully (希望に満ちて話す) [動] talk in a way that shows you are hopeful

rid oneself of (ぬぐい去る) [動] free oneself from

foreboding fear (予感) [名] a feeling that something bad will happen

little trial (小さな試練) [名] a small test or challenge

others (他の試練) [名] other people or things

lovelornity (失恋) [名] the state of being in love with someone who does not love you back

heretofore (これまで) [副] up to this time; until now

ジョーは希望に満ちて話したが、この「小さな試練」が他の試練よりも難しく、ローリーがこれまでのように簡単に「失恋」を乗り越えられないのではないかという予感をぬぐい去ることができなかった。

The plan was talked over in a family council and agreed upon, for Mrs. Kirke gladly accepted Jo, and promised to make a pleasant home for her.

family council (家族会議) [名] a meeting of family members to discuss family matters

agree upon (合意する) [動] have the same opinion about something

その計画は家族会議で話し合われ、カーク夫人が喜んでジョーを受け入れ、彼女のために快適な家庭を作ることを約束したので、合意された。

The teaching would render her independent, and such leisure as she got might be made profitable by writing, while the new scenes and society would be both useful and agreeable.

教えることで彼女は自立し、得た余暇は執筆することで利益を得ることができ、新しい場面や社会は有益で快適なものになるだろう。

Jo liked the prospect and was eager to be gone, for the home nest was growing too narrow for her restless nature and adventurous spirit.

be eager to (したくてうずうずする) [動] want to do something very much

home nest (家庭という巣) [名] the place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household

adventurous (冒険的な) [形] involving risk or danger

ジョーはその見通しを気に入り、家を出たくてうずうずしていた。彼女の落ち着きのない性格と冒険心には、家庭という巣が狭くなりすぎてきたからだ。

When all was settled, with fear and trembling she told Laurie, but to her surprise he took it very quietly.

trembling (震え) [名] an involuntary quivering movement

すべてが決まったとき、彼女は恐れと震えながらローリーに話したが、驚いたことに彼はそれをとても静かに受け止めた。

He had been graver than usual of late, but very pleasant, and when jokingly accused of turning over a new leaf, he answered soberly, “So I am, and I mean this one shall stay turned.”

of late (最近) [副] recently

pleasant (感じがよい) [形] giving a sense of happy satisfaction or enjoyment

stay turned (心を入れ替えたままにする) [動] to remain in a new state or condition

彼は最近いつもより真面目だったが、とても感じがよく、冗談で心を入れ替えたと非難されると、真面目な顔で「そうなんです、このまま心を入れ替えたままにするつもりです」と答えた。

Jo was very much relieved that one of his virtuous fits should come on just then, and made her preparations with a lightened heart, for Beth seemed more cheerful, and hoped she was doing the best for all.

be relieved (安心する) [動] feel or show relief

come on (起こる) [動] start to happen

make preparation (準備をする) [動] get ready for something

lightened heart (心を軽くする) [名] a feeling of relief

do the best (最善を尽くす) [動] try as hard as possible

ジョーは、彼の善行の一つがちょうどその時に起こったことをとても安心し、ベスがより元気そうに見え、彼女が皆のために最善を尽くしていることを望んでいたので、心を軽くして準備をした。

“One thing I leave in your especial care,” she said, the night before she left.

one thing (一つだけ) [名] a single thing

「一つだけ、あなたに特別にお願いしたいことがあるの」と彼女は出発の前夜に言った。

“You mean your papers?”

「あなたの論文のこと?」

asked Beth.

ベスが尋ねた。

“No, my boy. Be very good to him, won’t you?”

「違うよ、ベス。彼にとても優しくしてあげてね」

“Of course I will, but I can’t fill your place, and he’ll miss you sadly.”

fill (代わりをする) [動] take the place of

「もちろんそうするけど、私はあなたの代わりはできないよ、彼はあなたをとても恋しく思うでしょう」

“It won’t hurt him, so remember, I leave him in your charge, to plague, pet, and keep in order.”

charge (責任) [名] the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone

pet (可愛がる) [動] stroke or pat an animal

「彼を傷つけることはないよ、だから覚えておいて、彼をあなたの責任において、悩ませ、可愛がり、そして秩序を保つように」

“I’ll do my best, for your sake,” promised Beth, wondering why Jo looked at her so queerly.

so queerly (そんなに奇妙に) [副] in a strange or odd way

「あなたのためなら、私は最善を尽くすよ」とベスは約束し、ジョーがなぜそんなに奇妙に自分を見るのかと思った。

When Laurie said good-by, he whispered significantly, “It won’t do a bit of good, Jo.

significantly (意味ありげに) [副] in a way that is important or meaningful

do a bit of good (少しも役に立たない) [動] be of some use or benefit

ローリーが別れを告げたとき、彼は意味ありげにささやいた、「それは少しも役に立たないよ、ジョー。

My eye is on you, so mind what you do, or I’ll come and bring you home.”

be on (見ている) [動] be watching

私の目はあなたを見ている、だから何をするか気をつけて、さもなければ私が迎えに来る」

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE: JO’S JOURNAL

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE (第33章) [名] the 33rd chapter

JO’S JOURNAL (ジョーの日記) [名] Jo's diary

第33章ジョーの日記

New York, November

ニューヨーク、11月

Dear Marmee and Beth,

親愛なるママとベス、

I’m going to write you a regular volume, for I’ve got heaps to tell, though I’m not a fine young lady traveling on the continent.

volume (分量) [名] the amount of space that a substance or object occupies

continent (大陸) [名] one of the main landmasses of the earth

私はあなたに普通の分量の手紙を書くつもりよ、だって私は話すことが山ほどあるんだもの、大陸を旅行する上品な若い女性ではないけれど。

When I lost sight of Father’s dear old face, I felt a trifle blue, and might have shed a briny drop or two, if an Irish lady with four small children, all crying more or less, hadn’t diverted my mind, for I amused myself by dropping gingerbread nuts over the seat every time they opened their mouths to roar.

lose sight of (見えなくなる) [動] to no longer be able to see

feel blue (悲しくなる) [動] to feel sad or unhappy

briny (涙の) [形] of, relating to, or resembling brine

gingerbread nut (ジンジャーブレッドナッツ) [名] a small, round cookie made with gingerbread dough

roar (わめく) [動] to make a loud, deep sound

パパの愛する老いた顔が見えなくなった時、私は少し悲しくなって、もし4人の小さな子供を連れたアイルランド人の女性が私の気をそらしてくれなかったら、涙を流していたかもしれない、というのも、私は彼らが口を開けてわめくたびに、ジンジャーブレッドナッツを座席に落として楽しんでいたからだ。

Soon the sun came out, and taking it as a good omen, I cleared up likewise and enjoyed my journey with all my heart.

good omen (良い兆し) [名] something that is believed to be a sign of good luck

すぐに太陽が出てきて、それを良い兆しと受け取り、私も同様に晴れ晴れとして、心から旅を楽しんだ。

Mrs. Kirke welcomed me so kindly I felt at home at once, even in that big house full of strangers.

カーク夫人は私をとても親切に迎えてくれたので、見知らぬ人でいっぱいのあの大きな家でも、すぐにくつろいだ気分になった。

She gave me a funny little sky parlor—all she had, but there is a stove in it, and a nice table in a sunny window, so I can sit here and write whenever I like.

sky parlor (屋根裏部屋) [名] a room on the top floor of a house

彼女は私に小さな屋根裏部屋をくれた、彼女が持っているのはそれだけだったが、そこにはストーブがあり、日当たりの良い窓際には素敵なテーブルがあるので、私はいつでもここに座って手紙を書くことができる。

A fine view and a church tower opposite atone for the many stairs, and I took a fancy to my den on the spot.

fine view (素晴らしい景色) [名] a view that is pleasing to the eye

church tower (教会の塔) [名] a tower on a building where people worship God

atone for (埋め合わせる) [動] make amends for

素晴らしい景色と向かいの教会の塔が、たくさんの階段を埋め合わせてくれて、私はすぐに自分の部屋を気に入った。

The nursery, where I am to teach and sew, is a pleasant room next Mrs. Kirke’s private parlor, and the two little girls are pretty children, rather spoiled, I fancy, but they took to me after telling them The Seven Bad Pigs, and I’ve no doubt I shall make a model governess.

nursery (子供部屋) [名] a room for children

seven (七匹の) [形] one more than six

pig (子豚) [名] a young pig

take to (気に入る) [動] develop a liking for

私が教えたり、裁縫をしたりすることになっている子供部屋は、カーク夫人のプライベートルームの隣にある気持ちの良い部屋で、2人の小さな女の子は可愛い子供たちで、どちらかというと甘やかされているように思うが、七匹の悪い子豚の話をしたら私を気に入ってくれて、私は模範的な家庭教師になれるに違いない。

I am to have my meals with the children, if I prefer it to the great table, and for the present I do, for I am bashful, though no one will believe it.

have my meals (食事をする) [動] eat food

great table (大きなテーブル) [名] a large table

私は、大きなテーブルよりも子供たちと食事をすることを好むなら、子供たちと食事をすることになっているが、今のところはそうしている、誰も信じないだろうが、私は恥ずかしがり屋だからだ。

“Now, my dear, make yourself at home,” said Mrs. K. in her motherly way, “I’m on the drive from morning to night, as you may suppose with such a family, but a great anxiety will be off my mind if I know the children are safe with you.

make oneself at home (くつろぐ) [動] to feel comfortable and relaxed in a place

from morning to night (朝から晩まで) [副] all day long

be off one's mind (安心する) [動] to be no longer worried or anxious about something

with you (あなたと一緒) [副] in your company

「さあ、お嬢さん、くつろいで」とカーク夫人は母親のように言った、「私は朝から晩まで忙しくしている、こんな家族だから想像がつくでしょうが、子供たちがあなたと一緒なら安心です。

My rooms are always open to you, and your own shall be as comfortable as I can make it.

私の部屋はいつでもあなたに開放されているし、あなたの部屋も私ができる限り快適にします。

There are some pleasant people in the house if you feel sociable, and your evenings are always free.

feel sociable (社交的になりたい) [動] want to be sociable

社交的になりたいなら、この家には感じの良い人が何人かいます、それにあなたの夜はいつも自由です。

Come to me if anything goes wrong, and be as happy as you can.

go wrong (うまくいかない) [動] fail to work or produce the desired outcome

何か問題があったら私のところに来てください、そしてできるだけ幸せに過ごしてください。

There’s the tea bell, I must run and change my cap.”

お茶のベルが鳴ったよ、走って帽子をかえなくちゃ」

And off she bustled, leaving me to settle myself in my new nest.

bustle (大急ぎで) [動] move or act with great energy or speed

settle (落ち着かせた) [動] make or become calm or quiet

そして彼女は私を新しい巣に落ち着かせたまま、大急ぎで去っていった。

As I went downstairs soon after, I saw something I liked.

go downstairs (階下に行く) [動] go to a lower floor

soon after (その後すぐに) [副] a short time after

その後すぐに階下に行くと、気に入ったものが見えた。

The flights are very long in this tall house, and as I stood waiting at the head of the third one for a little servant girl to lumber up, I saw a gentleman come along behind her, take the heavy hod of coal out of her hand, carry it all the way up, put it down at a door near by, and walk away, saying, with a kind nod and a foreign accent, “It goes better so.

flight (階段) [名] a series of steps leading up or down from one level to another

lumber (重そうに上る) [動] move or walk in a slow, heavy, awkward way

come along (やってくる) [動] arrive

この高い建物では階段がとても長く、私が3階の階段の頭で小さな召使の女の子が重そうに上ってくるのを待っていると、紳士が彼女の後ろからやってきて、彼女の手から重い石炭の桶を取り上げ、ずっと上まで運んで、近くのドアのところに置いて、親切にうなずきながら外国訛りで「こうすればもっと楽になるよ」と言って立ち去った。

The little back is too young to haf such heaviness.”

heaviness (重いもの) [名] the quality or state of being heavy

小さな背中はそんな重いものを持つには若すぎる」

Wasn’t it good of him?

彼は親切ではなかったかしら?

I like such things, for as Father says, trifles show character.

show (表れる) [動] be or become visible

私はそういうことが好きだ、なぜならパパが言うように、些細なことに性格が表れるからだ。

When I mentioned it to Mrs. K., that evening, she laughed, and said, “That must have been Professor Bhaer, he’s always doing things of that sort.”

Mrs. K. (K夫人) [名] a woman whose surname is K

Professor Bhaer (ベーア教授) [名] a professor whose surname is Bhaer

その夜、私がそれをK夫人に話すと、彼女は笑って、「それはベーア教授だったに違いないよ、彼はいつもそういうことをしているのよ」と言った。

Mrs. K. told me he was from Berlin, very learned and good, but poor as a church mouse, and gives lessons to support himself and two little orphan nephews whom he is educating here, according to the wishes of his sister, who married an American.

Berlin (ベルリン) [名] the capital of Germany

church mouse (教会のねずみ) [名] a person who is very poor

support (養う) [動] provide with the necessities of life

educate (教育する) [動] teach

K夫人は彼がベルリン出身で、とても博識で善良だが、教会のねずみのように貧しく、アメリカ人と結婚した妹の希望で、自分と二人の孤児の甥を養うためにここで教育を受けさせながら、授業をしていると言っていた。

Not a very romantic story, but it interested me, and I was glad to hear that Mrs. K. lends him her parlor for some of his scholars.

あまりロマンチックな話ではないが、私は興味を持ち、K夫人が彼の生徒のために応接室を貸しているということを聞いて嬉しかった。

There is a glass door between it and the nursery, and I mean to peep at him, and then I’ll tell you how he looks.

応接室と子供部屋の間にはガラスのドアがあって、私は彼をのぞき見して、どんな風貌か教えてあげるつもりよ。

He’s almost forty, so it’s no harm, Marmee.

almost forty (もうすぐ40歳) [名] the age of a person who is almost forty years old

彼はもうすぐ40歳だから、害はないよ、ママ。

After tea and a go-to-bed romp with the little girls, I attacked the big workbasket, and had a quiet evening chatting with my new friend.

go-to-bed (寝る) [動] go to bed

romp (大騒ぎ) [名] a lively and boisterous game or frolic

attack (襲いかかる) [動] take aggressive action against (a place or enemy forces) with weapons or armed force, typically a concerted military operation

chat (おしゃべり) [動] talk in a friendly and informal way

お茶を飲み、小さな女の子たちと寝る前に大騒ぎした後、私は大きな仕事かごに襲いかかり、新しい友人とおしゃべりしながら静かな夜を過ごした。

I shall keep a journal-letter, and send it once a week, so goodnight, and more tomorrow.

journal (日記) [名] a personal record of events, experiences, and reflections kept on a regular basis

私は日記をつけて、週に一度送ることにするよ、おやすみなさい、また明日。

Tuesday Eve

Eve (夜) [名] the evening or day before a special event

火曜日の夜

Had a lively time in my seminary this morning, for the children acted like Sancho, and at one time I really thought I should shake them all round.

seminary (神学校) [名] a college for training people to be priests, ministers, or rabbis

今朝は私の神学校で活気のある時間を過ごした、子供たちがサンチョのように振る舞ったからだ、そして一時私は本当に彼らをみんな揺さぶるべきだと思った。

Some good angel inspired me to try gymnastics, and I kept it up till they were glad to sit down and keep still.

keep it up (続ける) [動] continue doing something

ある善い天使が私に体操を試すようにとひらめかせ、私は彼らが喜んで座ってじっとしているまでそれを続けた。

After luncheon, the girl took them out for a walk, and I went to my needlework like little Mabel ‘with a willing mind’.

go to (取りかかる) [動] start doing something

Mabel (メイベル) [名] a female given name

with a willing mind (喜んで) [副] gladly

昼食後、少女は彼らを散歩に連れ出し、私は小さなメイベルのように「喜んで」針仕事に取りかかった。

I was thanking my stars that I’d learned to make nice buttonholes, when the parlor door opened and shut, and someone began to hum, Kennst Du Das Land, like a big bumblebee.

thank one's stars (感謝する) [動] be grateful for

Kennst Du Das Land (Kennst Du Das Land) [名] a song by Mignon

bumblebee (マルハナバチ) [名] a large bee with a hairy body

居間のドアが開いたり閉まったりするとき、私は素敵なボタンホールを作ることを学んだことを星に感謝していた、そして誰かが大きなマルハナバチのように、Kennst Du Das Landを口ずさみ始めた。

It was dreadfully improper, I know, but I couldn’t resist the temptation, and lifting one end of the curtain before the glass door, I peeped in.

improper (不適切) [形] not suitable or proper

それはひどく不適切だった、わかっている、しかし私は誘惑に抵抗できず、ガラスのドアの前のカーテンの端を持ち上げて、中を覗いた。

Professor Bhaer was there, and while he arranged his books, I took a good look at him.

ベーア教授がそこにいて、彼が本を整理している間に、私は彼をよく見た。

A regular German—rather stout, with brown hair tumbled all over his head, a bushy beard, good nose, the kindest eyes I ever saw, and a splendid big voice that does one’s ears good, after our sharp or slipshod American gabble.

all over (全体に) [副] everywhere

bushy (ふさふさした) [形] growing thickly

beard (髭) [名] the hair that grows on a man's face

slipshod (いい加減な) [形] careless and unsystematic

gabble (早口言葉) [名] rapid and unintelligible talk

典型的なドイツ人、かなり恰幅がよく、頭全体に茶色の髪が乱れ、ふさふさした髭、立派な鼻、私が今まで見た中で一番優しい目、そして私たちの鋭くあるいはいい加減なアメリカ人の早口言葉の後では、耳に心地よい素晴らしい大きな声。

His clothes were rusty, his hands were large, and he hadn’t a really handsome feature in his face, except his beautiful teeth, yet I liked him, for he had a fine head, his linen was very nice, and he looked like a gentleman, though two buttons were off his coat and there was a patch on one shoe.

rusty (くすんだ) [形] having a reddish-brown color

feature (特徴) [名] a prominent or conspicuous aspect, quality, or characteristic

patch (パッチ) [名] a piece of material used to mend or strengthen a torn or weak point

彼の服はくすんでいて、手は大きく、美しい歯を除いて顔に本当にハンサムな特徴はなかったが、私は彼が好きだった、なぜなら彼は頭がよく、リネンはとても素敵で、コートのボタンが2つ外れていて、片方の靴にパッチがあったにもかかわらず、彼は紳士のように見えた。

He looked sober in spite of his humming, till he went to the window to turn the hyacinth bulbs toward the sun, and stroke the cat, who received him like an old friend.

彼はハミングしているにもかかわらず、ヒヤシンスの球根を太陽に向けるために窓に行き、猫を撫でるまで、彼は落ち着いた様子だったが、猫は彼を古くからの友人のように迎え入れた。

Then he smiled, and when a tap came at the door, called out in a loud, brisk tone, “Herein!”

herein (どうぞ) [副] in this place; in this matter

それから彼は微笑み、ドアをノックする音がすると、「どうぞ!」と大きな声で呼びかけた。

I was just going to run, when I caught sight of a morsel of a child carrying a big book, and stopped, to see what was going on.

catch sight of (目に映る) [動] to suddenly see something or someone

carry (抱える) [動] to hold something in your hands or arms

走り出そうとした時、大きな本を抱えた子供の姿が目に映り、何が起こっているのか見ようと立ち止まった。

“Me wants me Bhaer,” said the mite, slamming down her book and running to meet him.

slam (バタンと閉じる) [動] shut or close with force and noise

「ベーア先生に会いたい」とその子は本をバタンと閉じて彼に会いに走っていった。

“Thou shalt haf thy Bhaer.

shalt (会える) [動] will be able to meet

Bhaer (ベーア) [名] a character in the story

「ベーア先生に会えるよ。

Come, then, and take a goot hug from him, my Tina,” said the Professor, catching her up with a laugh, and holding her so high over his head that she had to stoop her little face to kiss him.

professor (教授) [名] a teacher of the highest rank in a college or university

catch up (抱き上げる) [動] to reach the same point as someone or something else

さあ、おいで、彼からぎゅっと抱きしめてもらおう、私のティナ」と教授は笑いながら彼女を抱き上げ、彼女が彼にキスするために小さな顔をかがめなければならないほど頭上に高く抱き上げた。

“Now me mus tuddy my lessin,” went on the funny little thing.

「さあ、勉強しなきゃ」とそのおかしな子は続けた。

So he put her up at the table, opened the great dictionary she had brought, and gave her a paper and pencil, and she scribbled away, turning a leaf now and then, and passing her little fat finger down the page, as if finding a word, so soberly that I nearly betrayed myself by a laugh, while Mr. Bhaer stood stroking her pretty hair with a fatherly look that made me think she must be his own, though she looked more French than German.

put up (座らせる) [動] to place in a higher position

scribble (書きなぐる) [動] to write or draw carelessly or hurriedly

leaf (ページ) [名] a sheet of paper in a book or magazine

そこで彼は彼女をテーブルに座らせ、彼女が持ってきた大きな辞書を開き、紙と鉛筆を渡すと、彼女は時々ページをめくったり、言葉を探すように小さな太い指をページに沿って動かしながら、真面目な顔で書きなぐっていたので、私は思わず笑いそうになったが、ベーア先生は父親のような顔で彼女のきれいな髪を撫でていたので、彼女はドイツ人というよりフランス人に見えたが、彼の娘に違いないと思った。

Another knock and the appearance of two young ladies sent me back to my work, and there I virtuously remained through all the noise and gabbling that went on next door.

knock (ノック) [名] a sharp blow or rap

noise (騒ぎ) [名] a sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant or that causes disturbance

gabbling (おしゃべり) [名] the action of talking quickly and continuously in a foolish or excited way

再びノックの音がして、二人の若い女性が現れたので、私は仕事に戻り、隣の部屋で騒ぎやおしゃべりが続く中、私はそこに留まっていた。

One of the girls kept laughing affectedly, and saying, “Now Professor,” in a coquettish tone, and the other pronounced her German with an accent that must have made it hard for him to keep sober.

affectedly (気取った) [副] in an artificial way

coquettish (媚びた) [形] behaving as if sexually attracted to someone, but playfully rather than seriously

一人の少女は気取った笑い声を上げながら、「さあ、教授」と媚びた声で言い、もう一人の少女はドイツ語を訛りのある発音で話したので、彼は真面目な顔を保つのに苦労したに違いない。

Both seemed to try his patience sorely, for more than once I heard him say emphatically, “No, no, it is not so, you haf not attend to what I say,” and once there was a loud rap, as if he struck the table with his book, followed by the despairing exclamation, “Prut! It all goes bad this day.”

try one's patience (忍耐力を試す) [動] to be very annoying to someone

sorely (ひどく) [副] to a great extent

attend to (注意する) [動] to take care of or deal with

rap (音) [名] a quick, sharp knock

strike (叩く) [動] to hit or come into contact with forcefully

go bad (うまくいかない) [動] to become spoiled or rotten

どちらも彼の忍耐力を試しているようで、何度も彼が「いいえ、いいえ、そうではありません、私の言うことを聞いていない」と強調して言うのが聞こえ、一度は彼が本でテーブルを叩いたように大きな音がして、絶望的な叫び声が続いた。「プルーッ! 今日は何もかもうまくいかない。」

Poor man, I pitied him, and when the girls were gone, took just one more peep to see if he survived it.

take (覗く) [動] look at quickly or furtively

peep (覗き見) [名] a quick or furtive look

survive (生き残る) [動] continue to live or exist

かわいそうに、私は彼を哀れに思い、少女たちが去った後、彼が生き残っているかどうかもう一度覗いてみた。

He seemed to have thrown himself back in his chair, tired out, and sat there with his eyes shut till the clock struck two, when he jumped up, put his books in his pocket, as if ready for another lesson, and taking little Tina who had fallen asleep on the sofa in his arms, he carried her quietly away.

throw oneself back (身を投げ出す) [動] to lean back in a chair

tired out (疲れ果てる) [動] to become extremely tired

jump up (飛び起きる) [動] to get up suddenly

fall asleep (眠りに落ちる) [動] to go to sleep

彼は疲れ果てて椅子に身を投げ出し、目を閉じて座っていたが、時計が2時を打つと飛び起きて、本をポケットに入れ、次のレッスンの準備をするかのように、ソファで眠ってしまった小さなティナを抱きかかえて、静かに連れ去っていった。

I fancy he has a hard life of it.

hard life (苦労) [名] a life that is difficult or full of problems

of it (の) [前] belonging to or connected with a thing previously mentioned

彼は苦労していると思う。

Mrs. Kirke asked me if I wouldn’t go down to the five o’clock dinner, and feeling a little bit homesick, I thought I would, just to see what sort of people are under the same roof with me.

homesick (ホームシック) [形] unhappy and missing your home and family

カーク夫人は私に5時の夕食に降りて来ないかと尋ね、私は少しホームシックを感じていたので、私と同じ屋根の下にどんな人がいるのか見るために降りてみようと思った。

So I made myself respectable and tried to slip in behind Mrs. Kirke, but as she is short and I’m tall, my efforts at concealment were rather a failure.

make oneself respectable (身なりを整える) [動] make oneself look decent

slip in (忍び込む) [動] enter quietly and unnoticed

short (背が低い) [形] having a small height

concealment (隠れようとする) [名] the state of being hidden or concealed

それで私は身なりを整えてカーク夫人の後ろに忍び込もうとしたが、彼女は背が低く私は背が高いので、隠れようとする努力は失敗に終わった。

She gave me a seat by her, and after my face cooled off, I plucked up courage and looked about me.

give (座らせる) [動] cause to sit

cool off (冷める) [動] become less angry or excited

pluck up (出す) [動] summon up

彼女は私を自分のそばに座らせ、顔が冷めた後、私は勇気を出して周りを見回した。

The long table was full, and every one intent on getting their dinner, the gentlemen especially, who seemed to be eating on time, for they bolted in every sense of the word, vanishing as soon as they were done.

intent (熱中している) [形] having one's mind or attention fixed on something

on time (時間通りに) [副] punctually

bolt (急いで食べる) [動] eat hurriedly

長いテーブルはいっぱいで、誰もが夕食を食べることに熱中していたが、特に紳士たちは時間通りに食べているようで、言葉のあらゆる意味で急いで食べ、食べ終わるとすぐに姿を消した。

There was the usual assortment of young men absorbed in themselves, young couples absorbed in each other, married ladies in their babies, and old gentlemen in politics.

assortment (品揃え) [名] a collection of various things

young couple (若いカップル) [名] two young people who are in a romantic relationship

married lady (既婚女性) [名] a woman who is married

politics (政治) [名] the activities associated with the governance of a country or area

いつものように、自分自身に夢中になっている若い男性、お互いに夢中になっている若いカップル、赤ちゃんに夢中になっている既婚女性、政治に夢中になっている老紳士たちがいた。

I don’t think I shall care to have much to do with any of them, except one sweetfaced maiden lady, who looks as if she had something in her.

care to (したい) [動] want to

have much to do with (関わりを持つ) [動] be involved with

sweetfaced (優しい顔をした) [形] having a kind or gentle expression

maiden (独身の) [形] unmarried

have something in (持っている) [動] have a certain quality or characteristic

何かを持っているように見える、優しい顔をした独身女性を除いて、私は彼らの誰ともあまり関わりたくないと思う。

Cast away at the very bottom of the table was the Professor, shouting answers to the questions of a very inquisitive, deaf old gentleman on one side, and talking philosophy with a Frenchman on the other.

cast away (追いやられる) [動] throw or fling away

very bottom (一番端) [名] the lowest part

shout (大声で答える) [動] say something very loudly

deaf (耳の遠い) [形] unable to hear or hear well

one side (一方) [名] one of two or more parts or aspects of something

philosophy (哲学) [名] the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline

テーブルの一番端に追いやられた教授は、一方では非常に好奇心旺盛な耳の遠い老紳士の質問に大声で答え、もう一方ではフランス人と哲学の話をしていた。

If Amy had been here, she’d have turned her back on him forever because, sad to relate, he had a great appetite, and shoveled in his dinner in a manner which would have horrified ‘her ladyship’.

turn one's back on (背を向ける) [動] to ignore or reject someone or something

sad to relate (悲しいことに) [副] unfortunately

have a great appetite (食欲旺盛だ) [動] have a strong desire to eat

shovel in (平らげる) [動] eat quickly and greedily

horrify (ぞっとさせる) [動] cause to feel intense shock or disgust

her ladyship (彼女の奥様) [名] a title used to refer to a woman of high social rank

もしエイミーがここにいたら、彼女は永遠に彼に背を向けていただろう。なぜなら、悲しいことに、彼は食欲旺盛で、「彼女の奥様」をぞっとさせるような方法で夕食を平らげたからだ。

I didn’t mind, for I like ‘to see folks eat with a relish’, as Hannah says, and the poor man must have needed a deal of food after teaching idiots all day.

relish (おいしそうに) [名] a strong liking for something

deal (かなりの量) [名] a large amount or number

私は気にしなかった。ハンナが言うように「人々がおいしそうに食べるのを見るのが」好きだし、このかわいそうな男は一日中馬鹿どもに教え込んだ後で、かなりの量の食べ物が必要だったに違いない。

As I went upstairs after dinner, two of the young men were settling their hats before the hall mirror, and I heard one say low to the other, “Who’s the new party?”

settle (かぶる) [動] put on one's head

hall mirror (玄関の鏡) [名] a mirror in the hall

私が夕食後に二階に上がると、若い男性の二人が玄関の鏡の前で帽子をかぶっていて、一人がもう一人に「新しいパーティーは誰だ?」と低い声で言うのを聞いた。

“Governess, or something of that sort.”

「家庭教師か、そんな感じの何か」

“What the deuce is she at our table for?”

what the deuce (いったい何) [名] an expression of annoyance or surprise

be at (いる) [動] be present at

「いったい何で彼女が私たちのテーブルにいるんだ?」

“Friend of the old lady’s.”

「老婦人の友人」

“Handsome head, but no style.”

「ハンサムな頭だが、スタイルがない」

“Not a bit of it.

not a bit of it (全然) [副] not at all; not in the least

「全然。

Give us a light and come on.”

give (つける) [動] cause to be on

明かりをつけて、来てください」

I felt angry at first, and then I didn’t care, for a governess is as good as a clerk, and I’ve got sense, if I haven’t style, which is more than some people have, judging from the remarks of the elegant beings who clattered away, smoking like bad chimneys.

clerk (事務員) [名] an office worker who keeps records, does calculations, or does other routine work

some people (一部の人々) [名] a small number of people

smoke (煙を吐く) [動] emit smoke

chimney (煙突) [名] a vertical pipe or shaft that allows smoke and gases to escape from a building

私は最初は腹を立てたが、その後は気にしなくなった。家庭教師は事務員と同じくらい立派な職業だし、私にはスタイルがなくても分別がある。それは、煙突のように煙を吐きながら、ガタガタと音を立てて去っていった優雅な人々の発言から判断すると、一部の人々が持っているものよりも優れている。

I hate ordinary people!

私は普通の人が嫌い!

Thursday

木曜日

Yesterday was a quiet day spent in teaching, sewing, and writing in my little room, which is very cozy, with a light and fire.

昨日は、私の小さな部屋で教えたり、縫ったり、書いたりして過ごした静かな一日だった。とても居心地がよく、明かりと火がある。

I picked up a few bits of news and was introduced to the Professor.

私はいくつかのニュースを拾い、教授に紹介された。

It seems that Tina is the child of the Frenchwoman who does the fine ironing in the laundry here.

Tina (ティナ) [名] a female given name

laundry (洗濯屋) [名] a place where clothes are washed and ironed

ティナは、ここの洗濯屋でアイロンがけをしているフランス人女性の子供らしい。

The little thing has lost her heart to Mr. Bhaer, and follows him about the house like a dog whenever he is at home, which delights him, as he is very fond of children, though a ‘bacheldore’.

little thing (小さな子) [名] a small child

lose one's heart to (心を奪われる) [動] fall in love with

Mr. Bhaer (ベーアさん) [名] a character in the story

whenever (いつも) [副] at any time in the past or future; on any occasion

その小さな子はベーアさんに心を奪われ、彼が家にいるときはいつも犬のように家の中をついて回り、彼は「独身」だが子供が大好きなので、彼を喜ばせている。

Kitty and Minnie Kirke likewise regard him with affection, and tell all sorts of stories about the plays he invents, the presents he brings, and the splendid tales he tells.

Kitty (キティ) [名] a female given name

Minnie (ミニー) [名] a female given name

Kirke (カーク) [名] a surname

キティとミニー・カークも同様に彼を愛情を込めて見ており、彼が発明した劇、彼が持ってくるプレゼント、彼が語る素晴らしい物語についてあらゆる種類の話を語る。

The younger men quiz him, it seems, call him Old Fritz, Lager Beer, Ursa Major, and make all manner of jokes on his name.

quiz (クイズ) [名] a game or contest of knowledge

Old Fritz (オールド・フリッツ) [名] a nickname for Frederick the Great

Lager Beer (ラガー・ビール) [名] a type of beer

Ursa Major (ウルサ・メジャー) [名] a constellation in the northern sky

若い男たちは彼にクイズを出し、彼をオールド・フリッツ、ラガー・ビール、ウルサ・メジャーと呼び、彼の名前であらゆるジョークを言うらしい。

But he enjoys it like a boy, Mrs. Kirke says, and takes it so good-naturedly that they all like him in spite of his foreign ways.

しかし、彼は少年のようにそれを楽しんでおり、カーク夫人は、彼が外国人であるにもかかわらず、皆が彼を好きになるほど、それを気さくに受け止めていると言う。

The maiden lady is a Miss Norton, rich, cultivated, and kind.

その独身女性はノートンさんで、裕福で教養があり、親切だ。

She spoke to me at dinner today (for I went to table again, it’s such fun to watch people), and asked me to come and see her at her room.

彼女は今日夕食時に私に話しかけ(私はまた食卓に行った、人々を見るのは本当に楽しい)、彼女の部屋に会いに来るように頼んだ。

She has fine books and pictures, knows interesting persons, and seems friendly, so I shall make myself agreeable, for I do want to get into good society, only it isn’t the same sort that Amy likes.

make oneself (自分を) [動] become

彼女は素晴らしい本や絵を持っていて、面白い人を知っていて、友好的そうなので、私は上品な社会に入りたいので、自分を愛想よくしようと思うが、それはエイミーが好きなものとは違う。

I was in our parlor last evening when Mr. Bhaer came in with some newspapers for Mrs. Kirke.

昨日の夕方、私が居間にいた時、ベーアさんがカーク夫人のために新聞を持って入ってきた。

She wasn’t there, but Minnie, who is a little old woman, introduced me very prettily.

彼女はそこにいなかったが、小さな老婦人のミニーが私をとても愛想よく紹介してくれた。

“This is Mamma’s friend, Miss March.”

「こちらはママのお友達のマーチさんです」

“Yes, and she’s jolly and we like her lots,” added Kitty, who is an ‘enfant terrible’.

「そう、彼女は陽気で、私たちは彼女が大好き」と「恐るべき子供」のキティが付け加えた。

We both bowed, and then we laughed, for the prim introduction and the blunt addition were rather a comical contrast.

introduction (紹介) [名] the action of making someone known to someone else

addition (付け足し) [名] something added to something else

contrast (対比) [名] the state of being strikingly different from something else in juxtaposition or close association

私たちはお互いにお辞儀をし、それから笑った。上品な紹介と無愛想な付け足しがかなり滑稽な対比だったからだ。

“Ah, yes, I hear these naughty ones go to vex you, Mees Marsch.

「ああ、そうですね、このいたずらっ子たちがあなたを困らせていると聞きました、ミス・マーチ。

If so again, call at me and I come,” he said, with a threatening frown that delighted the little wretches.

if so (もしそうなら) [接] if that is the case

call at (呼ぶ) [動] to shout to attract someone's attention

もしまたそうしたら、私を呼んでください、私が来ます」と彼は言った。脅すようなしかめっ面が小さな悪党たちを喜ばせた。

I promised I would, and he departed, but it seems as if I was doomed to see a good deal of him, for today as I passed his door on my way out, by accident I knocked against it with my umbrella.

doomed (運命にある) [形] fated to suffer a particular and usually unpleasant fate

on one's way (途中) [名] in the process of going somewhere

by accident (誤って) [副] without intention or design

私はそうすると約束し、彼は去ったが、私は彼とよく会う運命にあるようだった。今日、私が外出する途中で彼のドアを通り過ぎたとき、私は誤って傘でドアをノックしてしまった。

It flew open, and there he stood in his dressing gown, with a big blue sock on one hand and a darning needle in the other.

darning needle (ダーニングニードル) [名] a long needle with a large eye, used for darning

ドアが開き、彼はドレッシングガウンを着て、片手に大きな青い靴下を持ち、もう片方の手にダーニングニードルを持って立っていた。

He didn’t seem at all ashamed of it, for when I explained and hurried on, he waved his hand, sock and all, saying in his loud, cheerful way...

彼はそれを恥ずかしがっているようには見えなかった。私が説明して急いでいると、彼は靴下をはめた手を振りながら、大声で陽気に言った。

“You haf a fine day to make your walk.

「散歩日和ですね。

Bon voyage, Mademoiselle.”

bon voyage (良い旅を) [名] a French expression wishing someone a pleasant journey

良い旅を、マドモアゼル」

I laughed all the way downstairs, but it was a little pathetic, also to think of the poor man having to mend his own clothes.

私は階段を降りるまでずっと笑っていたが、貧しい人が自分の服を繕わなければならないことを考えると、少し哀れだった。

The German gentlemen embroider, I know, but darning hose is another thing and not so pretty.

embroider (刺繍する) [動] decorate with needlework

hose (靴下) [名] a covering for the foot and lower leg

darn (繕う) [動] mend by sewing

ドイツの紳士は刺繍をすることは知っているが、靴下を繕うのは別のことで、あまりきれいではない。

Saturday

土曜日

Nothing has happened to write about, except a call on Miss Norton, who has a room full of pretty things, and who was very charming, for she showed me all her treasures, and asked me if I would sometimes go with her to lectures and concerts, as her escort, if I enjoyed them.

call (電話) [名] a telephone conversation

Miss Norton (ノートンさん) [名] a woman whose name is Norton

concert (コンサート) [名] a musical performance given in public, typically by several performers or of several compositions

escort (付き添い) [名] a person, vehicle, ship, or aircraft, or a group of these, accompanying another for protection, guidance, or as a mark of honor

書くべきことは何も起こらなかったが、部屋にきれいなものがいっぱいあって、とても魅力的なノートンさんに電話をかけた。彼女は私に宝物を全部見せてくれて、もし私が楽しんでくれるなら、時々彼女と一緒に講演会やコンサートに付き添いとして行ってくれないかと頼んだ。

She put it as a favor, but I’m sure Mrs. Kirke has told her about us, and she does it out of kindness to me.

put (言う) [動] express in words

彼女はそれを好意として言ったが、カーク夫人が私たちのことを彼女に話したに違いない、そして彼女は私への親切心からそうしたのだ。

I’m as proud as Lucifer, but such favors from such people don’t burden me, and I accepted gratefully.

Lucifer (ルシファー) [名] the Devil

私はルシファーのように誇り高いが、そのような人々からのそのような好意は私に負担をかけず、私は感謝して受け入れた。

When I got back to the nursery there was such an uproar in the parlor that I looked in, and there was Mr. Bhaer down on his hands and knees, with Tina on his back,

uproar (大騒ぎ) [名] a loud and confused noise

down on one's hands and knees (四つん這い) [形] in a position in which you support yourself on your hands and knees

私が子供部屋に戻ると、居間で大騒ぎが起こっていたので、中を覗いてみると、ベーアさんが四つん這いになっていて、ティナが背中に乗っていた。

Kitty leading him with a jump rope, and Minnie feeding two small boys with seedcakes, as they roared and ramped in cages built of chairs.

jump rope (縄跳び) [名] a game or exercise in which a person must jump, bounce or skip repeatedly while a length of rope is swung over and under, both ends held in the hands of the jumper

seedcake (種菓子) [名] a cake made with caraway seeds

roar (咆哮する) [動] make a loud, deep sound

ramp (暴れ回る) [動] move wildly or violently

キティは縄跳びで彼を先導し、ミニーは椅子で作った檻の中で咆哮し、暴れ回る2人の小さな男の子に種菓子を与えていた。

“We are playing nargerie,” explained Kitty.

「私たちは動物園ごっこをしているの」とキティは説明した。

“Dis is mine effalunt!” added Tina, holding on by the Professor’s hair.

「これは私の象さんよ」とティナは教授の髪の毛をつかみながら付け加えた。

“Mamma always allows us to do what we like Saturday afternoon, when Franz and Emil come, doesn’t she, Mr. Bhaer?” said Minnie.

Saturday afternoon (土曜日の午後) [名] the afternoon of the day of the week before Sunday and following Friday

Franz (フランツ) [名] a male given name

Emil (エミル) [名] a male given name

「ママはいつも土曜日の午後、フランツとエミルが来ると、私たちが好きなことをさせてくれるのよ、ベーアさん、そうでしょう?」とミニーは言った。

The ‘effalunt’ sat up, looking as much in earnest as any of them, and said soberly to me, “I gif you my wort it is so, if we make too large a noise you shall say Hush! to us, and we go more softly.”

gif (あげる) [動] give

wort (約束) [名] a promise

noise (音) [名] sound or a sound that is loud or unpleasant or that causes disturbance

softly (静かに) [副] in a quiet manner

象さん」は起き上がり、他の子たちと同じように真剣な顔で私に言った、「約束するよ、もし私たちがあまりに大きな音を立てたら、シーッ! って言ってね、そうしたらもっと静かにするから」

I promised to do so, but left the door open and enjoyed the fun as much as they did, for a more glorious frolic I never witnessed.

witness (見る) [動] see or notice something

私はそうすると約束したが、ドアを開けたままにして、彼らと同じくらい楽しみを楽しんだ、なぜなら、私はこれ以上素晴らしいはしゃぎっぷりを見たことがなかったからだ。

They played tag and soldiers, danced and sang, and when it began to grow dark they all piled onto the sofa about the Professor, while he told charming fairy stories of the storks on the chimney tops, and the little ‘koblods’, who ride the snowflakes as they fall.

play tag (鬼ごっこをする) [動] play a game in which one player chases the others and tries to touch them

play soldier (兵隊ごっこをする) [動] play a game in which one player pretends to be a soldier

grow dark (暗くなる) [動] become dark

stork (こうのとり) [名] a large long-legged wading bird with a long neck and a long pointed bill

fairy story (おとぎ話) [名] a children's story about magical and imaginary beings and lands

snowflake (雪の結晶) [名] a single ice crystal that falls through the air

彼らは鬼ごっこや兵隊ごっこをしたり、踊ったり歌ったりして、暗くなり始めるとみんなでソファに積み重なって教授の周りに座り、教授は煙突の上のこうのとりや、雪の結晶に乗って落ちてくる小さな「コブロッド」の魅力的なおとぎ話を語った。

I wish Americans were as simple and natural as Germans, don’t you?

アメリカ人がドイツ人のように素朴で自然だったらいいのに、そう思わない?

I’m so fond of writing, I should go spinning on forever if motives of economy didn’t stop me, for though I’ve used thin paper and written fine, I tremble to think of the stamps this long letter will need.

be fond of (とても好きである) [動] like something or someone a lot

economy (節約) [名] the careful use of money or resources

fine (細かく) [副] in a delicate or intricate manner

私は書くのがとても好きで、もし節約の動機が私を止めなければ、永遠に書き続けるだろう、なぜなら、私は薄い紙を使って細かく書いたにもかかわらず、この長い手紙に必要な切手のことを考えると震えてしまうからだ。

Pray forward Amy’s as soon as you can spare them.

forward (送る) [動] send on to a further destination

spare (余裕がある) [動] have enough of something to give some of it to others

エイミーの分は、できるだけ早く送ってください。

My small news will sound very flat after her splendors, but you will like them, I know.

flat (平凡) [形] lacking interest or excitement

splendor (華やか) [名] magnificence; grandeur

私の小さなニュースは、彼女の華やかなニュースの後にはとても平凡に聞こえるだろうけど、あなたは気に入ってくれると思う。

Is Teddy studying so hard that he can’t find time to write to his friends?

テディは勉強が忙しくて友達に手紙を書く時間がないのかしら?

Take good care of him for me, Beth, and tell me all about the babies, and give heaps of love to everyone.

ベス、私のために彼を大事にして、赤ちゃんたちのことを全部教えて、みんなにたくさんの愛を送ってね。

From your faithful Jo.

あなたの忠実なジョーより。

P.S. On reading over my letter, it strikes me as rather Bhaery, but I am always interested in odd people, and I really had nothing else to write about.

P.S. (追伸) [名] postscript

read over (読み返す) [動] read again

Bhaery (ベアリー) [名] a character in the story

write about (書く) [動] write on the subject of

追伸手紙を読み返すと、かなりベアリーっぽい気がするけど、私はいつも変わった人に興味があるし、他に書くこともなかったんだ。

Bless you!

神のご加護を!

DECEMBER

12月

My Precious Betsey,

私の大切なベッツィ、

As this is to be a scribble-scrabble letter, I direct it to you, for it may amuse you, and give you some idea of my goings on, for though quiet, they are rather amusing, for which, oh, be joyful!

scribble-scrabble (走り書き) [名] a hasty, careless, or illegible writing

direct (宛てる) [動] address or send to a particular destination

goings-on (行動) [名] events or activities

amusing (面白い) [形] causing laughter or providing entertainment

これは走り書きの手紙になるから、あなたに宛てるよ、あなたを楽しませるかもしれないし、私の行動について何か考えを与えるかもしれないから、静かではあるが、かなり面白いから、ああ、喜んで!

After what Amy would call Herculaneum efforts, in the way of mental and moral agriculture, my young ideas begin to shoot and my little twigs to bend as I could wish.

Herculaneum (ヘルクラネウム) [名] an ancient Roman town destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD

agriculture (農業) [名] the science or practice of farming

shoot (芽生える) [動] produce a new growth

bend (曲がる) [動] move or cause to move into a curved or angled shape

エイミーがヘルクラネウムの努力と呼ぶであろう、精神的、道徳的農業の道において、私の若い考えは芽生え始め、私の小さな小枝は私の望むように曲がり始める。

They are not so interesting to me as Tina and the boys, but I do my duty by them, and they are fond of me.

not so (それほど~ない) [副] to a lesser extent

fond of (~を慕う) [形] having a liking for

彼らはティナや男の子たちほど私には興味深くないが、私は彼らに対して義務を果たしているし、彼らは私を慕っている。

Franz and Emil are jolly little lads, quite after my own heart, for the mixture of German and American spirit in them produces a constant state of effervescence.

after one's own heart (自分の心をくすぐる) [熟] very much to one's liking

mixture (混ざり合い) [名] a combination of different things

American (アメリカ) [名] a country in North America

effervescence (発泡) [名] the release of gas bubbles from a liquid

フランツとエミルは陽気な小さな若者で、ドイツとアメリカの精神が混ざり合って常に発泡している状態なので、私の心をくすぐる。

Saturday afternoons are riotous times, whether spent in the house or out, for on pleasant days they all go to walk, like a seminary, with the Professor and myself to keep order, and then such fun!

riotous (騒がしい) [形] involving or causing a lot of noise and violence

in the house (家の中で) [名] inside the house

out (外で) [副] not in a building

土曜日の午後は、家の中で過ごそうが外で過ごそうが、騒がしい時間だ、天気の良い日には、彼らはみんな神学校のように散歩に出かけ、教授と私が秩序を保つために付き添うのだが、とても楽しい!

We are very good friends now, and I’ve begun to take lessons.

very good friend (とても仲良し) [名] a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection

私たちは今ではとても仲良しで、私はレッスンを受け始めました。

I really couldn’t help it, and it all came about in such a droll way that I must tell you.

本当にどうしようもなかったし、すべてがとてもおかしな方法で起こったので、あなたに話さなければならない。

To begin at the beginning, Mrs. Kirke called to me one day as I passed Mr. Bhaer’s room where she was rummaging.

begin at the beginning (初めから始める) [動] start from the very beginning

rummage (物色する) [動] search something carelessly

初めから始めると、ある日、カーク夫人がベーアさんの部屋を物色しているところを通り過ぎると、私に声をかけた。

“Did you ever see such a den, my dear?

den (巣窟) [名] a small room in a house used for private study or work

「こんな巣窟を見たことある?

Just come and help me put these books to rights, for I’ve turned everything upside down, trying to discover what he has done with the six new handkerchiefs I gave him not long ago.”

put to rights (元通りにする) [動] restore to a proper or former condition

not long ago (つい先日) [副] in the recent past

ちょっと来て、この本を元通りにするのを手伝ってちょうだい、私がつい先日彼にあげた新しいハンカチ6枚を彼がどうしたのか見つけようとして、すべてをひっくり返してしまったの。」

I went in, and while we worked I looked about me, for it was ‘a den’ to be sure.

work (作業する) [動] do work

私は中に入り、作業をしながら周りを見回した、確かに「巣窟」だった。

Books and papers everywhere, a broken meerschaum, and an old flute over the mantlepiece as if done with, a ragged bird without any tail chirped on one window seat, and a box of white mice adorned the other.

everywhere (至る所) [副] in all places or in every part

meerschaum (海泡石) [名] a soft white claylike mineral, hydrated magnesium silicate, used for making tobacco pipes and other articles

window seat (窓辺) [名] a seat below a window

本や紙が至る所にあり、壊れた海泡石のパイプに、使い古したようにマントルピースの上にある古いフルート、尾のないぼろぼろの鳥が一方の窓辺でさえずり、もう一方の窓辺には白いネズミの箱が飾られていた。

Half-finished boats and bits of string lay among the manuscripts.

half-finished (半分完成した) [形] not finished or completed

半分完成した船や紐の切れ端が原稿の間に置かれていた。

Dirty little boots stood drying before the fire, and traces of the dearly beloved boys, for whom he makes a slave of himself, were to be seen all over the room.

汚れた小さなブーツが火の前に干してあり、彼が奴隷のように尽くす最愛の少年たちの痕跡が部屋のいたるところに見られた。

After a grand rummage three of the missing articles were found, one over the bird cage, one covered with ink, and a third burned brown, having been used as a holder.

grand rummage (大捜索) [名] a thorough search

missing (行方不明) [形] not present or not able to be found

bird cage (鳥かご) [名] a cage for birds

大捜索の末、行方不明の品物のうち3つが見つかった、1つは鳥かごの上、1つはインクで覆われ、3つ目はホルダーとして使われて焦げ茶色になっていた。

“Such a man!” laughed good-natured Mrs. K., as she put the relics in the rag bag.

such a (なんて) [形] of the type or degree previously mentioned or implied

「なんて人なの!」と、気立ての良いK夫人は笑いながら、遺品をぼろ袋に入れた。

“I suppose the others are torn up to rig ships, bandage cut fingers, or make kite tails.

tear up (破る) [動] rip or pull apart

rig (索具) [名] the ropes, cables, and chains used to support and control the masts, sails, and yards of a sailing ship

bandage (包帯) [名] a strip of material used to bind a wound or to protect an injured part of the body

cut (切れた) [形] having been cut

「他のものは船の索具や、切れた指の包帯、凧の尾にするために破られたのでしょうね。

It’s dreadful, but I can’t scold him.

ひどいことです、でも彼を叱ることはできません。

He’s so absent-minded and goodnatured, he lets those boys ride over him roughshod.

ride over (好き勝手する) [動] treat harshly or inconsiderately

彼はとてもぼんやりしていて気立てがいいので、あの子たちに好き勝手させてしまうのです。

I agreed to do his washing and mending, but he forgets to give out his things and I forget to look them over, so he comes to a sad pass sometimes.”

mending (繕い) [名] the action of repairing something

give out (出す) [動] distribute or hand out

come to a sad pass (悲惨な目に遭う) [動] experience a difficult or unpleasant situation

洗濯や繕いを引き受けましたが、彼は洗濯物を出すのを忘れ、私はそれを調べるのを忘れるので、彼は時々悲惨な目に遭います。」

“Let me mend them,” said I.

「私が繕いましょう」と私は言った。

“I don’t mind it, and he needn’t know.

needn't (知られることはない) [助] not be required to

「私は気にしませんし、彼に知られることはありません。

I’d like to, he’s so kind to me about bringing my letters and lending books.”

彼は私の手紙を届けてくれたり、本を貸してくれたりしてとても親切なので、そうしたいのです。」

So I have got his things in order, and knit heels into two pairs of the socks, for they were boggled out of shape with his queer darns.

boggle (崩れる) [動] cause to be astonished or overwhelmed

shape (形) [名] the external form or appearance characteristic of someone or something

darn (繕い) [名] a repair made by sewing

それで私は彼のものを整え、靴下を2足編み直した。彼の奇妙な繕いによって形が崩れていたからだ。

Nothing was said, and I hoped he wouldn’t find it out, but one day last week he caught me at it.

何も言われなかったし、彼が気づかないことを願っていたが、先週のある日、彼に見つかった。

Hearing the lessons he gives to others has interested and amused me so much that I took a fancy to learn, for Tina runs in and out, leaving the door open, and I can hear.

run in and out (出たり入ったりする) [動] move quickly and repeatedly from one place to another

彼が他の人に教えているレッスンを聞いていると、とても興味深く、面白かったので、私は習いたいと思いました。ティナがドアを開けたまま出たり入ったりしているので、聞こえるのです。

I had been sitting near this door, finishing off the last sock, and trying to understand what he said to a new scholar, who is as stupid as I am.

私はこのドアの近くに座って、最後の靴下を仕上げながら、彼が私と同じくらい愚かな新しい生徒に言っていることを理解しようとしていた。

The girl had gone, and I thought he had also, it was so still, and I was busily gabbling over a verb, and rocking to and fro in a most absurd way, when a little crow made me look up, and there was Mr. Bhaer looking and laughing quietly, while he made signs to Tina not to betray him.

gabble (しゃべる) [動] talk rapidly and unintelligibly

verb (動詞) [名] a word that describes an action, state, or occurrence

crow (カラス) [名] a large black bird

少女は行ってしまい、彼も行ったと思ったので、とても静かで、私はせわしなく動詞をしゃべり、とてもばかげた方法で前後に揺れていたが、小さなカラスが私を見上げさせたので、ベーアさんが静かに笑いながら、ティナに彼を裏切らないように合図をしていた。

“So!” he said, as I stopped and stared like a goose, “you peep at me, I peep at you, and this is not bad, but see, I am not pleasanting when I say, haf you a wish for German?”

pleasant (冗談) [名] something said or done for amusement

「そう!」私が立ち止まって、ガチョウのように見つめていると、彼は言った、「君は私をのぞき、私は君をのぞく、これは悪くないが、ほら、私が言うとき、私は冗談を言っていない、君はドイツ語を勉強したいか?」

“Yes, but you are too busy.

「はい、でもあなたは忙しすぎます。

I am too stupid to learn,” I blundered out, as red as a peony.

blunder (失言する) [動] make a stupid or careless mistake

私は学ぶには愚かすぎます」と私は牡丹のように赤くなりながら、失言した。

“Prut! We will make the time, and we fail not to find the sense.

「ふん! 時間は作れるし、意味も見出せる。

At efening I shall gif a little lesson with much gladness, for look you, Mees Marsch, I haf this debt to pay.”

at efening (夕方には) [名] the time of day from the end of the afternoon to the beginning of night

with much gladness (喜んで) [副] very willingly

for look you (ほら) [間] used to attract someone's attention

Mees Marsch (ミス・マーチ) [名] the name of a character in the story

I haf this debt to pay (私はこの借金を返さなければならないのです) [動] I have to pay this debt

夕方には喜んで少しレッスンをしましょう、ほら、ミス・マーチ、私はこの借金を返さなければならないのです」

And he pointed to my work ‘Yes,’ they say to one another, these so kind ladies, ‘he is a stupid old fellow, he will see not what we do, he will never observe that his sock heels go not in holes any more, he will think his buttons grow out new when they fall, and believe that strings make theirselves.’

say to one another (互いに言い合った) [動] say something to each other

grow out (生えてくる) [動] become longer or larger

make (できる) [動] produce or create something

そして彼は私の作品を指さした。「そうね」と、このとても親切な女性たちは互いに言い合った、「彼は愚かな年寄りだから、私たちが何をしているかわからないし、靴下のかかとがもう穴が開いていないことに気づかないだろうし、ボタンが落ちたら新しく生えてくると思うだろうし、紐が自分でできると思っているのよ」

“Ah! But I haf an eye, and I see much.

「ああ! でも私は目があって、よく見える。

I haf a heart, and I feel thanks for this.

have a heart (心がある) [動] be kind or compassionate

feel thanks (感謝している) [動] be grateful

私は心があって、これに感謝している。

Come, a little lesson then and now, or—no more good fairy works for me and mine.”

さあ、少しレッスンをしましょう、さもなければ、私と私の家族のために良い妖精が働いてくれなくなります」

Of course I couldn’t say anything after that, and as it really is a splendid opportunity, I made the bargain, and we began.

make a bargain (交渉する) [動] reach an agreement

もちろん、その後は何も言えなかったし、本当に素晴らしい機会なので、私は交渉して、私たちは始めた。

I took four lessons, and then I stuck fast in a grammatical bog.

fast (すっかり) [副] completely

grammatical (文法の) [形] of or relating to grammar

bog (沼) [名] an area of soft, wet, muddy ground

私は4回レッスンを受けたが、文法の沼にはまり込んでしまった。

The Professor was very patient with me, but it must have been torment to him, and now and then he’d look at me with such an expression of mild despair that it was a toss-up with me whether to laugh or cry.

toss-up (迷う) [名] a situation in which the outcome is completely uncertain

教授は私にとても忍耐強く接してくれたが、彼にとってそれは苦痛だったに違いない。時折、彼は私を穏やかな絶望の表情で見つめ、私は笑うべきか泣くべきか迷った。

I tried both ways, and when it came to a sniff or utter mortification and woe, he just threw the grammar on to the floor and marched out of the room.

utter (ひどい) [形] complete; total

私は両方試してみたが、鼻を鳴らすか、ひどく悔しがって悲しむかになると、彼は文法書を床に投げ捨てて部屋から出て行ってしまった。

I felt myself disgraced and deserted forever, but didn’t blame him a particle, and was scrambling my papers together, meaning to rush upstairs and shake myself hard, when in he came, as brisk and beaming as if I’d covered myself in glory.

私は永遠に恥をかかされ、見捨てられたように感じたが、彼を少しも責めなかった。そして、私が栄光に包まれたかのように、彼が元気で輝いて入ってきたとき、私は急いで二階に駆け上がり、自分を激しく揺さぶろうと思って、書類を掻き集めていた。

“Now we shall try a new way.

「今度は新しい方法を試してみよう。

You and I will read these pleasant little marchen together, and dig no more in that dry book, that goes in the corner for making us trouble.”

marchen (メルヘン) [名] a fairy tale

dig (掘り下げる) [動] to make a hole in the ground

dry (退屈な) [形] uninteresting or unentertaining

君と私はこの楽しい小さなメルヘンを一緒に読んで、もうあの退屈な本は掘り下げないでおこう。」

He spoke so kindly, and opened Hans Anderson’s fairy tales so invitingly before me, that I was more ashamed than ever, and went at my lesson in a neck-or-nothing style that seemed to amuse him immensely.

Hans Anderson (ハンス・アンデルセン) [名] a Danish author

invitingly (魅力的に) [副] in an attractive manner

neck-or-nothing (首か無か) [形] involving great risk

彼はとても親切に話し、私の前でハンス・アンデルセンの童話をとても魅力的に開いてくれたので、私はこれまで以上に恥ずかしく、彼をとても楽しませているように思えた首か無かのスタイルでレッスンを受けた。

I forgot my bashfulness, and pegged away (no other word will express it) with all my might, tumbling over long words, pronouncing according to inspiration of the minute, and doing my very best.

tumble over (転がる) [動] fall or cause to fall

私は恥ずかしさを忘れ、長い言葉を転がしながら、その瞬間のひらめきに合わせて発音し、全力を尽くして、全力で(他のどんな言葉でも表現できない)ペグで打ち込んだ。

When I finished reading my first page, and stopped for breath, he clapped his hands and cried out in his hearty way, “Das ist gut! Now we go well!

私が最初のページを読み終えて、息を止めると、彼は手を叩いて、心から「Das ist gut! これでうまくいく!

My turn. I do him in German, gif me your ear.”

my turn (私の番) [名] the time when I am to do something

私の番だ。私はドイツ語でやる、耳を貸してくれ」

And away he went, rumbling out the words with his strong voice and a relish which was good to see as well as hear.

rumble (ゴロゴロと転がる) [動] make a low, heavy, continuous sound

strong (力強い) [形] having great power or force

そして彼は、力強い声と、聞くだけでなく見るのも良い味わいで言葉をゴロゴロと転がしながら去っていった。

Fortunately the story was The Constant Tin Soldier, which is droll, you know, so I could laugh, and I did, though I didn’t understand half he read, for I couldn’t help it, he was so earnest, I so excited, and the whole thing so comical.

The Constant Tin Soldier (忠実な錫の兵隊) [名] a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen

幸いにもその話は「忠実な錫の兵隊」で、それは滑稽な話なので、私は笑うことができましたし、彼が読んだ半分も理解できなかったのですが、彼がとても真面目で、私がとても興奮していて、全体がとても滑稽だったので、私は笑わずにはいられませんでした。

After that we got on better, and now I read my lessons pretty well, for this way of studying suits me, and I can see that the grammar gets tucked into the tales and poetry as one gives pills in jelly.

lesson (教科書) [名] a book or text used in a school or college course

this way (この勉強法) [名] this method

I can see (私には見える) [動] be able to see

grammar (文法) [名] the system of a language

get tucked into (押し込まれる) [動] be put or pushed into something

one gives (人が与える) [動] give something to someone

pill (薬) [名] a small round mass of solid medicine that you swallow whole

その後はうまくいき、今では教科書をかなり上手に読めるようになりました。この勉強法は私に合っているし、文法が物語や詩の中に押し込まれているのが、ゼリーに薬を入れているように見えます。

I like it very much, and he doesn’t seem tired of it yet, which is very good of him, isn’t it?

tired (飽きていない) [形] having a need for sleep or rest

私はとても気に入っているし、彼もまだ飽きていないようで、とても親切ですよね。

I mean to give him something on Christmas, for I dare not offer money.

dare not (あげられない) [動] not have the courage to do something

クリスマスに何かあげようと思っているんだけど、お金はあげられないからね。

Tell me something nice, Marmee.

何かいいことを言ってよ、ママ。

I’m glad Laurie seems so happy and busy, that he has given up smoking and lets his hair grow.

ローリーがとても幸せそうで忙しそうで、タバコをやめて髪を伸ばしているのが嬉しいよ。

You see Beth manages him better than I did.

ベスは私よりも彼をうまく扱っているよね。

I’m not jealous, dear, do your best, only don’t make a saint of him.

make a saint of (聖人にする) [動] to make someone a saint

私は嫉妬していないよ、最善を尽くして、ただ彼を聖人にしないでね。

I’m afraid I couldn’t like him without a spice of human naughtiness.

spice (スパイス) [名] a substance that is added to food to give it a particular flavor

naughtiness (いたずらっ気) [名] the quality of being naughty

人間のいたずらっ気というスパイスがなければ、彼を好きになれないと思うよ。

Read him bits of my letters.

私の手紙を少し読んであげて。

I haven’t time to write much, and that will do just as well.

just as well (十分) [副] to the same extent; equally

あまり書く時間がないし、それで十分だよ。

Thank Heaven Beth continues so comfortable.

continue (続く) [動] remain in existence or in a certain state

ベスがずっと快適でいてくれることに感謝するよ。

JANUARY

JANUARY (1月) [名] the first month of the year

1月

A Happy New Year to you all, my dearest family, which of course includes Mr. L. and a young man by the name of Teddy.

Happy New Year (新年おめでとう) [名] a greeting used on New Year's Day

include (含めて) [動] comprise or contain as a part

私の最愛の家族の皆さん、新年おめでとうございます。もちろん、Lさんとテディという名の若者も含めて。

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed your Christmas bundle, for I didn’t get it till night and had given up hoping.

あなたのクリスマスの包みをどれだけ楽しんだか、言葉では言い表せないよ。夜まで受け取れなくて、期待するのを諦めちゃったのよ。

Your letter came in the morning, but you said nothing about a parcel, meaning it for a surprise, so I was disappointed, for I’d had a ‘kind of feeling’ that you wouldn’t forget me.

have a feeling (予感がある) [動] have a hunch

あなたの手紙は朝届いたけど、小包については何も書いてなくて、サプライズにするつもりだったんだね。だからがっかりしちゃった。だって、あなたが私を忘れないだろうって「予感」があったのよ。

I felt a little low in my mind as I sat up in my room after tea, and when the big, muddy, battered-looking bundle was brought to me, I just hugged it and pranced.

feel low (落ち込む) [動] be in low spirits

muddy (泥だらけ) [形] covered or soiled with mud

battered (ボロボロ) [形] damaged by repeated blows or hard usage

お茶を飲んだ後、部屋に座っていると、少し気分が落ち込んでいたんだけど、大きくて泥だらけでボロボロの包みが運ばれてきたので、抱きしめて踊り回ったよ。

It was so homey and refreshing that I sat down on the floor and read and looked and ate and laughed and cried, in my usual absurd way.

homey (家庭的) [形] cozy and comfortable

とても家庭的で新鮮だったので、私は床に座って、いつものばかげたやり方で、読んで、見て、食べて、笑って、泣いた。

The things were just what I wanted, and all the better for being made instead of bought.

all the better (なおさら) [副] even more so

どれも私が欲しかったものばかりで、買ったものではなく手作りのものだったので、なおさらよかった。

Beth’s new ‘ink bib’ was capital, and Hannah’s box of hard gingerbread will be a treasure.

ベスの新しい「インクよだれかけ」は最高だったし、ハンナの固いジンジャーブレッドの箱は宝物になるだろう。

I’ll be sure and wear the nice flannels you sent, Marmee, and read carefully the books Father has marked.

be sure and (必ず) [動] be certain to

ママが送ってくれた素敵なフランネルを着て、パパが印をつけた本を注意深く読むよ。

Thank you all, heaps and heaps!

みんな、本当にありがとう!

Speaking of books reminds me that I’m getting rich in that line, for on New Year’s Day Mr. Bhaer gave me a fine Shakespeare.

speaking of (といえば) [句] used to introduce a new topic that is related to something just mentioned

get rich (豊かになる) [動] become wealthy

New Year's Day (新年の日) [名] the first day of the year

本といえば、私はその点で豊かになってきていることを思い出す。新年の日にベーアさんが私に素晴らしいシェイクスピアをくれたのだ。

It is one he values much, and I’ve often admired it, set up in the place of honor with his German Bible, Plato, Homer, and Milton, so you may imagine how I felt when he brought it down, without its cover, and showed me my own name in it, “from my friend Friedrich Bhaer”.

German Bible (ドイツ語聖書) [名] the Bible in German

Homer (ホメロス) [名] Greek poet

Friedrich Bhaer (フリードリヒ・ベーア) [名] a character in the story

それは彼がとても大切にしているもので、私はよくそれを賞賛していた。彼のドイツ語聖書、プラトン、ホメロス、ミルトンと一緒に名誉ある場所に置かれていた。だから、彼がそれを表紙なしで持ってきて、私の名前を「友人のフリードリヒ・ベーアから」と見せてくれたときの気持ちを想像できるだろう。

“You say often you wish a library.

「あなたはよく図書館が欲しいと言いますね。

Here I gif you one, for between these lids (he meant covers) is many books in one.

ここに1つあげましょう。この蓋(表紙のこと)の間には1冊にたくさんの本が入っています。

Read him well, and he will help you much, for the study of character in this book will help you to read it in the world and paint it with your pen.”

paint (描く) [動] represent or create an image of something on a surface

よく読んでください。この本はあなたを大いに助けてくれるでしょう。この本の登場人物の研究は、あなたがこの世でそれを読み、ペンで描くのに役立つでしょう。」

I thanked him as well as I could, and talk now about ‘my library’, as if I had a hundred books.

私はできる限り彼に感謝し、今ではまるで100冊の本を持っているかのように「私の図書館」について話している。

I never knew how much there was in Shakespeare before, but then I never had a Bhaer to explain it to me.

シェイクスピアにどれほどの内容があるか今まで知らなかったが、今まで私にそれを説明してくれるベーアがいなかったのだ。

Now don’t laugh at his horrid name.

彼のひどい名前を笑わないで。

It isn’t pronounced either Bear or Beer, as people will say it, but something between the two, as only Germans can give it.

Bear (ベア) [名] a large, heavy mammal that lives in the northern hemisphere and has thick fur

give (発音する) [動] produce or make a sound

人々が言うように、ベアやビールとは発音されないが、ドイツ人だけが発音できる、その2つの中間のような発音だ。

I’m glad you both like what I tell you about him, and hope you will know him some day.

I'm glad (嬉しい) [句] I am happy

what I tell you (私が話したこと) [句] the thing that I say

about him (彼について) [句] concerning him

私が彼について話したことを2人とも気に入ってくれて嬉しいし、いつか彼と知り合えるといいな。

Mother would admire his warm heart, Father his wise head.

ママは彼の温かい心を、パパは彼の賢い頭を賞賛するだろう。

I admire both, and feel rich in my new ‘friend Friedrich Bhaer’.

私は両方を賞賛し、新しい「友人フリードリヒ・ベーア」に恵まれていると感じている。

Not having much money, or knowing what he’d like, I got several little things, and put them about the room, where he would find them unexpectedly.

not have much money (あまりお金がない) [動] be poor

あまりお金がなかったし、彼の好みも知らなかったので、私はいくつかの小さなものを手に入れ、彼が思いがけず見つけられるように部屋に置いた。

They were useful, pretty, or funny, a new standish on his table, a little vase for his flower, he always has one, or a bit of green in a glass, to keep him fresh, he says, and a holder for his blower, so that he needn’t burn up what Amy calls ‘mouchoirs’.

blower (送風機) [名] a machine that produces a current of air

それらは役に立つもの、きれいなもの、面白いもの、彼のテーブルの上の新しいスタンド、彼の花のための小さな花瓶、彼はいつも1つ持っている、またはグラスの中に少し緑を入れて、彼を新鮮に保つために、彼は言う、そして彼の送風機のためのホルダー、彼はエイミーが「mouchoirs」と呼ぶものを燃やす必要がないように。

I made it like those Beth invented, a big butterfly with a fat body, and black and yellow wings, worsted feelers, and bead eyes.

wing (羽) [名] one of a pair of modified forelimbs bearing feathers that enable a bird to fly

worsted (毛糸の) [形] made from wool yarn

feeler (触角) [名] one of a pair of long thin sensory organs on the head of an insect, crustacean, or other arthropod

私はベスが考案したような、太った体と黒と黄色の羽、毛糸の触角、ビーズのような目をした大きな蝶を作った。

It took his fancy immensely, and he put it on his mantlepiece as an article of virtue, so it was rather a failure after all.

take one's fancy (気に入る) [動] to be liked by someone

彼はそれをとても気に入り、マントルピースの上に置いて美徳の品物にしてしまったので、結局は失敗に終わった。

Poor as he is, he didn’t forget a servant or a child in the house, and not a soul here, from the French laundrywoman to Miss Norton forgot him.

laundrywoman (洗濯婦) [名] a woman who takes in laundry

Miss Norton (ノートン嬢) [名] a young woman

彼は貧しいながらも、家の召使や子供を忘れることはなく、フランス人の洗濯婦からノートン嬢まで、ここの誰も彼を忘れることはなかった。

I was so glad of that.

私はとても嬉しかった。

They got up a masquerade, and had a gay time New Year’s Eve.

get up (開く) [動] organize and start

have a gay time (楽しく過ごす) [動] have a lot of fun

彼らは仮面舞踏会を開き、大晦日を楽しく過ごした。

I didn’t mean to go down, having no dress.

have no (ない) [動] not have; be without

私はドレスがないので、降りるつもりはなかった。

But at the last minute, Mrs. Kirke remembered some old brocades, and Miss Norton lent me lace and feathers.

しかし、土壇場でカーク夫人が古い錦織を思い出し、ノートン嬢がレースと羽根を貸してくれた。

So I dressed up as Mrs. Malaprop, and sailed in with a mask on.

Mrs. Malaprop (マラプロップ夫人) [名] a character in Sheridan's play The Rivals

sail in (入場する) [動] arrive at a place

それで私はマラプロップ夫人に扮して、仮面をつけて入場した。

No one knew me, for I disguised my voice, and no one dreamed of the silent, haughty Miss March (for they think I am very stiff and cool, most of them, and so I am to whippersnappers) could dance and dress, and burst out into a ‘nice derangement of epitaphs, like an allegory on the banks of the Nile’.

disguise (変える) [動] change the appearance or nature of

burst out (突入する) [動] move or come out suddenly and with force

derangement (狂乱) [名] a state of mental confusion or disorder

allegory (寓話) [名] a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one

誰も私だとはわからなかった、というのも私は声を変えていたし、誰も無口で傲慢なミス・マーチ(彼らは私がとても堅苦しくて冷たいと思っているので、そのほとんどが、私は生意気な若造だ)が踊ったり、着飾ったり、「ナイル川のほとりの寓話のように、墓碑銘の素敵な狂乱」に突入したりできるとは夢にも思っていなかったからだ。

I enjoyed it very much, and when we unmasked it was fun to see them stare at me.

私はとても楽しんだし、仮面を外したときにみんなが私をじっと見ているのを見るのは面白かった。

I heard one of the young men tell another that he knew I’d been an actress, in fact, he thought he remembered seeing me at one of the minor theaters.

minor (小さな) [形] lesser in importance, size, or degree

若い男性の1人が、私が女優だったことを知っていると別の人に話しているのを聞いた。実際、彼は私を小さな劇場の1つで見かけたのを覚えていると思った。

Meg will relish that joke.

メグはそのジョークを喜ぶだろう。

Mr. Bhaer was Nick Bottom, and Tina was Titania, a perfect little fairy in his arms.

Nick Bottom (ニック・ボトム) [名] a character in the story

Titania (ティタニア) [名] a character in the story

ベーアさんはニック・ボトム、ティナはティタニアで、彼の腕の中で完璧な小さな妖精だった。

To see them dance was ‘quite a landscape’, to use a Teddyism.

彼らが踊るのを見るのは、テディズムを使うと「かなりの景色」だった。

I had a very happy New Year, after all, and when I thought it over in my room, I felt as if I was getting on a little in spite of my many failures, for I’m cheerful all the time now, work with a will, and take more interest in other people than I used to, which is satisfactory.

think over (考え直す) [動] to reconsider

work with (働く) [動] to do work with

take interest in (関心を持つ) [動] to be interested in

結局、私はとても幸せな新年を迎え、自分の部屋でそれを考え直したとき、私は多くの失敗にもかかわらず少しずつ進歩しているように感じました。なぜなら、私は今ではいつも元気で、意欲的に働き、以前よりも他の人に関心を持つようになったからです。

Bless you all!

皆さんに祝福を!

Ever your loving... Jo

いつも愛を込めて...ジョー

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR: FRIEND

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR (第34章) [名] the 34th chapter

第34章友人

Though very happy in the social atmosphere about her, and very busy with the daily work that earned her bread and made it sweeter for the effort, Jo still found time for literary labors.

social atmosphere (社交的な雰囲気) [名] the social environment of a place

very happy (とても満足) [形] feeling or showing great pleasure or contentment

very busy (とても忙しい) [形] having a great deal to do

daily work (日々の仕事) [名] the work that one does every day

still (それでも) [副] even now or even then

find time (時間を見つける) [動] to manage to do something despite a busy schedule

literary labor (文学的な労働) [名] the work of writing literature

彼女は周囲の社交的な雰囲気にとても満足し、日々の仕事で忙しく、パンを稼ぎ、努力の甲斐あってより甘いものにしていたが、ジョーはそれでも文学的な労働のための時間を見つけた。

The purpose which now took possession of her was a natural one to a poor and ambitious girl, but the means she took to gain her end were not the best.

gain (達成する) [動] to obtain or win something

今彼女を支配している目的は、貧しく野心的な少女にとって自然なものだったが、彼女が目的を達成するために取った手段は最善ではなかった。

She saw that money conferred power, money and power, therefore, she resolved to have, not to be used for herself alone, but for those whom she loved more than life.

彼女はお金が権力を与えることを知っていたので、お金と権力を得ようと決心した。自分だけのためではなく、命よりも愛する人たちのために。

The dream of filling home with comforts, giving Beth everything she wanted, from strawberries in winter to an organ in her bedroom, going abroad herself, and always having more than enough, so that she might indulge in the luxury of charity, had been for years Jo’s most cherished castle in the air.

bedroom (寝室) [名] a room for sleeping in

more than enough (十分すぎるほど) [形] more than sufficient

in the air (空想の) [形] not real or practical

家を快適なもので満たし、ベスが欲しがるものを冬のイチゴから寝室のオルガンまで何でも与え、自分も海外に行き、いつも十分すぎるほどのものを持って、慈善の贅沢にふけるという夢は、何年もの間、ジョーの最も大切な空想の城だった。

The prize-story experience had seemed to open a way which might, after long traveling and much uphill work, lead to this delightful chateau en Espagne.

prize-story (受賞作) [名] a story that has won a prize

uphill (困難な) [形] moving or going up a hill

lead (つながる) [動] be the route or means of access to

chateau (城) [名] a large country house or castle in France

Espagne (空想) [名] France

受賞作の経験は、長い旅と多くの困難な仕事の後、この楽しい空想の城につながるかもしれない道を開いたように思われた。

But the novel disaster quenched her courage for a time, for public opinion is a giant which has frightened stouter-hearted Jacks on bigger beanstalks than hers.

disaster (失敗) [名] a sudden event, such as an accident or a natural catastrophe, that causes great damage or loss of life

stout-hearted (勇敢な) [形] courageous and resolute

beanstalk (豆の木) [名] the main stem of a bean plant

しかし、この小説の失敗は一時的に彼女の勇気をくじいた。世論は、彼女よりも大きな豆の木に登った勇敢なジャックたちをも恐れさせる巨人だからだ。

Like that immortal hero, she reposed awhile after the first attempt, which resulted in a tumble and the least lovely of the giant’s treasures, if I remember rightly.

immortal (不滅の) [形] living forever; never dying or decaying

awhile (しばらく) [副] for a short time

tumble (転倒) [名] a fall or other accident that causes someone to roll over

あの不滅の英雄のように、彼女は最初の試みの後しばらく休息した。私の記憶が正しければ、その結果、転倒して巨人の宝物の中で最も美しくないものを手に入れた。

But the ‘up again and take another’ spirit was as strong in Jo as in Jack, so she scrambled up on the shady side this time and got more booty, but nearly left behind her what was far more precious than the moneybags.

up again (もう一度登る) [動] climb up again

take another (もう一つ取る) [動] take another one

as strong as (同じくらい強い) [形] having the same degree of strength or intensity

shady side (日陰の側) [名] the side of something that is sheltered from direct sunlight

booty (戦利品) [名] stolen goods

leave behind (置き去りにする) [動] fail to take with one when one leaves

far more precious (はるかに貴重な) [形] much more valuable

しかし、「もう一度登ってもう一つ取る」という精神は、ジャックと同じくらいジョーにも強かったので、今度は日陰の側によじ登ってもっと戦利品を手に入れたが、金袋よりもはるかに貴重なものを置き去りにしそうになった。

She took to writing sensation stories, for in those dark ages, even all-perfect America read rubbish.

take to (~するようになる) [動] develop a habit of doing something

sensation story (センセーション・ストーリー) [名] a story that is intended to be shocking or exciting

dark age (暗黒時代) [名] a period of history characterized by a lack of learning and culture

all-perfect (完璧な) [形] having no flaws or defects

彼女はセンセーション・ストーリーを書くようになった。なぜなら、あの暗黒時代には、完璧なアメリカでさえもくだらないものを読んでいたからだ。

She told no one, but concocted a ‘thrilling tale’, and boldly carried it herself to Mr. Dashwood, editor of the Weekly Volcano.

concoct (でっちあげる) [動] make up or invent

thrilling tale (スリリングな物語) [名] a story that is exciting or suspenseful

carry (持ち込む) [動] take or bring with oneself

Weekly Volcano (週刊火山) [名] a fictional newspaper

彼女は誰にも言わなかったが、「スリリングな物語」をでっちあげ、それを週刊火山の編集者であるダッシュウッド氏に大胆に持ち込んだ。

She had never read Sartor Resartus, but she had a womanly instinct that clothes possess an influence more powerful over many than the worth of character or the magic of manners.

Sartor Resartus (サルトル・レサルツス) [名] a book by Thomas Carlyle

instinct (本能) [名] an innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in animals in response to certain stimuli

powerful (強力な) [形] having great power or strength

彼女はサルトル・レサルツスを読んだことはなかったが、服は人格の価値やマナーの魔法よりも多くの人に対して強力な影響力を持っているという女性の本能があった。

So she dressed herself in her best, and trying to persuade herself that she was neither excited nor nervous, bravely climbed two pairs of dark and dirty stairs to find herself in a disorderly room, a cloud of cigar smoke, and the presence of three gentlemen, sitting with their heels rather higher than their hats, which articles of dress none of them took the trouble to remove on her appearance.

nervous (緊張) [形] feeling or showing nervousness

climb (上る) [動] go up

pair (二つ) [名] two of something

stairs (階段) [名] a set of steps leading up or down from one floor of a building to another

disorderly (乱雑な) [形] not arranged or organized in a neat, tidy, or orderly way

higher (高い) [形] of great vertical extent

remove (脱ぐ) [動] take off

そこで彼女は一番いい服を着て、興奮も緊張もしていないと言い聞かせながら、暗くて汚い階段を勇敢に二つ上ると、乱雑な部屋にたどり着き、葉巻の煙が立ち込め、三人の紳士が帽子よりもかかとを高くして座っていたが、彼女が現れても誰も帽子を脱ぐ手間をとらなかった。

Somewhat daunted by this reception, Jo hesitated on the threshold, murmuring in much embarrassment...

daunted (気後れした) [形] intimidated or discouraged

reception (歓迎) [名] the action or manner of receiving someone or something

embarrassment (困惑) [名] a feeling of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness

このような歓迎に多少気後れしたジョーは、敷居でためらい、困惑しながらつぶやいた。

“Excuse me, I was looking for the Weekly Volcano office.

excuse (すみません) [動] forgive or overlook

「すみません、週刊火山の事務所を探していたのですが。

I wished to see Mr. Dashwood.”

ダッシュウッドさんにお会いしたいのですが」

Down went the highest pair of heels, up rose the smokiest gentleman, and carefully cherishing his cigar between his fingers, he advanced with a nod and a countenance expressive of nothing but sleep.

down (下ろす) [動] move or cause to move to a lower position

cherish (大事にする) [動] to hold something dear

cigar (葉巻) [名] a roll of tobacco wrapped in a tobacco leaf

一番高くかかとを上げていた人がそれを下ろし、一番煙を吐いていた紳士が立ち上がり、葉巻を大事そうに指に挟んで、うなずきながら近づいてきたが、その顔には眠気以外何も浮かんでいなかった。

Feeling that she must get through the matter somehow, Jo produced her manuscript and, blushing redder and redder with each sentence, blundered out fragments of the little speech carefully prepared for the occasion.

なんとかこの件をやり遂げなくてはならないと感じたジョーは、原稿を取り出し、一文ごとに顔を赤らめながら、この機会のために入念に準備した短いスピーチの断片を口走った。

“A friend of mine desired me to offer—a story—just as an experiment—would like your opinion—be glad to write more if this suits.”

「私の友人が、ただの試みとして、ある物語を差し出したいと言っており、あなたのご意見を伺いたいのですが、もしこれが合えば、もっと書いて喜んで差し上げます」

While she blushed and blundered, Mr. Dashwood had taken the manuscript, and was turning over the leaves with a pair of rather dirty fingers, and casting critical glances up and down the neat pages.

cast (投げかける) [動] throw or fling something with force

critical (批判的な) [形] expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgments

彼女が顔を赤らめ、口走っている間に、ダッシュウッド氏は原稿を受け取り、かなり汚れた指でページをめくり、きちんとしたページを上下に批判的な視線を投げかけていた。

“Not a first attempt, I take it?” observing that the pages were numbered, covered only on one side, and not tied up with a ribbon—sure sign of a novice.

first attempt (初めての試み) [名] the first time someone tries to do something

number (番号が振られ) [動] give a number to

cover (表紙がついていて) [動] put a cover on

novice (初心者) [名] a person who is new to something

「初めての試みではないですね?」と、ページに番号が振られ、片面だけに表紙がついていて、リボンで結ばれていないのを見て、初心者の確かな印だと思った。

“No, sir. She has had some experience, and got a prize for a tale in the Blarneystone Banner.”

Blarneystone Banner (ブラーニーストーン・バナー) [名] a newspaper

「いいえ、違います。彼女は多少の経験があり、ブラーニーストーン・バナーで物語の賞をもらいました」

“Oh, did she?” and Mr. Dashwood gave Jo a quick look, which seemed to take note of everything she had on, from the bow in her bonnet to the buttons on her boots.

take note of (注目する) [動] notice or observe something

have on (身に着けている) [動] be wearing

「ああ、そうだったんですか?」とダッシュウッド氏はジョーをちらっと見たが、それは彼女のボンネットの蝶結びからブーツのボタンまで、彼女が身に着けているものすべてに注目しているようだった。

“Well, you can leave it, if you like.

「まあ、もしよかったら、置いていってもいいですよ。

We’ve more of this sort of thing on hand than we know what to do with at present, but I’ll run my eye over it, and give you an answer next week.”

more of (もっと) [副] to a greater extent

this sort of thing (この種のもの) [名] this kind of thing

on hand (手元にある) [形] available for use

run one's eye over (目を通して) [動] read quickly

うちでは、今のところどうしたらいいかわからないほど、この種のものが手元にあるんですが、一応目を通して、来週お返事します」

Now, Jo did not like to leave it, for Mr. Dashwood didn’t suit her at all, but, under the circumstances, there was nothing for her to do but bow and walk away, looking particularly tall and dignified, as she was apt to do when nettled or abashed.

under the circumstances (状況からして) [副] given the current situation

abashed (当惑する) [形] embarrassed or ashamed

ジョーは、ダッシュウッド氏が彼女に全く合わなかったので、それを残したくなかったが、状況からして、彼女は頭を下げて立ち去る以外に何もできなかったが、イライラしたり、当惑したときによくやるように、特に背が高く、威厳のある様子だった。

Just then she was both, for it was perfectly evident from the knowing glances exchanged among the gentlemen that her little fiction of ‘my friend’ was considered a good joke, and a laugh, produced by some inaudible remark of the editor, as he closed the door, completed her discomfiture.

it was perfectly evident (完全に明らかだった) [動] it was very clear

the knowing glances (知ったかぶりの視線) [名] a look that shows that you know something that other people do not

exchanged (交わされた) [動] give and receive

the gentlemen (紳士たち) [名] a man who is polite and well-behaved

her little fiction (彼女の小さく作り話) [名] a story that is not true

my friend (私の友人) [名] a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection

was considered (考えられていた) [動] think carefully about something

a good joke (よいジョーク) [名] something that is said or done to make people laugh

a laugh (笑い) [名] the action of laughing

produced by (引き起こされた) [動] cause to happen or exist

some inaudible remark (聞こえなかった言葉) [名] a comment that cannot be heard

the editor (編集者) [名] a person who is in charge of and responsible for the preparation and publication of a text, especially for a newspaper, magazine, or book

as (ときに) [接] at the time that

he closed the door (ドアを閉めた) [動] move a door so that it covers an opening

completed (完成させた) [動] finish making or doing something

her discomfiture (彼女の当惑) [名] a feeling of embarrassment or confusion

ちょうどその時、彼女は両方だった、というのも、紳士たちの間で交わされた知ったかぶりの視線から、彼女の「私の友人」という小さな作り話がよいジョークだと考えられていることが完全に明らかだったし、編集者がドアを閉めるときに聞こえなかった言葉によって引き起こされた笑いが、彼女の当惑を完成させた。

Half resolving never to return, she went home, and worked off her irritation by stitching pinafores vigorously, and in an hour or two was cool enough to laugh over the scene and long for next week.

half resolve (半ば決意する) [動] decide to do something, but not with full determination

work off (解消する) [動] get rid of something by exercise or physical activity

irritation (苛立ち) [名] the feeling of annoyance and slight anger

vigorously (激しく) [副] with great force or energy

laugh over (笑い飛ばす) [動] laugh about something that is not really funny

二度と戻らないと半ば決意して、彼女は家に帰り、エプロンを激しく縫って苛立ちを解消し、一、二時間後には、その場面を笑い飛ばして来週を待ち望むほど冷静になった。

When she went again, Mr. Dashwood was alone, whereat she rejoiced.

Mr. Dashwood (ダッシュウッド氏) [名] a character in the story

whereat (そこで) [副] at which; at that

彼女が再び行ったとき、ダッシュウッド氏は一人だったので、彼女は喜んだ。

Mr. Dashwood was much wider awake than before, which was agreeable, and Mr. Dashwood was not too deeply absorbed in a cigar to remember his manners, so the second interview was much more comfortable than the first.

much wider awake (ずっと目が覚めていた) [形] more awake

before (前回) [副] previously

not too deeply absorbed (あまり夢中になっていない) [形] not very interested in

interview (面接) [名] a formal meeting for evaluating a candidate for a job or admission to a school

much more comfortable (ずっと楽) [形] more comfortable

ダッシュウッド氏は前回よりもずっと目が覚めていて、それは好ましいことだったし、ダッシュウッド氏は葉巻にあまり夢中になってマナーを忘れることはなかったので、二度目の面接は一度目よりもずっと楽だった。

“We’ll take this (editors never say I), if you don’t object to a few alterations.

take (採用する) [動] accept or choose

object (異議を唱える) [動] express an objection

alteration (変更) [名] the action or process of altering or being altered

「少しの変更に異議がなければ、これを採用します(編集者は決して私とは言わない)。

It’s too long, but omitting the passages I’ve marked will make it just the right length,” he said, in a businesslike tone.

too long (長すぎる) [形] excessively long

just the right length (ちょうどいい長さ) [名] the correct length

businesslike (事務的な) [形] like a business; efficient and practical

長すぎますが、私が印をつけた部分を省略すればちょうどいい長さになります」と彼は事務的な口調で言った。

Jo hardly knew her own MS. again, so crumpled and underscored were its pages and paragraphs, but feeling as a tender parent might on being asked to cut off her baby’s legs in order that it might fit into a new cradle, she looked at the marked passages and was surprised to find that all the moral reflections—which she had carefully put in as ballast for much romance—had been stricken out.

MS (原稿) [名] a manuscript

underscore (下線を引く) [動] draw a line under

order (ために) [名] a command, instruction, or request

marked (印のついた) [形] having a mark

reflection (反省) [名] a thought or opinion resulting from careful consideration

ballast (バラスト) [名] a heavy substance placed in the hold of a ship to improve its stability

strike out (削除する) [動] remove or delete

ジョーは自分の原稿が自分のものだとはほとんどわからなかった。ページや段落がしわくちゃになっていて下線が引かれていたが、新しいゆりかごに収まるように赤ちゃんの足を切るように頼まれた優しい親のような気持ちで、印のついた部分を見ると、彼女が多くの恋愛小説のバラストとして注意深く入れていた道徳的な反省がすべて削除されていたのを見て驚いた。

“But, Sir, I thought every story should have some sort of a moral, so I took care to have a few of my sinners repent.”

「でも、どの物語にも何らかの教訓があるべきだと思いましたので、私の罪人の何人かには悔い改めさせました」

Mr. Dashwoods’s editorial gravity relaxed into a smile, for Jo had forgotten her ‘friend’, and spoken as only an author could.

editorial (編集者としての) [形] of or relating to an editor or editing

relax (緩む) [動] become less tense or anxious

ダッシュウッド氏の編集者としての真面目な顔が笑顔に緩んだ。ジョーは「友人」のことを忘れて、作家にしかできない話し方をしていたからだ。

“People want to be amused, not preached at, you know.

be amused (楽しみたい) [動] find something funny or entertaining

preached (説教されたい) [動] deliver a sermon or religious address

「人々は説教されたいのではなく、楽しみたいのです。

Morals don’t sell nowadays.”

道徳は最近では売れません」

Which was not quite a correct statement, by the way.

correct (正しい) [形] free from error; true or accurate

statement (発言) [名] something that is stated or declared

ところで、これはあまり正しい発言ではなかった。

“You think it would do with these alterations, then?”

do with (大丈夫) [動] be able to manage with

「では、これらの変更で大丈夫だと思いますか?」

“Yes, it’s a new plot, and pretty well worked up—language good, and so on,” was Mr. Dashwood’s affable reply.

work up (練る) [動] develop or improve

「そうですね、新しいプロットで、かなりよく練られていますねー言葉遣いも良いし、その他もろもろ」というのがダッシュウッド氏の愛想の良い返事だった。

“What do you—that is, what compensation—” began Jo, not exactly knowing how to express herself.

not exactly (よくわからない) [副] not completely or totally

how to express (どう表現していいか) [名] the way to express

「あなたはーつまり、どんな報酬をー」ジョーは自分の考えをどう表現していいかよくわからず、話し始めた。

“Oh, yes, well, we give from twenty-five to thirty for things of this sort.

yes (そうですね) [間] an expression of agreement

give (払う) [動] transfer money to someone in exchange for a good or service

twenty-five (25ドル) [名] the number 25

thirty (30ドル) [名] the number 30

this sort (この種のもの) [名] this kind of thing

「ああ、そうですね、ええと、この種のものには25ドルから30ドル払います。

Pay when it comes out,” returned Mr. Dashwood, as if that point had escaped him.

come out (出版される) [動] be published

that point (その点) [名] the fact that something will be paid when it is published

escape (忘れる) [動] not be remembered

出版されたら支払います」とダッシュウッド氏は、その点を忘れていたかのように答えた。

Such trifles do escape the editorial mind, it is said.

escape (抜け落ちる) [動] fail to be noticed or remembered by

editorial (編集者の) [形] of or relating to the preparation and publication of a text

そのような些細なことは編集者の頭から抜け落ちるものだと言われている。

“Very well, you can have it,” said Jo, handing back the story with a satisfied air, for after the dollar-a-column work, even twenty-five seemed good pay.

hand back (返す) [動] return something to someone

column (段) [名] a vertical division of a page

pay (報酬) [名] money paid to someone for regular work

「とても良いです、どうぞ」とジョーは満足した様子で原稿を返した。1段1ドルの仕事の後では、25ドルでも良い報酬に思えた。

“Shall I tell my friend you will take another if she has one better than this?” asked Jo, unconscious of her little slip of the tongue, and emboldened by her success.

shall I tell (伝えましょうか) [動] to communicate or express by speech

take (買い取る) [動] to buy

slip of the tongue (失言) [名] an unintentional mistake in speaking

「私の友人に、これより良いものがあればまた買い取ると伝えましょうか?」とジョーは、自分のちょっとした失言に気づかず、成功に気をよくして尋ねた。

“Well, we’ll look at it.

「では、見てみましょう。

Can’t promise to take it.

買い取るとは約束できません。

Tell her to make it short and spicy, and never mind the moral.

make it short (短くする) [動] make something shorter

spicy (刺激的な) [形] having a strong, sharp taste or smell

短くて刺激的なものにするように伝えてください。道徳は気にしなくていい。

What name would your friend like to put on it?” in a careless tone.

would like (したい) [動] want to do something

あなたの友人はどんな名前で載せたいのでしょうか?」と無造作な口調で尋ねた。

“None at all, if you please, she doesn’t wish her name to appear and has no nom de plume,” said Jo, blushing in spite of herself.

have no (持っていない) [動] not have

nom de plume (ペンネーム) [名] a fictitious name used by an author

「名前は出さないでください。彼女は名前を載せたくないし、ペンネームも持っていません」とジョーは思わず顔を赤らめながら言った。

“Just as she likes, of course.

「もちろん、彼女の好きなように。

The tale will be out next week.

tale (話) [名] a story about legendary or supernatural beings or events

be out (出る) [動] be published

その話は来週出ます。

Will you call for the money, or shall I send it?” asked Mr. Dashwood, who felt a natural desire to know who his new contributor might be.

call for (取りに来る) [動] come to get

contributor (寄稿者) [名] a person who writes articles for a publication

お金を取りに来ますか、それとも送りましょうか?」とダッシュウッド氏は尋ねた。彼は当然のことながら、新しい寄稿者が誰なのか知りたくなった。

“I’ll call. Good morning, Sir.”

call (取りに来る) [動] come to get something

good morning (おはようございます) [名] a greeting used in the morning

「取りに来ます。おはようございます、旦那様」

As she departed, Mr. Dashwood put up his feet, with the graceful remark, “Poor and proud, as usual, but she’ll do.”

put up (上げる) [動] raise

彼女が去ると、ダッシュウッド氏は足を上げ、「いつものように貧乏でプライドが高いが、彼女なら大丈夫だろう」と優雅に言った。

Following Mr. Dashwood’s directions, and making Mrs. Northbury her model, Jo rashly took a plunge into the frothy sea of sensational literature, but thanks to the life preserver thrown her by a friend, she came up again not much the worse for her ducking.

direction (指示) [名] an instruction or order

take a plunge (飛び込む) [動] jump or dive into water

frothy (泡立つ) [形] covered with or full of froth

life preserver (救命浮き具) [名] a life jacket or similar device

come up (浮上する) [動] move or travel upward

not much the worse for (それほど悪くない) [形] not as bad as it could have been

ducking (潜る) [動] go under the surface of water

ダッシュウッド氏の指示に従い、ノースベリー夫人をモデルにして、ジョーは軽率にもセンセーショナルな文学の泡立つ海に飛び込んだが、友人が投げてくれた救命浮き具のおかげで、彼女は水に潜ってもそれほど悪くない状態で再び浮上した。

Like most young scribblers, she went abroad for her characters and scenery, and banditti, counts, gypsies, nuns, and duchesses appeared upon her stage, and played their parts with as much accuracy and spirit as could be expected.

scribbler (書き手) [名] a person who writes

bandit (盗賊) [名] a robber

duchess (公爵夫人) [名] the wife or widow of a duke

accuracy (正確さ) [名] the quality or state of being correct or precise

ほとんどの若い書き手たちと同じように、彼女は登場人物や風景を求めて海外に行き、盗賊、伯爵、ジプシー、修道女、公爵夫人などが彼女の舞台に登場し、期待通りの正確さと精神でその役を演じた。

Her readers were not particular about such trifles as grammar, punctuation, and probability, and Mr. Dashwood graciously permitted her to fill his columns at the lowest prices, not thinking it necessary to tell her that the real cause of his hospitality was the fact that one of his hacks, on being offered higher wages, had basely left him in the lurch.

probability (蓋然性) [名] the extent to which something is probable; the likelihood of something happening or being the case

graciously (快く) [副] in a kind or polite way

permit (許可する) [動] give authorization or consent to (someone) to do something

lowest price (最低価格) [名] the least amount of money that something can be bought for

real cause (本当の原因) [名] the actual reason for something

hack (ハック) [名] a person who does dull routine work

higher wages (より高い賃金) [名] a larger amount of money that is paid to someone for work

leave someone in the lurch (窮地に追い込む) [動] to leave someone in a difficult situation without any help

彼女の読者は文法、句読点、蓋然性などの些細なことにはこだわらず、ダッシュウッド氏は彼女に最低価格でコラムを埋めることを快く許可したが、彼の歓待の本当の原因は、彼のハックの一人がより高い賃金を提示されたことで、卑劣にも彼を窮地に追い込んだという事実であることを彼女に伝える必要はないと考えていた。

She soon became interested in her work, for her emaciated purse grew stout, and the little hoard she was making to take Beth to the mountains next summer grew slowly but surely as the weeks passed.

become interested in (興味を持つようになる) [動] start to be interested in

emaciated (やせ細った) [形] very thin

grow stout (ふくらむ) [動] become fat

hoard (貯金) [名] a large amount of money or valuables that is kept hidden

surely (確実に) [副] certainly

彼女はすぐに仕事に興味を持つようになった。やせ細った財布がふくらみ、来年の夏にベスを山に連れて行くために貯めていたわずかな貯金も、週がたつにつれてゆっくりと、しかし確実に増えていった。

One thing disturbed her satisfaction, and that was that she did not tell them at home.

disturb (妨げる) [動] interfere with

not tell (話さない) [動] fail to communicate

一つだけ彼女の満足を妨げるものがあったが、それは彼女が家で彼らに話さなかったことだった。

She had a feeling that Father and Mother would not approve, and preferred to have her own way first, and beg pardon afterward.

have one's own way (自分のやり方でやる) [動] to do what one wants to do

彼女は父と母が認めないだろうという予感がして、まずは自分のやり方でやって、後で許しを請うことにした。

It was easy to keep her secret, for no name appeared with her stories.

彼女の秘密を守るのは簡単だった。彼女の物語には名前が載っていなかったからだ。

Mr. Dashwood had of course found it out very soon, but promised to be dumb, and for a wonder kept his word.

be dumb (黙っている) [動] be silent

for a wonder (驚いたことに) [副] surprisingly

ダッシュウッド氏はもちろんすぐにそれを見破ったが、黙っていることを約束し、驚いたことに約束を守った。

She thought it would do her no harm, for she sincerely meant to write nothing of which she would be ashamed, and quieted all pricks of conscience by anticipations of the happy minute when she should show her earnings and laugh over her well-kept secret.

do no harm (害はない) [動] not cause any damage or injury

prick (呵責) [名] a sharp pain caused by a needle or other pointed object

anticipation (予期) [名] expectation or prediction

earning (稼ぎ) [名] money obtained in return for labor or services

彼女は、恥ずかしくなるようなことは何も書かないと心から思っていたので、害はないだろうと考え、稼いだお金を見せて、よく守った秘密を笑い飛ばす幸せな瞬間を予期して、良心の呵責をすべて静めた。

But Mr. Dashwood rejected any but thrilling tales, and as thrills could not be produced except by harrowing up the souls of the readers, history and romance, land and sea, science and art, police records and lunatic asylums, had to be ransacked for the purpose.

reject (拒否する) [動] refuse to accept, consider, or receive

land (陸) [名] the part of the earth's surface that is not covered by water

science (科学) [名] the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment

record (記録) [名] a permanent account of something

lunatic (精神病) [名] a person who is mentally ill

asylum (病院) [名] an institution offering shelter and support to people who are mentally ill

しかし、ダッシュウッド氏はスリリングな物語以外はすべて拒否し、スリルは読者の魂を苦しめること以外には生み出せなかったので、歴史とロマンス、陸と海、科学と芸術、警察の記録と精神病院をその目的のためにくまなく調べなければならなかった。

Jo soon found that her innocent experience had given her but few glimpses of the tragic world which underlies society, so regarding it in a business light, she set about supplying her deficiencies with characteristic energy.

underlie (根底にある) [動] be the basis or foundation for

light (観点) [名] a particular aspect of a situation or problem

characteristic (持ち前の) [形] belonging typically to a person, place, or thing and serving to identify it

ジョーはすぐに、自分の無垢な経験では、社会の根底にある悲劇的な世界を垣間見ることしかできなかったことに気づき、それをビジネスの観点から見て、持ち前のエネルギーで自分の欠陥を補おうとした。

Eager to find material for stories, and bent on making them original in plot, if not masterly in execution, she searched newspapers for accidents, incidents, and crimes.

material (題材) [名] the substance or matter from which something is made

execution (筆致) [名] the carrying out or putting into effect of a plan, order, or course of action

crime (犯罪) [名] an action or omission that constitutes an offense that may be prosecuted by the state and is punishable by law

物語の題材を見つけようと躍起になり、巧みな筆致で描けなくても、筋書きは独創的なものにするつもりで、彼女は新聞で事故、事件、犯罪を探した。

She excited the suspicions of public librarians by asking for works on poisons.

excite (かきたてる) [動] cause to be felt; arouse

public librarian (公共図書館員) [名] a person who works in a public library

彼女は毒物に関する作品を求めて、公共図書館員の疑いをかきたてた。

She studied faces in the street, and characters, good, bad, and indifferent, all about her.

bad (悪人) [形] not good in any manner or degree

彼女は道行く人の顔や、善人、悪人、無関心な人など、自分の周りのあらゆる人物を観察した。

She delved in the dust of ancient times for facts or fictions so old that they were as good as new, and introduced herself to folly, sin, and misery, as well as her limited opportunities allowed.

delve (掘り下げる) [動] to search deeply and thoroughly

ancient times (古代) [名] the period of history from the earliest known civilizations to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476

fiction (フィクション) [名] literature in the form of prose, especially short stories and novels, that is invented and not based on real people and events

彼女は古代の塵を掘り下げて、新品同様に古い事実やフィクションを探し、限られた機会の中で、愚行、罪、悲惨さを紹介した。

She thought she was prospering finely, but unconsciously she was beginning to desecrate some of the womanliest attributes of a woman’s character.

desecrate (冒涜する) [動] treat with violent disrespect

彼女は自分が順調に成長していると思っていたが、無意識のうちに女性の性格の最も女性らしい特質のいくつかを冒涜し始めていた。

She was living in bad society, and imaginary though it was, its influence affected her, for she was feeding heart and fancy on dangerous and unsubstantial food, and was fast brushing the innocent bloom from her nature by a premature acquaintance with the darker side of life, which comes soon enough to all of us.

unsubstantial (実体のない) [形] not substantial; not firm or solid

brush (払い落とす) [動] move or cause to move lightly and quickly

bloom (花) [名] a flower or a mass of flowers

premature (早すぎる) [形] happening or done before the usual or proper time

彼女は悪い社会に住んでいて、それは想像上のものであったが、その影響は彼女に影響を与えた。なぜなら、彼女は危険で実体のない食べ物で心と空想を養い、人生の暗い側面を早々と知ることで、彼女の性質から無垢な花を急速に払い落としていたからだ。

She was beginning to feel rather than see this, for much describing of other people’s passions and feelings set her to studying and speculating about her own, a morbid amusement in which healthy young minds do not voluntarily indulge.

other people's (他人の) [名] people other than oneself

speculate (推測する) [動] make a guess or form an opinion about something without having all the facts

彼女はこれを理解するよりも感じ始めていた。なぜなら、他人の情熱や感情を多く描写することで、彼女は自分自身のことを研究し、推測するようになったからだ。それは、健康な若い心が自発的に耽溺することのない病的な娯楽である。

Wrongdoing always brings its own punishment, and when Jo most needed hers, she got it.

wrongdoing (悪事) [名] an illegal or immoral act

悪事は常にそれ自身の罰をもたらし、ジョーが最も必要とした時に、彼女はそれを得た。

I don’t know whether the study of Shakespeare helped her to read character, or the natural instinct of a woman for what was honest, brave, and strong, but while endowing her imaginary heroes with every perfection under the sun, Jo was discovering a live hero, who interested her in spite of many human imperfections.

live (生きた) [形] having life; alive

imperfection (不完全さ) [名] the quality or state of being imperfect

シェイクスピアの研究が彼女の性格を読むのに役立ったのか、正直で勇敢で強いものに対する女性の自然な本能が役立ったのかはわからないが、彼女の想像上の英雄たちに太陽の下であらゆる完璧さを与えている間に、ジョーは多くの人間の不完全さにもかかわらず彼女に興味を持った生きた英雄を発見していた。

Mr. Bhaer, in one of their conversations, had advised her to study simple, true, and lovely characters, wherever she found them, as good training for a writer.

ベーア氏は、ある会話の中で、作家としての良い訓練として、どこで見つけようとも、シンプルで真実で愛すべきキャラクターを研究するように彼女にアドバイスした。

Jo took him at his word, for she coolly turned round and studied him—a proceeding which would have much surprised him, had he known it, for the worthy Professor was very humble in his own conceit.

proceeding (手順) [名] an action that is taken

conceit (考え) [名] too high an opinion of oneself

ジョーは彼の言葉を真に受け、冷静に振り返って彼を観察した。もし彼がそれを知っていたら、この立派な教授は自分の考えでは非常に謙虚だったので、彼を大いに驚かせたであろう。

Why everybody liked him was what puzzled Jo, at first.

なぜみんなが彼を好きなのか、最初はジョーは不思議に思っていた。

He was neither rich nor great, young nor handsome, in no respect what is called fascinating, imposing, or brilliant, and yet he was as attractive as a genial fire, and people seemed to gather about him as naturally as about a warm hearth.

fascinating (魅力的) [形] extremely interesting or appealing

imposing (堂々) [形] impressive or stately

genial (暖かい) [形] pleasantly warm

彼は金持ちでも偉くも若くもハンサムでもなかったし、魅力的、堂々、華麗と呼ばれるようなところはどこにもなかったが、それでも彼は暖かい火のように魅力的で、人々は暖かい炉の周りのように自然に彼の周りに集まってくるようだった。

He was poor, yet always appeared to be giving something away;

彼は貧乏だったが、いつも何かを与えているように見えた。

a stranger, yet everyone was his friend;

見知らぬ人だったが、誰もが彼の友人だった。

no longer young, but as happy-hearted as a boy;

happy-hearted (幸せ) [形] feeling or showing pleasure or contentment

もはや若くはなかったが、少年のように幸せだった。

plain and peculiar, yet his face looked beautiful to many, and his oddities were freely forgiven for his sake.

oddity (奇妙さ) [名] the quality of being strange or unusual

地味で風変わりだったが、彼の顔は多くの人にとって美しく見え、彼の奇妙さは彼のために自由に許された。

Jo often watched him, trying to discover the charm, and at last decided that it was benevolence which worked the miracle.

work (起こす) [動] cause to happen or occur

ジョーはよく彼を観察し、その魅力を発見しようとしたが、ついに奇跡を起こしたのは慈悲心だと判断した。

If he had any sorrow, ‘it sat with its head under its wing’, and he turned only his sunny side to the world.

sunny (陽気な) [形] cheerful and optimistic

もし彼に悲しみがあったとしても、「それは頭を翼の下に置いて座っていた」ので、彼は世界に対して陽気な面しか見せなかった。

There were lines upon his forehead, but Time seemed to have touched him gently, remembering how kind he was to others.

line (しわ) [名] a long, thin mark on a surface

彼の額にはしわがあったが、彼が他人にどれほど親切だったかを思い出して、時が彼に優しく触れたようだった。

The pleasant curves about his mouth were the memorials of many friendly words and cheery laughs, his eyes were never cold or hard, and his big hand had a warm, strong grasp that was more expressive than words.

curve (曲線) [名] a line or outline that gradually deviates from being straight for some or all of its length

memorial (記念碑) [名] something, especially a structure, established to remind people of a person or event

彼の口の周りの心地よい曲線は、多くの友好的な言葉や陽気な笑いの記念碑であり、彼の目は決して冷たくも固くもなく、彼の大きな手は言葉よりも雄弁な温かく強い握りだった。

His very clothes seemed to partake of the hospitable nature of the wearer.

彼の服そのものが着用者のもてなしの精神を帯びているようだった。

They looked as if they were at ease, and liked to make him comfortable.

at ease (くつろいでいる) [形] relaxed and comfortable

make comfortable (楽にさせる) [動] make someone feel relaxed and at ease

彼らはくつろいでいるように見え、彼を楽にさせてあげたいようだった。

His capacious waistcoat was suggestive of a large heart underneath.

suggestive (暗示する) [形] tending to suggest

underneath (下に) [副] in or to a lower position

彼のゆったりとしたチョッキは、その下に大きな心があることを暗示していた。

His rusty coat had a social air, and the baggy pockets plainly proved that little hands often went in empty and came out full.

rusty (さびた) [形] affected by rust

baggy (だぶだぶの) [形] loose and hanging

彼のさびたコートには社交的な雰囲気があり、だぶだぶのポケットは、小さな手がしばしば空で入っていっぱいになって出てくることをはっきりと証明していた。

His very boots were benevolent, and his collars never stiff and raspy like other people’s.

very (そのもの) [形] the actual thing itself

raspy (ざらざらした) [形] having a rough surface

彼のブーツそのものが慈悲深く、彼の襟は他の人のもののように固くてざらざらしていることはなかった。

“That’s it!” said Jo to herself, when she at length discovered that genuine good will toward one’s fellow men could beautify and dignify even a stout German teacher, who shoveled in his dinner, darned his own socks, and was burdened with the name of Bhaer.

That's it (そうか) [間] an expression of sudden realization

fellow man (仲間) [名] a person who is a member of the same group or team

dignify (威厳のあるものにする) [動] make more worthy or honorable

shovel (掻き込む) [動] move with a shovel

「そうか!」仲間に対する真の善意が、夕食を掻き込み、自分の靴下を繕い、ベーアという名を背負った頑丈なドイツ人教師でさえも美しく威厳のあるものにできることをようやく発見したとき、ジョーは独り言を言った。

Jo valued goodness highly, but she also possessed a most feminine respect for intellect, and a little discovery which she made about the Professor added much to her regard for him.

highly (高く) [副] to a high degree or level

feminine (女性らしい) [形] of or relating to women or girls

intellect (知性) [名] the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills

ジョーは善良さを高く評価していたが、彼女はまた知性に対する最も女性らしい尊敬の念を持っており、教授について彼女が行った小さな発見は、彼に対する彼女の敬意を大いに高めた。

He never spoke of himself, and no one ever knew that in his native city he had been a man much honored and esteemed for learning and integrity, till a countryman came to see him.

himself (彼自身) [代] he or him

native city (故郷の町) [名] the city where one was born

esteemed (尊敬される) [形] regarded with great respect

countryman (同郷の人) [名] a person from one's own country

come to see (会いに来る) [動] visit

彼は決して自分のことを話さず、同郷の人が彼に会いに来るまで、彼の故郷の町で彼が学問と誠実さで非常に尊敬され、尊敬されている人であることを誰も知らなかった。

He never spoke of himself, and in a conversation with Miss Norton divulged the pleasing fact.

divulge (明かす) [動] make known (something that was previously secret or unknown)

彼は決して自分のことを話さず、ノートンさんとの会話の中でこの喜ばしい事実を明かした。

From her Jo learned it, and liked it all the better because Mr. Bhaer had never told it.

all the better (ますます) [副] to a greater degree

彼女からジョーはそれを知り、ベーアさんがそれを話したことがなかったため、ますます好きになった。

She felt proud to know that he was an honored Professor in Berlin, though only a poor language-master in America, and his homely, hard-working life was much beautified by the spice of romance which this discovery gave it.

feel proud (誇りに思う) [動] be proud of

language-master (語学教師) [名] a teacher of language

beautify (美化する) [動] make more attractive

彼女は、彼がアメリカでは貧しい語学教師にすぎないが、ベルリンでは名誉ある教授であることを知って誇りに思い、彼の家庭的で勤勉な生活は、この発見によってもたらされたロマンスの香辛料によって大いに美化された。

Another and a better gift than intellect was shown her in a most unexpected manner.

知性よりも優れた別の贈り物が、彼女に最も予期せぬ方法で示された。

Miss Norton had the entree into most society, which Jo would have had no chance of seeing but for her.

have the entree (顔が利く) [動] be familiar with

most society (ほとんどの社交界) [名] the social upper class

have no chance of (見ることができない) [動] be unable to

but for (いなければ) [接] if it were not for

ノートンさんはほとんどの社交界に顔が利き、彼女がいなければジョーは見ることができなかっただろう。

The solitary woman felt an interest in the ambitious girl, and kindly conferred many favors of this sort both on Jo and the Professor.

孤独な女性は野心的な少女に興味を持ち、ジョーと教授の両方にこの種の好意を親切に与えた。

She took them with her one night to a select symposium, held in honor of several celebrities.

symposium (シンポジウム) [名] a conference or meeting to discuss a particular subject

彼女はある夜、二人を連れて、何人かの著名人を称えて開かれた選りすぐりのシンポジウムに行った。

Jo went prepared to bow down and adore the mighty ones whom she had worshiped with youthful enthusiasm afar off.

bow down (頭を下げる) [動] to bend the head or body in a gesture of respect or submission

mighty (偉大な) [形] having or showing great power or strength

youthful (若々しい) [形] having the qualities or appearance of youth

ジョーは、遠くから若々しい熱意で崇拝していた偉大な人々に頭を下げて崇拝する覚悟で行った。

But her reverence for genius received a severe shock that night, and it took her some time to recover from the discovery that the great creatures were only men and women after all.

severe (ひどい) [形] very great; intense

woman (女) [名] an adult female human being

しかし、その夜、天才に対する彼女の畏敬の念はひどくショックを受け、偉大な生き物は結局のところただの男女にすぎないという発見から立ち直るまでにしばらく時間がかかった。

Imagine her dismay, on stealing a glance of timid admiration at the poet whose lines suggested an ethereal being fed on ‘spirit, fire, and dew’, to behold him devouring his supper with an ardor which flushed his intellectual countenance.

poet (詩人) [名] a person who writes poems

line (詩句) [名] a single verse of poetry

ethereal (天上の) [形] extremely delicate and light in a way that seems not to be of this world

devour (貪り食う) [動] eat up greedily

ardor (熱意) [名] a strong feeling of love, enthusiasm, or passion

flush (紅潮させる) [動] cause to become red

彼女の狼狽ぶりを想像してみてほしい。詩人の詩句は「精神、火、露」を糧とする天上の存在を思わせ、その詩人に臆病な憧れの視線を送ると、彼は知的な顔を紅潮させながら夕食を貪り食っていた。

Turning as from a fallen idol, she made other discoveries which rapidly dispelled her romantic illusions.

fallen idol (堕落した偶像) [名] a person who is no longer admired

dispel (打ち砕く) [動] make (something) disappear or cause to vanish

illusion (幻想) [名] a false or misleading perception of reality

彼女は堕落した偶像から目をそらすように、他の発見をして、彼女のロマンチックな幻想を急速に打ち砕いた。

The great novelist vibrated between two decanters with the regularity of a pendulum;

novelist (小説家) [名] a person who writes novels

vibrate (行き来する) [動] move or cause to move up and down or from side to side with small rapid movements

decanter (デカンタ) [名] a glass container into which wine is decanted

regularity (規則正しく) [名] the quality of being regular

偉大な小説家は振り子のように規則正しく2つのデカンタの間を行き来していた。

the famous divine flirted openly with one of the Madame de Staels of the age, who looked daggers at another Corinne, who was amiably satirizing her, after outmaneuvering her in efforts to absorb the profound philosopher, who imbibed tea Johnsonianly and appeared to slumber, the loquacity of the lady rendering speech impossible.

Madame de Staels (スタール夫人) [名] a French woman writer

Corinne (コリンヌ) [名] a character in a novel by Madame de Staels

Johnsonianly (ジョンソン流に) [副] in the manner of Samuel Johnson

philosopher (哲学者) [名] a person who studies or writes about philosophy

有名な聖職者は、当時のスタール夫人の一人と公然と浮気をしており、その夫人は、ジョンソン流にお茶を飲み、眠っているように見える深遠な哲学者を夢中にさせようと努力して彼女を出し抜いた後、愛想よく彼女を風刺しているもう一人のコリンヌを睨みつけ、その女性のおしゃべりのために会話は不可能になった。

The scientific celebrities, forgetting their mollusks and glacial periods, gossiped about art, while devoting themselves to oysters and ices with characteristic energy;

scientific (科学界の) [形] of or relating to science

celebrity (著名人) [名] a famous person

mollusk (軟体動物) [名] an invertebrate of the phylum Mollusca

glacial period (氷河期) [名] a period of time in the past when glaciers covered a large part of the earth

oyster (カキ) [名] a bivalve mollusk with a rough, irregular shell, several kinds of which are edible

ice (アイスクリーム) [名] water frozen into a solid state

科学界の著名人たちは、軟体動物や氷河期のことは忘れて、芸術の噂話をしながら、特有のエネルギーでカキやアイスクリームに夢中になっていた。

the young musician, who was charming the city like a second Orpheus, talked horses;

Orpheus (オルフェウス) [名] a legendary Greek poet and musician

第二のオルフェウスのように街を魅了していた若い音楽家は馬の話をしていた。

and the specimen of the British nobility present happened to be the most ordinary man of the party.

present (出席) [動] be present at

そして、出席していたイギリス貴族の見本は、たまたまそのパーティーで一番普通の男だった。

Before the evening was half over, Jo felt so completely disillusioned, that she sat down in a corner to recover herself.

completely (すっかり) [副] totally; utterly

disillusioned (幻滅する) [形] disappointed in someone or something that one discovers to be less good than one had believed

夕方になる前に、ジョーはすっかり幻滅を感じ、気を取り直すために隅に座った。

Mr. Bhaer soon joined her, looking rather out of his element, and presently several of the philosophers, each mounted on his hobby, came ambling up to hold an intellectual tournament in the recess.

out of (外れて) [前] not in

element (要素) [名] a part or aspect of something abstract

hobby (趣味) [名] an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure

amble (歩く) [動] walk slowly and in a relaxed way

hold (開催する) [動] organize and run

intellectual (知的) [形] of or relating to the intellect

tournament (トーナメント) [名] a series of contests between a number of competitors, who compete for an overall prize

ベーア氏はすぐに彼女に加わったが、彼の要素から外れているように見え、やがて何人かの哲学者がそれぞれ趣味に乗り、休憩時間に知的トーナメントを開催するために歩いてきた。

The conversations were miles beyond Jo’s comprehension, but she enjoyed it, though Kant and Hegel were unknown gods, the Subjective and Objective unintelligible terms, and the only thing ‘evolved from her inner consciousness’ was a bad headache after it was all over.

comprehension (理解) [名] the ability to understand something

Kant (カント) [名] a German philosopher

Hegel (ヘーゲル) [名] a German philosopher

subjective (主観的) [形] based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions

objective (客観的) [形] not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts

unintelligible (理解不能) [形] not able to be understood

evolve (進化する) [動] develop gradually

inner (内なる) [形] situated inside

会話はジョーの理解をはるかに超えていたが、カントやヘーゲルは未知の神であり、主観的、客観的という言葉は理解不能で、すべてが終わった後に「彼女の内なる意識から進化した」唯一のものはひどい頭痛だったが、彼女はそれを楽しんだ。

It dawned upon her gradually that the world was being picked to pieces, and put together on new and, according to the talkers, on infinitely better principles than before, that religion was in a fair way to be reasoned into nothingness, and intellect was to be the only God.

dawn upon (気づく) [動] to become gradually aware of

gradually (徐々に) [副] slowly; taking place over a long period of time

pick to pieces (バラバラにする) [動] to criticize or analyze something in great detail

put together (組み立てる) [動] to assemble or construct something

talker (話し手) [名] a person who talks

nothingness (無) [名] the absence of anything

世界がバラバラにされ、新しいもの、そして話し手によると以前よりも無限に良い原則に基づいて組み立てられていること、宗教は理屈で無に帰す公正な道にあり、知性が唯一の神であることが徐々に彼女にわかってきた。

Jo knew nothing about philosophy or metaphysics of any sort, but a curious excitement, half pleasurable, half painful, came over her as she listened with a sense of being turned adrift into time and space, like a young balloon out on a holiday.

metaphysics (形而上学) [名] the branch of philosophy that deals with the first principles of things, including such concepts as being, substance, essence, time, space, cause, and identity

pleasurable (楽しい) [形] giving or capable of giving joy or pleasure

painful (痛い) [形] causing or liable to cause pain

space (空間) [名] the unlimited expanse in which the solar system, stars, and galaxies exist

balloon (気球) [名] a small rubber sac inflated with air or gas

ジョーは哲学や形而上学については何も知らなかったが、休日に外出した若い気球のように、時空に漂っているような感覚で耳を傾けていると、半分は楽しく、半分は痛みを伴う奇妙な興奮が彼女を襲った。

She looked round to see how the Professor liked it, and found him looking at her with the grimmest expression she had ever seen him wear.

grimmest (最も険しい) [形] most severe or forbidding

彼女は教授がそれをどう思っているかを見回すと、彼が今まで見た中で最も険しい表情で彼女を見ているのを見つけた。

He shook his head and beckoned her to come away, but she was fascinated just then by the freedom of Speculative Philosophy, and kept her seat, trying to find out what the wise gentlemen intended to rely upon after they had annihilated all the old beliefs.

be fascinated (魅了される) [動] attract and hold the interest and attention of

Speculative Philosophy (思弁哲学) [名] a branch of philosophy that is concerned with the nature and scope of human knowledge

keep one's seat (席に座ったまま) [動] remain seated

rely upon (頼る) [動] depend on

annihilate (滅ぼす) [動] destroy utterly; reduce to nonexistence

彼は首を横に振り、彼女に立ち去るように手招きしたが、彼女はちょうどその時、思弁哲学の自由に魅了され、席に座ったまま、賢い紳士たちが古い信念をすべて滅ぼした後、何に頼ろうとしているのかを見つけようとしていた。

Now, Mr. Bhaer was a diffident man and slow to offer his own opinions, not because they were unsettled, but too sincere and earnest to be lightly spoken.

diffident (気弱な) [形] lacking in self-confidence

slow (遅い) [形] taking a long time

offer (述べる) [動] express or state

unsettled (定まっていない) [形] not fixed or decided

lightly (軽々しく) [副] in a casual or superficial manner

さて、ベーアさんは気弱な人で、自分の意見を述べるのが遅かったが、それは意見が定まっていないからではなく、あまりにも誠実で真面目で軽々しく話せなかったからだ。

As he glanced from Jo to several other young people, attracted by the brilliancy of the philosophic pyrotechnics, he knit his brows and longed to speak, fearing that some inflammable young soul would be led astray by the rockets, to find when the display was over that they had only an empty stick or a scorched hand.

pyrotechnics (花火) [名] a display of fireworks

inflammable (燃えやすい) [形] capable of catching fire and burning easily

lead astray (惑わされる) [動] cause to go wrong

rocket (ロケット) [名] a cylindrical projectile that can be propelled to a great height or distance by the combustion of its contents

彼はジョーから他の何人かの若者たちに目を向けると、哲学的花火の輝きに惹かれ、眉をひそめて話したくてたまらなくなった。燃えやすい若い魂がロケットに惑わされて、展示が終わったときには空の棒や焦げた手しか持っていないことに気づくのではないかと恐れたのだ。

He bore it as long as he could, but when he was appealed to for an opinion, he blazed up with honest indignation and defended religion with all the eloquence of truth—an eloquence which made his broken English musical and his plain face beautiful.

as long as (できる限り) [接] for the whole time that

appeal (求める) [動] to make an urgent and earnest request

plain (平凡な) [形] lacking in distinctive features or decoration

彼はできる限り我慢していたが、意見を求められた時、彼は正直な憤りで燃え上がり、真実の雄弁さで宗教を擁護した。その雄弁さは彼のブロークン・イングリッシュを音楽的にし、彼の平凡な顔を美しくした。

He had a hard fight, for the wise men argued well, but he didn’t know when he was beaten and stood to his colors like a man.

hard fight (激しい戦い) [名] a battle that is difficult to win

wise man (賢者) [名] a person who is wise

stand to (立ち向かう) [動] be ready to fight

彼は激しい戦いを繰り広げたが、賢者たちはよく議論したが、彼はいつ負けたのかを知らず、男らしく自分の色に立ち向かっていた。

Somehow, as he talked, the world got right again to Jo.

get right (正しくなる) [動] become correct or proper

彼が話しているうちに、どういうわけか世界はジョーにとって再び正しくなった。

The old beliefs, that had lasted so long, seemed better than the new.

長く続いた古い信念は新しいものよりも良いように思えた。

God was not a blind force, and immortality was not a pretty fable, but a blessed fact.

force (力) [名] strength or energy exerted or brought to bear

immortality (不死) [名] the ability to live forever; eternal life

神は盲目の力ではなく、不死は美しい寓話ではなく、祝福された事実だった。

She felt as if she had solid ground under her feet again, and when Mr. Bhaer paused, outtalked but not one whit convinced, Jo wanted to clap her hands and thank him.

solid ground (固い地面) [名] a firm foundation

under one's feet (足元に) [名] on the ground

pause (口を閉ざす) [動] stop speaking or doing something for a short time

outtalk (口で負ける) [動] talk more than

not one whit (少しも~ない) [副] not at all

convince (納得する) [動] cause to believe or accept something

clap one's hands (手を叩く) [動] strike the palms of one's hands together

彼女は再び足元に固い地面があるように感じ、ベーアさんが口を閉ざした時、口では負けたが少しも納得していなかったが、ジョーは手を叩いて彼に感謝したかった。

She did neither, but she remembered the scene, and gave the Professor her heartiest respect, for she knew it cost him an effort to speak out then and there, because his conscience would not let him be silent.

give (表す) [動] express or show

speak out (声を上げる) [動] express one's opinion or feelings in a direct and forceful way

then and there (その場で) [副] immediately; at once

彼女はどちらもしなかったが、その場面を覚えていて、教授に心からの敬意を表した。彼の良心が彼を黙らせなかったので、彼がその場で声を上げるのに努力を要したことを知っていたからだ。

She began to see that character is a better possession than money, rank, intellect, or beauty, and to feel that if greatness is what a wise man has defined it to be, ‘truth, reverence, and good will’, then her friend Friedrich Bhaer was not only good, but great.

greatness (偉大さ) [名] the quality of being great

彼女は人格がお金、地位、知性、美しさよりも優れた所有物であることが分かり始め、偉大さとは賢者が定義したように「真実、畏敬の念、善意」であるならば、彼女の友人フリードリヒ・ベーアは善良なだけでなく偉大であると感じ始めた。

This belief strengthened daily.

strengthen (強まる) [動] become stronger or more intense

この信念は日々強まっていった。

She valued his esteem, she coveted his respect, she wanted to be worthy of his friendship, and just when the wish was sincerest, she came near to losing everything.

value (重んじる) [動] regard highly

esteem (尊敬) [名] a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities or achievements

彼女は彼の尊敬を重んじ、彼の敬意を欲し、彼の友情に値する人間になりたいと思い、その願いが最も誠実になった時、彼女は全てを失いそうになった。

It all grew out of a cocked hat, for one evening the Professor came in to give Jo her lesson with a paper soldier cap on his head, which Tina had put there and he had forgotten to take off.

grow out of (始まる) [動] become too big for

one evening (ある晩) [名] the evening of a particular day

put (かぶせる) [動] place or position in a specified way

ある晩、教授がティナがかぶせた紙の兵隊帽子をかぶったままジョーにレッスンを教えに来たことから始まった。

“It’s evident he doesn’t look in his glass before coming down,” thought Jo, with a smile, as he said “Goot efening,” and sat soberly down, quite unconscious of the ludicrous contrast between his subject and his headgear, for he was going to read her the Death of Wallenstein.

look in (見る) [動] to direct one's gaze

theme (テーマ) [名] the subject of a talk, a piece of writing, a person's thoughts, or an exhibition

headgear (帽子) [名] an item of clothing worn on the head

Death of Wallenstein (ワレンシュタインの死) [名] a play by Friedrich Schiller

「彼は降りてくる前に鏡を見ていないのは明らかだ」と彼が「グート・エフェニング」と言って、彼のテーマと彼の帽子の間の滑稽な対比を全く意識せずに落ち着いて座ったとき、ジョーは微笑みながら思った。彼は彼女に「ワレンシュタインの死」を読み聞かせようとしていた。

She said nothing at first, for she liked to hear him laugh out his big, hearty laugh when anything funny happened, so she left him to discover it for himself, and presently forgot all about it, for to hear a German read Schiller is rather an absorbing occupation.

absorbing (夢中になる) [形] intensely interesting

彼女は最初は何も言わなかった。何か面白いことが起こったときに彼が大きく心から笑うのを聞くのが好きだったからだ。だから彼女は彼が自分で気づくのを待った。そしてすぐにそのことを忘れてしまった。ドイツ人がシラーを読むのを聞くのは、かなり夢中になる仕事だからだ。

After the reading came the lesson, which was a lively one, for Jo was in a gay mood that night, and the cocked hat kept her eyes dancing with merriment.

reading (朗読) [名] the action or skill of reading written or printed matter silently or aloud

朗読の後はレッスンだったが、その夜のジョーは上機嫌で、三角帽子を見ては陽気に目を輝かせていたので、とても活気のあるレッスンとなった。

The Professor didn’t know what to make of her, and stopped at last to ask with an air of mild surprise that was irresistible. . .

make of (どう扱っていいかわからない) [動] to understand or interpret

教授は彼女をどう扱っていいかわからず、ついに立ち止まって、たまらなく穏やかな驚きの表情で尋ねた。

“Mees Marsch, for what do you laugh in your master’s face?

for what (なぜ) [副] for what reason; why

master (先生) [名] a person who has control over another person or thing

「ミス・マーチ、なぜ先生の前で笑うのですか?

Haf you no respect for me, that you go on so bad?”

私を尊敬していないのですか? そんなにひどい態度をとるのですか?」

“How can I be respectful, Sir, when you forget to take your hat off?” said Jo.

「先生が帽子を脱ぐのを忘れているのに、どうして私が敬意を払えるでしょうか?」とジョーは言った。

Lifting his hand to his head, the absent-minded Professor gravely felt and removed the little cocked hat, looked at it a minute, and then threw back his head and laughed like a merry bass viol.

feel (探り当てる) [動] perceive by touch

throw back (そらす) [動] move (something) back or away

bass viol (コントラバス) [名] the largest and lowest-pitched string instrument in the violin family

ぼんやりした教授は、手を頭に当てて、小さな三角帽子を真面目そうに探り当てて取り、それをしばらく眺めてから、頭を後ろにそらして、陽気なコントラバスのように笑った。

“Ah! I see him now, it is that imp Tina who makes me a fool with my cap.

imp (いたずらっ子) [名] a mischievous child

「ああ! 今わかった、あのいたずらっ子ティナが私の帽子で私を馬鹿にしたのだ。

Well, it is nothing, but see you, if this lesson goes not well, you too shall wear him.”

go (うまくいく) [動] proceed or move in a specified manner

まあ、大したことではないが、もしこのレッスンがうまくいかなければ、君もそれをかぶることになるぞ」

But the lesson did not go at all for a few minutes because Mr. Bhaer caught sight of a picture on the hat, and unfolding it, said with great disgust, “I wish these papers did not come in the house.

disgust (嫌そう) [名] a strong feeling of dislike

しかし、ベーア先生が帽子の上の絵を目に留め、それを広げて、とても嫌そうに「こんな新聞が家に入ってこなければいいのに。

They are not for children to see, nor young people to read.

子供が見るものでも、若者が読むものでもない。

It is not well, and I haf no patience with those who make this harm.”

よくないことだ、こんな害を与える連中は許せない」と言ったため、数分間授業は全く進まなかった。

Jo glanced at the sheet and saw a pleasing illustration composed of a lunatic, a corpse, a villain, and a viper.

illustration (挿絵) [名] a picture or drawing that explains or decorates a book, magazine, etc.

corpse (死体) [名] a dead body, especially of a human being

viper (毒蛇) [名] a venomous snake

ジョーは紙面をちらっと見て、狂人、死体、悪党、毒蛇で構成された楽しい挿絵を見た。

She did not like it, but the impulse that made her turn it over was not one of displeasure but fear, because for a minute she fancied the paper was the Volcano.

volcano (火山) [名] a mountain or hill, typically conical, having a crater or vent through which lava, rock fragments, hot vapor, and gas are being or have been erupted from the earth's crust

彼女はそれを好まなかったが、彼女がそれをひっくり返した衝動は不快感ではなく恐怖だった、なぜなら一瞬その新聞が火山だと思ったからだ。

It was not, however, and her panic subsided as she remembered that even if it had been and one of her own tales in it, there would have been no name to betray her.

not (そうではなく) [副] a word that is used to say no or to express a negative

しかしそうではなく、また、もしそうだったとしても、また、自分の書いた物語が載っていたとしても、自分を裏切るような名前は載っていないだろうと思い出し、彼女のパニックは収まった。

She had betrayed herself, however, by a look and a blush, for though an absent man, the Professor saw a good deal more than people fancied.

blush (赤面) [名] a reddening of the face

good deal (ずっと多くのこと) [名] a large amount or extent

しかし、彼女は表情と赤面で自分を裏切ってしまった、なぜなら、教授はぼんやりした人ではあったが、人々が想像するよりもずっと多くのことを見ていたからだ。

He knew that Jo wrote, and had met her down among the newspaper offices more than once, but as she never spoke of it, he asked no questions in spite of a strong desire to see her work.

newspaper office (新聞社) [名] a company that produces a newspaper

strong desire (強い願望) [名] a powerful feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen

彼はジョーが執筆していることを知っており、新聞社の間で彼女に何度も会ったことがあったが、彼女がそれについて話すことはなかったので、彼女の作品を見たいという強い願望にもかかわらず、彼は何も尋ねなかった。

Now it occurred to him that she was doing what she was ashamed to own, and it troubled him.

occur to (気づく) [動] come into the mind of

今、彼女が自分の恥ずかしいことをしていることに気づき、彼は困惑した。

He did not say to himself, “It is none of my business.

none of (知ったことではない) [名] not any of

business (知ったこと) [名] a matter that is of concern to or that affects one

彼は「私の知ったことではない。

I’ve no right to say anything,” as many people would have done.

私には何も言う権利がない」と多くの人が言うようには言わなかった。

He only remembered that she was young and poor, a girl far away from mother’s love and father’s care, and he was moved to help her with an impulse as quick and natural as that which would prompt him to put out his hand to save a baby from a puddle.

puddle (水たまり) [名] a small pool of liquid, especially rainwater

彼は彼女が若くて貧しく、母の愛と父の世話から遠く離れた少女であることを思い出しただけで、水たまりから赤ちゃんを救うために手を差し伸べるのと同じくらい素早く自然な衝動で彼女を助けようとした。

All this flashed through his mind in a minute, but not a trace of it appeared in his face, and by the time the paper was turned, and Jo’s needle threaded, he was ready to say quite naturally, but very gravely...

flash through (よぎる) [動] to pass quickly through

thread (通す) [動] to pass through

これらすべてが一瞬で彼の頭の中をよぎったが、その痕跡は彼の顔には現れず、紙がめくられ、ジョーの針に糸が通される頃には、彼はごく自然に、しかしとても真面目に言う準備ができていた。

“Yes, you are right to put it from you.

put (忘れる) [動] to move something or someone to a specified place

「そう、それを忘れるのは正しいことだ。

I do not think that good young girls should see such things.

良い若い娘がそのようなものを目にするべきではないと思う。

They are made pleasant to some, but I would more rather give my boys gunpowder to play with than this bad trash.”

be made pleasant (楽しくなる) [動] become enjoyable

gunpowder (火薬) [名] an explosive consisting of a mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur

play with (遊ぶ) [動] engage in an activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose

bad trash (くだらないもの) [名] something that is of poor quality or worthless

一部の人には楽しいものになっているが、私は息子たちにこのくだらないものよりも火薬を与えて遊ばせたい」

“All may not be bad, only silly, you know, and if there is a demand for it, I don’t see any harm in supplying it.

「すべてが悪いわけではない、ただばかげているだけかもしれないし、需要があるなら、それを供給することに何の害もないと思う。

Many very respectable people make an honest living out of what are called sensation stories,” said Jo, scratching gathers so energetically that a row of little slits followed her pin.

sensation (センセーション) [名] a state of intense interest or excitement

scratch (引っ掻く) [動] rub or scrape with a sharp or rough object

gather (ギャザー) [名] a small fold or pleat in fabric

energetically (勢いよく) [副] with energy or vigor

slit (切れ目) [名] a long, narrow cut or opening

多くの立派な人々が、いわゆるセンセーション・ストーリーで正直に生計を立てている」とジョーは言い、ギャザーを勢いよく引っ掻いたので、ピンの跡に小さな切れ目が並んだ。

“There is a demand for whisky, but I think you and I do not care to sell it.

whisky (ウイスキー) [名] a type of alcoholic drink

「ウイスキーにも需要があるが、君も私もそれを売りたいとは思わない。

If the respectable people knew what harm they did, they would not feel that the living was honest.

立派な人々が自分たちがどんな害を及ぼしているかを知っていたら、その生活が正直だとは感じないだろう。

They haf no right to put poison in the sugarplum, and let the small ones eat it.

one (子供たち) [名] a person or thing

彼らには砂糖菓子に毒を入れて、小さな子供たちに食べさせる権利はない。

No, they should think a little, and sweep mud in the street before they do this thing.”

いや、彼らは少し考えて、こんなことをする前に道の泥を掃くべきだ」

Mr. Bhaer spoke warmly, and walked to the fire, crumpling the paper in his hands.

speak warmly (熱く語る) [動] to speak in a friendly and enthusiastic way

ベーア先生は熱く語り、紙をくしゃくしゃに丸めて暖炉まで歩いて行った。

Jo sat still, looking as if the fire had come to her, for her cheeks burned long after the cocked hat had turned to smoke and gone harmlessly up the chimney.

long after (ずっと後) [副] a long time after

ジョーはじっと座って、火が自分のところに来たかのように見ていた。三角帽子が煙になって無害に煙突に上がった後も、彼女の頬は長い間燃えていた。

“I should like much to send all the rest after him,” muttered the Professor, coming back with a relieved air.

like much (とてもしたい) [動] want very much

「残りの全部も彼の後を追わせたいものだ」とつぶやきながら、教授はほっとした様子で戻ってきた。

Jo thought what a blaze her pile of papers upstairs would make, and her hard-earned money lay rather heavily on her conscience at that minute.

blaze (燃え上がる) [動] burn fiercely or brightly

hard-earned (苦労して稼いだ) [形] earned or obtained with difficulty

lay (のしかかった) [動] be or remain in a specified state

ジョーは、二階の自分の紙の山がどんなに燃え上がるかを考え、その瞬間、苦労して稼いだお金が彼女の良心に重くのしかかった。

Then she thought consolingly to herself, “Mine are not like that, they are only silly, never bad, so I won’t be worried,” and taking up her book, she said, with a studious face, “Shall we go on, Sir?

worried (心配する) [動] feel or show concern or anxiety

それから彼女は慰めの気持ちで「私のはそんなんじゃない、ただの馬鹿げたもの、決して悪いものではない、だから心配しない」と思い、本を取り上げて、真面目な顔で「続けましょうか、先生?

I’ll be very good and proper now.”

これからはちゃんとします」

“I shall hope so,” was all he said, but he meant more than she imagined, and the grave, kind look he gave her made her feel as if the words Weekly Volcano were printed in large type on her forehead.

「そう願っている」と彼は言っただけだったが、彼は彼女が想像する以上に意味深で、彼が彼女に向けた真面目で優しい眼差しは、彼女の額に「ウィークリー・ボルケーノ」という言葉が大きな文字で印刷されているように感じさせた。

As soon as she went to her room, she got out her papers, and carefully reread every one of her stories.

reread (読み返す) [動] read again

彼女は自分の部屋に入るとすぐに、自分の紙を取り出し、自分の物語を一つ一つ注意深く読み返した。

Being a little shortsighted, Mr. Bhaer sometimes used eye glasses, and Jo had tried them once, smiling to see how they magnified the fine print of her book.

be shortsighted (近視眼的である) [動] unable to think about or plan for the future

use (かける) [動] bring into service or employ for a particular purpose

ベーア氏は少し近視眼的だったので、時々眼鏡をかけていたが、ジョーは一度それを試してみて、本の細かい文字がどれほど拡大されるかを見て微笑んだ。

Now she seemed to have on the Professor’s mental or moral spectacles also, for the faults of these poor stories glared at her dreadfully and filled her with dismay.

mental (精神的) [形] of or relating to the mind

glare (睨みつける) [動] to stare angrily or fiercely

今や彼女は教授の精神的または道徳的な眼鏡をかけているようにも思えた。なぜなら、これらの貧弱な物語の欠陥が彼女を恐ろしく睨みつけ、彼女を狼狽させたからだ。

“They are trash, and will soon be worse trash if I go on, for each is more sensational than the last.

trash (ゴミ) [名] waste material; refuse

「これらはゴミで、このまま続ければもっとひどいゴミになるだろう。なぜなら、どれも前作よりもセンセーショナルだからだ。

I’ve gone blindly on, hurting myself and other people, for the sake of money.

私はお金のために、自分や他の人を傷つけながら、盲目的に進んできた。

I know it’s so, for I can’t read this stuff in sober earnest without being horribly ashamed of it, and what should I do if they were seen at home or Mr. Bhaer got hold of them?”

stuff (作品) [名] a material, substance, or collection of things

horribly (ひどく) [副] in a very bad or unpleasant way

get hold of (手に取る) [動] take hold of; grasp

それがそうであることはわかっている、なぜなら私はこの作品をひどく恥ずかしく思わずには真面目に読むことができないし、もし家で見られたり、ベーア氏が手に取ったりしたらどうしたらいいだろう?」

Jo turned hot at the bare idea, and stuffed the whole bundle into her stove, nearly setting the chimney afire with the blaze.

turn hot (熱くなる) [動] become hot

bare (考えただけで) [形] only just; no more than

set afire (燃えそうになる) [動] set on fire; set alight

ジョーは考えただけで熱くなり、束を全部ストーブに押し込んだので、煙突が燃えそうになった。

“Yes, that’s the best place for such inflammable nonsense.

「そう、そんな燃えやすいナンセンスには一番いい場所だ。

I’d better burn the house down, I suppose, than let other people blow themselves up with my gunpowder,” she thought as she watched the Demon of the Jura whisk away, a little black cinder with fiery eyes.

burn down (燃やす) [動] be destroyed or badly damaged by fire

blow up (爆発する) [動] explode

whisk away (払いのける) [動] move or cause to move with a quick sweeping motion

cinder (燃えかす) [名] a piece of partly burned coal or wood that has stopped giving off flames but still has some heat

他の人に私の火薬で爆発されるよりは、家を燃やした方がいいよ」と、ジュラの悪魔が燃えるような目で小さな黒い燃えかすを払いのけるのを見ながら思った。

But when nothing remained of all her three month’s work except a heap of ashes and the money in her lap, Jo looked sober, as she sat on the floor, wondering what she ought to do about her wages.

three month (3ヶ月) [名] a period of time

ash (灰) [名] the powdery residue left after a fire has burned

wage (給料) [名] a fixed regular payment made by an employer to an employee

しかし、3ヶ月の仕事の成果が灰の山と膝の上のお金以外何も残っていないとき、ジョーは床に座って、給料をどうしたらいいのかと思い、真面目な顔をしていた。

“I think I haven’t done much harm yet, and may keep this to pay for my time,” she said, after a long meditation, adding impatiently, “I almost wish I hadn’t any conscience, it’s so inconvenient.

pay (支払い) [名] money paid for work

meditation (瞑想) [名] the action or practice of meditating

inconvenient (不便) [形] causing trouble, difficulty, or discomfort

「まだあまり害を与えていないと思うし、これを自分の時間の支払いに使ってもいいかもしれない」と長い瞑想の後に言い、焦りながら「良心なんてなければいいのに、とても不便だよ。

If I didn’t care about doing right, and didn’t feel uncomfortable when doing wrong, I should get on capitally.

do right (正しいことをする) [動] act in a moral or proper manner

feel uncomfortable (不快に感じる) [動] experience a feeling of discomfort

正しいことを気にせず、間違ったことをしても不快に感じなければ、私はうまくやっていくことができるのに。

I can’t help wishing sometimes, that Mother and Father hadn’t been so particular about such things.”

be particular about (~にこだわる) [動] be very careful or concerned about something

時々、ママとパパがそういうことにあまりこだわらなかったらよかったのにと思うことがあるの。」

Ah, Jo, instead of wishing that, thank God that ‘Father and Mother were particular’, and pity from your heart those who have no such guardians to hedge them round with principles which may seem like prison walls to impatient youth, but which will prove sure foundations to build character upon in womanhood.

particular (こだわりがある) [形] having a special or distinctive quality

guardian (保護者) [名] a person who has legal authority and responsibility for the care of another person

hedge (囲い込む) [動] surround or enclose with a hedge

prison (牢獄) [名] a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody specifically for convicted criminals of serious crimes

foundation (土台) [名] the basis on which something is founded or built

build (形成する) [動] construct by putting parts or material together over a period of time

ああ、ジョー、そう願う代わりに、「パパとママがこだわりがあった」ことを神に感謝し、せっかちな若者には牢獄の壁のように見えるかもしれないが、女性としての人格を形成するための確かな土台となる原則で彼らを囲い込むような保護者がいない人たちを心から哀れんであげなさい。

Jo wrote no more sensational stories, deciding that the money did not pay for her share of the sensation, but going to the other extreme, as is the way with people of her stamp, she took a course of Mrs. Sherwood, Miss Edgeworth, and Hannah More, and then produced a tale which might have been more properly called an essay or a sermon, so intensely moral was it.

sensation (感覚) [名] a feeling or impression produced by a stimulus

go to the other extreme (もう一方の極端に走る) [動] go to the opposite extreme

stamp (タイプ) [名] a kind, type, or class

take a course (コースを受講する) [動] study a particular subject

Mrs. Sherwood (シャーウッド夫人) [名] a woman who is married to Mr. Sherwood

Miss Edgeworth (エッジワース嬢) [名] a young woman who is the daughter of Mr. Edgeworth

Hannah More (ハンナ・モア) [名] a woman whose name is Hannah More

properly (適切に) [副] in a correct or appropriate manner

essay (エッセイ) [名] a short piece of writing that gives the author's own argument — but the definition is vague, overlapping with those of a paper, an article, a pamphlet, and a short story

intensely (非常に) [副] to a great degree or extent

ジョーは、お金では自分の感覚の分け前を支払うことができないと判断して、これ以上センセーショナルな物語を書くことはなかったが、彼女のようなタイプの人々がそうであるように、もう一方の極端に走り、シャーウッド夫人、エッジワース嬢、ハンナ・モアのコースを受講し、その後、エッセイや説教と呼んだ方が適切かもしれないほど、非常に道徳的な物語を制作した。

She had her doubts about it from the beginning, for her lively fancy and girlish romance felt as ill at ease in the new style as she would have done masquerading in the stiff and cumbrous costume of the last century.

from the beginning (最初から) [副] from the very start

ill at ease (違和感) [名] a feeling of discomfort or unease

new style (新しいスタイル) [名] a new way of doing something

last century (前世紀) [名] the century before the present one

cumbrous (重苦しい) [形] large and heavy and therefore difficult to carry or use

masquerade (仮装) [動] pretend to be someone or something that you are not

彼女は最初からそれについて疑問を持っていた、というのも彼女の生き生きとした空想と少女のようなロマンスは、前世紀の堅苦しく重苦しい衣装を着て仮装するのと同じくらい、新しいスタイルに違和感を感じていたからだ。

She sent this didactic gem to several markets, but it found no purchaser, and she was inclined to agree with Mr. Dashwood that morals didn’t sell.

didactic (教訓的な) [形] intended to teach, especially in a moralizing way

gem (宝石) [名] a precious or semiprecious stone, especially one cut and polished for use in jewelry

inclined (同意する傾向にある) [形] likely or liable to do something

彼女はこの教訓的な宝石をいくつかの市場に送ったが、買い手は見つからず、道徳は売れないというダッシュウッド氏の意見に同意する傾向にあった。

Then she tried a child’s story, which she could easily have disposed of if she had not been mercenary enough to demand filthy lucre for it.

mercenary (貪欲な) [形] motivated by financial gain

filthy lucre (不当な利益) [名] money

それから彼女は子供向けの物語を試してみたが、もし彼女がそれに対して不当な利益を要求するほど貪欲でなければ、簡単に処分できただろう。

The only person who offered enough to make it worth her while to try juvenile literature was a worthy gentleman who felt it his mission to convert all the world to his particular belief.

the only person (唯一の人物) [名] the one and only person

make it worth (価値がある) [動] be of value or importance

juvenile literature (児童文学) [名] literature for children

worthy gentleman (立派な紳士) [名] a man who is well-mannered and courteous

convert (改宗させる) [動] cause to change from one religion, belief, or opinion to another

all the world (全世界) [名] the entire world

児童文学を試す価値があるほど十分な金額を提示した唯一の人物は、全世界を自分の信念に改宗させることが使命だと感じている立派な紳士だった。

But much as she liked to write for children, Jo could not consent to depict all her naughty boys as being eaten by bears or tossed by mad bulls because they did not go to a particular Sabbath school, nor all the good infants who did go as rewarded by every kind of bliss, from gilded gingerbread to escorts of angels when they departed this life with psalms or sermons on their lisping tongues.

much as (とても) [副] to a great extent

write for (のために書く) [動] write with a particular audience in mind

consent to (同意する) [動] give permission for something to happen

depict (描く) [動] represent in a drawing, painting, or sculpture

bull (雄牛) [名] an adult male mammal of a domesticated breed of ox

particular (特定の) [形] of or relating to a single, specific person, thing, or group

this life (この世) [名] the present world

psalm (詩篇) [名] a sacred song or poem used in worship

lisping (舌足らずな) [形] speaking with a lisp

しかし、彼女は子供向けに書くのが好きだったが、ジョーは、彼女のいたずらっ子たちが特定の安息日学校に行かなかったために熊に食べられたり、狂った雄牛に投げつけられたりすることを描くことに同意できなかったし、また、金色のジンジャーブレッドから、舌足らずな舌で詩篇や説教をしながらこの世を去ったときに天使の護衛まで、あらゆる種類の至福の報いを受けて行ったすべての良い幼児を描くことにも同意できなかった。

So nothing came of these trials, and Jo corked up her inkstand, and said in a fit of very wholesome humility...

cork (栓をする) [動] stop up with a cork

だから、これらの試練から何も生まれず、ジョーはインクスタンドをコルクで栓をして、とても健全な謙虚さで言った。

“I don’t know anything.

「私は何も知らない。

I’ll wait until I do before I try again, and meantime, ‘sweep mud in the street’ if I can’t do better, that’s honest, at least.”

meantime (それまでは) [名] the intervening period of time

できるようになるまで待ってからまた挑戦するよ、それまでは、もっとうまくできないなら「道の泥を掃く」よ、少なくともそれは正直な仕事だもの。」

Which decision proved that her second tumble down the beanstalk had done her some good.

この決断は、彼女が二度目の豆の木から落ちたことが彼女に何か良いことをしたことを証明した。

While these internal revolutions were going on, her external life had been as busy and uneventful as usual, and if she sometimes looked serious or a little sad no one observed it but Professor Bhaer.

internal revolution (内面の革命) [名] a sudden and violent change in the way that people think about something

external life (外面の生活) [名] the way that one's life appears to other people

uneventful (平穏) [形] without any unusual or exciting events

look serious (真面目そうに見える) [動] appear to be serious

a little sad (少し悲しそう) [形] somewhat sad

これらの内面の革命が起こっている間、彼女の外面の生活はいつものように忙しく平穏で、もし彼女が時々真面目そうに見えたり、少し悲しそうに見えたりしたとしても、ベーア教授以外は誰もそれを観察しなかった。

He did it so quietly that Jo never knew he was watching to see if she would accept and profit by his reproof, but she stood the test, and he was satisfied, for though no words passed between them, he knew that she had given up writing.

彼はそれをとても静かにしたので、ジョーは彼が彼女が彼の叱責を受け入れて利益を得るかどうか見守っていることを決して知らなかったが、彼女はテストに耐え、彼は満足した、なぜなら彼らの間で言葉が交わされなかったにもかかわらず、彼は彼女が書くのを諦めたことを知っていたからだ。

Not only did he guess it by the fact that the second finger of her right hand was no longer inky, but she spent her evenings downstairs now, was met no more among newspaper offices, and studied with a dogged patience, which assured him that she was bent on occupying her mind with something useful, if not pleasant.

right hand (右手) [名] the hand that is on the right side of the body

second finger (第二指) [名] the finger next to the index finger

no longer (もはや~ない) [副] not anymore

inky (インクで汚れた) [形] covered with ink

dogged patience (頑固な忍耐) [名] a determination to continue doing something despite difficulties

assure (確信する) [動] make (someone) feel certain about something

occupy (占める) [動] take up (a place or amount of space)

彼は彼女の右手の第二指がもはやインクで汚れていないという事実からそれを推測しただけでなく、彼女は今や夕方を階下で過ごし、新聞社で会うこともなくなり、頑固な忍耐で勉強していたので、彼女が心を何か役に立つことで占めようとしていることを確信した。

He helped her in many ways, proving himself a true friend, and Jo was happy, for while her pen lay idle, she was learning other lessons besides German, and laying a foundation for the sensation story of her own life.

many ways (いろいろな面) [名] a lot of different aspects

true friend (真の友人) [名] a friend who is loyal and reliable

lay idle (使われていない) [動] not being used

lay a foundation (基礎を築く) [動] to establish a basis for something

彼は彼女をいろいろな面で助け、真の友人であることを証明し、ジョーは幸せだった、なぜなら彼女のペンが使われていない間、彼女はドイツ語以外の他の教訓を学び、彼女自身の人生の感覚的な物語の基礎を築いていたからだ。

It was a pleasant winter and a long one, for she did not leave Mrs. Kirke till June.

それは楽しい冬であり、長い冬でもあった、なぜなら彼女は6月までカーク夫人のもとを離れなかったからだ。

Everyone seemed sorry when the time came.

その時が来ると、みんなが残念そうだった。

The children were inconsolable, and Mr. Bhaer’s hair stuck straight up all over his head, for he always rumpled it wildly when disturbed in mind.

inconsolable (慰めようがない) [形] too unhappy to be comforted

stick up (逆立つ) [動] to be in an upright position

子供たちは慰めようがなく、ベーア氏の髪の毛は頭のてっぺんから逆立っていた、なぜなら彼は心が乱れるといつも髪の毛を乱暴にぐしゃぐしゃにするからだ。

“Going home? Ah, you are happy that you haf a home to go in,” he said, when she told him, and sat silently pulling his beard in the corner, while she held a little levee on that last evening.

pull (ひっぱる) [動] exert force on so as to move or cause to move toward oneself or in the direction of the force

hold (開く) [動] organize and be in charge of

「家に帰るのか? ああ、帰る家があって幸せだね」と彼は彼女が彼に告げた時に言い、彼女がその最後の夜に小さなレセプションを開いている間、彼は隅で黙って髭をひっぱって座っていた。

She was going early, so she bade them all goodbye overnight, and when his turn came, she said warmly, “Now, Sir, you won’t forget to come and see us, if you ever travel our way, will you?

go early (早く出発する) [動] leave early

bid goodbye (別れを告げる) [動] say goodbye

彼女は早く出発するので、夜のうちにみんなに別れを告げ、彼の番が来ると、彼女は熱心に言った、「さて、先生、もし私たちの道を旅することがあったら、私たちに会いに来るのを忘れないでくださいね。

I’ll never forgive you if you do, for I want them all to know my friend.”

もし忘れたら絶対に許しませんよ、だってみんなに私の友達を知ってほしいんですもの。」

“Do you? Shall I come?” he asked, looking down at her with an eager expression which she did not see.

do you (そうか) [慣] used to ask for confirmation

shall I (私が) [慣] used to make an offer or a suggestion

「そうか? 私が来ようか?」と彼は彼女を見下ろして尋ねたが、彼女は彼の熱心な表情を見ていなかった。

“Yes, come next month.

「ええ、来月来てください。

Laurie graduates then, and you’d enjoy commencement as something new.”

graduate (卒業する) [動] receive a degree or diploma on completion of a course of study

commencement (卒業式) [名] the ceremony at which degrees or diplomas are conferred

ローリーが卒業するし、卒業式は新鮮で楽しめると思うよ。」

“That is your best friend, of whom you speak?” he said in an altered tone.

best friend (親友) [名] a person whom one knows well and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection

altered tone (声色を変える) [名] a change in the quality of a sound

「それが君の言う親友か?」と彼は声色を変えて言った。

“Yes, my boy Teddy.

「そう、私の息子テディ。

I’m very proud of him and should like you to see him.”

like (会ってほしい) [動] want or wish for

彼をとても誇りに思っているし、あなたに会ってほしいよ。」

Jo looked up then, quite unconscious of anything but her own pleasure in the prospect of showing them to one another.

ジョーはその時見上げたが、二人を紹介し合う楽しみ以外は何も意識していなかった。

Something in Mr. Bhaer’s face suddenly recalled the fact that she might find Laurie more than a ‘best friend’, and simply because she particularly wished not to look as if anything was the matter, she involuntarily began to blush, and the more she tried not to, the redder she grew.

ベーア氏の顔の何かが突然、彼女がローリーを「親友」以上のものと思うかもしれないという事実を思い出させ、単に何か問題があるように見えたくないという理由だけで、彼女は思わず顔を赤らめ始め、そうしないようにすればするほど、彼女は赤くなった。

If it had not been for Tina on her knee.

膝の上のティナがいなかったら。

She didn’t know what would have become of her.

become of (どうなる) [動] happen to

彼女は自分がどうなるかわからなかった。

Fortunately the child was moved to hug her, so she managed to hide her face an instant, hoping the Professor did not see it.

move (動かされる) [動] change position

manage (なんとかする) [動] be able to do something

幸いにも子供は彼女を抱きしめるように動かされたので、彼女は教授がそれを見ていないことを期待して、なんとか一瞬顔を隠した。

But he did, and his own changed again from that momentary anxiety to its usual expression, as he said cordially...

しかし、彼はそうし、彼自身の顔は、その瞬間の不安からいつもの表情に再び変わり、彼は心から言った。

“I fear I shall not make the time for that, but I wish the friend much success, and you all happiness. Gott bless you!”

make time (時間をつくる) [動] find time

「私はそのための時間をつくれないのではないかと心配しているが、友人の成功と皆さんの幸せを祈っている。神のご加護を!」

And with that, he shook hands warmly, shouldered Tina, and went away.

そして、そう言って、彼は暖かく握手し、ティナを肩に担いで、去って行った。

But after the boys were abed, he sat long before his fire with the tired look on his face and the ‘heimweh’, or homesickness, lying heavy at his heart.

abed (寝る) [動] be in bed

しかし、少年たちが寝た後、彼は疲れた表情で火の前に長く座り、心には「ハイムウェー」、つまりホームシックが重くのしかかっていた。

Once, when he remembered Jo as she sat with the little child in her lap and that new softness in her face, he leaned his head on his hands a minute, and then roamed about the room, as if in search of something that he could not find.

一度、彼はジョーが小さな子供を膝に抱いて座っていたときのことを思い出し、彼女の顔に浮かんだ新しい柔らかさを思い出したとき、彼は頭を両手で支え、それから部屋の中を歩き回った。まるで見つけられない何かを探しているかのようだった。

“It is not for me, I must not hope it now,” he said to himself, with a sigh that was almost a groan.

not for (向いていない) [前] not suitable for

「それは私には向いていない、今はそれを望んではいけない」と彼はほとんどうめき声のようなため息をつきながら独り言を言った。

Then, as if reproaching himself for the longing that he could not repress, he went and kissed the two tousled heads upon the pillow, took down his seldom-used meerschaum, and opened his Plato.

repress (抑える) [動] keep under control or in check

take down (取り出す) [動] remove from a high place

それから、抑えきれない憧れに対して自分を責めるかのように、彼は枕の上の2つの乱れた頭にキスをし、めったに使わない海泡石を取り出し、プラトンを開いた。

He did his best and did it manfully, but I don’t think he found that a pair of rampant boys, a pipe, or even the divine Plato, were very satisfactory substitutes for wife and child at home.

rampant (暴れん坊の) [形] growing or spreading unchecked

pipe (パイプ) [名] a tube of metal, wood, or other material used to convey liquids, gases, or other substances

substitute (代用品) [名] a person or thing acting or serving in place of another

彼は最善を尽くし、男らしくそれをやり遂げたが、私は彼が2人の暴れん坊の少年、パイプ、あるいは神聖なプラトンでさえ、家にいる妻と子供の満足のいく代用品だとは思えなかったと思う。

Early as it was, he was at the station next morning to see Jo off, and thanks to him, she began her solitary journey with the pleasant memory of a familiar face smiling its farewell, a bunch of violets to keep her company, and best of all, the happy thought, “Well, the winter’s gone, and I’ve written no books, earned no fortune, but I’ve made a friend worth having and I’ll try to keep him all my life.”

farewell (別れ) [名] a parting or goodbye

keep company (付き添う) [動] to be with someone

best of all (何よりも) [副] most importantly

早朝にもかかわらず、彼は翌朝ジョーを見送りに駅にいた。彼のおかげで、彼女は見慣れた顔が別れを告げて微笑んでいる心地よい記憶、彼女に付き添うスミレの花束、そして何よりも「冬は過ぎ去り、本も書かず、お金も稼げなかったけど、価値ある友人ができたし、一生彼と付き合っていきたい」という幸せな思いを抱いて、孤独な旅を始めた。

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE: HEARTACHE

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE (第35章) [名] a division of a book

HEARTACHE (心痛) [名] a feeling of great sadness or emotional pain

第35章心痛

Whatever his motive might have been, Laurie studied to some purpose that year, for he graduated with honor, and gave the Latin oration with the grace of a Phillips and the eloquence of a Demosthenes, so his friends said.

might have been (だったかもしれない) [助] a possibility in the past

some purpose (ある目的) [名] a specific but unspecified intention

Phillips (フィリップス) [名] a surname

彼の動機が何であれ、ローリーはその年、ある目的のために勉強した。彼は優等で卒業し、フィリップスの優雅さとデモステネスの雄弁さでラテン語の演説をしたと、彼の友人たちは言った。

They were all there, his grandfather—oh, so proud—Mr. and Mrs. March, John and Meg, Jo and Beth, and all exulted over him with the sincere admiration which boys make light of at the time, but fail to win from the world by any after-triumphs.

at the time (その時) [名] the point in time at which something happens

after-triumph (その後の勝利) [名] a victory that occurs after a previous victory

彼らは皆そこにいた。彼の祖父、ああ、とても誇らしげなマーチ夫妻、ジョンとメグ、ジョーとベス、そして皆が彼を心から賞賛し、少年たちはその時は軽視するが、その後の勝利によって世界から勝ち取ることはできない。

“I’ve got to stay for this confounded supper, but I shall be home early tomorrow.

「この忌々しい夕食のために残らなければならないが、明日は早く帰宅する。

You’ll come and meet me as usual, girls?” Laurie said, as he put the sisters into the carriage after the joys of the day were over.

come and meet (迎えに来る) [動] come to a place where someone is and go with them to another place

いつものように迎えに来てくれるよね?」とローリーは、その日の楽しみが終わった後、姉妹を馬車に乗せながら言った。

He said ‘girls’, but he meant Jo, for she was the only one who kept up the old custom.

keep up (守る) [動] maintain or preserve

彼は「女の子たち」と言ったが、彼が意味したのはジョーだった。彼女だけが古い習慣を守っていたからだ。

She had not the heart to refuse her splendid, successful boy anything, and answered warmly...

have the heart (忍びない) [動] be unfeeling enough to do something

successful (成功した) [形] having achieved success

彼女は、立派に成功した息子に何かを拒む心がなかったので、暖かく答えた。

“I’ll come, Teddy, rain or shine, and march before you, playing ‘Hail the conquering hero comes’ on a jew’s-harp.”

rain or shine (雨が降っても晴れても) [名] under any circumstances

Hail the conquering hero comes (征服する英雄がやってくる) [名] a song

jew's-harp (口琴) [名] a musical instrument consisting of a small lyre-shaped metal frame held between the teeth and plucked with a finger

「テディ、雨が降っても晴れても行くよ、そしてあなたの前を行進して、口琴で『征服する英雄がやってくる』を演奏するよ」

Laurie thanked her with a look that made her think in a sudden panic, “Oh, deary me! I know he’ll say something, and then what shall I do?”

deary (なんてことだ) [間] an expression of surprise or disappointment

ローリーは彼女に感謝の眼差しを向け、彼女は突然パニックになって「ああ、なんてことだ! 彼は何か言うに違いない、そうしたら私はどうしたらいいの?」と思った。

Evening meditation and morning work somewhat allayed her fears, and having decided that she wouldn’t be vain enough to think people were going to propose when she had given them every reason to know what her answer would be, she set forth at the appointed time, hoping Teddy wouldn’t do anything to make her hurt his poor feelings.

allay (和らげる) [動] diminish or put at rest

propose (プロポーズする) [動] suggest or present for consideration

set forth (出発する) [動] start a journey

夕方の瞑想と朝の仕事は彼女の恐怖を幾分和らげ、彼女が答えがどうなるかを知るあらゆる理由を与えたときに人々がプロポーズしようとしていると思うほどうぬぼれはしないと決心し、テディが彼女が彼の哀れな感情を傷つけるようなことを何もしないことを願って、彼女は約束の時間に出発した。

A call at Meg’s, and a refreshing sniff and sip at the Daisy and Demijohn, still further fortified her for the tete-a-tete, but when she saw a stalwart figure looming in the distance, she had a strong desire to turn about and run away.

Demijohn (デミジョン) [名] a character in the story

sniff (嗅ぐ) [動] to draw air into the nose

sip (飲む) [動] to drink in small quantities

fortify (備える) [動] to strengthen or reinforce

tete-a-tete (二人きりの語らい) [名] a private conversation between two people

stalwart (たくましい) [形] strong and brave

loom (見える) [動] to appear in a large or threatening form

turn about (踵を返す) [動] to change direction

メグの家を訪ね、デイジーとデミジョンで爽やかな香りを嗅ぎ、一口飲むと、彼女はさらに二人きりの語らいに備えることができたが、遠くにたくましい姿が見えたとき、彼女は踵を返して逃げ出したくなった。

“Where’s the jew’s-harp, Jo?” cried Laurie, as soon as he was within speaking distance.

within (以内) [前] inside the limits of

「口琴はどこだ、ジョー?」ローリーは話せる距離に入るとすぐに叫んだ。

“I forgot it.”

「忘れちゃった」

And Jo took heart again, for that salutation could not be called lover-like.

take heart (元気を取り戻す) [動] to become more cheerful or optimistic

そしてジョーは再び元気を取り戻した、なぜならその挨拶は恋人らしいとは言えなかったからだ。

She always used to take his arm on these occasions, now she did not, and he made no complaint, which was a bad sign, but talked on rapidly about all sorts of faraway subjects, till they turned from the road into the little path that led homeward through the grove.

take one's arm (腕をとる) [動] to hold someone's arm

on these occasions (こういう時) [名] at this time; now

make no complaint (文句を言わない) [動] not complain

bad sign (悪い兆候) [名] an indication that something bad is going to happen

faraway subjects (遠く離れた話題) [名] topics that are not close

turn from (曲がる) [動] to change direction

little path (小さな道) [名] a small road

lead homeward (家に向かう) [動] to go in the direction of home

through the grove (森の中を通って) [前] in or through a wooded area

彼女はいつもこういう時には彼の腕をとったものだったが、今はそうしなかったし、彼も文句を言わなかったが、それは悪い兆候だったが、彼らが道から森の中を通って家に向かう小さな道に入るまで、あらゆる種類の遠く離れた話題について早口で話し続けた。

Then he walked more slowly, suddenly lost his fine flow of language, and now and then a dreadful pause occurred.

occur (訪れる) [動] happen; take place

それから彼はもっとゆっくりと歩き、突然言葉の流れが途切れ、時々恐ろしい沈黙が訪れた。

To rescue the conversation from one of the wells of silence into which it kept falling, Jo said hastily, “Now you must have a good long holiday!”

well (井戸) [名] a deep hole dug in the ground to obtain water

会話が沈黙の井戸に落ち続けないように、ジョーは急いで言った、「さあ、長い休みを取らなくちゃね!」

“I intend to.”

intend to (するつもりだ) [動] have as one's purpose or intention

「そうするつもりだ。」

Something in his resolute tone made Jo look up quickly to find him looking down at her with an expression that assured her the dreaded moment had come, and made her put out her hand with an imploring, “No, Teddy. Please don’t!”

resolute (決意に満ちた) [形] determined or firm in purpose or decision

彼の決意に満ちた口調に何かを感じて、ジョーは急いで顔を上げ、彼が恐れていた瞬間が来たことを確信させるような表情で彼女を見下ろしているのを見て、懇願するように手を差し出した。「いや、テディ。お願い、やめて!」

“I will, and you must hear me.

「言うよ、そして聞いてくれ。

It’s no use, Jo, we’ve got to have it out, and the sooner the better for both of us,” he answered, getting flushed and excited all at once.

have it out (解決する) [動] to settle a dispute or argument by fighting or arguing

the sooner the better (早ければ早いほどいい) [句] the earlier something happens, the more beneficial it will be

get flushed (顔を赤らめる) [動] to become red in the face

無駄だよ、ジョー、私たちはそれを解決しなきゃいけないんだ、そして早ければ早いほど私たち二人にとっていいんだ」と彼は答え、一気に顔を赤らめ興奮した。

“Say what you like then.

「じゃあ、言いたいことを言って。

I’ll listen,” said Jo, with a desperate sort of patience.

聞くよ」とジョーは必死に我慢して言った。

Laurie was a young lover, but he was in earnest, and meant to ‘have it out’, if he died in the attempt, so he plunged into the subject with characteristic impetuousity, saying in a voice that would get choky now and then, in spite of manful efforts to keep it steady...

impetuousity (衝動性) [名] the quality of acting or done without forethought or planning

plunge (飛び込む) [動] move or cause to move suddenly and quickly

get choky (詰まる) [動] become blocked or obstructed

ローリーは若い恋人だったが、彼は本気で、もしその試みで死んだとしても「それを解決する」つもりだったので、彼は特徴的な衝動性でその話題に飛び込み、時折声が詰まってしまうような声で言った、それを安定させておくための男らしい努力にもかかわらず...

“I’ve loved you ever since I’ve known you, Jo, couldn’t help it, you’ve been so good to me.

ever since (ずっと) [副] continuously or repeatedly from a particular time in the past

「君と知り合ってからずっと君を愛してきたんだ、ジョー、仕方なかったんだ、君は私にとても優しかった。

I’ve tried to show it, but you wouldn’t let me.

それを示そうとしたけど、君は許してくれなかった。

Now I’m going to make you hear, and give me an answer, for I can’t go on so any longer.”

今、君に聞いてもらい、答えてもらうつもりだ、もうこれ以上続けられないから」

“I wanted to save you this.

「君にこれを取っておきたかったんだ。

I thought you’d understand...” began Jo, finding it a great deal harder than she expected.

あなたなら分かってくれると思ったのに・・・」とジョーは言い始めたが、予想以上に難しいことが分かった。

“I know you did, but the girls are so queer you never know what they mean.

「そうだったことは分かっているけど、娘たちはとても奇妙で、何を意味しているのか分からない。

They say no when they mean yes, and drive a man out of his wits just for the fun of it,” returned Laurie, entrenching himself behind an undeniable fact.

say no (ノーと言う) [動] refuse

mean yes (イエスという意味) [動] intend to say yes

drive a man out of his wits (男を狂わせる) [動] make a man go crazy

just for the fun of it (ただの楽しみのために) [副] for no other reason than to have fun

entrench oneself behind (身を隠す) [動] hide oneself behind

undeniable fact (否定できない事実) [名] a fact that cannot be denied

イエスという意味でノーと言い、ただの楽しみのために男を狂わせる」とローリーは否定できない事実の背後に身を隠した。

“I don’t. I never wanted to make you care for me so, and I went away to keep you from it if I could.”

「私はそうは思わない。あなたにそんなに私を気にかけて欲しくなかったし、できればそうならないようにと私は去ったのです。」

“I thought so. It was like you, but it was no use.

I thought so (そう思った) [句] I had the same thought

it was like you (あなたらしい) [句] that's typical of you

it was no use (無駄だった) [句] it was useless

「そう思った。あなたらしいけど、無駄だったよ。

I only loved you all the more, and I worked hard to please you, and I gave up billiards and everything you didn’t like, and waited and never complained, for I hoped you’d love me, though I’m not half good enough...”

all the more (ますます) [副] to a greater extent

私はただあなたをますます愛し、あなたを喜ばせようと一生懸命働き、ビリヤードやあなたが嫌いなものすべてを諦め、待ち、文句を言うことはなかった、なぜなら私はあなたが私を愛してくれることを望んでいたから、私は半分も十分に良くはないのに・・・」

Here there was a choke that couldn’t be controlled, so he decapitated buttercups while he cleared his ‘confounded throat’.

choke (むせび泣き) [名] a sound of choking or gasping

decapitate (首を切り落とす) [動] to cut off the head of

buttercup (キンポウゲ) [名] a plant with bright yellow cup-shaped flowers

ここでは抑えきれないむせび泣きがあったので、彼は「混乱した喉」をすっきりさせている間にキンポウゲの花の首を切り落とした。

“You, you are, you’re a great deal too good for me, and I’m so grateful to you, and so proud and fond of you, I don’t know why I can’t love you as you want me to.

too good (もったいない) [形] more than is deserved or needed

「あなたは、あなたは、あなたは私にはもったいないくらい良い人で、私はあなたにとても感謝しているし、あなたをとても誇りに思っているし、あなたをとても愛している、なぜ私があなたを愛せないのかわからない。

I’ve tried, but I can’t change the feeling, and it would be a lie to say I do when I don’t.”

試してみたけど、気持ちを変えることができないし、愛していないのに愛していると言うのは嘘になる」

“Really, truly, Jo?”

「本当に、本当に、ジョー?」

He stopped short, and caught both her hands as he put his question with a look that she did not soon forget.

catch (つかむ) [動] grip suddenly and forcibly

彼は急に立ち止まり、彼女の両手をつかみ、彼女がすぐに忘れることのできない表情で質問をした。

“Really, truly, dear.”

「本当に、本当に、ねえ」

They were in the grove now, close by the stile, and when the last words fell reluctantly from Jo’s lips, Laurie dropped her hands and turned as if to go on, but for once in his life the fence was too much for him.

close by (すぐそば) [副] very near

stile (小道) [名] a set of steps that allows people to climb over a fence or wall

drop (離す) [動] let go of

彼らは今、小道のすぐそばの木立の中にいて、ジョーの唇から最後の一言がしぶしぶ落ちると、ローリーは彼女の手を離して、先に進むように振り返ったが、彼の人生で一度だけ、柵は彼にとってあまりにも大きかった。

So he just laid his head down on the mossy post, and stood so still that Jo was frightened.

mossy (苔むした) [形] covered with moss

だから彼はただ苔むした柱に頭を下ろし、じっと立っていたので、ジョーは怖くなった。

“Oh, Teddy, I’m sorry, so desperately sorry, I could kill myself if it would do any good!

「ああ、テディ、ごめんなさい、とても申し訳なく思っています、もしそれが何かの役に立つなら、私は自分を殺すことができます!

I wish you wouldn’t take it so hard, I can’t help it.

take it hard (難しく考える) [動] to be very upset about something

can't help it (仕方がない) [動] to be unable to avoid or prevent something

そんなに難しく考えないでほしいんだけど、仕方ないよ。

You know it’s impossible for people to make themselves love other people if they don’t,” cried Jo inelegantly but remorsefully, as she softly patted his shoulder, remembering the time when he had comforted her so long ago.

inelegantly (優雅ではない) [副] in a way that is not elegant

人が他の人を愛していないのに、自分を愛するようにすることは不可能だということを知っている」とジョーは優雅ではないが後悔の念を抱きながら叫び、彼がずっと前に彼女を慰めてくれた時のことを思い出しながら、彼の肩をそっと撫でた。

“They do sometimes,” said a muffled voice from the post.

muffled (くぐもった) [形] (of a sound) not clear or distinct

「時々そうする」と柱からくぐもった声がした。

“I don’t believe it’s the right sort of love, and I’d rather not try it,” was the decided answer.

「それが正しい種類の愛だとは思わないし、試さない方がいい」というのが決まった答えだった。

There was a long pause, while a blackbird sung blithely on the willow by the river, and the tall grass rustled in the wind.

willow (柳) [名] a deciduous tree or shrub of the genus Salix

rustle (揺れる) [動] make a light, soft sound like that of dry leaves being moved by a gentle breeze

長い沈黙があり、その間に川沿いの柳の木にクロウタドリが陽気に歌い、背の高い草が風に揺れた。

Presently Jo said very soberly, as she sat down on the step of the stile, “Laurie, I want to tell you something.”

やがてジョーは、とても真面目な顔で踏み段に腰を下ろして、「ローリー、あなたに話したいことがあるの」と言った。

He started as if he had been shot, threw up his head, and cried out in a fierce tone, “Don’t tell me that, Jo, I can’t bear it now!”

throw up (もたげる) [動] raise or lift up

彼は撃たれたようにびくっとし、頭をもたげ、激しい口調で叫んだ、「そんなこと言わないでくれ、ジョー、今は耐えられない!」

“Tell what?” she asked, wondering at his violence.

violence (暴力) [名] behavior involving physical force intended to hurt or kill someone

「何を言うの?」と彼女は彼の暴力に驚いて尋ねた。

“That you love that old man.”

「あの老人を愛しているって」

“What old man?” demanded Jo, thinking he must mean his grandfather.

「どんな老人?」とジョーは尋ね、彼の祖父のことだろうと思った。

“That devilish Professor you were always writing about.

devilish (悪魔のような) [形] of or like a devil

「君がいつも書いていたあの悪魔のような教授だ。

If you say you love him, I know I shall do something desperate;”

もし彼を愛していると言うなら、私は何か無茶なことをするだろう」

and he looked as if he would keep his word, as he clenched his hands with a wrathful spark in his eyes.

spark (火花) [名] a small fiery particle thrown off from a fire, alight in ashes, or produced by friction

clench (握りしめる) [動] close or hold tightly

そして彼は言葉を守るかのように見え、彼の目には怒りの火花が散り、手を握りしめた。

Jo wanted to laugh, but restrained herself and said warmly, for she too, was getting excited with all this, “Don’t swear, Teddy!

ジョーは笑いたかったが、自分を抑えて、彼女もまたこのことで興奮していたので、「誓わないで、テディ!

He isn’t old, nor anything bad, but good and kind, and the best friend I’ve got, next to you.

彼は年寄りでもなければ、悪い人でもなく、善良で親切で、あなたに次いで私の一番の友人です。

Pray, don’t fly into a passion.

fly into a passion (怒る) [動] become very angry

お願いだから、怒らないで。

I want to be kind, but I know I shall get angry if you abuse my Professor.

私は親切にしたいと思っているけど、私の教授を侮辱したら怒ってしまうよ。

I haven’t the least idea of loving him or anybody else.”

haven't the least idea (考えたこともない) [動] have no idea at all

anybody else (他の誰か) [名] any other person

彼や他の誰かを愛するなんて考えたこともないよ。」

“But you will after a while, and then what will become of me?”

「でも、そのうちそうなるでしょう、そうしたら私はどうなるのでしょう?」

“You’ll love someone else too, like a sensible boy, and forget all this trouble.”

「あなたも他の誰かを愛するようになるよ、分別のある男の子なら、この悩みも全部忘れてしまうよ。」

“I can’t love anyone else, and I’ll never forget you, Jo,

「他の誰かを愛することはできないし、君を忘れることはできないよ、ジョー、

Never! Never!” with a stamp to emphasize his passionate words.

emphasize (強調する) [動] give special importance to

passionate (情熱的な) [形] having or showing strong feelings or emotions

絶対に! 絶対に!」と彼の情熱的な言葉を強調するように足を踏み鳴らした。

“What shall I do with him?” sighed Jo, finding that emotions were more unmanagable than she expected.

unmanagable (手に負えない) [形] difficult or impossible to control or deal with

「彼をどうしたらいいの?」とジョーはため息をつき、感情が予想以上に手に負えないことに気づいた。

“You haven’t heard what I wanted to tell you.

haven't heard (聞いていない) [動] have not heard

wanted to tell (伝えたかった) [動] want to tell

「私があなたに伝えたかったことを聞いていないよ。

Sit down and listen, for indeed I want to do right and make you happy,” she said, hoping to soothe him with a little reason, which proved that she knew nothing about love.

座って聞いて、私は本当に正しいことをしてあなたを幸せにしたいのだから」と彼女は言い、少しの理屈で彼をなだめようとしたが、それは彼女が愛について何も知らないことを証明した。

Seeing a ray of hope in that last speech, Laurie threw himself down on the grass at her feet, leaned his arm on the lower step of the stile, and looked up at her with an expectant face.

その最後のスピーチに一筋の希望を見出したローリーは、彼女の足元の草の上に身を投げ出し、腕を柵の下の段に寄りかからせ、期待に満ちた顔で彼女を見上げた。

Now that arrangement was not conducive to calm speech or clear thought on Jo’s part, for how could she say hard things to her boy while he watched her with eyes full of love and longing, and lashes still wet with the bitter drop or two her hardness of heart had wrung from him?

arrangement (状況) [名] the way in which something is organized or arranged

lash (まつげ) [名] one of the short curved hairs growing in a row on the edge of the eyelid

このような状況では、ジョーは落ち着いて話したり、はっきりと考えたりすることができなかった。愛と憧れに満ちた目で彼女を見つめ、彼女の心の冷たさから絞り出された苦い涙でまつげが濡れている少年に、どうして厳しいことを言えるだろうか?

She gently turned his head away, saying, as she stroked the wavy hair which had been allowed to grow for her sake—how touching that was, to be sure!

turn away (そむける) [動] turn in the opposite direction

wavy (ウェーブのかかった) [形] having a wavy form or outline

touching (感動的) [形] arousing strong feelings of sympathy, pity, or admiration

彼女は彼の頭をそっとそむけさせ、彼女のために伸ばされたウェーブのかかった髪を撫でながら言った。確かに、それはどれほど感動的なことだったろう!

“I agree with Mother that you and I are not suited to each other, because our quick tempers and strong wills would probably make us very miserable, if we were so foolish as to...”

「私もママと同じで、あなたと私はお互いに似合わないと思うよ。もし私たちが愚かにも・・・」

Jo paused a little over the last word, but Laurie uttered it with a rapturous expression.

pause (ためらう) [動] stop or hesitate briefly

ジョーは最後の一言で少しためらったが、ローリーは恍惚とした表情でそれを口にした。

“Marry—no we shouldn’t!

「結婚するなんて、いけないよ!

If you loved me, Jo, I should be a perfect saint, for you could make me anything you like.”

ジョー、もし君が私を愛してくれたら、私は完璧な聖人になるだろう。君は私を君の好きなようにすることができるのだから。」

“No, I can’t. I’ve tried and failed, and I won’t risk our happiness by such a serious experiment.

risk (危険にさらす) [動] expose to danger or loss

「いいえ、できないよ。試したけど失敗したし、そんな重大な実験で私たちの幸せを危険にさらすことはできないよ。

We don’t agree and we never shall, so we’ll be good friends all our lives, but we won’t go and do anything rash.”

be good friends (良い友達である) [動] be friends with someone

私たちは意見が合わない、これからも合わない、だから私たちは一生良い友達でいましょう、でも軽率なことは何もしません。」

“Yes, we will if we get the chance,” muttered Laurie rebelliously.

「チャンスがあればするよ」とローリーは反抗的につぶやいた。

“Now do be reasonable, and take a sensible view of the case,” implored Jo, almost at her wit’s end.

reasonable (理性的) [形] having or showing reason or sound judgment

wit's end (途方に暮れる) [名] the point at which one is completely at a loss as to what to do

「さあ、理性的になって、この件を賢明に考えようよ」とジョーは懇願したが、もうほとんど途方に暮れていた。

“I won’t be reasonable.

be reasonable (理性的になる) [動] be sensible or logical

「理性的にはなれないよ。

I don’t want to take what you call ‘a sensible view’.

take (する) [動] adopt or assume

view (考え) [名] a way of thinking about something

あなたの言う「賢明な考え」なんてしたくないよ。

It won’t help me, and it only makes it harder.

私には役に立たないし、ただつらくなるだけよ。

I don’t believe you’ve got any heart.”

get (持つ) [動] receive; obtain; acquire

あなたには心なんてないと思うよ。」

“I wish I hadn’t.”

「そうしなければよかったのに。」

There was a little quiver in Jo’s voice, and thinking it a good omen, Laurie turned round, bringing all his persuasive powers to bear as he said, in the wheedlesome tone that had never been so dangerously wheedlesome before, “Don’t disappoint us, dear!

quiver (震え) [名] a slight trembling movement

good omen (良い兆候) [名] a sign of good luck

bring to bear (発揮する) [動] to cause to have an effect

ジョーの声には少し震えがあり、それを良い兆候だと思ったローリーは振り返り、これまでにないほど危険なほど甘い口調で、彼の説得力をすべて発揮して言った、「がっかりさせないでくれ、ジョー!

Everyone expects it.

みんな期待しているんだ。

Grandpa has set his heart upon it, your people like it, and I can’t get on without you.

get on (やっていけない) [動] to manage or cope

おじいちゃんはそれをとても楽しみにしているし、あなたの家族もそれを望んでいるし、私はあなたなしではやっていけないよ。

Say you will, and let’s be happy.

結婚すると言って、幸せになろう。

Do, do!”

お願い、お願い!」

Not until months afterward did Jo understand how she had the strength of mind to hold fast to the resolution she had made when she decided that she did not love her boy, and never could.

not until (~まで~ない) [接] only when

afterward (後に) [副] later; afterwards

hold fast (守り通す) [動] to keep or maintain something

ジョーは、自分が彼を愛していないし、愛することはできないと決めたとき、自分が下した決意を守り通す精神力があったことを、数ヶ月後まで理解していなかった。

It was very hard to do, but she did it, knowing that delay was both useless and cruel.

delay (遅らせる) [動] make (something) late or slow

useless (無駄な) [形] not serving any purpose or not producing any result

それはとても難しいことだったけれど、彼女は遅らせることが無駄で残酷だとわかっていたので、そうした。

“I can’t say ‘yes’ truly, so I won’t say it at all.

truly (心から) [副] in a sincere or genuine way

「私は心から「はい」と言えないので、何も言いません。

You’ll see that I’m right, by-and-by, and thank me for it...” she began solemnly.

やがて私が正しいことがわかって、私に感謝するでしょう・・・」と彼女は厳かに話し始めた。

“I’ll be hanged if I do!”

be hanged (首を吊る) [動] be killed by hanging

「そんなことしたら首を吊るよ!」

and Laurie bounced up off the grass, burning with indignation at the very idea.

bounce up (跳ね起きる) [動] jump up

burn (憤慨する) [動] be very angry

ローリーは草から跳ね起き、その考えに憤慨した。

“Yes, you will!” persisted Jo.

persist (言い張る) [動] continue firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition

「そうするよ!」とジョーは言い張った。

“You’ll get over this after a while, and find some lovely accomplished girl, who will adore you, and make a fine mistress for your fine house.

a while (しばらく) [名] a short period of time

「しばらくしたらこのことは忘れて、あなたを慕い、あなたの立派な家の立派な女主人になるような、素敵な教養のある女性を見つけるでしょう。

I shouldn’t. I’m homely and awkward and odd and old, and you’d be ashamed of me, and we should quarrel—we can’t help it even now, you see—and I shouldn’t like elegant society and you would, and you’d hate my scribbling, and I couldn’t get on without it, and we should be unhappy, and wish we hadn’t done it, and everything would be horrid!”

scribbling (走り書き) [名] hasty, careless, or illegible writing

私はそうは思わないよ。私は家庭的で、ぎこちなくて、風変わりで、年寄りだし、あなたは私を恥ずかしく思うだろうし、私たちは喧嘩するだろうし、今でも仕方がないのよ、わかるでしょう、私は上品な社交界は好きじゃないし、あなたは好きだし、あなたは私の走り書きを嫌うだろうし、私はそれなしではやっていけないし、私たちは不幸になって、結婚なんてしなければよかったと思うだろうし、すべてがひどいことになるよ!」

“Anything more?” asked Laurie, finding it hard to listen patiently to this prophetic burst.

prophetic (予言的な) [形] of or relating to a prophet or prophecy

「他に何か?」とローリーは尋ね、この予言的な爆発に辛抱強く耳を傾けるのが難しいと感じた。

“Nothing more, except that I don’t believe I shall ever marry.

「私が結婚するなんて信じられないということ以外は、何も。

I’m happy as I am, and love my liberty too well to be in a hurry to give it up for any mortal man.”

as I am (今のままで) [副] in the state that I am in

mortal (人間) [名] a human being

私は今のままで幸せだし、自分の自由をとても愛しているので、どんな人間のためにも急いでそれを放棄することはないよ。」

“I know better!” broke in Laurie.

know better (もっとよく知っている) [動] be aware of the correct facts

「私はもっとよく知っている!」とローリーが口を挟んだ。

“You think so now, but there’ll come a time when you will care for somebody, and you’ll love him tremendously, and live and die for him.

tremendously (とても) [副] to a very great degree

「今はそう思っているけど、誰かを大切に思う時が来て、その人をとても愛し、その人のために生き、死ぬ時が来るよ。

I know you will, it’s your way, and I shall have to stand by and see it,” and the despairing lover cast his hat upon the ground with a gesture that would have seemed comical, if his face had not been so tragic.

I know (知っている) [動] be aware of

you will (そうするだろう) [助] have something already planned or arranged; have something that is bound to happen; will

it's your way (それが君のやり方だ) [名] the manner in which something is done or happens

I shall have to (しなければならないだろう) [助] be obliged to; must

stand by (傍観する) [動] be present but not take part in

upon (地面に) [前] on top of

君はそうするだろう、それが君のやり方だ、そして私はそれを傍観しなければならないだろう」そして絶望した恋人は、もし彼の顔がそれほど悲劇的でなければ、滑稽に見えたであろう身振りで帽子を地面に投げつけた。

“Yes, I will live and die for him, if he ever comes and makes me love him in spite of myself, and you must do the best you can!” cried Jo, losing patience with poor Teddy.

live and die (生き、死ぬ) [動] to live and die for someone or something

lose patience (我慢できなくなる) [動] become impatient

「そうよ、もし彼が現れて、私を愛してくれるなら、私は彼のために生き、死ぬよ、そしてあなたはできる限りのことをしなければならないよ!」とジョーは叫び、かわいそうなテディに我慢できなくなった。

“I’ve done my best, but you won’t be reasonable, and it’s selfish of you to keep teasing for what I can’t give.

be reasonable (理性的である) [動] to be sensible or logical

keep teasing (欲しがり続ける) [動] to continue to tease

「私はベストを尽くしたけれど、あなたは理性的になろうとしないし、私があげられないものを欲しがり続けるのは利己的だよ。

I shall always be fond of you, very fond indeed, as a friend, but I’ll never marry you, and the sooner you believe it the better for both of us—so now!”

be fond of (好きになる) [動] to like someone or something a lot

the sooner (早く) [副] earlier

the better (より良い) [形] to a higher standard or more advanced level

for both of us (私たち二人にとって) [名] for both of us

so now (だから今) [副] at this time; at the present moment

私はいつもあなたを好きになるでしょう、友人として本当にとても好きになるでしょう、でも私はあなたと結婚することは決してありません、そしてあなたがそれを信じれば信じるほど私たち二人にとってより良いことです—だから今!」

That speech was like gunpowder.

そのスピーチは火薬のようだった。

Laurie looked at her a minute as if he did not quite know what to do with himself, then turned sharply away, saying in a desperate sort of tone, “You’ll be sorry some day, Jo.”

do with (どうしたらいいか) [動] have to do with; be connected with

sharply (急に) [副] quickly and suddenly

ローリーは、自分がどうしたらいいかわからないかのように彼女をしばらく見つめてから、急に背を向け、絶望的な口調で「いつか後悔するよ、ジョー」と言った。

“Oh, where are you going?” she cried, for his face frightened her.

「ああ、どこに行くの?」と彼女は叫んだ、彼の顔が彼女を怖がらせたからだ。

“To the devil!” was the consoling answer.

devil (悪魔) [名] the supreme spirit of evil; Satan

consoling (慰めになる) [形] providing comfort or consolation

「悪魔のところへ!」というのが慰めになる答えだった。

For a minute Jo’s heart stood still, as he swung himself down the bank toward the river, but it takes much folly, sin or misery to send a young man to a violent death, and Laurie was not one of the weak sort who are conquered by a single failure.

stand still (止まる) [動] not move

sort (人間) [名] a category of people or things having similar characteristics

彼が川に向かって土手を下りていくと、ジョーの心臓は一瞬止まったが、若い男を非業の死に追いやるには、多くの愚行、罪、悲惨さが必要であり、ローリーは一度の失敗で征服されるような弱い人間ではない。

He had no thought of a melodramatic plunge, but some blind instinct led him to fling hat and coat into his boat, and row away with all his might, making better time up the river than he had done in any race.

plunge (飛び込み) [名] a sudden and rapid fall or drop

blind (盲目的な) [形] unable to see

彼はメロドラマのような飛び込みは考えていなかったが、何か盲目的な本能が彼を帽子とコートをボートに投げ込み、全力で漕ぎ出し、どんなレースでもしたことがないほど速く川を上った。

Jo drew a long breath and unclasped her hands as she watched the poor fellow trying to outstrip the trouble which he carried in his heart.

draw a long breath (長い息をつく) [動] breathe deeply

unclasp (広げる) [動] open or release

poor fellow (哀れな男) [名] a man who is unfortunate

outstrip (追い越す) [動] go faster than

ジョーは長い息をつき、手を広げて、心の中の悩みを追い越そうとしている哀れな男を見つめた。

“That will do him good, and he’ll come home in such a tender, penitent state of mind, that I shan’t dare to see him,” she said, adding, as she went slowly home, feeling as if she had murdered some innocent thing, and buried it under the leaves.

do good (落ち着く) [動] to be beneficial or helpful

「これで彼も落ち着くだろうし、優しく後悔した気持ちで帰ってくるだろうから、私は彼に会う勇気はないだろう」と彼女は言い、何か罪のないものを殺して葉の下に埋めたような気持ちでゆっくりと家路についた。

“Now I must go and prepare Mr. Laurence to be very kind to my poor boy.

「さあ、ローレンスさんに私のかわいそうな息子にとても親切にするよう準備しに行かなくては。

I wish he’d love Beth, perhaps he may in time, but I begin to think I was mistaken about her.

in time (そのうちに) [副] eventually; sooner or later

彼がベスを愛してくれたらいいのに、そのうちそうなるかもしれないけど、私は彼女について間違っていたと思い始めている。

Oh dear! How can girls like to have lovers and refuse them?

oh dear (なんてことだ) [間] an expression of surprise, disappointment, or disgust

なんてことだ! 女の子はどうして恋人がいるのに断ることができるのだろう?

I think it’s dreadful.”

ひどいと思うよ。」

Being sure that no one could do it so well as herself, she went straight to Mr. Laurence, told the hard story bravely through, and then broke down, crying so dismally over her own insensibility that the kind old gentleman, though sorely disappointed, did not utter a reproach.

insensibility (無神経さ) [名] lack of feeling or emotion

自分ほどうまくできる人はいないと確信して、彼女はまっすぐローレンスさんのところへ行き、つらい話を勇敢に語り終えると、自分の無神経さを悲しんで泣き崩れたので、親切な老紳士はひどくがっかりしたものの、非難の言葉を口にすることはなかった。

He found it difficult to understand how any girl could help loving Laurie, and hoped she would change her mind, but he knew even better than Jo that love cannot be forced, so he shook his head sadly and resolved to carry his boy out of harm’s way, for Young Impetuosity’s parting words to Jo disturbed him more than he would confess.

find it difficult to understand (理解に苦しむ) [動] have difficulty understanding something

help loving (愛さずにはいられない) [動] be unable to refrain from loving

know better than (よりもよく知っている) [動] have more knowledge or information about something than someone else

carry (連れ出す) [動] take or bring someone or something from one place to another

out of harm's way (危険な道から) [名] out of danger

彼は、どんな女の子でもローリーを愛さずにはいられないだろうと思っていたので、彼女が気が変わってくれることを期待したが、愛は強制できないことをジョーよりもよく知っていたので、悲しそうに首を振り、息子を危険な道から連れ出そうと決心した。若い衝動的なローリーのジョーへの別れの言葉は、彼が告白する以上に彼を不安にさせた。

When Laurie came home, dead tired but quite composed, his grandfather met him as if he knew nothing, and kept up the delusion very successfully for an hour or two.

dead tired (疲れ果てる) [形] extremely tired

quite composed (落ち着いている) [形] calm and in control of oneself

ローリーが疲れ果てて帰宅したとき、祖父は何も知らないかのように彼を迎え、1、2時間はうまくごまかしていた。

But when they sat together in the twilight, the time they used to enjoy so much, it was hard work for the old man to ramble on as usual, and harder still for the young one to listen to praises of the last year’s success, which to him now seemed like love’s labor lost.

hard work (大変な仕事) [名] a task or undertaking that is difficult or arduous

ramble on (とりとめのない話をする) [動] talk or write at length in a confused or inconsequential way

love's labor lost (無駄骨) [名] a task that is futile or pointless

しかし、彼らが夕暮れ時に一緒に座ったとき、彼らがとても楽しんでいた時間、老人がいつものようにとりとめのない話をするのは大変な仕事だったし、若い人が去年の成功を褒められるのを聞くのはもっと大変だった。

He bore it as long as he could, then went to his piano and began to play.

彼は我慢できる限り我慢してからピアノに向かい、弾き始めた。

The windows were open, and Jo, walking in the garden with Beth, for once understood music better than her sister, for he played the ‘Sonata Pathetique’, and played it as he never did before.

Sonata Pathetique (悲愴ソナタ) [名] a piano sonata by Beethoven

窓が開いていて、ベスと庭を歩いていたジョーは、一度だけ妹よりも音楽をよく理解していた。彼は「悲愴ソナタ」を弾き、今までにない演奏をしたからだ。

“That’s very fine, I dare say, but it’s sad enough to make one cry.

make one cry (泣いてしまう) [動] to cause someone to cry

「それはとても素晴らしいことだが、泣いてしまうほど悲しい。

Give us something gayer, lad,” said Mr. Laurence, whose kind old heart was full of sympathy, which he longed to show but knew not how.

give (弾く) [動] play

もっと陽気なものを弾いてくれ」とローレンス氏は言った。彼の優しい老いた心は同情に満ちていたが、それを示したいと思いながらも、どうしたらいいかわからなかった。

Laurie dashed into a livelier strain, played stormily for several minutes, and would have got through bravely, if in a momentary lull Mrs. March’s voice had not been heard calling,

dash into (飛び込む) [動] move or go somewhere quickly and suddenly

strain (曲) [名] a piece of music

stormily (嵐のように) [副] in a stormy manner

would have (だろう) [助] used to express a possible or probable situation or event

ローリーはより活発な曲に飛び込み、数分間嵐のように演奏し、もし一時的な小康状態の間にマーチ夫人の呼びかける声が聞こえなかったら、勇敢に乗り切れただろう。

“Jo, dear, come in. I want you.”

「ジョー、中に入りなさい。あなたに用があるの。」

Just what Laurie longed to say, with a different meaning!

ローリーが言いたかったことそのものだった、ただ意味が違うだけだ!

As he listened, he lost his place, the music ended with a broken chord, and the musician sat silent in the dark.

dark (暗闇) [名] the absence of light

彼は聞きながら、弾く場所を見失い、音楽は不協和音で終わり、音楽家は暗闇の中で黙って座っていた。

“I can’t stand this,” muttered the old gentleman.

can't stand (耐えられない) [動] be unable to tolerate

「これは耐えられない」と老紳士はつぶやいた。

Up he got, groped his way to the piano, laid a kind hand on either of the broad shoulders, and said, as gently as a woman, “I know, my boy, I know.”

彼は立ち上がり、ピアノまで手探りで行き、広い肩のどちらかに優しい手を置き、女性のように優しく言った、「分かるよ、坊や、分かるよ。」

No answer for an instant, then Laurie asked sharply, “Who told you?”

no answer (答えがない) [名] no response

for an instant (すぐに) [副] for a very short time

すぐには答えがなく、それからローリーは鋭く尋ねた、「誰に聞いたんだ?」

“Jo herself.”

herself (自身に) [代] used to emphasize that a woman or girl does something without help

「ジョー自身に」

“Then there’s an end of it!”

「それならそれで終わりだ!」

And he shook off his grandfather’s hands with an impatient motion, for though grateful for the sympathy, his man’s pride could not bear a man’s pity.

そして彼は祖父の手を焦れた動作で振り払った、同情には感謝しているが、彼の男のプライドは男の哀れみに耐えられなかった。

“Not quite. I want to say one thing, and then there shall be an end of it,” returned Mr. Laurence with unusual mildness.

mildness (穏やかさ) [名] the quality of being mild or moderate

「そうではない。私は一つだけ言いたいことがある、そうしたらそれで終わりだ」とローレンス氏は珍しく穏やかに答えた。

“You won’t care to stay at home now, perhaps?”

stay at home (家に居る) [動] remain in one's home

「今は家に居たくないだろう?」

“I don’t intend to run away from a girl.

「私は女の子から逃げるつもりはない。

Jo can’t prevent my seeing her, and I shall stay and do it as long as I like,” interrupted Laurie in a defiant tone.

defiant (反抗的な) [形] showing defiance; boldly resistant or challenging

ジョーは私が彼女に会うのを妨げることはできない、そして私は好きなだけここにいてそうするつもりだ」とローリーは反抗的な口調で遮った。

“Not if you are the gentleman I think you.

「私が思っているような紳士なら、そうはならない。

I’m disappointed, but the girl can’t help it, and the only thing left for you to do is to go away for a time.

the only thing (唯一のこと) [名] the only thing

私はがっかりしているが、娘は仕方がない、そして君に残された唯一のことはしばらく立ち去ることだ。

Where will you go?”

どこに行くつもりかね?」

“Anywhere. I don’t care what becomes of me,” and Laurie got up with a reckless laugh that grated on his grandfather’s ear.

don't care (かまわない) [動] be indifferent to

reckless (無謀な) [形] without thinking or caring about the consequences of an action

grate (耳に障る) [動] have an irritating effect on

「どこでもいい。私はどうなってもかまわない」そしてローリーは祖父の耳に障る無謀な笑い声を上げて立ち上がった。

“Take it like a man, and don’t do anything rash, for God’s sake.

「男らしく受け止めて、神のためにも無謀なことはするな。

Why not go abroad, as you planned, and forget it?”

計画通りに海外に行って、忘れたらどうだ?」

“I can’t.”

「できない」

“But you’ve been wild to go, and I promised you should when you got through college.”

「でも、君は行きたがっていたし、大学を卒業したら行かせると約束した」

“Ah, but I didn’t mean to go alone!”

「ああ、でも一人で行くつもりはなかった!」

and Laurie walked fast through the room with an expression which it was well his grandfather did not see.

そしてローリーは、祖父が見なくてよかったような表情で部屋を足早に歩いていった。

“I don’t ask you to go alone.

「一人で行けとは言っていない。

There’s someone ready and glad to go with you, anywhere in the world.”

世界中どこへでも、喜んで君と行く用意のある人がいる」

“Who, Sir?”

「誰ですか、おじいさま?」

stopping to listen.

立ち止まって耳を傾けた。

“Myself.”

「私だ」

Laurie came back as quickly as he went, and put out his hand, saying huskily, “I’m a selfish brute, but—you know—Grandfather—”

huskily (しわがれた声で) [副] in a hoarse voice

brute (野郎) [名] a savagely violent person or animal

ローリーは出て行ったのと同じくらい素早く戻ってきて、手を差し出し、しわがれた声で言った、「私は利己的な野郎だが、でも、おじいさま、」

“Lord help me, yes, I do know, for I’ve been through it all before, once in my own young days, and then with your father.

been through (経験した) [動] have had to deal with

「神よ、助けてください、ええ、知っています、私も若い頃に一度、そしてあなたの父親と、すべてを経験したからです。

Now, my dear boy, just sit quietly down and hear my plan.

さあ、坊や、静かに座って私の計画を聞きなさい。

It’s all settled, and can be carried out at once,” said Mr. Laurence, keeping hold of the young man, as if fearful that he would break away as his father had done before him.

be settled (決まる) [動] be decided or resolved

すべて決まったし、すぐに実行できる」とローレンス氏は、若い男が父親が以前にしたように逃げ出すのを恐れているかのように、彼をつかまえながら言った。

“Well, sir, what is it?”

well (ええ) [副] used to express agreement, acceptance, or understanding

「ええ、おじいさま、それは何ですか?」

and Laurie sat down, without a sign of interest in face or voice.

そしてローリーは顔にも声にも興味の兆候を見せずに腰を下ろした。

“There is business in London that needs looking after.

「ロンドンで面倒を見なければならない仕事がある。

I meant you should attend to it, but I can do it better myself, and things here will get on very well with Brooke to manage them.

君にそれをやってもらうつもりだったが、私自身でやった方がうまくできるし、ここのことはブルックが管理すればうまくいくだろう。

My partners do almost everything, I’m merely holding on until you take my place, and can be off at any time.”

hold on (引き継ぐ) [動] to wait for a short period of time

take one's place (代わりをする) [動] to act instead of someone

at any time (いつでも) [副] whenever; on any occasion

私のパートナーがほとんど全てのことをやってくれるし、君が私の代わりをしてくれるまで私がただ引き継いでいるだけで、いつでも辞めることができる。」

“But you hate traveling, Sir.

「でも、あなたは旅行が嫌いでしょう。

I can’t ask it of you at your age,” began Laurie, who was grateful for the sacrifice, but much preferred to go alone, if he went at all.

あなたの年齢でそんなことを頼むことはできない」とローリーは言い始めたが、彼はその犠牲に感謝していたが、もし行くのであれば一人で行くことをずっと好んでいた。

The old gentleman knew that perfectly well, and particularly desired to prevent it, for the mood in which he found his grandson assured him that it would not be wise to leave him to his own devices.

perfectly well (よく) [副] to a high degree

老紳士はそれをよく知っていて、特にそれを防ぎたいと思っていた、というのも、孫の機嫌からして、彼を放っておくのは賢明ではないと確信していたからだ。

So, stifling a natural regret at the thought of the home comforts he would leave behind him, he said stoutly, “Bless your soul, I’m not superannuated yet.

home comfort (家庭の安楽) [名] the comfort of being at home

natural regret (当然の悔しさ) [名] a feeling of sadness or disappointment that is caused by something that is expected or normal

stifle (抑える) [動] prevent or suppress the development of

superannuated (老いぼれ) [形] too old to be useful or effective

だから、彼は後に残す家庭の安楽を考えれば当然の悔しさを抑えながら、頑固に言った、「君の魂に祝福あれ、私はまだ老いぼれではない。

I quite enjoy the idea.

私はその考えをとても楽しんでいる。

It will do me good, and my old bones won’t suffer, for traveling nowadays is almost as easy as sitting in a chair.”

old bone (老骨) [名] an old person

それは私に良いことをしてくれ、私の老骨は苦しまないだろう、というのも、最近の旅行は椅子に座っているくらい簡単だからだ。」

A restless movement from Laurie suggested that his chair was not easy, or that he did not like the plan, and made the old man add hastily, “I don’t mean to be a marplot or a burden.

marplot (邪魔者) [名] a person who interferes with and spoils a plan or undertaking

ローリーの落ち着かない動きは、彼の椅子が楽でないか、彼がその計画が気に入らないことを示唆し、老人は急いで付け加えた、「私は邪魔者や重荷になるつもりはない。

I go because I think you’d feel happier than if I was left behind.

私が行くのは、私が残されるよりも君が幸せに感じると思うからだ。

I don’t intend to gad about with you, but leave you free to go where you like, while I amuse myself in my own way.

gad about (遊び回る) [動] go about aimlessly or frivolously

私は君と遊び回るつもりはないが、君が好きな所へ自由に行けるようにしておこう、その間に私は自分のやり方で楽しむ。

I’ve friends in London and Paris, and should like to visit them.

私にはロンドンとパリに友人がいて、彼らを訪ねたいと思っている。

Meantime you can go to Italy, Germany, Switzerland, where you will, and enjoy pictures, music, scenery, and adventures to your heart’s content.”

where (どこへでも) [副] to what place

その間に君はイタリア、ドイツ、スイス、どこへでも行けるし、絵画、音楽、景色、冒険を心ゆくまで楽しむことができる。」

Now, Laurie felt just then that his heart was entirely broken and the world a howling wilderness, but at the sound of certain words which the old gentleman artfully introduced into his closing sentence, the broken heart gave an unexpected leap, and a green oasis or two suddenly appeared in the howling wilderness.

howling (荒れ狂う) [形] very strong or violent

closing (最後の) [形] coming at the end of something

leap (跳躍) [名] a large jump

oasis (オアシス) [名] a small area of vegetation surrounded by desert

さて、ローリーはちょうどその時、自分の心が完全に打ち砕かれ、世界が荒れ狂う荒野であると感じていたが、老紳士が巧みに最後の文に挿入したある言葉の音に、打ち砕かれた心は予期せぬ跳躍を見せ、荒れ狂う荒野に緑のオアシスが一つ二つと突然現れた。

He sighed, and then said, in a spiritless tone, “Just as you like, Sir.

spiritless (元気のない) [形] lacking energy or enthusiasm

彼はため息をつき、それから元気のない口調で言った、「お好きなように、旦那様。

It doesn’t matter where I go or what I do.”

matter (かまう) [動] be of importance or significance

私がどこへ行こうと、何をしようと、かまいません。」

“It does to me, remember that, my lad.

do (かまう) [動] be concerned with or interested in

「私にはかまう、それを覚えておきなさい、坊や。

I give you entire liberty, but I trust you to make an honest use of it.

私は君に完全な自由を与えるが、君がそれを正直に使うことを信頼する。

Promise me that, Laurie.”

約束して、ローリー。」

“Anything you like, Sir.”

「何でもお好きなように、旦那様。」

“Good,” thought the old gentleman.

「いいぞ」と老紳士は思った。

“You don’t care now, but there’ll come a time when that promise will keep you out of mischief, or I’m much mistaken.”

「今は気にしていないだろうが、その約束が君をいたずらから遠ざける時が来るだろう、さもなければ私は大いに間違っている。」

Being an energetic individual, Mr. Laurence struck while the iron was hot, and before the blighted being recovered spirit enough to rebel, they were off.

individual (人) [名] a single human being as distinguished from a group

iron (鉄) [名] a hard, strong, magnetic, malleable, ductile, silver-gray metal

エネルギッシュな人であるローレンス氏は、鉄が熱いうちに打った、そして、その不幸な存在が反抗するだけの気力を取り戻す前に、彼らは出発した。

During the time necessary for preparation, Laurie bore himself as young gentleman usually do in such cases.

bore (振る舞う) [動] behave in a specified way

準備に必要な時間の間、ローリーはそのような場合に若い紳士が通常するように振る舞った。

He was moody, irritable, and pensive by turns, lost his appetite, neglected his dress and devoted much time to playing tempestuously on his piano, avoided Jo, but consoled himself by staring at her from his window, with a tragic face that haunted her dreams by night and oppressed her with a heavy sense of guilt by day.

irritable (イライラする) [形] easily annoyed or angered

dress (身なり) [名] a woman's one-piece garment with a skirt

guilt (罪悪感) [名] a feeling of worry or unhappiness that you have because you have done something wrong, such as causing harm to another person

彼は気まぐれで、イライラし、物思いにふけり、食欲を失い、身なりを怠り、ピアノを激しく弾くことに多くの時間を費やし、ジョーを避けたが、夜は彼女の夢に現れ、昼は重い罪悪感で彼女を圧迫する悲劇的な顔で、窓から彼女を見つめて自分を慰めた。

Unlike some sufferers, he never spoke of his unrequited passion, and would allow no one, not even Mrs. March, to attempt consolation or offer sympathy.

unlike (異なり) [前] not like; different from

sufferer (被害者) [名] a person who suffers

unrequited (報われない) [形] not returned

一部の被害者とは異なり、彼は報われない情熱について話すことは決してなく、マーチ夫人でさえも、慰めや同情を申し出ることは許さなかった。

On some accounts, this was a relief to his friends, but the weeks before his departure were very uncomfortable, and everyone rejoiced that the ‘poor, dear fellow was going away to forget his trouble, and come home happy’.

on some accounts (ある意味) [副] in some ways

come home (帰って来る) [動] return home

ある意味、これは彼の友人達にとって安心材料だったが、彼の出発前の数週間はとても居心地が悪く、誰もが「かわいそうな、愛すべき仲間が悩みを忘れて、幸せに帰って来るために出かけること」を喜んだ。

Of course, he smiled darkly at their delusion, but passed it by with the sad superiority of one who knew that his fidelity like his love was unalterable.

delusion (妄想) [名] a false belief that is resistant to reason or confrontation with actual fact

superiority (優越感) [名] the quality or state of being superior

unalterable (変わらない) [形] not able to be changed

もちろん、彼は彼らの妄想に暗く微笑んだが、彼の愛のような彼の忠実さが変わらないことを知っている人物の悲しい優越感でそれを通り過ぎた。

When the parting came he affected high spirits, to conceal certain inconvenient emotions which seemed inclined to assert themselves.

high spirits (高揚) [名] a feeling of great happiness or excitement

別れの時が来ると、彼は高揚した態度を取り、自分を主張しがちな不都合な感情を隠した。

This gaiety did not impose upon anybody, but they tried to look as if it did for his sake, and he got on very well till Mrs. March kissed him, with a whisper full of motherly solicitude.

impose (押し付けがましい) [動] force (something unwelcome) on someone

solicitude (懇願) [名] care or concern for someone or something

この陽気さは誰にも押し付けがましくはなかったが、彼のためにそうであるかのように見せかけようとし、マーチ夫人が母親のような懇願に満ちたささやきとともに彼にキスするまでは、彼はうまくやっていた。

Then feeling that he was going very fast, he hastily embraced them all round, not forgetting the afflicted Hannah, and ran downstairs as if for his life.

それから、彼は非常に急いでいるように感じて、彼は急いで彼ら全員を抱きしめ、苦しんでいるハンナを忘れずに、彼の命のために階下に走った。

Jo followed a minute after to wave her hand to him if he looked round.

look round (振り返る) [動] turn one's head and look in a different direction

ジョーは彼が振り返った場合に彼に手を振るために1分後に続いた。

He did look round, came back, put his arms about her as she stood on the step above him, and looked up at her with a face that made his short appeal eloquent and pathetic.

put one's arms about (腕を回す) [動] put one's arms around

彼は振り返り、戻ってきて、彼女が彼の上の段に立っていたので彼女の周りに腕を回し、彼の短い訴えを雄弁で哀れなものにする顔で彼女を見上げた。

“Oh, Jo, can’t you?”

「ああ、ジョー、できないの?」

“Teddy, dear, I wish I could!”

「テディ、愛しい人、できればよかったのに!」

That was all, except a little pause.

それがすべてで、少しの間を除いて。

Then Laurie straightened himself up, said, “It’s all right, never mind,” and went away without another word.

straighten oneself up (身を起こす) [動] to make oneself stand or sit up straight

それからローリーは身を起こし、「大丈夫、気にしないで」と言って、一言も言わずに立ち去った。

Ah, but it wasn’t all right, and Jo did mind, for while the curly head lay on her arm a minute after her hard answer, she felt as if she had stabbed her dearest friend, and when he left her without a look behind him, she knew that the boy Laurie never would come again.

a minute (1分) [名] a unit of time equal to 60 seconds

ああ、でも大丈夫ではなかったし、ジョーは気にしていた、なぜなら彼女の厳しい答えの1分後に巻き毛の頭が彼女の腕に横たわっている間、彼女はまるで彼女の最愛の友人を刺したように感じ、彼が後ろを振り返らずに彼女のもとを去ったとき、彼女は少年ローリーが二度と来ないことを知った。

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX: BETH’S SECRET

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX (第36章) [名] the 36th chapter

BETH’S SECRET (ベスの秘密) [名] Beth's secret

第36章ベスの秘密

When Jo came home that spring, she had been struck with the change in Beth.

be struck with (打たれる) [動] be impressed by

その春、ジョーが帰宅したとき、彼女はベスの変化に打たれた。

No one spoke of it or seemed aware of it, for it had come too gradually to startle those who saw her daily, but to eyes sharpened by absence, it was very plain and a heavy weight fell on Jo’s heart as she saw her sister’s face.

aware (気づく) [形] having knowledge or being conscious of something

gradually (ゆっくりと) [副] in a slow and steady way

sharpen (研ぎ澄ます) [動] make or become sharp

plain (明白) [形] clear and simple

weight (重荷) [名] a load or burden

fall (のしかかってくる) [動] move downward, typically rapidly and freely without control, from a higher to a lower level

誰もそのことを口にしたり、気づいているようには見えなかったが、それはあまりにもゆっくりと起こり、毎日彼女を見ている人々を驚かせるには至らなかったが、不在によって研ぎ澄まされた目には、それは非常に明白で、妹の顔を見たジョーの心には重い重荷がのしかかった。

It was no paler and but littler thinner than in the autumn, yet there was a strange, transparent look about it, as if the mortal was being slowly refined away, and the immortal shining through the frail flesh with an indescribably pathetic beauty.

transparent (透明な) [形] see-through

refine (洗練される) [動] make more elegant or cultured

immortal (不死者) [名] a being that will never die or decay

秋よりも青白くなく、少し痩せただけだったが、まるで死すべき者がゆっくりと洗練されていき、不死者が言葉では言い表せないほど哀れな美しさで脆弱な肉体を通して輝いているかのような、奇妙で透明な表情があった。

Jo saw and felt it, but said nothing at the time, and soon the first impression lost much of its power, for Beth seemed happy, no one appeared to doubt that she was better, and presently in other cares Jo for a time forgot her fear.

presently (現在) [副] at the present time; now

for (しばらくの間) [前] during

ジョーはそれを見たり感じたりしたが、その時は何も言わなかったし、すぐに第一印象はその力の多くを失った、なぜならベスは幸せそうに見えたし、誰も彼女が元気になったことを疑うようには見えなかったし、現在は他の心配事でジョーはしばらくの間彼女の恐怖を忘れていた。

But when Laurie was gone, and peace prevailed again, the vague anxiety returned and haunted her.

しかし、ローリーが去り、再び平和が訪れると、漠然とした不安が戻ってきて、彼女を悩ませた。

She had confessed her sins and been forgiven, but when she showed her savings and proposed a mountain trip, Beth had thanked her heartily, but begged not to go so far away from home.

savings (貯金) [名] money that is saved

彼女は自分の罪を告白して許されたが、貯金を見せて山への旅行を提案したところ、ベスは心から感謝したが、家から遠くへ行かないように懇願した。

Another little visit to the seashore would suit her better, and as Grandma could not be prevailed upon to leave the babies, Jo took Beth down to the quiet place, where she could live much in the open air, and let the fresh sea breezes blow a little color into her pale cheeks.

seashore (海岸) [名] the land bordering the sea

grandma (おばあちゃん) [名] the mother of one's father or mother

open air (屋外) [名] the space outside of buildings

sea breeze (海風) [名] a wind from the sea

海岸へのもう一度の短い訪問は彼女にもっと合っているだろうし、おばあちゃんは赤ちゃんを置いて行くように説得できなかったので、ジョーはベスを静かな場所に連れて行き、そこで彼女は屋外で長く過ごすことができ、新鮮な海風が彼女の青白い頬に少し色を吹き込むようにした。

It was not a fashionable place, but even among the pleasant people there, the girls made few friends, preferring to live for one another.

live for (のために生きる) [動] to devote one's life to

そこはファッショナブルな場所ではなかったが、そこの感じの良い人々の間でさえ、少女たちはほとんど友達を作らず、互いのために生きることを好んだ。

Beth was too shy to enjoy society, and Jo too wrapped up in her to care for anyone else.

wrap up (夢中になる) [動] become absorbed in

ベスは人付き合いを楽しむには恥ずかしがり屋すぎたし、ジョーはベスに夢中になって他の誰かを気にかける余裕がなかった。

So they were all in all to each other, and came and went, quite unconscious of the interest they excited in those about them, who watched with sympathetic eyes the strong sister and the feeble one, always together, as if they felt instinctively that a long separation was not far away.

all in all (すべて) [名] everything

come and go (行き来する) [動] move to and fro

quite unconscious (全く意識していない) [形] not conscious or aware of something

excite (抱く) [動] cause to feel a strong feeling

sympathetic (同情的な) [形] feeling, showing, or expressing sympathy

だから、彼女たちはお互いにすべてであり、行き来し、周りの人々が彼女たちに抱く関心を全く意識していなかったが、周りの人々は、長い別れがそう遠くないことを本能的に感じているかのように、いつも一緒にいる強い姉妹と弱い姉妹を同情的な目で見守っていた。

They did feel it, yet neither spoke of it, for often between ourselves and those nearest and dearest to us there exists a reserve which it is very hard to overcome.

nearest (最も近い) [形] closest

dearest (最も大切な) [形] most loved

exist (存在する) [動] be or continue to be

reserve (遠慮) [名] a reluctance to show one's feelings

彼女たちはそれを感じていたが、どちらも口にすることはなかった、なぜなら、私たちと私たちにとって最も身近で大切な人との間には、乗り越えるのが非常に難しい遠慮が存在することが多いからだ。

Jo felt as if a veil had fallen between her heart and Beth’s, but when she put out her hand to lift it up, there seemed something sacred in the silence, and she waited for Beth to speak.

ジョーは自分の心とベスの心の間にベールが落ちたように感じたが、それを持ち上げようと手を伸ばした時、沈黙の中に何か神聖なものがあるように思われ、ベスが話すのを待った。

She wondered, and was thankful also, that her parents did not seem to see what she saw, and during the quiet weeks when the shadows grew so plain to her, she said nothing of it to those at home, believing that it would tell itself when Beth came back no better.

thankful (感謝する) [形] grateful

plain (はっきりと) [形] clear or obvious

彼女は両親が自分の見ているものを見ていないように思えたことを不思議に思い、また感謝もしていたが、影がはっきりと見えるようになった静かな数週間、彼女はベスが元気になって帰ってきたら自然とわかるだろうと信じて、家にいる人には何も言わなかった。

She wondered still more if her sister really guessed the hard truth, and what thoughts were passing through her mind during the long hours when she lay on the warm rocks with her head in Jo’s lap, while the winds blew healthfully over her and the sea made music at her feet.

wonder (疑問に思う) [動] be curious or in doubt about

hard truth (厳しい真実) [名] a fact or reality that is difficult to accept and deal with

long hour (長い時間) [名] a period of time that seems to last a long time

warm rock (暖かい岩) [名] a rock that is warm

healthfully (健やかに) [副] in a healthy way

make music (音楽を奏でる) [動] play music

彼女は、妹が本当に厳しい真実を悟っているのか、そして、風が彼女の上に吹き、海が彼女の足元で音楽を奏でる中、彼女が暖かい岩の上に横たわり、頭をジョーの膝に置いて長い時間を過ごしている間に、彼女の心の中をどんな考えが巡っているのか、さらに疑問に思った。

One day Beth told her.

ある日、ベスは彼女に言った。

Jo thought she was asleep, she lay so still, and putting down her book, sat looking at her with wistful eyes, trying to see signs of hope in the faint color on Beth’s cheeks.

ジョーは彼女が眠っていると思い、彼女はとても静かに横たわり、本を置いて、ベスの頬の淡い色に希望の兆しを見ようと、物欲しそうな目で彼女を見つめて座っていた。

But she could not find enough to satisfy her, for the cheeks were very thin, and the hands seemed too feeble to hold even the rosy little shells they had been collecting.

しかし、彼女は満足できるほど見つけることができなかった、なぜなら頬がとても薄く、手は彼女たちが集めていたバラ色の小さな貝殻さえも持つには弱すぎるように見えたからだ。

It came to her then more bitterly than ever that Beth was slowly drifting away from her, and her arms instinctively tightened their hold upon the dearest treasure she possessed.

come to (感じる) [動] to be perceived or understood by

bitterly (つらく) [副] in a way that is full of bitterness

drift away (離れていく) [動] to move slowly away from a place or person

tighten (強くする) [動] to make or become tight or tighter

ベスがゆっくりと彼女から離れていくのがこれまで以上につらく感じられ、彼女の腕は彼女が持っている最も大切な宝物を本能的に強く抱きしめた。

For a minute her eyes were too dim for seeing, and when they cleared, Beth was looking up at her so tenderly that there was hardly any need for her to say, “Jo, dear, I’m glad you know it.

clear (覚める) [動] become free of obstructions

一瞬、彼女の目はぼやけて見えなくなり、目が覚めると、ベスは優しく彼女を見上げていたので、「ジョー、あなたに分かってもらえたら嬉しいよ。

I’ve tried to tell you, but I couldn’t.”

あなたに伝えようとしたけど、できなかったの。」

There was no answer except her sister’s cheek against her own, not even tears, for when most deeply moved, Jo did not cry.

move (感動する) [動] to affect someone emotionally

妹の頬が自分の頬に触れている以外に答えはなく、涙さえも流れなかった、なぜなら最も深く感動している時、ジョーは泣かなかったからだ。

She was the weaker then, and Beth tried to comfort and sustain her, with her arms about her and the soothing words she whispered in her ear.

その時は彼女の方が弱く、ベスは彼女を抱きしめ、耳元でなだめるような言葉をささやきながら、彼女を慰め、支えようとした。

“I’ve known it for a good while, dear, and now I’m used to it, it isn’t hard to think of or to bear.

for a good while (長い間) [名] a long time

be used to (慣れる) [動] be familiar with

「私は長い間それを知っていたよ、そして今はそれに慣れたの、考えたり耐えたりするのは難しくはないよ。

Try to see it so and don’t be troubled about me, because it’s best, indeed it is.”

そう見るようにしてみて、私のことを心配しないで、なぜならそれが一番いいことなのよ、本当にそうよ。」

“Is this what made you so unhappy in the autumn, Beth?

「これが秋にあなたがとても不幸だった理由なの、ベス?

You did not feel it then, and keep it to yourself so long, did you?” asked Jo, refusing to see or say that it was best, but glad to know that Laurie had no part in Beth’s trouble.

その時は感じなかったし、ずっと自分だけで抱え込んでいたのね?」とジョーは尋ね、それが一番いいことだと見ることも言うことも拒んだが、ローリーがベスの悩みに関与していないことを知って嬉しかった。

“Yes, I gave up hoping then, but I didn’t like to own it.

「そう、その時に希望を捨てたの、でもそれを認めたくなかった。

I tried to think it was a sick fancy, and would not let it trouble anyone.

病気のせいだと考えて、誰にも迷惑をかけないようにしようとしたの。

But when I saw you all so well and strong and full of happy plans, it was hard to feel that I could never be like you, and then I was miserable, Jo.”

でも、みんなが元気で強くて、幸せな計画でいっぱいなのを見たら、自分は絶対にみんなみたいになれないと思うのが辛くて、それで惨めになったのよ、ジョー」

“Oh, Beth, and you didn’t tell me, didn’t let me comfort and help you?

「ああ、ベス、私に言わなかったし、慰めたり助けたりさせてくれなかったの?

How could you shut me out, bear it all alone?”

どうして私を締め出して、一人で耐えようとしたの?」

Jo’s voice was full of tender reproach, and her heart ached to think of the solitary struggle that must have gone on while Beth learned to say goodbye to health, love, and life, and take up her cross so cheerfully.

struggle (闘い) [名] a violent or forceful effort to get free of restraint or constriction

ジョーの声は優しい非難に満ちていて、ベスが健康、愛、人生に別れを告げ、自分の十字架を元気に背負うことを学ぶまで続いたに違いない孤独な闘いを考えると胸が痛んだ。

“Perhaps it was wrong, but I tried to do right.

「間違っていたかもしれないけど、正しいことをしようとしたの。

I wasn’t sure, no one said anything, and I hoped I was mistaken.

be not sure (確信が持てない) [動] not be certain

hope (思う) [動] wish for something to happen

確信が持てなかったし、誰も何も言わなかったので、私は間違っているといいと思った。

It would have been selfish to frighten you all when Marmee was so anxious about Meg, and Amy away, and you so happy with Laurie—at least I thought so then.”

ママがメグのことを心配していたし、エイミーはいなかったし、あなたはローリーととても幸せそうだったから、みんなを怖がらせるのは自分勝手だったでしょう。少なくともその時はそう思ったの。」

“And I thought you loved him, Beth, and I went away because I couldn’t,” cried Jo, glad to say all the truth.

「そして、私はあなたが彼を愛していると思ったの、ベス、そして私は愛せなかったから去ったの」とジョーは叫び、全ての真実を話せて嬉しかった。

Beth looked so amazed at the idea that Jo smiled in spite of her pain, and added softly, “Then you didn’t, dearie?

look amazed (驚いたように見える) [動] to appear to be surprised

ベスはその考えにとても驚いたように見えたので、ジョーは痛みにもかかわらず微笑んで、そっと付け加えた、「じゃあ、あなたは愛していなかったんだね、ベス?

I was afraid it was so, and imagined your poor little heart full of lovelornity all that while.”

私はそうじゃないかと心配していたし、その間ずっとあなたのかわいそうな小さな心が失恋でいっぱいだと想像していたよ。」

“Why, Jo, how could I, when he was so fond of you?” asked Beth, as innocently as a child.

「どうして、ジョー、彼があなたをとても好きだったのに、私がどうして?」とベスは子供のように無邪気に尋ねた。

“I do love him dearly.

「私は彼を心から愛しているよ。

He is so good to me, how can I help It?

彼は私にとても優しいの、どうしたらいいの?

But he could never be anything to me but my brother.

be anything to (何物でもない) [動] be of no importance or significance to

me (私にとって) [代] the person who is speaking or writing

でも、彼は私にとって兄以外の何物でもなかった。

I hope he truly will be, sometime.”

いつか本当にそうしてくれるといいんだけど」

“Not through me,” said Jo decidedly.

through (を通して) [前] by means of

「私を通してではないよ」とジョーは断言した。

“Amy is left for him, and they would suit excellently, but I have no heart for such things, now.

be left for (残っている) [動] remain for

have no heart for (そんな気分になれない) [動] not be in the mood for

「エイミーが残っているし、2人はすごく似合うと思うけど、今はそんな気分になれないよ。

I don’t care what becomes of anybody but you, Beth.

ベス、あなた以外の誰がどうなってもかまわないよ。

You must get well.”

あなたは元気にならないと」

“I want to, oh, so much!

「そうしたい、ああ、とても!

I try, but every day I lose a little, and feel more sure that I shall never gain it back.

gain (取り戻す) [動] obtain or win something

努力はしているけど、毎日少しずつ失われていくし、もう取り戻せないと確信しているよ。

It’s like the tide, Jo, when it turns, it goes slowly, but it can’t be stopped.”

tide (潮) [名] the alternate rising and falling of the sea

潮の満ち引きのようなものよ、ジョー、潮が引く時はゆっくりと引いていくけど、止めることはできないのよ」

“It shall be stopped, your tide must not turn so soon, nineteen is too young, Beth.

「止められるよ、あなたの潮はそんなに早く引いてはいけない、19歳は若すぎるよ、ベス。

I can’t let you go.

あなたを行かせることはできないよ。

I’ll work and pray and fight against it.

work (努力する) [動] to exert your muscles in various ways to keep fit

私は努力して祈って、それと戦うよ。

I’ll keep you in spite of everything.

何があってもあなたを守るよ。

There must be ways, it can’t be too late.

there must be (あるはずだ) [動] to be certain or positive about something

it can't be too late (手遅れなんてことはない) [動] to be too late to do something

方法があるはずよ、手遅れなんてことはないよ。

God won’t be so cruel as to take you from me,” cried poor Jo rebelliously, for her spirit was far less piously submissive than Beth’s.

far (ほど) [副] to a great extent; much

less (より) [副] to a smaller extent; not as much

piously (敬虔に) [副] in a pious manner

神様はあなたを私から奪うほど残酷ではないよ」と哀れなジョーは反抗的に叫んだ。彼女の精神はベスほど敬虔に従順ではなかったからだ。

Simple, sincere people seldom speak much of their piety.

単純で誠実な人々は、めったに自分の信心深さについて多くを語らない。

It shows itself in acts rather than in words, and has more influence than homilies or protestations.

show itself (現れる) [動] become visible or apparent

homily (説教) [名] a sermon on a moral or religious topic

protestation (抗議) [名] a statement of objection

それは言葉よりも行動に現れ、説教や抗議よりも影響力がある。

Beth could not reason upon or explain the faith that gave her courage and patience to give up life, and cheerfully wait for death.

ベスは、人生を諦め、元気に死を待つ勇気と忍耐を与えてくれた信仰について、論じたり説明したりすることができなかった。

Like a confiding child, she asked no questions, but left everything to God and nature, Father and Mother of us all, feeling sure that they, and they only, could teach and strengthen heart and spirit for this life and the life to come.

信頼する子供のように、彼女は何も尋ねず、すべてを神と自然、私たちみんなの父と母に任せ、彼らだけがこの人生と来世のために心と精神を教え、強めることができると確信していた。

She did not rebuke Jo with saintly speeches, only loved her better for her passionate affection, and clung more closely to the dear human love, from which our Father never means us to be weaned, but through which He draws us closer to Himself.

wean (離す) [動] accustom (a young mammal) to food other than its mother's milk

彼女は聖人のような言葉でジョーを叱責することはなく、ただ彼女の情熱的な愛情をより愛し、私たちの父が決して私たちを離れさせようとはしない、しかしそれを通して私たちをより近くに引き寄せてくれる、愛する人間の愛にもっとしがみついた。

She could not say, “I’m glad to go,” for life was very sweet for her.

be glad to (嬉しい) [動] pleased or happy about something

彼女は「行くのが嬉しい」とは言えなかった。人生は彼女にとってとても甘かったからだ。

She could only sob out, “I try to be willing,” while she held fast to Jo, as the first bitter wave of this great sorrow broke over them together.

sob out (むせび泣く) [動] cry uncontrollably

hold fast to (しっかりと抱きしめる) [動] hold on to tightly

break over (襲う) [動] come over suddenly and unexpectedly

彼女はただ「私は喜んで受け入れようとしている」とむせび泣くことしかできず、この大きな悲しみの最初の苦い波が二人を襲ったとき、彼女はジョーをしっかりと抱きしめた。

By and by Beth said, with recovered serenity, “You’ll tell them this when we go home?”

by and by (やがて) [副] before long; soon

serenity (落ち着き) [名] the state of being calm and peaceful

やがてベスは落ち着きを取り戻して言った、「家に帰ったらみんなに話してくれる?」

“I think they will see it without words,” sighed Jo, for now it seemed to her that Beth changed every day.

「言葉にしなくてもわかると思う」とジョーはため息をついた。今ではベスは毎日変わっているように思えた。

“Perhaps not. I’ve heard that the people who love best are often blindest to such things.

「そうかもしれない。一番愛している人ほどそういうことに盲目だと聞いたことがある。

If they don’t see it, you will tell them for me.

もし気づかなければ、代わりに伝えて。

I don’t want any secrets, and it’s kinder to prepare them.

秘密は嫌だし、心の準備をさせてあげる方がいいよ。

Meg has John and the babies to comfort her, but you must stand by Father and Mother, won’t you Jo?”

メグにはジョンと赤ちゃんがいて慰めてくれるけど、あなたはパパとママのそばにいてくれるよね、ジョー?」

“If I can. But, Beth, I don’t give up yet.

「できるならね。でも、ベス、まだ諦めない。

I’m going to believe that it is a sick fancy, and not let you think it’s true.”

私はそれが病気の空想だと信じて、あなたがそれが本当だと考えないようにするつもりだ。」

said Jo, trying to speak cheerfully.

とジョーは陽気に話そうとした。

Beth lay a minute thinking, and then said in her quiet way, “I don’t know how to express myself, and shouldn’t try to anyone but you, because I can’t speak out except to my Jo.

speak out (はっきりと話す) [動] speak freely and openly

ベスは少し考えて横になり、それから静かに言った、「私は自分を表現する方法がわからないし、あなた以外の誰にも試すべきではないよ、だって私は私のジョー以外にははっきりと話せないから。

I only mean to say that I have a feeling that it never was intended I should live long.

mean to say (言いたい) [動] intend to say

have a feeling (気持ちがある) [動] have a hunch or suspicion

live long (長生きする) [動] live a long life

私が言いたいのは、私が長生きするつもりはなかったという気持ちがあるということだけだ。

I’m not like the rest of you.

私はあなたたちとは違う。

I never made any plans about what I’d do when I grew up.

私は大人になったら何をするかについて何の計画も立てなかった。

I never thought of being married, as you all did.

私はあなたたちみんながしたように結婚することを考えたことはない。

I couldn’t seem to imagine myself anything but stupid little Beth, trotting about at home, of no use anywhere but there.

私は自分を、家で走り回り、家以外では役に立たない愚かな小さなベス以外に想像することができなかった。

I never wanted to go away, and the hard part now is the leaving you all.

私は決して去りたくなかったし、今一番つらいのはあなたたちみんなと別れることだ。

I’m not afraid, but it seems as if I should be homesick for you even in heaven.”

be homesick (恋しく思う) [動] miss one's home and family while away from them

私は怖くないが、天国にいてもあなたたちのことを恋しく思うだろう」

Jo could not speak, and for several minutes there was no sound but the sigh of the wind and the lapping of the tide.

there was no sound (何も聞こえなかった) [名] there was no noise

the sigh of the wind (風の音) [名] the sound of the wind

the lapping of the tide (潮の音) [名] the sound of the tide

ジョーは話すことができず、数分間、風の音と潮の音以外には何も聞こえなかった。

A white-winged gull flew by, with the flash of sunshine on its silvery breast.

white-winged (白い翼の) [形] having white wings

gull (カモメ) [名] a bird that has long wings and webbed feet and that lives near the sea

白い翼のカモメが飛び、銀色の胸に日差しがきらめいた。

Beth watched it till it vanished, and her eyes were full of sadness.

sadness (悲しみ) [名] a feeling of unhappiness

ベスはカモメが見えなくなるまで見守り、その目は悲しみでいっぱいだった。

A little gray-coated sand bird came tripping over the beach ‘peeping’ softly to itself, as if enjoying the sun and sea.

gray-coated (灰色の羽毛をした) [形] having a gray coat

sand bird (シギ) [名] a bird that lives on or near sand

come tripping (軽快に歩きながら) [動] walk or run with light, quick steps

beach (ビーチ) [名] an area of sand or pebbles beside the sea

peep (ピーピー) [動] make a short, high-pitched sound

灰色の羽毛をした小さなシギが、太陽と海を楽しんでいるかのように、ビーチを軽快に歩きながら、小さく「ピーピー」と鳴いていた。

It came quite close to Beth, and looked at her with a friendly eye and sat upon a warm stone, dressing its wet feathers, quite at home.

come close (近づく) [動] move or travel toward

sit upon (座る) [動] be in or assume a position in which one's weight is supported by one's buttocks rather than one's feet and one's upper body is more or less upright

quite at home (まるで自分の家にいるかのよう) [副] in a very relaxed and comfortable way

シギはベスのすぐ近くまで来て、友好的な目で彼女を見つめ、暖かい石の上に座って、濡れた羽を整え、まるで自分の家にいるかのようだった。

Beth smiled and felt comforted, for the tiny thing seemed to offer its small friendship and remind her that a pleasant world was still to be enjoyed.

feel comforted (慰められた気持ちになる) [動] to feel consoled or relieved

thing (生き物) [名] a living being

ベスは微笑んで、慰められた気持ちになった。なぜなら、この小さな生き物が小さな友情を差し出し、この世界にはまだまだ楽しいことがあることを思い出させてくれたからだ。

“Dear little bird!

「かわいい小鳥さん!

See, Jo, how tame it is.

tame (おとなしい) [形] not wild or violent; domesticated

ほら、ジョー、なんておとなしいの。

I like peeps better than the gulls.

peep (シギ) [名] a bird of the family Scolopacidae

カモメよりシギの方が好き。

They are not so wild and handsome, but they seem happy, confiding little things.

カモメほど野性的でかっこよくはないけれど、幸せそうで、小さな生き物に打ち解けているみたい。

I used to call them my birds last summer, and Mother said they reminded her of me—busy, quaker-colored creatures, always near the shore, and always chirping that contented little song of theirs.

去年の夏はよく私の鳥と呼んでいて、ママは私を思い出させると言っていたよ。忙しげで、クエーカー色の生き物で、いつも岸の近くにいて、いつも満足げな小さな歌をさえずっている。

You are the gull, Jo, strong and wild, fond of the storm and the wind, flying far out to sea, and happy all alone.

あなたはカモメよ、ジョー、強く野性的で、嵐や風が好きで、海のはるか彼方まで飛んで行き、一人ぼっちで幸せそう。

Meg is the turtledove, and Amy is like the lark she writes about, trying to get up among the clouds, but always dropping down into its nest again.

メグはキジバト、エイミーは彼女が書いているヒバリのようで、雲の中に上がろうとしても、いつも巣に落ちてしまう。

Dear little girl!

愛しい少女!

She’s so ambitious, but her heart is good and tender, and no matter how high she flies, she never will forget home.

彼女はとても野心的だけど、心は優しくて、どんなに高く飛んでも家を忘れることはないだろう。

I hope I shall see her again, but she seems so far away.”

彼女にまた会えるといいんだけど、彼女はとても遠くにいるみたい。」

“She is coming in the spring, and I mean that you shall be all ready to see and enjoy her.

「彼女は春に来る、そして私はあなたたちが彼女に会って楽しむ準備ができているようにしたい。

I’m going to have you well and rosy by that time,” began Jo, feeling that of all the changes in Beth, the talking change was the greatest, for it seemed to cost no effort now, and she thought aloud in a way quite unlike bashful Beth.

by that time (その時までに) [副] at or before a particular time

of all (の中で) [前] out of; from among

talking (話す) [動] speak or converse

その時までにあなたを元気でバラ色にしてみせるよ」とジョーは言い始め、ベスの変化の中で、話す変化が最も大きいと感じていた、なぜなら今は努力を要さないように思えたし、彼女は恥ずかしがり屋のベスとは全く違う方法で声に出して考えていたからだ。

“Jo, dear, don’t hope any more.

「ジョー、もう期待しないで。

It won’t do any good.

何の役にも立たない。

I’m sure of that.

間違いないよ。

We won’t be miserable, but enjoy being together while we wait.

私たちは悲惨な目に遭うことはないよ、でも待っている間は一緒にいることを楽しみましょう。

We’ll have happy times, for I don’t suffer much, and I think the tide will go out easily, if you help me.”

go out (引いていく) [動] move away from the land

私たちは幸せな時間を過ごすよ、私はあまり苦しんでいない、そしてあなたが私を助けてくれるなら、潮は簡単に引いていくと思う。」

Jo leaned down to kiss the tranquil face, and with that silent kiss, she dedicated herself soul and body to Beth.

lean down (身をかがめる) [動] bend one's body forward and downward

silent (静かな) [形] making no or very little noise

dedicate (捧げる) [動] devote to a deity or to some religious purpose

ジョーは身をかがめて穏やかな顔にキスをし、その静かなキスで、彼女は魂と体をベスに捧げた。

She was right.

彼女は正しかった。

There was no need of any words when they got home, for Father and Mother saw plainly now what they had prayed to be saved from seeing.

家に着いた時、言葉は必要なかった、なぜなら父と母は、見なくて済むように祈っていたことをはっきりと見たからだ。

Tired with her short journey, Beth went at once to bed, saying how glad she was to be home, and when Jo went down, she found that she would be spared the hard task of telling Beth’s secret.

短い旅で疲れたベスは、家に帰れてどんなに嬉しいかを言い、すぐにベッドに入った。そしてジョーが降りてきた時、彼女はベスの秘密を告げるという難しい仕事を免れることが分かった。

Her father stood leaning his head on the mantelpiece and did not turn as she came in, but her mother stretched out her arms as if for help, and Jo went to comfort her without a word.

彼女の父はマントルピースに頭をもたせかけて立っていて、彼女が入っても振り返らなかったが、母は助けを求めるように腕を伸ばし、ジョーは何も言わずに彼女を慰めに行った。

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN: NEW IMPRESSIONS

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN (第37章) [名] the 37th chapter

NEW IMPRESSIONS (新しい印象) [名] a new impression

第37章新しい印象

At three o’clock in the afternoon, all the fashionable world at Nice may be seen on the Promenade des Anglais—a charming place, for the wide walk, bordered with palms, flowers, and tropical shrubs, is bounded on one side by the sea, on the other by the grand drive, lined with hotels and villas, while beyond lie orange orchards and the hills.

three o'clock (3時) [名] the time three hours after noon

be seen (集まってくる) [動] be visible

Promenade des Anglais (プロムナード・デ・ザングレ) [名] a famous street in Nice, France

walk (散歩道) [名] the action of going for a walk

border (囲まれた) [動] be next to or along the edge of

palm (ヤシの木) [名] a tree with a tall trunk and large leaves

tropical (熱帯の) [形] of or relating to the tropics

bound (面し) [動] form the boundary of

grand (大通り) [形] large and impressive

hotel (ホテル) [名] a place where people stay temporarily

villa (別荘) [名] a large and impressive country house

lie (広がる) [動] be in a resting position

orchard (畑) [名] an area of land where fruit trees are grown

午後三時になると、ニースの上流階級の人々は皆、プロムナード・デ・ザングレに集まってくる。ヤシの木、花、熱帯の低木に囲まれた広い散歩道は、片側が海に面し、もう片側がホテルや別荘が立ち並ぶ大通りに面し、その向こうにはオレンジ畑や丘が広がる魅力的な場所だ。

Many nations are represented, many languages spoken, many costumes worn, and on a sunny day the spectacle is as gay and brilliant as a carnival.

sunny day (晴れた日) [名] a day when the sun is shining

多くの国が代表され、多くの言語が話され、多くの衣装が着られ、晴れた日にはカーニバルのように華やかで華麗な光景が広がる。

Haughty English, lively French, sober Germans, handsome Spaniards, ugly Russians, meek Jews, free-and-easy Americans, all drive, sit, or saunter here, chatting over the news, and criticizing the latest celebrity who has arrived—Ristori or Dickens, Victor Emmanuel or the Queen of the Sandwich Islands.

Spaniard (スペイン人) [名] a person from Spain

meek (柔和な) [形] quiet and gentle

Jew (ユダヤ人) [名] a member of the people and cultural community whose traditional religion is Judaism and who trace their origins through the ancient Hebrew people of Israel

free-and-easy (自由気ままな) [形] relaxed and informal

saunter (ぶらぶらする) [動] walk in a slow and relaxed manner

Ristori (リストリ) [名] Adelaide Ristori, an Italian actress

Victor Emmanuel (ヴィクトル・エマニュエル) [名] Victor Emmanuel II, King of Sardinia and the first King of a unified Italy

Sandwich Islands (サンドイッチ諸島) [名] the former name of the Hawaiian Islands

傲慢なイギリス人、陽気なフランス人、地味なドイツ人、ハンサムなスペイン人、醜いロシア人、柔和なユダヤ人、自由気ままなアメリカ人、皆がここで車を走らせたり、座ったり、ぶらぶらしたり、ニュースについておしゃべりしたり、最近到着した有名人、リストリやディケンズ、ヴィクトル・エマニュエルやサンドイッチ諸島の女王を批判したりしている。

The equipages are as varied as the company and attract as much attention, especially the low basket barouches in which ladies drive themselves, with a pair of dashing ponies, gay nets to keep their voluminous flounces from overflowing the diminutive vehicles, and little grooms on the perch behind.

equipage (馬車) [名] a carriage and its horses and attendants

varied (多種多様な) [形] having or showing a variety of forms or types

attract (注目を集める) [動] draw or direct towards oneself

barouche (馬車) [名] a horse-drawn carriage with a folding hood over the rear seats

dashing (威勢のいい) [形] bold and confident in style or behavior

pony (ポニー) [名] a small horse

net (網) [名] a piece of material with a pattern of holes in it, used for catching or holding things

voluminous (膨らんだ) [形] large in size or amount

flounce (フリル) [名] a strip of gathered or pleated material used as a trimming

overflowing (あふれる) [動] flow over the brim of

diminutive (小さな) [形] very small

馬車も人々と同じくらい多種多様で、特に女性が自分で運転する低いバスケット型の馬車は、一対の威勢のいいポニーと、膨らんだフリルが小さな車からあふれないようにするための派手な網、後ろの止まり木に小さな花婿を乗せて、人々の注目を集めている。

Along this walk, on Christmas Day, a tall young man walked slowly, with his hands behind him, and a somewhat absent expression of countenance.

Christmas Day (クリスマスの日) [名] the day on which the annual Christian festival of Christmas is celebrated

young man (若い男) [名] a male human being who is young

クリスマスの日に、この散歩道を背の高い若い男が両手を後ろに回し、どこかぼんやりとした表情でゆっくりと歩いていた。

He looked like an Italian, was dressed like an Englishman, and had the independent air of an American—a combination which caused sundry pairs of feminine eyes to look approvingly after him, and sundry dandies in black velvet suits, with rose-colored neckties, buff gloves, and orange flowers in their buttonholes, to shrug their shoulders, and then envy him his inches.

dress like (~のような服装である) [動] wear clothes of a particular style

combination (組み合わせ) [名] the result of combining two or more things

sundry (様々な) [形] various

rose-colored (バラ色の) [形] of a pinkish color

buff (バフ色の) [形] of a light yellowish-brown color

shrug (すくめる) [動] raise (one's shoulders) briefly

彼はイタリア人のような顔立ちで、イギリス人のような服装をしており、アメリカ人のような独立した雰囲気を漂わせていた。その組み合わせは、女性たちの目を惹きつけ、黒いベルベットのスーツを着て、バラ色のネクタイを締め、バフ色の手袋をはめ、ボタンホールにオレンジの花をつけたダンディたちが肩をすくめ、彼の背丈を羨ましがった。

There were plenty of pretty faces to admire, but the young man took little notice of them, except to glance now and then at some blonde girl in blue.

take little notice of (ほとんど気に留めない) [動] not pay much attention to

blonde (金髪の) [形] having fair hair

見とれるほど美しい顔はたくさんあったが、若い男は青い服を着た金髪の少女を時折ちらっと見る以外は、ほとんど気に留めなかった。

Presently he strolled out of the promenade and stood a moment at the crossing, as if undecided whether to go and listen to the band in the Jardin Publique, or to wander along the beach toward Castle Hill.

out of (抜け出す) [前] from the inside to the outside of

crossing (交差点) [名] a point at which two or more things intersect, especially a road intersection

Jardin Publique (ジャルダン・パブリック) [名] a public garden in Nice, France

wander (歩く) [動] walk or move in a leisurely, casual, or aimless way

Castle Hill (キャッスル・ヒル) [名] a hill in Nice, France

やがて彼は遊歩道を抜け出し、交差点にしばらく立っていたが、ジャルダン・パブリックの楽団の演奏を聞きに行くか、ビーチ沿いにキャッスル・ヒルに向かって歩くか迷っているようだった。

The quick trot of ponies’ feet made him look up, as one of the little carriages, containing a single young lady, came rapidly down the street.

trot (足音) [名] the sound of someone walking or running

ポニーの足音が速く聞こえてきたので、彼は顔を上げてみると、一人の若い女性を乗せた小さな馬車が通りを急いで下りてきた。

The lady was young, blonde, and dressed in blue.

blonde (金髪) [形] having fair hair and skin

その女性は若く、金髪で、青い服を着ていた。

He stared a minute, then his whole face woke up, and, waving his hat like a boy, he hurried forward to meet her.

彼はしばらく見つめていたが、やがて顔全体が目覚め、少年のように帽子を振りながら、彼女に会いに急いで前に進んだ。

“Oh, Laurie, is it really you?

「ああ、ローリー、本当にあなたなの?

I thought you’d never come!” cried Amy, dropping the reins and holding out both hands, to the great scandalization of a French mamma, who hastened her daughter’s steps, lest she should be demoralized by beholding the free manners of these ‘mad English’.

scandalization (憤慨) [名] the action of scandalizing

エイミーは手綱を落として両手を差し出し、「もう来ないと思ってた!」と叫んだが、フランス人のママは娘の歩みを早め、これらの「狂ったイギリス人」の自由なマナーを見て意気消沈しないようにと、大いに憤慨した。

“I was detained by the way, but I promised to spend Christmas with you, and here I am.”

be detained (足止めされる) [動] be kept from proceeding

here I am (ここに来たよ) [句] I have arrived

「途中で足止めされたんだが、君とクリスマスを過ごすと約束したから、ここに来たよ」

“How is your grandfather?

「おじいさんは元気?

When did you come?

いつ来たの?

Where are you staying?”

どこに泊まってるの?」

“Very well—last night—at the Chauvain.

at the Chauvain (ショバンに着いたんだ) [名] a hotel in Paris

「元気だよ、昨夜、ショバンに着いたんだ。

I called at your hotel, but you were out.”

君のホテルに電話したんだけど、君は外出中だったんだ。」

“I have so much to say, I don’t know where to begin!

have so much to say (言いたいことがたくさんある) [動] have a lot to say

don't know where to begin (どこから始めればいいかわからない) [動] don't know where to start

「言いたいことがたくさんあって、どこから始めればいいかわからないよ!

Get in and we can talk at our ease.

get in (乗る) [動] enter a vehicle

乗って、そうすればゆっくり話せるよ。

I was going for a drive and longing for company.

ドライブに出かけようとしていたところだったんだ、誰か連れが欲しかったんだ。

Flo’s saving up for tonight.”

save up (取っておく) [動] to gradually collect or accumulate something

フロは今夜のために取っておくんだ。」

“What happens then, a ball?”

「それで、何が起こるの、舞踏会?」

“A Christmas party at our hotel.

「ホテルのクリスマスパーティー。

There are many Americans there, and they give it in honor of the day.

give (開く) [動] cause to be or to become

そこにはたくさんのアメリカ人がいて、その日を祝って開くんだ。

You’ll go with us, of course?

もちろん、一緒に行くよね?」

Aunt will be charmed.”

be charmed (喜ぶ) [動] be delighted or attracted by

おばさんは喜ぶよ」

“Thank you. Where now?” asked Laurie, leaning back and folding his arms, a proceeding which suited Amy, who preferred to drive, for her parasol whip and blue reins over the white ponies’ backs afforded her infinite satisfaction.

suit (ぴったり) [動] be convenient or favorable to

「ありがとう。さて、どこへ?」とローリーは尋ね、後ろにもたれかかり、腕を組んだ。その様子は、馬車を運転する方が好きなエイミーにぴったりだった。日傘の柄の鞭と白いポニーの背中の青い手綱が彼女に無限の満足感を与えていた。

“I’m going to the bankers first for letters, and then to Castle Hill.

「まず銀行に手紙を取りに行って、それからキャッスルヒルに行くんだ。

The view is so lovely, and I like to feed the peacocks.

view (景色) [名] what is seen or can be seen

景色がとてもきれいだし、孔雀に餌をやるのが好きだから」

Have you ever been there?”

be (行く) [動] move from one place to another

行ったことある?」

“Often, years ago, but I don’t mind having a look at it.”

「何年も前によく行ったよ、でもまた見てもいいよ」

“Now tell me all about yourself.

「さあ、君のことを全部話してくれ。

The last I heard of you, your grandfather wrote that he expected you from Berlin.”

君のことを最後に聞いたのは、君のおじいさんが君がベルリンから来ると期待していると書いてきたときだ」

“Yes, I spent a month there and then joined him in Paris, where he has settled for the winter.

「そう、そこで一ヶ月過ごして、それからパリで彼と合流したんだ、彼は冬の間そこに住むんだ。

He has friends there and finds plenty to amuse him, so I go and come, and we get on capitally.”

go and come (行き来する) [動] move from one place to another and back again

彼にはそこに友人がいて、彼を楽しませてくれるものがたくさんあるので、私は行き来して、私たちはうまくやっていくんだ」

“That’s a sociable arrangement,” said Amy, missing something in Laurie’s manner, though she couldn’t tell what.

sociable (社交的な) [形] fond of the company of others

miss (気づく) [動] fail to notice or perceive

「それは社交的な取り決めね」とエイミーは言ったが、ローリーの態度に何かが欠けているのに気づいたが、それが何かはわからなかった。

“Why, you see, he hates to travel, and I hate to keep still, so we each suit ourselves, and there is no trouble.

「そう、彼は旅行が嫌いで、私はじっとしているのが嫌いだから、私たちはそれぞれ自分に合った方法で過ごすし、問題はない。

I am often with him, and he enjoys my adventures, while I like to feel that someone is glad to see me when I get back from my wanderings.

be glad (喜んでいる) [動] to be happy or pleased about something

私はよく彼と一緒にいるし、彼は私の冒険を楽しんでいるし、私は放浪から戻ったときに誰かが私に会えて喜んでいると感じるのが好きだ。

Dirty old hole, isn’t it?” he added, with a look of disgust as they drove along the boulevard to the Place Napoleon in the old city.

boulevard (大通り) [名] a wide street in a city, usually with trees on each side

Place Napoleon (ナポレオン広場) [名] a square in Paris, France, named after Napoleon Bonaparte

汚い古い穴だね」と彼は付け加えた。彼らが大通りを走って旧市街のナポレオン広場に向かう途中、彼は嫌悪感を抱いた。

“The dirt is picturesque, so I don’t mind.

「汚れは絵になるから気にしない。

The river and the hills are delicious, and these glimpses of the narrow cross streets are my delight.

glimpse (一瞥) [名] a brief or incomplete view

川や丘はおいしい、そして狭い交差点のこれらの一瞥は私の喜びだ。

Now we shall have to wait for that procession to pass.

procession (行列) [名] a number of people or vehicles moving forward in an orderly fashion, especially as part of a ceremony or festival

あの行列が通り過ぎるまで待たなければならない。

It’s going to the Church of St. John.”

Church of St. John (聖ヨハネ教会) [名] a church in the city of Cambridge, England

聖ヨハネ教会に行くんだ」

While Laurie listlessly watched the procession of priests under their canopies, white-veiled nuns bearing lighted tapers, and some brotherhood in blue chanting as they walked, Amy watched him, and felt a new sort of shyness steal over her, for he was changed, and she could not find the merry-faced boy she left in the moody-looking man beside her.

canopy (天蓋) [名] a covering suspended over a bed, throne, or other object

brotherhood (兄弟) [名] the relationship between brothers

chant (歌う) [動] sing or say something in a monotonous tone

steal (襲う) [動] take without permission or legal right and without intending to return it

ローリーが天蓋の下で司祭の行列、白いベールをかぶった修道女が火をつけたろうそくを持ち、青い服を着た兄弟たちが歩きながら歌っているのをぼんやりと眺めている間、エイミーは彼を眺め、新しい種類の恥ずかしさが彼女を襲うのを感じた。彼は変わっていて、彼女は隣にいる不機嫌そうな顔の男の中に、彼女が残した陽気な顔の少年を見つけることができなかった。

He was handsomer than ever and greatly improved, she thought, but now that the flush of pleasure at meeting her was over, he looked tired and spiritless—not sick, nor exactly unhappy, but older and graver than a year or two of prosperous life should have made him.

greatly (とても) [副] to a high degree; very much

prosperous (順風満帆) [形] successful or flourishing

彼はこれまで以上にハンサムで、とても成長したと思ったが、彼女に会えた喜びが去った今、彼は疲れて元気がないように見えた。病気でも、不幸でもなかったが、順風満帆な生活を送った1、2年でそうなるよりも年老いて、深刻そうだった。

She couldn’t understand it and did not venture to ask questions, so she shook her head and touched up her ponies, as the procession wound away across the arches of the Paglioni bridge and vanished in the church.

touch up (撫でる) [動] improve the appearance of

wind away (曲がりくねって進む) [動] move or cause to move in a twisting or spiral course

arch (アーチ) [名] a curved structure with a flat upper surface that spans an opening and is supported by two sides

彼女には理解できず、あえて質問もしなかったので、行列がパグリオニ橋のアーチを渡って教会の中に消えていくのを見ながら、首を振り、ポニーを撫でた。

“Que pensez-vous?” she said, airing her French, which had improved in quantity, if not in quality, since she came abroad.

Que pensez-vous? (Que pensez-vous?) [名] What do you think?

quality (質) [名] the standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence of something

「Que pensez-vous?」と彼女はフランス語を披露したが、それは質はともかく量は海外に来て以来上達していた。

“That mademoiselle has made good use of her time, and the result is charming,” replied Laurie, bowing with his hand on his heart and an admiring look.

make good use of (有効に活用する) [動] use something in a way that is effective or productive

「マドモアゼルは時間を有効に活用し、その結果は魅力的です」とローリーは答え、手を胸に当ててお辞儀をし、感心した様子だった。

She blushed with pleasure, but somehow the compliment did not satisfy her like the blunt praises he used to give her at home, when he promenaded round her on festival occasions, and told her she was ‘altogether jolly’, with a hearty smile and an approving pat on the head.

彼女は喜んで顔を赤らめたが、どういうわけか、その褒め言葉は、彼が家で彼女に与えていた、祭りの時に彼女の周りを散歩して、心からの笑顔で頭を撫でながら「まったく陽気だ」と言っていた、率直な褒め言葉ほど彼女を満足させなかった。

She didn’t like the new tone, for though not blase, it sounded indifferent in spite of the look.

blase (退屈そう) [形] unimpressed with or indifferent to something because one has experienced or seen it so often before

indifferent (無関心そう) [形] having or showing no interest or concern

彼女は新しい口調が気に入らなかった。退屈そうではないが、見た目とは裏腹に無関心そうに聞こえたからだ。

“If that’s the way he’s going to grow up, I wish he’d stay a boy,” she thought, with a curious sense of disappointment and discomfort, trying meantime to seem quite easy and gay.

「もし彼がそんな風に成長するなら、少年のままでいてほしい」と彼女は奇妙な失望と不快感を抱きながら考え、その間、とても気楽で陽気に見えるように努めた。

At Avigdor’s she found the precious home letters and, giving the reins to Laurie, read them luxuriously as they wound up the shady road between green hedges, where tea roses bloomed as freshly as in June.

Avigdor (アビグドル) [名] a person's name

wind (曲がる) [動] change direction

アビグドルのところで彼女は貴重な家からの手紙を見つけ、手綱をローリーに渡して、緑の生垣の間の木陰の道を曲がりながら、6月のように新鮮に咲き誇るティーローズを眺めながら、贅沢に手紙を読んだ。

“Beth is very poorly, Mother says.

「ベスは非常に具合が悪い、とママが言っている。

I often think I ought to go home, but they all say ‘stay’.

家に帰るべきだとよく思うけど、みんな「いろ」と言うの。

So I do, for I shall never have another chance like this,” said Amy, looking sober over one page.

ええ、そうするよ、だってこんな機会は二度とないんだもの」とエイミーは1ページを真面目な顔で眺めながら言った。

“I think you are right, there.

「その点では、あなたは正しいと思うよ。

You could do nothing at home, and it is a great comfort to them to know that you are well and happy, and enjoying so much, my dear.”

great comfort (大きな慰め) [名] a feeling of relief and relaxation

家では何もできないし、あなたが元気で幸せで、とても楽しんでいることを知ることは、彼らにとって大きな慰めになるよ、私の愛しい人」

He drew a little nearer, and looked more like his old self as he said that, and the fear that sometimes weighed on Amy’s heart was lightened, for the look, the act, the brotherly ‘my dear’, seemed to assure her that if any trouble did come, she would not be alone in a strange land.

old self (昔の自分) [名] the person that one used to be

weigh on (重くのしかかる) [動] to be a burden to

be lightened (軽くなる) [動] to become less heavy

act (態度) [名] the way that someone behaves

strange land (異国の地) [名] a foreign country

彼は少し近づき、そう言いながら昔の自分らしさを取り戻し、エイミーの心を時折重くしていた不安は軽くなった。その表情、態度、兄弟のような「私の愛しい人」という言葉は、もし何か問題が起こっても、彼女は異国の地で一人ぼっちにはならないと確信させてくれるようだった。

Presently she laughed and showed him a small sketch of Jo in her scribbling suit, with the bow rampantly erect upon her cap, and issuing from her mouth the words, ‘Genius burns!’.

rampantly (乱暴に) [副] in a wild or unrestrained manner

erect (直立する) [形] rigidly upright or straight

やがて彼女は笑って、書きなぐり用の服を着て、帽子の上にリボンが乱暴に直立し、口から「天才が燃える!」という言葉を発しているジョーの小さなスケッチを見せた。

Laurie smiled, took it, put it in his vest pocket ‘to keep it from blowing away’, and listened with interest to the lively letter Amy read him.

blow away (吹き飛ばす) [動] to be carried away by the wind

ローリーは微笑んでそれを受け取り、「吹き飛ばされないように」チョッキのポケットに入れ、エイミーが読んでくれる生き生きとした手紙に興味深く耳を傾けた。

“This will be a regularly merry Christmas to me, with presents in the morning, you and letters in the afternoon, and a party at night,” said Amy, as they alighted among the ruins of the old fort, and a flock of splendid peacocks came trooping about them, tamely waiting to be fed.

troop (群がる) [動] move or gather in large numbers

tamely (おとなしく) [副] in a docile manner

「これは私にとって本当に楽しいクリスマスになるよ、朝はプレゼント、午後はあなたと手紙、夜はパーティー」とエイミーは言い、彼らは古い砦の廃墟の中に降り立った。そして、立派な孔雀の群れが彼らの周りに群がり、おとなしく餌を待っていた。

While Amy stood laughing on the bank above him as she scattered crumbs to the brilliant birds, Laurie looked at her as she had looked at him, with a natural curiosity to see what changes time and absence had wrought.

scatter (まく) [動] throw around or about

crumb (パンくず) [名] a small fragment of bread

work (もたらす) [動] cause to happen or exist

エイミーが彼の上の土手に立って、鮮やかな鳥たちにパンくずをまきながら笑っている間、ローリーは彼女が彼を見たように彼女を見つめ、時間と不在がどんな変化をもたらしたのか、自然な好奇心を抱いていた。

He found nothing to perplex or disappoint, much to admire and approve, for overlooking a few little affectations of speech and manner, she was as sprightly and graceful as ever, with the addition of that indescribable something in dress and bearing which we call elegance.

perplex (困惑させる) [動] cause to be puzzled or confused

overlook (見落とす) [動] fail to notice

affectation (気取り) [名] behavior, speech, or writing that is artificial and pretentious

sprightly (元気な) [形] lively and full of energy

彼は困惑したり失望したりすることは何も見当たらず、賞賛したり認めたりすることが多かった。言葉遣いや態度に少し気取ったところがあったが、彼女は相変わらず元気で優雅で、服装や態度に優雅さと呼ばれる言葉では言い表せない何かが加わっていた。

Always mature for her age, she had gained a certain aplomb in both carriage and conversation, which made her seem more of a woman of the world than she was, but her old petulance now and then showed itself, her strong will still held its own, and her native frankness was unspoiled by foreign polish.

mature (大人びた) [形] having reached full development

carriage (立ち居振る舞い) [名] the way a person walks and holds their body

aplomb (落ち着き) [名] self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation

petulance (短気な面) [名] bad-tempered and impatient

hold (健在) [動] remain in a specified state

native (生来の) [形] belonging to a person by birth

unspoiled (損なわれることはなかった) [形] not damaged or harmed

polish (洗練) [名] refinement in manners, style, or taste

いつも年齢の割に大人びていた彼女は、立ち居振る舞いも会話も落ち着きがあり、実際よりも世慣れた女性のように見えたが、時折昔の短気な面を見せ、強い意志は相変わらず健在で、生来の率直さは外国の洗練によって損なわれることはなかった。

Laurie did not read all this while he watched her feed the peacocks, but he saw enough to satisfy and interest him, and carried away a pretty little picture of a bright-faced girl standing in the sunshine, which brought out the soft hue of her dress, the fresh color of her cheeks, the golden gloss of her hair, and made her a prominent figure in the pleasant scene.

carry away (持ち帰る) [動] take away with oneself

bring out (引き出す) [動] cause to appear or be more prominent

hue (色合い) [名] a particular shade or tint of a color

gloss (つや) [名] a shiny and smooth surface

prominent (際立つ) [形] important; famous; well-known

ローリーは彼女が孔雀に餌をやるのを見ている間にこのすべてを読み取ったわけではないが、彼を満足させ興味を抱かせるのに十分なものを見、日差しの中に立つ明るい顔の少女のかわいらしい小さな絵を持ち帰った。それは彼女のドレスの柔らかい色合い、頬の瑞々しい色、髪の毛の金色のつやを引き出し、彼女を楽しい場面で際立たせていた。

As they came up onto the stone plateau that crowns the hill, Amy waved her hand as if welcoming him to her favorite haunt, and said, pointing here and there, “Do you remember the Cathedral and the Corso, the fishermen dragging their nets in the bay, and the lovely road to Villa Franca, Schubert’s Tower, just below, and best of all, that speck far out to sea which they say is Corsica?”

come up (上がる) [動] move to a higher position

stone plateau (石造りの台地) [名] a large area of flat land made of stone

crown (頂上) [名] the top part of something, especially a person's head

favorite haunt (お気に入りの場所) [名] a place that one likes to visit often

cathedral (大聖堂) [名] the principal church of a diocese

fisherman (漁師) [名] a person engaged in catching fish

drag (引く) [動] pull with great effort

just below (すぐ下) [副] a short distance below

far out (彼方) [副] a long way away

speck (斑点) [名] a small spot

Corsica (コルシカ島) [名] a French island in the Mediterranean Sea

丘の頂上にある石造りの台地に上がると、エイミーはまるで自分のお気に入りの場所に彼を歓迎するかのように手を振り、あちこちを指さしながら言った、「大聖堂やコルソ、湾で網を引く漁師たち、ヴィラ・フランカへの美しい道、すぐ下にあるシューベルトの塔、そして何よりも、海の彼方に見えるあの斑点、コルシカ島と言われている場所を覚えていますか?」

“I remember. It’s not much changed,” he answered without enthusiasm.

「覚えている。あまり変わっていませんね」と彼は熱意なく答えた。

“What Jo would give for a sight of that famous speck!” said Amy, feeling in good spirits and anxious to see him so also.

anxious (見たい) [形] wanting something very much

「ジョーはあの有名な斑点を見るために何を差し出すだろう!」とエイミーは上機嫌で、彼もそうであるように見たいと思って言った。

“Yes,” was all he said, but he turned and strained his eyes to see the island which a greater usurper than even Napoleon now made interesting in his sight.

strain (凝らす) [動] make an unusually great effort

usurper (簒奪者) [名] someone who takes a position of power or importance illegally or by force

「そう」と彼は言っただけだったが、ナポレオンよりもさらに偉大な簒奪者が今や彼の目に興味深いものにしている島を見ようと目を凝らした。

“Take a good look at it for her sake, and then come and tell me what you have been doing with yourself all this while,” said Amy, seating herself, ready for a good talk.

take a good look at (よく見る) [動] examine carefully

for her sake (彼女のために) [副] for the benefit of her

come and tell (戻ってきて教えて) [動] return and inform

all this while (この間ずっと) [副] during all this time

seating herself (座って) [動] sit down

ready for (準備をしながら) [形] prepared for

「彼女のためによく見て、それから戻ってきて、この間ずっと何をしていたのか教えて」とエイミーは座って、いい話の準備をしながら言った。

But she did not get it, for though he joined her and answered all her questions freely, she could only learn that he had roved about the Continent and been to Greece.

Greece (ギリシャ) [名] a country in southeastern Europe

しかし、彼女はそれを得られなかった、彼は彼女に加わり、彼女のすべての質問に自由に答えたが、彼女は彼が大陸を歩き回り、ギリシャに行ったことを知ることしかできなかった。

So after idling away an hour, they drove home again, and having paid his respects to Mrs. Carrol, Laurie left them, promising to return in the evening.

idle away (怠ける) [動] spend time doing nothing

drive (向かう) [動] go or travel by car

pay respect (敬意を表す) [動] show respect for

だから、1時間ほど怠けた後、彼らは再び家に向かい、キャロル夫人に敬意を表した後、ローリーは夕方に戻ると約束して彼らのもとを去った。

It must be recorded of Amy that she deliberately prinked that night.

be recorded (記録される) [動] be set down in writing

deliberately (わざと) [副] done on purpose; intentional

エイミーがその夜、わざと着飾ったことは記録に残さなければならない。

Time and absence had done its work on both the young people.

時間と不在は、若い二人にその仕事をした。

She had seen her old friend in a new light, not as ‘our boy’, but as a handsome and agreeable man, and she was conscious of a very natural desire to find favor in his sight.

new light (新しい光) [名] a different or more favorable way of considering something

彼女は古い友人を「うちの男の子」としてではなく、ハンサムで感じのいい男性として新しい光の中で見ていたし、彼の目に好意を見出そうとするごく自然な欲求を自覚していた。

Amy knew her good points, and made the most of them with the taste and skill which is a fortune to a poor and pretty woman.

good point (良い点) [名] a positive aspect of something

エイミーは自分の良い点を知っていたし、貧しくてきれいな女性にとって幸運である趣味と技能でそれらを最大限に生かしていた。

Tarlatan and tulle were cheap at Nice, so she enveloped herself in them on such occasions, and following the sensible English fashion of simple dress for young girls, got up charming little toilettes with fresh flowers, a few trinkets, and all manner of dainty devices, which were both inexpensive and effective.

Tarlatan (タルラタン) [名] a thin, stiff, open-weave fabric of cotton, used for making dresses, etc.

tulle (チュール) [名] a very fine, delicate net fabric, used for making veils, etc.

Nice (ニース) [名] a city in southeastern France on the Mediterranean Sea

envelop (身にまとう) [動] wrap up, cover, or surround completely

trinket (装身具) [名] a small ornament or piece of jewelry

inexpensive (安価な) [形] low in price or value

タルラタンとチュールはニースで安かったので、彼女はそのような機会にそれらを身にまとったし、若い女の子のためのシンプルなドレスの賢明なイギリスのファッションに従って、新鮮な花、いくつかの装身具、そしてあらゆる種類の可憐な工夫で、安価で効果的な魅力的な小さなトイレットを用意した。

It must be confessed that the artist sometimes got possession of the woman, and indulged in antique coiffures, statuesque attitudes, and classic draperies.

coiffure (髪型) [名] a way of arranging or styling the hair

statuesque (彫像のような) [形] resembling a statue

classic (古典的な) [形] judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind

drapery (ドレープ) [名] a decorative arrangement of fabric, especially when hung in folds

芸術家が時々女性を所有し、アンティークの髪型、彫像のような態度、そして古典的なドレープに耽ったことを告白しなければならない。

But, dear heart, we all have our little weaknesses, and find it easy to pardon such in the young, who satisfy our eyes with their comeliness, and keep our hearts merry with their artless vanities.

dear heart (愛しい人) [名] a term of endearment

comeliness (美しさ) [名] the quality of being attractive or pleasing to the eye

しかし、愛しい人よ、私たちは皆、小さな弱点を持っていて、若い人たちにはそのようなことを許しやすいのです。若い人たちはその美しさで私たちの目を満足させ、無邪気な虚栄心で私たちの心を陽気に保ってくれるのです。

“I do want him to think I look well, and tell them so at home,” said Amy to herself, as she put on Flo’s old white silk ball dress, and covered it with a cloud of fresh illusion, out of which her white shoulders and golden head emerged with a most artistic effect.

look well (きれいだ) [動] be attractive

「彼に私がきれいだと思われて、家でそう言ってほしいよ」とエイミーは独り言を言い、フローの古い白い絹の舞踏会用のドレスを着て、それを新鮮な幻想の雲で覆い、その中から白い肩と金色の頭が最も芸術的な効果で現れた。

Her hair she had the sense to let alone, after gathering up the thick waves and curls into a Hebe-like knot at the back of her head.

have the sense to (分別がある) [動] be wise enough to

gather up (まとめる) [動] collect or bring together

Hebe-like (ヘーベーのような) [形] resembling the Greek goddess of youth

knot (結び目) [名] an intertwining of the parts of one or more ropes, cords, or other pliable materials so as to form a lump or knob

彼女は髪の毛を後ろでヘーベーのような結び目にまとめた後、そのままにしておく分別があった。

“It’s not the fashion, but it’s becoming, and I can’t afford to make a fright of myself,” she used to say, when advised to frizzle, puff, or braid, as the latest style commanded.

frizzle (縮れる) [動] form into small tight curls

puff (膨らむ) [動] become or cause to become swollen or distended

braid (編む) [動] form by interlacing three or more strands

「流行ではないけれど、似合っているし、自分を怖がらせる余裕はないよ」と、最新のスタイルに従って縮れたり、膨らんだり、編んだりするように勧められると、彼女はよく言っていた。

Having no ornaments fine enough for this important occasion, Amy looped her fleecy skirts with rosy clusters of azalea, and framed the white shoulders in delicate green vines.

fleecy (ふわふわした) [形] made of or covered with a soft, woolly substance

azalea (ツツジ) [名] a flowering shrub

frame (縁取る) [動] put a border around

delicate (繊細な) [形] very fine in texture or structure

この重要な機会にふさわしい装飾品を持っていなかったエイミーは、ふわふわしたスカートにツツジのバラ色の房を巻き付け、白い肩を繊細な緑のつるで縁取った。

Remembering the painted boots, she surveyed her white satin slippers with girlish satisfaction, and chasseed down the room, admiring her aristocratic feet all by herself.

painted (塗装した) [形] having been covered with paint

塗装したブーツを思い出して、彼女は少女のような満足感で白いサテンのスリッパを眺め、部屋を下りて、一人で自分の貴族的な足を賞賛した。

“My new fan just matches my flowers, my gloves fit to a charm, and the real lace on Aunt’s mouchoir gives an air to my whole dress.

「私の新しい扇子は花にぴったりで、手袋は魅力的で、叔母のハンカチの本物のレースは私のドレス全体に風格を与えている。

If I only had a classical nose and mouth I should be perfectly happy,” she said, surveying herself with a critical eye and a candle in each hand.

私に古典的な鼻と口さえあれば、私は完全に幸せになるだろう」と彼女は両手にろうそくを持ち、批判的な目で自分自身を眺めながら言った。

In spite of this affliction, she looked unusually gay and graceful as she glided away.

このような苦しみにもかかわらず、彼女は滑り落ちるように去って行くとき、異常に陽気で優雅に見えた。

She seldom ran—it did not suit her style, she thought, for being tall, the stately and Junoesque was more appropriate than the sportive or piquante.

Junoesque (ジュノーのような) [形] having the stately beauty of the Roman goddess Juno

sportive (遊び心のある) [形] playful

piquante (ピカピカした) [形] having a sharp and lively quality

彼女はめったに走らなかった。背が高いので、堂々としたジュノーのような態度が、遊び心やピカピカした態度よりもふさわしいと思っていた。

She walked up and down the long saloon while waiting for Laurie, and once arranged herself under the chandelier, which had a good effect upon her hair, then she thought better of it, and went away to the other end of the room, as if ashamed of the girlish desire to have the first view a propitious one.

walk up and down (行ったり来たりする) [動] move back and forth

saloon (サロン) [名] a public room on a ship

have a good effect (良い効果をもたらす) [動] produce a positive result

think better of (考え直す) [動] change one's mind about something

propitious (好意的な) [形] giving or indicating a good chance of success

彼女はローリーを待つ間、長いサロンを行ったり来たりし、一度シャンデリアの下に身を置いて髪に良い効果をもたらしたが、それから考え直して部屋の反対側に行き、最初の眺めを好意的なものにしたいという少女らしい欲望を恥じているかのようだった。

It so happened that she could not have done a better thing, for Laurie came in so quietly she did not hear him, and as she stood at the distant window, with her head half turned and one hand gathering up her dress, the slender, white figure against the red curtains was as effective as a well-placed statue.

could not have done (できなかった) [動] be unable to do something

well-placed (よく置かれた) [形] in a good position

たまたま彼女はもっと良いことをすることができなかった、というのもローリーがとても静かに入ってきたので彼女は彼の声を聞かなかったし、彼女が遠くの窓に立って頭を半分回し、片手でドレスを持ち上げていたので、赤いカーテンを背景にしたほっそりした白い姿は、よく置かれた彫像のように効果的だった。

“Good evening, Diana!” said Laurie, with the look of satisfaction she liked to see in his eyes when they rested on her.

Diana (ダイアナ) [名] the Roman goddess of the hunt, childbirth, and the moon

rest (映る) [動] be supported by or based on

「こんばんは、ダイアナ!」ローリーは、彼女が彼の目に映ったときに見たいと思う満足感を浮かべて言った。

“Good evening, Apollo!” she answered, smiling back at him, for he too looked unusually debonair, and the thought of entering the ballroom on the arm of such a personable man caused Amy to pity the four plain Misses Davis from the bottom of her heart.

Apollo (アポロ) [名] the god of music, poetry, light, prophecy, and medicine in Greek mythology

back (返す) [副] in return

debonair (上品な) [形] charming, confident, and stylish

ballroom (舞踏室) [名] a large room for dancing

personable (人柄の良い) [形] having a pleasant appearance and personality

「こんばんは、アポロ!」彼女は彼に微笑み返して答えた、というのも彼もまた異常に上品に見え、そのような人柄の良い男性の腕に抱かれて舞踏室に入ることを考えると、エイミーは心の底から4人の地味なデイビス嬢を哀れに思ったからだ。

“Here are your flowers.

「これがあなたの花です。

I arranged them myself, remembering that you didn’t like what Hannah calls a ‘sot-bookay’,” said Laurie, handing her a delicate nosegay, in a holder that she had long coveted as she daily passed it in Cardiglia’s window.

hand (手渡す) [動] give or pass with the hand

ハンナが「ソット・ブーケ」と呼ぶものが嫌いだったことを思い出して、自分でアレンジしたんだ」とローリーは、彼女が毎日カルディリアの窓の前を通るたびに長い間欲しがっていたホルダーに入った繊細なブーケを彼女に手渡した。

“How kind you are!” she exclaimed gratefully.

「なんて親切なの!」彼女は感謝して叫んだ。

“If I’d known you were coming I’d have had something ready for you today, though not as pretty as this, I’m afraid.”

have something ready (用意する) [動] prepare something in advance

「あなたが来ると知っていたら、今日あなたのために何か用意していたでしょう、でもこれほどきれいなものではないでしょうね」

“Thank you. It isn’t what it should be, but you have improved it,” he added, as she snapped the silver bracelet on her wrist.

snap (はめる) [動] fasten or close with a snap

wrist (手首) [名] the joint or part of the body connecting the hand with the arm

「ありがとう。彼女が手首に銀のブレスレットをはめたとき、「それはあるべき姿ではないが、君はそれを改善した」と彼は付け加えた。

“Please don’t.”

「やめて」

“I thought you liked that sort of thing.”

「君はそういうのが好きだと思ったんだけど」

“Not from you, it doesn’t sound natural, and I like your old bluntness better.”

not from you (あなたからだと) [副] not from you

sound natural (自然に聞こえる) [動] sound natural

like better (好きだ) [動] like better

old bluntness (昔の無愛想な) [名] old bluntness

「あなたからだと、自然に聞こえないし、私はあなたの昔の無愛想な方が好きだよ」

“I’m glad of it,” he answered, with a look of relief, then buttoned her gloves for her, and asked if his tie was straight, just as he used to do when they went to parties together at home.

look of relief (安心した様子) [名] an expression of relief

button (ボタンをはめる) [動] fasten with a button

「よかった」と彼は安心した様子で答え、それから彼女の手袋のボタンをはめ、家で一緒にパーティーに行くときによくしていたように、ネクタイがまっすぐかどうか尋ねた。

The company assembled in the long salle a manger, that evening, was such as one sees nowhere but on the Continent.

salle a manger (食堂) [名] a dining room

on the Continent (大陸で) [名] the mainland of Europe as distinct from the British Isles

その夜、長い食堂に集まった一行は、大陸以外では見られないようなものだった。

The hospitable Americans had invited every acquaintance they had in Nice, and having no prejudice against titles, secured a few to add luster to their Christmas ball.

have no prejudice against (偏見がない) [動] not have a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience

add luster (華を添える) [動] make something more attractive or impressive

Christmas ball (クリスマス舞踏会) [名] a formal social gathering for dancing, typically held during the Christmas season

もてなしの精神にあふれたアメリカ人たちは、ニースで知り合った人々をすべて招待し、肩書きに偏見がなかったので、クリスマス舞踏会に華を添えるために何人かを確保した。

A Russian prince condescended to sit in a corner for an hour and talk with a massive lady, dressed like Hamlet’s mother in black velvet with a pearl bridle under her chin.

Russian (ロシアの) [形] of or relating to Russia or its people or language

condescend (腰を下ろす) [動] do something that you think is below your dignity

massive (大柄な) [形] large and heavy or solid

bridle (くつわ) [名] the headgear used to control a horse

ロシアの王子は、ハムレットの母親のような黒いビロードの服を着て、あごの下に真珠のくつわをつけた大柄な女性と、隅に座って一時間ほど話し込んだ。

A Polish count, aged eighteen, devoted himself to the ladies, who pronounced him, ‘a fascinating dear’, and a German Serene Something, having come to supper alone, roamed vaguely about, seeking what he might devour.

Polish (ポーランドの) [形] of or relating to Poland or its people or language

pronounce (呼ぶ) [動] say or declare officially

vaguely (漠然と) [副] in a way that is not clear or definite

18歳のポーランドの伯爵は、女性たちに熱心で、女性たちは彼を「魅力的な愛しい人」と呼び、ドイツの穏やかな何かは、一人で夕食に来たため、何を食べようかと漠然と歩き回っていた。

Baron Rothschild’s private secretary, a large-nosed Jew in tight boots, affably beamed upon the world, as if his master’s name crowned him with a golden halo.

Baron Rothschild (ロスチャイルド男爵) [名] a member of the Rothschild family

private secretary (秘書) [名] a person employed by a person of high rank or importance to assist with correspondence, manage appointments, and carry out other administrative tasks

large-nosed (鼻の大きな) [形] having a large nose

affably (愛想よく) [副] in a friendly and pleasant manner

crown (冠する) [動] be the topmost or highest part of

halo (後光) [名] a circle of light shown around or above the head of a saint or holy person

ロスチャイルド男爵の秘書は、鼻の大きなユダヤ人で、きついブーツを履き、主人の名前が金色の後光を放っているかのように、愛想よく世界に微笑みかけていた。

A stout Frenchman, who knew the Emperor, came to indulge his mania for dancing, and Lady de Jones, a British matron, adorned the scene with her little family of eight.

Frenchman (フランス人) [名] a person from France

Lady de Jones (デ・ジョーンズ夫人) [名] a British matron

adorn (華を添える) [動] be an attractive addition to

皇帝を知る恰幅の良いフランス人は、ダンスへの熱狂にふけるためにやってきて、イギリス人の婦人であるデ・ジョーンズ夫人は、8人の小さな家族と共にその場に華を添えた。

Of course, there were many light-footed, shrill-voiced American girls, handsome, lifeless-looking English ditto, and a few plain but piquante French demoiselles, likewise the usual set of traveling young gentlemen who disported themselves gaily, while mammas of all nations lined the walls and smiled upon them benignly when they danced with their daughters.

light-footed (足取りの軽い) [形] moving quickly and easily

shrill-voiced (甲高い声の) [形] having a high-pitched sound

lifeless-looking (生気のない顔つきの) [形] lacking vitality or animation

ditto (ditto) [名] the same thing again

piquante (ピリッとした) [形] having a sharp, spicy flavor

disport (陽気に踊る) [動] amuse oneself

mamma (母親) [名] a mother

benignly (優しく) [副] in a kind and gentle manner

もちろん、足取りの軽い、甲高い声のアメリカ人の女の子、ハンサムで生気のない顔つきのイギリス人の女の子、そして地味だがピリッとしたフランス人の女の子たちがたくさんいて、同じようにいつもの旅する若い紳士たちが陽気に踊り、あらゆる国の母親たちが壁に並んで、娘たちと踊る彼らを優しく微笑みかけていた。

Any young girl can imagine Amy’s state of mind when she ‘took the stage’ that night, leaning on Laurie’s arm.

state of mind (心境) [名] a person's emotional state or mood

take the stage (舞台に立つ) [動] to appear on stage

lean on (寄りかかる) [動] be supported by or rest against

どんな少女でも、エイミーがその夜、ローリーの腕に寄りかかって「舞台に立った」ときの心境を想像できるだろう。

She knew she looked well, she loved to dance, she felt that her foot was on her native heath in a ballroom, and enjoyed the delightful sense of power which comes when young girls first discover the new and lovely kingdom they are born to rule by virtue of beauty, youth, and womanhood.

look well (美しく見える) [動] appear to be in good health

love to dance (踊るのが大好き) [動] like dancing very much

native heath (故郷のヒース) [名] a place where one was born or grew up

彼女は自分が美しく見えることを知っていた、踊るのが大好きだった、舞踏室で自分の足が故郷のヒースの上にあるように感じ、若い女の子たちが美しさ、若さ、女性らしさによって支配するために生まれた新しく美しい王国を初めて発見したときに訪れる、楽しい権力の感覚を楽しんだ。

She did pity the Davis girls, who were awkward, plain, and destitute of escort, except a grim papa and three grimmer maiden aunts, and she bowed to them in her friendliest manner as she passed, which was good of her, as it permitted them to see her dress, and burn with curiosity to know who her distinguished-looking friend might be.

awkward (不器用な) [形] clumsy or lacking in skill

彼女は、不器用で地味で、厳しいパパと3人のもっと厳しい未婚の叔母以外には付き添いもなく、デイビス家の娘たちを哀れに思い、通り過ぎるときに彼女の最も友好的な態度でお辞儀をしたが、それは彼女の親切なことであり、彼女のドレスを見ることができ、彼女の見栄えのする友人が誰なのか知りたくて好奇心で燃え上がった。

With the first burst of the band, Amy’s color rose, her eyes began to sparkle, and her feet to tap the floor impatiently, for she danced well and wanted Laurie to know it.

burst (一音) [名] a sudden loud noise

tap (踏み鳴らす) [動] strike or knock lightly

バンドの最初の一音で、エイミーの顔色が上がり、目が輝き始め、足がせわしなく床を踏み鳴らした、彼女は踊りがうまく、ローリーにそれを知ってもらいたかったからだ。

Therefore the shock she received can better be imagined than described, when he said in a perfectly tranquil tone, “Do you care to dance?”

だから、彼が完全に落ち着いた口調で「踊りたいですか?」と言ったとき、彼女が受けた衝撃は、説明するよりも想像した方が良い。

“One usually does at a ball.”

do (踊る) [動] perform an action or deed

「舞踏会では普通踊るものです」

Her amazed look and quick answer caused Laurie to repair his error as fast as possible.

repair (正す) [動] restore something damaged, faulty, or worn to a good condition

error (誤り) [名] a mistake

彼女の驚いた表情と素早い返答に、ローリーはできる限り早く自分の誤りを正そうとした。

“I meant the first dance.

「最初のダンスのことです。

May I have the honor?”

have the honor (光栄に預かる) [動] be honored

光栄に預かれますでしょうか?」

“I can give you one if I put off the Count.

put off (延期する) [動] postpone or delay

「伯爵を延期すれば、1つ差し上げられます。

He dances divinely, but he will excuse me, as you are an old friend,” said Amy, hoping that the name would have a good effect, and show Laurie that she was not to be trifled with.

divinely (神のように) [副] in a divine manner

trifle (軽視する) [動] treat as unimportant

彼は神のように踊りますが、あなたは古くからの友人なので、私を許してくれるでしょう」とエイミーは言い、その名前が良い効果をもたらし、ローリーに彼女が軽視されるべきではないことを示してくれることを期待した。

“Nice little boy, but rather a short Pole to support...

pole (棒) [名] a long thin piece of wood or metal

「いい子だね、でも支えには短い棒だね...

A daughter of the gods, Devinely tall, and most divinely fair,”

神々の娘、神々しく背が高く、最も神々しく美しい」

was all the satisfaction she got, however.

be all (それだけである) [動] be the only thing

しかし、彼女が得た満足感はそれだけだった。

The set in which they found themselves was composed of English, and Amy was compelled to walk decorously through a cotillion, feeling all the while as if she could dance the tarantella with relish.

find oneself (いる) [動] be in a particular place or situation

be compelled to (せざるを得ない) [動] be forced to

decorously (優雅に) [副] in a way that is polite and respectful

cotillion (コティヨン) [名] a formal social gathering for debutantes

all the while (ずっと) [副] throughout the whole time

tarantella (タランテラ) [名] a fast, whirling, southern Italian folk dance

彼らがいたセットはイギリス人で構成されていて、エイミーはタランテラをおいしそうに踊れるかのように感じながら、コティヨンを優雅に歩かざるを得なかった。

Laurie resigned her to the ‘nice little boy’, and went to do his duty to Flo, without securing Amy for the joys to come, which reprehensible want of forethought was properly punished, for she immediately engaged herself till supper, meaning to relent if he then gave any signs penitence.

resign (任せる) [動] give up a position of office or authority

nice little boy (いい子) [名] a boy who is nice

engage (拘束する) [動] occupy or attract

penitence (後悔) [名] a feeling of sorrow and regret for having done something wrong

ローリーは彼女を「いい子」に任せて、フロへの義務を果たすために行き、エイミーにこれからの楽しみを確保せずに、その非難されるべき先見の明の欠如は適切に罰せられ、彼女はすぐに夕食まで自分を拘束し、彼が後悔の兆しを見せたら容赦するつもりだった。

She showed him her ball book with demure satisfaction when he strolled instead of rushed up to claim her for the next, a glorious polka redowa.

ball book (ボールブック) [名] a book in which a woman records the names of her dance partners

polka redowa (ポルカ・レドワ) [名] a lively Bohemian dance in duple time

彼が次の曲、素晴らしいポルカ・レドワのために彼女を誘いに駆け寄る代わりに、彼女は彼に控えめな満足感をもって彼女のボールブックを見せた。

But his polite regrets didn’t impose upon her, and when she galloped away with the Count, she saw Laurie sit down by her aunt with an actual expression of relief.

impose (欺く) [動] take advantage of

しかし、彼の丁寧な後悔は彼女を欺くことはなく、彼女が伯爵と駆け去ったとき、彼女はローリーが実際に安堵の表情を浮かべて叔母のそばに座っているのを見た。

That was unpardonable, and Amy took no more notice of him for a long while, except a word now and then when she came to her chaperon between the dances for a necessary pin or a moment’s rest.

unpardonable (許しがたい) [形] too bad to be forgiven

take notice of (気にかける) [動] become aware of

a long while (長い間) [名] a long period of time

chaperon (シャペロン) [名] an older person who accompanies and supervises a young unmarried woman

それは許しがたいことで、エイミーは長い間彼のことを気にかけず、必要なピンや一瞬の休息のためにダンスの合間にシャペロンのところに来たとき以外は、時々言葉を交わすだけだった。

Her anger had a good effect, however, for she hid it under a smiling face, and seemed unusually blithe and brilliant.

smiling face (笑顔) [名] a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth and showing the teeth

しかし、彼女の怒りは良い効果をもたらした、なぜなら彼女はそれを笑顔の下に隠し、異常に快活で輝いているように見えたからだ。

Laurie’s eyes followed her with pleasure, for she neither romped nor sauntered, but danced with spirit and grace, making the delightsome pastime what it should be.

delightsome (楽しい) [形] causing delight

pastime (娯楽) [名] an activity that is done for enjoyment when one is not working

ローリーの目は喜んで彼女を追った、なぜなら彼女ははしゃぎ回ったり、ぶらぶら歩いたりせず、元気で優雅に踊り、楽しい娯楽を本来あるべき姿にしていたからだ。

He very naturally fell to studying her from this new point of view, and before the evening was half over, had decided that ‘little Amy was going to make a very charming woman’.

point of view (視点) [名] a particular attitude or way of considering a matter

彼はごく自然にこの新しい視点から彼女を研究するようになり、夕方の半分が終わる前に「小さなエイミーはとても魅力的な女性になるだろう」と決めていた。

It was a lively scene, for soon the spirit of the social season took possession of everyone, and Christmas merriment made all faces shine, hearts happy, and heels light.

それは活気のある光景だった、なぜならすぐに社交シーズンの精神が皆を支配し、クリスマスの陽気さで皆の顔が輝き、心が幸せになり、かかとが軽くなったからだ。

The musicians fiddled, tooted, and banged as if they enjoyed it, everybody danced who could, and those who couldn’t admired their neighbors with uncommon warmth.

fiddle (バイオリンを弾く) [動] play the violin

toot (笛を吹く) [動] play a horn or other wind instrument

bang (太鼓を叩く) [動] hit or strike something hard and loudly

楽団員たちは楽しんでいるようにバイオリンを弾き、笛を吹き、太鼓を叩き、踊れる人は皆踊り、踊れない人は隣人を珍しく熱心に賞賛した。

The air was dark with Davises, and many Joneses gamboled like a flock of young giraffes.

Davis (デイビス) [名] a surname

Jones (ジョーンズ) [名] a surname

gambol (跳ね回る) [動] run or jump about playfully

giraffe (キリン) [名] a large African mammal with a very long neck

空気はデイビス家で暗く、多くのジョーンズ家が若いキリンの群れのように跳ね回っていた。

The golden secretary darted through the room like a meteor with a dashing French-woman who carpeted the floor with her pink satin train.

secretary (秘書) [名] a person employed by an individual or in an office to assist with correspondence, keep records, make appointments, and carry out similar tasks

meteor (流星) [名] a small body of matter from outer space that enters the earth's atmosphere, becoming incandescent as a result of friction and appearing as a streak of light

carpet (敷き詰める) [動] cover with or as if with a carpet

train (裾) [名] the trailing part of a long garment that flows behind the wearer

金色の秘書は、ピンクのサテンのドレスの裾を床に引きずったフランス人女性と共に、流星のように部屋を駆け抜けた。

The serene Teuton found the supper-table and was happy, eating steadily through the bill of fare, and dismayed the garcons by the ravages he committed.

Teuton (ドイツ人) [名] a member of a Germanic tribe

supper-table (夕食のテーブル) [名] a table where supper is served

steadily (順番に) [副] in a regular and even manner

bill of fare (メニュー) [名] a list of dishes served in a restaurant

garcon (ギャルソン) [名] a waiter in a French restaurant

落ち着いたドイツ人は夕食のテーブルを見つけて幸せそうに、メニューを順番に食べ、彼が犯した略奪によってギャルソンを狼狽させた。

But the Emperor’s friend covered himself with glory, for he danced everything, whether he knew it or not, and introduced impromptu pirouettes when the figures bewildered him.

cover oneself with glory (栄光に包まれる) [動] to achieve great success or fame

introduce (披露する) [動] to bring into use or operation for the first time

pirouette (ピルエット) [名] a rapid spin on one foot, typically performed as a dance step

しかし、皇帝の友人は、知っているかどうかにかかわらず、あらゆる踊りを踊り、踊りの型が彼を当惑させたときには即興でピルエットを披露して、栄光に包まれた。

The boyish abandon of that stout man was charming to behold, for though he ‘carried weight’, he danced like an India-rubber ball.

abandon (無邪気さ) [名] a lack of inhibition or restraint

India-rubber (ゴム) [名] a type of rubber that is made from the sap of certain trees

その頑丈な男の少年のような無邪気さは、彼が「重荷を背負っている」にもかかわらず、ゴムボールのように踊っていたので、見ているだけでも魅力的だった。

He ran, he flew, he pranced, his face glowed, his bald head shown, his coattails waved wildly, his pumps actually twinkled in the air, and when the music stopped, he wiped the drops from his brow, and beamed upon his fellow men like a French Pickwick without glasses.

prance (跳ね回る) [動] move in a lively, spirited way

bald (禿げた) [形] having little or no hair

coattail (燕尾服の裾) [名] the long back part of a coat

pump (パンプス) [名] a woman's shoe with a heel

fellow (仲間の) [形] sharing a particular activity, quality, or condition with another or others

彼は走り、飛び、跳ね回り、顔は輝き、禿げた頭は光り、燕尾服の裾は激しく揺れ、パンプスは実際に空中できらめき、音楽が止まると、額の汗を拭き、眼鏡をかけていないフランスのピックウィックのように仲間の男性に微笑みかけた。

Amy and her Pole distinguished themselves by equal enthusiasm but more graceful agility, and Laurie found himself involuntarily keeping time to the rhythmic rise and fall of the white slippers as they flew by as indefatigably as if winged.

Pole (ポーランド人) [名] a person from Poland

distinguish (際立つ) [動] be different from

agility (機敏さ) [名] the ability to move or think quickly and easily

find oneself (気づく) [動] become aware of

keep time (合わせる) [動] move or perform in a regular and rhythmic manner

rhythmic (リズミカルな) [形] having or relating to rhythm

rise and fall (上下) [名] the upward and downward movement of something

fly by (飛び回る) [動] pass quickly

indefatigably (疲れ知らずで) [副] in a way that is not easily tired

winged (翼がある) [形] having wings

エイミーと彼女のポーランド人は、同じ熱意だがより優雅な機敏さで際立っており、ローリーは、翼があるかのように疲れ知らずで飛び回る白いスリッパのリズミカルな上下に、思わず合わせていることに気づいた。

When little Vladimir finally relinquished her, with assurances that he was ‘desolated to leave so early’, she was ready to rest, and see how her recreant knight had borne his punishment.

Vladimir (ウラジミール) [名] a city in Russia

relinquish (解放する) [動] to give up something that you have or that you have control of

see (見届ける) [動] to perceive with the eyes

recreant (臆病な) [形] cowardly

小さなウラジミールが「こんなに早く去るのは悲しい」と言いながら、ようやく彼女を解放したとき、彼女は休む準備が整い、自分の臆病な騎士がどのように罰を受けたかを見届けた。

It had been successful, for at three-and-twenty, blighted affections find a balm in friendly society, and young nerves will thrill, young blood dance, and healthy young spirits rise, when subjected to the enchantment of beauty, light, music, and motion.

be successful (成功する) [動] achieve the desired outcome

three-and-twenty (二十三歳) [名] the age of 23

blighted (傷ついた) [形] damaged or destroyed

nerve (神経) [名] a fiber or bundle of fibers that transmits impulses of sensation to the brain or spinal cord

thrill (震える) [動] feel or cause to feel a sudden intense feeling of excitement or pleasure

それは成功していた、というのも、二十三歳で、傷ついた愛情は友好的な社会で慰めを見いだし、若い神経は震え、若い血は踊り、健康な若い精神は、美、光、音楽、そして動きの魔法にかけられた時、高揚するからだ。

Laurie had a waked-up look as he rose to give her his seat, and when he hurried away to bring her some supper, she said to herself, with a satisfied smile, “Ah, I thought that would do him good!”

do good (いい影響がある) [動] have a positive effect

ローリーは彼女に席を譲るために立ち上がったとき、目が覚めたような顔をしており、彼女に夕食を持ってくるために急いで立ち去ったとき、彼女は満足そうな笑みを浮かべて、「ああ、彼にいい影響があると思ったよ!」と独り言を言った。

“You look like Balzac’s ‘Femme Peinte Par Elle-Meme’,” he said, as he fanned her with one hand and held her coffee cup in the other.

Balzac (バルザック) [名] a French novelist and playwright

Femme Peinte Par Elle-Meme (自画像の女性) [名] a painting by Balzac

coffee cup (コーヒーカップ) [名] a cup for drinking coffee

「君はバルザックの『自画像の女性』みたいだ」と彼は言い、片手で彼女を扇ぎ、もう片方の手で彼女のコーヒーカップを持った。

“My rouge won’t come off.”

rouge (紅) [名] a red powder or cream used to color the cheeks

come off (落ちる) [動] become detached from something

「私の紅が落ちないよ」

and Amy rubbed her brilliant cheek, and showed him her white glove with a sober simplicity that made him laugh outright.

そしてエイミーは輝く頬をこすり、彼に白い手袋を見せたが、その真面目な素朴さに彼は思わず笑ってしまった。

“What do you call this stuff?” he asked, touching a fold of her dress that had blown over his knee.

「これは何て言うんだい?」と彼は尋ね、膝の上に吹き付けられた彼女のドレスのひだに触れた。

“Illusion.”

「幻想」

“Good name for it.

「いい名前だね。

It’s very pretty—new thing, isn’t it?”

とてもきれいだね、新しいものだよね?」

“It’s as old as the hills.

as old as the hills (とても古い) [形] very old

「それは丘と同じくらい古い。

You have seen it on dozens of girls, and you never found out that it was pretty till now—stupide!”

あなたはそれを何十人もの女の子に見てきたのに、今までそれがきれいだとは気づかなかったなんて、バカね!」

“I never saw it on you before, which accounts for the mistake, you see.”

account for (原因である) [動] be the cause or source of

「私はそれを君が着ているのを見たことがなかった、それが間違いの原因だ、わかるだろう。」

“None of that, it is forbidden.

be forbidden (禁じられている) [動] not be allowed

「そんなのはない、それは禁じられている。

I’d rather take coffee than compliments just now.

私は今は褒め言葉よりもコーヒーを飲みたい。

No, don’t lounge, it makes me nervous.”

いいえ、くつろがないで、私は緊張するよ。」

Laurie sat bold upright, and meekly took her empty plate feeling an odd sort of pleasure in having ‘little Amy’ order him about, for she had lost her shyness now, and felt an irrestible desire to trample on him, as girls have a delightful way of doing when lords of creation show any signs of subjection.

sit bold upright (きちんと座る) [動] sit up straight

empty plate (空の皿) [名] a plate with no food on it

odd sort of pleasure (奇妙な喜び) [名] a strange or unusual feeling of happiness or satisfaction

little Amy (小さなエイミー) [名] a young girl named Amy

lose one's shyness (内気さを失う) [動] become less shy or timid

trample on (踏みつける) [動] step on heavily and repeatedly

irrestible desire (抑えきれない欲求) [名] a feeling of wanting something very much that is difficult to control

lord of creation (創造主) [名] a person who has created something

show any signs of (兆候を見せる) [動] exhibit or display

delightful way (喜んで) [名] a very pleasing or enjoyable manner

ローリーはきちんと座り、おとなしく彼女の空の皿を取り、「小さなエイミー」に命令されることに奇妙な喜びを感じていた、なぜなら彼女は今や内気さを失い、彼を踏みつけたいという抑えきれない欲求を感じていたからだ、創造主が服従の兆候を見せると、少女たちは喜んでそうする。

“Where did you learn all this sort of thing?” he asked with a quizzical look.

quizzical (怪訝な) [形] expressing puzzlement or confusion

「どこでこんなことを全部学んだんだい?」と彼は怪訝な顔で尋ねた。

“As ‘this sort of thing’ is rather a vague expression, would you kindly explain?” returned Amy, knowing perfectly well what he meant, but wickedly leaving him to describe what is indescribable.

would you kindly (説明していただけますか) [句] please

wickedly (意地悪くも) [副] in a way that is morally bad

what (こと) [代] that which

is (である) [動] be

「『こんなこと』というのはかなり漠然とした表現なので、説明していただけますか?」とエイミーは答えたが、彼が何を意味しているかはよくわかっていたが、意地悪くも彼に説明できないことを説明させた。

“Well—the general air, the style, the self-possession, the—the—illusion—you know”, laughed Laurie, breaking down and helping himself out of his quandary with the new word.

general air (全体的な雰囲気) [名] the overall atmosphere

self-possession (落ち着き) [名] the quality of being calm and confident

break down (抜け出す) [動] to stop functioning properly

「ええと、全体的な雰囲気、スタイル、落ち着き、幻想、わかるでしょう」とローリーは笑い、新しい言葉で自分の困惑から抜け出した。

Amy was gratified, but of course didn’t show it, and demurely answered, “Foreign life polishes one in spite of one’s self.

be gratified (満足する) [動] be pleased or satisfied

エイミーは満足したが、もちろんそれを表には出さず、「外国での生活は、自分自身にもかかわらず、自分を磨いてくれるものよ。

I study as well as play, and as for this”—with a little gesture toward her dress—“why, tulle is cheap, posies to be had for nothing, and I am used to making the most of my poor little things.”

make the most of (最大限に活用する) [動] use or exploit to the utmost

私は遊ぶだけでなく勉強もするし、これに関しては」と自分のドレスに向かって少し身振りを交えながら、「チュールは安いし、花束はただで手に入るし、私は自分の貧弱な小さなものを最大限に活用することに慣れているの」

Amy rather regretted that last sentence, fearing it wasn’t in good taste, but Laurie liked her better for it, and found himself both admiring and respecting the brave patience that made the most of opportunity, and the cheerful spirit that covered poverty with flowers.

cover (覆い隠す) [動] lie over or on top of

エイミーは最後の文が趣味の悪いものだったのではないかと後悔したが、ローリーはむしろその言葉を気に入り、機会を最大限に生かす勇敢な忍耐力と、貧しさを花で覆い隠す陽気な精神を賞賛し、尊敬していることに気づいた。

Amy did not know why he looked at her so kindly, nor why he filled up her book with his own name, and devoted himself to her for the rest of the evening in the most delightful manner;

fill up (埋め尽くす) [動] make or become full

エイミーは、なぜ彼が自分をそんなに優しく見つめるのか、なぜ彼が自分の名前で彼女の本を埋め尽くし、その夜の残りの時間を最も楽しい方法で彼女に捧げたのか、知らなかった。

but the impulse that wrought this agreeable change was the result of one of the new impressions which both of them were unconsciously giving and receiving.

しかし、この心地よい変化をもたらした衝動は、二人が無意識のうちに与えたり受けたりしていた新しい印象の一つの結果だった。

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT: ON THE SHELF

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT (第38章) [名] a division of a book

ON THE SHELF (棚の上で) [名] a long, flat piece of wood or rigid material, attached to a wall or forming part of a structure, that provides a surface for the storage or display of objects

第38章棚の上で

In France the young girls have a dull time of it till they are married, when ‘Vive la liberte!’ becomes their motto.

フランスでは、若い娘たちは結婚するまでは退屈な時間を過ごし、結婚すると「自由万歳!」がモットーになる。

In America, as everyone knows, girls early sign the declaration of independence, and enjoy their freedom with republican zest, but the young matrons usually abdicate with the first heir to the throne and go into a seclusion almost as close as a French nunnery, though by no means as quiet.

declaration (宣言) [名] a formal statement

republican (共和主義の) [形] of or relating to a republic

zest (熱意) [名] great enthusiasm and energy

abdicate (退位する) [動] renounce one's throne

heir (王位継承者) [名] a person who inherits and continues the legacy of a predecessor

seclusion (隔離) [名] the state of being secluded

nunnery (尼僧院) [名] a convent of nuns

アメリカでは、誰もが知っているように、少女たちは早くから独立宣言に署名し、共和主義の熱意をもって自由を享受しているが、若い主婦たちは通常、最初の王位継承者と共に退位し、フランスの尼僧院ほどではないが、ほとんどそれに近い隔離生活に入る。

Whether they like it or not, they are virtually put upon the shelf as soon as the wedding excitement is over, and most of them might exclaim, as did a very pretty woman the other day, “I’m as handsome as ever, but no one takes any notice of me because I’m married.”

like it or not (好むと好まざるとにかかわらず) [熟] regardless of whether one likes it or not

virtually (事実上) [副] almost or nearly

put upon (置かれる) [動] be placed on

most of (ほとんど) [名] the majority of

ever (相変わらず) [副] always; at all times

take notice of (注目する) [動] become aware of; notice

好むと好まざるとにかかわらず、結婚式の興奮が終わるとすぐに棚に上げられるようなもので、そのほとんどが、先日とてもきれいな女性が言ったように、「私は相変わらずきれいなのに、結婚しているから誰も私に注目してくれない」と叫ぶかもしれない。

Not being a belle or even a fashionable lady, Meg did not experience this affliction till her babies were a year old, for in her little world primitive customs prevailed, and she found herself more admired and beloved than ever.

experience (経験する) [動] have firsthand knowledge of

primitive (原始的な) [形] relating to the earliest times in history

custom (風習) [名] a traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time

prevail (優勢である) [動] be greater in number or amount

美人でもなければ、おしゃれでもないメグは、赤ちゃんが1歳になるまでこの苦しみを経験しなかった。彼女の小さな世界では原始的な風習が優勢で、彼女はこれまで以上に尊敬され、愛されていることに気づいた。

As she was a womanly little woman, the maternal instinct was very strong, and she was entirely absorbed in her children, to the utter exclusion of everything and everybody else.

exclusion (排除) [名] the act of excluding or the state of being excluded

彼女は女性らしい小さな女性だったので、母性本能がとても強く、他のすべての人や物を完全に排除して、子供たちに夢中になっていた。

Day and night she brooded over them with tireless devotion and anxiety, leaving John to the tender mercies of the help, for an Irish lady now presided over the kitchen department.

brood (抱きしめる) [動] to think or worry about something in a sad or angry way

tireless (疲れを知らない) [形] having or showing great energy

tender mercy (優しい慈悲) [名] a kind or forgiving act

彼女は昼も夜も疲れを知らない献身と不安で彼らを抱きしめ、ジョンを助手の優しい慈悲に任せていた。今ではアイルランド人の女性が台所を仕切っていた。

Being a domestic man, John decidedly missed the wifely attentions he had been accustomed to receive, but as he adored his babies, he cheerfully relinquished his comfort for a time, supposing with masculine ignorance that peace would soon be restored.

miss (恋しがる) [動] feel the lack of

wifely (妻の) [形] of or relating to a wife

attention (世話) [名] special care or notice taken of someone or something, the regarding of someone or something as interesting or important

accustomed (慣れている) [形] in the habit of; used to

ignorance (無知) [名] lack of knowledge or information

家庭的なジョンは、これまで受けていた妻の世話が恋しくなったが、赤ちゃんを溺愛していたので、しばらくは快適さを捨てて、男性的な無知で平和がすぐに回復するだろうと思っていた。

But three months passed, and there was no return of repose.

three months (3ヶ月) [名] a period of time

repose (安息) [名] a state of rest, relaxation, or peace

しかし、3ヶ月が過ぎても安息は戻らなかった。

Meg looked worn and nervous, the babies absorbed every minute of her time, the house was neglected, and Kitty, the cook, who took life ‘aisy’, kept him on short commons.

look worn (疲れ果てて見える) [動] appear to be exhausted

absorb (吸い取る) [動] take in or soak up

every minute (毎分) [名] each and every minute

take life (人生を過ごす) [動] live one's life

short commons (粗食) [名] a small amount of food

メグは疲れ果てて神経質そうに見え、赤ちゃんたちは彼女の時間を毎分吸い取り、家は放置され、人生を「気楽に」過ごす料理人のキティは彼を粗食にしていた。

When he went out in the morning he was bewildered by small commissions for the captive mamma, if he came gaily in at night, eager to embrace his family, he was quenched by a “Hush! They are just asleep after worrying all day.”

small commission (小さな用事) [名] a task or errand

captive (捕らわれの) [形] confined or imprisoned

be quenched (言われる) [動] be extinguished or suppressed

just (やっと) [副] very recently

朝出かけるときには、捕らわれのママへの小さな用事に戸惑い、夜に家族を抱きしめようと陽気に帰宅すると、「シーッ! 一日中ぐずった後で、やっと寝たのよ」と言われる。

If he proposed a little amusement at home, “No, it would disturb the babies.”

disturb (起きちゃう) [動] interrupt the sleep, rest, or peace of

家でちょっとした娯楽を提案すると、「だめよ、赤ちゃんが起きちゃうよ」

If he hinted at a lecture or a concert, he was answered with a reproachful look, and a decided—“Leave my children for pleasure, never!”

講演会やコンサートに誘おうとすると、非難のまなざしを向けられ、「子供を置いて遊びに行くなんて、絶対に嫌!」と断言される。

His sleep was broken by infant wails and visions of a phantom figure pacing noiselessly to and fro in the watches of the night.

wail (泣き声) [名] a long, loud, high-pitched cry of pain, sorrow, or anger

phantom (幻影) [名] something apparently seen, heard, or sensed, but having no physical reality

watch (見張り) [名] a period of time during which a person or group of people guard or take care of something

彼の眠りは、夜の見張りの中で音もなく行き来する幻影の姿と幼児の泣き声によって破られた。

His meals were interrupted by the frequent flight of the presiding genius, who deserted him, half-helped, if a muffled chirp sounded from the nest above.

interrupt (中断する) [動] to stop or cause to stop an activity that is being done

presiding (主宰する) [形] having the highest authority

desert (置き去りにする) [動] to leave someone or something

half-help (半分手伝う) [動] to help someone or something only partially

彼の食事は、上にある巣からくぐもったさえずりが聞こえると、彼を置き去りにして、半分手伝ったまま、頻繁に飛び立つ主宰の天才によって中断された。

And when he read his paper of an evening, Demi’s colic got into the shipping list and Daisy’s fall affected the price of stocks, for Mrs. Brooke was only interested in domestic news.

colic (疝痛) [名] severe pain in the abdomen caused by wind or obstruction in the intestines

get into (載る) [動] be included or listed in

shipping list (船荷目録) [名] a list of goods being shipped

stock (株) [名] a share of the value of a company

そして、彼が夕刊を読むと、デミの疝痛が船荷目録に載り、デイジーの転倒が株価に影響を与えた。ブルック夫人は国内ニュースにしか興味がなかったからだ。

The poor man was very uncomfortable, for the children had bereft him of his wife, home was merely a nursery and the perpetual ‘hushing’ made him feel like a brutal intruder whenever he entered the sacred precincts of Babyland.

bereft (奪う) [動] deprive someone of something

nursery (託児所) [名] a room or area for the care of young children

hushing (静けさ) [名] a silence or calm

sacred (聖なる) [形] dedicated to a deity or to some religious purpose; consecrated

precinct (境内) [名] an area of land with definite boundaries, especially around a church or other building

子供たちが妻を奪い、家はただの託児所となり、聖なるベビーランドに入るたびに、永遠の「静けさ」が彼を残忍な侵入者のように感じさせたので、かわいそうな男はとても居心地が悪かった。

He bore it very patiently for six months, and when no signs of amendment appeared, he did what other paternal exiles do—tried to get a little comfort elsewhere.

six months (6ヶ月) [名] a period of time

amendment (改善) [名] a minor change in a document

paternal (父親の) [形] of or relating to a father

exile (亡命者) [名] a person who has been forced to leave their own country

彼は6ヶ月間、とても辛抱強く耐え、改善の兆しが見えなかったとき、彼は他の父親の亡命者たちがしていることをした。つまり、他の場所で少しでも慰めを得ようとしたのだ。

Scott had married and gone to housekeeping not far off, and John fell into the way of running over for an hour or two of an evening, when his own parlor was empty, and his own wife singing lullabies that seemed to have no end.

go to housekeeping (家を構える) [動] start living in a house

fall into the way of (~する習慣がつく) [動] get into the habit of

run over (走り回る) [動] move quickly

an hour or two (1時間か2時間) [名] a period of time

have no end (終わりがない) [動] be infinite

スコットは結婚して、そう遠くないところに家を構え、ジョンは自分の居間が空で、妻が終わりのない子守唄を歌っている夕方には、1時間か2時間、走り回る習慣がついてしまった。

Mrs. Scott was a lively, pretty girl, with nothing to do but be agreeable, and she performed her mission most successfully.

Mrs. Scott (スコット夫人) [名] the wife of Mr. Scott

nothing to do (することがない) [名] no work or activity

perform (果たす) [動] carry out or accomplish

スコット夫人は快活でかわいらしい女性で、愛想よくする以外に何もすることがなく、その使命を最もうまく果たしていた。

The parlor was always bright and attractive, the chessboard ready, the piano in tune, plenty of gay gossip, and a nice little supper set forth in tempting style.

chessboard (チェス盤) [名] a board for playing chess

tune (調律された) [名] a melody or air

supper (軽食) [名] a light evening meal

set forth (用意された) [動] to start a journey

tempting (魅力的な) [形] having a strong or irresistible appeal

居間はいつも明るく魅力的で、チェス盤は用意され、ピアノは調律され、陽気なゴシップが豊富で、おいしい軽食が魅力的なスタイルで用意されていた。

John would have preferred his own fireside if it had not been so lonely, but as it was he gratefully took the next best thing and enjoyed his neighbor’s society.

would have preferred (好んだだろう) [動] like (something) better

fireside (暖炉) [名] the area around a fireplace

if it had not been so lonely (もし自分の暖炉がそんなに寂しくなければ) [条] if the fireside had not been so lonely

as it was (現状では) [副] in the actual circumstances

take the next best thing (次善の策を取る) [動] choose the next best option

ジョンは、もし自分の暖炉がそんなに寂しくなければ、自分の暖炉を好んだだろうが、現状では、彼は感謝して次善の策を取り、隣人の交際を楽しんだ。

Meg rather approved of the new arrangement at first, and found it a relief to know that John was having a good time instead of dozing in the parlor, or tramping about the house and waking the children.

メグは最初は新しい取り決めをむしろ認め、ジョンが居間で居眠りしたり、家を歩き回って子供たちを起こしたりする代わりに、楽しい時間を過ごしていることを知って安心した。

But by-and-by, when the teething worry was over and the idols went to sleep at proper hours, leaving Mamma time to rest, she began to miss John, and find her workbasket dull company, when he was not sitting opposite in his old dressing gown, comfortably scorching his slippers on the fender.

idol (アイドル) [名] a person or thing that is greatly admired, loved, or revered

fender (フェンダー) [名] a metal guard or frame over the wheel of a vehicle

しかし、やがて歯の生え始めの心配が終わり、アイドルたちが適切な時間に眠り、ママが休む時間ができると、彼女はジョンがいなくて寂しくなり、彼が古いドレッシングガウンを着て向かいに座って、フェンダーの上でスリッパを気持ちよく焦がしていないと、彼女の作業かごは退屈な仲間であることに気づき始めた。

She would not ask him to stay at home, but felt injured because he did not know that she wanted him without being told, entirely forgetting the many evenings he had waited for her in vain.

vain (無駄) [形] producing no result or effect

彼女は彼に家にいてほしいとは言わなかったが、彼が彼女を無駄に待っていた多くの夜を完全に忘れて、彼女が彼に何も言わなくても彼が彼女を必要としていることを知らないので、傷ついたと感じた。

She was nervous and worn out with watching and worry, and in that unreasonable frame of mind which the best of mothers occasionally experience when domestic cares oppress them.

watch (見守り) [名] the act of keeping an eye on someone or something

unreasonable (理不尽な) [形] not guided by or based on good sense

彼女は見守りと心配で神経質になり、疲れ果てていたし、家事労働に押しつぶされた時に、どんなに良い母親でも時折経験する、理不尽な心境になっていた。

Want of exercise robs them of cheerfulness, and too much devotion to that idol of American women, the teapot, makes them feel as if they were all nerve and no muscle.

muscle (筋肉) [名] a band or bundle of fibrous tissue in a human or animal body that has the ability to contract, producing movement in or maintaining the position of parts of the body

運動不足は彼女たちの元気を奪い、アメリカ女性のアイドルであるティーポットに熱中しすぎると、彼女たちはまるで神経質で筋肉がないように感じてしまう。

“Yes,” she would say, looking in the glass, “I’m getting old and ugly.

look in (覗き込む) [動] look into

「そうね」と彼女は鏡を見ながら言う。「私は年を取って醜くなってきたよ。

John doesn’t find me interesting any longer, so he leaves his faded wife and goes to see his pretty neighbor, who has no incumbrances.

find interesting (興味を持つ) [動] attract and hold the attention of

any longer (もはや) [副] no more; not any more

have no incumbrances (何の障害もない) [動] be free from obstruction or impediment

ジョンはもう私に興味がなくなったので、色あせた妻を置いて、何の障害もないきれいな隣人に会いに行くのね。

Well, the babies love me, they don’t care if I am thin and pale and haven’t time to crimp my hair, they are my comfort, and some day John will see what I’ve gladly sacrificed for them, won’t he, my precious?”

でも、赤ちゃんたちは私を愛してくれているし、私が痩せて青白くても、髪をカールさせる時間がなくても気にしないし、彼らは私の慰めだし、いつかジョンは私が彼らのために喜んで犠牲にしてきたことを理解してくれるでしょう、そうでしょう、私の宝物たち?」

To which pathetic appeal Daisy would answer with a coo, or Demi with a crow, and Meg would put by her lamentations for a maternal revel, which soothed her solitude for the time being.

crow (カーカー) [名] the cry of a rooster

put by (忘れる) [動] save or store for future use

lamentation (嘆き) [名] a passionate expression of grief or sorrow

その哀れな訴えにデイジーはクークーと答え、デミはカーカーと答え、メグは母性愛に浸って嘆きを忘れ、しばらくは孤独を慰められた。

But the pain increased as politics absorbed John, who was always running over to discuss interesting points with Scott, quite unconscious that Meg missed him.

しかし、政治がジョンを夢中にさせるにつれて、その痛みは増していった。ジョンはいつもスコットと興味深い点を議論するために走り回り、メグが彼を恋しく思っていることに全く気づいていなかった。

Not a word did she say, however, till her mother found her in tears one day, and insisted on knowing what the matter was, for Meg’s drooping spirits had not escaped her observation.

not a word (一言も) [名] not even a single word

observation (目) [名] the ability to notice things

しかし、ある日、母親が彼女が涙を流しているのを見つけ、何が問題なのかを問いただすまで、彼女は一言も言わなかった。メグの落ち込んだ様子は、母親の目から逃れていなかったのだ。

“I wouldn’t tell anyone except you, Mother, but I really do need advice, for if John goes on much longer I might as well be widowed,” replied Mrs. Brooke, drying her tears on Daisy’s bib with an injured air.

might as well (した方がいいかもしれない) [動] would be equally well advised to

「お母さん以外には誰にも言わないけど、本当にアドバイスが必要なの。ジョンがこれ以上長く続けたら、私は未亡人になった方がいいかもしれないよ」とブルック夫人は答え、傷ついた様子でデイジーのよだれかけで涙を拭った。

“Goes on how, my dear?”

「どう続けるの、あなた?」

asked her mother anxiously.

母親は心配そうに尋ねた。

“He’s away all day, and at night when I want to see him, he is continually going over to the Scotts’.

at night (夜に) [副] during the night

go over (行ってしまう) [動] go to a place

Scotts (スコット家) [名] the Scott family

「彼は一日中出かけていて、夜に彼に会いたいと思っても、彼はいつもスコット家に行ってしまうの。

It isn’t fair that I should have the hardest work, and never any amusement.

私が一番大変な仕事をして、楽しみが全くないなんて公平じゃないよ。

Men are very selfish, even the best of them.”

even (どんなに) [副] to the extent or degree of

男性は、どんなに良い人でもとても自分勝手なのよ。」

“So are women. Don’t blame John till you see where you are wrong yourself.”

「女性もそうよ。自分のどこが間違っているか分かるまでジョンを責めないで。」

“But it can’t be right for him to neglect me.”

「でも、彼が私を無視するのは正しいことではないよ。」

“Don’t you neglect him?”

「あなたは彼を無視していないの?」

“Why, Mother, I thought you’d take my part!”

「ええ、ママ、私の味方してくれると思ったのに!」

“So I do, as far as sympathizing goes, but I think the fault is yours, Meg.”

as far as (限り) [接] to the extent or degree that

「同情する限りはそうするけど、でも、私はあなたに落ち度があると思うよ、メグ。」

“I don’t see how.”

「私にはわからないよ。」

“Let me show you.

「教えてあげましょう。

Did John ever neglect you, as you call it, while you made it a point to give him your society of an evening, his only leisure time?”

make it a point (決める) [動] make a special effort to do something

leisure time (余暇時間) [名] time free from work or duties

ジョンがあなたを無視したことがあるかしら、あなたが言うように、あなたが彼に夜のあなたの交際を与えることを決めた間、彼の唯一の余暇時間?」

“No, but I can’t do it now, with two babies to tend.”

「いいえ、でも、今は2人の赤ちゃんの世話をしなくてはいけないからできないよ。」

“I think you could, dear, and I think you ought.

「できると思うよ、あなた、そしてそうするべきだと思うよ。

May I speak quite freely, and will you remember that it’s Mother who blames as well as Mother who sympathizes?”

speak freely (自由に話す) [動] talk without any restrictions

かなり自由に話してもいいかしら、そして、同情する母親であると同時に非難する母親でもあることを覚えてくれるかしら?」

“Indeed I will! Speak to me as if I were little Meg again.

indeed (もちろん) [副] really; truly; certainly

「もちろん! 私がまた小さなメグであるかのように話しかけて。

I often feel as if I needed teaching more than ever since these babies look to me for everything.”

look to (頼る) [動] rely on

これらの赤ちゃんがすべてを私に頼るので、私はこれまで以上に教えが必要であるかのように感じることがよくあります。」

Meg drew her low chair beside her mother’s, and with a little interruption in either lap, the two women rocked and talked lovingly together, feeling that the tie of motherhood made them more one than ever.

interruption (邪魔) [名] the stoppage of an activity

motherhood (母性) [名] the state of being a mother

メグは母親の横に低い椅子を引き寄せ、どちらかの膝に少し邪魔が入りながらも、2人の女性は母性の絆がこれまで以上に自分たちを1つにしたと感じながら、一緒に揺り動かして愛情を込めて話した。

“You have only made the mistake that most young wives make—forgotten your duty to your husband in your love for your children.

make a mistake (過ちを犯す) [動] do something wrong

「あなたはほとんどの若い妻が犯す過ちを犯しただけです。子供への愛情の中で夫に対する義務を忘れたのです。

A very natural and forgivable mistake, Meg, but one that had better be remedied before you take to different ways, for children should draw you nearer than ever, not separate you, as if they were all yours, and John had nothing to do but support them.

forgivable (許される) [形] able to be forgiven

take to (歩む) [動] start doing or using something regularly

separate (引き離す) [動] cause to move or be apart

とても自然で許される間違いです、メグ、でもあなたが別の道を歩む前に是正した方が良い間違いです、なぜなら子供たちはあなたをこれまで以上に近づけるべきであり、あなたを引き離すべきではないからです、まるで彼らがすべてあなたのものであるかのように、そしてジョンは彼らを支える以外に何もすることがありませんでした。

I’ve seen it for some weeks, but have not spoken, feeling sure it would come right in time.”

some weeks (数週間) [名] a period of seven days

come right (正しくなる) [動] become correct or proper

私はそれを数週間見てきたが、時間内に正しくなると確信して話さなかった。」

“I’m afraid it won’t.

「そうはならないと思う。

If I ask him to stay, he’ll think I’m jealous, and I wouldn’t insult him by such an idea.

私が彼に留まるように頼んだら、彼は私が嫉妬していると思うでしょう、そして私はそのような考えで彼を侮辱することはしません。

He doesn’t see that I want him, and I don’t know how to tell him without words.”

彼は私が彼を欲しがっていることを理解していないし、言葉なしで彼に伝える方法がわからない。」

“Make it so pleasant he won’t want to go away.

「彼が去りたくないと思うほど楽しくするのです。

My dear, he’s longing for his little home, but it isn’t home without you, and you are always in the nursery.”

私の愛しい人、彼は彼の小さな家を切望しているが、あなたがいない家は家ではないし、あなたはいつも子供部屋にいる。」

“Oughtn’t I to be there?”

「私はそこにいるべきではないでしょうか?」

“Not all the time, too much confinement makes you nervous, and then you are unfitted for everything.

unfitted (うまくいかない) [形] not suitable or appropriate

「いつもそうする必要はない、あまりにも閉じ込めすぎると神経質になり、そうすると何もかもがうまくいかなくなる。

Besides, you owe something to John as well as to the babies.

その上、あなたは赤ちゃんだけでなくジョンにも何かを負っている。

Don’t neglect husband for children, don’t shut him out of the nursery, but teach him how to help in it.

子供のために夫を無視してはいけないし、子供部屋から締め出したりせずに、そこで手伝う方法を教えてあげなさい。

His place is there as well as yours, and the children need him.

彼の居場所はあなたと同じくそこにあるし、子供達には彼が必要だ。

Let him feel that he has a part to do, and he will do it gladly and faithfully, and it will be better for you all.”

彼に自分の役割があると感じさせてあげなさい、そうすれば彼は喜んで忠実にそれをするでしょう、そしてそれはあなた方みんなにとってより良いこととなるでしょう。」

“You really think so, Mother?”

「本当にそう思うの、ママ?」

“I know it, Meg, for I’ve tried it, and I seldom give advice unless I’ve proved its practicability.

practicability (実用性) [名] the quality of being able to be used or put into practice

「私はそれを知っているよ、メグ、私はそれを試したことがあるし、私はその実用性を証明しない限り滅多にアドバイスをしないのよ。

When you and Jo were little, I went on just as you are, feeling as if I didn’t do my duty unless I devoted myself wholly to you.

just as (同じように) [副] in the same way

あなたとジョーが小さかった頃、私はあなたと同じように、自分を完全にあなた達に捧げなければ義務を果たさないと感じていたよ。

Poor Father took to his books, after I had refused all offers of help, and left me to try my experiment alone.

take to (没頭する) [動] become fond of

私が全ての援助の申し出を断った後、かわいそうなパパは自分の書物に没頭し、私を一人にして私の実験を試させた。

I struggled along as well as I could, but Jo was too much for me.

too much (手に負えない) [形] more than is usual, expected, or necessary

私はできる限り奮闘したが、ジョーは私には手に負えなかった。

I nearly spoiled her by indulgence.

spoil (駄目にする) [動] diminish the value or quality of

indulgence (甘やかす) [名] the act of indulging; the state of being indulgent

私は甘やかして彼女を駄目にしそうになった。

You were poorly, and I worried about you till I fell sick myself.

poorly (病弱) [形] in a poor manner

あなたは病弱で、私は自分自身が病気になるまであなたのことを心配した。

Then Father came to the rescue, quietly managed everything, and made himself so helpful that I saw my mistake, and never have been able to get on without him since.

make oneself (役に立つ) [動] be of use or service

それからパパが助けに来て、静かに全てを管理し、とても役に立ってくれたので、私は自分の間違いに気づき、それ以来彼なしではやっていけない。

That is the secret of our home happiness.

それが私たちの家庭の幸せの秘密だ。

He does not let business wean him from the little cares and duties that affect us all, and I try not to let domestic worries destroy my interest in his pursuits.

wean (引き離す) [動] accustom (someone) to do without something

destroy (破壊する) [動] cause the destruction of

pursuit (追求) [名] the action of following or pursuing someone or something

彼は仕事が私たちみんなに影響する小さな心配事や義務から彼を引き離さないようにしているし、私は家庭の心配事が彼の追求に対する私の関心を破壊しないようにしている。

Each do our part alone in many things, but at home we work together, always.”

それぞれが多くの点で自分の役割を果たしているけど、家ではいつも一緒に働いている。」

“It is so, Mother, and my great wish is to be to my husband and children what you have been to yours.

be to (接する) [動] behave towards

「そうね、ママ、私の大きな願いは、あなたがパパや私たちにしてきたように、私の夫や子供たちに接することよ。

Show me how, I’ll do anything you say.”

方法を教えて、あなたの言うことは何でもするよ。」

“You always were my docile daughter.

「あなたはいつも私の従順な娘だったよ。

Well, dear, if I were you, I’d let John have more to do with the management of Demi, for the boy needs training, and it’s none too soon to begin.

if I were you (もし私があなたなら) [条] if I were in your situation

have to do with (~と関係がある) [動] be concerned with or connected to

management (しつけ) [名] the process of dealing with or controlling things or people

it's none too soon (早すぎることはない) [句] it is not too early

まあ、もし私があなたなら、ジョンにデミのしつけをもっと任せるよ、あの子は訓練が必要だし、始めるのに早すぎることはないよ。

Then I’d do what I have often proposed, let Hannah come and help you.

それから、私がよく提案していることをするよ、ハンナにあなたを手伝いに来てもらうの。

She is a capital nurse, and you may trust the precious babies to her while you do more housework.

彼女は優秀な看護婦だし、あなたはもっと家事をしながら、大切な赤ちゃんを彼女に任せてもいいよ。

You need the exercise, Hannah would enjoy the rest, and John would find his wife again.

あなたには運動が必要だし、ハンナは休息を楽しんで、ジョンはまた妻を見つけるでしょう。

Go out more, keep cheerful as well as busy, for you are the sunshine-maker of the family, and if you get dismal there is no fair weather.

sunshine-maker (太陽のような存在) [名] a person who brings happiness to others

fair weather (晴天) [名] weather that is sunny and dry

もっと外出して、忙しくしているだけでなく、陽気でいなさい、あなたは家族の太陽のような存在で、あなたが陰気になったなら、天気は晴れないよ。

Then I’d try to take an interest in whatever John likes—talk with him, let him read to you, exchange ideas, and help each other in that way.

take an interest in (興味を持つ) [動] find something interesting

talk with (話す) [動] speak or converse with

read to (読んでもらう) [動] read aloud to

それから、私はジョンが好きなことには何でも興味を持つように努力するよ、彼と話し、彼に本を読んでもらい、考えを交換し、そのようにして互いに助け合うのよ。

Don’t shut yourself up in a bandbox because you are a woman, but understand what is going on, and educate yourself to take your part in the world’s work, for it all affects you and yours.”

take part in (参加する) [動] to be involved in something

affect (影響を与える) [動] to produce an effect on

女性だからといって、帽子箱に閉じこもっていてはいけない、何が起こっているのか理解し、世界の活動に参加できるように自分を教育しなさい、それはすべてあなたとあなたの家族に影響を与えるのだから。」

“John is so sensible, I’m afraid he will think I’m stupid if I ask questions about politics and things.”

「ジョンはとても賢いから、私が政治や物事について質問したら、彼は私が愚かだと思うのではないかと心配なの。」

“I don’t believe he would.

「彼がそうするとは思わないよ。

Love covers a multitude of sins, and of whom could you ask more freely than of him?

multitude (多く) [名] a large number of people or things

愛は多くの罪を覆い、彼よりも自由に尋ねることができる人は誰か?

Try it, and see if he doesn’t find your society far more agreeable than Mrs. Scott’s suppers.”

far (はるかに) [副] to a great extent; by a great deal

試してみて、彼があなたの社会をスコット夫人の夕食よりもはるかに快適だと感じないかどうか確かめてみなさい。」

“I will. Poor John!

「そうするよ。かわいそうなジョン!

I’m afraid I have neglected him sadly, but I thought I was right, and he never said anything.”

悲しいことに彼を無視してしまったのではないかと心配しているが、私は正しいと思っていたし、彼は何も言わなかった。」

“He tried not to be selfish, but he has felt rather forlorn, I fancy.

「彼は利己的にならないように努力したが、かなり孤独を感じていたと思う。

This is just the time, Meg, when young married people are apt to grow apart, and the very time when they ought to be most together, for the first tenderness soon wears off, unless care is taken to preserve it.

just the time (ちょうどその時) [名] the exact moment

grow apart (離れ離れになる) [動] become less close or friendly

tenderness (優しさ) [名] the quality of being gentle and kind

take (払う) [動] use or accept

メグ、今は若い夫婦が離れ離れになりがちな時期で、一番一緒にいるべき時期なんだよ、最初の優しさは、それを保つように注意しなければ、すぐに消えてしまうからね。

And no time is so beautiful and precious to parents as the first years of the little lives given to them to train.

no time (時間はない) [名] not any time

little life (小さな命) [名] a young child

first year (最初の数年間) [名] the first year of a person's life

train (育てる) [動] bring up and educate

そして、親にとって、育てるために与えられた小さな命の最初の数年間ほど美しく貴重な時間はない。

Don’t let John be a stranger to the babies, for they will do more to keep him safe and happy in this world of trial and temptation than anything else, and through them you will learn to know and love one another as you should.

do more (より多くのことをする) [動] do something to a greater extent

ジョンを赤ちゃんにとって他人にしないで、赤ちゃんは試練と誘惑のこの世界で何よりも彼を安全で幸せに保つために多くのことをしてくれるし、赤ちゃんを通してあなたたちはお互いを知り、愛することを学ぶでしょう。

Now, dear, good-by. Think over Mother’s preachment, act upon it if it seems good, and God bless you all.”

think over (よく考える) [動] to consider carefully

act upon (行動に移す) [動] to take action on

God bless you (神のご加護がありますように) [句] a phrase used to express a blessing

さあ、さようなら。ママの説教をよく考えて、いいと思ったら行動に移して、神のご加護がありますように」

Meg did think it over, found it good, and acted upon it, though the first attempt was not made exactly as she planned to have it.

メグはよく考えて、いいと思い、行動に移したが、最初の試みは彼女が計画した通りにはいかなかった。

Of course the children tyrannized over her, and ruled the house as soon as they found out that kicking and squalling brought them whatever they wanted.

kick (蹴る) [動] strike or propel forcibly with the foot

もちろん、子供たちは彼女を虐げ、蹴ったりわめいたりすれば欲しいものが何でも手に入ると知るやいなや家を支配した。

Mamma was an abject slave to their caprices, but Papa was not so easily subjugated, and occasionally afflicted his tender spouse by an attempt at paternal discipline with his obstreperous son.

caprice (気まぐれ) [名] a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior

subjugate (従う) [動] bring under domination or control, especially by military force

spouse (妻) [名] a husband or wife

paternal (父親としての) [形] of or appropriate to a father

discipline (しつけ) [名] the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience

obstreperous (頑固な) [形] noisy and difficult to control

ママは彼らの気まぐれの卑屈な奴隷だったが、パパはそう簡単には従わず、時折、頑固な息子に父親としてのしつけをしようとして、優しい妻を苦しめた。

For Demi inherited a trifle of his sire’s firmness of character, we won’t call it obstinacy, and when he made up his little mind to have or to do anything, all the king’s horses and all the king’s men could not change that pertinacious little mind.

inherit (受け継ぐ) [動] receive (money, property, or a title) as an heir at the death of the previous holder

all the king's horses and all the king's men (王様の馬も王様の家来も) [名] a large number of people working together

pertinacious (頑固な) [形] holding firmly to a purpose, opinion, or course of action

デミは父親の性格の強さを少し受け継いでいたが、それを頑固とは呼ばず、何かをしたり、何かをしようと決心したときには、王様の馬も王様の家来も、その頑固な小さな心を変えることはできなかった。

Mamma thought the dear too young to be taught to conquer his prejudices, but Papa believed that it never was too soon to learn obedience.

be taught (教えられる) [動] be instructed in

ママは、デミが自分の偏見を克服するにはまだ幼すぎると思っていたが、パパは従順を学ぶのに早すぎることはないと信じていた。

So Master Demi early discovered that when he undertook to ‘wrastle’ with ‘Parpar’, he always got the worst of it, yet like the Englishman, baby respected the man who conquered him, and loved the father whose grave “No, no,” was more impressive than all Mamma’s love pats.

Master Demi (デミ坊や) [名] a young boy

undertake (する) [動] to take on or assume

wrastle (レスリング) [名] a sport involving grappling-type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds

Parpar (パパ) [名] a father

Englishman (イギリス人) [名] a native or inhabitant of England

no (ノー) [間] a word used to express denial, refusal, or disagreement

love (愛撫) [名] a gentle or affectionate touch

そのため、デミ坊やは「パパ」と「レスリング」をすると、いつも最悪の結果になることを早くから知っていたが、イギリス人のように、赤ちゃんは彼を征服した男を尊敬し、ママの愛撫よりも「ノー、ノー」という厳しい父親を愛していた。

A few days after the talk with her mother, Meg resolved to try a social evening with John, so she ordered a nice supper, set the parlor in order, dressed herself prettily, and put the children to bed early, that nothing should interfere with her experiment.

a few days (数日) [名] a small number of days

set (整える) [動] put in a specified state

interfere (邪魔する) [動] prevent from happening or developing properly

母親と話した数日後、メグはジョンと社交的な夜を過ごそうと決心し、おいしい夕食を注文し、居間を整え、きれいに着飾り、子供たちを早く寝かせ、何も実験の邪魔にならないようにした。

But unfortunately Demi’s most unconquerable prejudice was against going to bed, and that night he decided to go on a rampage.

unconquerable (克服できない) [形] too great or extreme to be overcome

go on a rampage (大暴れする) [動] behave in a violent and uncontrolled manner

しかし、残念なことに、デミの最も克服できない偏見は、寝ることに対するものであり、その夜、彼は大暴れすることを決意した。

So poor Meg sang and rocked, told stories and tried every sleep-prevoking wile she could devise, but all in vain, the big eyes wouldn’t shut, and long after Daisy had gone to byelow, like the chubby little bunch of good nature she was, naughty Demi lay staring at the light, with the most discouragingly wide-awake expression of countenance.

sleep-prevoking (眠気を誘う) [形] causing or tending to cause sleep

wile (方法) [名] a trick or stratagem intended to deceive or ensnare

go to byelow (眠りつく) [動] go to sleep

chubby (ふっくらした) [形] plump and rounded

bunch (ひとかたまり) [名] a number of things growing or fastened together

good nature (善良) [名] a kind and gentle disposition

discouragingly (落胆させるほど) [副] in a way that makes someone lose hope or confidence

かわいそうなメグは歌を歌い、揺らし、物語を語り、考えられる限りの眠気を誘うあらゆる方法を試みたが、すべて無駄に終わり、大きな目は閉じようとせず、デイジーが眠りについた後もずっと、いたずらっ子のデミは、最も落胆させるほど目が覚めている表情で、光を見つめて横たわっていた。

“Will Demi lie still like a good boy, while Mamma runs down and gives poor Papa his tea?” asked Meg, as the hall door softly closed, and the well-known step went tip-toeing into the dining room.

lie still (寝ている) [動] be in a resting position

run down (降りる) [動] go down

hall door (玄関のドア) [名] the door at the entrance of a building

go tip-toeing (忍び足で行く) [動] walk very quietly

「ママが降りてかわいそうなパパにお茶をあげている間、デミはいい子にして寝ているかな?」とメグが尋ねると、玄関のドアがそっと閉まり、よく知った足音が忍び足で食堂に入っていった。

“Me has tea!” said Demi, preparing to join in the revel.

「私もお茶を飲む!」とデミは言って、宴会に参加する準備をした。

“No, but I’ll save you some little cakies for breakfast, if you’ll go bye-bye like Daisy.

「いいえ、でもデイジーのようにおやすみなさいしたら、朝食に小さなケーキを取っておくよ。

Will you, lovey?”

lovey (いい子) [名] a term of endearment

ね、いい子ね?」

“Iss!”

「うん!」

and Demi shut his eyes tight, as if to catch sleep and hurry the desired day.

hurry (急がせる) [動] cause to move or act more quickly

そしてデミは、眠りを捕まえて待ち望んだ日を急がせるかのように、目をぎゅっと閉じた。

Taking advantage of the propitious moment, Meg slipped away and ran down to greet her husband with a smiling face and the little blue bow in her hair which was his especial admiration.

little blue bow (小さな青いリボン) [名] a small blue ribbon

especial admiration (特に気に入っている) [名] special liking or respect

好機に乗じて、メグは抜け出し、笑顔で、夫が特に気に入っている髪に小さな青いリボンをつけて、夫を迎えに走り降りた。

He saw it at once and said with pleased surprise, “Why, little mother, how gay we are tonight.

little mother (お母さん) [名] a term of endearment for a mother

彼はすぐにそれを見て、嬉しそうに驚いて言った、「おや、お母さん、今夜はなんて華やかなんだ。

Do you expect company?”

誰か来るのかい?」

“Only you, dear.”

「あなただけよ、あなた」

“Is it a birthday, anniversary, or anything?”

「誕生日か、記念日か、何か?」

“No, I’m tired of being dowdy, so I dressed up as a change.

「いいえ、私はみすぼらしいのに飽きたので、気分転換に着飾ったのよ。

You always make yourself nice for table, no matter how tired you are, so why shouldn’t I when I have the time?”

no matter how (どんなに) [副] to whatever extent or degree

make oneself nice (きちんとした格好をする) [動] dress oneself up

why shouldn't I (そうしたらいけないの) [動] why should I not

あなたはどんなに疲れていても、いつも食事にはきちんとした格好をするじゃない、だから私も時間があるときにそうしたらいけないの?」

“I do it out of respect for you, my dear,” said old-fashioned John.

out of respect (尊敬しているから) [名] a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities or achievements

「私は君を尊敬しているからそうするんだ、愛しい人」と古風なジョンは言った。

“Ditto, ditto, Mr. Brooke,” laughed Meg, looking young and pretty again, as she nodded to him over the teapot.

「同じく、同じく、ブルックさん」とメグは笑い、ティーポットの向こうで彼にうなずきながら、再び若くかわいく見えた。

“Well, it’s altogether delightful, and like old times.

old times (昔) [名] a time in the past

「まあ、すっかり楽しいよ、昔みたい。

This tastes right.

これはおいしい。

I drink your health, dear.”

あなたの健康を祈って飲むよ、愛しい人」

and John sipped his tea with an air of reposeful rapture, which was of very short duration however, for as he put down his cup, the door handle rattled mysteriously, and a little voice was heard, saying impatiently...

sip (すする) [動] drink in small amounts

short duration (短い時間) [名] a brief period of time

mysteriously (不思議に) [副] in a way that is not fully understood

そしてジョンは落ち着いた歓喜の表情でお茶をすすったが、それはとても短い時間だった、なぜなら彼がカップを置くと、ドアの取っ手が不思議にガタガタ鳴り、小さな声が焦って言うのが聞こえたからだ。

“Opy doy. Me’s tummin!”

Opy doy (オピ・ドイ) [名] a nonsense phrase

Me’s tummin (私、お腹すいた) [名] a nonsense phrase

「オピ・ドイ。私、お腹すいた!」

“It’s that naughty boy.

「あのいたずらっ子だ。

I told him to go to sleep alone, and here he is, downstairs, getting his death a-cold pattering over that canvas,” said Meg, answering the call.

patter (パタパタ叩く) [動] make a light, quick tapping sound

canvas (キャンバス) [名] a strong, rough cloth made from cotton

一人で寝るように言ったのに、下の階でキャンバスをパタパタ叩いて死にそうに寒がっている」とメグは呼びかけに答えた。

“Mornin’ now,” announced Demi in joyful tone as he entered, with his long nightgown gracefully festooned over his arm and every curl bobbing gayly as he pranced about the table, eyeing the ‘cakies’ with loving glances.

nightgown (寝巻き) [名] a loose garment worn in bed

festoon (かける) [動] decorate with chains of flowers, leaves, or other decorations

curl (髪の毛) [名] a piece of hair that has been curled

bob (回す) [動] move or cause to move up and down

prance (飛び跳ねる) [動] move or cause to move in a lively, spirited, or playful way

「おはよう」とデミは嬉しそうに声を上げながら入ってきて、長い寝巻きを優雅に腕にかけ、テーブルの周りを飛び跳ねながら、愛情のこもった視線で「ケーキ」を見つめ、髪の毛をくるくる回した。

“No, it isn’t morning yet.

「いいえ、まだ朝ではありません。

You must go to bed, and not trouble poor Mamma.

ベッドに行かなくてはいけないし、かわいそうなママを困らせてはいけない。

Then you can have the little cake with sugar on it.”

そうしたら、砂糖がかかった小さなケーキを食べてもいいよ」

“Me loves Parpar,” said the artful one, preparing to climb the paternal knee and revel in forbidden joys.

forbidden (禁じられた) [形] not allowed; banned

「パパ大好き」と、ずる賢い子は言い、父親の膝に登り、禁じられた喜びに浸る準備をした。

But John shook his head, and said to Meg...

しかし、ジョンは首を振り、メグに言った。

“If you told him to stay up there, and go to sleep alone, make him do it, or he will never learn to mind you.”

stay up (起きる) [動] not go to bed

「もし、あそこにいて、一人で寝るように言ったのなら、そうさせなさい。そうしないと、彼はあなたを気にかけることを学ばない」

“Yes, of course. Come, Demi,” and Meg led her son away, feeling a strong desire to spank the little marplot who hopped beside her, laboring under the delusion that the bribe was to be administered as soon as they reached the nursery.

spank (叩く) [動] slap with the open hand, especially on the buttocks

「ええ、もちろん。おいで、デミ」そしてメグは息子を連れ去り、彼女の横で跳ね回る小さな邪魔者を強く叩きたいという気持ちを感じ、保育園に着いたらすぐに賄賂が与えられるという幻想の下で働いていた。

Nor was he disappointed, for that shortsighted woman actually gave him a lump of sugar, tucked him into his bed, and forbade any more promenades till morning.

shortsighted (近視眼的な) [形] lacking imagination or foresight

lump (角) [名] a small, solid piece of something

promenade (散歩) [名] a leisurely walk, especially in a public place

彼は失望しなかった、なぜなら、その近視眼的な女性は実際に彼に角砂糖を与え、彼をベッドに押し込み、朝までそれ以上の散歩を禁じたからだ。

“Iss!” said Demi the perjured, blissfully sucking his sugar, and regarding his first attempt as eminently successful.

sugar (角砂糖) [名] a type of carbohydrate that is sweet and is used in food

eminently (大いに) [副] to a notable degree

「イッス!」偽証のデミは至福の表情で角砂糖をしゃぶり、彼の最初の試みを大成功と見なし、言った。

Meg returned to her place, and supper was progressing pleasantly, when the little ghost walked again, and exposed the maternal delinquencies by boldly demanding, “More sudar, Marmar.”

progress (進む) [動] move forward or onward in space or time

expose (暴露する) [動] make (something) visible, known, or vulnerable

delinquency (非行) [名] failure to do what is required by law or duty

メグは自分の席に戻り、夕食は順調に進んでいたが、小さな幽霊が再び歩き、「もっと砂糖、ママ」と大胆に要求して母親の非行を暴露した。

“Now this won’t do,” said John, hardening his heart against the engaging little sinner.

engaging (愛らしい) [形] charming or attractive

「これはいけない」ジョンは愛らしい小さな罪人に対して心を鬼にして言った。

“We shall never know any peace till that child learns to go to bed properly.

「あの子がきちんと寝ることを覚えるまで、私たちは平和を知ることはできない。

You have made a slave of yourself long enough.

make a slave of (奴隷にする) [動] to make someone a slave

long enough (十分長い) [形] long enough

あなたは十分長い間、自分を奴隷にしてきた。

Give him one lesson, and then there will be an end of it.

彼に一度教訓を与えれば、それで終わりになる。

Put him in his bed and leave him, Meg.”

彼をベッドに入れて、放っておきなさい、メグ」

“He won’t stay there, he never does unless I sit by him.”

「彼はそこにはいません、私が彼のそばに座っていない限り、彼は決していません」

“I’ll manage him.

「私が彼をどうにかするよ。

Demi, go upstairs, and get into your bed, as Mamma bids you.”

go upstairs (二階に行く) [動] go to the floor above the ground floor

デミ、ママが言うように、二階に行って、ベッドに入りなさい」

“S’ant!” replied the young rebel, helping himself to the coveted ‘cakie’, and beginning to eat the same with calm audacity.

help oneself to (自分で取る) [動] take something without asking

cakie (ケーキ) [名] a sweet dessert made from ingredients such as flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder

audacity (大胆さ) [名] the willingness to take bold risks

「嫌だ!」と若い反逆者は答え、欲しがっていた「ケーキ」を自分で取り、落ち着いた大胆さでそれを食べ始めた。

“You must never say that to Papa.

「パパにそんなことを言ってはいけないよ。

I shall carry you if you don’t go yourself.”

yourself (自分で) [代] you, used to emphasize that you are doing something without help

自分で行かないなら、私が連れて行くよ」

“Go ’way, me don’t love Parpar.”

「あっちへ行け、パパは嫌いだ」

and Demi retired to his mother’s skirts for protection.

そしてデミは母親のスカートの後ろに隠れた。

But even that refuge proved unavailing, for he was delivered over to the enemy, with a “Be gentle with him, John,” which struck the culprit with dismay, for when Mamma deserted him, then the judgment day was at hand.

unavailing (役に立たない) [形] not successful or not producing the desired result

deliver (引き渡す) [動] to give or send something to someone

judgment day (裁きの日) [名] the time when God will judge all people, both living and dead

しかし、その避難所も役に立たず、彼は「ジョン、優しくしてあげて」という言葉とともに敵に引き渡され、犯人は狼狽した。ママが彼を見捨てたとき、裁きの日が近づいていたからだ。

Bereft of his cake, defrauded of his frolic, and borne away by a strong hand to that detested bed, poor Demi could not restrain his wrath, but openly defied Papa, and kicked and screamed lustily all the way upstairs.

bereft of (奪われる) [動] deprived of

defraud of (邪魔される) [動] prevent from having or doing something

borne away (連れて行かれる) [動] taken away

strong hand (強い手) [名] a hand that is strong

detested bed (嫌いなベッド) [名] a bed that is detested

openly (公然と) [副] in a way that is not hidden

lustily (激しく) [副] in a lustful manner

ケーキを奪われ、はしゃぐのを邪魔され、強い手で嫌いなベッドに連れて行かれたかわいそうなデミは、怒りを抑えきれず、パパに公然と反抗し、二階までずっと激しく蹴ったり叫んだりした。

The minute he was put into bed on one side, he rolled out on the other, and made for the door, only to be ignominiously caught up by the tail of his little toga and put back again, which lively performance was kept up till the young man’s strength gave out, when he devoted himself to roaring at the top of his voice.

the minute (すぐに) [名] a unit of time equal to 60 seconds

put into (入れる) [動] place inside something

on one side (片側) [名] one of the two parts of something that are on opposite sides of a dividing line

roll out (転がり出る) [動] move by turning over and over

on the other (反対側) [名] the other of the two parts of something that are on opposite sides of a dividing line

only to be (結局) [副] with the result that

ignominiously (恥ずかしそうに) [副] in a way that causes a loss of respect

caught up (捕まえられる) [動] become entangled or trapped

toga (トーガ) [名] a loose outer garment worn in public by citizens of ancient Rome

put back (戻される) [動] return to a previous place or position

top (限り) [名] the highest or most important part or point

ベッドの片側に入れられるとすぐに、彼は反対側に転がり出てドアに向かったが、小さなトーガの裾を捕まえられて恥ずかしそうにまた戻された。この活発なパフォーマンスは、若者の力が尽きるまで続き、彼は声を限りに叫び続けた。

This vocal exercise usually conquered Meg, but John sat as unmoved as the post which is popularly believed to be deaf.

vocal exercise (発声練習) [名] the act of practicing singing

unmoved (動かずに) [形] not affected by emotion

popularly (一般に) [副] by many people; generally

この発声練習は通常メグを征服したが、ジョンは一般に耳が聞こえないと信じられている柱のように動かずに座っていた。

No coaxing, no sugar, no lullaby, no story, even the light was put out and only the red glow of the fire enlivened the ‘big dark’ which Demi regarded with curiosity rather than fear.

put out (消す) [動] extinguish

regard (眺める) [動] look at or think about someone or something in a particular way

おだてたり、砂糖を与えたり、子守唄を歌ったり、物語を語ったりすることもなく、明かりさえ消され、火の赤い輝きだけが「大きな暗闇」を活気づかせ、デミは恐怖というより好奇心を抱いてそれを眺めていた。

This new order of things disgusted him, and he howled dismally for ‘Marmar’, as his angry passions subsided, and recollections of his tender bondwoman returned to the captive autocrat.

new order (新しい秩序) [名] a new system of organization or government

disgust (嫌気がさす) [動] cause to feel revulsion or profound disapproval

howl (わめく) [動] utter a loud, prolonged, mournful cry

bondwoman (奴隷) [名] a woman who is a slave

autocrat (独裁者) [名] a ruler who has absolute power

この新しい秩序に彼は嫌気がさし、怒りの感情が静まるにつれて「ママ」と悲しげにわめき、捕らわれの独裁者のもとに優しい奴隷の記憶が戻ってきた。

The plaintive wail which succeeded the passionate roar went to Meg’s heart, and she ran up to say beseechingly...

plaintive wail (悲しげな叫び) [名] a sad cry

succeed (続く) [動] come after in time

passionate roar (情熱的な咆哮) [名] a loud, deep cry

go to one's heart (心を打つ) [動] to affect one's emotions deeply

run up (駆け寄る) [動] to approach someone or something quickly

say beseechingly (懇願するように言う) [動] to ask for something in a very serious or emotional way

情熱的な咆哮に続く悲しげな叫びがメグの心を打ち、彼女は駆け寄って懇願するように言った。

“Let me stay with him, he’ll be good now, John.”

he'll (彼は) [代] he will

「私が彼と一緒にいさせて、彼はもういい子にするよ、ジョン」

“No, my dear. I’ve told him he must go to sleep, as you bid him, and he must, if I stay here all night.”

「いいえ、私の愛しい人。彼に、君が言ったように寝なくてはいけないと言ったんだ、そして彼は、私がここに一晩中いても、そうしなくてはいけない」

“But he’ll cry himself sick,” pleaded Meg, reproaching herself for deserting her boy.

cry oneself sick (泣きすぎて病気になる) [動] cry so much that one becomes ill

「でも彼は泣きすぎて病気になってしまうよ」とメグは懇願し、息子を捨てたことを自らを責めた。

“No, he won’t, he’s so tired he will soon drop off and then the matter is settled, for he will understand that he has got to mind.

「いいや、ならないよ、彼はとても疲れているからすぐに寝入ってしまうだろうし、そうしたら問題は解決する、彼は従わなくてはならないことを理解するだろう。

Don’t interfere, I’ll manage him.”

邪魔しないで、私が彼をどうにかする」

“He’s my child, and I can’t have his spirit broken by harshness.”

「彼は私の子供で、厳しさで彼の精神を壊すわけにはいかない」

“He’s my child, and I won’t have his temper spoiled by indulgence.

have (害する) [動] cause to have or to be in a specified state

spoil (害する) [動] cause to have or to be in a specified state

「彼は私の子供で、甘やかしで彼の気分を害するわけにはいかない。

Go down, my dear, and leave the boy to me.”

下りて行きなさい、私の愛しい人、そして少年は私に任せなさい」

When John spoke in that masterful tone, Meg always obeyed, and never regretted her docility.

ジョンがその横柄な口調で話す時、メグはいつも従い、従順さを後悔することはなかった。

“Please let me kiss him once, John?”

「お願い、一度だけキスさせて、ジョン?」

“Certainly. Demi, say good night to Mamma, and let her go and rest, for she is very tired with taking care of you all day.”

certainly (もちろん) [副] without doubt

say good night (おやすみなさいと言う) [動] say goodbye to someone at night

「もちろん。デミ、ママにおやすみなさいと言って、ママを休ませてあげなさい、ママは一日中あなたの世話をしてとても疲れているのだから」

Meg always insisted upon it that the kiss won the victory, for after it was given, Demi sobbed more quietly, and lay quite still at the bottom of the bed, whither he had wriggled in his anguish of mind.

victory (勝利) [名] an act of defeating an enemy or opponent in a battle, game, or other competition

anguish (苦しみ) [名] extreme mental or physical pain or suffering

メグはいつもキスが勝利を勝ち取ったと主張した、なぜならキスをした後、デミはもっと静かにすすり泣き、心の苦しみの中で身をよじらせていたベッドの底にじっと横たわったからだ。

“Poor little man, he’s worn out with sleep and crying.

crying (泣き疲れ) [名] the act of shedding tears

「かわいそうに、眠気と泣き疲れでぐったりしているよ。

I’ll cover him up, and then go and set Meg’s heart at rest,” thought John, creeping to the bedside, hoping to find his rebellious heir asleep.

cover up (布団をかける) [動] to put a covering over

set at rest (落ち着かせる) [動] to make calm or peaceful

ジョンは、彼に布団をかけてから、メグの心を落ち着かせに行こう」と思い、反抗的な後継者が眠っているのを期待しながら、ベッドサイドに忍び寄った。

But he wasn’t, for the moment his father peeped at him, Demi’s eyes opened, his little chin began to quiver, and he put up his arms, saying with a penitent hiccough, “Me’s dood, now.”

hiccough (しゃっくり) [名] a spasm of the diaphragm causing a sudden, sharp sound in the throat

dood (いい子) [名] a child who behaves well

しかし、彼はそうではなく、父親が彼を覗き込んだ瞬間、デミの目が開き、小さなあごが震え始め、彼は腕を上げ、後悔のしゃっくりをしながら「私はいい子になった」と言った。

Sitting on the stairs outside Meg wondered at the long silence which followed the uproar, and after imagining all sorts of impossible accidents, she slipped into the room to set her fears at rest.

メグは外の階段に座って、騒ぎの後の長い沈黙に驚き、ありとあらゆるありえない事故を想像した後、恐怖を静めるために部屋に忍び込んだ。

Demi lay fast asleep, not in his usual spreadeagle attitude, but in a subdued bunch, cuddled close in the circle of his father’s arm and holding his father’s finger, as if he felt that justice was tempered with mercy, and had gone to sleep a sadder and wiser baby.

lay fast asleep (ぐっすり眠る) [動] be in a state of sleep

spreadeagle (大の字) [名] a position in which a person's arms and legs are spread out

subdued (おとなしい) [形] quiet and rather shy

circle (輪) [名] a round figure with no end and no beginning

sadder (悲しみ) [形] feeling or showing sorrow or unhappiness

デミはいつものように大の字になって寝ているのではなく、父親の腕に抱かれ、父親の指を握りしめて、まるで正義が慈悲で和らげられたと感じたかのように、悲しみと賢さを増した赤ん坊として眠りについていた。

So held, John had waited with a womanly patience till the little hand relaxed its hold, and while waiting had fallen asleep, more tired by that tussle with his son than with his whole day’s work.

そうして抱きしめられ、ジョンは小さな手が握りしめる力を緩めるまで女性のような忍耐で待ち、待っている間に眠りに落ち、一日の仕事よりも息子との喧嘩で疲れていた。

As Meg stood watching the two faces on the pillow, she smiled to herself, and then slipped away again, saying in a satisfied tone, “I never need fear that John will be too harsh with my babies.

メグは枕の上の2人の顔を見ながら立っていると、一人で微笑み、それからまたそっと立ち去り、満足した口調で言った、「ジョンが私の赤ちゃんに厳しすぎることを恐れる必要は決してない。

He does know how to manage them, and will be a great help, for Demi is getting too much for me.”

know how to (方法を知っている) [動] have the knowledge or skill to do something

will be (だろう) [助] be going to be

彼は子供の扱い方を知っているし、デミは私には手に負えなくなっているから、とても助かるだろう。」

When John came down at last, expecting to find a pensive or reproachful wife, he was agreeably surprised to find Meg placidly trimming a bonnet, and to be greeted with the request to read something about the election, if he was not too tired.

agreeably (嬉しい) [副] in a pleasant or pleasing way

placidly (穏やかに) [副] in a calm and unhurried way

trim (整える) [動] make neater or more attractive by cutting away unwanted parts

request (要望) [名] an act of asking politely or formally for something

election (選挙) [名] the process of choosing a person or group of people for a position, especially a political position, by voting

ジョンがようやく降りてきて、物思いにふけったり、非難がましい妻を見つけることを期待していたが、メグが穏やかにボンネットを整えているのを見つけ、あまり疲れていなければ選挙について何か読んでほしいという要望で迎えられたので、彼は嬉しい驚きを感じた。

John saw in a minute that a revolution of some kind was going on, but wisely asked no questions, knowing that Meg was such a transparent little person, she couldn’t keep a secret to save her life, and therefore the clue would soon appear.

revolution (革命) [名] a forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favor of a new system

ジョンはすぐに何かの革命が起こっていることに気づいたが、メグがとても透明感のある小さな人で、命を救うために秘密を守ることができず、すぐに手がかりが現れることを知っていたので、賢明にも質問しなかった。

He read a long debate with the most amiable readiness and then explained it in his most lucid manner, while Meg tried to look deeply interested, to ask intelligent questions, and keep her thoughts from wandering from the state of the nation to the state of her bonnet.

debate (討論) [名] a discussion between people in which they express different opinions about something

readiness (愛想よく) [名] the state of being ready

彼は最も愛想よく長い討論を読み、それからそれを最も明快な方法で説明したが、メグは深く興味を持っているように見え、知的な質問をし、自分の考えが国の状態からボンネットの状態へとさまようのを防ごうとした。

In her secret soul, however, she decided that politics were as bad as mathematics, and that the mission of politicians seemed to be calling each other names, but she kept these feminine ideas to herself, and when John paused, shook her head and said with what she thought diplomatic ambiguity, “Well, I really don’t see what we are coming to.”

mathematics (数学) [名] the study of the measurement, properties, and relationships of quantities and sets, using numbers and symbols

politician (政治家) [名] a person who is involved in politics, especially as a holder of or a candidate for an elected office

diplomatic (外交的な) [形] of or concerning the conduct of relations between states

ambiguity (曖昧さ) [名] the quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness

しかし、彼女は心の中で、政治は数学と同じくらいひどいものであり、政治家の使命はお互いに名前を呼び合うことであるように思えたが、彼女はこれらの女性的な考えを自分自身に留め、ジョンが立ち止まると、首を横に振り、外交的な曖昧さを考えながら、「まあ、私たちがどこに向かっているのか本当にわからない」と言った。

John laughed, and watched her for a minute, as she poised a pretty little preparation of lace and flowers on her hand, and regarded it with the genuine interest which his harangue had failed to waken.

poise (構える) [動] hold or carry in a balanced or steady way

regard (見る) [動] look at or think of in a particular way

waken (目覚めさせる) [動] cause to stop sleeping

ジョンは笑って、彼女がレースと花のきれいな小さな準備品を手に構え、彼の熱弁が目覚めさせることができなかった真の関心をもってそれを見ているのを一分間見ていた。

“She is trying to like politics for my sake, so I’ll try and like millinery for hers, that’s only fair,” thought John the Just, adding aloud, “That’s very pretty.

for my sake (私のために) [副] for my benefit

for hers (彼女のために) [副] for her benefit

that's only fair (それが公平だ) [副] that is just

「彼女は私のために政治を好きになろうとしているから、私は彼女のために婦人帽子を好きになろうとする、それが公平だ」と正義のジョンは考え、声を出して「それはとてもきれいだ。

Is it what you call a breakfast cap?”

それは朝食帽子と呼ぶものなのか?」

“My dear man, it’s a bonnet!

「私の愛する人、それはボンネットよ!

My very best go-to-concert-and-theater bonnet.”

very best (一番の) [形] of the highest quality

go-to-concert-and-theater (コンサートや劇場に行く) [形] suitable for going to a concert or theater

私の一番のコンサートや劇場に行くボンネットよ。」

“I beg your pardon, it was so small, I naturally mistook it for one of the flyaway things you sometimes wear.

flyaway (ひらひらした) [形] flying or fluttering in the air

「すまない、それはとても小さかったから、君が時々かぶるひらひらしたものと間違えたんだ。

How do you keep it on?”

keep on (かぶっている) [動] continue to wear

どうしてそれをかぶっているんだ?」

“These bits of lace are fastened under the chin with a rosebud, so,” and Meg illustrated by putting on the bonnet and regarding him with an air of calm satisfaction that was irresistible.

「このレースの部分をバラのつぼみで顎の下で留めるのよ、こうやって」そしてメグはボンネットをかぶって、彼をたまらなく落ち着いた満足感の表情で見つめて説明した。

“It’s a love of a bonnet, but I prefer the face inside, for it looks young and happy again,” and John kissed the smiling face, to the great detriment of the rosebud under the chin.

detriment (損害) [名] the state of being harmed or damaged

「それは素敵なボンネットだ、でも私はその中にある顔の方が好きだ、若くて幸せそうに見えるから」そしてジョンは笑顔にキスをした、顎の下のバラのつぼみには大きな損害だった。

“I’m glad you like it, for I want you to take me to one of the new concerts some night.

「気に入ってくれてよかったよ、だっていつか夜に新しいコンサートに連れて行ってほしいの。

I really need some music to put me in tune.

put in tune (調子を整える) [動] to make something work or function properly

本当に調子を整えるために音楽が必要なの。

Will you, please?”

will (お願い) [名] a wish or desire

お願い、行ってくれる?」

“Of course I will, with all my heart, or anywhere else you like.

with all my heart (喜んで) [副] very willingly

anywhere else (どこでも) [副] in or to any other place

「もちろん、喜んで、あるいは君の好きなところならどこでも。

You have been shut up so long, it will do you no end of good, and I shall enjoy it, of all things.

do no end of good (とても良い) [動] be very good

君は長い間閉じこもっていたから、それは君にとってとても良いことだし、何よりも私もそれを楽しむだろう。

What put it into your head, little mother?”

どうしてそんなことを思いついたの、お母さん?」

“Well, I had a talk with Marmee the other day, and told her how nervous and cross and out of sorts I felt, and she said I needed change and less care, so Hannah is to help me with the children, and I’m to see to things about the house more, and now and then have a little fun, just to keep me from getting to be a fidgety, broken-down old woman before my time.

see to (目を向ける) [動] attend to; take care of

broken-down (くたびれた) [形] in a state of severe disrepair or dilapidation

「そうね、この前ママと話をして、私がどれだけ神経質で不機嫌で気分が悪いか話したら、ママは私が気分転換して心配事を減らす必要があると言って、ハンナが子供たちの面倒を見てくれることになったの。私は家のことにもっと目を向けたり、時々ちょっとした楽しみを持つことで、早々と落ち着きのない、くたびれた老婆にならないようにするつもりよ。

It’s only an experiment, John, and I want to try it for your sake as much as for mine, because I’ve neglected you shamefully lately, and I’m going to make home what it used to be, if I can.

shamefully (恥ずかしいくらい) [副] in a way that causes one to feel shame

これはただの実験なのよ、ジョン、私は自分のためにするのと同じくらいあなたのためにもこれを試したいの、だって最近私は恥ずかしいくらいあなたを無視してきたし、できるなら家を昔のようにしたいのよ。

You don’t object, I hope?”

反対しないよね?」

Never mind what John said, or what a very narrow escape the little bonnet had from utter ruin.

narrow (危機一髪の) [形] having little space from one side to the other

ジョンが何を言ったのか、あるいは小さなボンネットが完全な破滅からどれほど危機一髪で逃れたのかは気にしないでほしい。

All that we have any business to know is that John did not appear to object, judging from the changes which gradually took place in the house and its inmates.

all that (すべて) [名] the whole of

have any business to (知る必要がある) [動] have a reason to

appear to (反対しなかった) [動] seem to

judge from (判断して) [動] form an opinion about

私たちが知る必要があるのは、家とその住人に徐々に起こった変化から判断して、ジョンは反対しなかったということだけだ。

It was not all Paradise by any means, but everyone was better for the division of labor system.

division of labor (分業制) [名] the separation of a work process into a number of tasks, each of which is performed by a separate person or group of persons

system (制度) [名] a set of principles or procedures according to which something is done; an organized scheme or method

決して楽園ではなかったが、分業制のおかげでみんなが楽になった。

The children throve under the paternal rule, for accurate, steadfast John brought order and obedience into Babydom, while Meg recovered her spirits and composed her nerves by plenty of wholesome exercise, a little pleasure, and much confidential conversation with her sensible husband.

rule (支配) [名] the exercise of authority or control

throve (成長した) [動] flourish or prosper

steadfast (堅固な) [形] firm and unwavering

Babydom (赤ん坊の王国) [名] the world of babies

compose (落ち着かせる) [動] make calm or tranquil

子供たちは父親の支配のもとで成長した。正確で堅固なジョンは赤ん坊の王国に秩序と服従をもたらし、メグは十分な健康的な運動、少しの楽しみ、そして賢い夫との多くの内緒話によって元気を取り戻し、神経を落ち着かせた。

Home grew homelike again, and John had no wish to leave it, unless he took Meg with him.

homelike (家庭らしい) [形] like a home

家は再び家庭らしくなり、ジョンはメグを連れて行かない限り、家を離れたいとは思わなかった。

The Scotts came to the Brookes’ now, and everyone found the little house a cheerful place, full of happiness, content, and family love.

Brookes (ブルック家) [名] the Brooke family

cheerful place (陽気な場所) [名] a place that is full of happiness and joy

family love (家族愛) [名] the love that exists between members of a family

スコット家はブルック家を訪れ、誰もがその小さな家が幸福、満足、家族愛に満ちた陽気な場所であることに気づいた。

Even Sallie Moffatt liked to go there.

サリー・モファットさえもそこに行くのが好きだった。

“It is always so quiet and pleasant here, it does me good, Meg,” she used to say, looking about her with wistful eyes, as if trying to discover the charm, that she might use it in her great house, full of splendid loneliness, for there were no riotous, sunny-faced babies there, and Ned lived in a world of his own, where there was no place for her.

「ここはいつもとても静かで快適で、私にはいいよ、メグ」と彼女はよく言っていた。彼女は、まるでその魅力を発見しようとするかのように、物欲しそうな目で周りを見回していた。彼女の大きな家は、素晴らしい孤独に満ちていた。そこには騒がしく、陽気な赤ちゃんはいなかったし、ネッドは彼女の居場所のない自分だけの世界に住んでいた。

This household happiness did not come all at once, but John and Meg had found the key to it, and each year of married life taught them how to use it, unlocking the treasuries of real home love and mutual helpfulness, which the poorest may possess, and the richest cannot buy.

each year (年月を重ねるごとに) [名] every year

unlock (解き放つ) [動] release the lock of

treasury (宝庫) [名] a place where treasure is kept

mutual (相互の) [形] shared by two or more parties

helpfulness (扶助) [名] the quality of being helpful

poorest (最も貧しい) [形] least rich

この家庭の幸福は一度に訪れたわけではないが、ジョンとメグはその鍵を見つけ、結婚生活の年月を重ねるごとに、それをどのように使うかを学び、最も貧しい人が所有し、最も裕福な人が買うことのできない、真の家庭愛と相互扶助の宝庫を解き放った。

This is the sort of shelf on which young wives and mothers may consent to be laid, safe from the restless fret and fever of the world, finding loyal lovers in the little sons and daughters who cling to them, undaunted by sorrow, poverty, or age, walking side by side, through fair and stormy weather, with a faithful friend, who is, in the true sense of the good old Saxon word, the ‘house-band’, and learning, as Meg learned, that a woman’s happiest kingdom is home, her highest honor the art of ruling it not as a queen, but as a wise wife and mother.

fret (苛立ち) [名] a state of anxiety or worry

loyal (忠実な) [形] giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution

side by side (並んで) [副] next to each other

Saxon (サクソン) [名] a member of a Germanic people who conquered and settled in England from the 5th century

house-band (ハウスバンド) [名] a group of musicians who perform regularly at a particular venue

これは、若い妻や母親が、世界の落ち着きのない苛立ちや熱から安全に守られ、悲しみ、貧困、年齢に臆することなく、自分にしがみつく幼い息子や娘の中に忠実な恋人を見つけ、古き良きサクソン語の本当の意味で「ハウスバンド」である忠実な友人と、晴れた日も嵐の日も並んで歩き、メグが学んだように、女性の最も幸せな王国は家庭であり、彼女の最高の名誉は女王としてではなく、賢い妻や母親としてそれを支配する術であることを学ぶことができる棚のようなものだ。

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE: LAZY LAURENCE

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE (第39章) [名] the 39th chapter

LAZY LAURENCE (怠け者のローレンス) [名] a person who is lazy

第39章怠け者のローレンス

Laurie went to Nice intending to stay a week, and remained a month.

ローリーは1週間滞在するつもりでニースに行ったが、1ヶ月滞在した。

He was tired of wandering about alone, and Amy’s familiar presence seemed to give a homelike charm to the foreign scenes in which she bore a part.

wander about (歩き回る) [動] walk around aimlessly

familiar (親しみやすい) [形] well known

foreign (異国の) [形] of or from a country other than one's own

bear a part (参加する) [動] take part in

彼は一人であちこち歩き回るのに飽き飽きしていたし、エイミーの親しみやすい存在は、彼女が参加している異国の風景に家庭的な魅力を与えているようだった。

He rather missed the ‘petting’ he used to receive, and enjoyed a taste of it again, for no attentions, however flattering, from strangers, were half so pleasant as the sisterly adoration of the girls at home.

miss (懐かしく思う) [動] feel sad or disappointed about the absence of

flattering (甘い) [形] excessively complimentary or favorable

adoration (崇拝) [名] deep love and respect for someone or something

彼はむしろ以前受けていた「愛撫」を懐かしく思い、再びその味を楽しんだ。見知らぬ人からのどんなに甘い言葉も、家にいる少女たちの姉妹のような崇拝の半分ほども心地よくはなかったからだ。

Amy never would pet him like the others, but she was very glad to see him now, and quite clung to him, feeling that he was the representative of the dear family for whom she longed more than she would confess.

representative (代表) [名] a person who represents another person or a group of people

エイミーは他の人のように彼を可愛がることはなかったが、今彼に会えてとても嬉しく、彼が彼女が告白する以上に恋しく思っている愛する家族の代表であると感じて、彼にかなりしがみついていた。

They naturally took comfort in each other’s society and were much together, riding, walking, dancing, or dawdling, for at Nice no one can be very industrious during the gay season.

take comfort in (慰め合う) [動] to feel less unhappy or worried because of something

walking (散歩) [名] the activity of going for walks

dawdling (ぐずぐずする) [動] to move or act slowly or reluctantly

can be (できる) [助] be able to

gay season (陽気な季節) [名] a time of year when people are generally more cheerful and festive

彼らは当然のことながら、お互いの交際を慰め合い、乗馬、散歩、ダンス、またはぐずぐずと過ごすことが多かった。ニースでは、誰もが陽気な季節に勤勉になることはできない。

But, while apparently amusing themselves in the most careless fashion, they were half-consciously making discoveries and forming opinions about each other.

half-consciously (半ば無意識のうちに) [副] not fully aware of or sensitive to something

make discovery (発見する) [動] find out or notice something for the first time

form opinion (意見を形成する) [動] develop a view or judgment about something

しかし、彼らは最も不注意な方法で自分たちを楽しませているように見えたが、半ば無意識のうちにお互いについて発見し、意見を形成していた。

Amy rose daily in the estimation of her friend, but he sank in hers, and each felt the truth before a word was spoken.

estimation (評価) [名] an opinion or judgment of the worth, quality, or importance of someone or something

エイミーは友人の評価で日々上昇したが、彼は彼女の評価で沈み、言葉を発する前にそれぞれが真実を感じていた。

Amy tried to please, and succeeded, for she was grateful for the many pleasures he gave her, and repaid him with the little services to which womanly women know how to lend an indescribable charm.

エイミーは彼が彼女に与えた多くの喜びに感謝し、女性らしい女性が言葉では言い表せない魅力を与える方法を知っている小さな奉仕で彼に返済したので、喜ばせようとし、成功した。

Laurie made no effort of any kind, but just let himself drift along as comfortably as possible, trying to forget, and feeling that all women owed him a kind word because one had been cold to him.

make no effort (努力しない) [動] not try hard enough

drift along (漂う) [動] move slowly and smoothly

owe (借りている) [動] have a debt to (someone)

ローリーはどんな努力もしなかったが、ただできるだけ楽に漂い、忘れようとし、一人の女性に冷たくされたので、すべての女性が彼に優しい言葉を借りていると感じていた。

It cost him no effort to be generous, and he would have given Amy all the trinkets in Nice if she would have taken them, but at the same time he felt that he could not change the opinion she was forming of him, and he rather dreaded the keen blue eyes that seemed to watch him with such half-sorrowful, half-scornful surprise.

cost (必要とする) [動] require (something) as a price or payment

at the same time (同時に) [副] at one and the same time; concurrently

form (抱く) [動] make or produce

scornful (軽蔑した) [形] showing contempt

彼は寛大であるために何の努力も必要とせず、もしエイミーが受け取るならニースのすべての装身具を彼女に与えただろうが、同時に彼は彼女が彼に対して抱いている意見を変えることができないと感じ、彼はむしろ半分悲しみ、半分軽蔑した驚きで彼を見ているように見える鋭い青い目を恐れていた。

“All the rest have gone to Monaco for the day.

all the rest (他のみんな) [名] the remaining people or things

「他のみんなは今日モナコに行きました。

I preferred to stay at home and write letters.

write letters (手紙を書く) [動] write a letter

私は家にいて手紙を書くことを好んだ。

They are done now, and I am going to Valrosa to sketch, will you come?” said Amy, as she joined Laurie one lovely day when he lounged in as usual, about noon.

Valrosa (ヴァルローザ) [名] a fictional place

それが終わったので、私はヴァルローザにスケッチに行きます、一緒に来ますか?」とエイミーは言った。ある美しい日、ローリーがいつものように昼頃にのんびりしていると、エイミーが彼に加わった。

“Well, yes, but isn’t it rather warm for such a long walk?” he answered slowly, for the shaded salon looked inviting after the glare without.

glare (まぶしさ) [名] a bright light, especially one that shines directly into your eyes

without (外からの) [前] not having or not including something

inviting (魅力的) [形] attractive or appealing

「ええ、そうですね、でもそんなに長い散歩には暑すぎませんか?」彼はゆっくりと答えた。日陰のサロンは外からのまぶしさの後で魅力的に見えた。

“I’m going to have the little carriage, and Baptiste can drive, so you’ll have nothing to do but hold your umbrella, and keep your gloves nice,” returned Amy, with a sarcastic glance at the immaculate kids, which were a weak point with Laurie.

immaculate (清潔な) [形] perfectly clean, neat, or tidy

weak point (弱点) [名] a fault or defect in a person's character

「私は小さな馬車に乗るつもりで、バプティストさんが運転してくれるので、あなたは傘をさして手袋をきれいに保つ以外に何もすることがありません」とエイミーは答え、ローリーの弱点である清潔な手袋を皮肉な目で見た。

“Then I’ll go with pleasure.”

with pleasure (喜んで) [副] very willingly

「それなら喜んで行きます」

and he put out his hand for her sketchbook.

そして彼は彼女のスケッチブックのために手を差し出した。

But she tucked it under her arm with a sharp...

しかし彼女はそれを鋭く腕の下に挟み込んだ。

“Don’t trouble yourself.

trouble (心配する) [動] to cause to be anxious or concerned

「心配しないで。

It’s no exertion to me, but you don’t look equal to it.”

no exertion (何の努力も必要ありません) [名] no effort

look equal to (できないようですね) [動] seem unable to do

私には何の努力も必要ありませんが、あなたにはそれができないようですね」

Laurie lifted his eyebrows and followed at a leisurely pace as she ran downstairs, but when they got into the carriage he took the reins himself, and left little Baptiste nothing to do but fold his arms and fall asleep on his perch.

leisurely (ゆっくりとした) [形] done or acting without hurry or urgency

run downstairs (階下へ走る) [動] move at a speed faster than a walk

take the reins (手綱を握る) [動] assume control or responsibility

Baptiste (バプティスト) [名] a male given name

fold one's arms (腕を組む) [動] place one arm over the other

ローリーは眉を上げ、彼女が階下へ走っていくのをゆっくりとしたペースで追いかけたが、馬車に乗ると彼は手綱を自分で握り、小さなバプティストには腕を組んで止まり木で眠る以外何もさせなかった。

The two never quarreled.

二人は決して喧嘩しなかった。

Amy was too well-bred, and just now Laurie was too lazy, so in a minute he peeped under her hatbrim with an inquiring air.

inquiring (尋ねるような) [形] asking a question

エイミーは育ちがよく、ローリーは怠惰だったので、彼はすぐに彼女の帽子のつばの下を覗き込み、尋ねるような態度をとった。

She answered him with a smile, and they went on together in the most amicable manner.

go on (歩き続ける) [動] continue doing something

彼女は笑顔で彼に答え、二人は最も友好的な態度で一緒に歩き続けた。

It was a lovely drive, along winding roads rich in the picturesque scenes that delight beauty-loving eyes.

winding (曲がりくねった) [形] having many curves or turns

美を愛する目を喜ばせる絵のような景色が豊富な曲がりくねった道に沿った素敵なドライブだった。

Here an ancient monastery, whence the solemn chanting of the monks came down to them.

monastery (修道院) [名] a building where monks live

chanting (詠唱) [名] the act of singing or saying something in a repetitive way

そこには古代修道院があり、僧侶たちの厳かな詠唱が聞こえてきた。

There a bare-legged shepherd, in wooden shoes, pointed hat, and rough jacket over one shoulder, sat piping on a stone while his goats skipped among the rocks or lay at his feet.

bare-legged (裸足の) [形] having the legs uncovered

point (尖った) [形] having a sharp or tapered end

rough (粗末な) [形] having a coarse or uneven surface

goat (ヤギ) [名] a hardy domesticated ruminant mammal that has backward-curving horns and (in the male) a beard

rock (岩) [名] the hard solid substance that occurs naturally in the ground and that forms the surface of the earth and other similar planets

そこには、木靴を履き、尖った帽子をかぶり、片方の肩に粗末な上着を羽織った裸足の羊飼いが、石の上に座って笛を吹き、ヤギが岩の間を飛び跳ねたり、足元に横たわったりしていた。

Meek, mouse-colored donkeys, laden with panniers of freshly cut grass passed by, with a pretty girl in a capaline sitting between the green piles, or an old woman spinning with a distaff as she went.

mouse-colored (ねずみ色の) [形] of a grayish color

laden (積んだ) [動] to load or burden

pannier (かご) [名] a basket, especially one of a pair, carried on the back of a beast of burden

cut (刈った) [動] to cut or sever with a sharp instrument

capaline (カパリン) [名] a light cloak with a hood

distaff (糸巻き棒) [名] a staff on which flax or wool is wound for spinning

刈りたての草を積んだおとなしいねずみ色のロバが通り過ぎ、緑の山の間に座ったカパリンを着たかわいい女の子や、歩きながら糸巻き棒で糸を紡ぐ老婆がいた。

Brown, soft-eyed children ran out from the quaint stone hovels to offer nosegays, or bunches of oranges still on the bough.

soft-eyed (柔らかい目の) [形] having soft eyes

hovel (あばら屋) [名] a small, squalid, unpleasant, or poorly constructed dwelling

bough (枝) [名] a large branch of a tree

茶色の柔らかい目の子供たちが、古風な石造りのあばら屋から走り出て、花束や枝に残ったオレンジの房を差し出した。

Gnarled olive trees covered the hills with their dusky foliage, fruit hung golden in the orchard, and great scarlet anemones fringed the roadside, while beyond green slopes and craggy heights, the Maritime Alps rose sharp and white against the blue Italian sky.

gnarled (節くれだった) [形] having a rough, twisted appearance

olive tree (オリーブの木) [名] a tree that produces olives

dusky (薄暗い) [形] somewhat dark

foliage (葉) [名] the leaves of a plant

anemone (アネモネ) [名] a plant with brightly colored flowers

fringe (咲き乱れる) [動] border or edge

roadside (道端) [名] the side of a road

slope (斜面) [名] a surface of which one end or side is at a higher level than the other

craggy (岩だらけの) [形] having a rugged, uneven surface

height (高台) [名] the distance from the top to the bottom of something

Maritime Alps (海のアルプス) [名] a mountain range in southeastern France and northwestern Italy

sharp (鋭く) [形] having a cutting or piercing edge or point

white (白く) [形] of the color of milk or fresh snow

Italian (イタリアの) [形] of or relating to Italy, its people, or its language

節くれだったオリーブの木々が丘を覆い、果樹園には黄金色の果実が実り、道端には大きな緋色のアネモネが咲き乱れ、緑の斜面と岩だらけの高台の向こうには、イタリアの青い空を背景に、海のアルプスが鋭く白くそびえ立っていた。

Valrosa well deserved its name, for in that climate of perpetual summer roses blossomed everywhere.

climate (気候) [名] the weather averaged over a period of time

blossom (咲き乱れる) [動] produce flowers

ヴァルローザはその名にふさわしく、永遠の夏の気候の中で、至る所にバラが咲き乱れていた。

They overhung the archway, thrust themselves between the bars of the great gate with a sweet welcome to passers-by, and lined the avenue, winding through lemon trees and feathery palms up to the villa on the hill.

overhung (覆いかぶさる) [動] hang over

archway (アーチ道) [名] a passage or entrance under an arch

thrust (突き出す) [動] push or drive with force

bar (格子) [名] a long, thin piece of wood or metal

avenue (並木道) [名] a broad road, often with trees on each side

wind (曲がりくねる) [動] move or cause to move in a twisting or spiral course

lemon tree (レモンの木) [名] a tree that produces lemons

feathery (羽毛のような) [形] resembling a feather or feathers

palm (ヤシ) [名] any of numerous tropical trees having a tall, slender, unbranched trunk crowned with a tuft of large, feathery, evergreen leaves

アーチ道に覆いかぶさり、大きな門の格子の間から道行く人々を優しく迎え入れ、レモンの木や羽毛のようなヤシの木の間を曲がりくねって丘の上の別荘まで続く並木道に並んでいた。

Every shadowy nook, where seats invited one to stop and rest, was a mass of bloom, every cool grotto had its marble nymph smiling from a veil of flowers and every fountain reflected crimson, white, or pale pink roses, leaning down to smile at their own beauty.

shadowy nook (日陰の隅々) [名] a dark or gloomy place

cool grotto (涼しい洞窟) [名] a small cave

marble nymph (大理石のニンフ) [名] a spirit of nature represented as a beautiful young woman

crimson (深紅) [名] a deep red color

pale pink (淡いピンク) [名] a light shade of pink

lean down (身を乗り出す) [動] bend or move one's body downward

smile at (微笑みかける) [動] smile in the direction of

座席が立ち止まって休むように誘う日陰の隅々は、花の塊であり、涼しい洞窟には花のベールから微笑む大理石のニンフがいて、噴水には深紅、白、淡いピンクのバラが映り、自分の美しさに微笑みかけていた。

Roses covered the walls of the house, draped the cornices, climbed the pillars, and ran riot over the balustrade of the wide terrace, whence one looked down on the sunny Mediterranean, and the white-walled city on its shore.

drape (覆う) [動] cover or decorate with fabric

cornice (コーニス) [名] an ornamental molding around the wall of a room just below the ceiling

pillar (柱) [名] a tall vertical structure of stone, wood, or metal, used as a support for a building, or as an ornament or monument

run riot (暴れ回る) [動] behave in an uncontrolled or unrestrained way

balustrade (手すり) [名] a railing with a series of short pillars supporting it

whence (そこから) [副] from which place or source

Mediterranean (地中海) [名] a large sea that lies between Europe, North Africa, and southwest Asia

バラは家の壁を覆い、コーニスを覆い、柱を登り、広いテラスの手すりの上を暴れ回り、そこからは日当たりの良い地中海とその岸辺にある白い壁の街を見下ろすことができた。

“This is a regular honeymoon paradise, isn’t it?

regular (まさに) [形] ordinary or normal

honeymoon (新婚旅行) [名] a holiday taken by a newly married couple

「ここはまさに新婚旅行の楽園だね。

Did you ever see such roses?” asked Amy, pausing on the terrace to enjoy the view, and a luxurious whiff of perfume that came wandering by.

wander (漂う) [動] move slowly and aimlessly

こんなバラを見たことある?」とエイミーはテラスで立ち止まって景色を楽しみ、漂ってくる贅沢な香りを嗅ぎながら尋ねた。

“No, nor felt such thorns,” returned Laurie, with his thumb in his mouth, after a vain attempt to capture a solitary scarlet flower that grew just beyond his reach.

thumb (親指) [名] the short, thick first digit of the human hand

solitary (一輪の) [形] done or existing alone

「いや、こんなとげを感じたこともない」とローリーは、手の届かないところに生えている一輪の緋色の花を捕まえようとして無駄に終わった後、親指を口に入れて答えた。

“Try lower down, and pick those that have no thorns,” said Amy, gathering three of the tiny cream-colored ones that starred the wall behind her.

lower down (もっと下の方) [副] at a lower level

gather (摘む) [動] collect or bring together

cream-colored (クリーム色の) [形] having the color of cream

star (星のように咲いている) [動] to be the most important performer in a film, play, or other production

「もっと下の方を見て、とげのないものを摘んで」とエイミーは言い、後ろの壁に星のように咲いているクリーム色の小さな花を3つ摘んだ。

She put them in his buttonhole as a peace offering, and he stood a minute looking down at them with a curious expression, for in the Italian part of his nature there was a touch of superstition, and he was just then in that state of half-sweet, half-bitter melancholy, when imaginative young men find significance in trifles and food for romance everywhere.

peace offering (和解のしるし) [名] a gift given as a token of peace

superstition (迷信) [名] a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation

half-sweet (甘くも) [形] somewhat sweet

half-bitter (苦い) [形] somewhat bitter

melancholy (憂鬱な) [形] feeling or showing sadness

imaginative (想像力豊かな) [形] having or showing creativity or inventiveness

significance (意味) [名] the quality of being worthy of attention

food (糧) [名] something that nourishes

彼女は和解のしるしにそれを彼のボタンホールに挿し、彼はしばらく立って不思議そうな表情でそれを見下ろした。彼のイタリア人の部分には迷信的なところが少しあり、ちょうどそのとき、想像力豊かな若者が些細なことに意味を見出し、あらゆるところにロマンスの糧を見出す、甘くも苦い憂鬱な状態にあった。

He had thought of Jo in reaching after the thorny red rose, for vivid flowers became her, and she had often worn ones like that from the greenhouse at home.

reach after (手を伸ばす) [動] stretch out one's hand in a specified direction

thorny (とげのある) [形] having thorns

red rose (赤いバラ) [名] a rose with red petals

vivid (鮮やかな) [形] producing a strong or intense impression

greenhouse (温室) [名] a building with glass walls and roof for growing plants that need protection from the weather

彼はとげのある赤いバラに手を伸ばしたとき、鮮やかな花が似合うジョーを思い出していた。彼女はよく家にある温室のそんな花を身につけていた。

The pale roses Amy gave him were the sort that the Italians lay in dead hands, never in bridal wreaths, and for a moment he wondered if the omen was for Jo or for himself, but the next instant his American common sense got the better of sentimentality, and he laughed a heartier laugh than Amy had heard since he came.

dead (死者) [名] a person who has died

get the better of (勝る) [動] defeat or overcome

sentimentality (感傷) [名] the quality or state of being sentimental

heartier (心からの) [形] more heartfelt

エイミーが彼にくれた淡いバラは、イタリア人が死者の手に置くもので、決して花嫁の花冠には使われないものだった。彼は一瞬、その前兆がジョーのためなのか自分自身のためなのかと思ったが、次の瞬間にはアメリカ人の常識が感傷に勝り、彼が来てからエイミーが聞いた中で一番心からの笑い声をあげたのだった。

“It’s good advice, you’d better take it and save your fingers,” she said, thinking her speech amused him.

good advice (いいアドバイス) [名] a helpful recommendation about what to do

take it (それを聞く) [動] accept or follow a suggestion

save your fingers (指を守る) [動] protect your fingers

「いいアドバイスよ、それを聞いて指を守った方がいいよ」と彼女は言い、自分の言葉が彼を楽しませていると思った。

“Thank you, I will,” he answered in jest, and a few months later he did it in earnest.

jest (冗談) [名] a joke or humorous remark

a few months later (数ヶ月後) [名] a period of time after a few months

「ありがとう、そうするよ」と彼は冗談で答えたが、数ヶ月後には真剣にそうした。

“Laurie, when are you going to your grandfather?” she asked presently, as she settled herself on a rustic seat.

settle (腰を下ろす) [動] sit down

rustic (素朴な) [形] made in a simple and traditional way

「ローリー、いつおじいさんのところに行くの?」と彼女は素朴な椅子に腰を下ろしながら尋ねた。

“Very soon.”

soon (もうすぐ) [副] in or after a short time

「もうすぐ」

“You have said that a dozen times within the last three weeks.”

three weeks (三週間) [名] a period of three weeks

「この三週間で何十回もそう言っているよ」

“I dare say, short answers save trouble.”

「短い答えは面倒を省くよ」

“He expects you, and you really ought to go.”

「おじいさんはあなたを待っているし、本当に行くべきよ」

“Hospitable creature! I know it.”

「親切な人! 知っているよ」

“Then why don’t you do it?”

why don't you (どうして~しないの) [句] used to make a suggestion

「じゃあ、どうしてそうしないの?」

“Natural depravity, I suppose.”

depravity (堕落) [名] the state of being corrupt or wicked

「生まれつきの堕落者だからかな」

“Natural indolence, you mean.

indolence (怠け者) [名] laziness; lack of activity

「生まれつきの怠け者ね。

It’s really dreadful!”

本当にひどい!」

and Amy looked severe.

severe (厳しい) [形] very great or intense

エイミーは厳しい顔をした。

“Not so bad as it seems, for I should only plague him if I went, so I might as well stay and plague you a little longer, you can bear it better, in fact I think it agrees with you excellently,” and Laurie composed himself for a lounge on the broad ledge of the balustrade.

not so bad (それほど悪くない) [形] not as bad as it could be

might as well (した方がいい) [動] should do something because there is no reason not to

agree with (合っている) [動] be in accordance with

「見た目ほど悪くないよ、だってもし行ったら彼を困らせるだけだから、ここに残って君をもう少し困らせた方がいい、君の方が我慢できるし、実際君にはそれがとても合っていると思う」そしてローリーは手すりの広い棚の上でくつろぐために落ち着いた。

Amy shook her head and opened her sketchbook with an air of resignation, but she had made up her mind to lecture ‘that boy’ and in a minute she began again.

エイミーは頭を振り、諦めた様子でスケッチブックを開いたが、「あの子」に説教しようと決心し、すぐにまた始めた。

“What are you doing just now?”

be doing (している) [動] be engaged in an activity

「今何してるの?」

“Watching lizards.”

lizard (トカゲ) [名] any of numerous reptiles of the suborder Sauria, having a long body and tail, four legs, and external ear openings

「トカゲを見ている。」

“No, no. I mean what do you intend and wish to do?”

「いいえ、いいえ。つまり、何をしたいと思っているの?」

“Smoke a cigarette, if you’ll allow me.”

cigarette (タバコ) [名] a thin cylinder of finely cut tobacco rolled in paper for smoking

「許されるなら、タバコを吸いたい。」

“How provoking you are!

「なんて腹立たしいんだ!

I don’t approve of cigars and I will only allow it on condition that you let me put you into my sketch.

私は葉巻は認めないし、私のスケッチにあなたを入れさせてくれるという条件でしか許さない。

I need a figure.”

人物が必要なの。」

“With all the pleasure in life.

with all the pleasure (喜んで) [副] very willingly

「喜んで。

How will you have me, full length or three-quarters, on my head or my heels?

have (描く) [動] make a picture of

full length (全身像) [名] a picture of the whole body

three-quarters (七分身像) [名] a picture of three-quarters of the body

どんな風に描くつもり? 全身像? 七分身像? 頭から? かかとから?

I should respectfully suggest a recumbent posture, then put yourself in also and call it ‘Dolce far niente’.”

posture (姿勢) [名] the position in which someone holds their body when standing or sitting

Dolce far niente (何もしないことの甘美さ) [名] the sweetness of doing nothing

横たわった姿勢を敬意を込めて提案するが、それから自分も入れて「何もしないことの甘美さ」と呼ぶんだ。」

“Stay as you are, and go to sleep if you like.

stay as you are (そのままでいて) [動] remain in the same position or condition

「そのままでいて、眠りたければ眠って。

I intend to work hard,” said Amy in her most energetic tone.

work hard (一生懸命勉強する) [動] work with great effort or endurance

一生懸命勉強するつもりよ」とエイミーは最も元気な口調で言った。

“What delightful enthusiasm!”

「なんて素晴らしい熱意だ!」

and he leaned against a tall urn with an air of entire satisfaction.

そして彼はすっかり満足した様子で背の高いつぼに寄りかかった。

“What would Jo say if she saw you now?” asked Amy impatiently, hoping to stir him up by the mention of her still more energetic sister’s name.

stir up (奮い立たせる) [動] cause to become active or excited

「ジョーが今あなたを見たら何と言うかしら?」とエイミーは、もっと元気な姉の名前を出すことで彼を奮い立たせようと、焦りながら尋ねた。

“As usual, ‘Go away, Teddy. I’m busy!’”

「いつものように『あっちへ行って、テディ。忙しいの!』」

He laughed as he spoke, but the laugh was not natural, and a shade passed over his face, for the utterance of the familiar name touched the wound that was not healed yet.

utterance (口にする) [名] something that is said

wound (傷) [名] physical injury caused by an external force or agent

彼は話しながら笑ったが、その笑い方は自然ではなく、顔に影がさした。なじみの名前を口にしたことで、まだ癒えていない傷に触れてしまったからだ。

Both tone and shadow struck Amy, for she had seen and heard them before, and now she looked up in time to catch a new expression on Laurie’s face—a hard bitter look, full of pain, dissatisfaction, and regret.

strike (衝撃を受ける) [動] to hit or come against with force

catch (捉える) [動] to grasp or seize

dissatisfaction (不満) [名] a feeling of annoyance or slight anger

エイミーは声の調子と影の両方に衝撃を受けた。彼女は以前にもそれらを見聞きしたことがあったからだ。そして今、彼女はローリーの顔に浮かぶ新しい表情を捉えようと顔を上げた。それは苦痛、不満、後悔に満ちた、厳しく苦い表情だった。

It was gone before she could study it and the listless expression back again.

彼女がそれを調べる前にそれは消え、また無気力な表情に戻った。

She watched him for a moment with artistic pleasure, thinking how like an Italian he looked, as he lay basking in the sun with uncovered head and eyes full of southern dreaminess, for he seemed to have forgotten her and fallen into a reverie.

bask (日光浴をする) [動] lie exposed to warmth and light, typically from the sun

uncovered (覆わない) [形] not covered or protected

southern (南国の) [形] situated in the south

dreaminess (夢のような) [名] the state of being dreamy

fall (ふける) [動] move or be moved quickly and suddenly from a higher to a lower level

彼女は彼をしばらく芸術的な喜びをもって眺め、彼が頭を覆わずに日光浴をし、南国の夢のような目で彼女を忘れて空想にふけっているように見えたので、彼がどれほどイタリア人のように見えるかを考えた。

“You look like the effigy of a young knight asleep on his tomb,” she said, carefully tracing the well-cut profile defined against the dark stone.

trace (たどる) [動] follow the course or outline of

well-cut (整った) [形] having a regular or attractive shape

profile (横顔) [名] an outline of something viewed from the side

「あなたは墓で眠る若い騎士の肖像画みたい」と彼女は言い、暗い石に映える整った横顔を注意深くたどった。

“Wish I was!”

「そうだったらよかったのに!」

“That’s a foolish wish, unless you have spoiled your life.

「それは愚かな願いだ、人生を台無しにしていない限り。

You are so changed, I sometimes think—” there Amy stopped, with a half-timid, half-wistful look, more significant than her unfinished speech.

あなたは随分変わったよ、時々思うのだけど」そこでエイミーは、半分臆病で半分物欲しそうな表情で、言い終えなかった言葉よりも意味深な表情で言葉を止めた。

Laurie saw and understood the affectionate anxiety which she hesitated to express, and looking straight into her eyes, said, just as he used to say it to her mother, “It’s all right, ma’am.”

ローリーは彼女が表現するのをためらっている愛情のこもった不安を見て理解し、彼女の目をまっすぐに見つめ、彼が彼女の母親に言っていたように言った、「大丈夫ですよ、奥様」

That satisfied her and set at rest the doubts that had begun to worry her lately.

set at rest (解消する) [動] put an end to

彼女はそれで満足し、最近彼女を悩ませ始めていた疑念を解消した。

It also touched her, and she showed that it did, by the cordial tone in which she said...

それはまた彼女の心を動かし、彼女は心からの口調で言ったことで、それがそうであることを示した。

“I’m glad of that!

「それはよかった!

I didn’t think you’d been a very bad boy, but I fancied you might have wasted money at that wicked Baden-Baden, lost your heart to some charming Frenchwoman with a husband, or got into some of the scrapes that young men seem to consider a necessary part of a foreign tour.

foreign (海外) [形] of, from, in, or characteristic of a country or language other than one's own

あなたがとても悪い子だったとは思わなかったけど、あの邪悪なバーデン・バーデンでお金を無駄にしたり、夫のいる魅力的なフランス人女性に心を奪われたり、若い男性が海外旅行の必要な部分と考えるようなトラブルに巻き込まれたりしているのではないかと想像していたよ。

Don’t stay out there in the sun, come and lie on the grass here and ‘let us be friendly’, as Jo used to say when we got in the sofa corner and told secrets.”

stay out (立たないで) [動] remain outside

日なたに立たないで、ここに来て草の上に横になって、ソファの隅に座って秘密を打ち明けていた時にジョーがよく言っていたように「仲良くしましょう」

Laurie obediently threw himself down on the turf, and began to amuse himself by sticking daisies into the ribbons of Amy’s hat, that lay there.

throw oneself down (身を投げ出す) [動] to lie down

ローリーは素直に芝生の上に身を投げ出し、そこに置いてあったエイミーの帽子のリボンにヒナギクを刺して遊び始めた。

“I’m all ready for the secrets.”

「秘密を聞く準備は万端だ」

and he glanced up with a decided expression of interest in his eyes.

glance up (ちらっと見上げる) [動] look up briefly

彼は興味津々の表情でちらっと見上げた。

“I’ve none to tell. You may begin.”

「話す秘密なんてないよ。あなたから始めてもいいよ」

“Haven’t one to bless myself with.

「私にはそんな幸せはない。

I thought perhaps you’d had some news from home..”

家から何か知らせがあったのかと思ったの」

“You have heard all that has come lately.

「最近来た手紙は全部聞いたでしょう。

Don’t you hear often?

よく聞かないの?

I fancied Jo would send you volumes.”

volume (冊) [名] a book

ジョーはあなたに何冊も送っていると思ったよ」

“She’s very busy.

「彼女はとても忙しいの。

I’m roving about so, it’s impossible to be regular, you know.

rove about (歩き回る) [動] wander about

私はあちこち歩き回っているから、規則正しくするのは不可能なんだ。

When do you begin your great work of art, Raphaella?” he asked, changing the subject abruptly after another pause, in which he had been wondering if Amy knew his secret and wanted to talk about it.

Raphaella (ラファエラ) [名] a female given name

ラファエラ、君の偉大な芸術作品はいつ始めるんだい?」と彼は尋ね、また一時停止した後、突然話題を変えた。彼はエイミーが彼の秘密を知っていて、それについて話したがっているのではないかと考えていた。

“Never,” she answered, with a despondent but decided air.

「絶対に」彼女は落胆した様子だが決然とした態度で答えた。

“Rome took all the vanity out of me, for after seeing the wonders there, I felt too insignificant to live and gave up all my foolish hopes in despair.”

insignificant (取るに足りない) [形] too small or unimportant to be worth consideration

「ローマは私の虚栄心をすべて取り去ってしまった。そこでの驚異を見た後、私は生きるにはあまりにも取るに足りないと感じ、絶望の中で愚かな希望をすべて捨ててしまった。」

“Why should you, with so much energy and talent?”

「そんなに元気で才能があるのに、どうしてそう思うの?」

“That’s just why, because talent isn’t genius, and no amount of energy can make it so.

「それが理由なのよ、才能は天才ではないし、どんなに元気でも天才にはなれないよ。

I want to be great, or nothing.

私は偉大になりたい、さもなければ無になりたい。

I won’t be a common-place dauber, so I don’t intend to try any more.”

common-place (ありきたりの) [形] ordinary or usual

dauber (画家) [名] a person who paints

私はありきたりの画家にはならないから、もうこれ以上は試すつもりはないよ。」

“And what are you going to do with yourself now, if I may ask?”

「それで、もし聞いてもいいなら、これからどうするつもりなの?」

“Polish up my other talents, and be an ornament to society, if I get the chance.”

polish up (磨く) [動] to make more attractive, impressive, or acceptable

ornament (花形) [名] a person or thing that adds beauty or distinction to something

get the chance (機会を得る) [動] to have the opportunity to do something

「私の他の才能を磨いて、機会があれば社交界の花形になるよ。」

It was a characteristic speech, and sounded daring, but audacity becomes young people, and Amy’s ambition had a good foundation.

characteristic (彼女らしい) [形] typical of a person, place, or thing and serving to identify it

daring (大胆) [形] willing to do something new or dangerous

young people (若者) [名] a person who is young

それは彼女らしい発言で、大胆に聞こえたが、大胆さは若者に似合うもので、エイミーの野心には良い土台があった。

Laurie smiled, but he liked the spirit with which she took up a new purpose when a long-cherished one died, and spent no time lamenting.

take up (持つ) [動] to start doing or having something

ローリーは微笑んだが、彼は彼女が長く抱いていた目的が死んでしまった時に新しい目的を持ち、嘆く時間を費やさなかった精神を好ましく思った。

“Good! And here is where Fred Vaughn comes in, I fancy.”

「よかった! そして、ここがフレッド・ヴォーンの出番だと思う。」

Amy preserved a discreet silence, but there was a conscious look in her downcast face that made Laurie sit up and say gravely, “Now I’m going to play brother, and ask questions. May I?”

discreet (慎重な) [形] careful about what you say or do

downcast (伏し目がちな) [形] looking downwards

エイミーは慎重に沈黙を守ったが、彼女の伏し目がちな顔に意識的な表情があったので、ローリーは起き上がって真面目な顔で言った、「今から兄の役を演じて、質問するよ。いいかな?」

“I don’t promise to answer.”

「答えるとは約束しないよ。」

“Your face will, if your tongue won’t.

「口が答えなくても、顔が答えてくれるよ。

You aren’t woman of the world enough yet to hide your feelings, my dear.

woman of the world (世慣れた女性) [名] a woman who is experienced in the ways of the world

君はまだ自分の感情を隠すほど世慣れた女性ではないよ、愛しい人。

I heard rumors about Fred and you last year, and it’s my private opinion that if he had not been called home so suddenly and detained so long, something would have come of it, hey?”

last year (去年) [名] the year before the present year

you (君) [代] the person or thing that is being talked about

detain (拘束する) [動] keep or cause to remain in a place or under control, especially for a long period

去年、フレッドと君の噂を聞いたよ、そして、彼がそんなに突然家に呼ばれて、そんなに長く拘束されなかったら、何かが起こっていただろうというのが私の個人的な意見だ、ねえ?」

“That’s not for me to say,” was Amy’s grim reply, but her lips would smile, and there was a traitorous sparkle of the eye which betrayed that she knew her power and enjoyed the knowledge.

「それは私が言うべきことではないよ」というのがエイミーの厳しい返事だったが、彼女の唇は微笑み、彼女が自分の力を知って、その知識を楽しんでいることを裏切る、裏切りの目の輝きがあった。

“You are not engaged, I hope?”

「婚約はしていないでしょうね?」

and Laurie looked very elder-brotherly and grave all of a sudden.

look (顔つきになる) [動] have a certain appearance

elder-brotherly (兄らしい) [形] like an elder brother

そして、ローリーは突然、とても兄らしく、真面目な顔つきになった。

“No.”

「いいえ」

“But you will be, if he comes back and goes properly down on his knees, won’t you?”

「でも、彼が戻ってきて、きちんとひざまずいたら、そうするでしょう?」

“Very likely.”

likely (ありそうな) [形] probable; having a high probability of occurring

「おそらく」

“Then you are fond of old Fred?”

「それなら、フレッドが好きなの?」

“I could be, if I tried.”

「そうしようと思えば、そうできるよ」

“But you don’t intend to try till the proper moment?

intend (思う) [動] have in mind as a purpose

「でも、適切な時までそうしようとは思わないつもり?

Bless my soul, what unearthly prudence!

bless my soul (なんてことだ) [他] an expression of surprise

なんてことだ、なんてこの世のものとは思えない思慮深さだ!

He’s a good fellow, Amy, but not the man I fancied you’d like.”

彼はいい奴だ、エイミー、でも君が好きになるような男だとは思わなかった」

“He is rich, a gentleman, and has delightful manners,” began Amy, trying to be quite cool and dignified, but feeling a little ashamed of herself, in spite of the sincerity of her intentions.

「彼はお金持ちで、紳士で、マナーも素晴らしいよ」エイミーは冷静で威厳のある態度をとろうとしたが、自分の意図の誠実さにもかかわらず、少し恥ずかしく感じながら話し始めた。

“I understand. Queens of society can’t get on without money, so you mean to make a good match, and start in that way?

make a good match (良い相手を見つける) [動] find a suitable partner for marriage

「わかった。社交界の女王はお金がなければやっていけない、だから君は良い相手を見つけて、そのようにして始めるつもりなんだね?

Quite right and proper, as the world goes, but it sounds odd from the lips of one of your mother’s girls.”

quite right (正しい) [形] correct or true

世間一般では正しいことだが、君のお母さんの娘の口から出ると奇妙に聞こえる」

“True, nevertheless.”

nevertheless (それでも) [副] in spite of that; notwithstanding; all the same

「それでも本当よ」

A short speech, but the quiet decision with which it was uttered contrasted curiously with the young speaker.

curiously (奇妙に) [副] in a strange or unusual way

短いスピーチだったが、それを発する時の静かな決意は、若い話し手と奇妙な対照をなしていた。

Laurie felt this instinctively and laid himself down again, with a sense of disappointment which he could not explain.

ローリーはこれを本能的に感じ、説明できない失望感を抱いて再び横になった。

His look and silence, as well as a certain inward self-disapproval, ruffled Amy, and made her resolve to deliver her lecture without delay.

inward (内心の) [形] directed or proceeding toward the inside

self-disapproval (自己否定) [名] the act of disapproving of oneself

without delay (ためらうことなく) [副] immediately; without hesitation

彼の表情と沈黙、そして内心の自己否定がエイミーを苛立たせ、彼女はためらうことなく説教を決意した。

“I wish you’d do me the favor to rouse yourself a little,” she said sharply.

do me the favor (お願い) [名] a kind act that you do for someone

rouse (元気づける) [動] cause to become active or attentive

「少し元気になってほしいのだけど」と彼女はきっぱり言った。

“Do it for me, there’s a dear girl.”

there (いい子だ) [間] used to express consolation or sympathy

「私のためにやって、いい子だ」

“I could, if I tried.”

try (やる) [動] make an attempt

「やればできる」

and she looked as if she would like doing it in the most summary style.

in the most summary style (最も手短な方法で) [副] in the most concise way

そして彼女はそれを最も手短な方法で済ませたいと思っているようだった。

“Try, then. I give you leave,” returned Laurie, who enjoyed having someone to tease, after his long abstinence from his favorite pastime.

abstinence (禁欲) [名] the practice of abstaining from something

「じゃあやってみろ。許可する」とローリーは答えた。彼は長い間お気に入りの娯楽を控えていたので、誰かをからかうのを楽しんだ。

“You’d be angry in five minutes.”

「5分で怒るだろう」

“I’m never angry with you.

「私はあなたに怒ったことはない。

It takes two flints to make a fire.

flint (火打ち石) [名] a hard gray rock that produces sparks when struck with steel

火を起こすには2つの火打ち石が必要だ。

You are as cool and soft as snow.”

あなたは雪のように冷たくて柔らかい」

“You don’t know what I can do.

「あなたは私が何ができるか知らない。

Snow produces a glow and a tingle, if applied rightly.

tingle (チクチク感) [名] a slight prickling or stinging sensation

雪は正しく使われれば、輝きとチクチク感を生み出す。

Your indifference is half affectation, and a good stirring up would prove it.”

stirring (かき混ぜる) [動] move or cause to move slightly

あなたの無関心は半分は気取りで、よくかき混ぜればそれが証明されるだろう」

“Stir away, it won’t hurt me and it may amuse you, as the big man said when his little wife beat him.

stir (かき混ぜる) [動] move a spoon or other implement round and round in a liquid or soft mixture

「かき混ぜてください、それは私を傷つけないし、それはあなたを楽しませるかもしれない、大きな男が彼の小さな妻が彼を殴ったときに言ったように。

Regard me in the light of a husband or a carpet, and beat till you are tired, if that sort of exercise agrees with you.”

私を夫かカーペットだと思って、疲れるまで叩いてください、もしそういう運動があなたに合っているなら」

Being decidedly nettled herself, and longing to see him shake off the apathy that so altered him, Amy sharpened both tongue and pencil, and began.

be nettled (イライラする) [動] be annoyed or irritated

apathy (無関心) [名] lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern

エイミーは明らかにイライラしていて、彼が彼を変えてしまった無関心を振り払うのを見たいと切望していたので、舌と鉛筆を研ぎ澄まして始めた。

“Flo and I have got a new name for you.

「フロと私はあなたに新しい名前を付けたよ。

It’s Lazy Laurence.

それは怠け者のローレンスよ。

How do you like it?”

気に入った?」

She thought it would annoy him, but he only folded his arms under his head, with an imperturbable, “That’s not bad. Thank you, ladies.”

annoy (悩ませる) [動] disturb or irritate

imperturbable (落ち着き払って) [形] unable to be upset or disturbed

lady (お嬢さん) [名] a woman (used as a polite or old-fashioned form of address)

彼女はそれが彼を悩ませると思ったが、彼はただ落ち着き払って頭の下に腕を組み、「悪くないね。ありがとう、お嬢さんたち。」

“Do you want to know what I honestly think of you?”

think of (思う) [動] have an opinion about

「私があなたをどう思っているか正直に知りたい?」

“Pining to be told.”

pine (たまらない) [動] suffer a mental or physical pain or sickness

「聞きたくてたまらない。」

“Well, I despise you.”

「そうね、私はあなたを軽蔑している。」

If she had even said ‘I hate you’ in a petulant or coquettish tone, he would have laughed and rather liked it, but the grave, almost sad, accent in her voice made him open his eyes, and ask quickly...

grave (深刻) [形] requiring much thought or work

もし彼女が「あなたなんて大嫌い」と気まぐれや媚態を込めて言ったのなら、彼は笑ってむしろそれを喜んだだろうが、彼女の声の深刻で、ほとんど悲しげなアクセントは彼に目を開かせ、すぐに尋ねさせた。

“Why, if you please?”

if you please (もしよかったら) [副] if you would be so kind

「なぜ、もしよかったら?」

“Because, with every chance for being good, useful, and happy, you are faulty, lazy, and miserable.”

faulty (欠陥がある) [形] having a defect or weakness

「なぜなら、善良で、役に立ち、幸せになるためのあらゆる機会があるにもかかわらず、あなたは欠陥があり、怠惰で、惨めだからです。」

“Strong language, mademoiselle.”

「強い言葉ですね、マドモアゼル。」

“If you like it, I’ll go on.”

「もし気に入ったら、続けます。」

“Pray do, it’s quite interesting.”

pray (どうぞ) [動] ask or beg for something earnestly

「どうぞ、とても面白いです。」

“I thought you’d find it so.

「そう思ってもらえると思っていました。

Selfish people always like to talk about themselves.”

利己的な人はいつも自分のことを話したがるものよ。」

“Am I selfish?” the question slipped out involuntarily and in a tone of surprise, for the one virtue on which he prided himself was generosity.

slip out (出てしまう) [動] to leave a place or situation quietly and secretly

「私は利己的ですか?」その質問は思わず驚いた口調で出てしまった。彼が自慢できる唯一の美徳は寛大さだったからだ。

“Yes, very selfish,” continued Amy, in a calm, cool voice, twice as effective just then as an angry one.

「ええ、とても利己的です」とエイミーは落ち着いた冷静な声で続けた。その声は怒った声の2倍の効果があった。

“I’ll show you how, for I’ve studied you while we were frolicking, and I’m not at all satisfied with you.

at all (全然) [副] to the slightest extent or degree; in the least

「どうすればいいか教えてあげるよ。私たちがはしゃいでいた間にあなたを観察したんだけど、あなたには全然満足していないの。

Here you have been abroad nearly six months, and done nothing but waste time and money and disappoint your friends.”

have been (いた) [助] have gone to and come back from

あなたは6ヶ月近くも海外にいて、時間とお金を無駄にして友達を失望させる以外何もしていないのよ。」

“Isn’t a fellow to have any pleasure after a four-year grind?”

four-year (4年間の) [形] lasting for four years

grind (苦労) [名] hard dull work

「4年間の苦労の後に楽しみを持つべきではないのか?」

“You don’t look as if you’d had much.

「あまり楽しんでいないみたいね。

At any rate, you are none the better for it, as far as I can see.

none the better (良くなったわけではない) [形] not any better

as far as I can see (私の見る限り) [副] to the extent of my knowledge

いずれにせよ、私の見る限り、あなたはそれで良くなったわけではないよ。

I said when we first met that you had improved.

最初に会ったとき、あなたは良くなったと言ったよ。

Now I take it all back, for I don’t think you half so nice as when I left you at home.

take back (取り消す) [動] retract something that has been said

今は全部取り消すよ、だってあなたは私が家を離れたときの半分も素敵じゃないと思うから。

You have grown abominably lazy, you like gossip, and waste time on frivolous things, you are contented to be petted and admired by silly people, instead of being loved and respected by wise ones.

frivolous (くだらない) [形] lacking in seriousness or importance

あなたはひどく怠惰になってしまったし、噂話が好きで、くだらないことに時間を浪費しているし、賢い人から愛され尊敬されるよりも、愚かな人から可愛がられ賞賛されることに満足している。

With money, talent, position, health, and beauty, ah you like that old Vanity!

お金、才能、地位、健康、美貌、ああ、あなたはあの古い虚栄心が好きなのね!

But it’s the truth, so I can’t help saying it, with all these splendid things to use and enjoy, you can find nothing to do but dawdle, and instead of being the man you ought to be, you are only...” there she stopped, with a look that had both pain and pity in it.

でもそれは真実だから、言わずにはいられないの、これらすべての素晴らしいものを使い、楽しむために、あなたはぐずぐずする以外に何もすることが見つからず、あなたがなるべき男になる代わりに、あなたはただ・・・」そこで彼女は、痛みと哀れみの両方を含んだ表情で立ち止まった。

“Saint Laurence on a gridiron,” added Laurie, blandly finishing the sentence.

Saint Laurence (聖ローレンス) [名] a deacon who was martyred in Rome in 258

gridiron (焼き網) [名] a cooking utensil of parallel metal bars on which food is grilled

blandly (穏やかに) [副] in a mild and unobjectionable manner

「焼き網の上の聖ローレンス」とローリーは付け加えて、穏やかに文を終えた。

But the lecture began to take effect, for there was a wide-awake sparkle in his eyes now and a half-angry, half-injured expression replaced the former indifference.

take effect (効果を現す) [動] to start to have an effect

sparkle (輝き) [名] a small flash of light

half-angry (半分怒り) [形] somewhat angry

half-injured (半分傷ついた) [形] somewhat injured

しかし、説教は効果を現し始め、彼の目にはすっかり目が覚めたような輝きがあり、半分怒り、半分傷ついた表情が以前の無関心な表情に取って代わった。

“I supposed you’d take it so.

take (思う) [動] to have or feel

「そう思うだろうと思った。

You men tell us we are angels, and say we can make you what we will, but the instant we honestly try to do you good, you laugh at us and won’t listen, which proves how much your flattery is worth.”

good (ため) [名] benefit or advantage

あなたたち男性は私たちを天使だと言って、私たちがあなたたちをどうにでもできると言うけれど、私たちが正直にあなたたちのためを思って何かしようとすると、あなたたちは私たちを笑って聞こうとしない、それはあなたたちのお世辞がどれほどの価値があるかを証明している。」

Amy spoke bitterly, and turned her back on the exasperating martyr at her feet.

speak bitterly (苦々しく言う) [動] to say something in a way that shows you are angry or upset

エイミーは苦々しく言い、足元の腹立たしい殉教者に背を向けた。

In a minute a hand came down over the page, so that she could not draw, and Laurie’s voice said, with a droll imitation of a penitent child, “I will be good, oh, I will be good!”

すぐに手がページの上に降りてきて、彼女は絵を描くことができなくなり、ローリーの声が、悔い改めた子供の滑稽な真似をしながら、「いい子にするよ、ああ、いい子にするよ!」と言った。

But Amy did not laugh, for she was in earnest, and tapping on the outspread hand with her pencil, said soberly, “Aren’t you ashamed of a hand like that?

tapping (叩く) [動] strike lightly

しかしエイミーは笑わなかった、彼女は本気だったから、そして広げた手に鉛筆でトントンと叩きながら、真面目な顔で言った、「こんな手で恥ずかしくないのか?

It’s as soft and white as a woman’s, and looks as if it never did anything but wear Jouvin’s best gloves and pick flowers for ladies.

女性の手のように柔らかくて白いし、ジュバンの最高の手袋をはめて女性のために花を摘む以外何もしたことがないように見える。

You are not a dandy, thank Heaven, so I’m glad to see there are no diamonds or big seal rings on it, only the little old one Jo gave you so long ago.

thank Heaven (ありがたいことに) [間] an expression of relief

seal ring (印章指輪) [名] a ring with a seal or signet

あなたはダンディではない、ありがたいことに、だからダイヤモンドや大きな印章指輪がついていなくてよかった、ずっと前にジョーがあげた小さな古い指輪だけだ。

Dear soul, I wish she was here to help me!”

愛しい人、彼女がここにいて私を助けてくれたらよかったのに!」

“So do I!”

「私もそう思うよ!」

The hand vanished as suddenly as it came, and there was energy enough in the echo of her wish to suit even Amy.

echo (こだま) [名] a sound or series of sounds caused by the reflection of sound waves from a surface back to the listener

手は現れた時と同じように突然消え、彼女の願いのこだまにはエイミーでさえ満足させるだけのエネルギーがあった。

She glanced down at him with a new thought in her mind, but he was lying with his hat half over his face, as if for shade, and his mustache hid his mouth.

彼女は新しい考えを頭に浮かべて彼をちらっと見下ろしたが、彼は日陰を求めるかのように帽子を半分顔にかぶって横になっていて、口ひげが口を隠していた。

She only saw his chest rise and fall, with a long breath that might have been a sigh, and the hand that wore the ring nestled down into the grass, as if to hide something too precious or too tender to be spoken of.

彼女は彼の胸が上下し、ため息かもしれない長い息をつき、指輪をはめた手が、語るにはあまりにも貴重で優しすぎる何かを隠すかのように草の中に落ちていくのを見ているだけだった。

All in a minute various hints and trifles assumed shape and significance in Amy’s mind, and told her what her sister never had confided to her.

all in a minute (一瞬のうちに) [副] in a very short time

一瞬のうちに、様々なヒントや些細なことがエイミーの頭の中で形を成し、意味を持ち、姉が決して打ち明けなかったことを彼女に告げた。

She remembered that Laurie never spoke voluntarily of Jo, she recalled the shadow on his face just now, the change in his character, and the wearing of the little old ring which was no ornament to a handsome hand.

彼女はローリーがジョーのことを自ら話すことは一度もなかったことを思い出し、つい先ほどの彼の顔の影、彼の性格の変化、そしてハンサムな手に似合わない古びた小さな指輪をはめていたことを思い出した。

Girls are quick to read such signs and feel their eloquence.

少女たちはそのような兆候を素早く読み取り、その雄弁さを感じ取る。

Amy had fancied that perhaps a love trouble was at the bottom of the alteration, and now she was sure of it.

alteration (変化) [名] a change in the form, state, or quality of something

エイミーは、もしかしたら恋愛の悩みが変化の底にあるのではないかと想像していたが、今では確信していた。

Her keen eyes filled, and when she spoke again, it was in a voice that could be beautifully soft and kind when she chose to make it so.

彼女の鋭い目は潤み、再び話し始めたとき、彼女がそうしようと思えば美しく柔らかく優しい声で話すことができた。

“I know I have no right to talk so to you, Laurie, and if you weren’t the sweetest-tempered fellow in the world, you’d be very angry with me.

have no right (権利がない) [動] not be allowed to do something

sweetest-tempered (優しい) [形] having a kind and gentle nature

「ローリー、あなたにこんなことを言う権利はないのはわかっているし、あなたが世界一優しい人じゃなかったら、私にとても怒っているだろう。

But we are all so fond and proud of you, I couldn’t bear to think they should be disappointed in you at home as I have been, though, perhaps they would understand the change better than I do.”

be disappointed in (に失望する) [動] to be unhappy about someone or something that you had hoped would be good

as I have been (私のように) [副] in the way that I have been

better than (よりも) [副] to a greater degree than

I do (私) [代] the speaker or writer of the sentence

でも、私たちはみんなあなたをとても好きで誇りに思っているから、私のように家であなたに失望するなんて考えられないよ、でも、もしかしたら私よりもその変化を理解してくれるかもしれないよ」

“I think they would,” came from under the hat, in a grim tone, quite as touching as a broken one.

come from (聞こえてくる) [動] move or travel from one place to another

「そう思う」と帽子の下から、悲しげな声で、壊れたものと同じくらい感動的に聞こえてきた。

“They ought to have told me, and not let me go blundering and scolding, when I should have been more kind and patient than ever.

「彼らは私に言うべきだったし、私がこれまで以上に親切で忍耐強くあるべきだったのに、私が失敗したり叱ったりしないようにすべきだった。

I never did like that Miss Randal and now I hate her!” said artful Amy, wishing to be sure of her facts this time.

Miss Randal (ランドールさん) [名] a woman whose name is Randal

Amy (アーミー) [名] a woman whose name is Amy

this time (今度こそ) [名] the present occasion; the time being

私はあのランドールさんが嫌いだったし、今は彼女が嫌い!」と、今度こそ事実を確かめたいと思ったアーミーは言った。

“Hang Miss Randal!”

「ランドールさんを吊るせ!」

and Laurie knocked the hat off his face with a look that left no doubt of his sentiments toward that young lady.

knock (叩き落とす) [動] hit or strike with a sharp blow

そしてローリーは、その若い女性に対する彼の感情に疑いを残さない表情で、帽子を顔から叩き落とした。

“I beg pardon, I thought...”

「失礼、私は思ったのだが・・・」

and there she paused diplomatically.

and there (そしてそこで) [接] and at that point

そしてそこで彼女は外交的に一時停止した。

“No, you didn’t, you knew perfectly well I never cared for anyone but Jo,” Laurie said that in his old, impetuous tone, and turned his face away as he spoke.

know perfectly well (よく知っている) [動] be fully aware of

「いいえ、そうじゃない、君は私がジョー以外誰も気にかけなかったことをよく知っていたよ」ローリーは昔の激しい口調でそう言い、話しながら顔を背けた。

“I did think so, but as they never said anything about it, and you came away, I supposed I was mistaken.

「そう思ったけど、彼らがそれについて何も言わなかったし、君が帰って来ちゃったから、私は間違っていたと思ったの。

And Jo wouldn’t be kind to you?

そしてジョーは君に優しくしてくれなかった?

Why, I was sure she loved you dearly.”

なぜ、彼女は君をとても愛していたと確信していたのに。」

“She was kind, but not in the right way, and it’s lucky for her she didn’t love me, if I’m the good-for-nothing fellow you think me.

「彼女は優しかったけど、正しい方法ではなかったし、もし私が君が思っているようなろくでなしなら、彼女が私を愛さなかったのは彼女にとって幸運なことだよ。

It’s her fault though, and you may tell her so.”

でもそれは彼女のせいだし、そう言ってやってもいいよ。」

The hard, bitter look came back again as he said that, and it troubled Amy, for she did not know what balm to apply.

apply (かける) [動] put into operation or use

彼がそう言うと、厳しく苦々しい表情が再び戻り、エイミーは困惑した。なぜなら彼女はどんな慰めの言葉をかけたらいいかわからなかったからだ。

“I was wrong, I didn’t know.

「私が間違っていました、知らなかったんです。

I’m very sorry I was so cross, but I can’t help wishing you’d bear it better, Teddy, dear.”

be cross (怒る) [動] be angry

あんなに怒ってごめんなさい、でも、テディ、あなたにもっと我慢してほしいと願わずにはいられないの。」

“Don’t, that’s her name for me!” and Laurie put up his hand with a quick gesture to stop the words spoken in Jo’s half-kind, half-reproachful tone.

「やめて、それは彼女が私を呼ぶときの名前なんだ!」そしてローリーは、ジョーの半分優しく、半分非難するような口調で話される言葉を止めるために、素早い身振りで手を上げた。

“Wait till you’ve tried it yourself,” he added in a low voice, as he pulled up the grass by the handful.

pull (引き抜く) [動] move something toward oneself or the origin of the force

「自分で試すまで待って」と彼は低い声で付け加えて、草をひと掴み引き抜いた。

“I’d take it manfully, and be respected if I couldn’t be loved,” said Amy, with the decision of one who knew nothing about it.

take it manfully (男らしく受け入れる) [動] accept something in a brave or strong way

be respected (尊敬される) [動] be admired and considered important

「私は男らしくそれを受け入れて、愛されなくても尊敬されるよ」とエイミーは、それについて何も知らない人の決意で言った。

Now, Laurie flattered himself that he had borne it remarkably well, making no moan, asking no sympathy, and taking his trouble away to live it down alone.

take (持ち去る) [動] to carry or bring with oneself

live down (乗り越える) [動] to live in a way that makes people forget about a mistake or something bad that you did in the past

さて、ローリーは、自分がそれを驚くほどうまく耐え、うめき声を上げず、同情を求めず、一人でそれを乗り越えるために自分の悩みを持ち去ったと自負していた。

Amy’s lecture put the matter in a new light, and for the first time it did look weak and selfish to lose heart at the first failure, and shut himself up in moody indifference.

put the matter in a new light (新たな見方で見させる) [動] to make someone see something in a different way

look weak (弱く見える) [動] to appear to be lacking in strength or power

lose heart (心を失う) [動] to become discouraged or disheartened

エイミーの講義はその問題を新たな見方で見させ、初めての失敗で心を失い、不機嫌な無関心の中に閉じこもるのは弱くて利己的に見えた。

He felt as if suddenly shaken out of a pensive dream and found it impossible to go to sleep again.

彼はまるで物思いにふける夢から突然揺さぶられたように感じ、再び眠りにつくのは不可能だと思った。

Presently he sat up and asked slowly, “Do you think Jo would despise me as you do?”

やがて彼は起き上がり、ゆっくりと尋ねた、「ジョーは君のように私を軽蔑すると思うかい?」

“Yes, if she saw you now.

「そうね、もし彼女が今のあなたを見たら。

She hates lazy people.

彼女は怠惰な人を嫌う。

Why don’t you do something splendid, and make her love you?”

make someone do something (誰かに何かをさせる) [動] cause someone to do something

何か素晴らしいことをして、彼女にあなたを愛してもらったら?」

“I did my best, but it was no use.”

「最善を尽くしたが、無駄だった」

“Graduating well, you mean?

「卒業するって意味?

That was no more than you ought to have done, for your grandfather’s sake.

no more than (すべきこと) [名] the most that

ought to have done (すべきだった) [動] should have done

それは、おじいさまのためにあなたがすべきことだった。

It would have been shameful to fail after spending so much time and money, when everyone knew that you could do well.”

shameful (恥ずかしい) [形] causing a feeling of shame

誰もがあなたがうまくやれると知っているのに、そんなに多くの時間とお金を費やした後に失敗するのは恥ずかしいことだったでしょう。」

“I did fail, say what you will, for Jo wouldn’t love me,” began Laurie, leaning his head on his hand in a despondent attitude.

say what you will (何と言おうと) [句] no matter what you say

「私は失敗した、何と言おうと、ジョーは私を愛してくれなかった」とローリーは言い始め、落胆した態度で頭を手に寄りかかった。

“No, you didn’t, and you’ll say so in the end, for it did you good, and proved that you could do something if you tried.

「いいえ、そうではありません、そしてあなたは最後にそう言うでしょう、それはあなたに良いことをし、あなたが試みれば何かをすることができることを証明したからです。

If you’d only set about another task of some sort, you’d soon be your hearty, happy self again, and forget your trouble.”

set about (取り組む) [動] to start doing something

もしあなたが何か別の課題に取り組むだけで、あなたはすぐに元気で幸せな自分に戻り、悩みを忘れるでしょう。」

“That’s impossible.”

「それは不可能だ。」

“Try it and see. You needn’t shrug your shoulders, and think, ‘Much she knows about such things’.

「試してごらんなさい。肩をすくめて「彼女はそういうことをよく知っているんだ」と思う必要はありません。

I don’t pretend to be wise, but I am observing, and I see a great deal more than you’d imagine.

私は賢いふりをするつもりはないが、私は観察しているし、あなたが想像するよりもずっと多くのことを見ている。

I’m interested in other people’s experiences and inconsistencies, and though I can’t explain, I remember and use them for my own benefit.

inconsistency (矛盾) [名] the quality of being inconsistent

私は他人の経験や矛盾に興味があり、説明することはできないが、それらを覚えて自分の利益のために使う。

Love Jo all your days, if you choose, but don’t let it spoil you, for it’s wicked to throw away so many good gifts because you can’t have the one you want.

all your days (あなたのすべての日) [名] your entire life

if you choose (もしあなたが選ぶなら) [接] on the condition or possibility that

don't let (させない) [動] not allow to

it's wicked (それは邪悪だ) [形] morally bad or wrong

you can't have (あなたが持つことができない) [動] not be allowed to have or do something

the one (もの) [名] the person or thing mentioned

you want (あなたが欲しい) [動] feel a need or a wish for

あなたが選ぶなら、あなたのすべての日を愛しなさい、しかし、それがあなたを台無しにしないようにしなさい、あなたが欲しいものを手に入れることができないからといって、たくさんの良い贈り物を捨てるのは邪悪なことだ。

There, I won’t lecture any more, for I know you’ll wake up and be a man in spite of that hardhearted girl.”

hardhearted (冷酷な) [形] lacking in feeling or sympathy

ほら、もう説教はしないよ、だってあなたは目を覚まして、あの冷酷な女の子にもかかわらず男になるでしょうから。」

Neither spoke for several minutes.

どちらも数分間話さなかった。

Laurie sat turning the little ring on his finger, and Amy put the last touches to the hasty sketch she had been working at while she talked.

hasty (大急ぎの) [形] done or made very quickly, often without giving enough attention to details or possible problems

ローリーは座って指輪を回し、エイミーは話している間に描いていた大急ぎのスケッチに最後の仕上げを加えた。

Presently she put it on his knee, merely saying, “How do you like that?”

やがて彼女はそれを彼の膝の上に置き、「どうですか?」とだけ言った。

He looked and then he smiled, as he could not well help doing, for it was capitally done, the long, lazy figure on the grass, with listless face, half-shut eyes, and one hand holding a cigar, from which came the little wreath of smoke that encircled the dreamer’s head.

shut (閉じた) [形] not open

wreath (輪) [名] an arrangement of flowers, leaves, or stems fastened in a circular shape

encircle (取り巻く) [動] form a circle around

彼はそれを見ると、思わず微笑んだ。それは見事な出来栄えで、草の上に横たわる長い怠惰な姿、無気力な顔、半分閉じた目、片手には葉巻を持ち、そこから夢見る人の頭を取り巻く小さな煙の輪が描かれていた。

“How well you draw!” he said, with a genuine surprise and pleasure at her skill, adding, with a half-laugh, “Yes, that’s me.”

how well (なんて) [副] to what extent or degree

half-laugh (半分笑い) [名] a laugh that is not full or complete

「なんて上手く描くんだ!」と彼は彼女の腕前に心から驚き、喜び、半分笑いながら「そう、これは私だ」と付け加えた。

“As you are. This is as you were.”

as you are (そのままで) [副] in the state that you are in

as you were (あなたの姿です) [副] in the state that you were in

「そのままで。これがあなたの姿です」

and Amy laid another sketch beside the one he held.

とエイミーは彼が持っているスケッチの横に別のスケッチを置いた。

It was not nearly so well done, but there was a life and spirit in it which atoned for many faults, and it recalled the past so vividly that a sudden change swept over the young man’s face as he looked.

well (上手く) [副] in a good manner

done (描かれて) [動] finished; completed

vividly (鮮明に) [副] in a clear and striking manner

それはそれほど上手く描かれてはいないが、多くの欠点を償うだけの生命と精神がそこにあり、過去を鮮明に思い出させるので、それを見た若者の顔に突然変化が現れた。

Only a rough sketch of Laurie taming a horse.

馬を飼い慣らすローリーの大まかなスケッチだけだ。

Hat and coat were off, and every line of the active figure, resolute face, and commanding attitude was full of energy and meaning.

commanding (威厳のある) [形] having or showing impressive authority

帽子とコートは脱いでいて、活動的な姿、決意に満ちた顔、威厳のある態度のすべての線がエネルギーと意味に満ちていた。

The handsome brute, just subdued, stood arching his neck under the tightly drawn rein, with one foot impatiently pawing the ground, and ears pricked up as if listening for the voice that had mastered him.

brute (動物) [名] a nonhuman animal

arch (曲げる) [動] form or cause to form an arch

paw (掻く) [動] scrape or strike with a paw

prick up (立てる) [動] (of an animal) make (the ears) stand up

ちょうど従順になった美しい動物は、きつく引かれた手綱の下で首を曲げて立っており、片足でイライラして地面を掻き、耳を立てて自分を支配した声に耳を傾けているようだった。

In the ruffled mane, the rider’s breezy hair and erect attitude, there was a suggestion of suddenly arrested motion, of strength, courage, and youthful buoyancy that contrasted sharply with the supine grace of the ‘Dolce far Niente’ sketch.

mane (たてがみ) [名] the long hair on the neck of a horse, lion, or other animal

rider (乗り手) [名] a person who rides a horse, bicycle, motorcycle, etc.

breezy (風になびく) [形] light and airy

arrested (止めた) [動] seize or take into custody by authority of law or to seize, capture specifically

buoyancy (浮揚感) [名] the ability or tendency to float in water or air

sharply (対照的) [副] in a way that is very different from something else

乱れたたてがみ、乗り手の風になびく髪と直立した態度には、突然動きを止めた動き、強さ、勇気、若々しい浮揚感があり、「ドルチェ・ファー・ニエンテ」のスケッチの横たわる優雅さとは対照的だった。

Laurie said nothing but as his eye went from one to the other, Amy saw him flush up and fold his lips together as if he read and accepted the little lesson she had given him.

go from one to the other (次から次へと移っていく) [動] move from one thing to another

flush up (顔を赤らめる) [動] become red in the face

fold one's lips together (唇を閉じる) [動] close one's lips

ローリーは何も言わなかったが、彼の目が次から次へと移っていくと、エイミーは彼が顔を赤らめ、彼女が彼に与えた小さな教訓を読んで受け入れたかのように唇を閉じているのを見ました。

That satisfied her, and without waiting for him to speak, she said, in her sprightly way...

彼女はそれで満足し、彼が話すのを待たずに、彼女は元気よく言った。

“Don’t you remember the day you played Rarey with Puck, and we all looked on?

Rarey (レアリー) [名] a method of training horses

look on (見ている) [動] watch something happen without taking part in it

「あなたがパックとレアリーをして、みんなが見ていた日のことを覚えていないの?

Meg and Beth were frightened, but Jo clapped and pranced, and I sat on the fence and drew you.

clap (拍手する) [動] strike the palms of one's hands together

メグとベスは怖がっていたけど、ジョーは拍手して跳ね回り、私は柵に座ってあなたを描いた。

I found that sketch in my portfolio the other day, touched it up, and kept it to show you.”

先日、ポートフォリオの中にそのスケッチを見つけて、手直しして、あなたに見せるために取っておいたんだ」

“Much obliged. You’ve improved immensely since then, and I congratulate you.

「どうもありがとう。あの頃からずいぶん上達したね、おめでとう。

May I venture to suggest in ‘a honeymoon paradise’ that five o’clock is the dinner hour at your hotel?”

venture (あえて言う) [動] dare to do something

dinner hour (夕食) [名] the time of day when dinner is usually eaten

新婚旅行の楽園で、あえて申し上げますが、あなたのホテルの夕食は5時です」

Laurie rose as he spoke, returned the pictures with a smile and a bow and looked at his watch, as if to remind her that even moral lectures should have an end.

ローリーはそう言いながら立ち上がり、笑顔でお辞儀をして写真を返し、道徳的な講義にも終わりがあるべきだと彼女に思い出させるかのように時計を見た。

He tried to resume his former easy, indifferent air, but it was an affectation now, for the rousing had been more effacious than he would confess.

resume (取り戻す) [動] begin again or continue after a pause or interruption

rousing (呼びかけ) [名] the action of waking someone up

彼は以前の楽で無関心な態度を取り戻そうとしたが、それは今や気取った態度だった。なぜなら、その呼びかけは彼が認めるよりも効果的だったからだ。

Amy felt the shade of coldness in his manner, and said to herself...

coldness (冷たさ) [名] the quality of being cold

エイミーは彼の態度に冷たさを感じ、独り言を言った。

“Now, I’ve offended him.

「今、私は彼を怒らせてしまった。

Well, if it does him good, I’m glad, if it makes him hate me, I’m sorry, but it’s true, and I can’t take back a word of it.”

make hate (憎ませる) [動] cause to feel intense dislike

be sorry (残念だ) [動] feeling regret or guilt

まあ、それが彼のためになるなら、私は嬉しいし、それが彼に私を憎ませるなら、私は残念だが、それは本当のことだし、私はその言葉を取り消すことはできない。」

They laughed and chatted all the way home, and little Baptiste, up behind, thought that monsieur and madamoiselle were in charming spirits.

up (乗る) [前] in or into a higher position

monsieur (ムッシュー) [名] a French term of address for a man

madamoiselle (マドモアゼル) [名] a French term of address for an unmarried woman

spirit (人) [名] a person

彼らは家までずっと笑い、おしゃべりをし、後ろに乗っていた小さなバプティストはこのムッシューとマドモアゼルは魅力的な人だと思った。

But both felt ill at ease.

feel ill at ease (落ち着かない) [動] feel uncomfortable or awkward

しかし、二人とも落ち着かなかった。

The friendly frankness was disturbed, the sunshine had a shadow over it, and despite their apparent gaiety, there was a secret discontent in the heart of each.

apparent (見かけの) [形] clearly seen or understood

gaiety (陽気さ) [名] the state or quality of being cheerful and lighthearted

友好的な率直さが乱され、日差しには影がかかり、彼らの見かけの陽気さにもかかわらず、それぞれの心には秘密の不満があった。

“Shall we see you this evening, mon frere?” asked Amy, as they parted at her aunt’s door.

「今夜会えるかしら、お兄様?」とエイミーは叔母の家の玄関で別れ際に尋ねた。

“Unfortunately I have an engagement.

engagement (約束) [名] a promise or agreement to do something

「残念ながら約束があるんだ。

Au revoir, madamoiselle,” and Laurie bent as if to kiss her hand, in the foreign fashion, which became him better than many men.

Au revoir (ではまた) [間] goodbye

ではまた、マドモアゼル」とローリーは外国風に彼女の手にキスをするかのように身をかがめたが、それは彼に多くの男性よりも似合っていた。

Something in his face made Amy say quickly and warmly...

彼の顔の何かがエイミーに素早く熱く言わせ、

“No, be yourself with me, Laurie, and part in the good old way.

be oneself (いつもの自分である) [動] be one's true self

good old way (昔ながらのやり方) [名] the way things used to be done

「いいえ、私といる時はいつものローリーでいて、昔ながらの別れ方をしましょう。

I’d rather have a hearty English handshake than all the sentimental salutations in France.”

handshake (握手) [名] the act of grasping and shaking a person's hand

フランスのあらゆる感傷的な挨拶よりも、私はイギリスの心のこもった握手の方が好きです。」

“Goodbye, dear,” and with these words, uttered in the tone she liked, Laurie left her, after a handshake almost painful in its heartiness.

with (発して) [前] having or possessing

painful (痛いほど) [形] causing or likely to cause pain

heartiness (心のこもった) [名] the quality of being warm and friendly

「さよなら、愛しい人」と、彼女の好きな口調でこれらの言葉を発して、ローリーは、その心のこもった握手でほとんど痛いほど握手した後、彼女のもとを去った。

Next morning, instead of the usual call, Amy received a note which made her smile at the beginning and sigh at the end.

call (呼び出し) [名] a request or command to come or assemble

翌朝、いつもの呼び出しの代わりに、エイミーは手紙を受け取り、最初は微笑み、最後にはため息をついた。

My Dear Mentor,

my dear (親愛なる) [形] used as an affectionate or friendly form of address

親愛なる師匠、

Please make my adieux to your aunt, and exult within yourself, for ‘Lazy Laurence’ has gone to his grandpa, like the best of boys.

make one's adieux (別れの言葉を伝える) [動] say goodbye

どうかおばさんに私の別れの言葉を伝えてください、そして心の中で喜んでください、「怠け者のローレンス」は、最高の少年のように、彼のおじいちゃんのところに行きました。

A pleasant winter to you, and may the gods grant you a blissful honeymoon at Valrosa!

あなたに楽しい冬を、そして神々があなたにヴァルローザでの至福の新婚旅行を授けてくれますように!

I think Fred would be benefited by a rouser.

be benefited (得をする) [動] gain an advantage or benefit

rouser (刺激) [名] something that stimulates or excites

フレッドは刺激を与えられると得をすると思う。

Tell him so, with my congratulations.

with (も) [前] in addition to; as well as

彼にそう伝えて、お祝いの言葉も伝えて。

Yours gratefully, Telemachus

Telemachus (テレマコス) [名] the son of Odysseus and Penelope

感謝を込めて、テレマコス

“Good boy! I’m glad he’s gone,” said Amy, with an approving smile.

approving smile (満足そうに微笑む) [名] a smile that shows that you are pleased with something

「いい子ね! 彼が行ってしまってよかったよ」とエイミーは満足そうに微笑んだ。

The next minute her face fell as she glanced about the empty room, adding, with an involuntary sigh, “Yes, I am glad, but how I shall miss him.”

the next minute (次の瞬間) [名] a very short time later

fall (曇る) [動] become sad or disappointed

involuntary (思わず) [形] done without conscious control

次の瞬間、彼女は空っぽの部屋を見回して顔を曇らせ、思わずため息をつきながら、「そう、よかったんだけど、彼がいなくて寂しくなるよ」と付け加えた。

CHAPTER FORTY: THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW

CHAPTER FORTY (第40章) [名] the fortieth chapter

THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW (影の谷) [名] the valley of the shadow

第40章: 影の谷

When the first bitterness was over, the family accepted the inevitable, and tried to bear it cheerfully, helping one another by the increased affection which comes to bind households tenderly together in times of trouble.

be over (過ぎ去る) [動] to be finished or completed

inevitable (避けられないこと) [形] certain to happen; unavoidable

help (助け合う) [動] to make it easier for someone to do something

最初の苦しみが過ぎ去ると、家族は避けられないことを受け入れ、それを元気に耐えようとし、困難な時に家族を優しく結びつける愛情を増し、互いに助け合った。

They put away their grief, and each did his or her part toward making that last year a happy one.

彼らは悲しみを捨て、それぞれがその最後の年を幸せなものにするべく自分の役割を果たした。

The pleasantest room in the house was set apart for Beth, and in it was gathered everything that she most loved, flowers, pictures, her piano, the little worktable, and the beloved pussies.

pleasantest (一番気持ちのいい) [形] most pleasant

set apart (用意される) [動] to reserve for a special purpose

gather (集められる) [動] to come together as a group

love (一番好きな) [動] to be extremely fond of

worktable (作業台) [名] a table at which one works

pussy (猫ちゃん) [名] a cat

家の中で一番気持ちのいい部屋がベスのために用意され、そこには彼女が一番好きな花、絵、ピアノ、小さな作業台、愛する猫ちゃんたちが集められた。

Father’s best books found their way there, Mother’s easy chair, Jo’s desk, Amy’s finest sketches, and every day Meg brought her babies on a loving pilgrimage, to make sunshine for Aunty Beth.

find one's way (集められる) [動] to arrive at a place

父の一番いい本、母の安楽椅子、ジョーの机、エイミーの最高のスケッチがそこに集められ、メグは毎日、ベスおばさんに日差しを届けようと、愛情を込めて赤ちゃんを連れて巡礼に訪れた。

John quietly set apart a little sum, that he might enjoy the pleasure of keeping the invalid supplied with the fruit she loved and longed for.

quietly (密かに) [副] in a quiet manner

ジョンは、病人が愛し、切望している果物を供給し続けるという喜びを享受するために、密かに小額の資金を用意した。

Old Hannah never wearied of concocting dainty dishes to tempt a capricious appetite, dropping tears as she worked, and from across the sea came little gifts and cheerful letters, seeming to bring breaths of warmth and fragrance from lands that know no winter.

concoct (作る) [動] make or prepare by combining ingredients

dainty (おいしい) [形] very small and delicate

dish (料理) [名] a kind of food

tempt (そそる) [動] attract or allure

老ハンナは、気まぐれな食欲をそそるためにおいしい料理を作るのに飽きることなく、働きながら涙を流し、海の向こうからは、冬を知らない国から暖かさと香りの息吹をもたらすように、小さな贈り物や陽気な手紙が届いた。

Here, cherished like a household saint in its shrine, sat Beth, tranquil and busy as ever, for nothing could change the sweet, unselfish nature, and even while preparing to leave life, she tried to make it happier for those who should remain behind.

household (家庭の) [形] of or relating to a house and the people who live in it

unselfish (利己的でない) [形] not selfish

remain (残される) [動] to be left after others or other parts have been removed or destroyed

ベスは、神殿の聖人のように大切にされ、いつものように穏やかに忙しく過ごしていた。優しく、利己的でない性格は何も変えることができず、人生を去る準備をしている間でさえ、残された人々のために人生をより幸せにしようと努力していた。

The feeble fingers were never idle, and one of her pleasures was to make little things for the school children daily passing to and fro, to drop a pair of mittens from her window for a pair of purple hands, a needlebook for some small mother of many dolls, penwipers for young penmen toiling through forests of pothooks, scrapbooks for picture-loving eyes, and all manner of pleasant devices, till the reluctant climbers of the ladder of learning found their way strewn with flowers, as it were, and came to regard the gentle giver as a sort of fairy godmother, who sat above there, and showered down gifts miraculously suited to their tastes and needs.

school child (学童) [名] a child who attends school

needlebook (針箱) [名] a small book-shaped container for holding sewing needles

penman (筆記者) [名] a person who writes with a pen

forest (森) [名] a large area of land covered with different kinds of plants, especially trees

pothook (筆記体) [名] a curved or sharply bent stroke in handwriting

scrapbook (スクラップブック) [名] a blank book with blank or decorated pages for sticking in photographs, newspaper cuttings, or other items

strew (咲き乱れる) [動] spread or scatter about

弱々しい指は決して怠惰ではなく、彼女の楽しみの1つは、毎日行き来する学童のために小さなものを作り、紫色の手のために窓からミトンを落としたり、たくさんの人形を持つ小さな母親のために針箱を作ったり、筆記体の森の中を苦労して歩く若い筆記者のためにペン拭きを作ったり、絵を愛する目のためにスクラップブックを作ったり、あらゆる種類の楽しい工夫を凝らしたりすることで、学問の道を嫌々登る者たちが、道に花が咲き乱れているのを見つけ、優しい贈り主を、そこに座って、彼らの好みや必要に奇跡的に合った贈り物を降らせる、一種の妖精のゴッドマザーと見なしようになるまでだった。

If Beth had wanted any reward, she found it in the bright little faces always turned up to her window, with nods and smiles, and the droll little letters which came to her, full of blots and gratitude.

turn up (見上げる) [動] direct or move upwards

もしベスが何か報酬を望んでいたとしたら、それはいつも彼女の窓に向かってうなずき、微笑み、しみと感謝の気持ちでいっぱいのおかしな小さな手紙をくれた明るい小さな顔の中に見いだせた。

The first few months were very happy ones, and Beth often used to look round, and say “How beautiful this is!” as they all sat together in her sunny room, the babies kicking and crowing on the floor, mother and sisters working near, and father reading, in his pleasant voice, from the wise old books which seemed rich in good and comfortable words, as applicable now as when written centuries ago, a little chapel, where a paternal priest taught his flock the hard lessons all must learn, trying to show them that hope can comfort love, and faith make resignation possible.

first few months (最初の数ヶ月) [名] the first few months of a year

very happy (とても幸せ) [形] very happy

sunny room (日当たりの良い部屋) [名] a room that gets a lot of sunlight

crow (泣き叫ぶ) [動] make the loud, high-pitched cry of a cock

applicable (当てはまる) [形] capable of being applied; relevant

written (書かれる) [動] express (something) in words

centuries ago (何世紀も前) [名] a period of one hundred years

最初の数ヶ月はとても幸せで、ベスはよく周りを見回して「なんて美しいんだろう!」と言っていた。みんなで日当たりの良い部屋に座り、赤ちゃんが床で足をばたばたさせて泣き叫び、母親と姉妹が近くで働き、父親が何世紀も前に書かれたときと同じように今でも当てはまる、善良で心地よい言葉が豊富に書かれているように思える賢い古い本を、父親が心地よい声で読み聞かせ、父親のような司祭が信者に誰もが学ばなければならない難しい教訓を教え、希望は愛を慰め、信仰は諦めを可能にすることを示そうとしている小さな礼拝堂のようだった。

Simple sermons, that went straight to the souls of those who listened, for the father’s heart was in the minister’s religion, and the frequent falter in the voice gave a double eloquence to the words he spoke or read.

父親の心は牧師の宗教にあり、声の震えが彼が話したり読んだりする言葉に二重の雄弁さを与えていたので、聴く人の魂に直接届くシンプルな説教だった。

It was well for all that this peaceful time was given them as preparation for the sad hours to come, for by-and-by, Beth said the needle was ‘so heavy’, and put it down forever.

やがてベスは針が「とても重い」と言って永遠に置いてしまったので、この平和な時間が来るべき悲しい時間への準備として与えられたことは、すべての人にとって良かった。

Talking wearied her, faces troubled her, pain claimed her for its own, and her tranquil spirit was sorrowfully perturbed by the ills that vexed her feeble flesh.

weary (疲れさせる) [動] make or become tired

claim (自分のものにする) [動] state or assert that something is the case or that you have done something, especially when this is not true or has not been proved

perturb (混乱させる) [動] disturb greatly

flesh (肉体) [名] the soft substance of the body of a person or an animal that covers the bones and is enclosed by the skin

話すことは彼女を疲れさせ、顔は彼女を悩ませ、痛みは彼女を自分のものにし、彼女の穏やかな精神は彼女の弱い肉体を悩ませる病気によって悲しげに混乱させられた。

Ah me! Such heavy days, such long, long nights, such aching hearts and imploring prayers, when those who loved her best were forced to see the thin hands stretched out to them beseechingly, to hear the bitter cry, “Help me, help me!” and to feel that there was no help.

aching (痛む) [形] feeling pain

stretch out (差し出す) [動] extend one's limbs or body

beseechingly (懇願するように) [副] in a pleading manner

ああ! 彼女を最も愛する人たちが、彼女の細い手が懇願するように差し出されるのを見たり、「助けて、助けて!」という悲痛な叫び声を聞いたり、助けようがないと感じたりしたとき、どんなに重い日々、どんなに長い夜、どんなに心が痛み、祈りを捧げたことだろう。

A sad eclipse of the serene soul, a sharp struggle of the young life with death, but both were mercifully brief, and then the natural rebellion over, the old peace returned more beautiful than ever.

穏やかな魂の悲しい日食、若い命と死との激しい闘争、しかしどちらも慈悲深く短く、そして自然の反逆が終わり、かつてないほど美しい古い平和が戻ってきた。

With the wreck of her frail body, Beth’s soul grew strong, and though she said little, those about her felt that she was ready, saw that the first pilgrim called was likewise the fittest, and waited with her on the shore, trying to see the Shining Ones coming to receive her when she crossed the river.

with the wreck of (の衰弱につれて) [前] as the result of

those about her (彼女の周りの人々) [名] the people around her

fittest (最も適している) [形] most suitable

Shining Ones (輝く者たち) [名] a group of people who are very good at something

cross (渡る) [動] go or move across or to the other side of (something)

彼女の弱い肉体が衰弱するにつれて、ベスの魂は強くなり、彼女はほとんど何も言わなかったが、彼女の周りの人々は彼女が準備ができていると感じ、最初に呼ばれた巡礼者が同様に最も適していることを知り、彼女が川を渡ったときに彼女を迎えに来る輝く者たちを見ようとして、岸で彼女と一緒に待った。

Jo never left her for an hour since Beth had said “I feel stronger when you are here.”

ベスが「あなたがいると元気になる」と言って以来、ジョーは一時間も彼女のそばを離れなかった。

She slept on a couch in the room, waking often to renew the fire, to feed, lift, or wait upon the patient creature who seldom asked for anything, and ‘tried not to be a trouble’.

feed (食事をする) [動] take food into the body

彼女は部屋のソファで寝て、火をたき直したり、食事をしたり、持ち上げたり、めったに何も求めず、「迷惑をかけないように」と努力している忍耐強い生き物を待ったりするために、よく目を覚ました。

All day she haunted the room, jealous of any other nurse, and prouder of being chosen then than of any honor her life ever brought her.

彼女は一日中部屋にいて、他の看護師に嫉妬し、人生で得たどんな名誉よりも、その時に選ばれたことを誇りに思っていた。

Precious and helpful hours to Jo, for now her heart received the teaching that it needed.

ジョーにとって貴重で有意義な時間だった。今、彼女の心は必要な教えを受けた。

Lessons in patience were so sweetly taught her that she could not fail to learn them, charity for all, the lovely spirit that can forgive and truly forget unkindness, the loyalty to duty that makes the hardest easy, and the sincere faith that fears nothing, but trusts undoubtingly.

unkindness (不親切) [名] the quality of being unkind

undoubtingly (疑うことなく) [副] without doubt

忍耐の教訓は、彼女が学び損なうことのできないほど優しく教えられた、すべての人への慈愛、不親切を許し、本当に忘れることができる愛すべき精神、最も困難なことを容易にする義務への忠誠、そして何も恐れず、疑うことなく信頼する誠実な信仰。

Often when she woke Jo found Beth reading in her well-worn little book, heard her singing softly, to beguile the sleepless night, or saw her lean her face upon her hands, while slow tears dropped through the transparent fingers, and Jo would lie watching her with thoughts too deep for tears, feeling that Beth, in her simple, unselfish way, was trying to wean herself from the dear old life, and fit herself for the life to come, by sacred words of comfort, quiet prayers, and the music she loved so well.

beguile (紛らわす) [動] charm or enchant (someone)

ジョーは目を覚ますと、ベスが使い古した小さな本を読んでいるのを見つけたり、眠れない夜を紛らわすために彼女がそっと歌っているのを聞いたり、彼女が顔を両手で覆い、透明な指の間からゆっくりと涙がこぼれ落ちるのを見たりした。ジョーはベスが単純で利己的でない方法で、慰めの神聖な言葉、静かな祈り、そして彼女がとても愛した音楽によって、愛する古い人生から自分を引き離し、来るべき人生に自分を合わせようとしていると感じ、涙が出るほど深い思いで彼女を見つめていた。

Seeing this did more for Jo than the wisest sermons, the saintliest hymns, the most fervent prayers that any voice could utter.

do more (より大きな意味がある) [動] be more effective or successful

saintly (聖なる) [形] very holy or virtuous

fervent (熱心な) [形] having or showing great warmth or intensity of feeling

これを見たことは、ジョーにとって、どんな声でも発することができる最も賢い説教、最も聖なる賛美歌、最も熱心な祈りよりも大きな意味があった。

For with eyes made clear by many tears, and a heart softened by the tenderest sorrow, she recognized the beauty of her sister’s life—uneventful, unambitious, yet full of the genuine virtues which ‘smell sweet, and blossom in the dust’, the self-forgetfulness that makes the humblest on earth remembered soonest in heaven, the true success which is possible to all.

many tears (多くの涙) [名] a lot of tears

tenderest sorrow (優しい悲しみ) [名] the most gentle sorrow

uneventful (平凡な) [形] lacking in interesting or exciting events

unambitious (野心的ではない) [形] lacking ambition

self-forgetfulness (無我夢中) [名] the state of being so absorbed in something that you forget yourself

humblest (最も謙虚な) [形] showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance

soonest (最も早く) [副] in the shortest possible time

多くの涙で澄んだ目と、優しい悲しみで和らいだ心で、彼女は妹の人生の美しさを認めた。平凡で、野心的ではないが、「甘い香りがして、塵の中で花を咲かせる」本物の美徳に満ち、地上で最も謙虚な人を天国で最も早く思い出させる無我夢中、誰にでも可能な真の成功。

One night when Beth looked among the books upon her table, to find something to make her forget the mortal weariness that was almost as hard to bear as pain, as she turned the leaves of her old favorite, Pilgrims’s Progress, she found a little paper, scribbled over in Jo’s hand.

look among (探す) [動] search for something

mortal (致命的な) [形] causing death

weariness (疲れ) [名] a state of extreme physical or mental tiredness

ある夜、ベスが痛みと同じくらい耐え難い死の疲れを忘れさせる何かを見つけようと、テーブルの上の本を探していた時、昔からのお気に入りの巡礼者の進歩のページをめくっていると、ジョーの手で走り書きされた小さな紙を見つけた。

The name caught her eye and the blurred look of the lines made her sure that tears had fallen on it.

catch one's eye (目に留まる) [動] attract one's attention

blurred (ぼやけた) [形] indistinct or hazy in outline

fall (こぼれる) [動] move downward, as through the air, under the force of gravity

名前が目に留まり、線がぼやけて見えるので、涙がこぼれたに違いないと思った。

“Poor Jo! She’s fast asleep, so I won’t wake her to ask leave.

fast (ぐっすり) [副] in a deep and untroubled way

「かわいそうなジョー! ぐっすり眠っているから、起こして許可を求めるのはやめよう。

She shows me all her things, and I don’t think she’ll mind if I look at this”, thought Beth, with a glance at her sister, who lay on the rug, with the tongs beside her, ready to wake up the minute the log fell apart.

thing (持ち物) [名] an object that one possesses

fall apart (バラバラになる) [動] break into pieces

彼女は私に自分の持ち物を全部見せてくれるし、私がこれを見たとしても気にしないと思う」とベスは考え、薪がバラバラになったらすぐに起きられるように、トングを持って敷物の上に横たわっている妹をちらっと見た。

MY BETH

私のベス

Sitting patient in the shadow

影の中で忍耐強く座っている

Till the blessed light shall come,

祝福された光が来るまで

A serene and saintly presence

穏やかで聖なる存在

Sanctifies our troubled home.

sanctify (清める) [動] make holy; consecrate

私たちの悩める家庭を清める

Earthly joys and hopes and sorrows

地上の喜びと希望と悲しみ

Break like ripples on the strand

ripple (さざ波) [名] a small wave on the surface of a liquid

strand (岸辺) [名] the land bordering a large body of water

岸辺のさざ波のように砕ける

Of the deep and solemn river

深く厳かな川の

Where her willing feet now stand.

彼女の足が今立っているところ

O my sister, passing from me,

O (ああ) [間] an expression of surprise, pain, or other strong feeling

ああ、私の妹よ、私から去り、

Out of human care and strife,

strife (争い) [名] bitter conflict or discord

人間の世話や争いから抜け出し、

Leave me, as a gift, those virtues

贈り物として、私にそれらの美徳を残して

Which have beautified your life.

あなたの人生を美しくした

Dear, bequeath me that great patience

愛しい人よ、私にその偉大な忍耐を遺して

Which has power to sustain

支える力を持つ

A cheerful, uncomplaining spirit

uncomplaining (不平を言わない) [形] not complaining

明るく、不平を言わない精神

In its prison-house of pain.

prison-house (牢獄) [名] a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody specifically for convicted criminals of serious crimes

痛みの牢獄の中で

Give me, for I need it sorely,

私にそれを下さい、私はそれがとても必要なのです

Of that courage, wise and sweet,

賢く、優しい勇気

Which has made the path of duty

義務の道を

Green beneath your willing feet.

beneath (下で) [前] below or under

あなたの意欲的な足の下で緑に

Give me that unselfish nature,

私にその利己的でない性質を下さい

That with charity divine

神の慈悲をもって

Can pardon wrong for love’s dear sake—

愛のために過ちを許すことができる

Meek heart, forgive me mine!

柔和な心よ、私の過ちを許して下さい

Thus our parting daily loseth

thus (こうして) [副] in this way; like this

loseth (薄れていく) [動] become less intense or strong

こうして私たちの別れは日々薄れていく

Something of its bitter pain,

その苦い痛みの何かが

And while learning this hard lesson,

そしてこの難しい教訓を学びながら

My great loss becomes my gain.

gain (利益) [名] an increase in wealth or resources

私の大きな損失は私の利益となる

For the touch of grief will render

touch (接触) [名] the act of touching

悲しみの接触は

My wild nature more serene,

私の野生の性質をより穏やかにする

Give to life new aspirations,

aspiration (願望) [名] a strong desire to achieve something high or great

人生に新しい願望を与え

A new trust in the unseen.

unseen (目に見えないもの) [形] not seen or not able to be seen

目に見えないものへの新しい信頼を与える

Henceforth, safe across the river,

henceforth (今後) [副] from this time on

今後は川を渡って安全に

I shall see forever more

私は永遠にもっと見るだろう

A beloved, household spirit

愛する家庭の精神

Waiting for me on the shore.

岸で私を待っている

Hope and faith, born of my sorrow,

私の悲しみから生まれた希望と信仰

Guardian angels shall become,

guardian angel (守護天使) [名] an angel believed to watch over and protect a particular person

守護天使になるだろう

And the sister gone before me

go before (逝く) [動] die before

そして私の前に逝った姉

By their hands shall lead me home.

彼らの手で私を家に導くだろう

Blurred and blotted, faulty and feeble as the lines were, they brought a look of inexpressible comfort to Beth’s face, for her one regret had been that she had done so little, and this seemed to assure her that her life had not been useless, that her death would not bring the despair she feared.

blotted (しみだらけ) [形] marked with spots or blots

inexpressible (言いようのない) [形] too extreme or intense to be expressed or described in words

useless (無駄) [形] not fulfilling or not expected to achieve the intended purpose or desired outcome

ぼやけていて、しみだらけで、誤字だらけで、弱々しい字ではあったが、ベスの顔に言いようのない安堵の表情をもたらした。彼女の唯一の後悔は、あまりにも何もしなかったことだったから、この詩は彼女の人生が無駄ではなかったこと、彼女の死が彼女が恐れていた絶望をもたらさないことを彼女に確信させたようだった。

As she sat with the paper folded between her hands, the charred log fell asunder.

fall asunder (ばらばらになる) [動] break into pieces

彼女が紙を両手で折りたたんで座っていると、焦げた丸太がばらばらになった。

Jo started up, revived the blaze, and crept to the bedside, hoping Beth slept.

start up (起き上がる) [動] get up from a lying or sitting position

revive (起こす) [動] bring back to life or consciousness

bedside (ベッドサイド) [名] the area beside a bed

ジョーは起き上がり、火を起こし、ベスが眠っていることを期待してベッドサイドに忍び寄った。

“Not asleep, but so happy, dear.

「眠ってはいないけど、とても幸せよ、ジョー。

See, I found this and read it.

ほら、これを見つけて読んだの。

I knew you wouldn’t care.

あなたが気にしないことはわかっていたよ。

Have I been all that to you, Jo?” she asked, with wistful, humble earnestness.

have been (だった) [助] have existed or lived

all that (そんな存在) [名] all of that

私はあなたにとってそんな存在だったの、ジョー?」と彼女は物欲しげに、謙虚に、真剣に尋ねた。

“Oh, Beth, so much, so much!”

「ああ、ベス、とても、とてもそうよ!」

and Jo’s head went down upon the pillow beside her sister’s.

go down (落ちる) [動] move or fall to a lower position

そしてジョーの頭は妹の枕の横に落ちた。

“Then I don’t feel as if I’d wasted my life.

「それなら私は自分の人生を無駄にしたとは思わないよ。

I’m not so good as you make me, but I have tried to do right.

私はあなたが言うほど善良ではないけれど、正しいことをしようと努力してきたよ。

And now, when it’s too late to begin even to do better, it’s such a comfort to know that someone loves me so much, and feels as if I’d helped them.”

do better (もっと良いことをする) [動] perform more effectively

そして今、もっと良いことを始めるには遅すぎる時、誰かが私をとても愛してくれていて、私が彼らを助けたように感じてくれていることを知るのはとても慰めになるよ。」

“More than any one in the world, Beth.

「世界中の誰よりも、ベス。

I used to think I couldn’t let you go, but I’m learning to feel that I don’t lose you, that you’ll be more to me than ever, and death can’t part us, though it seems to.”

part (引き離す) [動] divide or separate into two or more parts

私はあなたを手放すことはできないと思っていたけど、私はあなたを失うわけではない、あなたは私にとってこれまで以上に大切な人になる、そして死は私たちを引き離すことはできない、そう思えるようになったよ。」

“I know it cannot, and I don’t fear it any longer, for I’m sure I shall be your Beth still, to love and help you more than ever.

「そうね、私はもう死を恐れていないよ、だって私はこれまで以上にあなたを愛し、助けるために、あなたのベスであり続けると確信しているから。

You must take my place, Jo, and be everything to Father and Mother when I’m gone.

be everything to (すべてになる) [動] be the most important thing to someone

私がいなくなったら、私の代わりにパパとママのすべてになってあげてね、ジョー。

They will turn to you, don’t fail them, and if it’s hard to work alone, remember that I don’t forget you, and that you’ll be happier in doing that than writing splendid books or seeing all the world, for love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go, and it makes the end so easy.”

fail (裏切る) [動] disappoint

パパとママはあなたを頼りにするよ、期待を裏切らないでね、そして一人で頑張るのが辛い時は、私があなたを忘れていないことを思い出して、そうすれば素晴らしい本を書いたり、世界中を見たりするよりも、そうすることで幸せになれるよ、だって愛は私たちが死ぬ時に持っていける唯一のものだし、愛は死をとても楽にしてくれるものよ。」

“I’ll try, Beth.”

「努力するよ、ベス。」

and then and there Jo renounced her old ambition, pledged herself to a new and better one, acknowledging the poverty of other desires, and feeling the blessed solace of a belief in the immortality of love.

pledge (誓う) [動] solemnly promise to do something

immortality (不滅) [名] living forever; never dying or decaying

そしてその場でジョーは古い野望を捨て、他の欲望の貧弱さを認め、愛の不滅を信じることの祝福された慰めを感じながら、新しくより良い野望を誓った。

So the spring days came and went, the sky grew clearer, the earth greener, the flowers were up fairly early, and the birds came back in time to say goodbye to Beth, who, like a tired but trustful child, clung to the hands that had led her all her life, as Father and Mother guided her tenderly through the Valley of the Shadow, and gave her up to God.

come and go (過ぎ去る) [動] pass by

clear (澄み渡る) [形] free from clouds, mist, or haze

earth (大地) [名] the ground or soil of the world

fairly (早々と) [副] to a moderate degree

who (ベス) [代] that which; the thing that

trustful (信頼に満ちた) [形] full of trust

guide (導く) [動] show the way to

give up (委ねる) [動] surrender

こうして春の日々が過ぎ去り、空はより澄み渡り、大地はより緑に覆われ、花々は早々と咲き、鳥たちはベスに別れを告げに帰ってきた。ベスは疲れたが信頼に満ちた子供のように、生涯自分を導いてきた手にしがみつき、パパとママが影の谷を優しく導き、神に委ねた。

Seldom except in books do the dying utter memorable words, see visions, or depart with beatified countenances, and those who have sped many parting souls know that to most the end comes as naturally and simply as sleep.

memorable (記憶に残る) [形] worth remembering

vision (幻) [名] the ability to see

beatified (至福の) [形] made extremely happy

本の中を除いて、死にゆく人が記憶に残る言葉を発したり、幻を見たり、至福の表情で旅立ったりすることはめったになく、多くの別れの魂を送り出した人は、ほとんどの人にとって終わりは眠りと同じように自然に、そして単純に訪れることを知っている。

As Beth had hoped, the ‘tide went out easily’, and in the dark hour before dawn, on the bosom where she had drawn her first breath, she quietly drew her last, with no farewell but one loving look, one little sigh.

on (で) [前] at or in a place

draw (引き取る) [動] die

farewell (別れの言葉) [名] a goodbye

look (一瞥) [名] an act of directing one's gaze

ベスが望んだように、「潮は楽に引いて」夜明け前の暗い時間に、彼女が最初の息を吸った胸の上で、彼女は静かに最後の息を引き取った。別れの言葉もなく、ただ愛情のこもった一瞥と小さなため息だけだった。

With tears and prayers and tender hands, Mother and sisters made her ready for the long sleep that pain would never mar again, seeing with grateful eyes the beautiful serenity that soon replaced the pathetic patience that had wrung their hearts so long, and feeling with reverent joy that to their darling death was a benignant angel, not a phantom full of dread.

mar (傷つける) [動] impair the appearance of

reverent (畏敬の念を抱く) [形] feeling or showing deep and solemn respect

dread (恐怖) [名] a feeling of great fear or anxiety

母と姉妹たちは涙と祈りと優しい手で、痛みが二度と傷つけることのない長い眠りの準備をさせ、長い間心を痛めていた哀れな忍耐にすぐに取って代わった美しい落ち着きを感謝の目で見て、愛する人の死は恐怖に満ちた幻影ではなく、慈悲深い天使であることを畏敬の念を抱いて感じた。

When morning came, for the first time in many months the fire was out, Jo’s place was empty, and the room was very still.

be out (消える) [動] no longer be burning

朝になると、何ヶ月もぶりに火が消え、ジョーの場所は空っぽで、部屋はとても静かだった。

But a bird sang blithely on a budding bough, close by, the snowdrops blossomed freshly at the window, and the spring sunshine streamed in like a benediction over the placid face upon the pillow, a face so full of painless peace that those who loved it best smiled through their tears, and thanked God that Beth was well at last.

budding (芽吹く) [形] beginning to develop or grow

snowdrop (スノードロップ) [名] a small white flower that blooms in early spring

freshly (新たに) [副] recently; lately

stream in (降り注ぐ) [動] flow or move in a continuous and usually fast way

benediction (祝福) [名] the invocation of a blessing

painless (痛みのない) [形] causing no pain

best (最も) [副] to the highest degree or extent

しかし、鳥が芽吹く枝の上で陽気に歌い、すぐそばの窓にはスノードロップが咲き、春の日差しが枕の上の穏やかな顔に祝福のように降り注ぎ、その顔は痛みのない安らぎに満ちていたので、それを最も愛する人たちは涙を流しながら微笑み、ベスがついに元気になったことを神に感謝した。

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE: LEARNING TO FORGET

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE (第41章) [名] the 41st chapter

LEARNING TO FORGET (忘れることを学ぶ) [名] the act of acquiring knowledge or skill by studying, practicing, being taught, or experiencing something

第41章:忘れることを学ぶ

Amy’s lecture did Laurie good, though, of course, he did not own it till long afterward.

long afterward (ずっと後) [副] a long time after

エイミーの説教はローリーに効いたが、もちろん、彼はずっと後になるまでそれを認めなかった。

Men seldom do, for when women are the advisers, the lords of creation don’t take the advice till they have persuaded themselves that it is just what they intended to do.

adviser (助言者) [名] a person who gives advice

男性はめったにそうしない、なぜなら女性が助言者である場合、創造主はそれがまさに自分たちがやろうとしていたことだと自分自身を説得するまで助言を受け入れないからだ。

Then they act upon it, and, if it succeeds, they give the weaker vessel half the credit of it.

act upon (従って行動する) [動] to act in accordance with

weaker vessel (弱い器) [名] a person who is not as strong as others

credit (功績) [名] praise or honor given to someone for something they have done

それから彼らはその通りに行動し、もしそれが成功すれば、彼らは弱い器にその半分の功績を与える。

If it fails, they generously give her the whole.

もし失敗すれば、彼らは寛大にも彼女に全てを与える。

Laurie went back to his grandfather, and was so dutifully devoted for several weeks that the old gentleman declared the climate of Nice had improved him wonderfully, and he had better try it again.

several weeks (数週間) [名] a period of time

wonderfully (驚くほど) [副] in a wonderful manner

ローリーは祖父のもとに戻り、数週間とても忠実に尽くしたので、老紳士はニースの気候が彼を驚くほど改善させたと宣言し、彼は再びそれを試した方が良いと言った。

There was nothing the young gentleman would have liked better, but elephants could not have dragged him back after the scolding he had received.

have liked better (それ以上に望む) [動] prefer

drag back (引きずり戻す) [動] pull or move (someone or something) back with force

若い紳士がそれ以上に望むことはなかったが、彼が受けた叱責の後では象が彼を引きずり戻すことはできなかった。

Pride forbid, and whenever the longing grew very strong, he fortified his resolution by repeating the words that had made the deepest impression—“I despise you.”

forbid (許さない) [動] refuse to allow

fortify (固める) [動] strengthen or reinforce

プライドがそれを許さず、憧れが強くなるたびに、彼は最も深い印象を与えた言葉を繰り返して決意を固めた。「私は君を軽蔑する。」

“Go and do something splendid that will make her love you.”

「行って、彼女が君を愛するようになる素晴らしいことをしなさい。」

Laurie turned the matter over in his mind so often that he soon brought himself to confess that he had been selfish and lazy, but then when a man has a great sorrow, he should be indulged in all sorts of vagaries till he has lived it down.

often (何度も) [副] many times

bring oneself to (認めるようになる) [動] to force oneself to do something

indulge (許される) [動] to allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of

vagary (気まぐれ) [名] an odd, eccentric, or unaccountable notion or action

ローリーは頭の中で何度もそのことを考え、すぐに自分が利己的で怠惰だったことを認めるようになったが、人は大きな悲しみを抱えている時には、それを乗り越えるまではあらゆる気まぐれを許されるべきだ。

He felt that his blighted affections were quite dead now, and though he should never cease to be a faithful mourner, there was no occasion to wear his weeds ostentatiously.

ostentatiously (わざわざ) [副] in a way that is intended to attract attention

彼は、自分の傷ついた愛情は今や完全に死んでしまったと感じ、忠実な会葬者であることに変わりはないが、わざわざ喪服を着る必要はないと思った。

Jo wouldn’t love him, but he might make her respect and admire him by doing something which should prove that a girl’s ‘No’ had not spoiled his life.

ジョーは彼を愛さないだろうが、彼は少女の「ノー」が彼の人生を台無しにしなかったことを証明する何かをすることで、彼女に彼を尊敬させ、賞賛させることができるかもしれない。

He had always meant to do something, and Amy’s advice was quite unnecessary.

彼はいつも何かをしたいと思っていたし、エイミーのアドバイスは全く必要なかった。

He had only been waiting till the aforesaid blighted affections were decently interred.

decently (きちんと) [副] in a proper and socially acceptable manner

inter (埋葬する) [動] bury

彼はただ、前述の傷ついた愛情がきちんと埋葬されるまで待っていただけだった。

That being done, he felt that he was ready to ‘hide his stricken heart, and still toil on’.

それが済めば、「傷ついた心を隠して、それでも努力を続ける」準備が整ったと感じた。

As Goethe, when he had a joy or a grief, put it into a song, so Laurie resolved to embalm his love sorrow in music, and to compose a Requiem which should harrow up Jo’s soul and melt the heart of every hearer.

put (込める) [動] to move or place something in a specified location

embalm (込める) [動] to preserve a dead body from decay

Requiem (レクイエム) [名] a mass for the dead

harrow (苦しめる) [動] to cause great distress to

ゲーテが喜びや悲しみを歌に込めたように、ローリーは恋の悲しみを音楽に込めて、ジョーの魂を苦しめ、聴く人の心を溶かすレクイエムを作曲しようと決意した。

Therefore the next time the old gentleman found him getting restless and moody and ordered him off, he went to Vienna, where he had musical friends, and fell to work with the firm determination to distinguish himself.

Vienna (ウィーン) [名] the capital of Austria

そのため、次に老紳士が彼が落ち着きがなく不機嫌になっているのを見つけて、彼に立ち去るように命じたとき、彼は音楽仲間のいるウィーンに行き、自分を際立たせようと固い決意で仕事に取りかかった。

But whether the sorrow was too vast to be embodied in music, or music too ethereal to uplift a mortal woe, he soon discovered that the Requiem was beyond him just at present.

embody (表現する) [動] give a concrete or definite form to

uplift (高揚させる) [動] raise to a higher position or level

discover (悟る) [動] become aware of or realize

beyond (手に負えない) [前] at or to the further side of

しかし、悲しみが大きすぎて音楽に表現できないのか、音楽があまりにも天上的で人間の悲しみを高揚させることができないのか、彼はすぐにレクイエムが今は自分の手に負えないことを悟った。

It was evident that his mind was not in working order yet, and his ideas needed clarifying, for often in the middle of a plaintive strain, he would find himself humming a dancing tune that vividly recalled the Christmas ball at Nice, especially the stout Frenchman, and put an effectual stop to tragic composition for the time being.

working order (正常に働く) [名] the condition of being able to function

clarify (明確にする) [動] make clear or easier to understand

strain (旋律) [名] a tune or melody

humming (口ずさむ) [動] sing or say something in a low voice

dancing tune (ダンスの曲) [名] a piece of music that is played for people to dance to

put an effectual stop to (効果的に中断する) [動] cause to cease or end

composition (作曲) [名] the act of composing music

for the time being (しばらくの間) [副] for the present; temporarily

彼の心はまだ正常に働いていなくて、考えを明確にする必要があるのは明らかだった。悲しげな旋律の途中で、ニースのクリスマス舞踏会、特にあの頑丈なフランス人を鮮明に思い出させるダンスの曲を口ずさんでいることに気づき、悲劇的な作曲をしばらくの間効果的に中断してしまうことがよくあった。

Then he tried an opera, for nothing seemed impossible in the beginning, but here again unforeseen difficulties beset him.

unforeseen (予期せぬ) [形] not anticipated or expected

difficulty (困難) [名] a thing that is hard to do or understand

beset (襲う) [動] trouble or harass constantly

それから彼はオペラに挑戦したが、最初は何も不可能に思えなかったが、ここでもまた予期せぬ困難が彼を襲った。

He wanted Jo for his heroine, and called upon his memory to supply him with tender recollections and romantic visions of his love.

call upon (呼び起こす) [動] to make a demand or request of

彼はジョーをヒロインにしたいと思い、彼の愛の優しい思い出とロマンチックなビジョンを彼に提供するために彼の記憶を呼び起こした。

But memory turned traitor, and as if possessed by the perverse spirit of the girl, would only recall Jo’s oddities, faults, and freaks, would only show her in the most unsentimental aspects—beating mats with her head tied up in a bandanna, barricading herself with the sofa pillow, or throwing cold water over his passion a la Gummidge—and an irresistable laugh spoiled the pensive picture he was endeavoring to paint.

turn traitor (裏切り者となる) [動] become a traitor

oddity (奇行) [名] something strange or unusual

unsentimental (非情) [形] not influenced by sentiment; unemotional

aspect (側面) [名] a particular part or feature of something

Gummidge (ガミッジ) [名] a character in Charles Dickens's novel David Copperfield

endeavor (努める) [動] try hard to do or achieve something

しかし、記憶は裏切り者となり、まるで少女のひねくれた精神に取り憑かれたかのように、ジョーの奇行、欠点、奇抜さだけを思い出し、彼女を最も非情な側面でしか見せようとしなかった。バンダナで頭を縛ってマットを叩いたり、ソファの枕でバリケードを作ったり、ガミッジのように彼の情熱に冷水を浴びせたり、そして、彼が描こうとしていた物思いにふける絵を、抑えきれない笑いが台無しにしてしまった。

Jo wouldn’t be put into the opera at any price, and he had to give her up with a “Bless that girl, what a torment she is!” and a clutch at his hair, as became a distracted composer.

wouldn't (しないだろう) [助] will not

be put into (入れられる) [動] be placed inside something

have to (~せざるを得ない) [助] be obliged to

composer (作曲家) [名] a person who writes music

ジョーはどんなことをしてもオペラには入れてもらえず、彼は「あの娘に祝福あれ、なんて苦しいんだ!」と髪をつかんで、取り乱した作曲家のように彼女を諦めざるを得なかった。

When he looked about him for another and a less intractable damsel to immortalize in melody, memory produced one with the most obliging readiness.

look about (探す) [動] search for something

immortalize (不滅にする) [動] make immortal

彼がメロディーの中で不滅にするために、別の、それほど扱いにくい娘を探したとき、記憶は最も親切な準備がされたものを生み出した。

This phantom wore many faces, but it always had golden hair, was enveloped in a diaphanous cloud, and floated airily before his mind’s eye in a pleasing chaos of roses, peacocks, white ponies, and blue ribbons.

envelop (包む) [動] wrap up, cover, or enclose completely

airily (ふわふわと) [副] in a light, carefree manner

この幻影は多くの顔をしていたが、いつも金色の髪をしていて、透き通った雲に包まれ、バラ、孔雀、白いポニー、青いリボンの心地よい混沌の中で、彼の心の目の前にふわふわと浮かんでいた。

He did not give the complacent wraith any name, but he took her for his heroine and grew quite fond of her, as well he might, for he gifted her with every gift and grace under the sun, and escorted her, unscathed, through trials which would have annihilated any mortal woman.

complacent (自己満足な) [形] showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements

wraith (亡霊) [名] a ghost or apparition

escort (乗り越えさせる) [動] accompany as an escort

unscathed (無傷で) [形] unhurt; uninjured

彼はその自己満足な亡霊に名前をつけなかったが、彼女をヒロインにして、かなり好きになった。彼は彼女に太陽の下であらゆる贈り物と恵みを与え、どんな人間の女性も滅ぼしてしまうような試練を無傷で乗り越えさせたのだから、当然のことだった。

Thanks to this inspiration, he got on swimmingly for a time, but gradually the work lost its charm, and he forgot to compose, while he sat musing, pen in hand, or roamed about the gay city to get some new ideas and refresh his mind, which seemed to be in a somewhat unsettled state that winter.

swimmingly (泳ぐように) [副] very well

gradually (次第に) [副] slowly and steadily

muse (物思いにふける) [動] contemplate or think carefully about something

このインスピレーションのおかげで、彼はしばらくは泳ぐように進んだが、次第に作品の魅力が失われ、作曲を忘れて、ペンを手に物思いにふけったり、新しいアイデアを得て心をリフレッシュするために華やかな街を歩き回ったりしていたが、その冬は心が落ち着かない状態だったようである。

He did not do much, but he thought a great deal and was conscious of a change of some sort going on in spite of himself.

do much (多くのことをする) [動] do a lot

think a great deal (多くのことを考える) [動] think a lot

be conscious of (意識する) [動] be aware of

himself (自分自身) [代] he; him

彼は多くのことをしなかったが、多くのことを考え、自分自身にもかかわらず、ある種の変化が起こっていることを意識していた。

“It’s genius simmering, perhaps.

「それは天才の煮えたぎりかもしれない。

I’ll let it simmer, and see what comes of it,” he said, with a secret suspicion all the while that it wasn’t genius, but something far more common.

come of (なる) [動] result from

煮えたぎらせて、どうなるか見てみよう」と彼は言ったが、その間ずっと、それは天才ではなく、もっとありふれたものではないかと密かに疑っていた。

Whatever it was, it simmered to some purpose, for he grew more and more discontented with his desultory life, began to long for some real and earnest work to go at, soul and body, and finally came to the wise conclusion that everyone who loved music was not a composer.

simmer (くすぶる) [動] to cook slowly in liquid just below the boiling point

desultory (散漫な) [形] lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm

come to (達する) [動] reach a destination

conclusion (結論) [名] the end or finish of something

それが何であれ、彼は自分の散漫な生活にますます不満を抱き、魂と身体を動かすための真面目で真剣な仕事を切望し始め、ついに音楽を愛する人は誰もが作曲家ではないという賢明な結論に達した。

Returning from one of Mozart’s grand operas, splendidly performed at the Royal Theatre, he looked over his own, played a few of the best parts, sat staring at the busts of Mendelssohn, Beethoven, and Bach, who stared benignly back again.

Mozart (モーツァルト) [名] Austrian composer

grand opera (壮大なオペラ) [名] a genre of opera

Royal Theatre (王立劇場) [名] a theatre

Mendelssohn (メンデルスゾーン) [名] German composer

Beethoven (ベートーヴェン) [名] German composer

Bach (バッハ) [名] German composer

back (再び) [副] once more; again

王立劇場で華麗に上演されたモーツァルトの壮大なオペラから戻った彼は、自分のオペラを眺め、最高の部分をいくつか演奏し、メンデルスゾーン、ベートーヴェン、バッハの胸像をじっと見つめ、彼らもまた優しく見つめ返した。

Then suddenly he tore up his music sheets, one by one, and as the last fluttered out of his hand, he said soberly to himself...

music sheet (楽譜) [名] a printed copy of a piece of music

flutter (舞い落ちる) [動] to move or fly with a light irregular or trembling motion

say to oneself (言い聞かせる) [動] to think or say something to oneself

それから突然、彼は楽譜を一枚一枚破り、最後の一枚が手から舞い落ちると、冷静に自分に言い聞かせた。

“She is right! Talent isn’t genius, and you can’t make it so.

「彼女は正しい! 才能は天才ではないし、そうすることはできない。

That music has taken the vanity out of me as Rome took it out of her, and I won’t be a humbug any longer.

humbug (ペテン師) [名] a person who deceives others by pretending to be something that they are not

あの音楽は、ローマが彼女から虚栄心を取り去ったように、私から虚栄心を取り去ってしまったので、私はもうペテン師にはならない。

Now what shall I do?”

さて、どうしようか?」

That seemed a hard question to answer, and Laurie began to wish he had to work for his daily bread.

bread (糧) [名] food made of flour and water, mixed together and baked

それは答えるのが難しい質問のようで、ローリーは日々の糧を得るために働かなければならないことを望み始めた。

Now if ever, occurred an eligible opportunity for ‘going to the devil’, as he once forcibly expressed it, for he had plenty of money and nothing to do, and Satan is proverbially fond of providing employment for full and idle hands.

eligible (適当な) [形] qualified to be chosen

forcibly (力強く) [副] with force

proverbially (ということわざがある) [副] in a proverbial manner

provide (与える) [動] give or supply

full (満腹) [形] having eaten to satisfaction

彼はかつて「悪魔に行く」という適当な機会が起こったと力強く表現したが、彼にはお金が十分にあり、何もすることがなく、サタンは満腹で怠惰な手のために仕事を与えるのが好きだということわざがある。

The poor fellow had temptations enough from without and from within, but he withstood them pretty well, for much as he valued liberty, he valued good faith and confidence more, so his promise to his grandfather, and his desire to be able to look honestly into the eyes of the women who loved him, and say “All’s well,” kept him safe and steady.

poor fellow (かわいそうな彼) [名] a person who is in a bad situation

within (内) [名] the inner part of something

withstand (耐える) [動] to resist or oppose successfully

good faith (誠実さ) [名] honesty or sincerity of intention

かわいそうな彼は、外からも内からも十分な誘惑があったが、彼は自由を大切にする以上に誠実さと信頼を大切にしていたため、祖父との約束や、彼を愛する女性たちの目を正直に見つめて「すべてうまくいっている」と言いたいという気持ちが彼を安全かつ安定に保っていた。

Very likely some Mrs. Grundy will observe, “I don’t believe it, boys will be boys, young men must sow their wild oats, and women must not expect miracles.”

sow (至りがある) [動] plant (seed) by scattering it on or in the earth

wild oats (若気の至り) [名] the mistakes and foolish actions of a young person

おそらく、グランディ夫人のような人が「信じられないよ、男の子は男の子だし、若い男性は若気の至りがあるし、女性は奇跡を期待してはいけないよ」と言うだろう。

I dare say you don’t, Mrs. Grundy, but it’s true nevertheless.

グランディ夫人、あなたは信じないかもしれないが、それでも本当だ。

Women work a good many miracles, and I have a persuasion that they may perform even that of raising the standard of manhood by refusing to echo such sayings.

have a persuasion (確信している) [動] be convinced of something

standard (基準) [名] a level of quality or attainment

女性は多くの奇跡を起こすし、私は女性がそのような言葉に同調することを拒否することで、男性の基準を上げることさえできると確信している。

Let the boys be boys, the longer the better, and let the young men sow their wild oats if they must.

let (~のままで) [動] allow to remain in a specified condition

the longer the better (長ければ長いほどいい) [句] the longer something is, the better it is

男の子は男の子のままで、長ければ長いほどいいし、若い男性は若気の至りがあるなら、そうさせておけばいい。

But mothers, sisters, and friends may help to make the crop a small one, and keep many tares from spoiling the harvest, by believing, and showing that they believe, in the possibility of loyalty to the virtues which make men manliest in good women’s eyes.

crop (収穫) [名] the total amount of a particular crop produced in a season

harvest (収穫) [名] the gathering of ripe crops

possibility (可能性) [名] a thing that may happen or be the case

manliest (男らしい) [形] having or showing qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men

しかし、母親、姉妹、友人たちは、善良な女性の目から見て男性を最も男らしくする美徳への忠誠の可能性を信じ、また信じていることを示すことで、収穫量を少なくし、多くの毒麦が収穫を台無しにしないようにすることができる。

If it is a feminine delusion, leave us to enjoy it while we may, for without it half the beauty and the romance of life is lost, and sorrowful forebodings would embitter all our hopes of the brave, tenderhearted little lads, who still love their mothers better than themselves and are not ashamed to own it.

lost (失われる) [動] be unable to find

foreboding (予感) [名] a feeling that something bad will happen

embitter (苦くする) [動] make bitter

themselves (自分) [代] used to refer to a thing or things belonging to or connected with the speaker

それが女性の妄想であるならば、私たちが楽しめるうちに楽しんでおこう。それがなければ、人生の美しさやロマンスの半分が失われ、悲しみの予感は、自分よりも母親を愛し、それを恥ずかしがらない勇敢で優しい少年たちへの希望をすべて苦いものにしてしまうだろう。

Laurie thought that the task of forgetting his love for Jo would absorb all his powers for years, but to his great surprise he discovered it grew easier every day.

absorb (注ぐ) [動] take up all of one's attention or time

ローリーは、ジョーへの愛を忘れるという仕事に何年も自分の力をすべて注ぐことになるだろうと思っていたが、驚いたことに、それが日々楽になっていることに気づいた。

He refused to believe it at first, got angry with himself, and couldn’t understand it, but these hearts of ours are curious and contrary things, and time and nature work their will in spite of us.

get angry (腹を立てる) [動] become angry

彼は最初はそれを信じようとせず、自分自身に腹を立て、理解できなかったが、私たちの心は好奇心旺盛で反対の性質を持ち、時間と自然は私たちの意志に反して働く。

Laurie’s heart wouldn’t ache.

ローリーの心は痛まないだろう。

The wound persisted in healing with a rapidity that astonished him, and instead of trying to forget, he found himself trying to remember.

傷は彼を驚かせるほどの速さで治り続け、忘れようとする代わりに、思い出そうとしている自分に気づいた。

He had not foreseen this turn of affairs, and was not prepared for it.

foresee (予測する) [動] be aware of beforehand

彼はこのような事態の変化を予測していなかったし、その準備もできていませんでした。

He was disgusted with himself, surprised at his own fickleness, and full of a queer mixture of disappointment and relief that he could recover from such a tremendous blow so soon.

be disgusted with (嫌気がさす) [動] be very shocked or upset by

be surprised at (驚く) [動] feel or show surprise

fickleness (気まぐれさ) [名] the quality of being fickle

彼は自分に嫌気がさし、自分の気まぐれさに驚き、また、このような大きな打撃からすぐに立ち直れたことに、失望と安堵が奇妙に混ざり合った気持ちでいっぱいだった。

He carefully stirred up the embers of his lost love, but they refused to burst into a blaze.

stir up (かき立てる) [動] to cause to be active or excited

ember (残り火) [名] a small piece of burning or glowing wood or coal in a dying fire

burst into (燃え上がる) [動] to suddenly start to do something

彼は失った愛の残り火を注意深くかき立てたが、それは燃え上がることを拒んだ。

There was only a comfortable glow that warmed and did him good without putting him into a fever, and he was reluctantly obliged to confess that the boyish passion was slowly subsiding into a more tranquil sentiment, very tender, a little sad and resentful still, but that was sure to pass away in time, leaving a brotherly affection which would last unbroken to the end.

obliged (認めざるを得ない) [動] be forced to do something

tranquil (静かな) [形] calm and peaceful

resentful (恨み) [形] feeling bitter

brotherly (兄弟愛) [形] like a brother

unbroken (途切れることのない) [形] continuous

熱に浮かされることなく、彼を温め、元気づける心地よい輝きだけがあり、彼は少年のような情熱がゆっくりと静かな感情へと沈んでいき、とても優しく、少し悲しく、まだ恨みはあるものの、やがてそれは時が経つにつれて消え去り、最後まで途切れることのない兄弟愛を残すことになるだろうと、しぶしぶ認めざるを得なかった。

As the word ‘brotherly’ passed through his mind in one of his reveries, he smiled, and glanced up at the picture of Mozart that was before him...

彼の空想の中で「兄弟愛」という言葉が頭をよぎったとき、彼は微笑み、目の前にあるモーツァルトの絵を見上げた。

“Well, he was a great man, and when he couldn’t have one sister he took the other, and was happy.”

take (結婚する) [動] marry

「彼は偉大な人で、片方の姉妹と結婚できなかった時、もう片方の姉妹と結婚して幸せだった」

Laurie did not utter the words, but he thought them, and the next instant kissed the little old ring, saying to himself, “No, I won’t! I haven’t forgotten, I never can.

ローリーは言葉を発しなかったが、そう考え、次の瞬間には小さな古い指輪にキスをして、「いや、そうはしない! 忘れてないよ、忘れられないよ。

I’ll try again, and if that fails, why then...”

try again (もう一度やってみる) [動] make an attempt again

もう一度やってみよう、それで失敗したら、その時は・・・」

Leaving his sentence unfinished, he seized pen and paper and wrote to Jo, telling her that he could not settle to anything while there was the least hope of her changing her mind.

unfinished (途中で) [形] not finished

settle (決められない) [動] decide or agree on something

彼は文を途中で止め、ペンと紙をつかみ、ジョーに手紙を書き、彼女が考えを変えるわずかな希望があるうちは何も決められないと伝えた。

Couldn’t she, wouldn’t she—and let him come home and be happy?

彼女はそうできないのか、そうしないのか、そして彼が家に帰って幸せになることを許すのか?

While waiting for an answer he did nothing, but he did it energetically, for he was in a fever of impatience.

do nothing (何もせず) [動] be idle or inactive

do it energetically (熱心にそれをした) [動] do something with a lot of energy

be in a fever of impatience (焦りの発熱の中にいた) [動] be very impatient

返事を待つ間、彼は何もせず、しかし、彼は熱心にそれをした、なぜなら彼は焦りの発熱の中にいたからだ。

It came at last, and settled his mind effectually on one point, for Jo decidedly couldn’t and wouldn’t.

settle (落ち着かせる) [動] cause to be calm or quiet

one point (一点) [名] a particular place, especially one with an established purpose

返事はついに届き、彼の心を効果的に一点に落ち着かせた、なぜならジョーは明らかにそうすることができず、そうしなかったからだ。

She was wrapped up in Beth, and never wished to hear the word love again.

be wrapped up in (夢中である) [動] be completely absorbed in

彼女はベスに夢中で、二度と愛という言葉を聞きたくなかった。

Then she begged him to be happy with somebody else, but always keep a little corner of his heart for his loving sister Jo.

somebody else (他の誰か) [名] some other person

little corner (小さな隅) [名] a small part of something

それから彼女は彼に他の誰かと幸せになってほしいと頼んだが、いつも彼の愛する妹ジョーのために彼の心の小さな隅を保つように頼んだ。

In a postscript she desired him not to tell Amy that Beth was worse, she was coming home in the spring and there was no need of saddening the remainder of her stay.

desire (頼む) [動] to want or wish for

remainder (残り) [名] the part that is left over

stay (滞在) [名] a temporary period of residence

追伸で彼女は彼にベスが悪化したことをエイミーに言わないように頼んだ、彼女は春に帰宅する予定で、残りの滞在を悲しませる必要はなかった。

That would be time enough, please God, but Laurie must write to her often, and not let her feel lonely, homesick or anxious.

神様、それで十分な時間になるでしょうが、ローリーは彼女に頻繁に手紙を書いて、彼女が孤独、ホームシック、不安を感じないようにしなければなりません。

“So I will, at once.

「そうするよ、すぐに。

Poor little girl, it will be a sad going home for her, I’m afraid,” and Laurie opened his desk, as if writing to Amy had been the proper conclusion of the sentence left unfinished some weeks before.

I'm afraid (恐らく) [句] I think that something unpleasant is likely to happen

unfinished (未完成の) [形] not finished or completed

かわいそうな少女、彼女にとって悲しい帰宅になるだろう、恐らく」そしてローリーは机を開けた、まるでエイミーに手紙を書くことが数週間前に未完成のままにされた文の適切な結論であったかのように。

But he did not write the letter that day, for as he rummaged out his best paper, he came across something which changed his purpose.

come across (出くわす) [動] find or meet by chance

しかし彼はその日手紙を書かなかった、彼が彼の最高の紙を探し回ったとき、彼は彼の目的を変えた何かに出くわした。

Tumbling about in one part of the desk among bills, passports, and business documents of various kinds were several of Jo’s letters, and in another compartment were three notes from Amy, carefully tied up with one of her blue ribbons and sweetly suggestive of the little dead roses put away inside.

business document (ビジネス文書) [名] a document that is used in a business context

compartment (区画) [名] a separate section of a structure or container

机の一部に請求書、パスポート、さまざまな種類のビジネス文書が散らばっていて、その中にジョーの手紙が数通あり、別の区画にはエイミーからの3通の手紙があり、彼女の青いリボンの1つで注意深く結ばれ、中にしまわれた小さな枯れたバラを甘く連想させた。

With a half-repentant, half-amused expression, Laurie gathered up all Jo’s letters, smoothed, folded, and put them neatly into a small drawer of the desk, stood a minute turning the ring thoughtfully on his finger, then slowly drew it off, laid it with the letters, locked the drawer, and went out to hear High Mass at Saint Stefan’s, feeling as if there had been a funeral, and though not overwhelmed with affliction, this seemed a more proper way to spend the rest of the day than in writing letters to charming young ladies.

half-repentant (半分後悔し) [形] feeling or showing regret for a wrong committed

half-amused (半分面白がっている) [形] feeling or showing a little amusement

draw off (引き出す) [動] remove or take away

High Mass (大ミサ) [名] the principal service of worship in the Roman Catholic Church

funeral (葬儀) [名] the ceremony or occasion of burying or cremating a dead person

半分後悔し、半分面白がっているような表情で、ローリーはジョーの手紙を全部集め、なめらかにし、折り畳み、机の小さな引き出しにきちんと入れ、指輪を思慮深く指で回しながら少し立ってから、ゆっくりと引き出し、手紙と一緒に置き、引き出しに鍵をかけ、聖ステファンの大ミサを聞きに出かけた。まるで葬儀があったかのような気分で、苦悩に圧倒されるわけではないが、魅力的な若い女性に手紙を書くよりも、残りの一日を過ごすにはこれがより適切な方法のように思えた。

The letter went very soon, however, and was promptly answered, for Amy was homesick, and confessed it in the most delightfully confiding manner.

go (届く) [動] be sent or delivered

しかし、手紙はすぐに届き、すぐに返事が来た、エイミーはホームシックになっていて、それを最も楽しく打ち明けるように告白した。

The correspondence flourished famously, and letters flew to and fro with unfailing regularity all through the early spring.

correspondence (文通) [名] the exchange of letters

famously (盛んに) [副] in a way that is well known

unfailing (絶えず) [形] never failing; always reliable

early spring (初春) [名] the first part of spring

文通は盛んになり、初春の間中、手紙は絶えず行き来した。

Laurie sold his busts, made allumettes of his opera, and went back to Paris, hoping somebody would arrive before long.

ローリーは胸像を売り、オペラをallumettesにし、誰かがまもなく到着することを期待してパリに戻った。

He wanted desperately to go to Nice, but would not till he was asked, and Amy would not ask him, for just then she was having little experiences of her own, which made her rather wish to avoid the quizzical eyes of ‘our boy’.

desperately (たまらなく) [副] very much

her own (彼女自身の) [代] belonging to or connected with the person or thing mentioned

彼はニースに行きたくてたまらなかったが、頼まれるまでは行かなかったし、エイミーも彼に頼もうとはしなかった、ちょうどその時、彼女は彼女自身の小さな経験をしていて、「私たちの少年」の奇妙な目を避けたいと思っていたからだ。

Fred Vaughn had returned, and put the question to which she had once decided to answer, “Yes, thank you,” but now she said, “No, thank you,” kindly but steadily, for when the time came, her courage failed her, and she found that something more than money and position was needed to satisfy the new longing that filled her heart so full of tender hopes and fears.

put (尋ねる) [動] ask or express a question

steadily (着実に) [副] in a steady manner

フレッド・ヴォーンは戻ってきて、彼女がかつて「はい、ありがとう」と答えようと決めていた質問をしたが、今度は「いいえ、ありがとう」と親切に、しかし着実に言った、時が来ると、彼女は勇気を失い、優しい希望と恐怖でいっぱいの彼女の心を満たす新しい憧れを満たすためには、お金と地位以上の何かが必要であることに気づいた。

The words, “Fred is a good fellow, but not at all the man I fancied you would ever like,” and Laurie’s face when he uttered them, kept returning to her as pertinaciously as her own did when she said in look, if not in words, “I shall marry for money.”

return (浮かぶ) [動] to go or come back to a place or person

pertinaciously (しつこく) [副] in a manner that is obstinately or perversely persistent

フレッドはいいやつだが、君が好きになるような男ではない」という言葉と、それを口にした時のローリーの顔は、言葉ではなくても「私はお金のために結婚する」と言った時の彼女自身の顔と同じように、しつこく彼女の頭に浮かび続けた。

It troubled her to remember that now, she wished she could take it back, it sounded so unwomanly.

take back (撤回する) [動] retract a statement or accusation

unwomanly (女性らしくない) [形] not having or showing the qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of a woman

今それを思い出すのは彼女を悩ませ、彼女はそれを撤回したいと思った、それはとても女性らしくない響きだった。

She didn’t want Laurie to think her a heartless, worldly creature.

heartless (無情な) [形] lacking in compassion or feeling

彼女はローリーに自分を無情で世俗的な生き物だと思われたくなかった。

She didn’t care to be a queen of society now half so much as she did to be a lovable woman.

lovable (愛すべき) [形] having qualities that attract love or affection

彼女は愛すべき女性になることに比べて、社交界の女王になることには半分も関心がなかった。

She was so glad he didn’t hate her for the dreadful things she said, but took them so beautifully and was kinder than ever.

彼女は、自分が言ったひどい言葉を彼が嫌っていないことをとても嬉しく思い、それらをとても美しく受け止め、これまで以上に親切にしてくれた。

His letters were such a comfort, for the home letters were very irregular and not half so satisfactory as his when they did come.

irregular (不規則な) [形] not regular; not following a regular pattern

彼の手紙はとても慰めになった、というのも家からの手紙は非常に不規則で、届いても彼の手紙の半分も満足のいくものではなかったからだ。

It was not only a pleasure, but a duty to answer them, for the poor fellow was forlorn, and needed petting, since Jo persisted in being stonyhearted.

stonyhearted (頑固な) [形] unfeeling or unsympathetic

それに答えるのは喜びであるだけでなく義務でもあった、というのも、ジョーが頑固に心を閉ざし続けていたので、かわいそうな彼は孤独で、愛撫を必要としていたからだ。

She ought to have made an effort and tried to love him.

彼女は努力して彼を愛そうとすべきだった。

It couldn’t be very hard, many people would be proud and glad to have such a dear boy care for them.

それはそれほど難しいことではない、多くの人はそのような愛する少年が彼らの世話をしてくれることを誇りに思い、喜ぶだろう。

But Jo never would act like other girls, so there was nothing to do but be very kind and treat him like a brother.

しかし、ジョーは決して他の女の子のように振る舞うことはなかったので、とても親切にして彼を兄弟のように扱う以外に何もすることがなかった。

If all brothers were treated as well as Laurie was at this period, they would be a much happier race of beings than they are.

this period (この時期) [名] the time that is happening now

race (人種) [名] a group of people who share similar and distinctive physical characteristics

もしすべての兄弟がこの時期にローリーと同じように扱われたら、彼らは今よりもずっと幸せな人種になるだろう。

Amy never lectured now.

エイミーは今では説教をすることはなかった。

She asked his opinion on all subjects, she was interested in everything he did, made charming little presents for him, and sent him two letters a week, full of lively gossip, sisterly confidences, and captivating sketches of the lovely scenes about her.

captivating (魅惑的な) [形] extremely attractive or interesting

彼女はあらゆる話題について彼の意見を聞き、彼がすることすべてに興味を持ち、彼のために魅力的な小さなプレゼントを作り、週に2通の手紙を送り、生き生きとしたゴシップ、姉妹のような信頼、そして彼女の周りの美しい情景の魅惑的なスケッチでいっぱいだった。

As few brothers are complimented by having their letters carried about in their sister’s pockets, read and reread diligently, cried over when short, kissed when long, and treasured carefully, we will not hint that Amy did any of these fond and foolish things.

treasure (大切にする) [動] keep carefully

妹のポケットに手紙を入れて持ち歩き、熱心に読み返したり、短い時には泣いたり、長い時にはキスをしたり、大切に保管したりして褒められる兄弟は少ないので、エイミーがこのような愛情深く愚かなことをしたとは言わないでおこう。

But she certainly did grow a little pale and pensive that spring, lost much of her relish for society, and went out sketching alone a good deal.

grow pale (青白くなる) [動] become pale

lose relish (興味を失う) [動] lose interest

しかし、彼女は確かにその春、少し青白く物思いにふけり、社交に対する興味を失い、一人でスケッチに出かけることが多くなった。

She never had much to show when she came home, but was studying nature, I dare say, while she sat for hours, with her hands folded, on the terrace at Valrosa, or absently sketched any fancy that occurred to her, a stalwart knight carved on a tomb, a young man asleep in the grass, with his hat over his eyes, or a curly haired girl in gorgeous array, promenading down a ballroom on the arm of a tall gentleman, both faces being left a blur according to the last fashion in art, which was safe but not altogether satisfactory.

dare say (敢えて言う) [動] to be so bold as to say

carve (刻む) [動] cut (something) into a hard surface

blur (ぼやける) [動] make or become unclear or less distinct

satisfactory (満足できる) [形] fulfilling expectations or needs; acceptable

彼女は家に帰ってもあまり見せるものがなかったが、ヴァルローザのテラスで何時間も手を組んで座っている間に自然を研究していたか、墓に刻まれたたくましい騎士、草の中で帽子をかぶって眠っている若者、あるいは豪華な衣装を着た巻き毛の少女が背の高い紳士の腕に抱かれて舞踏室を散歩しているなど、思いついた空想をぼんやりとスケッチしていたに違いない。どちらの顔も、安全ではあるが完全に満足できるものではない、最新の芸術の流行に従ってぼやけたままだった。

Her aunt thought that she regretted her answer to Fred, and finding denials useless and explanations impossible, Amy left her to think what she liked, taking care that Laurie should know that Fred had gone to Egypt.

叔母は彼女がフレッドへの返事を後悔していると思い、否定しても無駄で説明も不可能だとわかったエイミーは、フレッドがエジプトに行ったことをローリーが知るように気をつけながら、叔母に好きなように考えさせた。

That was all, but he understood it, and looked relieved, as he said to himself, with a venerable air...

それだけだったが、彼はそれを理解し、尊敬すべき態度で独り言を言ったように、安心したように見えた。

“I was sure she would think better of it. Poor old fellow!

「彼女は考え直すだろうと確信していた。かわいそうなおじいさん!

I’ve been through it all, and I can sympathize.”

私はそれをすべて経験してきたので、同情できる。」

With that he heaved a great sigh, and then, as if he had discharged his duty to the past, put his feet up on the sofa and enjoyed Amy’s letter luxuriously.

heave a sigh (ため息をつく) [動] breathe out heavily and noisily

discharge (果たす) [動] carry out or perform

put one's feet up (足を乗せる) [動] relax

そう言って彼は大きなため息をつき、それから、過去に対する義務を果たしたかのように、ソファに足を乗せてエイミーの手紙を贅沢に楽しんだ。

While these changes were going on abroad, trouble had come at home.

海外でこれらの変化が起こっている間に、家ではトラブルが起こっていた。

But the letter telling that Beth was failing never reached Amy, and when the next found her the grass was green above her sister.

しかし、ベスが衰弱していることを伝える手紙はエイミーに届かず、次の手紙が届いた時には、妹の墓には草が生い茂っていた。

The sad news met her at Vevay, for the heat had driven them from Nice in May, and they had travelled slowly to Switzerland, by way of Genoa and the Italian lakes.

heat (暑さ) [名] the quality or state of being hot

Genoa (ジェノヴァ) [名] a city in Italy

悲しい知らせはヴェヴェイで彼女に届いた、というのも暑さのために彼らは5月にニースから追い立てられ、ジェノヴァとイタリアの湖を経由してゆっくりとスイスに旅していたからだ。

She bore it very well, and quietly submitted to the family decree that she should not shorten her visit, for since it was too late to say goodbye to Beth, she had better stay, and let absence soften her sorrow.

submit (従う) [動] to yield to the control or authority of another

decree (命令) [名] an official order or decision

shorten (短くする) [動] to make shorter

soften (和らげる) [動] to make or become less harsh, severe, or intense

彼女はそれをとてもよく耐え、ベスに別れを告げるには遅すぎるので、彼女は滞在して、不在が彼女の悲しみを和らげるようにして、彼女の訪問を短くするべきではないという家族の命令に静かに従った。

But her heart was very heavy, she longed to be at home, and every day looked wistfully across the lake, waiting for Laurie to come and comfort her.

しかし、彼女の心はとても重く、家に帰りたくて、毎日湖の向こうを物欲しそうに眺め、ローリーが来て慰めてくれるのを待っていた。

He did come very soon, for the same mail brought letters to them both, but he was in Germany, and it took some days to reach him.

some days (数日) [名] an unspecified number of days

彼はすぐに来た、というのも同じ郵便で二人とも手紙を受け取ったのだが、彼はドイツにいたので、彼に届くまでに数日かかった。

The moment he read it, he packed his knapsack, bade adieu to his fellow pedestrians, and was off to keep his promise, with a heart full of joy and sorrow, hope and suspense.

the moment (すぐに) [名] the exact time when something happens

knapsack (ナップザック) [名] a bag with shoulder straps that is used for carrying things

bid adieu (別れを告げる) [動] say goodbye

pedestrian (歩行者) [名] a person who is walking

彼はそれを読み終えるとすぐに、ナップザックを詰め、仲間の歩行者に別れを告げ、喜びと悲しみ、希望と不安に満ちた心で約束を守るために出発した。

He knew Vevay well, and as soon as the boat touched the little quay, he hurried along the shore to La Tour, where the Carrols were living en pension.

pension (年金) [名] a regular payment made during a person's retirement from an investment fund to which that person or their employer has contributed during their working life

彼はヴェヴェイをよく知っていたので、船が小さな岸壁に着くとすぐに、キャロルたちが年金で暮らしていたラ・トゥールまで岸沿いに急いだ。

The garcon was in despair that the whole family had gone to take a promenade on the lake, but no, the blonde mademoiselle might be in the chateau garden.

whole family (家族全員) [名] all the members of a family

take a promenade (散歩する) [動] walk in a leisurely way

ギャルソンは家族全員が湖の散歩に出かけてしまったと絶望していたが、いや、金髪のマドモアゼルは城の庭にいるかもしれない。

If monsieur would give himself the pain of sitting down, a flash of time should present her.

give oneself the pain of (苦痛を与える) [動] to cause oneself to suffer

sitting down (座る) [動] to be in a position in which your weight is supported by your buttocks rather than your feet and your upper body is more or less upright

flash of time (一瞬) [名] a very short period of time

present (現れる) [動] to appear or come into view

もしムッシューが座る苦痛を自分に与えるなら、一瞬のうちに彼女が現れるだろう。

But monsieur could not wait even a ‘flash of time’, and in the middle of the speech departed to find mademoiselle himself.

しかし、ムッシューは「一瞬」も待つことができず、スピーチの途中でマドモアゼルを見つけるために出発した。

A pleasant old garden on the borders of the lovely lake, with chestnuts rustling overhead, ivy climbing everywhere, and the black shadow of the tower falling far across the sunny water.

border (ほとり) [名] the boundary of a country or area

美しい湖のほとりにある心地よい古い庭園で、頭上では栗がざわめき、至る所にツタが這い、塔の黒い影が日当たりの良い水面に遠く落ちている。

At one corner of the wide, low wall was a seat, and here Amy often came to read or work, or console herself with the beauty all about her.

at one corner (片隅に) [名] a place where two walls or lines meet

広い低い塀の片隅に腰掛けがあり、エイミーはよくここに来て本を読んだり、仕事をしたり、周りの美しさに慰められたりした。

She was sitting here that day, leaning her head on her hand, with a homesick heart and heavy eyes, thinking of Beth and wondering why Laurie did not come.

その日、彼女はここに座り、頭を手にもたせ、ホームシックな心と重い目でベスのことを考え、ローリーが来ない理由を不思議に思っていた。

She did not hear him cross the courtyard beyond, nor see him pause in the archway that led from the subterranean path into the garden.

cross (横切る) [動] go or extend across

courtyard (中庭) [名] an open area surrounded by walls or buildings

lead (続く) [動] go or travel in a specified direction

subterranean (地下の) [形] existing, occurring, or done under the surface of the earth

彼女は彼が向こうの中庭を横切る音も聞こえず、地下道から庭へと続くアーチ道で彼が立ち止まるのを見たこともなかった。

He stood a minute looking at her with new eyes, seeing what no one had ever seen before, the tender side of Amy’s character.

彼はしばらく立って、新しい目で彼女を見つめ、誰も見たことがないもの、エイミーの性格の優しい面を見た。

Everything about her mutely suggested love and sorrow, the blotted letters in her lap, the black ribbon that tied up her hair, the womanly pain and patience in her face, even the little ebony cross at her throat seemed pathetic to Laurie, for he had given it to her, and she wore it as her only ornament.

彼女の周りのすべてが、愛と悲しみを無言で示唆していた、膝の上のしみだらけの手紙、髪を結んだ黒いリボン、顔に浮かぶ女性らしい痛みと忍耐、喉元の小さな黒檀の十字架でさえ、ローリーには哀れに思えた、それは彼が彼女に贈ったもので、彼女はそれを唯一の装飾品として身につけていたからだ。

If he had any doubts about the reception she would give him, they were set at rest the minute she looked up and saw him, for dropping everything, she ran to him, exclaiming in a tone of unmistakable love and longing...

set at rest (解消される) [動] to be resolved or settled

drop (投げ捨てる) [動] to let or cause to fall

unmistakable (紛れもない) [形] not able to be mistaken or misunderstood

もし彼が彼女が彼に与える歓迎について何か疑問を持っていたとしても、彼女が彼を見上げた瞬間にそれらは解消された、彼女はすべてを投げ捨てて彼のところに走り、紛れもない愛と憧れの口調で叫んだ。

“Oh, Laurie, Laurie, I knew you’d come to me!”

「ああ、ローリー、ローリー、あなたが来てくれると分かっていたよ!」

I think everything was said and settled then, for as they stood together quite silent for a moment, with the dark head bent down protectingly over the light one, Amy felt that no one could comfort and sustain her so well as Laurie, and Laurie decided that Amy was the only woman in the world who could fill Jo’s place and make him happy.

be said (語られる) [動] be expressed or communicated in words

bent down (かがむ) [動] move into a position in which the upper body is lower than the legs

protectingly (守るように) [副] in a way that protects

fill (代わりを務める) [動] be a satisfactory replacement for

その時、すべてが語られ、決着がついたと思う、彼らがしばらくの間、静かに一緒に立っていたとき、暗い頭が明るい頭を守るようにかがんでいたので、エイミーは誰もローリーほど自分を慰め、支えてくれる人はいないと感じ、ローリーはエイミーがジョーの代わりを務め、自分を幸せにしてくれる世界で唯一の女性だと決心した。

He did not tell her so, but she was not disappointed, for both felt the truth, were satisfied, and gladly left the rest to silence.

彼は彼女にそうは言わなかったが、彼女は失望しなかった、二人とも真実を感じ、満足し、喜んで残りを沈黙に任せたからだ。

In a minute Amy went back to her place, and while she dried her tears, Laurie gathered up the scattered papers, finding in the sight of sundry well-worn letters and suggestive sketches good omens for the future.

すぐにエイミーは自分の席に戻り、涙をぬぐっている間にローリーは散らばった紙を拾い集め、使い古した手紙や示唆に富んだスケッチを見て、未来への良い前兆を見つけた。

As he sat down beside her, Amy felt shy again, and turned rosy red at the recollection of her impulsive greeting.

feel shy (恥ずかしがる) [動] feel timid or self-conscious

turn rosy red (バラ色に染まる) [動] become red in the face

impulsive (衝動的な) [形] acting or done without forethought or planning

彼が彼女の横に座ると、エイミーは再び恥ずかしがり、衝動的な挨拶を思い出してバラ色に染まった。

“I couldn’t help it, I felt so lonely and sad, and was so very glad to see you.

couldn't help it (仕方なかった) [動] be unable to refrain from doing something

feel sad (悲しみを感じる) [動] feel unhappy

be glad to see (会えて嬉しい) [動] be happy to see

「仕方なかったんです、とても孤独で悲しくて、あなたに会えてとても嬉しかったんです。

It was such a surprise to look up and find you, just as I was beginning to fear you wouldn’t come,” she said, trying in vain to speak quite naturally.

あなたが来ないのではないかと心配し始めたちょうどその時、見上げてあなたを見つけてとても驚きました」と彼女は言ったが、ごく自然に話そうとしても無駄だった。

“I came the minute I heard.

「聞いた瞬間に来ました。

I wish I could say something to comfort you for the loss of dear little Beth, but I can only feel, and...”

愛する小さなベスを失ったあなたを慰めるために何か言えたらいいのですが、私はただ感じることしかできなくて・・・」

He could not get any further, for he too turned bashful all of a sudden, and did not quite know what to say.

get any further (先に進む) [動] make progress

turn bashful (恥ずかしくなる) [動] become shy or embarrassed

know what to say (何を言えばいいかわかる) [動] be able to say the right thing

彼はそれ以上先に進めなかった、というのも彼もまた突然恥ずかしくなって、何を言えばいいのかよくわからなかったからだ。

He longed to lay Amy’s head down on his shoulder, and tell her to have a good cry, but he did not dare, so took her hand instead, and gave it a sympathetic squeeze that was better than words.

squeeze (握手) [名] an act of applying pressure to something

彼はエイミーの頭を自分の肩に置いて、思いっきり泣くように言いたかったが、あえてそうはせず、代わりに彼女の手を取って、言葉よりも優しい握手をした。

“You needn’t say anything, this comforts me,” she said softly.

「何も言わなくていい、これで慰められるよ」と彼女はそっと言った。

“Beth is well and happy, and I mustn’t wish her back, but I dread the going home, much as I long to see them all.

「ベスは元気で幸せだから、彼女が戻ってくることを願ってはいけないけど、みんなに会いたいと思う気持ちと同じくらい、家に帰るのが怖い。

We won’t talk about it now, for it makes me cry, and I want to enjoy you while you stay.

今は話さないでおきましょう、泣いてしまいますから、あなたがいる間は楽しみたいのです。

You needn’t go right back, need you?”

right back (すぐに) [副] immediately

すぐに帰る必要はないよね?」

“Not if you want me, dear.”

「あなたが私を必要としてくれるなら、帰らないよ」

“I do, so much. Aunt and Flo are very kind, but you seem like one of the family, and it would be so comfortable to have you for a little while.”

a little while (しばらく) [名] a short period of time

「そうよ、とても。おばさんとフローはとっても親切だけど、あなたは家族の一員みたいだし、しばらくいてくれたらとても心地よいよ」

Amy spoke and looked so like a homesick child whose heart was full that Laurie forgot his bashfulness all at once, and gave her just what she wanted—the petting she was used to and the cheerful conversation she needed.

エイミーは、心がいっぱいでホームシックになっている子供のように話し、見えたので、ローリーは恥ずかしさを一気に忘れ、彼女が望むもの、つまり彼女が慣れ親しんだ愛撫と彼女が必要とする陽気な会話を彼女に与えた。

“Poor little soul, you look as if you’d grieved yourself half sick!

「かわいそうに、半分病気になったみたいに見えるよ!

I’m going to take care of you, so don’t cry any more, but come and walk about with me, the wind is too chilly for you to sit still,” he said, in the half-caressing, half-commanding way that Amy liked, as he tied on her hat, drew her arm through his, and began to pace up and down the sunny walk under the new-leaved chestnuts.

walk about (歩く) [動] move at regular paces by lifting and setting down each foot in turn, never having both feet off the ground at once

half-caressing (半分甘えさせ) [形] half-loving

half-commanding (半分命令する) [形] half-ordering

draw (通す) [動] pull

pace up and down (歩き回る) [動] walk back and forth

new-leaved (新芽の) [形] having new leaves

私が君の面倒をみるから、もう泣かないで、私と歩こう、風が冷たくてじっと座ってはいられないよ」と、エイミーが好きな半分甘えさせ、半分命令するような言い方で言い、彼女の帽子をかぶせ、彼女の腕を自分の腕に通し、新芽の栗の木の下で日当たりの良い道を歩き始めた。

He felt more at ease upon his legs, and Amy found it pleasant to have a strong arm to lean upon, a familiar face to smile at her, and a kind voice to talk delightfully for her alone.

feel at ease (楽だと感じる) [動] feel relaxed

find it pleasant (心地よいと感じる) [動] find something enjoyable

lean upon (頼る) [動] depend on

talk delightfully (楽しく話しかける) [動] talk in a pleasant way

彼は歩いている方が楽だと感じ、エイミーは頼れる強い腕、微笑みかけてくれる見慣れた顔、自分だけに楽しく話しかけてくれる優しい声があることが心地よかった。

The quaint old garden had sheltered many pairs of lovers, and seemed expressly made for them, so sunny and secluded was it, with nothing but the tower to overlook them, and the wide lake to carry away the echo of their words, as it rippled by below.

shelter (守る) [動] provide with a place of safety

expressly (特別に) [副] for a particular purpose

secluded (人目につかない) [形] not seen or visited by many people

ripple (波打つ) [動] form or cause to form small waves on the surface of a liquid

趣のある古い庭園は、多くの恋人たちを守り、彼らのために特別に作られたように思えた。日当たりがよく、人目につかず、彼らを見下ろす塔と、下を波打つ広い湖が彼らの言葉の反響を運び去るだけだった。

For an hour this new pair walked and talked, or rested on the wall, enjoying the sweet influences which gave such a charm to time and place, and when an unromantic dinner bell warned them away, Amy felt as if she left her burden of loneliness and sorrow behind her in the chateau garden.

for an hour (一時間ほど) [名] for the duration of one hour

pair (カップル) [名] two people considered as a unit

rest (寄りかかる) [動] be in a state of relaxation

一時間ほど、この新しいカップルは歩いたり、話したり、壁に寄りかかったりして、時間と場所にそのような魅力を与える甘い影響を楽しんでいたが、ロマンチックではない夕食の鐘が鳴り、エイミーは孤独と悲しみの重荷をシャトーの庭に置いてきたように感じた。

The moment Mrs. Carrol saw the girl’s altered face, she was illuminated with a new idea, and exclaimed to herself, “Now I understand it all—the child has been pining for young Laurence.

altered (変わった) [形] changed

キャロル夫人は少女の顔色が変わったのを見た瞬間、新しい考えが浮かび、「これで全て分かったよ、この子はローレンス青年に恋焦がれていたのね。

Bless my heart, I never thought of such a thing!”

bless my heart (なんてこと) [間] an expression of surprise or disgust

なんてこと、そんなこと考えもしなかったよ!」と独り言を言った。

With praiseworthy discretion, the good lady said nothing, and betrayed no sign of enlightenment, but cordially urged Laurie to stay and begged Amy to enjoy his society, for it would do her more good than so much solitude.

betray (見せる) [動] be evidence of

enlightenment (悟り) [名] the state of having knowledge or understanding

賞賛に値する思慮深さで、この善良な婦人は何も言わず、悟りの兆候も見せなかったが、ローリーに滞在するよう心から促し、エイミーに彼との交際を楽しむように頼んだ。それは、彼女にとって孤独よりもずっと良いことだったからだ。

Amy was a model of docility, and as her aunt was a good deal occupied with Flo, she was left to entertain her friend, and did it with more than her usual success.

docility (従順さ) [名] the quality of being easy to manage or control

occupy (忙しくしている) [動] take up all or a lot of the space or time of

エイミーは従順さの見本で、叔母がフロと忙しくしていたので、彼女は友人をもてなすことを任され、いつも以上に成功した。

At Nice, Laurie had lounged and Amy had scolded.

ニースでは、ローリーはのんびり過ごし、エイミーは叱っていた。

At Vevay, Laurie was never idle, but always walking, riding, boating, or studying in the most energetic manner, while Amy admired everything he did and followed his example as far and as fast as she could.

ヴェヴェイでは、ローリーは決して怠惰ではなく、いつも散歩、乗馬、ボート、勉強を精力的に行っていたが、エイミーは彼のすることすべてを賞賛し、できる限り彼の模範に従った。

He said the change was owing to the climate, and she did not contradict him, being glad of a like excuse for her own recovered health and spirits.

owe (せいだ) [動] have or show a sense of obligation

彼はその変化は気候のせいだと言い、彼女は彼に反論せず、自分の健康と精神が回復したことに対する同じような言い訳を喜んだ。

The invigorating air did them both good, and much exercise worked wholesome changes in minds as well as bodies.

invigorating (爽快な) [形] making one feel strong, healthy, and full of energy

爽快な空気は二人とも気持ちよく、多くの運動は心身ともに健全な変化をもたらした。

They seemed to get clearer views of life and duty up there among the everlasting hills.

clearer (より明確な) [形] more easily understood

彼らは永遠の丘の中で、人生と義務についてより明確な見解を得たようだった。

The fresh winds blew away desponding doubts, delusive fancies, and moody mists.

desponding (絶望的な) [形] feeling or showing a complete lack of hope

delusive (惑わす) [形] giving an appearance or impression different from the true one; misleading

mist (霧) [名] a cloud of very small water droplets suspended in the atmosphere near the ground

新鮮な風が、絶望的な疑念、惑わす空想、そして不機嫌な霧を吹き飛ばした。

The warm spring sunshine brought out all sorts of aspiring ideas, tender hopes, and happy thoughts.

aspire (熱望する) [動] direct one's hopes or ambitions toward achieving something

暖かい春の日差しは、あらゆる種類の熱望する考え、優しい希望、そして幸せな考えを引き出した。

The lake seemed to wash away the troubles of the past, and the grand old mountains to look benignly down upon them saying, “Little children, love one another.”

湖は過去の悩みを洗い流すように見え、壮大な古い山々は「小さな子供たちよ、互いに愛し合いなさい」と言って、彼らを優しく見下ろしているようだった。

In spite of the new sorrow, it was a very happy time, so happy that Laurie could not bear to disturb it by a word.

new (新たな) [形] recently made, grown, or created

bear (耐えられない) [動] to carry or support

新たな悲しみにもかかわらず、とても幸せな時間で、ローリーは言葉でそれを邪魔するのに耐えられないほど幸せだった。

It took him a little while to recover from his surprise at the cure of his first, and as he had firmly believed, his last and only love.

take a while (時間がかかる) [動] require a period of time

cure (治る) [名] a means of healing or restoring to health

彼が最初の恋、そして彼が固く信じていたように、彼の最後で唯一の恋が治ったことへの驚きから立ち直るまでに少し時間がかかった。

He consoled himself for the seeming disloyalty by the thought that Jo’s sister was almost the same as Jo’s self, and the conviction that it would have been impossible to love any other woman but Amy so soon and so well.

seeming (見える) [形] appearing to be

disloyalty (不誠実) [名] the quality of being unfaithful

彼は、ジョーの妹はジョー自身とほとんど同じだと考え、エイミー以外の女性をそれほど早く、それほど愛することは不可能だったという確信によって、不誠実に見えることで自分を慰めた。

His first wooing had been of the tempestuous order, and he looked back upon it as if through a long vista of years with a feeling of compassion blended with regret.

wooing (求愛) [名] the action of wooing someone

order (もの) [名] a state of peace, law, and order

look back upon (振り返る) [動] to think about something that happened in the past

vista (年月) [名] a view or prospect

compassion (思いやり) [名] a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering

彼の最初の求愛は激しいものだったし、彼はそれを長い年月を経て後悔と混ざった思いやりの気持ちで振り返った。

He was not ashamed of it, but put it away as one of the bitter-sweet experiences of his life, for which he could be grateful when the pain was over.

be ashamed of (恥ずかしく思う) [動] feel shame or guilt about

bitter-sweet (ほろ苦い) [形] both pleasant and painful

彼はそれを恥ずかしく思っていなかったが、人生のほろ苦い経験の1つとして片付け、痛みが終わったときに感謝することができた。

His second wooing, he resolved, should be as calm and simple as possible.

彼は2度目の求愛はできるだけ穏やかでシンプルなものにしようと決意した。

There was no need of having a scene, hardly any need of telling Amy that he loved her, she knew it without words and had given him his answer long ago.

have a scene (場面を作る) [動] make a scene

hardly any (ほとんどない) [副] almost none

わざわざ場面を作る必要も、エイミーに愛していると告げる必要もほとんどなかった。彼女は言葉がなくてもそれを知っていて、ずっと前に彼に答えを与えていた。

It all came about so naturally that no one could complain, and he knew that everybody would be pleased, even Jo.

すべてが自然に起こったので誰も文句を言うことはできなかったし、彼は誰もが喜ぶだろうと知っていた、ジョーさえも。

But when our first little passion has been crushed, we are apt to be wary and slow in making a second trial, so Laurie let the days pass, enjoying every hour, and leaving to chance the utterance of the word that would put an end to the first and sweetest part of his new romance.

wary (慎重になる) [形] feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems

slow (ゆっくりと進む) [形] moving or operating or done without speed or in a leisurely manner

trial (試み) [名] a test of the performance, qualities, or truth of something

put an end to (終止符を打つ) [動] cause to stop

しかし、最初の小さな情熱が打ち砕かれたとき、私たちは2度目の試みをするのに慎重になりがちで、ゆっくりと進む傾向があるので、ローリーは毎日を楽しみ、彼の新しいロマンスの最初で最も甘い部分に終止符を打つ言葉を発するのを偶然に任せていた。

He had rather imagined that the denoument would take place in the chateau garden by moonlight, and in the most graceful and decorous manner, but it turned out exactly the reverse, for the matter was settled on the lake at noonday in a few blunt words.

reverse (正反対) [名] the opposite or contrary of something

noonday (正午) [名] the middle of the day

彼はむしろ、月明かりの下で城の庭で、最も優雅で礼儀正しい方法で解決するだろうと想像していたが、それは正反対の結果になった。問題は正午に湖の上で、いくつかの率直な言葉で解決されたからだ。

They had been floating about all the morning, from gloomy St. Gingolf to sunny Montreux, with the Alps of Savoy on one side, Mont St. Bernard and the Dent du Midi on the other, pretty Vevay in the valley, and Lausanne upon the hill beyond, a cloudless blue sky overhead, and the bluer lake below, dotted with the picturesque boats that look like white-winged gulls.

all the morning (朝からずっと) [名] the period of time from sunrise to noon

St. Gingolf (サン・ギンゴルフ) [名] a town in Switzerland

Montreux (モントルー) [名] a town in Switzerland

Alps (アルプス) [名] a mountain range in Europe

Savoy (サヴォイ) [名] a region in France

Mont St. Bernard (サン・ベルナール山) [名] a mountain in the Alps

Dent du Midi (ダン・デュ・ミディ) [名] a mountain in the Alps

Lausanne (ローザンヌ) [名] a city in Switzerland

彼らは朝からずっと、陰鬱なサン・ギンゴルフから日当たりの良いモントルーにかけて、片側にサヴォイのアルプス、反対側にサン・ベルナール山とダン・デュ・ミディ、谷間には美しいヴェヴェイ、その向こうの丘にはローザンヌ、頭上には雲ひとつない青い空、眼下には白い翼のカモメのような絵のようなボートが点在する青い湖を眺めながら、浮かんでいた。

They had been talking of Bonnivard, as they glided past Chillon, and of Rousseau, as they looked up at Clarens, where he wrote his Heloise.

Bonnivard (ボニバール) [名] François de Bonnivard

Chillon (シヨン) [名] Chillon Castle

Rousseau (ルソー) [名] Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Clarens (クラレンス) [名] Clarens, Switzerland

Heloise (エロイーズ) [名] Julie, or the New Heloise

彼らはシヨンを通り過ぎるときにボニバールについて、彼がエロイーズを書いたクラレンスを見上げたときにはルソーについて話していた。

Neither had read it, but they knew it was a love story, and each privately wondered if it was half as interesting as their own.

love story (恋愛小説) [名] a story about a romantic relationship

どちらも読んでいなかったが、恋愛小説であることは知っていたので、それぞれが自分たちの半分ほど面白いのだろうかと内心思っていた。

Amy had been dabbling her hand in the water during the little pause that fell between them, and when she looked up, Laurie was leaning on his oars with an expression in his eyes that made her say hastily, merely for the sake of saying something...

dabble (浸す) [動] move (something) around in a liquid

oar (オール) [名] a long shaft with a flat blade at one end that is used to propel a boat

hastily (慌てて) [副] very quickly

sake (ために) [名] purpose; end; aim

エイミーは二人の間に落ちた小さな沈黙の間に水に手を浸していたが、見上げるとローリーはオールにもたれかかり、何かを言うために慌てて言わせるような表情をしていた。

“You must be tired.

must (でしょう) [助] expressing a strong belief or opinion

「疲れたでしょう。

Rest a little, and let me row.

少し休んで、私に漕がせてください。

It will do me good, for since you came I have been altogether lazy and luxurious.”

あなたに会ってからというもの、私は怠惰で贅沢な生活を送っていたので、これは私にとって良いことです。」

“I’m not tired, but you may take an oar, if you like.

「疲れてはいませんが、もしよろしければオールをお持ちください。

There’s room enough, though I have to sit nearly in the middle, else the boat won’t trim,” returned Laurie, as if he rather liked the arrangement.

trim (傾く) [動] be in or move into a sloping position

十分なスペースがありますが、私はほぼ真ん中に座らなければなりません。そうしないとボートが傾いてしまいます」とローリーは答え、その配置を気に入ったようだった。

Feeling that she had not mended matters much, Amy took the offered third of a seat, shook her hair over her face, and accepted an oar.

mend (改善する) [動] repair or improve

third (3分の1) [名] one of three equal parts

あまり状況を改善できなかったと感じたエイミーは、差し出された3分の1の席に座り、髪を顔に振りかけ、オールを受け取った。

She rowed as well as she did many other things, and though she used both hands, and Laurie but one, the oars kept time, and the boat went smoothly through the water.

smoothly (スムーズに) [副] without difficulty or problems

彼女は他の多くのことをするのと同じように上手に漕ぎ、彼女は両手を使ったが、ローリーは片手しか使わなかったが、オールは時間を守り、ボートは水の上をスムーズに進んだ。

“How well we pull together, don’t we?” said Amy, who objected to silence just then.

pull together (息が合う) [動] work together

「私たち、とても息が合ってるよね」とエイミーは言った。彼女はちょうどその時沈黙に反対した。

“So well that I wish we might always pull in the same boat.

so well (とてもうまく) [副] to a very great extent

「とてもうまく合っているので、いつも同じボートに乗れたらいいのにと思います。

Will you, Amy?” very tenderly.

エイミー、そうしてくれますか?」とても優しく。

“Yes, Laurie,” very low.

「はい、ローリー」とても低い声で。

Then they both stopped rowing, and unconsciously added a pretty little tableau of human love and happiness to the dissolving views reflected in the lake.

dissolve (溶ける) [動] cause to disappear or disintegrate

それから二人とも漕ぐのをやめ、無意識のうちに湖に映る溶けていく景色に人間の愛と幸福のかわいらしい小さなタブローを加えた。

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO: ALL ALONE

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO (第42章) [名] the 42nd chapter

第42章:一人ぼっち

It was easy to promise self-abnegation when self was wrapped up in another, and heart and soul were purified by a sweet example.

self-abnegation (自己否定) [名] denial of one's own needs

purify (浄化する) [動] make pure or clean

自分自身が別のものに包まれている時、自己否定を約束するのは簡単で、心と魂は甘い手本によって浄化されていた。

But when the helpful voice was silent, the daily lesson over, the beloved presence gone, and nothing remained but loneliness and grief, then Jo found her promise very hard to keep.

gone (なくなる) [動] move or travel away from a place

しかし、助けてくれる声が沈黙し、日々の教訓が終わり、愛する人の存在がなくなり、孤独と悲しみ以外何も残っていない時、ジョーは約束を守るのがとても難しいことに気づいた。

How could she ‘comfort Father and Mother’ when her own heart ached with a ceaseless longing for her sister, how could she ‘make the house cheerful’ when all its light and warmth and beauty seemed to have deserted it when Beth left the old home for the new, and where in all the world could she ‘find some useful, happy work to do’, that would take the place of the loving service which had been its own reward?

ceaseless (絶え間ない) [形] never stopping

take the place of (代わる) [動] to be or act instead of someone or something else

自分の心が妹への絶え間ない憧れで痛んでいるのに、どうやって「父と母を慰める」ことができるだろうか、ベスが古い家を出て新しい家に行った時、家の光と暖かさと美しさがすべて失われたように見えたのに、どうやって「家を明るくする」ことができるだろうか、そして、世界中のどこで、それ自体が報酬であった愛情深い奉仕に代わる「何か役に立つ、幸せな仕事を見つける」ことができるだろうか?

She tried in a blind, hopeless way to do her duty, secretly rebelling against it all the while, for it seemed unjust that her few joys should be lessened, her burdens made heavier, and life get harder and harder as she toiled along.

hopeless (絶望的に) [形] having no hope

彼女は盲目的に、絶望的に自分の義務を果たそうとしたが、その間ずっと密かに反抗していた。なぜなら、彼女のわずかな喜びが減り、重荷が重くなり、苦労するにつれて人生がますます難しくなるのはおかしいように思えたからだ。

Some people seemed to get all sunshine, and some all shadow.

ある人はすべての日差しを受け、ある人はすべての影を受けるように思えた。

It was not fair, for she tried more than Amy to be good, but never got any reward, only disappointment, trouble and hard work.

それは公平ではなかった、なぜなら彼女はエイミーよりも善い人間になろうと努力したが、報酬を得ることはなく、失望、トラブル、そして重労働だけだったからだ。

Poor Jo, these were dark days to her, for something like despair came over her when she thought of spending all her life in that quiet house, devoted to humdrum cares, a few small pleasures, and the duty that never seemed to grow any easier.

all (一生) [形] the whole of

humdrum (単調な) [形] dull because of a lack of variety and excitement

かわいそうなジョー、この頃は彼女にとって暗い日々だった、なぜなら、彼女がその静かな家で、単調な世話、わずかな楽しみ、そして決して楽になりそうにない義務に専念して一生を過ごすことを考えると、絶望のようなものが彼女を襲ったからだ。

“I can’t do it. I wasn’t meant for a life like this, and I know I shall break away and do something desperate if somebody doesn’t come and help me,” she said to herself, when her first efforts failed and she fell into the moody, miserable state of mind which often comes when strong wills have to yield to the inevitable.

say to oneself (自分に言い聞かせる) [動] think or say something to oneself

「できないよ。私はこんな人生を送るつもりはなかったし、誰かが助けに来てくれなければ、私は逃げ出して何か無茶なことをするだろう」と彼女は自分に言い聞かせた。彼女の最初の努力は失敗に終わり、強い意志が避けられないことに屈しなければならないときによく起こる、気分屋で惨めな精神状態に陥ってしまった。

But someone did come and help her, though Jo did not recognize her good angels at once because they wore familiar shapes and used the simple spells best fitted to poor humanity.

recognize (気づく) [動] know or identify someone or something from having seen or encountered them before

shape (姿) [名] the external form, contours, or outline of someone or something

しかし、誰かが彼女を助けに来てくれたが、ジョーはすぐには自分の善い天使だとは気づかなかった、なぜなら彼らは見慣れた姿をしており、貧しい人間に最も適した単純な呪文を使っていたからだ。

Often she started up at night, thinking Beth called her, and when the sight of the little empty bed made her cry with the bitter cry of unsubmissive sorrow, “Oh, Beth, come back!

start up (飛び起きる) [動] to wake up suddenly

unsubmissive (従順でない) [形] not willing to obey

彼女はよく夜中にベスが自分を呼んでいると思って飛び起き、小さな空のベッドを見ると、従順でない悲しみの苦い叫び声を上げて泣いた。「ああ、ベス、戻ってきて!

Come back!” she did not stretch out her yearning arms in vain.

yearning (憧れの) [形] a feeling of intense longing for something

戻ってきて!」彼女は憧れの腕を無駄に伸ばしたわけではない。

For, as quick to hear her sobbing as she had been to hear her sister’s faintest whisper, her mother came to comfort her, not with words only, but the patient tenderness that soothes by a touch, tears that were mute reminders of a greater grief than Jo’s, and broken whispers, more eloquent than prayers, because hopeful resignation went hand-in-hand with natural sorrow.

as quick to hear (すぐに聞く) [副] very soon

faintest (かすか) [形] very slight

soothe (和らぐ) [動] to make or become less painful, troubled, or violent

mute (無言) [形] unable or unwilling to speak

go hand-in-hand (相伴う) [動] to be closely associated

というのも、彼女のすすり泣きを聞くとすぐに、妹のかすかなささやきを聞くように、母親が彼女を慰めに来てくれたからだ。言葉だけでなく、触れることで和らぐ忍耐強い優しさ、ジョーよりも大きな悲しみを無言で思い出させる涙、そして祈りよりも雄弁な途切れ途切れのささやき、なぜなら希望に満ちた諦めが自然な悲しみと相伴っていたからだ。

Sacred moments, when heart talked to heart in the silence of the night, turning affliction to a blessing, which chastened grief and strengthened love.

夜の静寂の中で心と心が語り合い、苦しみを祝福に変え、悲しみを浄化し、愛を強める神聖な瞬間。

Feeling this, Jo’s burden seemed easier to bear, duty grew sweeter, and life looked more endurable, seen from the safe shelter of her mother’s arms.

endurable (耐えやすい) [形] able to be endured

shelter (避難所) [名] a place giving temporary protection from bad weather or danger

こう感じて、ジョーの重荷は耐えやすくなり、義務はより甘くなり、母の腕の安全な避難所から見ると、人生はより耐えやすく見えた。

When aching heart was a little comforted, troubled mind likewise found help, for one day she went to the study, and leaning over the good gray head lifted to welcome her with a tranquil smile, she said very humbly, “Father, talk to me as you did to Beth.

aching heart (痛む心) [名] a heart that is in pain

comforted (慰められる) [動] consoled; soothed

troubled mind (悩む心) [名] a mind that is troubled

find help (助けを見出す) [動] get help

good gray head (善良な白髪頭) [名] a head that is gray and good

tranquil smile (穏やかな笑顔) [名] a smile that is tranquil

say humbly (謙虚に言う) [動] say something in a humble manner

do to (〜にする) [動] perform an action on

痛む心が少し慰められると、悩む心も同様に助けを見出した。ある日、彼女は書斎に行き、穏やかな笑顔で彼女を迎えるために持ち上げられた善良な白髪頭に寄りかかり、とても謙虚に言った、「お父さん、ベスにしたように私に話しかけて。

I need it more than she did, for I’m all wrong.”

私の方が彼女よりも必要としているの、だって私は間違っているんだもの。」

“My dear, nothing can comfort me like this,” he answered, with a falter in his voice, and both arms round her, as if he too, needed help, and did not fear to ask for it.

like this (これほど) [副] to this extent; so much

falter (震わせる) [動] to speak or say something hesitantly

「私の愛しい子よ、これほど私を慰めてくれるものはない」と彼は答え、声を震わせ、両腕で彼女を抱きしめた。まるで彼も助けを必要とし、それを求めることを恐れていないかのようだった。

Then, sitting in Beth’s little chair close beside him, Jo told her troubles, the resentful sorrow for her loss, the fruitless efforts that discouraged her, the want of faith that made life look so dark, and all the sad bewilderment which we call despair.

fruitless (無駄な) [形] not producing any good or useful results

bewilderment (当惑) [名] the state of being confused or puzzled

それから、彼のすぐ横にあるベスの小さな椅子に座って、ジョーは彼女の悩み、彼女の喪失に対する憤慨した悲しみ、彼女を落胆させた無駄な努力、人生をとても暗く見せた信仰の欠如、そして私たちが絶望と呼ぶすべての悲しい当惑を語った。

She gave him entire confidence, he gave her the help she needed, and both found consolation in the act.

give (寄せる) [動] transfer to another as a gift

entire (全幅の) [形] complete or total

彼女は彼に全幅の信頼を寄せ、彼は彼女が必要とする助けを与え、二人ともその行為に慰めを見出した。

For the time had come when they could talk together not only as father and daughter, but as man and woman, able and glad to serve each other with mutual sympathy as well as mutual love.

able (できる) [形] having the power or skill to do something

mutual (互いの) [形] having the same relationship each to the other

父と娘としてだけでなく、男と女として、互いの愛だけでなく、互いの共感をもって互いに仕えることができる、そして喜んで仕えることができる時が来たからだ。

Happy, thoughtful times there in the old study which Jo called ‘the church of one member’, and from which she came with fresh courage, recovered cheerfulness, and a more submissive spirit.

ジョーが「一人教会」と呼ぶ古い書斎での幸せで思慮深い時間、そしてそこから彼女は新たな勇気、回復した陽気さ、そしてより従順な精神で帰ってきた。

For the parents who had taught one child to meet death without fear, were trying now to teach another to accept life without despondency or distrust, and to use its beautiful opportunities with gratitude and power.

distrust (不信感) [名] the feeling that you cannot trust someone or something

一人の子供に恐れずに死に直面することを教えた両親は、今、もう一人の子供に落胆や不信感を抱かずに人生を受け入れ、感謝と力を持ってその美しい機会を活用することを教えようとしていた。

Other helps had Jo—humble, wholesome duties and delights that would not be denied their part in serving her, and which she slowly learned to see and value.

deny (否定する) [動] state that one refuses to admit the truth or existence of

ジョーは他にも助けがあった。謙虚で健全な義務と喜びは、彼女に仕えることを否定されることなく、彼女はゆっくりとそれを見て価値を認めることを学んだ。

Brooms and dishcloths never could be as distasteful as they once had been, for Beth had presided over both, and something of her housewifely spirit seemed to linger around the little mop and the old brush, never thrown away.

preside over (管理する) [動] be in charge of

ほうきやふきんは、かつてのように嫌なものではなかった。ベスが両方を管理していたし、彼女の主婦としての精神の何かが、決して捨てられることのない小さなモップや古いブラシの周りに残っているようだった。

As she used them, Jo found herself humming the songs Beth used to hum, imitating Beth’s orderly ways, and giving the little touches here and there that kept everything fresh and cozy, which was the first step toward making home happy, though she didn’t know it till Hannah said with an approving squeeze of the hand...

orderly (整然とした) [形] arranged or disposed in a neat, tidy, or methodical way

approve (承認する) [動] officially agree to or accept as satisfactory

彼女がそれらを使うと、ジョーはベスが口ずさんでいた歌を口ずさみ、ベスの整然としたやり方を真似て、あちこちに小さな手を入れて、すべてを新鮮で居心地の良いものにしていることに気づいた。それは家庭を幸せにするための第一歩だったが、ハンナが手を握って承認するまで彼女はそれを知らなかった。

“You thoughtful creeter, you’re determined we shan’t miss that dear lamb ef you can help it.

「あなたは思慮深い生き物だ、あなたがそれを助けることができれば、私たちがその愛する子羊を失うことがないように決心している。

We don’t say much, but we see it, and the Lord will bless you for’t, see ef He don’t.”

say much (多くを語る) [動] talk a lot

see ef (~するのを見よ) [動] see if

私たちは多くを語らないが、私たちはそれを見ているし、主はあなたを祝福してくれるだろう、主がそうしないのを見よ。」

As they sat sewing together, Jo discovered how much improved her sister Meg was, how well she could talk, how much she knew about good, womanly impulses, thoughts, and feelings, how happy she was in husband and children, and how much they were all doing for each other.

一緒に座って縫い物をしていると、ジョーは妹のメグがどれほど成長したか、どれほど上手に話せるか、善良で女性らしい衝動、考え、感情についてどれほど知っているか、夫と子供たちの中でどれほど幸せか、そして彼らがどれほどお互いのために尽くしているかを知った。

“Marriage is an excellent thing, after all.

marriage (結婚) [名] the state of being married

「結婚は結局のところ素晴らしいことだ。

I wonder if I should blossom out half as well as you have, if I tried it?, always ‘perwisin’ I could,” said Jo, as she constructed a kite for Demi in the topsy-turvy nursery.

blossom out (花開く) [動] to develop or come into existence

construct (作る) [動] to make or build something

kite (凧) [名] a light framework covered with paper or cloth and flown in the wind at the end of a long string

私が試したら、あなたと同じように花開くだろうか? いつも「できる」とジョーは言い、ごちゃごちゃした子供部屋でデミのために凧を作った。

“It’s just what you need to bring out the tender womanly half of your nature, Jo.

「それはあなたの優しい女性らしい半面を引き出すために必要なことなのよ、ジョー。

You are like a chestnut burr, prickly outside, but silky-soft within, and a sweet kernal, if one can only get at it.

silky (絹のような) [形] made of or resembling silk

kernal (実) [名] the softer, usually edible part of a nut, seed, or fruit stone

あなたは栗のイガのようなもので、外側はとげとげしいが、中は絹のように柔らかく、甘い実がある。

Love will make you show your heart one day, and then the rough burr will fall off.”

愛はいつの日かあなたの心を見せてくれるでしょう、そして粗いイガは落ちるでしょう。」

“Frost opens chestnut burrs, ma’am, and it takes a good shake to bring them down.

frost (霜) [名] a white deposit of ice crystals formed on the ground or objects near the ground

「霜が栗のイガを開きます、奥様、そしてそれを落とすにはよく振る必要があります。

Boys go nutting, and I don’t care to be bagged by them,” returned Jo, pasting away at the kite which no wind that blows would ever carry up, for Daisy had tied herself on as a bob.

go nutting (木の実を拾いに行く) [動] go to collect nuts

be bagged (袋に入れられる) [動] be put into a bag

paste (貼り付ける) [動] stick with glue

carry up (持ち上がる) [動] be lifted up

bob (ボブ) [名] a short hairstyle for women

男の子たちは木の実を拾いに行くし、私は彼らに袋に入れられたくないよ」とジョーは答え、どんな風が吹いても決して持ち上がらないであろう凧を貼り付けた。デイジーが自分をボブとして結び付けていたからだ。

Meg laughed, for she was glad to see a glimmer of Jo’s old spirit, but she felt it her duty to enforce her opinion by every argument in her power, and the sisterly chats were not wasted, especially as two of Meg’s most effective arguments were the babies, whom Jo loved tenderly.

glimmer (ちらっと見える) [名] a faint or unsteady light

enforce (押し通す) [動] compel observance of or compliance with

argument (議論) [名] a reason or set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong

メグは笑った、ジョーの昔の精神がちらっと見えて嬉しかったからだが、彼女は自分の力の及ぶ限りあらゆる議論で自分の意見を押し通すのが自分の義務だと感じていたし、姉妹同士のおしゃべりは無駄ではなかった、特にメグの最も効果的な議論の2つはジョーが優しく愛していた赤ちゃんだったからだ。

Grief is the best opener of some hearts, and Jo’s was nearly ready for the bag.

opener (道具) [名] a tool or device for opening something

悲しみは心を開く最良の道具であり、ジョーの心は袋に入れる準備がほぼ整っていた。

A little more sunshine to ripen the nut, then, not a boy’s impatient shake, but a man’s hand reached up to pick it gently from the burr, and find the kernal sound and sweet.

a little more (もう少し) [名] a small additional amount

shake (揺さぶり) [名] an act of shaking

木の実を熟すためにもう少し日光を浴びれば、少年のせっかちな揺さぶりではなく、男の手がイガからそっと摘み取り、核の音と甘さを見つけるだろう。

If she suspected this, she would have shut up tight, and been more prickly than ever, fortunately she wasn’t thinking about herself, so when the time came, down she dropped.

shut up (口を閉ざす) [動] stop talking

もし彼女がこれを疑っていたら、彼女は口を閉ざし、これまで以上にとげとげしくなっていただろうが、幸いにも彼女は自分のことを考えていなかったので、時が来ると、彼女は落ちた。

Now, if she had been the heroine of a moral storybook, she ought at this period of her life to have become quite saintly, renounced the world, and gone about doing good in a mortified bonnet, with tracts in her pocket.

ought (~するはずだ) [助] used to express a moral obligation or a strong recommendation

saintly (聖人らしい) [形] having the qualities of a saint

world (世俗) [名] the earth and its inhabitants

good (善行) [名] that which is morally right

tract (小冊子) [名] a short printed treatise or pamphlet, especially on a religious or political subject

mortified (質素な) [形] feeling very embarrassed, ashamed, or humiliated

さて、もし彼女が道徳的な童話のヒロインだったなら、彼女は人生のこの時期にはかなり聖人らしくなっており、世俗を捨てて、ポケットに小冊子を入れて、質素なボンネットを被って善行を積み重ねていたはずだ。

But, you see, Jo wasn’t a heroine, she was only a struggling human girl like hundreds of others, and she just acted out her nature, being sad, cross, listless, or energetic, as the mood suggested.

しかし、ご存じのように、ジョーはヒロインではなく、他の何百人もの少女たちと同じように、もがき苦しむ人間の少女であり、気分次第で悲しみ、怒り、無気力、あるいはエネルギッシュに振る舞うという、自分の本性を演じていたにすぎない。

It’s highly virtuous to say we’ll be good, but we can’t do it all at once, and it takes a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull all together before some of us even get our feet set in the right way.

善い人間になると言うのは非常に高潔なことだが、一度にすべてを行うことはできないし、私たちの中には正しい道に足を踏み入れるまでに長い時間がかかり、強い力が必要で、みんなで力を合わせなければならない。

Jo had got so far, she was learning to do her duty, and to feel unhappy if she did not, but to do it cheerfully, ah, that was another thing!

get so far (ここまで来る) [動] reach a certain point

do not (怠る) [動] fail to do something

feel unhappy (不幸に感じる) [動] experience sadness or grief

another thing (別の事) [名] something different

ジョーはここまで来ていた、彼女は自分の義務を果たすことを学び、それを怠ると不幸に感じるようになったが、それを快く行うことは、ああ、それは別のことだ!

She had often said she wanted to do something splendid, no matter how hard, and now she had her wish, for what could be more beautiful than to devote her life to Father and Mother, trying to make home as happy to them as they had to her?

had (してくれた) [動] possess, own, or hold

彼女はどんなに難しくても何か素晴らしいことをしたいと言っていた、そして今、彼女は自分の願いを叶えた、なぜなら、自分の人生を父と母に捧げ、彼らが彼女にしてくれたように、彼らにとって家を幸せなものにする努力をすることよりも美しいことが何かあるだろうか?

And if difficulties were necessary to increase the splendor of the effort, what could be harder for a restless, ambitious girl than to give up her own hopes, plans, and desires, and cheerfully live for others?

そして、努力の素晴らしさを増すために困難が必要であるならば、落ち着きのない、野心的な少女にとって、自分の希望、計画、欲望を捨てて、他人のために快く生きることよりも難しいことがあるだろうか?

Providence had taken her at her word.

Providence (神) [名] God

take at one's word (真に受ける) [動] believe someone or something

神は彼女の言葉を真に受けた。

Here was the task, not what she had expected, but better because self had no part in it.

ここに仕事があった、彼女が期待していたことではなかったが、自分自身がそれに関与していないのでより良い。

Now, could she do it?

could (できるだろうか) [助] be able to; have the ability to

さて、彼女はそれをできるだろうか?

She decided that she would try, and in her first attempt she found the helps I have suggested.

彼女はやってみようと決心し、最初の試みで私が提案した助けを見つけた。

Still another was given her, and she took it, not as a reward, but as a comfort, as Christian took the refreshment afforded by the little arbor where he rested, as he climbed the hill called Difficulty.

still another (さらに別の) [名] an additional one

arbor (あずまや) [名] a garden feature forming a shaded walkway, usually made of wood or metal

それでもまた別のものが彼女に与えられ、彼女はそれを報酬としてではなく、慰めとして受け取った、クリスチャンが困難と呼ばれる丘を登ったとき、彼が休んだ小さなあずまやによって与えられた軽食を受け取ったように。

“Why don’t you write?

「なぜ書かないの?

That always used to make you happy,” said her mother once, when the desponding fit over-shadowed Jo.

over-shadow (覆う) [動] cast a shadow over

いつもそれで幸せそうだったよ」と、ジョーが絶望的な気持ちに覆われたとき、母親が言った。

“I’ve no heart to write, and if I had, nobody cares for my things.”

have no heart to (する気分じゃない) [動] not have the desire or courage to do something

if I had (もし書いたとしても) [接] on the condition or supposition that; in the event that

「書く気分じゃないし、もし書いたとしても誰も私の作品を気にかけてくれないよ」

“We do. Write something for us, and never mind the rest of the world. Try it, dear.

do (気にかける) [動] care about

「私たちは気にかけるよ。私たちのために何か書いて、他の世界なんて気にしないで。やってみなさい、あなた。

I’m sure it would do you good, and please us very much.”

きっとあなたにとっても良いことだし、私たちもとても喜ぶよ」

“Don’t believe I can.”

「できるとは思えないよ」

But Jo got out her desk and began to overhaul her half-finished manuscripts.

overhaul (調べる) [動] examine or inspect thoroughly and critically

しかし、ジョーは机を取り出し、書きかけの原稿を調べ始めた。

An hour afterward her mother peeped in and there she was, scratching away, with her black pinafore on, and an absorbed expression, which caused Mrs. March to smile and slip away, well pleased with the success of her suggestion.

an hour (一時間) [名] a period of time equal to 60 minutes

afterward (後) [副] later or after the event mentioned

scratch (書きなぐる) [動] write or draw something quickly and carelessly

away (夢中になって) [副] continuously or without interruption

absorbed (夢中になって) [形] deeply interested or involved

suggestion (提案) [名] a proposal offered for acceptance or rejection

一時間後、母親が覗いてみると、彼女は黒いエプロンを着て、夢中になって書きなぐっており、マーチ夫人は自分の提案が成功したことを喜んで微笑み、そっと立ち去った。

Jo never knew how it happened, but something got into that story that went straight to the hearts of those who read it, for when her family had laughed and cried over it, her father sent it, much against her will, to one of the popular magazines, and to her utter surprise, it was not only paid for, but others requested.

magazine (雑誌) [名] a periodical publication containing articles and illustrations

ジョーはどうしてそうなったのかはわからないが、その物語には何かが入り込んでいて、それを読んだ人の心に直接届いた。家族がそれを読んで笑ったり泣いたりしたとき、父親は彼女の意に反して、それを人気雑誌の一つに送り、彼女の驚いたことに、それは支払われただけでなく、他の雑誌にも依頼された。

Letters from several persons, whose praise was honor, followed the appearance of the little story, newspapers copied it, and strangers as well as friends admired it.

story (小説) [名] a tale or series of events

短編小説の登場に続いて、その賞賛が名誉である数人からの手紙が届き、新聞はそれを書き写し、友人だけでなく見知らぬ人もそれを賞賛した。

For a small thing it was a great success, and Jo was more astonished than when her novel was commended and condemned all at once.

for a small thing (小さなことではあったが) [副] despite being small

great success (大成功) [名] a very successful event or action

commend (賞賛する) [動] praise formally or officially

小さなことではあったが、それは大成功であり、ジョーは自分の小説が一度に賞賛され、非難されたときよりも驚いた。

“I don’t understand it.

「わからないよ。

What can there be in a simple little story like that to make people praise it so?” she said, quite bewildered.

あんな単純な短編小説に、人々がそんなに褒める要素なんて何があるんだい?」と彼女は困惑して言った。

“There is truth in it, Jo, that’s the secret.

「そこに真実があるんだよ、ジョー、それが秘密だ。

Humor and pathos make it alive, and you have found your style at last.

pathos (哀愁) [名] a quality that evokes pity or sadness

make it alive (生き生きとさせる) [動] make something more interesting or exciting

ユーモアと哀愁がそれを生き生きとさせ、君はついに自分のスタイルを見つけたんだ。

You wrote with no thoughts of fame and money, and put your heart into it, my daughter.

put one's heart into (心を込める) [動] to do something with great effort or care

娘よ、君は名声やお金のことを考えずに書き、それに心を込めたんだ。

You have had the bitter, now comes the sweet.

苦い経験をしたのだから、今度は甘い経験が来る。

Do your best, and grow as happy as we are in your success.”

ベストを尽くして、私たちが君の成功を喜んでいるのと同じくらい幸せになっておくれ。」

“If there is anything good or true in what I write, it isn’t mine.

「私の書いたものに何か良いことや真実があるとしたら、それは私のものではない。

I owe it all to you and Mother and Beth,” said Jo, more touched by her father’s words than by any amount of praise from the world.

owe (おかげである) [動] be in debt to

全てはパパとママとベスのおかげです」とジョーは言い、世間からのどんな賞賛よりも父の言葉に感動した。

So taught by love and sorrow, Jo wrote her little stories, and sent them away to make friends for themselves and her, finding it a very charitable world to such humble wanderers, for they were kindly welcomed, and sent home comfortable tokens to their mother, like dutiful children whom good fortune overtakes.

charitable (慈悲深い) [形] generous in giving money, time, help, etc., to others

wanderer (放浪者) [名] a person who travels aimlessly; a nomad

token (印) [名] a thing serving as a visible or tangible representation of a fact, quality, feeling, etc.

overtake (恵まれる) [動] catch up with and pass while traveling in the same direction

愛と悲しみに教えられて、ジョーは短編小説を書き、自分と家族のために友人を作るために送り出し、そのような謙虚な放浪者にとって世界はとても慈悲深いことを知り、彼らは親切に歓迎され、幸運に恵まれた孝行な子供たちのように、母親に心地よい印を送り返した。

When Amy and Laurie wrote of their engagement, Mrs. March feared that Jo would find it difficult to rejoice over it, but her fears were soon set at rest, for though Jo looked grave at first, she took it very quietly, and was full of hopes and plans for ‘the children’ before she read the letter twice.

エイミーとローリーが婚約したことを書いてきたとき、マーチ夫人はジョーがそれを喜ぶのは難しいだろうと心配したが、ジョーは最初は深刻そうに見えたが、とても静かに受け止め、手紙を二度読む前に「子供たち」への希望と計画でいっぱいだったので、彼女の心配はすぐに解消された。

It was a sort of written duet, wherein each glorified the other in loverlike fashion, very pleasant to read and satisfactory to think of, for no one had any objection to make.

sort of (一種の) [副] to some extent; to a certain degree

written (書簡による) [形] expressed in writing

duet (二重奏曲) [名] a musical composition for two performers

wherein (それぞれが) [副] in which

glorified (賛美しており) [動] praise or honor

loverlike (恋人のように) [形] resembling a lover

それは一種の書簡による二重奏曲で、それぞれが恋人のように相手を賛美しており、読むのも楽しく、考えるのも満足のいくものだった。

“You like it, Mother?” said Jo, as they laid down the closely written sheets and looked at one another.

「気に入った、ママ?」とジョーは言い、びっしりと書かれた紙を置いて、お互いに顔を見合わせた。

“Yes, I hoped it would be so, ever since Amy wrote that she had refused Fred.

ever since (以来) [副] from the time that

「そうね、エイミーがフレッドを断ったと書いてきた時から、そうなればいいと思っていたよ。

I felt sure then that something better than what you call the ‘mercenary spirit’ had come over her, and a hint here and there in her letters made me suspect that love and Laurie would win the day.”

mercenary spirit (金銭欲) [名] a desire for money

win the day (勝利を収める) [動] be successful

その時、あなたが言うところの「金銭欲」よりも良い何かが彼女に降りかかってきたと確信したし、彼女の手紙の中のほのめかしから、愛とローリーが勝利を収めるのではないかと疑ったのよ。」

“How sharp you are, Marmee, and how silent!

「ママはなんて鋭くて、なんて口が堅いの!

You never said a word to me.”

私には一言も言わなかったよ。」

“Mothers have need of sharp eyes and discreet tongues when they have girls to manage.

have need of (必要である) [動] require

「娘を育てるには、母親には鋭い目と慎重な舌が必要よ。

I was half afraid to put the idea into your head, lest you should write and congratulate them before the thing was settled.”

put the idea into one's head (考えを吹き込む) [動] to make someone think of something

事が決まる前に手紙を書いて祝福したりしないように、あなたにその考えを吹き込むのを半分恐れていたのよ。」

“I’m not the scatterbrain I was.

scatterbrain (おっちょこちょい) [名] a careless, forgetful, or unsystematic person

「私はもう以前のようなおっちょこちょいではないよ。

You may trust me.

私を信頼してもいいよ。

I’m sober and sensible enough for anyone’s confidante now.”

confidante (相談相手) [名] a person with whom one shares a secret or private matter, trusting them not to repeat it to others

今は誰の相談相手にもなれるくらい落ち着いていて分別があるよ。」

“So you are, my dear, and I should have made you mine, only I fancied it might pain you to learn that your Teddy loved someone else.”

should have (するべきだった) [助] expressing a past obligation or duty

pain (苦しめる) [動] cause mental or emotional suffering to

「そうね、あなたはそうね、そして私はあなたを私のものにするべきだった、ただ私はあなたのテディが他の誰かを愛していることを知ることがあなたを苦しめるかもしれないと思ったの。」

“Now, Mother, did you really think I could be so silly and selfish, after I’d refused his love, when it was freshest, if not best?”

「ねえ、ママ、彼の愛が最高ではないにしても最も新鮮だった時にそれを拒んだ後で、私がそんなに愚かで利己的になれると本当に思ったの?」

“I knew you were sincere then, Jo, but lately I have thought that if he came back, and asked again, you might perhaps, feel like giving another answer.

「その時のあなたが誠実だったのは分かっていたよ、ジョー、でも最近、もし彼が戻ってきて、もう一度尋ねたら、あなたはもしかしたら、別の答えをしたい気持ちになるかもしれないと思ったの。

Forgive me, dear, I can’t help seeing that you are very lonely, and sometimes there is a hungry look in your eyes that goes to my heart.

許してね、あなた、あなたがとても孤独なのを見ずにはいられないの、そして時々あなたの目に私の心を打つ飢えたような表情があるのよ。

So I fancied that your boy might fill the empty place if he tried now.”

だから私はあなたの男の子が今試みたらその空の場所を埋めてくれるかもしれないと思ったの。」

“No, Mother, it is better as it is, and I’m glad Amy has learned to love him.

as it is (今のままで) [副] in the current state

「いいえ、ママ、今のままでいいの、それにエイミーが彼を愛するようになったのは嬉しいよ。

But you are right in one thing.

でも一つだけ正しいことがあるよ。

I am lonely, and perhaps if Teddy had tried again,

私は孤独よ、そしてもしテディがもう一度試みたら、

I might have said ‘Yes’, not because I love him any more, but because I care more to be loved than when he went away.”

私は「はい」と言ったかもしれない、彼を愛しているからではなく、彼が去ったときよりも愛されることを気にかけるようになったから。」

“I’m glad of that, Jo, for it shows that you are getting on.

show (示している) [動] be an indication of

「それは嬉しいよ、ジョー、それはあなたが成長していることを示しているよ。

There are plenty to love you, so try to be satisfied with Father and Mother, sisters and brothers, friends and babies, till the best lover of all comes to give you your reward.”

あなたを愛する人はたくさんいるよ、だから父と母、姉妹と兄弟、友人と赤ちゃんに満足するようにしなさい、すべての最高の恋人があなたに報酬を与えるまで。」

“Mothers are the best lovers in the world, but I don’t mind whispering to Marmee that I’d like to try all kinds.

mind (かまわない) [動] be bothered or worried by

「母親は世界で最高の恋人だ、でも私はママにあらゆる種類を試してみたいことを囁いてもかまわない。

It’s very curious, but the more I try to satisfy myself with all sorts of natural affections, the more I seem to want.

とても不思議なことだけど、あらゆる種類の自然な愛情で自分を満足させようとすればするほど、もっと欲しくなるみたい。

I’d no idea hearts could take in so many.

take in (取り込む) [動] to understand or absorb something

so many (そんなに多く) [副] a large number of people or things

心がそんなに多くを取り込めるなんて知らなかった。

Mine is so elastic, it never seems full now, and I used to be quite contented with my family.

elastic (弾力性がある) [形] able to return to normal shape after being stretched or squeezed

be contented with (~に満足している) [動] be happy with

私の心はとても弾力性があって、今は決して満たされているようには思えない、そして私は家族にとても満足していた。

I don’t understand it.”

理解できないよ。」

“I do,” and Mrs. March smiled her wise smile, as Jo turned back the leaves to read what Amy said of Laurie.

turn back (めくる) [動] to move something so that it is facing the opposite direction

「私はわかるよ」とマーチ夫人は賢い笑みを浮かべ、ジョーはページをめくってエイミーがローリーについて言ったことを読んだ。

“It is so beautiful to be loved as Laurie loves me.

「ローリーが私を愛してくれているように愛されるのはとても素晴らしいこと。

He isn’t sentimental, doesn’t say much about it, but I see and feel it in all he says and does, and it makes me so happy and so humble that I don’t seem to be the same girl I was.

humble (謙虚) [形] having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance

彼は感傷的ではないし、あまりそれについて話さないけれど、私は彼の言うことやすることすべてにそれを見たり感じたりするし、それは私をとても幸せにし、とても謙虚にするので、私は以前と同じ女の子ではないよう。

I never knew how good and generous and tender he was till now, for he lets me read his heart, and I find it full of noble impulses and hopes and purposes, and am so proud to know it’s mine.

彼がどれほど善良で寛大で優しい人か今まで知らなかったよ、だって彼は私に心の中を読ませてくれるし、私はそれが高貴な衝動と希望と目的に満ちているのを見つけて、それが私のものだと知ってとても誇りに思うの。

He says he feels as if he ‘could make a prosperous voyage now with me aboard as mate, and lots of love for ballast’.

make a prosperous voyage (順風満帆の航海をする) [動] have a successful journey by sea

mate (伴侶) [名] a partner in a marriage or other relationship

ballast (積み荷) [名] a heavy substance that is placed in the bottom of a ship to make it more stable

彼は「私を伴侶として乗船させ、たくさんの愛を積み荷にすれば、今すぐにでも順風満帆の航海ができる」と感じていると言う。

I pray he may, and try to be all he believes me, for I love my gallant captain with all my heart and soul and might, and never will desert him, while God lets us be together.

私は彼がそうしてくれるように祈り、彼が信じている私であるように努力する、だって私は私の勇敢な船長を心から愛しているし、神が私たちを一緒にさせてくれる限り、彼を捨てることは決してない。

Oh, Mother, I never knew how much like heaven this world could be, when two people love and live for one another!”

this world (この世界) [名] the earth and all its inhabitants

could be (ありうる) [助] be possible or likely

love (愛し合う) [動] feel a deep or constant affection for

ああ、ママ、二人が愛し合い、互いのために生きるとき、この世界がどれほど天国に似ているか知らなかったよ!」

“And that’s our cool, reserved, and worldly Amy!

reserved (控えめな) [形] showing or feeling restraint in one's behavior

「そしてそれが私たちの冷静で控えめで世俗的なエイミー!

Truly, love does work miracles.

本当に、愛は奇跡を起こす。

How very, very happy they must be!”

how very (どんなに) [副] to a very great degree

彼らはどんなに幸せだろう!」

and Jo laid the rustling sheets together with a careful hand, as one might shut the covers of a lovely romance, which holds the reader fast till the end comes, and he finds himself alone in the workaday world again.

rustling (さらさらと音を立てる) [形] making a light, dry, and repeated sound

fast (最後まで) [副] firmly or securely

workaday (日常の) [形] ordinary or routine

そしてジョーは、読者を最後まで引きつけ、読み終えるとまた日常の世界に一人ぼっちだと気づかせる素敵な恋愛小説の表紙を閉じるように、さらさらと音を立てる紙を注意深く重ねた。

By-and-by Jo roamed away upstairs, for it was rainy, and she could not walk.

roam (さまよう) [動] move about aimlessly or unsystematically

rainy (雨が降っている) [形] characterized by rain

やがてジョーは二階にさまよい出た、雨が降っていたので散歩には行けなかった。

A restless spirit possessed her, and the old feeling came again, not bitter as it once was, but a sorrowfully patient wonder why one sister should have all she asked, the other nothing.

once (以前) [副] at some earlier time

落ち着かない気持ちが彼女を支配し、昔の気持ちが戻ってきた、以前のような苦々しさではなく、なぜ一人の妹は望むものをすべて手に入れ、もう一人は何も手に入らないのか、悲しみに耐えながら不思議に思う気持ちだった。

It was not true, she knew that and tried to put it away, but the natural craving for affection was strong, and Amy’s happiness woke the hungry longing for someone to ‘love with heart and soul, and cling to while God let them be together’.

be not true (真実ではない) [動] be false

craving (欲求) [名] a powerful desire for something

それは真実ではなかった、彼女はそれを知っていて、それを捨てようとしたが、愛情に対する自然な欲求は強く、エイミーの幸せは誰かを「心と魂を込めて愛し、神が一緒にいさせてくれる限りしがみつく」ことを切望させた。

Up in the garret, where Jo’s unquiet wanderings ended stood four little wooden chests in a row, each marked with its owners name, and each filled with relics of the childhood and girlhood ended now for all.

mark (記す) [動] indicate, show, or represent with a sign or symbol

childhood (子供時代) [名] the state or period of being a child

girlhood (少女時代) [名] the state or period of being a girl

ジョーの落ち着かない放浪が終わった屋根裏部屋には、四つの小さな木製の箱が一列に並んでいて、それぞれに持ち主の名前が記され、それぞれが今やすべて終わった子供時代と少女時代の遺品でいっぱいだった。

Jo glanced into them, and when she came to her own, leaned her chin on the edge, and stared absently at the chaotic collection, till a bundle of old exercise books caught her eye.

edge (端) [名] the outside limit of an object

absently (無意識に) [副] without thinking

collection (コレクション) [名] a group of objects

ジョーは箱の中をちらっと見て、自分の箱のところまで来ると、箱の端に顎を乗せて、無意識に混沌としたコレクションを眺めていたが、古い練習帳の束が目に留まった。

She drew them out, turned them over, and relived that pleasant winter at kind Mrs. Kirke’s.

draw out (取り出す) [動] to take or pull out

relive (思い出す) [動] to experience again

彼女はそれらを取り出し、ページをめくって、親切なカーク夫人の家で過ごしたあの楽しい冬を思い出した。

She had smiled at first, then she looked thoughtful, next sad, and when she came to a little message written in the Professor’s hand, her lips began to tremble, the books slid out of her lap, and she sat looking at the friendly words, as they took a new meaning, and touched a tender spot in her heart.

slide (滑り落ちる) [動] move or cause to move smoothly and quickly

take (持つ) [動] lay hold of (something) with one's hands; reach for and hold

彼女は最初は微笑んでいたが、それから物思いにふけり、次に悲しそうな顔になり、教授の手書きの短いメッセージを見つけると、唇が震え始め、本が膝から滑り落ち、友好的な言葉が新しい意味を持ち、心の優しい部分に触れたので、彼女は座ってその言葉を眺めていた。

“Wait for me, my friend.

「待ってて、友よ。

I may be a little late, but I shall surely come.”

少し遅れるかもしれないが、必ず行く」

“Oh, if he only would!

would (してくれれば) [助] used to express a wish or request

「ああ、そうしてくれれば!

So kind, so good, so patient with me always, my dear old Fritz.

Fritz (フリッツ) [名] a male given name

いつも私にとても優しく、とてもよくしてくれ、とても忍耐強い、私の愛するフリッツ。

I didn’t value him half enough when I had him, but now how I should love to see him, for everyone seems going away from me, and I’m all alone.”

go away (離れていく) [動] move or travel from a place

彼がいた頃は彼の価値を半分もわかっていなかったけど、今は彼に会いたいと思うよ、みんな私から離れていくみたいで、私は一人ぼっちだもの」

And holding the little paper fast, as if it were a promise yet to be fulfilled, Jo laid her head down on a comfortable rag bag, and cried, as if in opposition to the rain pattering on the roof.

hold fast (握りしめる) [動] to hold something tightly

fulfill (果たす) [動] to bring to completion

rag (ぼろ布) [名] a piece of old cloth, especially one torn from a larger piece

patter (打つ) [動] to make a light, quick tapping sound

そして、まだ果たされていない約束であるかのように小さな紙をしっかりと握りしめて、ジョーは頭を心地よいぼろ布の袋に横たえ、屋根を打つ雨に反対するかのように泣いた。

Was it all self-pity, loneliness, or low spirits?

self-pity (自己憐憫) [名] a feeling of sorrow for oneself

low spirits (落ち込んだ気分) [名] a state of depression

それはすべて自己憐憫、孤独、あるいは落ち込んだ気分だったのか?

Or was it the waking up of a sentiment which had bided its time as patiently as its inspirer?

それとも、その感情を抱かせた人と同じくらい忍耐強く時を待っていた感情の目覚めだったのか?

Who shall say?

誰が言えるだろう?

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE: SURPRISES

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE (第43章) [名] a division of a book

SURPRISES (驚き) [名] something that is unexpected or surprising

第43章驚き

Jo was alone in the twilight, lying on the old sofa, looking at the fire, and thinking.

ジョーは夕暮れ時に一人で古いソファに横たわり、火を見つめながら考えていた。

It was her favorite way of spending the hour of dusk.

それは彼女の夕暮れの時間の過ごし方だった。

No one disturbed her, and she used to lie there on Beth’s little red pillow, planning stories, dreaming dreams, or thinking tender thoughts of the sister who never seemed far away.

誰も彼女を邪魔しなかったし、彼女はベスの小さな赤い枕に横たわり、物語を計画したり、夢を見たり、遠くにいるようには思えない妹の優しい考えを考えたりしていた。

Her face looked tired, grave, and rather sad, for tomorrow was her birthday, and she was thinking how fast the years went by, how old she was getting, and how little she seemed to have accomplished.

彼女の顔は疲れ、深刻で、悲しそうに見えた。明日は彼女の誕生日で、彼女は年月がどれほど早く過ぎ去り、どれほど年をとったか、そしてどれほど成し遂げたことが少ないように思えたかを考えていた。

Almost twenty-five, and nothing to show for it.

show (成し遂げる) [動] to be evidence of

もうすぐ25歳になるというのに、何も成し遂げていない。

Jo was mistaken in that.

ジョーは間違っていた。

There was a good deal to show, and by-and-by she saw, and was grateful for it.

示すべきことはたくさんあり、やがて彼女はそれを見て感謝した。

“An old maid, that’s what I’m to be.

that's what I'm to be (それが私の運命だ) [名] that is my destiny

「老婆、それが私の運命だ。

A literary spinster, with a pen for a spouse, a family of stories for children, and twenty years hence a morsel of fame, perhaps, when, like poor Johnson, I’m old and can’t enjoy it, solitary, and can’t share it, independent, and don’t need it.

twenty years (20年) [名] a period of time equal to twenty calendar years

hence (それゆえ) [副] for this reason

Johnson (ジョンソン) [名] a surname of English and Scottish origin

文学の独身女性、配偶者にはペン、子供には物語の家族、そして20年後には、おそらく、哀れなジョンソンのように、私が年老いてそれを楽しめず、孤独で、それを分かち合えず、自立して、それを必要としないときに、名声のかけらを得る。

Well, I needn’t be a sour saint nor a selfish sinner, and, I dare say, old maids are very comfortable when they get used to it, but...”

まあ、私は酸っぱい聖人でも利己的な罪人である必要はない、そして、あえて言うが、老婆はそれに慣れればとても快適だが、しかし・・・」

and there Jo sighed, as if the prospect was not inviting.

そして、ジョーは、その見通しが魅力的でないかのようにため息をついた。

It seldom is, at first, and thirty seems the end of all things to five-and-twenty.

thirty (30歳) [名] the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three

最初はめったにそうは思えないし、30歳は25歳にとってすべての終わりのように思える。

But it’s not as bad as it looks, and one can get on quite happily if one has something in one’s self to fall back upon.

fall back upon (頼る) [動] to have recourse to

しかし、見た目ほど悪くはない、そして、頼れる何かを自分の中に持っていれば、人は幸せにやっていける。

At twenty-five, girls begin to talk about being old maids, but secretly resolve that they never will be.

25歳になると、女の子たちは老婆になることを話し始めるが、決してそうはならないことを密かに決意する。

At thirty they say nothing about it, but quietly accept the fact, and if sensible, console themselves by remembering that they have twenty more useful, happy years, in which they may be learning to grow old gracefully.

30歳になると、彼女たちはそれについて何も言わないが、静かに事実を受け入れる、そして、賢明であれば、優雅に年をとることを学ぶことができる、さらに20の有用で幸せな年があることを思い出して自分を慰める。

Don’t laugh at the spinsters, dear girls, for often very tender, tragic romances are hidden away in the hearts that beat so quietly under the sober gowns, and many silent sacrifices of youth, health, ambition, love itself, make the faded faces beautiful in God’s sight.

hide away (隠す) [動] to put or keep out of sight; conceal

独身女性を笑わないで、愛する娘たちよ、なぜなら、しばしばとても優しく、悲劇的なロマンスが地味なドレスの下でとても静かに鼓動する心の中に隠されているからだ、そして、若さ、健康、野心、愛そのものの多くの沈黙の犠牲が、神の目には色あせた顔を美しくする。

Even the sad, sour sisters should be kindly dealt with, because they have missed the sweetest part of life, if for no other reason.

deal with (扱う) [動] take care of

悲しく、すっぱい姉妹でさえ、他の理由がなければ、人生の最も甘い部分を逃してしまったので、親切に扱われるべきである。

And looking at them with compassion, not contempt, girls in their bloom should remember that they too may miss the blossom time.

bloom (花盛り) [名] the state or time of flowering

blossom (花) [名] the flower of a plant

そして、軽蔑ではなく、思いやりをもって彼女たちを見つめ、花盛りの少女たちは、自分たちも花の時期を逃すかもしれないことを思い出すべきである。

That rosy cheeks don’t last forever, that silver threads will come in the bonnie brown hair, and that, by-and-by, kindness and respect will be as sweet as love and admiration now.

silver (銀色の) [形] of a color like that of silver

thread (糸) [名] a long, thin piece of cotton, nylon, or other material used in sewing or weaving

バラ色の頬は永遠に続かず、銀色の糸が美しい茶色の髪に現れ、やがて優しさと尊敬が今のような愛と賞賛と同じくらい甘くなるだろう。

Gentlemen, which means boys, be courteous to the old maids, no matter how poor and plain and prim, for the only chivalry worth having is that which is the readiest to pay deference to the old, protect the feeble, and serve womankind, regardless of rank, age, or color.

courteous (礼儀正しい) [形] polite and respectful

chivalry (騎士道) [名] the medieval institution of knighthood

pay deference to (敬う) [動] show respect for

old (老人) [名] a person who is of advanced age

feeble (弱者) [形] lacking in physical strength

serve (奉仕する) [動] perform duties or services for

rank (身分) [名] a position or grade in the armed forces

紳士たち、つまり少年たちよ、どんなに貧しく、地味で、堅苦しくても、老婆には礼儀正しくあれ、なぜなら、持つ価値のある唯一の騎士道とは、身分、年齢、肌の色に関係なく、老人を敬い、弱者を守り、女性に奉仕する心構えであるからだ。

Just recollect the good aunts who have not only lectured and fussed, but nursed and petted, too often without thanks, the scrapes they have helped you out of, the tips they have given you from their small store, the stitches the patient old fingers have set for you, the steps the willing old feet have taken, and gratefully pay the dear old ladies the little attentions that women love to receive as long as they live.

fuss (騒ぐ) [動] make a fuss

too often (あまりにもしばしば) [副] very often

tip (ヒント) [名] a small but useful piece of advice

set (縫う) [動] sew

説教したり、騒いだりしただけでなく、看病したり、かわいがったりしてくれた、あまりにも感謝されることの少ない善良な叔母さんたちを思い出してほしい、彼女たちがあなたを助けてくれた困難、彼女たちが小さな店からあなたにくれたヒント、忍耐強い老いた指があなたのために縫った針目、喜んで老いた足が踏み出した歩み、そして、女性が生きている限り受けることを愛する小さな心遣いを、感謝の気持ちを込めて、親愛なる老婦人たちに支払ってほしい。

The bright-eyed girls are quick to see such traits, and will like you all the better for them, and if death, almost the only power that can part mother and son, should rob you of yours, you will be sure to find a tender welcome and maternal cherishing from some Aunt Priscilla, who has kept the warmest corner of her lonely old heart for ‘the best nevvy in the world’.

bright-eyed (目が輝いている) [形] having bright eyes

cherish (愛情) [動] hold something dear

Aunt Priscilla (プリシラおばさん) [名] a woman who is the sister of one's mother or father

目が輝いている少女たちは、そのような特徴をすぐに見抜き、あなたをより好きになるだろうし、母と息子を引き離すことができるほとんど唯一の力である死が、あなたから母を奪ったとしても、あなたはきっと、孤独な老いた心の最も暖かい一角を「世界で一番の甥っ子」のために残しておいてくれたプリシラおばさんから、優しい歓迎と母性的な愛情を受けることになるだろう。

Jo must have fallen asleep (as I dare say my reader has during this little homily), for suddenly Laurie’s ghost seemed to stand before her, a substantial, lifelike ghost, leaning over her with the very look he used to wear when he felt a good deal and didn’t like to show it.

substantial (実体のある) [形] of considerable importance, size, or worth

lifelike (生きているような) [形] very like a real person or thing

ジョーは眠ってしまったに違いない(この短い説教の間に読者も眠ってしまったと思うが)、突然ローリーの幽霊が彼女の前に立ったように見え、実体のある、生きているような幽霊が、彼がよく感じていたがそれを表に出さないようにしていたときの表情で彼女の上に身を乗り出していた。

But, like Jenny in the ballad...

ballad (バラード) [名] a slow, sentimental song

しかし、バラードのジェニーのように...

“She could not think it he,”

「彼女は彼だとは思えなかった」

and lay staring up at him in startled silence, till he stooped and kissed her.

彼がかがんで彼女にキスするまで、驚いた沈黙の中で彼を見つめていた。

Then she knew him, and flew up, crying joyfully...

すると彼女は彼だと分かり、飛び起きて嬉しそうに叫んだ。

“Oh my Teddy! Oh my Teddy!”

「ああ、テディ! ああ、テディ!」

“Dear Jo, you are glad to see me, then?”

「ジョー、私に会えて嬉しいのかい?」

“Glad! My blessed boy, words can’t express my gladness. Where’s Amy?”

gladness (喜び) [名] a feeling of great happiness

「嬉しい! 私の愛する少年、言葉では私の喜びを表現できないよ。エイミーはどこ?」

“Your mother has got her down at Meg’s.

「お母さんがメグのところに連れて行ったよ。

We stopped there by the way, and there was no getting my wife out of their clutches.”

get (引き離す) [動] move or cause to move from one place to another

clutch (手) [名] a hand

途中でそこに寄ったんだが、妻を彼らの手から引き離すことができなかったんだ。」

“Your what?” cried Jo, for Laurie uttered those two words with an unconscious pride and satisfaction which betrayed him.

「あなたの何?」とジョーは叫んだ。ローリーがその二つの言葉を無意識の誇りと満足感をもって発したため、彼の秘密がばれてしまったのだ。

“Oh, the dickens! Now I’ve done it,” and he looked so guilty that Jo was down on him like a flash.

dickens (なんてことだ) [名] the devil

I've done it (やってしまった) [動] to have finished doing something

down on (問い詰める) [動] to criticize or scold someone

「ああ、なんてことだ! やってしまった」彼は罪悪感に満ちた顔をしたので、ジョーは電光石火の速さで彼を問い詰めた。

“You’ve gone and got married!”

go and (する) [動] do something foolish or annoying

get married (結婚する) [動] enter into a marriage

「結婚したんだ!」

“Yes, please, but I never will again,” and he went down upon his knees, with a penitent clasping of hands, and a face full of mischief, mirth, and triumph.

upon (~の上に) [前] on the surface of

clasping (握り) [名] a tight hold or grip

mirth (陽気) [名] amusement or laughter

「はい、お願いします。でも二度としません」彼は悔い改めたように手を握り、いたずら、陽気、勝利に満ちた顔でひざまずいた。

“Actually married?”

「本当に結婚したの?」

“Very much so, thank you.”

「とても、ありがとう」

“Mercy on us. What dreadful thing will you do next?”

「なんてことだ。次はどんな恐ろしいことをするつもり?」

and Jo fell into her seat with a gasp.

fall into (座る) [動] sit down

ジョーは息を切らして席に座った。

“A characteristic, but not exactly complimentary, congratulation,” returned Laurie, still in an abject attitude, but beaming with satisfaction.

characteristic (特徴的) [形] being a feature or quality belonging typically to a person, place, or thing and serving to identify it

still (相変わらず) [副] even now or at this time; yet

「特徴的だが、あまりお世辞にはならないお祝いの言葉だね」ローリーは相変わらず卑屈な態度だったが、満足そうに笑顔を浮かべた。

“What can you expect, when you take one’s breath away, creeping in like a burglar, and letting cats out of bags like that?

creep in (忍び込む) [動] to move slowly and quietly, as if trying not to be noticed

burglar (泥棒) [名] a person who breaks into a building and steals things

let the cat out of the bag (秘密を打ち明ける) [動] to reveal a secret

「泥棒のように忍び込んで、息もつかせないうちに、そんな風に秘密を打ち明けたら、どんな反応を期待するのよ?

Get up, you ridiculous boy, and tell me all about it.”

起きなさい、このばかげた子、そして全部話しなさい」

“Not a word, unless you let me come in my old place, and promise not to barricade.”

「私の昔の場所に入れてくれなくて、バリケードしないと約束してくれない限り、一言も言わない」

Jo laughed at that as she had not done for many a long day, and patted the sofa invitingly, as she said in a cordial tone, “The old pillow is up garret, and we don’t need it now.

ジョーは久しぶりに笑い、ソファを誘うように軽く叩きながら、心からの口調で言った、「古い枕は屋根裏部屋にあるし、今は必要ない。

So, come and ’fess, Teddy.”

だから、来て、告白して、テディ」

“How good it sounds to hear you say ‘Teddy’!

「あなたが「テディ」と言うのを聞くと、なんていい響きだろう!

No one ever calls me that but you,” and Laurie sat down with an air of great content.

あなた以外に誰も私をそう呼ばない」とローリーは満足そうに腰を下ろした。

“What does Amy call you?”

「エイミーはあなたを何と呼んでいるの?」

“My lord.”

「私の主」

“That’s like her.

「彼女らしいよね。

Well, you look it,” and Jo’s eye plainly betrayed that she found her boy comelier than ever.

comely (魅力的) [形] pleasant to look at

まあ、そう見えるよ」そしてジョーの目は、彼女の少年がこれまで以上に魅力的だと感じたことをはっきりと裏切った。

The pillow was gone, but there was a barricade, nevertheless, a natural one, raised by time, absence, and change of heart.

change of heart (心変わり) [名] a change of opinion or feeling

枕はなくなっていたが、それでも、時間、不在、心の変化によって生じた自然なバリケードがあった。

Both felt it, and for a minute looked at one another as if that invisible barrier cast a little shadow over them.

for a minute (しばらくの間) [副] for a short period of time

barrier (障壁) [名] something that prevents or hinders

cast (落とす) [動] throw or fling with force

二人ともそれを感じ、その見えない障壁が彼らに小さな影を落とすように、しばらくの間お互いを見つめた。

It was gone directly however, for Laurie said, with a vain attempt at dignity...

しかし、それはすぐに消えてしまった。ローリーは尊厳を保とうと無駄な努力をしながら言った。

“Don’t I look like a married man and the head of a family?”

married (既婚者) [形] being in a state of marriage

「私は既婚者で一家の主のように見えないかい?」

“Not a bit, and you never will.

「全然、そしてこれからもそうは見えないでしょう。

You’ve grown bigger and bonnier, but you are the same scapegrace as ever.”

bonnie (きれい) [形] physically attractive

same (相変わらずの) [形] identical; not different

scapegrace (ろくでなし) [名] a mischievous person

あなたは大きくてきれいになったけど、相変わらずのろくでなしね。」

“Now really, Jo, you ought to treat me with more respect,” began Laurie, who enjoyed it all immensely.

「おい、ジョー、もっと敬意を払って扱ってくれよ」とローリーは言い始めたが、彼はそれをとても楽しんでいた。

“How can I, when the mere idea of you, married and settled, is so irresistibly funny that I can’t keep sober!” answered Jo, smiling all over her face, so infectiously that they had another laugh, and then settled down for a good talk, quite in the pleasant old fashion.

how can I (どうして) [他] how is it possible for me to

「結婚して落ち着くなんて、考えただけでもおかしくて、真面目な顔なんてできないよ!」とジョーは答え、顔全体に笑みを浮かべたので、二人はまた笑い、それから昔のように落ち着いて話し込んだ。

“It’s no use your going out in the cold to get Amy, for they are all coming up presently. I couldn’t wait.

no use (意味がない) [名] no good purpose or result

get (迎える) [動] go to a place and bring someone or something back

「エイミーを迎えに寒い中出かけるのは意味がないよ、みんなすぐに上がってくるから。待てなかったんだ。

I wanted to be the one to tell you the grand surprise, and have ‘first skim’ as we used to say when we squabbled about the cream.”

skim (ひとすくい) [動] remove a layer of cream or fat from the surface of a liquid

私がこの素晴らしいサプライズをあなたに伝えたかったし、クリームのことで言い争ったときによく言っていたように「最初のひとすくい」をしたいと思ったんだ。」

“Of course you did, and spoiled your story by beginning at the wrong end.

「もちろんそうよ、そして間違った端から始めることであなたの話を台無しにしたのよ。

Now, start right, and tell me how it all happened.

さあ、正しく始めなさい、そして全てがどう起こったか私に話してちょうだい。

I’m pining to know.”

知りたくてたまらないよ。」

“Well, I did it to please Amy,” began Laurie, with a twinkle that made Jo exclaim...

「ええと、私はエイミーを喜ばせるためにそれをしたんだ」とローリーはジョーが叫ぶようなきらめきとともに始めた。

“Fib number one. Amy did it to please you.

number one (1つ目) [名] the first in a series

「嘘の1つ目。エイミーはあなたを喜ばせるためにそれをしたのよ。

Go on, and tell the truth, if you can, sir.”

続けて、できるなら真実を言ってください。」

“Now she’s beginning to marm it.

marm (教師ぶる) [動] to speak in a pompous or pretentious manner

「今、彼女はそれを教師ぶって言い始めている。

Isn’t it jolly to hear her?” said Laurie to the fire, and the fire glowed and sparkled as if it quite agreed.

sparkle (きらめく) [動] shine brightly with flashes of light

彼女の話を聞くのは楽しいだろう?」とローリーは火に向かって言い、火はまるで同意するかのように輝き、きらめいた。

“It’s all the same, you know, she and I being one.

all the same (同じこと) [副] nevertheless; in spite of that

you know (わかるでしょう) [間] used to express that the speaker assumes that the listener knows something

「彼女と私は一つだから、それは同じことよ。

We planned to come home with the Carrols, a month or more ago, but they suddenly changed their minds, and decided to pass another winter in Paris.

a month or more ago (1ヶ月以上前) [名] a period of time equal to or greater than 30 days

another (もう一) [形] an additional one of the same type

私たちは1ヶ月以上前にキャロル家と一緒に帰国する予定だったが、彼らは急に考えを変えて、パリでもう一冬過ごすことにした。

But Grandpa wanted to come home.

しかし、おじいちゃんは帰りたがった。

He went to please me, and I couldn’t let him go alone, neither could I leave Amy, and Mrs. Carrol had got English notions about chaperons and such nonsense, and wouldn’t let Amy come with us.

go to please (喜ばせるために行く) [動] go with the intention of pleasing

come with (一緒に行く) [動] accompany

彼は私を喜ばせるために行ってくれたのに、私は彼を一人で行かせるわけにもいかず、エイミーを置いていくわけにもいかず、キャロル夫人はイギリス式の考えで、シャペロンやそんなナンセンスなことにこだわり、エイミーを私たちと一緒に行かせてくれなかった。

So I just settled the difficulty by saying, ‘Let’s be married, and then we can do as we like’.”

difficulty (問題) [名] a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution

だから私は「結婚しましょう、そうすれば好きなようにできる」と言って、この問題を解決したのです」

“Of course you did.

「もちろんそうしたよ。

You always have things to suit you.”

あなたはいつも自分に合ったものを持っているよ」

“Not always,” and something in Laurie’s voice made Jo say hastily...

not always (いつもではない) [副] not on every occasion

「いつもではない」ローリーの声の何かがジョーに急いで言わせ、

“How did you ever get Aunt to agree?”

「どうやっておばさんに同意させたの?」

“It was hard work, but between us, we talked her over, for we had heaps of good reasons on our side.

between us (私たちの間で) [前] in the space that separates two people or things

talk over (説得する) [動] persuade someone to do something

good reason (正当な理由) [名] a reason that is sufficient to justify an action or decision

「大変だったけど、私たちの側にはたくさんの正当な理由があったから、私たちの間で彼女を説得したんだ。

There wasn’t time to write and ask leave, but you all liked it, had consented to it by-and-by, and it was only ‘taking time by the fetlock’, as my wife says.”

手紙を書いて許可を求める時間はなかったが、君たちはみんなそれを気に入り、やがてそれに同意したし、妻が言うように「時間をかけた」だけだった」

“Aren’t we proud of those two words, and don’t we like to say them?” interrupted Jo, addressing the fire in her turn, and watching with delight the happy light it seemed to kindle in the eyes that had been so tragically gloomy when she saw them last.

turn (今度) [名] an opportunity or chance that comes to each of a number of people in succession

kindle (灯す) [動] cause to burn or catch fire

「私たちはその二つの言葉を誇りに思っていないし、言うのが好きではないの?」ジョーは割って入り、今度は彼女が火に向かって話しかけ、最後に見たとき悲劇的に暗かった目に火が灯したように見える幸せな光を喜んで見ていた。

“A trifle, perhaps, she’s such a captivating little woman I can’t help being proud of her.

being proud of (を誇りに思う) [動] be pleased with oneself or with someone else

「たぶん、些細なことだろうけど、彼女はとても魅力的な小さな女性で、彼女を誇りに思わずにはいられません。

Well, then Uncle and Aunt were there to play propriety.

play propriety (礼儀正しく振る舞う) [動] behave in a proper manner

まあ、そうしたらおじとおばがそこにいて、礼儀正しく振る舞っていた。

We were so absorbed in one another we were of no mortal use apart, and that charming arrangement would make everything easy all round, so we did it.”

be of no use (役に立たない) [動] be useless

make easy (楽にする) [動] make less difficult

私たちはお互いに夢中になっていて、離れていては役に立たなかったし、その魅力的な取り決めはすべてを楽にしてくれるだろうから、そうしたのです」

“When, where, how?” asked Jo, in a fever of feminine interest and curiosity, for she could not realize it a particle.

「いつ、どこで、どうやって?」ジョーは女性らしい関心と好奇心で熱に浮かされたように尋ねた。彼女にはそれが少しも理解できなかったからだ。

“Six weeks ago, at the American consul’s, in Paris, a very quiet wedding of course, for even in our happiness we didn’t forget dear little Beth.”

six weeks ago (6週間前) [名] a period of time

consul (領事) [名] a person appointed by a state to live in a foreign city and protect and help the citizens of the state

「6週間前、パリのアメリカ領事館で、もちろんとても静かな結婚式でした。私たちの幸せの中でも、愛するベスを忘れることはありませんでした」

Jo put her hand in his as he said that, and Laurie gently smoothed the little red pillow, which he remembered well.

put one's hand in (手を重ねる) [動] put one's hand on top of another person's hand

彼がそう言うと、ジョーは彼の手に自分の手を重ね、ローリーはよく覚えている小さな赤い枕をそっと撫でた。

“Why didn’t you let us know afterward?” asked Jo, in a quieter tone, when they had sat quite still a minute.

「どうして後で知らせてくれなかったの?」ジョーは、彼らがしばらくじっと座っていた後、静かな口調で尋ねた。

“We wanted to surprise you.

「あなたを驚かせたかったのです。

We thought we were coming directly home, at first, but the dear old gentleman, as soon as we were married, found he couldn’t be ready under a month, at least, and sent us off to spend our honeymoon wherever we liked.

最初はすぐに帰宅するつもりだったのですが、結婚式が終わるとすぐに、親愛なる老紳士は少なくとも一ヶ月は準備ができないことがわかり、私たちを好きな場所に新婚旅行に送り出してくれました。

Amy had once called Valrosa a regular honeymoon home, so we went there, and were as happy as people are but once in their lives.

エイミーはかつてヴァルローザを新婚旅行の定番の家と呼んでいたので、私たちはそこに行って、人生で一度きりの幸せを味わいました。

My faith! Wasn’t it love among the roses!”

私の信念! それはバラの中の愛ではなかったのか!」

Laurie seemed to forget Jo for a minute, and Jo was glad of it, for the fact that he told her these things so freely and so naturally assured her that he had quite forgiven and forgotten.

for the fact that (なぜなら) [接] because

so freely (とても自由に) [副] without restriction or limitation

so naturally (とても自然に) [副] in a natural manner

completely (完全に) [副] totally; absolutely

ローリーは一瞬ジョーを忘れているようだったし、ジョーもそれを喜んでいた。なぜなら、彼が彼女にこれらのことをとても自由に、そしてとても自然に話してくれたことが、彼が完全に許し、忘れてしまったことを彼女に確信させたからだ。

She tried to draw away her hand, but as if he guessed the thought that prompted the half-involuntary impulse, Laurie held it fast, and said, with a manly gravity she had never seen in him before...

draw away (引く) [動] move or cause to move back or away from a place or position

prompt (引き起こす) [動] cause or bring about

彼女は手を引こうとしたが、半ば無意識の衝動を引き起こした考えを彼が推測したかのように、ローリーはそれをしっかりと握り、彼女が今まで彼の中に見たことがない男らしい真面目さで言った。

“Jo, dear, I want to say one thing, and then we’ll put it by forever.

one thing (一つのこと) [名] an unspecified thing

put by (脇に置く) [動] save for future use

「ジョー、親愛なる、私は一つのことを言いたい、そして、私たちは永遠にそれを脇に置く。

As I told you in my letter when I wrote that Amy had been so kind to me, I never shall stop loving you, but the love is altered, and I have learned to see that it is better as it is.

as I told you (言ったように) [接] in the manner or way that

alter (変わる) [動] become different in some particular way

エイミーが私にとても親切にしてくれたと書いた手紙の中で言ったように、私はあなたを愛することを決してやめないだろうが、愛は変わり、私はそれが今のままでより良いことを知るようになった。

Amy and you changed places in my heart, that’s all.

that's all (それだけだ) [句] that is all there is to it

エイミーとあなたは私の心の中で場所を変えた、それだけだ。

I think it was meant to be so, and would have come about naturally, if I had waited, as you tried to make me, but I never could be patient, and so I got a heartache.

mean to be (そうあるべき) [動] be intended to be

try to (させようとする) [動] make an effort to do something

私はそれがそうあるべきだったと思うし、あなたが私にそうさせようとしたように、私が待っていたら自然にそうなっていただろうが、私は我慢できなくて、心が痛くなった。

I was a boy then, headstrong and violent, and it took a hard lesson to show me my mistake.

headstrong (頭が固い) [形] determined to do what one wants, even if others disagree

take (悟る) [動] to come to understand something

私は当時、頭が固くて暴力的で、自分の過ちを悟るまでに大変な教訓を得た。

For it was one, Jo, as you said, and I found it out, after making a fool of myself.

one (間違い) [名] an error

make a fool of oneself (自分を馬鹿にする) [動] behave in a way that makes one look foolish

ジョー、それは間違いだった、君が言ったように、私は自分を馬鹿にした後でそれを知った。

Upon my word, I was so tumbled up in my mind, at one time, that I didn’t know which I loved best, you or Amy, and tried to love you both alike.

tumble up (混乱する) [動] to be in a state of confusion or disorder

誓って言うが、私は一時、心が混乱して、君とエイミーのどちらを一番愛しているのか分からず、二人を同じように愛そうとした。

But I couldn’t, and when I saw her in Switzerland, everything seemed to clear up all at once.

しかし、それはできなくて、スイスで彼女に会ったとき、すべてが一気に晴れたように思えた。

You both got into your right places, and I felt sure that it was well off with the old love before it was on with the new, that I could honestly share my heart between sister Jo and wife Amy, and love them dearly.

get into (落ち着く) [動] reach a certain state or condition

well off (きちんと終わらせる) [形] in a good position financially

君たちは二人とも正しい場所に落ち着き、私は新しい愛に進む前に古い愛をきちんと終わらせて、妹のジョーと妻のエイミーの間で正直に心を分け合い、二人を心から愛することができると確信した。

Will you believe it, and go back to the happy old times when we first knew one another?”

信じてくれるかい、そして私たちが初めて知り合った幸せな昔に戻ってくれるかい?」

“I’ll believe it, with all my heart, but, Teddy, we never can be boy and girl again.

「心から信じるよ、でも、テディ、私たちは二度と少年少女にはなれないよ。

The happy old times can’t come back, and we mustn’t expect it.

幸せな昔は戻ってこないし、期待してはいけないよ。

We are man and woman now, with sober work to do, for playtime is over, and we must give up frolicking.

playtime (遊びの時間) [名] time for play

私たちは今や男と女で、真面目な仕事をしなければならないの、遊びの時間は終わり、はしゃぐのはやめなければならないよ。

I’m sure you feel this.

あなたもそう感じているに違いないよ。

I see the change in you, and you’ll find it in me.

私はあなたの変化を見ているし、あなたも私の変化に気づくでしょう。

I shall miss my boy, but I shall love the man as much, and admire him more, because he means to be what I hoped he would.

息子がいなくなるのは寂しいけど、大人になった彼を同じように愛し、もっと尊敬するよ、だって彼は私が望んでいた通りの人間になるつもりだから。

We can’t be little playmates any longer, but we will be brother and sister, to love and help one another all our lives, won’t we, Laurie?”

any longer (もう) [副] for any more time

all our lives (一生) [名] the entire period of a person's life

won't we (ね) [他] used to ask for confirmation of a statement

私たちはもう小さな遊び仲間ではいられませんけど、私たちは兄妹になって、一生愛し合い助け合っていくでしょう、ね、ローリー?」

He did not say a word, but took the hand she offered him, and laid his face down on it for a minute, feeling that out of the grave of a boyish passion, there had risen a beautiful, strong friendship to bless them both.

lay (伏せる) [動] be in or move into a horizontal position

grave (墓場) [名] a location where dead people are buried

rise (生まれる) [動] come into existence

彼は一言も言わずに、彼女が差し出した手を取って、その上に顔を伏せ、少年のような情熱の墓場から、二人を祝福する美しく強い友情が生まれたことを感じた。

Presently Jo said cheerfully, for she didn’t want the coming home to be a sad one, “I can’t make it true that you children are really married and going to set up housekeeping.

make it true (信じる) [動] believe something to be true

children (あなたたち) [名] a son or daughter of human parents

やがてジョーは、帰宅が悲しいものにならないように、元気よく言った、「あなたたちが本当に結婚して、家事を始めるなんて信じられないよ。

Why, it seems only yesterday that I was buttoning Amy’s pinafore, and pulling your hair when you teased.

だって、つい昨日のことのように、エイミーのエプロンのボタンを留めたり、あなたがからかってきたときに髪を引っ張ったりしていたような気がするよ。

Mercy me, how time does fly!”

なんて、時間が経つのは早いことでしょう!」

“As one of the children is older than yourself, you needn’t talk so like a grandma.

「子供の一人は自分より年上なんだから、おばあちゃんみたいに話さなくてもいいよ。

I flatter myself I’m a ‘gentleman growed’ as Peggotty said of David, and when you see Amy, you’ll find her rather a precocious infant,” said Laurie, looking amused at her maternal air.

Peggotty (ペゴティ) [名] a character in the novel David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

David (デイビッド) [名] the protagonist of the novel David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

precocious (早熟な) [形] having developed certain abilities or qualities at an earlier age than usual

ペゴティがデイビッドについて言ったように、私は自分を「成長した紳士」だと自負しているし、エイミーに会えば、彼女がかなり早熟な子供であることがわかるだろう」とローリーは彼女の母性的な態度を見て面白そうに言った。

“You may be a little older in years, but I’m ever so much older in feeling, Teddy.

in years (年齢的には) [副] in age

so much older (ずっと年上) [形] much older

in feeling (気持ち的には) [副] in feeling

「あなたは年齢的には少し年上かもしれないけど、気持ち的には私の方がずっと年上よ、テディ。

Women always are, and this last year has been such a hard one that I feel forty.”

forty (40歳) [名] the cardinal number that is the product of four and ten

女性はいつもそうよ、それに去年はとても大変だったから、私は40歳の気分よ。」

“Poor Jo! We left you to bear it alone, while we went pleasuring.

alone (一人ぼっちで) [形] without company or other people

「かわいそうなジョー! 私たちは遊びに行って、あなたに一人ぼっちで耐えさせてしまったよ。

You are older. Here’s a line, and there’s another.

あなたは年上だ。ここに線がある、そしてもう一本ある。

Unless you smile, your eyes look sad, and when I touched the cushion, just now, I found a tear on it.

あなたが笑わない限り、あなたの目は悲しそうに見えるし、私がクッションに触れた時、ちょうど今、私はその上に涙を見つけた。

You’ve had a great deal to bear, and had to bear it all alone.

have a great deal to (たくさんある) [動] have a lot of something

all alone (一人で) [副] without any other people

あなたは耐えなければならないことがたくさんあったし、それを一人で耐えなければならなかった。

What a selfish beast I’ve been!”

beast (獣) [名] an animal other than a human being

私はなんて自分勝手な獣だったんだろう!」

and Laurie pulled his own hair, with a remorseful look.

そしてローリーは後悔の表情で自分の髪を引っ張った。

But Jo only turned over the traitorous pillow, and answered, in a tone which she tried to make more cheerful, “No, I had Father and Mother to help me, and the dear babies to comfort me, and the thought that you and Amy were safe and happy, to make the troubles here easier to bear.

traitorous (裏切り者の) [形] guilty of betrayal

しかし、ジョーは裏切り者の枕をひっくり返しただけで、もっと元気な声で答えた、「いいえ、私には父と母がいて、私を慰めてくれる愛しい赤ちゃんたちがいて、あなたとエイミーが安全で幸せだと思っていたから、ここの悩みにも耐えやすかったの。

I am lonely, sometimes, but I dare say it’s good for me, and...”

時々寂しくなるけど、それが私にはいいことなんだと思うし・・・」

“You never shall be again,” broke in Laurie, putting his arm about her, as if to fence out every human ill.

fence (防ぐ) [動] enclose with a fence

out (あらゆる) [副] to the outside

「もう二度と寂しくさせない」とローリーは割って入り、人間のあらゆる病気を防ぐかのように彼女の肩に腕を回した。

“Amy and I can’t get on without you, so you must come and teach ‘the children’ to keep house, and go halves in everything, just as we used to do, and let us pet you, and all be blissfully happy and friendly together.”

keep house (家事) [名] the work of managing a home

go halves (半分にする) [動] share equally

blissfully (幸せに) [副] in a way that is extremely happy

「エイミーと私はあなたなしではやっていけないから、あなたは戻ってきて、私たちが昔していたように「子供たち」に家事を教え、すべてを半分にして、私たちにあなたを可愛がらせて、みんなで幸せに仲良く暮らしましょう」

“If I shouldn’t be in the way, it would be very pleasant.

be in the way (邪魔になる) [動] obstruct or block someone or something

「邪魔にならなければ、とても嬉しいよ。

I begin to feel quite young already, for somehow all my troubles seemed to fly away when you came.

already (もう) [副] before the usual or expected time

fly away (吹き飛ぶ) [動] move or be moved quickly through the air

あなたたちが来たら、私の悩みはすべて吹き飛んでしまったようで、もう若返った気分です。

You always were a comfort, Teddy,” and Jo leaned her head on his shoulder, just as she did years ago, when Beth lay ill and Laurie told her to hold on to him.

lie ill (病気で寝込む) [動] be sick in bed

テディ、あなたはいつも慰めてくれる」そしてジョーは、何年も前にベスが病気で寝込んでいて、ローリーが彼女に彼につかまるように言ったときと同じように、彼の肩に頭をもたせかけた。

He looked down at her, wondering if she remembered the time, but Jo was smiling to herself, as if in truth her troubles had all vanished at his coming.

彼は彼女を見下ろし、彼女がその時のことを覚えているかどうかと思ったが、ジョーはまるで彼が来たことで彼女の悩みがすべて消え去ったかのように、一人で微笑んでいた。

“You are the same Jo still, dropping tears about one minute, and laughing the next.

「君は相変わらず同じジョーだね、1分ほど涙を流して、次の瞬間には笑っている。

You look a little wicked now.

君は今、少し意地悪そうに見える。

What is it, Grandma?”

何ですか、おばあちゃん?」

“I was wondering how you and Amy get on together.”

「あなたとエイミーがどうやって仲良くしているのか不思議に思っていたの。」

“Like angels!”

「天使のように!」

“Yes, of course, but which rules?”

which (どんな) [限] used to ask for information specifying one or more people or things from a definite set

「ええ、もちろん、でもどんなルール?」

“I don’t mind telling you that she does now, at least I let her think so, it pleases her, you know.

「今はそう思っていることをあなたに話してもかまわないよ、少なくとも私はそう思わせているの、それが彼女を喜ばせるのよ、わかるでしょう。

By-and-by we shall take turns, for marriage, they say, halves one’s rights and doubles one’s duties.”

take turns (交代する) [動] do something in alternation with another person

double (倍にする) [動] make or become twice as great or as many

やがて私たちは交代するでしょう、結婚は権利を半分にし、義務を倍にすると言われています。」

“You’ll go on as you begin, and Amy will rule you all the days of your life.”

「あなたは始めたように続けるでしょう、そしてエイミーはあなたの人生のすべての日を支配するでしょう。」

“Well, she does it so imperceptibly that I don’t think I shall mind much.

imperceptibly (気づかないように) [副] in a way that is not easily perceived or noticed

「まあ、彼女はそれをとても気づかないようにするので、私はあまり気にしないと思うよ。

She is the sort of woman who knows how to rule well.

how to (方法) [名] the ability or skill to do something

彼女は上手に支配する方法を知っているタイプの女性です。

In fact, I rather like it, for she winds one round her finger as softly and prettily as a skein of silk, and makes you feel as if she was doing you a favor all the while.”

softly (柔らかく) [副] in a gentle or moderate manner

skein (かせ) [名] a length of yarn or thread wound on a reel or in a loose coil

実際、私はむしろそれが好きです、なぜなら彼女は絹のかせのように柔らかくきれいに指に巻き付け、彼女がずっとあなたに恩恵を与えているように感じさせるからです。」

“That ever I should live to see you a henpecked husband and enjoying it!” cried Jo, with uplifted hands.

live to see (生きているうちに見る) [動] experience or witness something

henpecked (かかあ天下の) [形] dominated by one's wife

「あなたがかかあ天下の夫になってそれを楽しんでいるのを私が生きているうちに見ることになるなんて!」ジョーは手を上げて叫んだ。

It was good to see Laurie square his shoulders, and smile with masculine scorn at that insinuation, as he replied, with his “high and mighty” air, “Amy is too well-bred for that, and I am not the sort of man to submit to it.

square one's shoulders (肩をいからせる) [動] to make one's shoulders straight and stiff

scorn (軽蔑) [名] a feeling of contempt for someone or something

insinuation (当てこすり) [名] an indirect or subtle suggestion or hint

high and mighty (傲慢で横柄な) [形] arrogant and overbearing

ローリーが肩をいからせ、その当てこすりに男らしい軽蔑の笑みを浮かべて、「傲慢で横柄な」態度で「エイミーはそんなには育ちが良すぎるし、私はそれに従うような男ではない。

My wife and I respect ourselves and one another too much ever to tyrannize or quarrel.”

tyrannize (いじめたてる) [動] rule or treat in a cruel and oppressive way

quarrel (喧嘩する) [動] argue or disagree angrily

妻と私は自分自身と互いを尊敬しすぎていて、いじめたてたり喧嘩したりすることはできない。」と答えるのを見るのはよかった。

Jo liked that, and thought the new dignity very becoming, but the boy seemed changing very fast into the man, and regret mingled with her pleasure.

ジョーはそれが好きで、新しい威厳がとても似合っていると思ったが、少年は非常に急速に男性に変わりつつあるようで、後悔が彼女の喜びと混ざり合った。

“I am sure of that.

「それは確かだ。

Amy and you never did quarrel as we used to.

use to (よく~する) [動] be accustomed to doing something

エイミーとあなたは私たちがよくやっていたように喧嘩したことは一度もなかった。

She is the sun and I the wind, in the fable, and the sun managed the man best, you remember.”

彼女は太陽で私は風、寓話では太陽が人間を一番うまく扱った、覚えているだろう。」

“She can blow him up as well as shine on him,” laughed Laurie.

shine on (照らす) [動] emit or reflect light

「彼女は彼を照らすだけでなく、彼を吹き飛ばすこともできる」とローリーは笑った。

“Such a lecture as I got at Nice! I give you my word it was a deal worse than any of your scoldings, a regular rouser.

scolding (小言) [名] an angry expression of disapproval

rouser (大騒ぎ) [名] a person or thing that causes a lot of noise or excitement

「ニースで受けたような説教だ! 誓って言うが、それは君のどんな小言よりもずっとひどかった、本物の大騒ぎだった。

I’ll tell you all about it sometime, she never will, because after telling me that she despised and was ashamed of me, she lost her heart to the despicable party and married the good-for-nothing.”

lose one's heart (心を奪われる) [動] fall in love

despicable (卑劣な) [形] deserving strong dislike or hatred

good-for-nothing (ろくでなし) [名] a person who is worthless or of no use

いつか君に全部話すよ、彼女は絶対に話さない、なぜなら彼女は私を軽蔑し、恥ずかしいと思っていると言った後、彼女は卑劣な相手に心を奪われ、ろくでなしと結婚したからだ。」

“What baseness! Well, if she abuses you, come to me, and I’ll defend you.”

baseness (卑劣) [名] the quality of being morally low or unworthy

abuse (虐待) [動] treat with cruelty or violence, especially regularly or repeatedly

「なんて卑劣な! 彼女が君を虐待したら、私のところに来なさい、そうすれば私が君を守ってあげる。」

“I look as if I needed it, don’t I?” said Laurie, getting up and striking an attitude which suddenly changed from the imposing to the rapturous, as Amy’s voice was heard calling, “Where is she? Where’s my dear old Jo?”

strike an attitude (態度を取る) [動] assume a particular mental or emotional state

imposing (堂々とした) [形] impressive in appearance or style

「私はそれを必要としているように見えるね?」とローリーは立ち上がって、突然堂々とした態度から熱狂的な態度に変わり、「彼女はどこ? 私の愛する古いジョーはどこ?」と呼ぶエイミーの声が聞こえた。

In trooped the whole family, and everyone was hugged and kissed all over again, and after several vain attempts, the three wanderers were set down to be looked at and exulted over.

家族全員が群がり、皆が抱き合ってキスをし、何度か無駄な試みの後、3人の放浪者は見られて大喜びされた。

Mr. Laurence, hale and hearty as ever, was quite as much improved as the others by his foreign tour, for the crustiness seemed to be nearly gone, and the old-fashioned courtliness had received a polish which made it kindlier than ever.

hale and hearty (元気) [形] healthy and strong

as ever (相変わらず) [副] as always; as usual

foreign tour (海外旅行) [名] a trip to a foreign country

courtliness (礼儀正しさ) [名] the quality of being polite and respectful

polish (磨き) [名] a substance used to give a smooth and shiny surface to something

kindlier (親切) [形] more friendly, generous, or warm-hearted

ローレンス氏は、相変わらず元気で、海外旅行で他の人と同じくらい改善されていた、というのも、無愛想さがほとんどなくなっていたようで、昔ながらの礼儀正しさは磨きがかかり、これまで以上に親切になっていた。

It was good to see him beam at ‘my children’, as he called the young pair.

彼が若い二人を呼ぶように「私の子供たち」に微笑むのを見るのは良かった。

It was better still to see Amy pay him the daughterly duty and affection which completely won his old heart, and best of all, to watch Laurie revolve about the two, as if never tired of enjoying the pretty picture they made.

daughterly (娘としての) [形] of or like a daughter

エイミーが彼に娘としての義務と愛情を払い、それが彼の老いた心を完全に勝ち取ったのを見るのはさらに良かったし、何よりも、ローリーが二人の周りを回り、彼らが作った美しい絵を楽しむのに飽きることがないかのようだったのを見るのは最高だった。

The minute she put her eyes upon Amy, Meg became conscious that her own dress hadn’t a Parisian air, that young Mrs. Moffat would be entirely eclipsed by young Mrs. Laurence, and that ‘her ladyship’ was altogether a most elegant and graceful woman.

put one's eyes upon (目をやる) [動] look at

become conscious (気づく) [動] become aware of

Parisian (パリ風) [形] of or relating to Paris

エイミーに目をやった瞬間、メグは自分のドレスがパリ風ではないことに気づき、若いモファット夫人は若いローレンス夫人に完全に影を落とされ、「彼女の奥様」は全体的に最も優雅で優美な女性だった。

Jo thought, as she watched the pair, “How well they look together!

ジョーは二人を見ながら「二人はなんて似合うんだろう!

I was right, and Laurie has found the beautiful, accomplished girl who will become his home better than clumsy old Jo, and be a pride, not a torment to him.”

accomplished (洗練された) [形] highly skilled or experienced

be a pride (誇りになる) [動] be a source of deep pleasure or satisfaction

私は正しかった、そしてローリーは不器用な年寄りのジョーよりも彼の家庭にふさわしい美しく、洗練された少女を見つけ、彼にとって苦痛ではなく誇りになるだろう。」

Mrs. March and her husband smiled and nodded at each other with happy faces, for they saw that their youngest had done well, not only in worldly things, but the better wealth of love, confidence, and happiness.

youngest (末っ子) [名] the youngest child in a family

マーチ夫人と夫は幸せそうな顔で微笑み合い、うなずき合った。末っ子が世俗的なことだけでなく、愛、信頼、幸福というより良い富においてもうまくやってきたことを見たからだ。

For Amy’s face was full of the soft brightness which betokens a peaceful heart, her voice had a new tenderness in it, and the cool, prim carriage was changed to a gentle dignity, both womanly and winning.

brightness (輝き) [名] the state or quality of being bright

carriage (態度) [名] the way a person holds and moves their body

winning (愛嬌のある) [形] attractive; charming

エイミーの顔は穏やかな心を示す柔らかな輝きに満ち、声には新たな優しさがあり、冷静で上品な態度は女性らしく愛嬌のある優しい威厳に変わっていた。

No little affectations marred it, and the cordial sweetness of her manner was more charming than the new beauty or the old grace, for it stamped her at once with the unmistakable sign of the true gentlewoman she had hoped to become.

stamp (刻印する) [動] impress or mark with a stamp

小さな虚飾もそれを損なうことはなく、彼女の態度の心からの優しさは、新しい美しさや古い優雅さよりも魅力的だった。なぜなら、それは彼女がなりたかった真の淑女の紛れもない印をすぐに彼女に刻印したからだ。

“Love has done much for our little girl,” said her mother softly.

「愛は私たちの小さな娘に多くのことをしてくれた」と母親はそっと言った。

“She has had a good example before her all her life, my dear,” Mr. March whispered back, with a loving look at the worn face and gray head beside him.

all her life (生涯にわたって) [名] the entire period of a person's life

worn face (疲れた顔) [名] a face that shows signs of fatigue or stress

gray head (白髪の頭) [名] a head of hair that is gray in color

loving look (愛情を込めて見つめる) [名] a look that is full of love or affection

「彼女は生涯にわたって良い手本を見てきたんだ、愛しい人」マーチ氏は、隣にいる疲れた顔と白髪の頭を愛情を込めて見つめながら、ささやき返した。

Daisy found it impossible to keep her eyes off her ‘pitty aunty’, but attached herself like a lap dog to the wonderful chatelaine full of delightful charms.

keep one's eyes off (目を離す) [動] stop looking at

pitty (きれいな) [形] attractive in a delicate way

aunty (おばさん) [名] the sister of one's mother or father

attach (なつく) [動] to join or connect

delightful (愛らしい) [形] very pleasant or attractive

デイジーは「きれいなおばさん」から目を離すことができず、愛らしい魅力にあふれた素晴らしい城主に愛玩犬のようになついた。

Demi paused to consider the new relationship before he compromised himself by the rash acceptance of a bribe, which took the tempting form of a family of wooden bears from Berne.

relationship (関係) [名] the state of being connected or related

compromise (妥協する) [動] settle a dispute by mutual concession

acceptance (受け取り) [名] the action of taking or receiving something offered

Berne (ベルン) [名] the capital of Switzerland

デミは、ベルンから来た木製のクマの家族という魅力的な形をした賄賂を軽率に受け取って妥協する前に、新しい関係について考えるために立ち止まった。

A flank movement produced an unconditional surrender, however, for Laurie knew where to have him.

flank movement (側面攻撃) [名] an attack on the side of an enemy formation

unconditional surrender (無条件降伏) [名] a surrender without conditions

know where to have (どこに連れて行けばいいか知っている) [動] know where to take

しかし、側面攻撃で無条件降伏となった。ローリーは彼をどこに連れて行けばいいか知っていたからだ。

“Young man, when I first had the honor of making your acquaintance you hit me in the face.

have the honor of (光栄に思う) [動] be very pleased or proud to do something

make one's acquaintance (知り合う) [動] get to know someone

「若者よ、私が初めて君と知り合ったとき、君は私の顔を殴った。

Now I demand the satisfaction of a gentleman,” and with that the tall uncle proceeded to toss and tousle the small nephew in a way that damaged his philosophical dignity as much as it delighted his boyish soul.

toss (投げ飛ばす) [動] throw or roll around

tousle (もみくちゃにする) [動] make untidy or disheveled

今、私は紳士としての満足感を要求する」と言って、背の高い叔父は小さな甥を投げ飛ばしたり、もみくちゃにしたりして、彼の哲学的な尊厳を傷つけると同時に、少年のような魂を喜ばせた。

“Blest if she ain’t in silk from head to foot;

「頭から足の先まで絹を着ていないなんて、なんてことだ。

ain’t it a relishin’ sight to see her settin’ there as fine as a fiddle, and hear folks calling little Amy ‘Mis. Laurence!’” muttered old Hannah, who could not resist frequent “peeks” through the slide as she set the table in a most decidedly promiscuous manner.

ain't it (そうではありませんか) [他] am not I

relish (楽しみ) [名] great enjoyment

settin' (座る) [動] be in or assume a sitting position

fiddle (バイオリン) [名] a stringed musical instrument played with a bow

Mis. (ミス) [名] a title of courtesy prefixed to the name of an unmarried woman

peek (覗き見) [名] a quick or furtive look

slide (スライド) [名] a flat piece of glass on which something is mounted for examination under a microscope

彼女がバイオリンのように立派にそこに座っているのを見たり、人々が小さなエイミーを「ミス・ローレンス」と呼んでいるのを聞くのは、とても楽しいことではありませんか」と、老ハンナはつぶやいた。

Mercy on us, how they did talk!

なんてことだ、なんておしゃべりなんだろう!

first one, then the other, then all burst out together—trying to tell the history of three years in half an hour.

burst out (話し始める) [動] to suddenly start doing something

together (一斉に) [副] with or at the same time as another person or thing

最初は一人、次にもう一人、そして全員が一斉に話し始め、3年間の歴史を30分で語ろうとした。

It was fortunate that tea was at hand, to produce a lull and provide refreshment—for they would have been hoarse and faint if they had gone on much longer.

at hand (用意されている) [形] ready to be used

幸いにも、お茶が用意されていて、小休止して気分転換することができた。もし、このまま続けていたら、声が枯れて気絶していたかもしれない。

Such a happy procession as filed away into the little dining room!

file away (続く) [動] move in a line

なんて幸せな行列が小さな食堂に続いたことか!

Mr. March proudly escorted Mrs. Laurence.

escort (エスコートする) [動] accompany someone in order to protect or guard them

マーチ氏は誇らしげにローレンス夫人をエスコートした。

Mrs. March as proudly leaned on the arm of ‘my son’.

マーチ夫人は誇らしげに「息子」の腕に寄りかかった。

The old gentleman took Jo, with a whispered, “You must be my girl now,” and a glance at the empty corner by the fire, that made Jo whisper back, “I’ll try to fill her place, sir.”

empty corner (空いた隅) [名] a space that is not occupied

by the fire (暖炉のそば) [前] next to the fire

whisper back (ささやき返す) [動] whisper in return

fill her place (彼女の代わりを務める) [動] take her place; do what she used to do

老紳士はジョーを連れて行き、「これからは君が私の娘だ」とささやき、暖炉のそばの空いた隅をちらっと見たので、ジョーは「彼女の代わりを務めようと思います」とささやき返した。

The twins pranced behind, feeling that the millennium was at hand, for everyone was so busy with the newcomers that they were left to revel at their own sweet will, and you may be sure they made the most of the opportunity.

millennium (千年王国) [名] a period of a thousand years

at hand (近づいている) [形] very near in time or place

双子は、千年王国が近づいていると感じて、後ろで跳ね回っていた。誰もが新参者のことで忙しかったので、双子は自分の甘い意志で楽しみに任せられ、その機会を最大限に利用したことは間違いない。

Didn’t they steal sips of tea, stuff gingerbread ad libitum, get a hot biscuit apiece, and as a crowning trespass, didn’t they each whisk a captivating little tart into their tiny pockets, there to stick and crumble treacherously, teaching them that both human nature and a pastry are frail?

ad libitum (好きなだけ) [副] at one's pleasure; as much as one likes

crowning (極めつけの) [形] of the highest quality or importance

trespass (侵入) [名] the action of going onto someone's land or property without permission

tart (タルト) [名] an open pastry case with a filling of fruit, custard, etc.

crumble (崩れる) [動] break or cause to break into small fragments

human nature (人間性) [名] the general psychological characteristics, feelings, and behavioral traits of humankind, regarded as shared by all humans

pastry (ペストリー) [名] a dough of flour, shortening, and water, used as a base and covering in baking

彼らはお茶をすすり、ジンジャーブレッドを好きなだけ詰め込み、熱いビスケットを一個ずつ手に入れ、そして極めつけの侵入として、それぞれが小さなポケットに魅惑的な小さなタルトを放り込み、そこで裏切るようにくっついて崩れ、人間性とペストリーはどちらも脆弱であることを教えてくれたではないか?

Burdened with the guilty consciousness of the sequestered tarts, and fearing that Dodo’s sharp eyes would pierce the thin disguise of cambric and merino which hid their booty, the little sinners attached themselves to ‘Dranpa’, who hadn’t his spectacles on.

sequester (隔離する) [動] to set apart or isolate

pierce (見抜く) [動] to penetrate or go through

disguise (変装) [名] a way of changing your appearance or behavior in order to hide your identity

cambric (カンブリック) [名] a fine white linen fabric

attach (寄り添う) [動] to fasten or join

隔離されたタルトの罪の意識に悩まされ、ドドの鋭い目が戦利品を隠したカンブリックとメリノの薄い変装を見抜くのではないかと恐れ、小さな罪人たちは眼鏡をかけていない「ドランパ」に寄り添った。

Amy, who was handed about like refreshments, returned to the parlor on Father Laurence’s arm.

refreshment (飲み物) [名] a drink or snack

Father Laurence (ローレンス神父) [名] a male given name

飲み物のように手渡されたエイミーは、ローレンス神父の腕に抱かれて客間に戻った。

The others paired off as before, and this arrangement left Jo companionless.

pair off (ペアになる) [動] form a pair

companionless (仲間外れ) [形] without a companion

他の人たちは前と同じようにペアになり、この配置でジョーは仲間外れになった。

She did not mind it at the minute, for she lingered to answer Hannah’s eager inquiry.

at the minute (その瞬間) [名] at the present time

linger (ぐずぐずする) [動] be slow to leave

彼女はその瞬間は気にしなかった、というのもハンナの熱心な問いに答えるためにぐずぐずしていたからだ。

“Will Miss Amy ride in her coop (coupe), and use all them lovely silver dishes that’s stored away over yander?”

coop (クーペ) [名] a car with a fixed roof and two doors

store (しまう) [動] put or keep in a safe place

away (あそこ) [副] in or to a place that is distant or remote

「エイミーさんはクーペに乗って、あそこにしまってある素敵な銀食器を全部使うのかしら?」

“Shouldn’t wonder if she drove six white horses, ate off gold plate, and wore diamonds and point lace every day.

drive (乗り回す) [動] to operate and control the course of a vehicle, such as a car or train

eat off (で食事をする) [動] to eat from

point lace (ポワン・レース) [名] a type of lace made with a needle

「彼女が六頭の白い馬を乗り回し、金の皿で食事をし、毎日ダイヤモンドとポワン・レースを身に着けていても不思議ではないよ。

Teddy thinks nothing too good for her,” returned Jo with infinite satisfaction.

too good (良いものなんてない) [形] of a high standard

テディは彼女にとって良いものなんてないと思っているのよ」とジョーは限りない満足感をもって答えた。

“No more there is!

「もうないよ!

Will you have hash or fishballs for breakfast?” asked Hannah, who wisely mingled poetry and prose.

fishball (フィッシュボール) [名] a ball of minced fish

mingle (混ぜ合わせる) [動] mix or blend together

prose (散文) [名] ordinary writing or speech

朝食はハッシュかフィッシュボールにする?」と詩と散文を賢く混ぜ合わせたハンナが尋ねた。

“I don’t care,” and Jo shut the door, feeling that food was an uncongenial topic just then.

uncongenial (相容れない) [形] not suited to one's tastes or needs

「どっちでもいいよ」とジョーはドアを閉め、食べ物は今は相容れない話題だと感じた。

She stood a minute looking at the party vanishing above, and as Demi’s short plaid legs toiled up the last stair, a sudden sense of loneliness came over her so strongly that she looked about her with dim eyes, as if to find something to lean upon, for even Teddy had deserted her.

above (上) [副] in or to a higher place or position

plaid (格子縞) [名] a pattern of squares of two or more colors

彼女はしばらく立って、上へ消えていく一行を見ていたが、デミの短い格子縞の脚が最後の階段を登りきったとき、突然の孤独感が彼女を強く襲い、テディでさえ彼女を捨ててしまったので、何か寄りかかるものを見つけるかのように、ぼんやりとした目であたりを見回した。

If she had known what birthday gift was coming every minute nearer and nearer, she would not have said to herself, “I’ll weep a little weep when I go to bed.

birthday gift (誕生日プレゼント) [名] a present given on a birthday

every minute (刻々と) [副] at every moment; all the time

もし彼女がどんな誕生日プレゼントが刻々と近づいているのか知っていたら、「ベッドに入ったら少し泣こう。

It won’t do to be dismal now.”

今は悲しむわけにはいかない」と独り言を言うことはなかっただろう。

Then she drew her hand over her eyes, for one of her boyish habits was never to know where her handkerchief was, and had just managed to call up a smile when there came a knock at the porch door.

それから彼女は手で目を覆った、というのも彼女の男の子っぽい習慣の1つはハンカチがどこにあるか決して知らないことだった、そして玄関のドアをノックする音がした時、なんとか笑顔を浮かべようとした。

She opened with hospitable haste, and started as if another ghost had come to surprise her, for there stood a tall bearded gentleman, beaming on her from the darkness like a midnight sun.

bearded (髭を生やした) [形] having a beard

darkness (暗闇) [名] the absence of light

彼女は親切に急いでドアを開け、まるで別の幽霊が彼女を驚かせに来たようにぎょっとした、というのもそこには背の高い髭を生やした紳士が立っていて、真夜中の太陽のように暗闇から彼女を照らしていたからだ。

“Oh, Mr. Bhaer, I am so glad to see you!” cried Jo, with a clutch, as if she feared the night would swallow him up before she could get him in.

I am so glad to see you (お会いできてとても嬉しいです) [句] a greeting

with a clutch (つかんで) [句] holding something tightly

swallow (飲み込む) [動] eat or drink something quickly

up (しまう) [副] completely

she could get him in (彼を中に入れる) [句] to allow someone to enter a place

「ああ、ベーアさん、お会いできてとても嬉しいです!」とジョーは叫び、彼を中に入れる前に夜が彼を飲み込んでしまうのを恐れているかのように彼をつかんだ。

“And I to see Miss Marsch, but no, you haf a party,” and the Professor paused as the sound of voices and the tap of dancing feet came down to them.

「そして私はミス・マーチに会いに来たのだが、いや、あなたはパーティーを開いている」そして声と踊る足音が彼らのところに降りてきたので、教授は言葉を切った。

“No, we haven’t, only the family.

「いいえ、家族だけです。

My sister and friends have just come home, and we are all very happy.

妹と友人がちょうど帰宅したところなので、みんなとても幸せです。

Come in, and make one of us.”

make one of (一緒に楽しむ) [動] join a group of people

中に入って、一緒に楽しんでください」

Though a very social man, I think Mr. Bhaer would have gone decorously away, and come again another day, but how could he, when Jo shut the door behind him, and bereft him of his hat?

decorously (礼儀正しく) [副] in a proper or dignified manner

how could he (どうしたらいいだろうか) [句] what should he do

とても社交的な人ではあるが、ベアさんは礼儀正しく帰って、また別の日に来たと思うが、ジョーが彼の後ろでドアを閉め、帽子を奪ってしまったら、どうしたらいいだろうか?

Perhaps her face had something to do with it, for she forgot to hide her joy at seeing him, and showed it with a frankness that proved irresistible to the solitary man, whose welcome far exceeded his boldest hopes.

have something to do with (関係する) [動] be involved in or connected with

おそらく彼女の顔が関係していたのだろう、彼女は彼に会えた喜びを隠すのを忘れ、孤独な男には抗しがたい率直さでそれを示した、彼の歓迎は彼の最も大胆な希望をはるかに超えていた。

“If I shall not be Monsieur de Trop, I will so gladly see them all.

Monsieur de Trop (余計者) [名] a person who is not wanted

「私が余計者でなければ、喜んで皆さんにお会いしたい。

You haf been ill, my friend?”

be ill (病気である) [動] be sick; be unwell

病気だったのか、友よ?」

He put the question abruptly, for, as Jo hung up his coat, the light fell on her face, and he saw a change in it.

hang up (掛ける) [動] put on a hook or hanger

fall on (当たる) [動] strike or hit

彼は唐突に質問した、ジョーが彼のコートを掛けたとき、光が彼女の顔に当たり、彼はその変化を見た。

“Not ill, but tired and sorrowful.

「病気ではないが、疲れて悲しい。

We have had trouble since I saw you last.”

have had (あった) [動] to experience or undergo

前回お会いしてから、いろいろありました。」

“Ah, yes, I know.

「ああ、そう、知っている。

My heart was sore for you when I heard that,” and he shook hands again, with such a sympathetic face that Jo felt as if no comfort could equal the look of the kind eyes, the grasp of the big, warm hand.

それを聞いたとき、君を思うと胸が痛んだ」そして彼は再び握手し、その同情的な顔に、ジョーは優しい目の表情と大きくて温かい手の握りほど慰めになるものはないと感じた。

“Father, Mother, this is my friend, Professor Bhaer,” she said, with a face and tone of such irrepressible pride and pleasure that she might as well have blown a trumpet and opened the door with a flourish.

trumpet (トランペット) [名] a musical instrument with a flared bell and a bright, penetrating tone

「パパ、ママ、こちらは私の友人、ベーア教授です」彼女は抑えきれない誇りと喜びの表情と口調で言ったので、トランペットを吹いて、ドアを華々しく開けた方がよかったかもしれない。

If the stranger had any doubts about his reception, they were set at rest in a minute by the cordial welcome he received.

have any doubts (疑問を持つ) [動] be uncertain about something

set at rest (安心させる) [動] make someone feel less worried or anxious

もし見知らぬ人が歓迎されることに疑問を持っていたとしても、彼が受けた心からの歓迎によって、すぐに安心させられた。

Everyone greeted him kindly, for Jo’s sake at first, but very soon they liked him for his own.

for Jo's sake (ジョーのために) [名] for the purpose of benefiting Jo

for his own (彼自身のことを) [名] for the purpose of benefiting himself

最初はジョーのために誰もが彼に親切に挨拶したが、すぐに彼自身のことを好きになった。

They could not help it, for he carried the talisman that opens all hearts, and these simple people warmed to him at once, feeling even the more friendly because he was poor.

warm to (親しむ) [動] become more friendly with

彼はすべての心を開くお守りを持っていたので、彼らはそうせずにはいられなかったし、これらの素朴な人々は彼が貧しいので、さらに友好的に感じ、すぐに彼に親しんだ。

For poverty enriches those who live above it, and is a sure passport to truly hospitable spirits.

enrich (豊かにする) [動] improve the quality or value of

truly (真に) [副] in a real, genuine, or actual manner

貧困はそれを乗り越えて生きる人々を豊かにし、真に親切な精神への確かなパスポートである。

Mr. Bhaer sat looking about him with the air of a traveler who knocks at a strange door, and when it opens, finds himself at home.

ベーアさんは、見知らぬドアをノックして、それが開くと、家にいることに気づく旅人の空気で彼の周りを見回しながら座っていた。

The children went to him like bees to a honeypot, and establishing themselves on each knee, proceeded to captivate him by rifling his pockets, pulling his beard, and investigating his watch, with juvenile audacity.

establish (陣取る) [動] set up or lay the foundations of

captivate (魅了する) [動] attract and hold the interest and attention of

rifle (探る) [動] search through something hurriedly and carelessly

investigate (調べる) [動] examine or inspect closely and thoroughly

juvenile (子供らしい) [形] relating to young people or young animals

子供たちは蜜つぼに群がる蜂のように彼のところに行き、両膝に陣取って、子供らしい大胆さで彼のポケットを探ったり、髭を引っ張ったり、時計を調べたりして彼を魅了した。

The women telegraphed their approval to one another, and Mr. March, feeling that he had got a kindred spirit, opened his choicest stores for his guest’s benefit, while silent John listened and enjoyed the talk, but said not a word, and Mr. Laurence found it impossible to go to sleep.

approval (承認) [名] the action of officially agreeing to something

kindred spirit (同好の士) [名] a person who shares one's interests

女性たちは互いに承認の合図を送り、マーチさんは同好の士を得たと感じて、客のために選りすぐりの品々を披露し、無口なジョンは話を聞いて楽しんでいたが、一言も発せず、ローレンスさんは眠りにつくことができなかった。

If Jo had not been otherwise engaged, Laurie’s behavior would have amused her, for a faint twinge, not of jealousy, but something like suspicion, caused that gentleman to stand aloof at first, and observe the newcomer with brotherly circumspection.

be engaged (夢中になる) [動] be occupied or busy

behavior (態度) [名] the way in which one acts or conducts oneself

twinge (痛み) [名] a sudden, sharp pain

jealousy (嫉妬) [名] a feeling of resentment against someone because of that person's rivalry, success, or advantages

stand aloof (よそよそしくする) [動] keep oneself apart from others

circumspection (慎重さ) [名] the quality of being careful and cautious

もしジョーが他のことに夢中になっていなかったら、ローリーの態度に面白がっていただろう。嫉妬ではなく、疑惑のようなかすかな痛みが、その紳士を最初はよそよそしくさせ、兄弟のような慎重さで新参者を観察させたのである。

But it did not last long.

しかし、それは長続きしなかった。

He got interested in spite of himself, and before he knew it, was drawn into the circle.

get interested (興味を持つ) [動] become interested

before one knows it (いつの間にか) [副] in a very short time; very soon

be drawn into (引き込まれる) [動] be attracted to or involved in something

彼は自分の意思に反して興味を持ち、いつの間にかその輪の中に引き込まれていた。

For Mr. Bhaer talked well in this genial atmosphere, and did himself justice.

talk well (よく話す) [動] be able to speak fluently and coherently

genial atmosphere (和やかな雰囲気) [名] a pleasant and friendly environment

do oneself justice (自分を正当化する) [動] to show one's abilities or qualities to their best advantage

ベーアさんはこの和やかな雰囲気の中でよく話し、自分を正当化した。

He seldom spoke to Laurie, but he looked at him often, and a shadow would pass across his face, as if regretting his own lost youth, as he watched the young man in his prime.

pass across (差す) [動] move across

lost (失われた) [形] no longer possessed or owned

prime (全盛期) [名] the state or time of greatest strength, vigor, or success

彼はローリーと話すことはめったになかったが、彼をよく見ていたし、若い男が全盛期を迎えているのを見て、自分の失われた青春を後悔しているかのように、彼の顔に影が差すことがあった。

Then his eyes would turn to Jo so wistfully that she would have surely answered the mute inquiry if she had seen it.

turn to (向く) [動] change direction

それから彼の目はジョーにとても物欲しそうに向き、もし彼女がそれを見たら、彼女はきっとその無言の問いに答えただろう。

But Jo had her own eyes to take care of, and feeling that they could not be trusted, she prudently kept them on the little sock she was knitting, like a model maiden aunt.

しかし、ジョーは自分の目を気にかけていて、自分の目が信頼できないと感じていたので、模範的な未婚の叔母のように、編み物をしている小さな靴下に注意深く目を向けていた。

A stealthy glance now and then refreshed her like sips of fresh water after a dusty walk, for the sidelong peeps showed her several propitious omens.

sidelong (横目で) [形] directed to one side

時折、盗み見するような視線は、埃っぽい道を歩いた後に新鮮な水を飲むように彼女を元気づけた。横目で覗くと、いくつかの縁起の良い前兆が見えたからだ。

Mr. Bhaer’s face had lost the absent-minded expression, and looked all alive with interest in the present moment, actually young and handsome, she thought, forgetting to compare him with Laurie, as she usually did strange men, to their great detriment.

alive (生き生きと) [形] living or having life

present moment (今この瞬間) [名] the current moment in time

strange (見知らぬ) [形] not known or familiar

ベーア氏の顔はぼんやりとした表情を失い、今この瞬間に興味津々で生き生きとしており、実際には若くてハンサムだと思った彼女は、いつも見知らぬ男性にするように、彼をローリーと比べるのを忘れ、彼らに大きな損害を与えた。

Then he seemed quite inspired, though the burial customs of the ancients, to which the conversation had strayed, might not be considered an exhilarating topic.

burial (埋葬) [名] the act of burying a dead body

exhilarating (爽快な) [形] causing great happiness or excitement

会話がそれた古代人の埋葬習慣は、あまり爽快な話題とは言えないかもしれないが、彼は非常に感動したようだった。

Jo quite glowed with triumph when Teddy got quenched in an argument, and thought to herself, as she watched her father’s absorbed face, “How he would enjoy having such a man as my Professor to talk with every day!”

get quenched (負かされる) [動] be defeated

テディが議論で負かされたとき、ジョーは勝利に輝き、父の熱中した顔を見ながら、「私の教授のような人と毎日話せるなんて、どんなに楽しいだろう」と思った。

Lastly, Mr. Bhaer was dressed in a new suit of black, which made him look more like a gentleman than ever.

lastly (最後に) [副] finally; in conclusion

be dressed in (着ている) [動] be wearing

最後に、ベーア氏は新しい黒のスーツを着ており、これまで以上に紳士らしく見えた。

His bushy hair had been cut and smoothly brushed, but didn’t stay in order long, for in exciting moments, he rumpled it up in the droll way he used to do, and Jo liked it rampantly erect better than flat, because she thought it gave his fine forehead a Jove-like aspect.

brush (ブラシをかける) [動] clean, smooth, or polish with a brush

Jove (ジュピター) [名] the supreme god of the ancient Romans

彼のふさふさした髪は切られ、なめらかにブラシをかけられていたが、長い間整ったままではいなかった。興奮した瞬間に、彼はいつものようにそれをくしゃくしゃにしてしまったからだ。ジョーはそれが彼の立派な額にジュピターのような側面を与えていると思ったので、平らよりも乱暴に直立している方が好きだった。

Poor Jo, how she did glorify that plain man, as she sat knitting away so quietly, yet letting nothing escape her, not even the fact that Mr. Bhaer actually had gold sleeve-buttons in his immaculate wristbands.

glorify (美化する) [動] make something seem better or more important than it really is

かわいそうなジョー、彼女は静かに編み物をしながら、ベーア氏が実際に金の袖ボタンを真っ白な袖口に付けていたという事実さえも見逃さずに、あの平凡な男をどれほど美化したことか。

“Dear old fellow! He couldn’t have got himself up with more care if he’d been going a-wooing,” said Jo to herself, and then a sudden thought born of the words made her blush so dreadfully that she had to drop her ball, and go down after it to hide her face.

old fellow (おじさん) [名] an old man

couldn't have (できなかっただろう) [助] could not have

got oneself up (身支度を整える) [動] dress oneself

more care (これ以上気を遣って) [名] more attention or caution

been going (行く) [動] move or travel

a-wooing (求婚) [名] the action of seeking the love of a woman with a view to marriage

a sudden thought (突然の考え) [名] an idea that comes to one's mind without warning

made (させる) [動] cause to be or become

so dreadfully (ひどく) [副] to a very great degree

that (なので) [接] for this reason; therefore

had to (しなければならなかった) [助] be obliged to

and go down (その後を追う) [動] move or travel

to hide (隠す) [動] keep from sight or notice

「親愛なるおじさん! 彼が求婚に行くのであれば、これ以上気を遣って身支度を整えることはできなかっただろう」とジョーは独り言を言った。そして、その言葉から生まれた突然の考えに、彼女はひどく顔を赤らめ、ボールを落として顔を隠すためにその後を追わなければならなかった。

The maneuver did not succeed as well as she expected, however, for though just in the act of setting fire to a funeral pyre, the Professor dropped his torch, metaphorically speaking, and made a dive after the little blue ball.

maneuver (策略) [名] a skillful or clever move

funeral pyre (火葬の薪) [名] a pile of wood on which a dead body is burned

set fire to (火をつける) [動] cause to burn

torch (松明) [名] a portable electric lamp

make a dive (追いかける) [動] go after something

しかし、その策略は彼女が期待したほどうまくいかなかった。なぜなら、火葬の薪に火をつける行為の最中だったにもかかわらず、教授は比喩的に言えば松明を落とし、小さな青いボールを追いかけようとしたからだ。

Of course they bumped their heads smartly together, saw stars, and both came up flushed and laughing, without the ball, to resume their seats, wishing they had not left them.

bump (ぶつける) [動] knock or strike against something

resume (戻る) [動] return to a previous state or activity

もちろん、彼らは頭を強くぶつけ合い、星が見え、二人とも顔を赤らめ、笑いながら、ボールを持たずに席に戻り、席を離れなければよかったと思った。

Nobody knew where the evening went to, for Hannah skillfully abstracted the babies at an early hour, nodding like two rosy poppies, and Mr. Laurence went home to rest.

abstract (連れ去る) [動] take away

誰も夕方がどこに行ったのか分からなかった。ハンナが早い時間に赤ちゃんを巧みに連れ去り、2本のバラ色のケシのようにうなずき、ローレンス氏は休息のために家に帰った。

The others sat round the fire, talking away, utterly regardless of the lapse of time, till Meg, whose maternal mind was impressed with a firm conviction that Daisy had tumbled out of bed, and Demi set his nightgown afire studying the structure of matches, made a move to go.

sit round (座り込む) [動] sit in a circle

lapse of time (時の経過) [名] the passing of time

maternal mind (母性本能) [名] the instinct of a mother to protect her children

firm conviction (確信) [名] a strong belief or opinion

tumble out of bed (ベッドから落ちる) [動] fall out of bed

set fire (火をつける) [動] cause to burn

make a move (帰り支度をする) [動] prepare to leave

他の人たちは火の周りに座って、時の経過を全く気にせずに話し込んでいたが、デイジーがベッドから落ちて、デミがマッチの構造を調べているうちにネグリジェに火をつけてしまったという確信が母性本能に働き、メグは帰り支度をした。

“We must have our sing, in the good old way, for we are all together again once more,” said Jo, feeling that a good shout would be a safe and pleasant vent for the jubilant emotions of her soul.

have our sing (歌わなくちゃ) [動] sing

good old way (昔ながらの) [形] of a kind that has existed for a long time

all together (みんなが集まった) [副] in a group

once more (また) [副] one more time

said Jo (ジョーは言い) [動] say

good shout (大声で叫ぶ) [名] a loud cry

vent (発散させる) [動] express or release

jubilant (歓喜の) [形] extremely happy

「昔ながらの歌を歌わなくちゃ、またみんなが集まったんだもの」とジョーは言い、大声で叫ぶことが自分の魂の歓喜の感情を安全に気持ちよく発散させる方法だと感じた。

They were not all there.

全員が揃っていなかった。

But no one found the words thoughtless or untrue, for Beth still seemed among them, a peaceful presence, invisible, but dearer than ever, since death could not break the household league that love made dissoluble.

thoughtless (軽率な) [形] lacking care for others

league (結束) [名] a group of people, countries, or organizations that have joined together for a particular purpose

dissolve (解消する) [動] to cause to disappear or come to an end

しかし、誰もその言葉を軽率だとか真実ではないとは思わなかった。ベスは、目には見えないが、これまで以上に愛おしい、平和な存在として、まだ彼らの間にいるように思えたからだ。死は、愛が解消した家庭の結束を破ることはできなかった。

The little chair stood in its old place.

stand (置かれていた) [動] be in a position in which you put your weight on your feet but not on your knees

小さな椅子は昔の場所に置かれていた。

The tidy basket, with the bit of work she left unfinished when the needle grew ‘so heavy’, was still on its accustomed shelf.

tidy (きちんとした) [形] neat and organized

accustomed (いつもの) [形] familiar through use or experience

針が「とても重く」なった時に彼女が未完成のまま残した作品が入った、きちんとしたバスケットは、まだいつもの棚の上に置かれていた。

The beloved instrument, seldom touched now had not been moved, and above it Beth’s face, serene and smiling, as in the early days, looked down upon them, seeming to say, “Be happy. I am here.”

early days (初期の頃) [名] the beginning of a period of time

今ではめったに触れられることのない愛用の楽器は動かされておらず、その上には、初期の頃のように穏やかで微笑んでいるベスの顔が、まるで「幸せになってね。私はここにいるよ」と言っているかのように、彼女たちを見下ろしていた。

“Play something, Amy.

「何か弾いて、エイミー。

Let them hear how much you have improved,” said Laurie, with pardonable pride in his promising pupil.

let (聞かせる) [動] allow or enable

どれだけ上達したか聞かせてあげて」と、有望な生徒を誇らしく思う気持ちから、ローリーは言った。

But Amy whispered, with full eyes, as she twirled the faded stool, “Not tonight, dear.

しかし、エイミーは色あせたスツールをくるくる回しながら、目をいっぱいにして、「今夜はだめよ、ローリー。

I can’t show off tonight.”

show off (披露する) [動] to display something in a way that attracts attention

今夜は披露できないよ」とささやいた。

But she did show something better than brilliancy or skill, for she sang Beth’s songs with a tender music in her voice which the best master could not have taught, and touched the listener’s hearts with a sweeter power than any other inspiration could have given her.

しかし、彼女は優秀さや技能よりも優れた何かを見せた、というのも、彼女は最高の師匠でも教えることができない優しい音楽を声に込めてベスの歌を歌い、他のどんなインスピレーションも彼女に与えることができなかったであろうより甘い力で聴衆の心を動かしたからだ。

The room was very still, when the clear voice failed suddenly at the last line of Beth’s favorite hymn.

line (行) [名] a row of words written across a page

部屋はとても静かで、ベスの好きな賛美歌の最後の行で澄んだ声が突然途切れた。

It was hard to say...

言うのは難しかった。

Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal;

earth (地上) [名] the planet on which we live

hath (持つ) [動] have

heal (癒す) [動] make or become sound or healthy again

天国が癒せない悲しみは地上にはない。

and Amy leaned against her husband, who stood behind her, feeling that her welcome home was not quite perfect without Beth’s kiss.

そしてエイミーは後ろに立っている夫にもたれかかり、ベスのキスがなければ帰宅を歓迎された気分も完璧ではないと感じた。

“Now, we must finish with Mignon’s song, for Mr. Bhaer sings that,” said Jo, before the pause grew painful.

Mignon (ミニョン) [名] a character in the opera Mignon by Ambroise Thomas

painful (気まずい) [形] causing pain

「さて、ミニョンの歌で終わりにしましょう、ベーアさんが歌うんです」とジョーは、間が気まずくなる前に言った。

And Mr. Bhaer cleared his throat with a gratified “Hem!” as he stepped into the corner where Jo stood, saying...

clear one's throat (咳払いをする) [動] make a sound in the throat to clear it

step into (歩み寄る) [動] move into or toward

そしてベーアさんは満足そうに「ヘム!」と咳払いをして、ジョーの立っている隅に歩み寄り、言った。

“You will sing with me?

「一緒に歌ってくれるかい?

We go excellently well together.”

私たちは一緒に歌うととてもうまくいくんだ。」

A pleasing fiction, by the way, for Jo had no more idea of music than a grasshopper.

fiction (作り話) [名] something that is invented or untrue

ところで、ジョーはバッタと同じくらい音楽のことは何も知らなかったので、これは楽しい作り話だった。

But she would have consented if he had proposed to sing a whole opera, and warbled away, blissfully regardless of time and tune.

blissfully (至福に) [副] in a state of perfect happiness

しかし、もし彼がオペラを全部歌おうと提案したとしても、彼女は同意しただろうし、時間や音程に関係なく、至福の歌声を響かせただろう。

It didn’t much matter, for Mr. Bhaer sang like a true German, heartily and well, and Jo soon subsided into a subdued hum, that she might listen to the mellow voice that seemed to sing for her alone.

heartily (心を込めて) [副] in a sincere or enthusiastic manner

hum (ハミング) [名] a low continuous sound made with the mouth closed

mellow (まろやかな) [形] (of sound) soft and rich

ベーア氏は真のドイツ人らしく、心を込めて上手に歌っていたので、あまり問題にはならなかったし、ジョーはすぐに控えめなハミングに落ち着き、自分だけのために歌っているように聞こえるまろやかな声に耳を傾けることができた。

Know’st thou the land where the citron blooms,

citron (レモン) [名] a citrus fruit with a thick, fragrant rind and a somewhat acid pulp

レモンの花咲く国を知っているか?

used to be the Professor’s favorite line, for ‘das land’ meant Germany to him, but now he seemed to dwell, with peculiar warmth and melody, upon the words...

used to be (かつて...だった) [動] be in the past

line (歌詞) [名] a set of words that form a verse of a song

dwell (住む) [動] live in a place

レモンの花咲く国を知っているか? は、かつて教授のお気に入りの歌詞だった。彼にとって「das land」はドイツを意味していたからだ。しかし今、彼は独特の暖かさとメロディーで、言葉に住んでいるようだった。

There, oh there, might I with thee, O, my beloved, go

there (そこへ) [副] to or toward that place

beloved (愛する人) [名] a person who is loved

そこへ、ああそこへ、私はあなたと共に、ああ、私の愛する人よ、行けるだろうか

and one listener was so thrilled by the tender invitation that she longed to say she did know the land, and would joyfully depart thither whenever he liked.

thrilled (感激する) [動] feel a sudden intense feeling of excitement or pleasure

invitation (誘い) [名] a request for someone to go somewhere or to do something

thither (そこへ) [副] to that place; there

一人の聴衆は、その優しい誘いにとても感激し、その国を知っていると言いたくて、彼が望むならいつでも喜んでそこへ出発したいと思った。

The song was considered a great success, and the singer retired covered with laurels.

consider (みなす) [動] regard as being; think of as

retire (引退する) [動] withdraw from one's position or occupation

その歌は大成功とみなされ、歌手は栄誉に包まれて引退した。

But a few minutes afterward, he forgot his manners entirely, and stared at Amy putting on her bonnet, for she had been introduced simply as ‘my sister’, and no one had called her by her new name since he came.

put on (被る) [動] put clothes or something else on your body

しかし数分後、彼はすっかり礼儀作法を忘れ、ボンネットを被るエイミーをじろじろと見つめた。彼女は単に「私の妹」と紹介されただけで、彼が来てから誰も彼女を新しい名前で呼んでいなかったからだ。

He forgot himself still further when Laurie said, in his most gracious manner, at parting...

still further (さらに) [副] to a greater extent or degree

most gracious (最も優雅な) [形] very kind and polite

parting (別れ際) [名] the moment of leaving

ローリーが別れ際に、最も優雅な態度でこう言った時、彼はさらに我を忘れた。

“My wife and I are very glad to meet you, sir.

「妻と私はあなたに会えてとても嬉しいです。

Please remember that there is always a welcome waiting for you over the way.”

道の向こうではいつでも歓迎が待っていることを覚えておいてください」

Then the Professor thanked him so heartily, and looked so suddenly illuminated with satisfaction, that Laurie thought him the most delightfully demonstrative old fellow he ever met.

delightfully (愛想の良い) [副] in a charming or pleasing manner

demonstrative (老人) [形] openly expressive of one's feelings

すると教授は心から彼に感謝し、突然満足感に輝いたように見えたので、ローリーは彼が今まで会った中で最も愛想の良い老人だと思った。

“I too shall go, but I shall gladly come again, if you will gif me leave, dear madame, for a little business in the city will keep me here some days.”

will (くれる) [助] expressing a strong intention or determination

「私も行きます、でも、もしあなたが私に許可を与えてくれるなら、私は喜んでまた来ます、親愛なるマダム、街でのちょっとした用事で私はここに数日滞在するでしょう」

He spoke to Mrs. March, but he looked at Jo, and the mother’s voice gave as cordial an assent as did the daughter’s eyes, for Mrs. March was not so blind to her children’s interest as Mrs. Moffat supposed.

assent (同意) [名] the expression of approval or agreement

彼はマーチ夫人に話しかけたが、ジョーを見ていたし、母親の声は娘の目と同じように心からの同意を与えていた、というのもマーチ夫人はモファット夫人が思っていたほど子供たちの関心に対して盲目ではなかったからだ。

“I suspect that is a wise man,” remarked Mr. March, with placid satisfaction, from the hearthrug, after the last guest had gone.

hearthrug (暖炉の敷物) [名] a rug placed in front of a fireplace

「あれは賢い人だと思う」と最後の客が帰った後、マーチ氏は暖炉の敷物から穏やかな満足感をもって言った。

“I know he is a good one,” added Mrs. March, with decided approval, as she wound up the clock.

wind up (巻く) [動] turn a key or handle to tighten a spring and make a mechanism work

「彼は良い人だと知っているよ」とマーチ夫人は時計を巻きながら、はっきりと承認して付け加えた。

“I thought you’d like him,” was all Jo said, as she slipped away to her bed.

slip away (滑り込む) [動] move or go quietly and quickly

「あなたたちが彼を好きになると思った」とジョーはベッドに滑り込みながら言った。

She wondered what the business was that brought Mr. Bhaer to the city, and finally decided that he had been appointed to some great honor, somewhere, but had been too modest to mention the fact.

decide (結論に達する) [動] reach a decision about something

appoint (任命する) [動] assign a job or role to

彼女はベーア氏を街に連れてきた用事が何だったのかと思い、ついに彼はどこかで何か大きな名誉に任命されたが、その事実に言及するにはあまりにも控えめだったという結論に達した。

If she had seen his face when, safe in his own room, he looked at the picture of a severe and rigid young lady, with a good deal of hair, who appeared to be gazing darkly into futurity, it might have thrown some light upon the subject, especially when he turned off the gas, and kissed the picture in the dark.

rigid (堅苦しい) [形] not flexible or yielding

futurity (未来) [名] time to come; future

turn off (消す) [動] stop the operation of

gas (ガス) [名] a substance in a state in which it will expand freely to fill the whole of a container, having no definite volume and taking the form of its container, and in which the effect of gravity is relatively...

もし彼女が、彼が自分の部屋で安全に、未来を暗く見つめているように見える、髪の毛の多い、厳しくて堅苦しい若い女性の写真を眺めているときの彼の顔を見ていたら、特に彼がガスを消して暗闇の中でその写真にキスしたとき、その話題に何か光を投げかけたかもしれない。

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR: MY LORD AND LADY

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR (第44章) [名] the 44th chapter

MY LORD AND LADY (私の旦那様と奥様) [名] my husband and wife

第44章:私の旦那様と奥様

“Please, Madam Mother, could you lend me my wife for half an hour?

Madam Mother (お母さん) [名] a polite way to address one's mother

「お母さん、妻を30分貸してくれませんか?

The luggage has come, and I’ve been making hay of Amy’s Paris finery, trying to find some things I want,” said Laurie, coming in the next day to find Mrs. Laurence sitting in her mother’s lap, as if being made ‘the baby’ again.

luggage (荷物) [名] bags, cases, and other containers with which one travels

make hay of (干し草にする) [動] to take advantage of

finery (装飾品) [名] showy clothes or decoration

荷物が届いて、私はエイミーのパリの装飾品を干し草にして、欲しいものを探そうとしているんだ」とローリーは言い、翌日、ローレンス夫人が母親の膝の上に座っているのを見つけた。まるで再び「赤ちゃん」にされたかのようだった。

“Certainly. Go, dear, I forgot that you have any home but this,” and Mrs. March pressed the white hand that wore the wedding ring, as if asking pardon for her maternal covetousness.

as if (とでも言うように) [接] as it would be if

covetousness (貪欲さ) [名] a strong desire to have something that belongs to someone else

「もちろん。行きなさい、あなたにはここ以外に家があることを忘れていたよ」とマーチ夫人は、母親としての貪欲さを許してほしいとでも言うように、結婚指輪をはめた白い手を握りしめた。

“I shouldn’t have come over if I could have helped it, but I can’t get on without my little woman any more than a...”

「どうにかなれば来なかったんだが、私の小さな女性なしではもうやっていけないんだ」

“Weathercock can without the wind,” suggested Jo, as he paused for a simile.

simile (比喩) [名] a figure of speech that compares two things that are not alike

「風見鶏は風がなければできない」と、彼が比喩のために立ち止まったので、ジョーは提案した。

Jo had grown quite her own saucy self again since Teddy came home.

テディが帰宅してから、ジョーは再び生意気な自分に戻っていた。

“Exactly, for Amy keeps me pointing due west most of the time, with only an occasional whiffle round to the south, and I haven’t had an easterly spell since I was married.

point (向ける) [動] direct or aim

most of the time (ほとんどいつも) [副] usually; generally

south (南) [名] the direction that is to your right when you are facing east

haven't had (なかった) [動] not have

「その通り、エイミーは私をほとんどいつも真西に向けさせ、たまに南に回るだけだ、結婚してから東向きになったことは一度もない。

Don’t know anything about the north, but am altogether salubrious and balmy, hey, my lady?”

north (北) [名] the direction that is to your left when you are facing the rising sun

salubrious (健康的な) [形] health-giving; healthy

balmy (穏やかな) [形] mild and pleasant

北については何も知らないが、全体的に健康的で穏やかだ、ねえ、奥さん?」

“Lovely weather so far.

lovely (良い) [形] very pleasing or attractive

so far (これまでのところ) [副] up to this point in time

「これまでのところ天気は良い。

I don’t know how long it will last, but I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.

いつまで続くかわからないが、嵐は怖くない、船の操縦を学んでいるからだ。

Come home, dear, and I’ll find your bootjack.

bootjack (靴べら) [名] a device for removing boots

家に帰って来なさい、靴べらを探してあげるよ。

I suppose that’s what you are rummaging after among my things.

after (探す) [前] in search of

私のものをかき回して探しているのはそういうことだろう。

Men are so helpless, Mother,” said Amy, with a matronly air, which delighted her husband.

男の人って本当に無力ね、ママ」とエイミーは夫を喜ばせる主婦然とした態度で言った。

“What are you going to do with yourselves after you get settled?” asked Jo, buttoning Amy’s cloak as she used to button her pinafores.

「落ち着いたら何をするつもり?」とエイミーのマントが昔のエプロンのようにボタンをかけてやりながらジョーは尋ねた。

“We have our plans.

「計画はある。

We don’t mean to say much about them yet, because we are such very new brooms, but we don’t intend to be idle.

new broom (新婚) [名] a person who has recently taken up a new position or role

idle (怠ける) [動] be inactive or unproductive

まだあまり話すつもりはないが、まだ新婚だからね、でも怠けるつもりはない。

I’m going into business with a devotion that shall delight Grandfather, and prove to him that I’m not spoiled.

go into (取り組む) [動] to start doing or working on something

私は祖父を喜ばせ、私が甘やかされていないことを証明する献身的な気持ちで仕事に取り組むつもりだ。

I need something of the sort to keep me steady.

私には自分を落ち着かせるために何かそういうものが必要だ。

I’m tired of dawdling, and mean to work like a man.”

ぐずぐずしているのに飽き飽きしたし、男らしく働くつもりだ。」

“And Amy, what is she going to do?” asked Mrs. March, well pleased at Laurie’s decision and the energy with which he spoke.

「それでエイミーは、彼女は何をするつもりなの?」とマーチ夫人は尋ね、ローリーの決断と彼が話す時のエネルギーにとても満足していた。

“After doing the civil all round, and airing our best bonnet, we shall astonish you by the elegant hospitalities of our mansion, the brilliant society we shall draw about us, and the beneficial influence we shall exert over the world at large.

do the civil (礼儀正しく振る舞う) [動] behave in a polite and courteous manner

air (風に当てる) [動] expose to the open air

exert (及ぼす) [動] apply or bring to bear

beneficial (有益な) [形] favourable or advantageous

at large (全体的に) [副] in general; as a whole

「礼儀正しく振る舞い、一番いいボンネットを風に当てた後、私たちの邸宅の優雅なおもてなし、私たちの周りに集まる華やかな社交界、そして私たちが世界全体に及ぼす有益な影響力であなたを驚かせるでしょう。

That’s about it, isn’t it, Madame Recamier?” asked Laurie with a quizzical look at Amy.

that's about it (そういうこと) [名] that is the main point

isn't it (だよね) [他] used to ask for confirmation

Madame Recamier (レカミエ夫人) [名] a French socialite

そういうことだよね、レカミエ夫人?」とローリーはエイミーをじろじろ見ながら尋ねた。

“Time will show. Come away, Impertinence, and don’t shock my family by calling me names before their faces,” answered Amy, resolving that there should be a home with a good wife in it before she set up a salon as a queen of society.

come away (あっちへ行け) [動] leave

impertinence (失礼なやつ) [名] the quality of being rude or disrespectful

shock (驚かせる) [動] affect with surprise, horror, or disgust

set up (開く) [動] start or establish

「時が経てばわかるでしょう。失礼なやつ、あっちへ行け、家族の前で私を呼び捨てにして驚かせないで」とエイミーは答え、社交界の女王としてサロンを開く前に、良い妻のいる家庭があるべきだと決意した。

“How happy those children seem together!” observed Mr. March, finding it difficult to become absorbed in his Aristotle after the young couple had gone.

how happy (とても幸せそう) [形] very happy

Aristotle (アリストテレス) [名] a Greek philosopher and polymath during the Classical period in Ancient Greece

「あの子たちは一緒にいてとても幸せそうだね」とマーチ氏は若いカップルが去った後、アリストテレスに没頭するのが難しいことに気づきながら言った。

“Yes, and I think it will last,” added Mrs. March, with the restful expression of a pilot who has brought a ship safely into port.

port (港) [名] a town or city with a harbor where ships load or unload

「そうね、そしてそれは続くと思うよ」とマーチ夫人は船を無事に港に連れてきた水先案内人の安らかな表情で付け加えた。

“I know it will. Happy Amy!”

「続くとわかってるよ。幸せそうなエイミー!」

and Jo sighed, then smiled brightly as Professor Bhaer opened the gate with an impatient push.

そしてジョーはため息をつき、ベーア教授が焦ったように門を開けると明るく微笑んだ。

Later in the evening, when his mind had been set at rest about the bootjack, Laurie said suddenly to his wife, “Mrs. Laurence.”

later (その夜遅く) [副] at a time in the future; afterwards

set at rest (落ち着く) [動] to put someone's mind at ease

その夜遅く、靴べらのことで心が落ち着いたとき、ローリーは突然妻に「ローレンス夫人」と言った。

“My Lord!”

my lord (おやおや) [名] a title used to address a British judge

「おやおや!」

“That man intends to marry our Jo!”

「あの人は私たちのジョーと結婚するつもりだ!」

“I hope so, don’t you, dear?”

don't you (そうでしょう) [助] used in speech as a tag question, especially when the speaker expects the listener to agree

「そう願っているよ、あなたもそうでしょう?」

“Well, my love, I consider him a trump, in the fullest sense of that expressive word, but I do wish he was a little younger and a good deal richer.”

my love (愛しい人) [名] a term of endearment

fullest (完全な) [形] as great or as much as possible

「そうね、愛しい人、私は彼を、その表現力豊かな言葉の完全な意味で、切り札だと思っているけど、もう少し若くて、もっとお金持ちだったらよかったのに」

“Now, Laurie, don’t be too fastidious and worldly-minded.

worldly-minded (世俗的) [形] concerned with this life and its enjoyments rather than with religion or spiritual affairs

「ねえ、ローリー、あまり気難しいことを言ったり、世俗的になったりしないで。

If they love one another it doesn’t matter a particle how old they are nor how poor.

彼らが愛し合っているなら、どれだけ年をとっても、どれだけ貧しくても、少しも問題ではないよ。

Women never should marry for money...”

女性はお金のために結婚するべきではないよ」

Amy caught herself up short as the words escaped her, and looked at her husband, who replied, with malicious gravity...

catch oneself up short (我に返る) [動] to suddenly realize that you have said or done something wrong

エイミーは言葉が口から出るとすぐに我に返り、夫を見た。夫は悪意のある真面目さで答えた。

“Certainly not, though you do hear charming girls say that they intend to do it sometimes.

「もちろんそうではないよ、でも魅力的な女の子が時々そうするつもりだと言うのを聞くことがあるね。

If my memory serves me, you once thought it your duty to make a rich match.

serve (正しい) [動] be correct or accurate

私の記憶が正しければ、あなたはかつて金持ちと結婚することが自分の義務だと思っていたよ。

That accounts, perhaps, for your marrying a good-for-nothing like me.”

account (理由) [名] a statement of the reasons for or causes of something

それが、おそらく、私のようなろくでなしと結婚した理由だろう」

“Oh, my dearest boy, don’t, don’t say that!

「ああ、私の最愛の息子よ、そんなこと言わないで!

I forgot you were rich when I said ‘Yes’.

はい」と言った時にはあなたが金持ちだということを忘れていたよ。

I’d have married you if you hadn’t a penny, and I sometimes wish you were poor that I might show how much I love you.”

penny (一文無し) [名] a small amount of money

あなたが一文無しでも結婚したでしょうし、時々あなたが貧乏だったらどれだけあなたを愛しているか示せるのにと思うよ」

And Amy, who was very dignified in public and very fond in private, gave convincing proofs of the truth of her words.

in public (人前で) [副] in a place that is open to all people

in private (内緒で) [副] in a place that is not open to the public

そして、人前では非常に威厳があり、内緒では非常に愛情深いエイミーは、彼女の言葉の真実を説得力のある証拠を示した。

“You don’t really think I am such a mercenary creature as I tried to be once, do you?

「私がかつてそうしようとしたように、私がそんなにお金に目がくらんだ人間だと本当に思っているの?

It would break my heart if you didn’t believe that I’d gladly pull in the same boat with you, even if you had to get your living by rowing on the lake.”

break one's heart (心が張り裂ける) [動] cause someone to feel very sad

pull in (乗る) [動] arrive at a place

あなたが湖でボートを漕いで生計を立てなければならなかったとしても、私が喜んであなたと同じボートに乗ると信じてくれなかったら、私の心は張り裂けてしまうよ」

“Am I an idiot and a brute?

idiot (馬鹿) [名] a person of low intelligence

「私は馬鹿で野蛮者か?

How could I think so, when you refused a richer man for me, and won’t let me give you half I want to now, when I have the right?

あなたが私のためにもっと裕福な男性を拒否し、私が権利を持っているのに、私が今あなたにあげたい半分を与えさせてくれないのに、どうしてそう思えるだろうか?

Girls do it every day, poor things, and are taught to think it is their only salvation, but you had better lessons, and though I trembled for you at one time, I was not disappointed, for the daughter was true to the mother’s teaching.

do it (それをする) [動] have sex

salvation (救い) [名] preservation or deliverance from harm, ruin, or loss

娘たちは毎日それをしている、かわいそうに、そしてそれが彼女たちの唯一の救いであると考えるように教えられている、しかしあなたはもっと良い教訓を得た、そして私は一度あなたのために震えたが、私は失望しなかった、娘は母親の教えに忠実だったからだ。

I told Mamma so yesterday, and she looked as glad and grateful as if I’d given her a check for a million, to be spent in charity.

million (百万) [名] the number 1,000,000

昨日ママにそう言ったら、慈善事業に使うために百万の小切手を渡したみたいに嬉しそうに感謝していたよ。

You are not listening to my moral remarks, Mrs. Laurence,” and Laurie paused, for Amy’s eyes had an absent look, though fixed upon his face.

ローレンス夫人、私の道徳的な発言を聞いていない」とローリーは言葉を切った、エイミーの目は彼の顔を見つめてはいたが、ぼんやりとしていたからだ。

“Yes, I am, and admiring the mole in your chin at the same time.

「そうよ、同時にあなたのあごのほくろを賞賛しているよ。

I don’t wish to make you vain, but I must confess that I’m prouder of my handsome husband than of all his money.

make vain (うぬぼれさせる) [動] make someone have too high an opinion of themselves

あなたをうぬぼれさせたくはないけれど、私は私のハンサムな夫を彼のお金よりも誇りに思っていることを告白しなければならないよ。

Don’t laugh, but your nose is such a comfort to me,” and Amy softly caressed the well-cut feature with artistic satisfaction.

笑わないで、でもあなたの鼻は私にとってとても心地よいの」とエイミーは芸術的な満足感をもって、その整った鼻をそっと撫でた。

Laurie had received many compliments in his life, but never one that suited him better, as he plainly showed though he did laugh at his wife’s peculiar taste, while she said slowly, “May I ask you a question, dear?”

ローリーは人生で多くの賛辞を受けてきたが、妻の独特の趣味を笑いながらも、彼がはっきりと示したように、彼にこれほど似合う賛辞はなかった、一方で彼女はゆっくりと言った、「あなたに質問してもいいかしら、あなた?」

“Of course, you may.”

「もちろん、いいよ」

“Shall you care if Jo does marry Mr. Bhaer?”

「ジョーがベーアさんと結婚したら気にする?」

“Oh, that’s the trouble is it?

「ああ、それが問題なのか?

I thought there was something in the dimple that didn’t quite suit you.

dimple (えくぼ) [名] a small depression in the flesh, especially in the cheek or chin

えくぼに何かあなたに似合わない何かがあると思ったよ。

Not being a dog in the manger, but the happiest fellow alive, I assure you I can dance at Jo’s wedding with a heart as light as my heels.

dog in the manger (犬が飼い葉桶で寝ている) [名] a person who prevents others from having something that they do not want themselves

犬が飼い葉桶で寝ているわけではないが、生きている中で一番幸せな仲間として、私はジョーの結婚式でかかとと同じくらい軽い心で踊ることができると保証する。

Do you doubt it, my darling?”

疑うのか、私の愛しい人?」

Amy looked up at him, and was satisfied.

エイミーは彼を見上げ、満足した。

Her little jealous fear vanished forever, and she thanked him, with a face full of love and confidence.

彼女の嫉妬心は永遠に消え、愛と信頼に満ちた顔で彼に感謝した。

“I wish we could do something for that capital old Professor.

「あの素晴らしい老教授のために何かできたらいいのに。

Couldn’t we invent a rich relation, who shall obligingly die out there in Germany, and leave him a tidy little fortune?” said Laurie, when they began to pace up and down the long drawing room, arm in arm, as they were fond of doing, in memory of the chateau garden.

die out (死んでしまう) [動] become extinct

memory (思い出しながら) [名] the ability to remember things

ドイツで都合よく死んで、彼に小金持ちになれるだけの遺産を残してくれる金持ちの親戚をでっち上げられないかな?」とローリーは言った。彼らは、城の庭を思い出しながら、よくやるように、長い応接間を腕を組んで歩き回り始めた。

“Jo would find us out, and spoil it all.

「ジョーは私たちを見つけて、全部台無しにするよ。

She is very proud of him, just as he is, and said yesterday that she thought poverty was a beautiful thing.”

彼女は彼をとても誇りに思っていて、昨日は貧困は美しいことだと思ったと言っていたよ」

“Bless her dear heart!

「彼女の愛しい心を祝福して!

She won’t think so when she has a literary husband, and a dozen little professors and professorins to support.

professorin (教授夫人) [名] the wife of a professor

文学者の夫と、養うべき12人の小さな教授や教授夫人がいる時にはそうは思わないよ。

We won’t interfere now, but watch our chance, and do them a good turn in spite of themselves.

watch (うかがう) [動] to look at or observe attentively

good turn (善いこと) [名] a helpful act

今は干渉しないで、機会をうかがって、彼らが嫌がっても善いことをしましょう。

I owe Jo for a part of my education, and she believes in people’s paying their honest debts, so I’ll get round her in that way.”

get round (説得する) [動] persuade or influence (someone) to do or allow something

私は教育の一部をジョーに負っているし、彼女は人が正直に借金を返済することを信じているのだから、そのようにして彼女を説得するつもりだ」

“How delightful it is to be able to help others, isn’t it?

「他人を助けることができるのは、なんて嬉しいことなんでしょう?

That was always one of my dreams, to have the power of giving freely, and thanks to you, the dream has come true.”

come true (叶う) [動] happen or become real

自由に与える力を持つことは、いつも私の夢の1つだったけど、あなたのおかげで夢が叶ったよ」

“Ah, we’ll do quantities of good, won’t we?

「ああ、私たちはたくさんの善いことをしましょうね?

There’s one sort of poverty that I particularly like to help.

私が特に助けたいと思う貧困が1つある。

Out-and-out beggars get taken care of, but poor gentle folks fare badly, because they won’t ask, and people don’t dare to offer charity.

out-and-out (完全な) [形] thoroughgoing; complete

beggar (乞食) [名] a person who lives by asking for money or food

get taken care of (世話をされる) [動] be looked after

fare (目に遭う) [動] get on; manage

完全な乞食は世話をされるけど、貧しい上品な人々は、彼らが頼まないし、人々が慈善を申し出ようとしないので、ひどい目に遭う。

Yet there are a thousand ways of helping them, if one only knows how to do it so delicately that it does not offend.

thousand (千) [名] the number 1000

delicately (繊細に) [副] in a way that shows great skill or care

それでも、彼らを助ける方法はたくさんある、もし誰かがそれを繊細に行う方法を知っていれば、それは不快にさせない。

I must say, I like to serve a decayed gentleman better than a blarnerying beggar.

must say (言わなければならない) [動] be obliged to say

decayed (落ちぶれた) [形] having rotted or decomposed

私は、しつこい乞食よりも落ちぶれた紳士に奉仕する方が好きなのよ。

I suppose it’s wrong, but I do, though it is harder.”

間違っていると思うけど、難しいけどそうするよ」

“Because it takes a gentleman to do it,” added the other member of the domestic admiration society.

「それをするには紳士が必要だから」と、家庭内称賛協会のもう一人のメンバーが付け加えた。

“Thank you, I’m afraid I don’t deserve that pretty compliment.

「ありがとう、そんな素敵な褒め言葉に値しないと思うけど。

But I was going to say that while I was dawdling about abroad, I saw a good many talented young fellows making all sorts of sacrifices, and enduring real hardships, that they might realize their dreams.

hardship (困難) [名] a state of difficulty or misfortune

でも、私が海外でぐずぐずしている間に、才能のある若い仲間が夢を実現するためにあらゆる犠牲を払い、本当の困難に耐えているのをたくさん見てきたんだ。

Splendid fellows, some of them, working like heros, poor and friendless, but so full of courage, patience, and ambition that I was ashamed of myself, and longed to give them a right good lift.

some of them (そのうちの何人か) [名] some of the people in the group

friendless (友人がいない) [形] having no friends

素晴らしい仲間たちで、そのうちの何人かは英雄のように働き、貧しく友人もいないのに、勇気と忍耐と野心に満ちていて、私は自分を恥ずかしく思い、彼らを正しく高めたいと切望した。

Those are people whom it’s a satisfaction to help, for if they’ve got genius, it’s an honor to be allowed to serve them, and not let it be lost or delayed for want of fuel to keep the pot boiling.

for (もし) [接] on the condition that; in the event that

not let (しないようにする) [動] prevent from doing something

delay (遅れる) [動] make or be late or slow

fuel (燃料) [名] a substance that is burned to provide heat or power

boiling (沸騰) [名] the conversion of a liquid into a vapor by heating

そういう人たちは助け甲斐があるし、もし彼らが天才なら、彼らに仕えさせてもらうのは名誉なことだし、鍋を沸かすための燃料がなくて才能を失ったり遅れたりしないようにするのは名誉なことなんだ。

If they haven’t, it’s a pleasure to comfort the poor souls, and keep them from despair when they find it out.”

もし彼らが天才でなければ、哀れな魂を慰め、彼らがそれを知ったときに絶望しないようにするのは喜びだ。」

“Yes, indeed, and there’s another class who can’t ask, and who suffer in silence.

「そう、確かに、頼むことができない、沈黙の中で苦しんでいる別の階級がある。

I know something of it, for I belonged to it before you made a princess of me, as the king does the beggarmaid in the old story.

know something of (少し知っている) [動] have some knowledge of

make a princess of (王女にする) [動] make someone a princess

beggarmaid (乞食の娘) [名] a beggar's daughter

old story (昔話) [名] a story from the past

私はそのことを少し知っている、なぜなら昔話の王様が乞食の娘にしたように、あなたが私を王女にするまでは私もその階級に属していたからだ。

Ambitious girls have a hard time, Laurie, and often have to see youth, health, and precious opportunities go by, just for want of a little help at the right minute.

right (いい) [形] correct; good; proper

野心的な女の子は苦労するのよ、ローリー、そしてちょうどいい時に少しの助けが欲しいだけで、若さ、健康、そして貴重な機会が過ぎ去っていくのを見なければならないことが多いの。

People have been very kind to me, and whenever I see girls struggling along, as we used to do, I want to put out my hand and help them, as I was helped.”

struggle (苦労する) [動] make strenuous or violent efforts in the face of difficulties or opposition

along (そうだったように) [副] in a forward direction; onward

put out (差し伸べる) [動] extend outward

人々は私にとても親切にしてくれてきたし、私たちがそうだったように、女の子たちが苦労しているのを見ると、私は手を差し伸べて、私が助けられたように彼女たちを助けたいと思うの。」

“And so you shall, like an angel as you are!” cried Laurie, resolving, with a glow of philanthropic zeal, to found and endow an institution for the express benefit of young women with artistic tendencies.

and so (そして) [接] and therefore

philanthropic (慈善的な) [形] of or relating to philanthropy

found (設立する) [動] to establish or create

endow (寄付する) [動] to provide with a permanent fund or source of income

express (明確な) [形] clearly stated

tendency (傾向) [名] a general direction in which something is developing or changing

「そして、あなたは天使のようにそうするでしょう!」とローリーは叫び、慈善活動への熱意を燃やして、芸術的傾向のある若い女性のために、明確な利益をもたらす施設を設立し、寄付することを決意した。

“Rich people have no right to sit down and enjoy themselves, or let their money accumulate for others to waste.

accumulate (貯める) [動] gather together or acquire a large amount of

「金持ちは座って楽しんだり、他人が浪費するためにお金を貯めたりする権利はない。

It’s not half so sensible to leave legacies when one dies as it is to use the money wisely while alive, and enjoy making one’s fellow creatures happy with it.

legacy (遺産) [名] money or property left to someone in a will

死んだときに遺産を残すなんて、生きている間にお金を賢く使って、仲間を幸せにするのを楽しむのに比べたら、半分も賢くないよ。

We’ll have a good time ourselves, and add an extra relish to our own pleasure by giving other people a generous taste.

私たちは楽しい時間を過ごし、他の人に寛大な味を与えることで、私たち自身の喜びにさらなる楽しみを加えましょう。

Will you be a little Dorcas, going about emptying a big basket of comforts, and filling it up with good deeds?”

Dorcas (ドルカス) [名] a woman who was full of good works and acts of charity

empty (空にする) [動] make or become empty

あなたは小さなドルカスになって、大きな慰めのバスケットを空にして、善行でいっぱいにしてくれますか?」

“With all my heart, if you will be a brave St. Martin, stopping as you ride gallantly through the world to share your cloak with the beggar.”

with all my heart (心から) [副] very much; extremely

St. Martin (聖マーティン) [名] a Christian bishop of Tours and the patron saint of France

ride (駆け抜ける) [動] travel or be carried on a horse, bicycle, or other means of transportation

「あなたが勇敢な聖マーティンになって、世界を勇敢に駆け抜けながら立ち止まって、乞食とマントを分け合ってくれるなら、心からそうします。」

“It’s a bargain, and we shall get the best of it!”

get the best of (最大限に活用する) [動] to take advantage of

「それはお買い得で、私たちはそれを最大限に活用するでしょう!」

So the young pair shook hands upon it, and then paced happily on again, feeling that their pleasant home was more homelike because they hoped to brighten other homes, believing that their own feet would walk more uprightly along the flowery path before them, if they smoothed rough ways for other feet, and feeling that their hearts were more closely knit together by a love which could tenderly remember those less blest than they.

uprightly (真っ直ぐに) [副] in a vertical position

smooth (ならす) [動] make or become smooth

rough (でこぼこ) [形] having a surface or texture that is not smooth or level

knit (結びつく) [動] make or become joined or connected

blest (恵まれる) [動] make holy; consecrate

それで若い二人は握手し、それからまた幸せに歩き出した。他の家を明るくしたいと思ったので、自分たちの心地よい家がより家庭的になったと感じ、他の足のためにでこぼこ道をならしたら、自分たちの足が目の前の花の小道をより真っ直ぐに歩くだろうと思い、自分たちよりも恵まれていない人々を優しく思い出せる愛によって、心がより密接に結びついていると実感した。

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE: DAISY AND DEMI

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE (第45章) [名] a division of a book

第45章デイジーとデミ

I cannot feel that I have done my duty as humble historian of the March family, without devoting at least one chapter to the two most precious and important members of it.

historian (歴史家) [名] a person who studies or writes about history

マーチ家の最も貴重で重要な二人のメンバーに少なくとも一章を割かなければ、マーチ家の謙虚な歴史家としての義務を果たしたとは感じられない。

Daisy and Demi had now arrived at years of discretion, for in this fast age babies of three or four assert their rights, and get them, too, which is more than many of their elders do.

デイジーとデミは今や分別のつく年齢に達していた。このせわしない時代には、三歳や四歳の赤ん坊が自分の権利を主張し、それを手に入れている。それは年長者の多くがしていること以上だ。

If there ever were a pair of twins in danger of being utterly spoiled by adoration, it was these prattling Brookes.

adoration (愛情) [名] love and respect for someone or something

utterly (完全に) [副] completely

spoil (甘やかす) [動] treat with great or excessive kindness

prattling (おしゃべりな) [形] talking too much or foolishly

Brookes (ブルックス) [名] a family name

もしも愛情によって完全に甘やかされる危険にさらされている双子がいたとしたら、それはこのおしゃべりなブルックス家の双子だった。

Of course they were the most remarkable children ever born, as will be shown when I mention that they walked at eight months, talked fluently at twelve months, and at two years they took their places at table, and behaved with a propriety which charmed all beholders.

eight months (八ヶ月) [名] a period of time equal to eight months

twelve months (十二ヶ月) [名] a period of time equal to twelve months

two years (二歳) [名] a period of time equal to two years

beholder (見る人) [名] a person who sees something

もちろん、彼らは今まで生まれた中で最も優れた子供たちだった。彼らは生後八ヶ月で歩き、十二ヶ月で流暢に話し、二歳で食卓に着き、見る人すべてを魅了する礼儀正しい振る舞いをした。

At three, Daisy demanded a ‘needler’, and actually made a bag with four stitches in it.

needle (針箱) [名] a small, thin, sharp metal object with a point at one end and a hole for thread at the other

三歳の時、デイジーは「針箱」を要求し、実際に四針縫った袋を作った。

She likewise set up housekeeping in the sideboard, and managed a microscopic cooking stove with a skill that brought tears of pride to Hannah’s eyes, while Demi learned his letters with his grandfather, who invented a new mode of teaching the alphabet by forming letters with his arms and legs, thus uniting gymnastics for head and heels.

sideboard (食器棚) [名] a piece of furniture with shelves and drawers, used for storing dishes, glasses, and table linen

microscopic (顕微鏡の) [形] extremely small

cooking stove (調理用ストーブ) [名] a stove used for cooking

mode (モード) [名] a way or manner in which something is done or happens

alphabet (アルファベット) [名] a set of letters or other characters with which one or more languages are written especially if arranged in a customary order

form (形成する) [動] to make or shape

unite (統合する) [動] to join or combine two or more things into one

彼女は同様に食器棚に家事を設置し、ハンナの目に誇りの涙をもたらす技術で顕微鏡の調理用ストーブを管理し、デミは祖父と一緒に手紙を学び、祖父は腕と脚で文字を形成することによってアルファベットを教える新しいモードを発明し、頭と踵の体操を統合した。

The boy early developed a mechanical genius which delighted his father and distracted his mother, for he tried to imitate every machine he saw, and kept the nursery in a chaotic condition, with his ‘sewinsheen’, a mysterious structure of string, chairs, clothespins, and spools, for wheels to go ‘wound and wound’.

mechanical (機械の) [形] relating to or caused by a machine or machines

distract (困らせる) [動] prevent from concentrating

nursery (保育室) [名] a room in a house for the use of children

structure (構造) [名] the arrangement of and relations between the parts or elements of something complex

string (糸) [名] a length of thin cord made from twisted fibers

spool (スプール) [名] a cylindrical device with a hole through the center, on which something, such as thread, wire, or tape, can be wound

wheel (車輪) [名] a circular object that revolves on an axle and is fixed below a vehicle or other object to enable it to move easily over the ground

wound (ぐるぐる) [形] having been twisted or turned around something

少年は早くから機械の天才を発揮し、父親を喜ばせ、母親を困らせた。彼は目にする機械をすべて真似しようとし、糸、椅子、洗濯バサミ、スプールなどの不思議な構造の「ミシン」で車輪を「ぐるぐる」回して、保育室を混乱させた。

Also a basket hung over the back of a chair, in which he vainly tried to hoist his too confiding sister, who, with feminine devotion, allowed her little head to be bumped till rescued, when the young inventor indignantly remarked, “Why, Marmar, dat’s my lellywaiter, and me’s trying to pull her up.”

inventor (発明家) [名] a person who invents something

また、椅子の背もたれにバスケットを吊り下げて、あまりにも信頼しきっている妹を持ち上げようとしたが、妹は女性らしい献身的な態度で、小さな頭をぶつけられても助け出されるまで我慢していたので、若い発明家は憤慨して「ママ、あれは私のエレベーターなんだ。私は彼女を引き上げようとしているんだ」と言った。

Though utterly unlike in character, the twins got on remarkably well together, and seldom quarreled more than thrice a day.

get on (仲が良い) [動] have a good relationship with

性格は全く似ていないが、双子は驚くほど仲が良く、一日に三回以上喧嘩することはめったになかった。

Of course, Demi tyrannized over Daisy, and gallantly defended her from every other aggressor, while Daisy made a galley slave of herself, and adored her brother as the one perfect being in the world.

tyrannize (支配する) [動] rule or govern in a cruel and oppressive way

aggressor (侵略者) [名] a person or country that attacks another first

galley slave (ガレー船の奴隷) [名] a person who was forced to work as a rower on a ship

もちろん、デミはデイジーを支配し、他のすべての侵略者から彼女を勇敢に守り、デイジーは自分をガレー船の奴隷にし、兄を世界で唯一の完璧な存在として崇拝した。

A rosy, chubby, sunshiny little soul was Daisy, who found her way to everybody’s heart, and nestled there.

chubby (ふっくらとした) [形] plump

sunshiny (陽気な) [形] cheerful

find one's way (入り込む) [動] to reach a place

デイジーはバラ色のふっくらとした陽気な小さな魂で、誰の心にも入り込み、そこに寄り添っていた。

One of the captivating children, who seem made to be kissed and cuddled, adorned and adored like little goddesses, and produced for general approval on all festive occasions.

captivating (愛らしい) [形] charming; fascinating

adorn (飾り立てる) [動] to decorate or embellish

adore (崇める) [動] to love and respect someone deeply

produce (愛でる) [動] to make or create something

occasion (席) [名] a particular event, ceremony, or celebration

キスをしたり抱っこしたり、小さな女神のように飾り立てて崇めたり、あらゆるお祝いの席でみんなに愛でられるために生まれてきたような、愛らしい子供の一人だった。

Her small virtues were so sweet that she would have been quite angelic if a few small naughtinesses had not kept her delightfully human.

naughtiness (いたずら) [名] behavior that is not good or proper

彼女の小さな美徳はとても愛らしく、もしいくつかの小さないたずらが彼女を人間らしく保っていなかったら、彼女はまるで天使のようだっただろう。

It was all fair weather in her world, and every morning she scrambled up to the window in her little nightgown to look out, and say, no matter whether it rained or shone, “Oh, pitty day, oh, pitty day!”

fair weather (天気) [名] good weather

no matter whether (~でも) [接] regardless of whether

shine (晴れる) [動] be sunny

彼女の世界はいつも天気で、毎朝、小さなネグリジェを着て窓によじ登り、雨が降っても晴れても「ああ、なんて日だ、なんて日だ!」と言っていた。

Everyone was a friend, and she offered kisses to a stranger so confidingly that the most inveterate bachelor relented, and baby-lovers became faithful worshipers.

baby-lover (赤ちゃん好き) [名] a person who loves babies

worshiper (崇拝者) [名] a person who worships

誰もが友達で、彼女は見知らぬ人にとても信頼してキスをしたので、最も根っからの独身者も心を許し、赤ちゃん好きは忠実な崇拝者になった。

“Me loves evvybody,” she once said, opening her arms, with her spoon in one hand, and her mug in the other, as if eager to embrace and nourish the whole world.

mug (マグカップ) [名] a large cup with a handle

nourish (養う) [動] provide with the food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition

「私はみんな大好き」と彼女はかつて、片手にスプーン、もう片方の手にマグカップを持ち、まるで全世界を抱きしめて養いたいかのように両腕を広げて言った。

As she grew, her mother began to feel that the Dovecote would be blessed by the presence of an inmate as serene and loving as that which had helped to make the old house home, and to pray that she might be spared a loss like that which had lately taught them how long they had entertained an angel unawares.

as she grew (彼女が成長するにつれて) [接] while or when something is happening

be blessed (祝福される) [動] be consecrated or dedicated to God

inmate (入居者) [名] a person who is living in a place such as a prison, hospital, or other institution

unawares (無意識に) [副] without being aware of or prepared for something

彼女が成長するにつれて、母親は、鳩小屋が、古い家を家庭にするのに役立った人と同じくらい穏やかで愛情深い入居者の存在によって祝福されるだろうと感じ始め、最近、彼らがどれほど長い間、天使を無意識に楽しませてきたかを教えてくれたような損失を免れることができるように祈り始めた。

Her grandfather often called her ‘Beth’, and her grandmother watched over her with untiring devotion, as if trying to atone for some past mistake, which no eye but her own could see.

untiring (飽くことのない) [形] never becoming tired

祖父はよく彼女を「ベス」と呼び、祖母は彼女を飽くことなく見守っていたが、それはまるで自分以外の誰にも見えない過去の過ちを償おうとしているかのようだった。

Demi, like a true Yankee, was of an inquiring turn, wanting to know everything, and often getting much disturbed because he could not get satisfactory answers to his perpetual “What for?”

turn (性格) [名] a person's nature or character

disturbed (困惑する) [形] having had one's peace or tranquility disrupted

perpetual (いつもの) [形] continuing forever or for a very long time

what for (何のために) [名] the purpose or reason for which something is done

デミは、真のヤンキーのように、何でも知りたがる探究心旺盛な性格で、いつもの「何のために?」という問いに満足のいく答えが得られず、しばしば困惑していた。

He also possessed a philosophic bent, to the great delight of his grandfather, who used to hold Socratic conversations with him, in which the precocious pupil occasionally posed his teacher, to the undisguised satisfaction of the womenfolk.

bent (傾向) [名] a natural talent or inclination

Socratic (ソクラテス的) [形] of or relating to Socrates or his philosophy

pose (装う) [動] assume a particular attitude or position

彼はまた哲学的な傾向を持っていて、祖父は彼とソクラテス的な会話をよくしていたが、その中で早熟な生徒が時折教師を装って女性陣を満足させていた。

“What makes my legs go, Dranpa?” asked the young philosopher, surveying those active portions of his frame with a meditative air, while resting after a go-to-bed frolic one night.

Dranpa (おじいちゃん) [名] a male parent of one's father or mother

go-to-bed (寝る前の) [形] done or happening before going to bed

「私の足を動かすものは何ですか、おじいちゃん?」ある夜、寝る前のはしゃぎ回った後で休んでいる間に、若い哲学者は瞑想的な空気で自分の体の活動的な部分を調べながら尋ねた。

“It’s your little mind, Demi,” replied the sage, stroking the yellow head respectfully.

sage (賢者) [名] a person who is very wise

「それはあなたの小さな心だ、デミ」と賢者は黄色い頭を敬意を込めて撫でながら答えた。

“What is a little mine?”

mine (心) [名] the seat of one's inmost thoughts and feelings

「小さな心って何?」

“It is something which makes your body move, as the spring made the wheels go in my watch when I showed it to you.”

make (動かす) [動] cause to move

「それはあなたの体を動かす何かで、私があなたに見せた時、ゼンマイが私の時計の車輪を動かしたように。」

“Open me. I want to see it go wound.”

「開けて。それが巻き付くのを見たい。」

“I can’t do that any more than you could open the watch.

any more than (できないように) [副] not any more than

「あなたが時計を開けることができなかったように、私もそれをすることはできない。

God winds you up, and you go till He stops you.”

wind up (巻き上げる) [動] to bring to an end

神様があなたを巻き上げ、神様があなたを止めるまであなたは動く。」

“Does I?” and Demi’s brown eyes grew big and bright as he took in the new thought.

grow big (大きくなる) [動] become big

「そうなの?」そして、デミの茶色い目は大きく輝き、新しい考えを受け入れた。

“Is I wounded up like the watch?”

be wounded up (巻き上げられている) [動] be in a state of tension or anxiety

「私は時計のように巻き上げられているの?」

“Yes, but I can’t show you how, for it is done when we don’t see.”

「そうよ、でもどうやってかは見せられないよ、だってそれは私たちが見ていない時に行われるから。」

Demi felt his back, as if expecting to find it like that of the watch, and then gravely remarked, “I dess Dod does it when I’s asleep.”

Dod (神様) [名] a character in the story

デミは時計の裏側のようなものが見つかるのではないかと期待するかのように自分の背中を触り、それから真面目な顔で言った、「私が寝ている時に神様がそうするんだね。」

A careful explanation followed, to which he listened so attentively that his anxious grandmother said, “My dear, do you think it wise to talk about such things to that baby?

attentively (注意深く) [副] taking care to avoid harm or damage

注意深い説明が続き、彼はそれをとても注意深く聞いていたので、心配した祖母は言った、「あなた、こんなことを赤ん坊に話すのは賢明だと思うのかい?

He’s getting great bumps over his eyes, and learning to ask the most unanswerable questions.”

彼は目の上に大きなこぶができていて、答えられない質問をすることを覚えている。」

“If he is old enough to ask the question he is old enough to receive true answers.

「彼が質問できる年齢なら、本当の答えを受け取れる年齢よ。

I am not putting the thoughts into his head, but helping him unfold those already there.

私は彼の頭に考えを入れているのではなく、すでにそこにある考えを広げる手助けをしているの。

These children are wiser than we are, and I have no doubt the boy understands every word I have said to him.

子供たちは私たちより賢い、そして私は彼が私が彼に言った言葉をすべて理解していることに疑いはない。

Now, Demi, tell me where you keep your mind.”

さあ、デミ、どこに心を置いているのか教えて。」

If the boy had replied like Alcibiades, “By the gods, Socrates, I cannot tell,” his grandfather would not have been surprised, but when, after standing a moment on one leg, like a meditative young stork, he answered, in a tone of calm conviction, “In my little belly,” the old gentleman could only join in Grandma’s laugh, and dismiss the class in metaphysics.

Alcibiades (アルキビアデス) [名] an Athenian statesman, orator, and general

Socrates (ソクラテス) [名] a Greek philosopher

one leg (片足) [名] one of the two lower limbs of a person or animal

belly (お腹) [名] the front part of the human trunk below the ribs

dismiss (終える) [動] bring or come to an end

もし少年がアルキビアデスのように「神に誓って、ソクラテス、私にはわからない」と答えていたら、祖父は驚かなかっただろうが、少年がしばらく片足で立った後、瞑想する若いコウノトリのように、落ち着いた確信の口調で「私の小さなお腹の中」と答えると、老紳士は祖母の笑い声に加わるしかなく、形而上学の授業を終えた。

There might have been cause for maternal anxiety, if Demi had not given convincing proofs that he was a true boy, as well as a budding philosopher, for often, after a discussion which caused Hannah to prophesy, with ominous nods, “That child ain’t long for this world,” he would turn about and set her fears at rest by some of the pranks with which dear, dirty, naughty little rascals distract and delight their parent’s souls.

convincing (説得力のある) [形] capable of convincing

ominous (不吉な) [形] giving or suggesting a threat of evil or harm

long (長生き) [形] having or being of a great or more than average length or duration

turn about (振り向く) [動] change direction, position, or course

set (和らげる) [動] put (something) in a specified place or position

デミが彼が真の少年であり、新進の哲学者であるという説得力のある証拠を与えなかったなら、母親の不安の原因があったかもしれない、なぜならしばしば、ハンナが不吉なうなずきで「あの子は長生きしない」と予言するような議論の後、彼は愛すべき、汚い、いたずらっ子たちが親の魂を惑わせ、喜ばせるいたずらをして、彼女の恐怖を和らげていたからだ。

Meg made many moral rules, and tried to keep them, but what mother was ever proof against the winning wiles, the ingenious evasions, or the tranquil audacity of the miniature men and women who so early show themselves accomplished Artful Dodgers?

winning (勝利) [名] the action or fact of winning

wiles (策略) [名] a trick or stratagem intended to deceive or ensnare

ingenious (巧妙な) [形] clever, original, and inventive

evasion (言い逃れ) [名] the action of evading something

miniature (ミニチュア) [形] much smaller than normal

Artful Dodgers (巧みなドジャース) [名] a character in the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist

メグは多くの道徳的なルールを作り、それを守ろうとしたが、どんな母親も、こんなに早く自分たちが巧みなドジャースであることを示したミニチュアの男女たちの勝利の策略、巧妙な言い逃れ、あるいは穏やかな大胆さに耐えられただろうか?

“No more raisins, Demi. They’ll make you sick,” says Mamma to the young person who offers his services in the kitchen with unfailing regularity on plum-pudding day.

No more (もういらない) [名] not any more

young person (若者) [名] a person who is young

unfailing regularity (決まって) [名] the quality of being always the same

plum-pudding day (プラムプディングの日) [名] a day on which plum pudding is eaten

「もうレーズンはいらないよ、デミ。食べ過ぎると具合が悪くなるよ」とママは、プラムプディングの日に決まって台所で手伝いを申し出る若者に言う。

“Me likes to be sick.”

be sick (具合が悪くなる) [動] feel unwell

「私は具合が悪くなるのが好きだ」

“I don’t want to have you, so run away and help Daisy make patty cakes.”

「あなたは欲しくないから、逃げてデイジーがパテケーキを作るのを手伝って」

He reluctantly departs, but his wrongs weigh upon his spirit, and by-and-by when an opportunity comes to redress them, he outwits Mamma by a shrewd bargain.

redress (是正する) [動] set right; remedy

outwit (出し抜く) [動] deceive by greater ingenuity or cunning

shrewd (抜け目のない) [形] having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute or sharp

彼はしぶしぶ立ち去るが、彼の過ちは彼の精神に重くのしかかり、やがてそれらを是正する機会が訪れたとき、彼は抜け目のない交渉でママを出し抜く。

“Now you have been good children, and I’ll play anything you like,” says Meg, as she leads her assistant cooks upstairs, when the pudding is safely bouncing in the pot.

assistant (助手) [名] a person who helps

「あなたたちはいい子だったから、何でも好きなことをしてあげる」とメグは言い、プディングが鍋の中で無事に跳ね回っている間に、助手たちを二階に連れて行った。

“Truly, Marmar?” asks Demi, with a brilliant idea in his well-powdered head.

asks (尋ねる) [動] say something in order to obtain an answer or some information

「本当に、ママ?」とデミは、粉まみれの頭の中に素晴らしいアイデアを思い浮かべながら尋ねる。

“Yes, truly. Anything you say,” replies the shortsighted parent, preparing herself to sing, “The Three Little Kittens” half a dozen times over, or to take her family to “Buy a penny bun,” regardless of wind or limb.

Yes, truly (そう、本当に) [間] an expression of agreement

Anything you say (何でも言うことを聞くよ) [名] whatever you say

replies (答える) [動] say something in response

preparing (準備する) [動] make ready or fit for use

The Three Little Kittens (三匹の子猫) [名] a nursery rhyme

Buy a penny bun (一ペニーのパン) [名] a bun that costs one penny

「そう、本当に。何でも言うことを聞くよ」と、近視眼的な親は答え、「三匹の子猫」を半ダース以上歌ったり、風や手足に関係なく家族を連れて「一ペニーのパン」を買いに行ったりする準備をする。

But Demi corners her by the cool reply...

corner (追い詰める) [動] force into a place or situation from which there is no escape

しかし、デミは冷静な返答で彼女を追い詰める。

“Then we’ll go and eat up all the raisins.”

「それなら、レーズンを全部食べに行こう」

Aunt Dodo was chief playmate and confidante of both children, and the trio turned the little house topsy-turvy.

Aunt Dodo (ドドおばさん) [名] the sister of the mother of the March sisters

playmate (遊び相手) [名] a friend who one plays with

trio (三人組) [名] a group of three people

turn topsy-turvy (ひっくり返す) [動] turn upside down

ドドおばさんは、二人の子供たちの主な遊び相手であり、親友でもあり、三人組は小さな家をひっくり返した。

Aunt Amy was as yet only a name to them, Aunt Beth soon faded into a pleasantly vague memory, but Aunt Dodo was a living reality, and they made the most of her, for which compliment she was deeply grateful.

Aunt Amy (エイミーおばさん) [名] Amy's aunt

as yet (まだ) [副] up to this or that time; until now

Aunt Beth (ベスおばさん) [名] Beth's aunt

reality (現実) [名] the state of things as they actually exist

エイミーおばさんは、まだ二人にとって名前だけであり、ベスおばさんはすぐに心地よい漠然とした記憶へと消えていったが、ドドおばさんは生きた現実であり、二人は彼女を最大限に利用し、その賛辞に彼女は深く感謝していた。

But when Mr. Bhaer came, Jo neglected her playfellows, and dismay and desolation fell upon their little souls.

playfellow (遊び仲間) [名] a companion in play

desolation (荒廃) [名] a state of complete emptiness or destruction

しかし、ベーアさんが来ると、ジョーは遊び仲間を無視し、彼らの小さな魂に狼狽と荒廃が降りかかった。

Daisy, who was fond of going about peddling kisses, lost her best customer and became bankrupt.

peddle (売り歩く) [動] sell (goods) from place to place

customer (顧客) [名] a person who buys goods or services from a store or business

bankrupt (破産する) [形] declared in law as unable to pay their debts

キスを売り歩くのが好きだったデイジーは、一番の顧客を失い、破産してしまった。

Demi, with infantile penetration, soon discovered that Dodo like to play with ‘the bear-man’ better than she did him, but though hurt, he concealed his anguish, for he hadn’t the heart to insult a rival who kept a mine of chocolate drops in his waistcoat pocket, and a watch that could be taken out of its case and freely shaken by ardent admirers.

penetration (洞察力) [名] the ability to see into or understand something

Dodo (ドド) [名] a character in the story

bear-man (熊男) [名] a man who is like a bear

waistcoat pocket (チョッキのポケット) [名] a pocket in a waistcoat

case (ケース) [名] a container for holding or protecting something

admirer (ファン) [名] a person who admires someone or something

デミは、幼児的な洞察力で、ドドが自分よりも「熊男」と遊ぶのが好きだということをすぐに発見したが、傷ついても苦悩を隠した。チョコレートの鉱山をチョッキのポケットに入れ、ケースから取り出して熱烈なファンに自由に振ることができる時計を持っているライバルを侮辱する心がなかったからだ。

Some persons might have considered these pleasing liberties as bribes, but Demi didn’t see it in that light, and continued to patronize the ‘the bear-man’ with pensive affability, while Daisy bestowed her small affections upon him at the third call, and considered his shoulder her throne, his arm her refuge, his gifts treasures surpassing worth.

some person (一部の人は) [名] an unspecified person

patronize (ひいきにする) [動] treat with an apparent kindness that betrays a feeling of superiority

affability (愛想の良さ) [名] the quality of being friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to

一部の人は、これらの喜ばしい自由を賄賂と考えたかもしれないが、デミはそれをそのようには見ず、物思いにふける愛想の良さで「熊男」をひいきにし続け、デイジーは三度目の呼びかけで彼に小さな愛情を注ぎ、彼の肩を彼女の玉座、彼の腕を彼女の避難所、彼の贈り物を価値を超える宝物と考えた。

Gentlemen are sometimes seized with sudden fits of admiration for the young relatives of ladies whom they honor with their regard, but this counterfeit philoprogenitiveness sits uneasily upon them, and does not deceive anybody a particle.

fit (念) [名] a sudden attack or outburst of a specified feeling or emotion

relative (親戚) [名] a person connected by blood or marriage

counterfeit (偽りの) [形] made in imitation of something else with intent to deceive; forged

philoprogenitiveness (親子愛) [名] love of one's offspring

sit uneasily (落ち着かない) [動] be anxious or uncomfortable

紳士は時折、敬意を払っている女性の若い親戚に対して突然の賞賛の念を抱くことがある。しかし、この偽りの親子愛は彼らに落ち着かず、誰も欺くことはない。

Mr. Bhaer’s devotion was sincere, however likewise effective—for honesty is the best policy in love as in law.

policy (政策) [名] a course or principle of action adopted or proposed by a government, party, business, or individual

ベーア氏の献身は誠実だったが、同様に効果的だった。なぜなら、正直は法律においても恋愛においても最善の政策だからだ。

He was one of the men who are at home with children, and looked particularly well when little faces made a pleasant contrast with his manly one.

make (なす) [動] to cause to be or become

contrast (対照) [名] a state of being strikingly different from something else in juxtaposition or close association

彼は子供たちと家にいる男性の一人であり、小さな顔が彼の男らしい顔と心地よい対照をなす時、特によく見えた。

His business, whatever it was, detained him from day to day, but evening seldom failed to bring him out to see—well, he always asked for Mr. March, so I suppose he was the attraction.

day to day (毎日) [形] daily

彼の仕事は、それが何であれ、毎日彼を拘束したが、夕方には彼に会いに来させることはめったに失敗しなかった。彼はいつもマーチ氏を頼っていたので、彼が魅力だったと思う。

The excellent papa labored under the delusion that he was, and reveled in long discussions with the kindred spirit, till a chance remark of his more observing grandson suddenly enlightened him.

kindred spirit (同族の精神) [名] a person who is similar to oneself in attitudes or interests

long discussion (長い議論) [名] a lengthy conversation or debate

chance remark (偶然の発言) [名] a comment made without forethought

優秀なパパは、彼がそうであるという幻想の下で働き、より観察力のある孫の偶然の発言が突然彼を啓発するまで、同族の精神との長い議論を楽しんだ。

Mr. Bhaer came in one evening to pause on the threshold of the study, astonished by the spectacle that met his eye.

ベーア氏はある晩、書斎の敷居で立ち止まり、目に映った光景に驚いた。

Prone upon the floor lay Mr. March, with his respectable legs in the air, and beside him, likewise prone, was Demi, trying to imitate the attitude with his own short, scarlet-stockinged legs, both grovelers so seriously absorbed that they were unconscious of spectators, till Mr. Bhaer laughed his sonorous laugh, and Jo cried out, with a scandalized face...

prone (うつ伏せになって) [形] lying face down

attitude (姿勢) [名] a position of the body

groveler (夢中になる) [名] a person who grovels

sonorous (朗々とした) [形] having or producing a full, deep, or rich sound

scandalized (スキャンダラスな) [形] shocked or outraged by something considered immoral or shocking

床にうつ伏せになって、立派な脚を空中に浮かべたマーチ氏が横たわり、その横には同じようにうつ伏せになったデミが、自分の短い緋色のストッキングを履いた脚でその姿勢を真似ようとしていたが、二人とも真剣に夢中になっていて、ベーア氏が朗々と笑い、ジョーがスキャンダラスな顔で叫ぶまで、観客の存在に気づかなかった。

“Father, Father, here’s the Professor!”

「パパ、パパ、教授が来たよ!」

Down went the black legs and up came the gray head, as the preceptor said, with undisturbed dignity, “Good evening, Mr. Bhaer.

黒い脚が下がり、灰色の頭が上がると、教師は落ち着いた威厳をもって言った、「こんばんは、ベーアさん。

Excuse me for a moment.

ちょっと失礼。

We are just finishing our lesson.

ちょうど授業が終わるところです。

Now, Demi, make the letter and tell its name.”

さあ、デミ、文字を書いて、名前を言ってごらん。」

“I knows him!”

「私は彼を知っている!」

and, after a few convulsive efforts, the red legs took the shape of a pair of compasses, and the intelligent pupil triumphantly shouted, “It’s a We, Dranpa, it’s a We!”

convulsive (痙攣した) [形] of or relating to a convulsion

take the shape of (形になる) [動] assume the form of

compass (コンパス) [名] an instrument for determining directions

We (W) [名] the letter W

Dranpa (ドランパ) [名] a name

そして、何度か痙攣した努力の末に、赤い脚はコンパスの形になり、賢い生徒は勝ち誇ったように叫んだ、「これはWだ、ドランパ、これはWだ!」

“He’s a born Weller,” laughed Jo, as her parent gathered himself up, and her nephew tried to stand on his head, as the only mode of expressing his satisfaction that school was over.

Weller (ウェラー) [名] a surname

gather oneself up (身を起こす) [動] stand up

stand on one's head (頭で立つ) [動] do a headstand

「彼は生まれながらのウェラーだよ」とジョーは笑い、父親が身を起こし、甥っ子は学校が終わった満足感を表現する唯一の方法として頭で立とうとした。

“What have you been at today, bubchen?” asked Mr. Bhaer, picking up the gymnast.

What have you been at (何をしていたんだい) [他] what have you been doing

bubchen (ブブチェン) [名] a German word for a little boy

picking up (抱き上げながら) [動] lift up

gymnast (体操選手) [名] a person who is trained in gymnastics

「今日は何をしていたんだい、ブブチェン?」とベア先生は体操選手を抱き上げながら尋ねた。

“Me went to see little Mary.”

「私は小さなメアリーに会いに行った。」

“And what did you there?”

「そこで何をしたの?」

“I kissed her,” began Demi, with artless frankness.

「私は彼女にキスをした」とデミは素朴な率直さで始めた。

“Prut! Thou beginnest early.

「プルー! 君は早いうちから始めるんだね。

What did the little Mary say to that?” asked Mr. Bhaer, continuing to confess the young sinner, who stood upon the knee, exploring the waistcoat pocket.

little Mary (小さなメアリー) [名] a young girl

say to that (言う) [動] express (something) in words

young sinner (若い罪人) [名] a person who has committed a crime

stand upon (立つ) [動] be in or assume a position in which you put your weight on your feet but not on your knees

explore (探る) [動] investigate or examine

小さなメアリーは何と言った?」とベーアさんは尋ね、膝の上に立ってチョッキのポケットを探っている若い罪人の告白を続けた。

“Oh, she liked it, and she kissed me, and I liked it.

「ああ、彼女はそれを気に入って、私にキスをしてくれたし、私もそれを気に入った。

Don’t little boys like little girls?” asked Demi, with his mouth full, and an air of bland satisfaction.

little boy (小さな男の子) [名] a young male child

小さな男の子は小さな女の子が好きではないの?」とデミは口をいっぱいにして、穏やかな満足感を漂わせながら尋ねた。

“You precocious chick!

「早熟なひよこめ!

Who put that into your head?” said Jo, enjoying the innocent revelation as much as the Professor.

誰がそんな考えを君の頭に入れたんだ?」とジョーは言い、教授と同じくらい無邪気な告白を楽しんだ。

“’Tisn’t in mine head, it’s in mine mouf,” answered literal Demi, putting out his tongue, with a chocolate drop on it, thinking she alluded to confectionery, not ideas.

mouf (口) [名] the opening and cavity in the lower part of the human face, surrounded by the lips, through which food is taken in and vocal sounds are emitted

confectionery (お菓子) [名] sweet food made from sugar or chocolate

「私の頭の中ではなく、口の中です」と、デミはチョコレートが乗った舌を出して答え、彼女が考えではなくお菓子のことを言っていると思った。

“Thou shouldst save some for the little friend.

「小さな友達のために少し残しておくべきだ。

Sweets to the sweet, mannling,” and Mr. Bhaer offered Jo some, with a look that made her wonder if chocolate was not the nectar drunk by the gods.

sweet (甘いもの) [名] a food that is sweet

甘いものは甘いものに、マンリング」とベーア氏はジョーにチョコレートを提供し、チョコレートは神々が飲む蜜ではないのかと彼女に思わせるような表情をした。

Demi also saw the smile, was impressed by it, and artlessy inquired. ..

be impressed by (感心する) [動] be affected strongly

artlessly (無邪気に) [副] in a natural and simple manner

デミもその笑顔を見て、感心して、無邪気に尋ねた。

“Do great boys like great girls, to, ’Fessor?”

'Fessor (先生) [名] a teacher in a college or university

「偉い男の子は偉い女の子が好きですか、先生?」

Like young Washington, Mr. Bhaer ‘couldn’t tell a lie’, so he gave the somewhat vague reply that he believed they did sometimes, in a tone that made Mr. March put down his clothesbrush, glance at Jo’s retiring face, and then sink into his chair, looking as if the ‘precocious chick’ had put an idea into his head that was both sweet and sour.

couldn't tell a lie (嘘をつくことができなかったので) [動] be unable to deceive

retiring (引っ込んだ) [形] shy and fond of being on one's own

sink into (沈み込む) [動] go down slowly

put into (浮かべる) [動] cause to be in a specified state

若いワシントンのように、ベーア氏は「嘘をつくことができなかったので」、マーチ氏が洋服ブラシを置き、ジョーの引っ込んだ顔をちらっと見て、それから椅子に沈み込むような口調で、彼らは時々そうするだろうと信じているという、やや曖昧な返事をした。まるで「早熟なひよこ」が甘酸っぱい考えを頭に浮かべたかのようだった。

Why Dodo, when she caught him in the china closet half an hour afterward, nearly squeezed the breath out of his little body with a tender embrace, instead of shaking him for being there, and why she followed up this novel performance by the unexpected gift of a big slice of bread and jelly, remained one of the problems over which Demi puzzled his small wits, and was forced to leave unsolved forever.

closet (食器棚) [名] a tall cupboard with shelves

squeeze (絞り出す) [動] to apply pressure to something so as to extract its juice or liquid

embrace (抱擁) [名] an act of holding someone closely in one's arms

slice (スライス) [名] a thin, broad piece of food cut from a larger portion

problem (問題) [名] a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution

force (強いる) [動] to make someone or something do something or to make something happen

unsolved (未解決の) [形] not solved or explained

なぜドドは、30分後に食器棚で彼を捕まえたとき、そこにいた彼を揺さぶる代わりに、優しく抱きしめて彼の小さな体から息を絞り出しそうになったのか、そしてなぜ彼女はこの新しいパフォーマンスに続いて、パンとゼリーの大きなスライスという予期せぬ贈り物をしたのか、デミが彼の小さな知恵を困惑させた問題の一つであり、永遠に未解決のままにせざるを得なかった。

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX: UNDER THE UMBRELLA

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX (第46章) [名] a division of a book

UNDER THE UMBRELLA (傘の下で) [名] beneath the umbrella

第46章傘の下で

While Laurie and Amy were taking conjugal strolls over velvet carpets, as they set their house in order, and planned a blissful future,

take (散歩する) [動] go for a walk

conjugal (夫婦で) [形] of or relating to marriage or the relationship of a married couple

ローリーとエイミーがビロードのカーペットの上を夫婦で散歩している間に、彼らは家を整え、至福の未来を計画していた。

Mr. Bhaer and Jo were enjoying promenades of a different sort, along muddy roads and sodden fields.

muddy (泥だらけの) [形] covered or full of mud

sodden (水浸しの) [形] soaked with water or other liquid

ベーア氏とジョーは、泥だらけの道や水浸しの畑に沿って、別の種類の散歩を楽しんでいた。

“I always do take a walk toward evening, and I don’t know why I should give it up, just because I happen to meet the Professor on his way out,” said Jo to herself, after two or three encounters, for though there were two paths to Meg’s whichever one she took she was sure to meet him, either going or returning.

toward evening (夕方) [名] the period of a day from late afternoon to early night

encounter (出会い) [名] an unexpected meeting with someone or something

sure (必ず) [形] certain to happen

either (どちらか) [接] used to indicate a choice between two or more possibilities

going (行き) [名] the action of going somewhere

returning (帰り) [名] the action of going back to a place

「私はいつも夕方散歩するし、たまたま教授と出かける途中で会ったからといって、なぜそれをあきらめなければならないのかわからない」と、二、三回出会った後、ジョーは独り言を言った。メグの家に行く道は二つあったが、どちらの道をとっても、行きか帰りに必ず彼に会えたからだ。

He was always walking rapidly, and never seemed to see her until quite close, when he would look as if his short-sighted eyes had failed to recognize the approaching lady till that moment.

close (近づく) [動] move or bring together or into contact

short-sighted (近視眼の) [形] unable to see things that are far away

彼はいつも足早に歩いていて、かなり近づくまで彼女の姿が見えないようだった。近づいてくる女性をその瞬間まで近視眼の彼の目が認識できなかったかのようだった。

Then, if she was going to Meg’s he always had something for the babies.

そして、彼女がメグの家に行くのなら、彼はいつも赤ちゃんのために何かを持っていた。

If her face was turned homeward, he had merely strolled down to see the river, and was just returning, unless they were tired of his frequent calls.

turn homeward (家に向かう) [動] go toward home

彼女が家に向かっていると、彼は川を見に散歩しただけで、彼の頻繁な訪問に飽き飽きしていない限り、ちょうど帰るところだった。

Under the circumstances, what could Jo do but greet him civilly, and invite him in?

under the circumstances (このような状況で) [副] in the current situation

civilly (丁寧に) [副] in a polite manner

invite (招き入れる) [動] to ask someone to come to a place or event

このような状況で、ジョーは彼に丁寧に挨拶して、彼を招き入れる以外に何ができただろうか?

If she was tired of his visits, she concealed her weariness with perfect skill, and took care that there should be coffee for supper, “as Friedrich—I mean Mr. Bhaer—doesn’t like tea.”

Friedrich (フリードリヒ) [名] a male given name

彼女が彼の訪問に飽き飽きしていたとしても、彼女は完璧な技で自分の疲れを隠し、「フリードリヒ、つまりベーアさんはお茶が好きではないから」と夕食にコーヒーが出るように気を付けていた。

By the second week, everyone knew perfectly well what was going on, yet everyone tried to look as if they were stone-blind to the changes in Jo’s face.

by (までに) [前] not later than

be going on (起こっている) [動] be happening

be stone-blind (全く気づいていない) [動] completely blind

the changes (変化) [名] the act of changing

in (の) [前] used to indicate a location

二週目には、誰もが何が起こっているかを完全に知っていたが、誰もがジョーの顔の変化に全く気づいていないかのように振る舞おうとした。

They never asked why she sang about her work, did up her hair three times a day, and got so blooming with her evening exercise.

彼女がなぜ仕事中に歌を歌ったり、一日に三回も髪を結い直したり、夕方の運動でとても元気になったりしているのか、誰も尋ねなかった。

And no one seemed to have the slightest suspicion that Professor Bhaer, while talking philosophy with the father, was giving the daughter lessons in love.

そして、ベーア教授が父親と哲学の話をしている間に、娘に恋のレッスンをしているとは誰も疑っていないようだった。

Jo couldn’t even lose her heart in a decorous manner, but sternly tried to quench her feelings, and failing to do so, led a somewhat agitated life.

decorous (上品な) [形] in good taste; proper

sternly (厳しく) [副] in a severe or strict manner

ジョーは上品に恋に落ちることさえできず、自分の気持ちを抑えようと厳しく努力したが、そうすることができず、やや動揺した生活を送った。

She was mortally afraid of being laughed at for surrendering, after her many and vehement declarations of independence.

surrender (降伏) [動] give up

彼女は、何度も激しく独立宣言をした後で、降伏したことを笑われるのを死ぬほど恐れていた。

Laurie was her especial dread, but thanks to the new manager, he behaved with praiseworthy propriety, never called Mr. Bhaer ‘a capital old fellow’ in public, never alluded, in the remotest manner, to Jo’s improved appearance, or expressed the least surprise at seeing the Professor’s hat on the Marches’ table nearly every evening.

manager (マネージャー) [名] a person responsible for controlling or administering all or part of a company or similar organization

public (人前) [名] the people as a whole

remotest (最も遠い) [形] most distant in space or time

improved (改善された) [形] made or become better

Marches (マーチ) [名] a family in the story

ローリーは彼女が特に恐れていた相手だったが、新しいマネージャーのおかげで、彼は賞賛に値するほど礼儀正しく振る舞い、人前でベーア氏を「立派な老人」と呼んだり、ジョーの容姿が改善されたことをほのめかしたり、ほとんど毎晩マーチ家のテーブルに教授の帽子があるのを見ても驚きを表すことはなかった。

But he exulted in private and longed for the time to come when he could give Jo a piece of plate, with a bear and a ragged staff on it as an appropriate coat of arms.

in private (内心では) [副] in a private place

coat of arms (紋章) [名] a design or symbol that represents a family, organization, or country

しかし、彼は内心では大喜びし、ジョーに熊とぼろぼろの杖が描かれた紋章のついた皿を贈ることができる時が来るのを待ち望んでいた。

For a fortnight, the Professor came and went with lover-like regularity.

for a fortnight (二週間) [名] a period of two weeks

lover-like (恋人のような) [形] resembling a lover

二週間、教授は恋人のように規則正しく行き来した。

Then he stayed away for three whole days, and made no sign, a proceeding which caused everybody to look sober, and Jo to become pensive, at first, and then—alas for romance—very cross.

stay away (姿を見せない) [動] not go near or to

three whole days (丸三日間) [名] three days

make no sign (何の連絡もない) [動] not communicate

look sober (真面目な顔になる) [動] appear serious

become pensive (物思いにふける) [動] become thoughtful

then (その後は) [副] after that

それから彼は丸三日間姿を見せず、何の連絡もなかったため、みんなが真面目な顔になり、ジョーは最初は物思いにふけり、その後は、ロマンスには悲しいことだが、とても不機嫌になった。

“Disgusted, I dare say, and gone home as suddenly as he came.

disgusted (嫌気がさして) [形] feeling disgust

「嫌気がさして、来た時と同じように突然帰ってしまったのでしょう。

It’s nothing to me, of course, but I should think he would have come and bid us goodbye like a gentleman,” she said to herself, with a despairing look at the gate, as she put on her things for the customary walk one dull afternoon.

customary (いつもの) [形] according to custom or usage

私には関係ないことですが、紳士なら挨拶くらいして帰ってほしいものです」と、ある退屈な午後、いつもの散歩に出かけようと身支度をしながら、門を絶望的な目で眺めながら独り言を言った。

“You’d better take the little umbrella, dear.

「小さい傘を持って行った方がいいよ。

It looks like rain,” said her mother, observing that she had on her new bonnet, but not alluding to the fact.

allude to (~に触れる) [動] suggest indirectly

雨が降りそうだから」と母は言い、ジョーが新しいボンネットをかぶっているのに気づいたが、そのことには触れなかった。

“Yes, Marmee, do you want anything in town?

「はい、ママ、町で何か欲しいものはありますか?

I’ve got to run in and get some paper,” returned Jo, pulling out the bow under her chin before the glass as an excuse for not looking at her mother.

run in (走り込む) [動] go somewhere quickly

pull out (直す) [動] remove something from a place

bow (蝶結び) [名] a knot tied with two loops and two loose ends

紙を買いに行かないといけないの」とジョーは答え、母親を見ない言い訳に鏡の前で顎の下の蝶結びを直した。

“Yes, I want some twilled silesia, a paper of number nine needles, and two yards of narrow lavender ribbon.

twilled (ツイルの) [形] made with a twill weave

silesia (シレジア) [名] a cotton cloth with a twill weave

number nine (9番) [名] the number after eight and before ten

two yards (2ヤード) [名] a unit of length equal to 3 feet

narrow (細い) [形] having a small width

「そうね、ツイルのシレジア、9番の針の紙、2ヤードの細いラベンダーのリボンが欲しいよ。

Have you got your thick boots on, and something warm under your cloak?”

厚手のブーツを履いて、マントの下に暖かいものを着ているの?」

“I believe so,” answered Jo absently.

「そうだと思う」とジョーはぼんやりと答えた。

“If you happen to meet Mr. Bhaer, bring him home to tea.

「もしベーアさんに会ったら、お茶に連れてきなさい。

I quite long to see the dear man,” added Mrs. March.

あの素敵な人に会いたいよ」とママは付け加えた。

Jo heard that, but made no answer, except to kiss her mother, and walk rapidly away, thinking with a glow of gratitude, in spite of her heartache, “How good she is to me!

make no answer (答えない) [動] not say anything in response

heartache (心の痛み) [名] emotional pain or distress

how good (なんて優しい) [形] to what extent or degree

ジョーはそれを聞いたが、答えずに母にキスをして、急いで歩き去り、心の痛みにもかかわらず、感謝の気持ちで「ママは私になんて優しいの!

What do girls do who haven’t any mothers to help them through their troubles?”

困ったときに助けてくれる母親がいない女の子はどうするんだろう?」

The dry-goods stores were not down among the counting-houses, banks, and wholesale warerooms, where gentlemen most do congregate, but Jo found herself in that part of the city before she did a single errand, loitering along as if waiting for someone, examining engineering instruments in one window and samples of wool in another, with most unfeminine interest, tumbling over barrels, being half-smothered by descending bales, and hustled unceremoniously by busy men who looked as if they wondered ‘how the deuce she got there’.

dry-goods store (雑貨店) [名] a store that sells a variety of goods

counting-house (会計事務所) [名] an office where accounts are kept

wholesale wareroom (卸売倉庫) [名] a warehouse where goods are stored for sale to retailers

congregate (集まる) [動] come together in a group

loiter (ぶらぶら歩く) [動] to walk or stand around aimlessly

engineering instrument (工学機器) [名] a tool or device used in engineering

sample (サンプル) [名] a small amount of something that is used to show what the rest is like

wool (羊毛) [名] the soft hair that covers a sheep's body

tumble (ひっくり返す) [動] to fall or cause to fall over

bale (荷物) [名] a large bundle of goods, especially one that is tightly bound with rope or wire

half-smother (半分押しつぶす) [動] to cover or press on something so as to make it difficult to breathe

hustle (押しのける) [動] to push or shove someone or something roughly

unceremoniously (無礼に) [副] in a rude or disrespectful way

busy (忙しそう) [形] having a lot to do

deuce (いったい) [名] a word used to express annoyance or surprise

雑貨店は、紳士たちが集まる会計事務所、銀行、卸売倉庫街にはなかったが、ジョーは用事を済ませる前に街のその場所にいることに気づき、誰かを待っているかのようにぶらぶら歩き、ある窓では工学機器を、別の窓では羊毛のサンプルを、女性らしからぬ興味津々で調べ、樽をひっくり返し、降りてくる荷物に半分押しつぶされ、「いったいどうやってここに来たんだ」と不思議そうに忙しそうに歩く男たちに無礼に押しのけられた。

A drop of rain on her cheek recalled her thoughts from baffled hopes to ruined ribbons.

recall (戻る) [動] bring back to mind

baffled (挫折した) [形] perplexed and confused

ruin (台無しにする) [動] damage something so badly that it cannot be repaired or used

頬に落ちた雨粒で、彼女の考えは挫折した希望から台無しになったリボンへと戻った。

For the drops continued to fall, and being a woman as well as a lover, she felt that, though it was too late to save her heart, she might her bonnet.

drop (雨粒) [名] a small round or pear-shaped mass of liquid

雨粒が降り続き、恋人であると同時に女性でもあった彼女は、心を救うには遅すぎるが、ボンネットは救えるかもしれないと感じた。

Now she remembered the little umbrella, which she had forgotten to take in her hurry to be off, but regret was unavailing, and nothing could be done but borrow one or submit to a drenching.

be off (出かける) [動] leave

急いで出かけようとして忘れてきた小さな傘を思い出したが、後悔しても仕方がなく、借りるか、びしょ濡れになるしかない。

She looked up at the lowering sky, down at the crimson bow already flecked with black, forward along the muddy street, then one long, lingering look behind, at a certain grimy warehouse, with ‘Hoffmann, Swartz, & Co.’ over the door, and said to herself, with a sternly reproachful air...

lowering (垂れ込めた) [形] becoming lower

fleck (斑点) [名] a small mark or spot

forward (前方へ) [副] toward the front

lingering (じっと) [形] slow to end or disappear

grimy (薄汚れた) [形] covered with dirt or grime

warehouse (倉庫) [名] a large building where raw materials or manufactured goods may be stored prior to their distribution for sale

彼女は低く垂れ込めた空を見上げ、すでに黒い斑点が浮かんだ深紅の蝶結びを下ろし、泥だらけの道を前方へ進み、それから後ろを振り返って、ドアの上に「ホフマン、シュバルツ商会」と書かれた薄汚れた倉庫を長くじっと見つめ、厳しく非難するような態度で独り言を言った。

“It serves me right! what business had I to put on all my best things and come philandering down here, hoping to see the Professor?

serve (自業自得だ) [動] be deserved by

what business (何のため) [名] the purpose of something

「自業自得だ! 私の一番いい服を着て、教授に会えるかもしれないと期待して、ここに来たのは何のためだったのか?

Jo, I’m ashamed of you!

ジョー、恥ずかしいよ!

No, you shall not go there to borrow an umbrella, or find out where he is, from his friends.

いいえ、傘を借りに行ったり、彼の友人から彼の居場所を聞きに行ったりしてはいけません。

You shall trudge away, and do your errands in the rain, and if you catch your death and ruin your bonnet, it’s no more than you deserve.

trudge (歩いて行く) [動] walk slowly and with difficulty

catch one's death (死んでしまう) [動] become very ill

deserve (自業自得) [動] be worthy of or have earned something

あなたは歩いて行き、雨の中で用事を済ませなさい、そしてもしあなたが死んでしまい、ボンネットを台無しにしても、それは自業自得です。

Now then!”

さあ、行きなさい!」

With that she rushed across the street so impetuously that she narrowly escaped annihilation from a passing truck, and precipitated herself into the arms of a stately old gentleman, who said, “I beg pardon, ma’am,” and looked mortally offended.

impetuously (勢いよく) [副] impulsively and without planning

annihilation (轢かれそう) [名] complete destruction or obliteration

truck (トラック) [名] a large, heavy motor vehicle designed for transporting goods

precipitate (飛び込む) [動] cause to happen suddenly

mortally (ひどく) [副] to a deadly or fatal degree

そう言うと、彼女は勢いよく通りを横切ったので、通り過ぎるトラックに轢かれそうになり、威厳のある老紳士の腕の中に飛び込んでしまった。老紳士は「失礼しました、奥様」と言い、ひどく気分を害したようだった。

Somewhat daunted, Jo righted herself, spread her handkerchief over the devoted ribbons, and putting temptation behind her, hurried on, with increasing dampness about the ankles, and much clashing of umbrellas overhead.

right (身を起こす) [動] to put or set upright

少し気後れしたジョーは、身を起こし、ハンカチを愛用の帽子のリボンの上に広げ、誘惑を後ろに置いて、足首の湿り気が増し、頭上では傘がぶつかり合う中、急いで歩き続けた。

The fact that a somewhat dilapidated blue one remained stationary above the unprotected bonnet attracted her attention, and looking up, she saw Mr. Bhaer looking down.

stationary (じっと) [形] not moving

ややくたびれた青い傘が、無防備なボンネットの上にじっと留まっていることが彼女の注意を引き、見上げると、ベーアさんが見下ろしているのが見えた。

“I feel to know the strong-minded lady who goes so bravely under many horse noses, and so fast through much mud.

feel to know (知りたいと思う) [動] have a desire to know

「たくさんの馬の鼻の下を勇敢に通り抜け、たくさんの泥の中を素早く歩く、強い意志を持った女性を知りたいと思う。

What do you down here, my friend?”

do down (する) [動] perform or execute

友よ、ここで何をしているのか?」

“I’m shopping.”

「買い物をしているんです」

Mr. Bhaer smiled, as he glanced from the pickle factory on one side to the wholesale hide and leather concern on the other, but he only said politely, “You haf no umbrella.

pickle factory (漬物工場) [名] a factory where pickles are made

wholesale (卸売業者) [名] a person or company that sells goods in large quantities to be resold by others

concern (業者) [名] a business or manufacturing organization

ベーアさんは、一方の漬物工場からもう一方の皮革卸売業者へと視線を移しながら微笑んだが、丁寧に「傘をお持ちでないようです。

May I go also, and take for you the bundles?”

私も一緒に行って、荷物をお持ちしましょうか?」

“Yes, thank you.”

「はい、ありがとうございます」

Jo’s cheeks were as red as her ribbon, and she wondered what he thought of her, but she didn’t care, for in a minute she found herself walking away arm in arm with her Professor, feeling as if the sun had suddenly burst out with uncommon brilliancy, that the world was all right again, and that one thoroughly happy woman was paddling through the wet that day.

uncommon (珍しい) [形] out of the ordinary; unusual

thoroughly (すっかり) [副] completely; fully

paddle (歩く) [動] walk through shallow water

ジョーの頬はリボンと同じくらい赤く、彼が自分をどう思っているのか気になったものの、気にしなかった。というのも、すぐに彼女は教授と腕を組んで歩き去り、まるで太陽が突然珍しい輝きを放ったかのように感じ、世界は再び元通りになり、その日、一人の幸せな女性が水たまりを歩いていたのだった。

“We thought you had gone,” said Jo hastily, for she knew he was looking at her.

「もう行ってしまったと思っていました」とジョーは急いで言った。彼が自分を見ていることが分かったからだ。

Her bonnet wasn’t big enough to hide her face, and she feared he might think the joy it betrayed unmaidenly.

betray (表す) [動] be evidence of; indicate

彼女のボンネットは顔を隠すほど大きくなく、彼女は彼がそれが表す喜びを乙女らしくないと思うのではないかと恐れた。

“Did you believe that I should go with no farewell to those who haf been so heavenly kind to me?” he asked so reproachfully that she felt as if she had insulted him by the suggestion, and answered heartily...

reproachfully (非難するように) [副] in a way that expresses disapproval or criticism

「私に天国のような親切をしてくれた人たちに別れを告げずに去ると思ったのですか?」と彼は非難するように尋ねたので、彼女は自分がその提案で彼を侮辱したように感じ、心から答えた。

“No, I didn’t. I knew you were busy about your own affairs, but we rather missed you,

「いいえ、そうは思いませんでした。自分のことで忙しいのは分かっていましたが、私たちはあなたに会えなくて寂しかったです。

Father and Mother especially.”

特にパパとママは。」

“And you?”

「あなたは?」

“I’m always glad to see you, sir.”

「私はいつでもあなたに会えて嬉しいです。」

In her anxiety to keep her voice quite calm, Jo made it rather cool, and the frosty little monosyllable at the end seemed to chill the Professor, for his smile vanished, as he said gravely...

frosty (冷たい) [形] very cold

monosyllable (一言) [名] a word of one syllable

声を落ち着かせようとしたジョーは、むしろ冷静に答え、最後に言った冷たい一言で教授は冷や水を浴びせられたように、笑顔が消え、真面目な顔で言った。

“I thank you, and come one more time before I go.”

one more time (もう一度) [名] an additional time

「ありがとう、出発する前にもう一度来るよ。」

“You are going, then?”

be going (行く) [動] be on one's way to a place

「では、行くのですね?」

“I haf no longer any business here, it is done.”

no longer (もう) [副] not any more

business (用) [名] a task or an errand

「もうここに用はない、終わった。」

“Successfully, I hope?” said Jo, for the bitterness of disappointment was in that short reply of his.

successfully (うまく) [副] in a way that achieves a desired result

「うまくいったといいのですが」とジョーは言った。彼の短い返事には失望の苦しみが込められていた。

“I ought to think so, for I haf a way opened to me by which I can make my bread and gif my Junglings much help.”

「そう思うべきだ、私は自分のパンを作り、私の子供たちに大いに助けを与えることができる道が開けたのだから。」

“Tell me, please!

please (お願いです) [動] make someone happy or satisfied

「教えてください、お願いです!

I like to know all about the—the boys,” said Jo eagerly.

少年たちのことを全部知りたいんです」とジョーは熱心に言った。

“That is so kind, I gladly tell you.

「それはとても親切だ、喜んで話そう。

My friends find for me a place in a college, where I teach as at home, and earn enough to make the way smooth for Franz and Emil.

smooth (平坦にする) [動] make level or smooth

私の友人が私に大学の職を見つけてくれた、そこで私は家でするように教え、フランツとエミルのために道を平坦にするのに十分な収入を得ている。

For this I should be grateful, should I not?”

for this (このことに) [名] for this thing

be grateful (感謝すべき) [動] thankful; appreciative

should (すべき) [助] expressing a duty or obligation

not (そうだろう) [副] expressing negation

このことに感謝すべきだろう、そうだろう?」

“Indeed you should.

「確かにそうすべきです。

How splendid it will be to have you doing what you like, and be able to see you often, and the boys!”

how splendid (なんて素晴らしい) [形] extremely good or impressive

have you doing (あなたが〜する) [動] cause someone to do something

what you like (好きなこと) [名] the thing that you like

see you (あなたに会う) [動] meet or visit someone

the boys (男の子たち) [名] male children

あなたが好きなことをして、あなたや男の子たちによく会えるようになるなんて、なんて素晴らしいことでしょう!」

cried Jo, clinging to the lads as an excuse for the satisfaction she could not help betraying.

betray (隠しきれない) [動] to be disloyal to

と叫び、隠しきれない満足感の言い訳に少年たちにしがみついた。

“Ah! But we shall not meet often, I fear, this place is at the West.”

west (西) [名] the direction toward the setting sun

「ああ! でも、この場所は西にあるから、あまり会えないと思うよ」

“So far away!”

so far (とても遠い) [副] to a great extent or degree

「とても遠い!」

and Jo left her skirts to their fate, as if it didn’t matter now what became of her clothes or herself.

ジョーは、自分の服や自分自身がどうなってもかまわないかのように、スカートを運命に任せた。

Mr. Bhaer could read several languages, but he had not learned to read women yet.

ベーア氏は数か国語を読むことが出来たが、女性の心を読む術をまだ学んでいなかった。

He flattered himself that he knew Jo pretty well, and was, therefore, much amazed by the contradictions of voice, face, and manner, which she showed him in rapid succession that day, for she was in half a dozen different moods in the course of half an hour.

contradiction (矛盾) [名] a statement or proposition that contradicts or denies another or itself and is logically incongruous

rapid succession (立て続け) [名] a series of events that happen one after the other very quickly

彼はジョーをかなりよく知っていると思い込んでいたので、その日彼女が立て続けに彼に見せた声、顔、態度の矛盾にとても驚いた。彼女は30分の間に半ダースもの異なる気分になっていた。

When she met him she looked surprised, though it was impossible to help suspecting that she had come for that express purpose.

彼女は彼に会ったとき驚いたように見えたが、彼女がその明確な目的のために来たのではないかと疑わずにはいられなかった。

When he offered her his arm, she took it with a look that filled him with delight, but when he asked if she missed him, she gave such a chilly, formal reply that despair fell upon him.

彼が彼女に腕を差し出すと、彼女は彼を喜びで満たすような表情でそれを取ったが、彼が彼女に彼がいなくて寂しかったかと尋ねると、彼女は冷たく、形式的な返事をしたので、彼は絶望に襲われた。

On learning his good fortune she almost clapped her hands.

on learning (知って) [動] get to know or become aware of, usually accidentally

彼の幸運を知って彼女はほとんど手を叩いた。

Was the joy all for the boys?

喜びはすべて男の子たちのためだったのか?

Then on hearing his destination, she said, “So far away!” in a tone of despair that lifted him on to a pinnacle of hope, but the next minute she tumbled him down again by observing, like one entirely absorbed in the matter...

destination (目的地) [名] the place to which someone or something is going or being sent

so far away (とても遠い) [形] at a great distance

pinnacle (頂点) [名] the most successful point, the culmination, or the highest point of development

next minute (次の瞬間) [名] a very short period of time

それから彼の目的地を聞いて、彼女は「とても遠い!」と言った。彼を希望の頂点に引き上げた絶望の口調で、しかし次の瞬間、彼女は問題に完全に夢中になっている人のように観察することによって彼を再び転倒させた。

“Here’s the place for my errands.

「ここが私の用事の場所だ。

Will you come in?

入ってくる?

It won’t take long.”

take long (長くかかる) [動] require a lot of time

長くはかからない。」

Jo rather prided herself upon her shopping capabilities, and particularly wished to impress her escort with the neatness and dispatch with which she would accomplish the business.

pride oneself upon (誇りに思う) [動] be proud of

capability (能力) [名] the power or ability to do something

neatness (きちんとした態度) [名] the quality or condition of being neat

dispatch (迅速さ) [名] promptness in the performance of a task

ジョーは自分の買い物の能力を誇りに思っており、特に彼女が仕事を成し遂げるときのきちんとした態度と迅速さで彼女の護衛を感動させたいと思った。

But owing to the flutter she was in, everything went amiss.

owing to (~のために) [前] because of

go amiss (うまくいかない) [動] fail to happen or be done as planned

しかし、彼女が動揺していたので、すべてがうまくいかなかった。

She upset the tray of needles, forgot the silesia was to be ‘twilled’ till it was cut off, gave the wrong change, and covered herself with confusion by asking for lavender ribbon at the calico counter.

twill (ツイル) [名] a fabric with a pattern of diagonal lines

change (おつり) [名] money returned to someone who has paid too much

彼女は針のトレーをひっくり返し、シレジアが切られるまで「ツイル」にされることを忘れ、間違ったおつりを渡し、カリコのカウンターでラベンダーのリボンを頼んで混乱した。

Mr. Bhaer stood by, watching her blush and blunder, and as he watched, his own bewilderment seemed to subside, for he was beginning to see that on some occasions, women, like dreams, go by contraries.

ベーア氏は彼女の赤面と失態を見守り、見守るうちに彼自身の当惑は静まるように思えた、なぜなら彼は時折、女性は夢のように逆の方向に行くことを理解し始めていたからだ。

When they came out, he put the parcel under his arm with a more cheerful aspect, and splashed through the puddles as if he rather enjoyed it on the whole.

splash (はねる) [動] cause (liquid) to move with force

彼らが店から出ると、彼は小包を腕に抱えて、より陽気な様子で、全体的に楽しんでいるように水たまりをはねて歩いた。

“Should we no do a little what you call shopping for the babies, and haf a farewell feast tonight if I go for my last call at your so pleasant home?” he asked, stopping before a window full of fruit and flowers.

do a little (少しする) [動] do something to a small extent

「赤ちゃんのために買い物をして、今夜お別れ会をしましょうか? あなたのとても素敵な家で最後のお別れ会をしましょうか?」と彼は果物や花でいっぱいの窓の前で立ち止まって尋ねた。

“What will we buy?” asked Jo, ignoring the latter part of his speech, and sniffing the mingled odors with an affectation of delight as they went in.

affectation (ふり) [名] a pretentious display of manners, learning, etc.

「何を買おうか?」とジョーは彼のスピーチの後半を無視して尋ね、彼らが中に入ると、混ざり合った匂いを喜びのふりをして嗅いだ。

“May they haf oranges and figs?” asked Mr. Bhaer, with a paternal air.

fig (イチジク) [名] a soft pear-shaped fruit with many small seeds

「オレンジやイチジクを食べてもいいですか?」とベーア氏は父親のような態度で尋ねた。

“They eat them when they can get them.”

「手に入れば食べます」

“Do you care for nuts?”

nuts (ナッツ) [名] a dry fruit consisting of a kernel in a hard shell

「ナッツは好きですか?」

“Like a squirrel.”

「リスのように」

“Hamburg grapes. Yes, we shall drink to the Fatherland in those?”

Hamburg (ハンブルク) [名] a city in northern Germany

grape (ブドウ) [名] a small round fruit that grows in bunches and is used to make wine

Fatherland (祖国) [名] one's native country

drink (乾杯する) [動] consume a liquid

「ハンブルクのブドウ。そう、それで祖国に乾杯しましょう」

Jo frowned upon that piece of extravagance, and asked why he didn’t buy a frail of dates, a cask of raisins, and a bag of almonds, and be done with it?

piece of (一片の) [名] a part of something

extravagance (贅沢) [名] the spending of money in a careless or wasteful way

date (ナツメヤシ) [名] the sweet fruit of the date palm

almond (アーモンド) [名] the kernel of the almond tree's fruit

ジョーはそんな贅沢に眉をひそめ、なぜナツメヤシの籠、レーズンの樽、アーモンドの袋を買ってそれで済ませないのかと尋ねた。

Whereat Mr. Bhaer confiscated her purse, produced his own, and finished the marketing by buying several pounds of grapes, a pot of rosy daisies, and a pretty jar of honey, to be regarded in the light of a demijohn.

confiscate (取り上げる) [動] take or seize (something) with authority

marketing (買い物) [名] the action or business of promoting and selling products or services

several pounds (数ポンド) [名] a unit of weight equal to 16 ounces or 7000 grains

demijohn (デミジョン瓶) [名] a large bottle with a narrow neck and a wicker casing

するとベーア先生は彼女の財布を取り上げ、自分の財布を取り出し、数ポンドのブドウ、一鉢のバラ色のヒナギク、デミジョン瓶の形をしたきれいな蜂蜜の瓶を買って買い物を終えた。

Then distorting his pockets with knobby bundles, and giving her the flowers to hold, he put up the old umbrella, and they traveled on again.

distort (歪ませる) [動] give a misleading or false account or impression of

knobby (こぶだらけの) [形] having many knobs

それから、ポケットをこぶだらけの包みで歪ませ、花を彼女に持たせて、古い傘を差し、また歩き出した。

“Miss Marsch, I haf a great favor to ask of you,” began the Professor, after a moist promenade of half a block.

Miss Marsch (ミス・マーチ) [名] the name of a person

half a block (半ブロック) [名] half of a city block

promenade (道) [名] a public place for walking

「ミス・マーチ、あなたにお願いしたいことがあるのです」と、半ブロックほど湿った道を歩いた後、教授は切り出した。

“Yes, sir?”

「はい」

and Jo’s heart began to beat so hard she was afraid he would hear it.

ジョーの心臓は激しく鼓動し始め、彼に聞こえてしまうのではないかと心配になった。

“I am bold to say it in spite of the rain, because so short a time remains to me.”

「雨にもかかわらず、大胆に申し上げます。私に残された時間は短いからです」

“Yes, sir,” and Jo nearly crushed the small flowerpot with the sudden squeeze she gave it.

crush (握りつぶす) [動] press or squeeze with a lot of force

flowerpot (植木鉢) [名] a container in which plants are grown

「はい」とジョーは小さな植木鉢を突然握りつぶしそうになった。

“I wish to get a little dress for my Tina, and I am too stupid to go alone.

「私のティナに小さなドレスを買ってあげたいのですが、私は一人で行くには愚かすぎます。

Will you kindly gif me a word of taste and help?”

あなたは親切にも私に趣味と助言の言葉をいただけませんか?」

“Yes, sir,” and Jo felt as calm and cool all of a sudden as if she had stepped into a refrigerator.

refrigerator (冷蔵庫) [名] an appliance or compartment which is artificially kept cool and used to store food and drink

「はい」とジョーはまるで冷蔵庫に足を踏み入れたかのように突然落ち着いて冷静になった。

“Perhaps also a shawl for Tina’s mother, she is so poor and sick, and the husband is such a care.

「おそらくティナの母親のためのショールも、彼女はとても貧しくて病気で、夫はそのような心配をしています。

Yes, yes, a thick, warm shawl would be a friendly thing to take the little mother.”

はい、はい、厚くて暖かいショールはその小さな母親に持っていくには優しいものになるでしょう。」

“I’ll do it with pleasure, Mr. Bhaer.”

「喜んでそうします、ベーアさん」

“I’m going very fast, and he’s getting dearer every minute,” added Jo to herself, then with a mental shake she entered into the business with an energy that was pleasant to behold.

go fast (速く進む) [動] move quickly

get dear (愛おしくなる) [動] become more beloved

mental shake (心を揺さぶる) [名] a strong emotional or mental reaction

enter into (取りかかる) [動] begin to be involved in

「私はとても速く進んでいて、彼は刻々と愛おしくなっている」とジョーは独り言を言い、それから心を揺さぶって、彼女は見ているだけで楽しいエネルギーで仕事に取りかかった。

Mr. Bhaer left it all to her, so she chose a pretty gown for Tina, and then ordered out the shawls.

ベーアさんはすべて彼女に任せたので、彼女はティナのためにきれいなドレスを選び、それからショールを注文した。

The clerk, being a married man, condescended to take an interest in the couple, who appeared to be shopping for their family.

clerk (店員) [名] a person who works in a store

take an interest in (興味を示す) [動] be interested in

店員は既婚者だったので、家族のために買い物をしているらしいそのカップルに興味を示すことを快く引き受けた。

“Your lady may prefer this.

「奥様はこちらの方がお好みかもしれません。

It’s a superior article, a most desirable color, quite chaste and genteel,” he said, shaking out a comfortable gray shawl, and throwing it over Jo’s shoulders.

superior (上等な) [形] of higher rank, quality, or importance

chaste (上品な) [形] not having sex

上等な品で、最も望ましい色で、とても上品で優雅です」と彼は言い、心地よい灰色のショールを広げて、ジョーの肩にかけてくれた。

“Does this suit you, Mr. Bhaer?” she asked, turning her back to him, and feeling deeply grateful for the chance of hiding her face.

feel grateful (感謝する) [動] be thankful for

「ベーアさん、これはお気に召しますか?」と彼女は彼に背を向けながら尋ね、顔を隠す機会に深く感謝した。

“Excellently well, we will haf it,” answered the Professor, smiling to himself as he paid for it, while Jo continued to rummage the counters like a confirmed bargain-hunter.

Excellently well (とても良い) [副] very well

「とても良い、これを買おう」と教授は答え、代金を払いながら一人で微笑んだ。その間、ジョーはまるで掘り出し物ハンターのようにカウンターを漁り続けた。

“Now shall we go home?” he asked, as if the words were very pleasant to him.

shall (しましょうか) [助] used to make offers, requests, and suggestions

「さて、帰りましょうか?」と彼は尋ねた。その言葉が彼にとってとても心地よいかのようだった。

“Yes, it’s late, and I’m so tired.” Jo’s voice was more pathetic than she knew.

「ええ、遅くなりましたし、とても疲れました」ジョーの声は彼女が思っている以上に哀れだった。

For now the sun seemed to have gone in as suddenly as it came out, and the world grew muddy and miserable again, and for the first time she discovered that her feet were cold, her head ached, and that her heart was colder than the former, fuller of pain than the latter.

for now (今のところ) [副] for the present time

go in (沈む) [動] move or travel inward

というのも、今や太陽は出てきた時と同じくらい突然に沈んだように思われ、世界は再び泥だらけで惨めになり、彼女は初めて自分の足が冷たく、頭が痛み、心が前者よりも冷たく、後者よりも痛みに満ちていることに気づいた。

Mr. Bhaer was going away, he only cared for her as a friend, it was all a mistake, and the sooner it was over the better.

ベーアさんは去っていく、彼は彼女を友人としてしか気にかけていない、それはすべて間違いだった、そしてそれが早く終われば終わるほど良い。

With this idea in her head, she hailed an approaching omnibus with such a hasty gesture that the daisies flew out of the pot and were badly damaged.

with this idea in her head (頭にこの考えを抱いて) [句] having this idea in her mind

be badly damaged (ひどく傷つく) [動] be harmed or injured

頭にこの考えを抱いて、彼女は近づいてくる乗合馬車をとても急いで呼び止めたので、ヒナギクが鉢から飛び出してひどく傷ついてしまった。

“This is not our omniboos,” said the Professor, waving the loaded vehicle away, and stopping to pick up the poor little flowers.

omniboos (乗合馬車) [名] a large horse-drawn vehicle used for public transportation

vehicle (馬車) [名] a means in or by which someone travels or something is carried or conveyed

「これは私たちの乗合馬車ではない」と教授は言い、荷物を積んだ馬車を手を振って追い払い、かわいそうな小さな花を拾うために立ち止まった。

“I beg your pardon.

「ごめんなさい。

I didn’t see the name distinctly.

distinctly (はっきりと) [副] in a clear and definite way

名前をはっきりと見なかった。

Never mind, I can walk.

気にしないで、歩けるよ。

I’m used to plodding in the mud,” returned Jo, winking hard, because she would have died rather than openly wipe her eyes.

plod (歩き回る) [動] walk slowly and heavily

泥の中を歩き回ることには慣れているよ」とジョーは答え、激しくまばたきをした。なぜなら、彼女は公然と目を拭くくらいなら死んだ方がましだったからだ。

Mr. Bhaer saw the drops on her cheeks, though she turned her head away.

ベーアさんは彼女が頭を背けたにもかかわらず、彼女の頬の涙を見た。

The sight seemed to touch him very much, for suddenly stooping down, he asked in a tone that meant a great deal, “Heart’s dearest, why do you cry?”

deal (とても) [名] a large amount

その光景は彼の心をとても動かしたようだった。なぜなら、彼は突然身をかがめて、とても意味深い口調で「愛しい人、なぜ泣いているの?」と尋ねたからだ。

Now, if Jo had not been new to this sort of thing she would have said she wasn’t crying, had a cold in her head, or told any other feminine fib proper to the occasion.

not be new to (慣れている) [動] be familiar with

would have said (言っただろう) [動] would say

crying (泣いている) [動] shed tears

have a cold (風邪をひいている) [動] be suffering from a cold

in one's head (頭が) [名] the upper part of the human body, or the front or upper part of the body of an animal, typically separated from the rest of the body by a neck, and containing the brain, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth

any other (他の) [限] some other; any more

さて、もしジョーがこの種のことに慣れていなかったら、泣いていない、頭が冷えている、あるいはその場にふさわしい他の女性らしい嘘を言っただろう。

Instead of which, that undignified creature answered, with an irrepressible sob, “Because you are going away.”

which (その) [代] the thing that

undignified (威厳のない) [形] lacking dignity

その代わりに、その威厳のない生き物は、抑えきれないすすり泣きとともに、「あなたがいなくなるから」と答えた。

“Ach, mein Gott, that is so good!” cried Mr. Bhaer, managing to clasp his hands in spite of the umbrella and the bundles, “Jo, I haf nothing but much love to gif you.

so good (とても嬉しい) [形] very pleasing

「ああ、なんてことだ、それはとても嬉しい!」ベーアさんは傘と荷物にもかかわらず、なんとか手を握りしめて叫んだ。「ジョー、君にあげるものは何もないが、愛だけはたくさんある。

I came to see if you could care for it, and I waited to be sure that I was something more than a friend.

come to see (確かめに来た) [動] come to understand or realize

care for (大事にする) [動] look after and provide for the needs of

君がそれを大事にできるか確かめに来たんだ。そして、自分が友達以上のものであることを確かめるために待ったんだ。

Am I?

そうなの?

Can you make a little place in your heart for old Fritz?” he added, all in one breath.

make a place (場所を作る) [動] make room for

君の心の中に年寄りのフリッツのための小さな場所を作ってくれないか?」と彼は一息に付け加えた。

“Oh, yes!” said Jo, and he was quite satisfied, for she folded both hands over his arm, and looked up at him with an expression that plainly showed how happy she would be to walk through life beside him, even though she had no better shelter than the old umbrella, if he carried it.

Oh, yes! (ああ、そうよ!) [間] an expression of surprise or excitement

walk through (歩む) [動] go through or across (something) on foot

have no better (ましな〜がない) [動] not have a better alternative

「ああ、そうよ!」とジョーは言った。そして彼はすっかり満足した。彼女は両手を彼の腕にかけ、彼が持っている古い傘よりましな隠れ場がなくても、彼のそばで人生を歩むことがどれほど幸せかをはっきりと示す表情で彼を見上げたからだ。

It was certainly proposing under difficulties, for even if he had desired to do so, Mr. Bhaer could not go down upon his knees, on account of the mud.

確かに困難な状況での申し出だった。なぜなら、そうしたいと思ったとしても、ベーアさんは泥のためにひざまずくことができなかったからだ。

Neither could he offer Jo his hand, except figuratively, for both were full.

full (ふさがっている) [形] having no empty space

比喩的に言う以外は、彼はジョーに手を差し伸べることもできなかった。なぜなら、両手がふさがっていたからだ。

Much less could he indulge in tender remonstrations in the open street, though he was near it.

much less (ましてや) [副] to a much smaller extent

indulge in (ふける) [動] allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of

remonstration (抗議) [名] an expression of protest or disapproval

open street (公道) [名] a road that is open to the public

彼は道の近くにいたにもかかわらず、公道で優しい抗議をすることはできなかった。

So the only way in which he could express his rapture was to look at her, with an expression which glorified his face to such a degree that there actually seemed to be little rainbows in the drops that sparkled on his beard.

glorify (輝かせる) [動] make glorious; give glory to

degree (程度) [名] the extent to which something happens or is present

だから彼が歓喜を表現できる唯一の方法は、彼の顔を輝かせるような表情で彼女を見ることだった。彼の髭に輝く水滴の中には実際に小さな虹があるように見えた。

If he had not loved Jo very much, I don’t think he could have done it then, for she looked far from lovely, with her skirts in a deplorable state, her rubber boots splashed to the ankle, and her bonnet a ruin.

far from (とても~とは言えない) [副] not at all

deplorable (ひどい) [形] deserving strong condemnation

rubber boot (ゴム長靴) [名] a boot made of rubber

splash (泥だらけにする) [動] cause (liquid) to strike or fall on something in scattered drops

もし彼がジョーをとても愛していなかったら、彼はそうすることができなかったと思う。なぜなら、彼女はスカートがひどい状態で、ゴム長靴が足首まで泥だらけで、ボンネットがボロボロで、とても愛らしいとは言えなかったからだ。

Fortunately, Mr. Bhaer considered her the most beautiful woman living, and she found him more “Jove-like” than ever, though his hatbrim was quite limp with the little rills trickling thence upon his shoulders (for he held the umbrella all over Jo), and every finger of his gloves needed mending.

limp (ぐったりしている) [形] lacking energy or firmness

rill (小川) [名] a small stream

幸いにも、ベーアさんは彼女を現存する最も美しい女性だと考えていたし、彼女は彼がこれまで以上に「ジュピターみたい」だと思った。彼の帽子のつばは、肩に流れ落ちる小さな小川でかなりぐったりしていたが(彼はジョーの上に傘を差しかけていた)、手袋の指はすべて修理が必要だった。

Passers-by probably thought them a pair of harmless lunatics, for they entirely forgot to hail a bus, and strolled leisurely along, oblivious of deepening dusk and fog.

hail (呼ぶ) [動] call out to

oblivious (忘れて) [形] not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one

通りすがりの人は、彼らを無害な狂人だと思ったかもしれない。なぜなら、彼らはバスを呼ぶのをすっかり忘れて、夕暮れと霧が深まっていくのを忘れて、ゆっくりと散歩していたからだ。

Little they cared what anybody thought, for they were enjoying the happy hour that seldom comes but once in any life, the magical moment which bestows youth on the old, beauty on the plain, wealth on the poor, and gives human hearts a foretaste of heaven.

comes (来る) [動] move or travel toward or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker

foretaste (予感) [名] an experience of something in advance of its proper time

彼らは誰が何を考えているかほとんど気にしなかった。なぜなら、彼らは人生でめったに来ない幸せな時間、老人に若さを与え、平凡なものに美しさを与え、貧しいものに富を与え、人間の心に天国の予感を与える魔法の瞬間を楽しんでいたからだ。

The Professor looked as if he had conquered a kingdom, and the world had nothing more to offer him in the way of bliss.

have nothing more to offer (差し出せるものは何もなかった) [動] have no more of something to give

教授はまるで王国を征服したかのようで、この世には至福の道を彼に差し出せるものは何もなかった。

While Jo trudged beside him, feeling as if her place had always been there, and wondering how she ever could have chosen any other lot.

ジョーは彼のそばをとぼとぼと歩きながら、自分の居場所はいつもそこにあるように感じ、どうして他の場所を選ぶことができたのだろうかと思った。

Of course, she was the first to speak—intelligibly, I mean, for the emotional remarks which followed her impetuous “Oh, yes!” were not of a coherent or reportable character.

intelligibly (理解できる言葉で) [副] in a way that can be understood

mean (つまり) [動] have as a purpose or intention

emotional (感情的な) [形] of or relating to emotions

coherent (首尾一貫した) [形] logically or aesthetically consistent

reportable (報告できる) [形] worthy of being reported

もちろん、彼女が最初に口を開いた。つまり、彼女の衝動的な「ああ、そうよ!」に続く感情的な発言は、首尾一貫したものでも、報告できるものでもなく、理解できる言葉で話したのは彼女が最初だった。

“Friedrich, why didn’t you...”

「フリードリヒ、どうして・・・」

“Ah, heaven, she gifs me the name that no one speaks since Minna died!” cried the Professor, pausing in a puddle to regard her with grateful delight.

Minna (ミンナ) [名] a female given name

「ああ、天国よ、彼女はミンナが死んで以来誰も口にしない名前を私にくれた!」と教授は叫び、水たまりで立ち止まって感謝の気持ちを込めて彼女を見つめた。

“I always call you so to myself—I forgot, but I won’t unless you like it.”

「私はいつも心の中であなたをそう呼んでいるの。忘れちゃったよ。でも、あなたが嫌なら呼ばないよ」

“Like it? It is more sweet to me than I can tell.

「嫌い? 私には言葉にできないほど嬉しいことだ。

Say ‘thou’, also, and I shall say your language is almost as beautiful as mine.”

thou (汝) [代] you

また、”thou”と言ってごらんなさい。そうすれば、あなたの言葉は私の言葉とほとんど同じくらい美しいと言えるでしょう」

“Isn’t ‘thou’ a little sentimental?” asked Jo, privately thinking it a lovely monosyllable.

「”thou”は少し感傷的すぎない?」とジョーは尋ねたが、内心では素敵な一音節だと思った。

“Sentimental? Yes. Thank Gott, we Germans believe in sentiment, and keep ourselves young mit it.

Gott (神) [名] the creator and ruler of the universe and source of all moral authority; the supreme being

「感傷的? そうですね。神に感謝します。私たちドイツ人は感傷を信じ、それによって若さを保っています。

Your English ‘you’ is so cold, say ‘thou’, heart’s dearest, it means so much to me,” pleaded Mr. Bhaer, more like a romantic student than a grave professor.

あなたの英語の”you”はとても冷たいので、”thou”と言ってください、愛しい人よ、それは私にとってとても意味のあることなのです」と、ベーア氏は真面目な教授というよりはロマンチックな学生のように懇願した。

“Well, then, why didn’t thou tell me all this sooner?”

well (それなら) [副] used to express a decision or to introduce a new topic

sooner (もっと早く) [副] earlier or before the usual or expected time

「それなら、なぜもっと早く教えてくれなかったんだ?」

asked Jo bashfully.

とジョーは恥ずかしそうに尋ねた。

“Now I shall haf to show thee all my heart, and I so gladly will, because thou must take care of it hereafter.

hereafter (これから) [副] from now on

「今、私は君に私の心のすべてを見せなければならない、そして私は喜んでそうする、なぜなら君はこれからそれを大事にしなければならないからだ。

See, then, my Jo—ah, the dear, funny little name—I had a wish to tell something the day I said goodbye in New York, but I thought the handsome friend was betrothed to thee, and so I spoke not.

betrothed (婚約している) [形] engaged to be married

私のジョー、ああ、愛しい、おかしな小さな名前、ニューヨークで別れを告げた日に何かを伝えたかったんだが、ハンサムな友人が君と婚約していると思っていたので、何も言わなかった。

Wouldst thou have said ‘Yes’, then, if I had spoken?”

wouldst (言うだろうか) [動] would

もし私が話していたら、君は「はい」と言っただろうか?」

“I don’t know. I’m afraid not, for I didn’t have any heart just then.”

I don't know (わからない) [句] I am not sure

I'm afraid not (恐らくそうはいかなかったでしょう) [句] I am worried that the answer is no

I didn't have any heart (私は心を失っていた) [句] I was not feeling any emotions

「わからない。恐らくそうはいかなかったでしょう、なぜならその時は私は心を失っていたから。」

“Prut! That I do not believe.

Prut (そんな) [間] an expression of contempt or disgust

「そんな! それは信じられない。

It was asleep till the fairy prince came through the wood, and waked it up.

come through (やってくる) [動] arrive or reach a destination

wake up (起こす) [動] cause to stop sleeping

それは、妖精の王子が森を抜けてやってきて起こすまで眠っていた。

Ah, well, ‘Die erste Liebe ist die beste’, but that I should not expect.”

Die erste Liebe ist die beste (初恋は最高) [名] a German proverb

ああ、そう、「初恋は最高」だが、それは期待するべきではない。」

“Yes, the first love is the best, but be so contented, for I never had another.

first love (初恋) [名] the first person that one loves

「そう、初恋は最高だ、でも満足してくれ、私には他に恋がなかったのだから。

Teddy was only a boy, and soon got over his little fancy,” said Jo, anxious to correct the Professor’s mistake.

fancy (気まぐれ) [名] a sudden and unaccountable liking for something

テディはただの少年で、すぐに彼の小さな気まぐれは終わりました」と、教授の間違いを正そうと心配そうにジョーは言った。

“Good! Then I shall rest happy, and be sure that thou givest me all.

「よかった! それなら私は幸せに休むことができるし、君が私にすべてを与えてくれると確信できる。

I haf waited so long, I am grown selfish, as thou wilt find, Professorin.”

私はとても長く待った、君が気づくように、私は利己的になった、教授。」

“I like that,” cried Jo, delighted with her new name.

「それいいね」とジョーは叫び、新しい名前を喜んだ。

“Now tell me what brought you, at last, just when I wanted you?”

just when (ちょうど~する時に) [副] at the exact moment that

「さて、私があなたを必要としていた時に、ついにあなたを連れてきたものを教えてください。」

“This,” and Mr. Bhaer took a little worn paper out of his waistcoat pocket.

take (取り出す) [動] remove something from a place

「これだ」とベーアさんはチョッキのポケットから少しすり切れた紙を取り出した。

Jo unfolded it, and looked much abashed, for it was one of her own contributions to a paper that paid for poetry, which accounted for her sending it an occasional attempt.

account for (説明する) [動] give a satisfactory reason or explanation for

ジョーはそれを広げて、とても恥ずかしそうに見えた、それは詩に支払われる紙への彼女自身の寄稿の1つだったからで、それは彼女が時折の試みを送ったことを説明した。

“How could that bring you?” she asked, wondering what he meant.

「どうしてそれがあなたを連れてきたの?」と彼女は尋ね、彼が何を意味するのか疑問に思った。

“I found it by chance.

by chance (偶然) [副] without planning or expecting it

「私は偶然それを見つけた。

I knew it by the names and the initials, and in it there was one little verse that seemed to call me.

私は名前とイニシャルでそれを知っていた、そしてその中に私を呼んでいるように思われる1つの小さな詩があった。

Read and find him.

読んで彼を見つけて。

I will see that you go not in the wet.”

see (する) [動] make sure that something is done

あなたが濡れた中に行かないようにするよ。」

IN THE GARRET

in the garret (屋根裏部屋で) [名] a room or space directly below the pitched roof

屋根裏部屋で

Four little chests all in a row,

all in a row (並んで) [副] in a straight line

4つの小さな箱が並んで、

Dim with dust, and worn by time,

ほこりで薄暗く、時が経ってすり減り、

All fashioned and filled, long ago,

fashion (作る) [動] make or produce

すべてはずっと前に作られ、詰め込まれ、

By children now in their prime.

今は壮年期にある子供たちによって。

Four little keys hung side by side,

4つの小さな鍵が並んで吊り下げられ、

With faded ribbons, brave and gay

色あせたリボンと一緒に、勇敢で陽気な

When fastened there, with childish pride,

そこに留められた時、子供っぽい誇りを持って、

Long ago, on a rainy day.

ずっと前に、雨の日に。

Four little names, one on each lid,

4つの小さな名前、それぞれ蓋に1つずつ、

Carved out by a boyish hand,

carve out (彫る) [動] to make or shape something by cutting it out of a hard material

少年の手で彫られた、

And underneath there lieth hid

lieth (横たわる) [動] be in or assume a horizontal or resting position

hid (隠す) [動] put or keep out of sight; conceal

そしてその下に隠されている

Histories of the happy band

幸せな仲間の歴史

Once playing here, and pausing oft

かつてここで遊び、よく休憩した

To hear the sweet refrain,

甘いリフレインを聞くために、

That came and went on the roof aloft,

屋根の上を行ったり来たりしていた、

In the falling summer rain.

降りしきる夏の雨の中。

“Meg” on the first lid, smooth and fair.

最初の蓋には「メグ」と滑らかにきれいに書かれていた。

I look in with loving eyes,

私は愛情のこもった目で中を覗き込み、

For folded here, with well-known care,

よく知られた注意を払ってここに折り畳まれているために、

A goodly gathering lies,

goodly (素晴らしい) [形] of a good quality or standard

素晴らしい集まりがある。

The record of a peaceful life—

平和な生活の記録。

Gifts to gentle child and girl,

優しい子供と少女への贈り物、

A bridal gown, lines to a wife,

bridal gown (花嫁衣装) [名] a dress worn by a bride on her wedding day

花嫁衣装、妻への言葉、

A tiny shoe, a baby curl.

小さな靴、赤ちゃんのカール。

No toys in this first chest remain,

この最初の箱にはおもちゃは残っていない。

For all are carried away,

全てが運び去られたからだ。

In their old age, to join again

老年期に再び参加するために

In another small Meg’s play.

別の小さなメグの劇に参加するために。

Ah, happy mother! Well I know

ああ、幸せな母! よく知っている

You hear, like a sweet refrain,

あなたは甘いリフレインのように聞く

Lullabies ever soft and low

子守歌はいつも柔らかく低い

In the falling summer rain.

降りしきる夏の雨の中。

“Jo” on the next lid, scratched and worn, And within a motley store Of headless dolls, of schoolbooks torn, Birds and beasts that speak no more, Spoils brought home from the fairy ground Only trod by youthful feet, Dreams of a future never found, Memories of a past still sweet, Half-writ poems, stories wild, April letters, warm and cold, Diaries of a wilful child, Hints of a woman early old, A woman in a lonely home, Hearing, like a sad refrain— “Be worthy, love, and love will come,” In the falling summer rain.

scratch (傷) [名] a mark or wound made by scratching

wear (すり減る) [動] become damaged or worn through use

motley (雑多な) [形] of many different types

schoolbook (教科書) [名] a book used for study in a school

spoil (戦利品) [名] something that is taken from an enemy or opponent in a battle or other contest

bring home (持ち帰る) [動] to take something back to one's home

poem (詩) [名] a piece of writing that partakes of the nature of both speech and song

wilful (わがままな) [形] deliberately disobedient or obstinate

次の蓋には「ジョー」と傷がついてすり減っていて、頭のない人形や破れた教科書、もう話さない鳥や獣、若い足だけが踏みしめた妖精の土地から持ち帰った戦利品、決して見つからない未来の夢、まだ甘い過去の記憶、半分書いた詩、ワイルドな物語、4月の暖かくて冷たい手紙、わがままな子供の日記、早く年をとった女性のヒント、孤独な家の女性、悲しいリフレインのように聞こえる-「価値がある、愛、そして愛が来る」降りしきる夏の雨の中。

My Beth! the dust is always swept

My Beth! (私のベス!) [名] the name of a person

私のベス! ほこりはいつも掃き清められている

From the lid that bears your name,

bear (冠する) [動] have or display as a visible mark

あなたの名を冠した蓋から

As if by loving eyes that wept,

まるで愛する目が泣いたかのように

By careful hands that often came.

よく来る丁寧な手によって

Death canonized for us one saint,

canonize (列聖する) [動] declare (a dead person) to be a saint

死は私たちのために一人の聖人を列聖した

Ever less human than divine,

divine (神) [名] a being with supernatural powers or attributes, especially a creator god

神よりも人間的ではない

And still we lay, with tender plaint,

plaint (嘆き) [名] a mournful cry

そして私たちは優しい嘆きと共に横たわる

Relics in this household shrine—

この家庭の神社にある遺物

The silver bell, so seldom rung,

silver bell (銀の鐘) [名] a bell made of silver

rung (鳴る) [動] make or cause to make a clear resonant sound

めったに鳴らない銀の鐘

The little cap which last she wore,

彼女が最後にかぶった小さな帽子

The fair, dead Catherine that hung

Catherine (キャサリン) [名] a female given name

美しい死んだキャサリンが掛けられている

By angels borne above her door.

天使が彼女の扉の上に運んだ

The songs she sang, without lament,

lament (悲しみ) [名] a feeling of sadness or regret

彼女が歌った歌は、悲しみもなく

In her prison-house of pain,

pain (苦しみ) [名] a state of physical, emotional, or mental lack of well-being or physical, emotional, or mental uneasiness that ranges from mild discomfort or dull distress to acute often unbearable agony

彼女の苦しみの牢獄の中で

Forever are they sweetly blent

sweetly (甘く) [副] in a sweet manner

blent (混ざり合っている) [動] mix or blend together

永遠に甘く混ざり合っている

With the falling summer rain.

降り注ぐ夏の雨と

Upon the last lid’s polished field— Legend now both fair and true A gallant knight bears on his shield, “Amy” in letters gold and blue.

polished (磨かれた) [形] made smooth or glossy by rubbing or friction

field (面) [名] a large, open area of land, especially one planted with crops or pasture

legend (伝説) [名] a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but not authenticated

bear (刻まれている) [動] carry or have on one's person

最後の蓋の磨かれた面には、今や美しく真実の伝説となった、勇敢な騎士が盾に金と青の文字で「エイミー」と刻まれている。

Within lie snoods that bound her hair, Slippers that have danced their last, Faded flowers laid by with care, Fans whose airy toils are past, Gay valentines, all ardent flames, Trifles that have borne their part In girlish hopes and fears and shames, The record of a maiden heart Now learning fairer, truer spells, Hearing, like a blithe refrain, The silver sound of bridal bells In the falling summer rain.

toil (労働) [名] a long and difficult task

valentine (バレンタイン) [名] a card or gift given on Valentine's Day

maiden (乙女) [名] a girl or young woman who is a virgin

hearing (聞こえてくる) [名] the ability to hear

中には彼女の髪を結んだスヌード、最後の踊りを踊ったスリッパ、丁寧に置かれた色あせた花、風通しの良い労働が終わった扇子、陽気なバレンタイン、すべての熱烈な炎、少女の希望と恐怖と恥辱の中でその役割を果たしてきた些細なもの、今より美しく、真実の呪文を学んでいる乙女心の記録、陽気なリフレインのように、降り注ぐ夏の雨の中で花嫁の鐘の銀色の音が聞こえてくる。

Four little chests all in a row,

四つの小さな箱が並んでいて

Dim with dust, and worn by time,

dim (くすむ) [動] make or become less bright

埃でくすみ、時の経過で傷んでいる。

Four women, taught by weal and woe

weal (幸福) [名] well-being; happiness

四人の女性は、幸福と悲しみに教えられて

To love and labor in their prime.

若い頃に愛と労働を学んだ。

Four sisters, parted for an hour,

四人の姉妹は、一時間離れ離れになって

None lost, one only gone before,

誰も失われず、一人だけ先に逝った。

Made by love’s immortal power,

愛の不滅の力によって作られた

Nearest and dearest evermore.

evermore (永遠に) [副] always; forever

永遠に最も近く、最も愛しい人

Oh, when these hidden stores of ours

store (宝物) [名] a place where things are kept for sale

ours (私たちの) [代] belonging to or connected with the speaker

ああ、私たちの隠された宝物が

Lie open to the Father’s sight,

lie open (さらされる) [動] be exposed to something

sight (目) [名] the ability to sense light, and the eye is the organ that senses light

父の目にさらされる時

May they be rich in golden hours,

be rich in (恵まれる) [動] have a lot of something

golden hour (黄金の時間) [名] the period of time shortly after sunrise or before sunset during which daylight is redder and softer than when the sun is higher in the sky

黄金の時間に恵まれますように

Deeds that show fairer for the light,

deed (行い) [名] something that is done

光に照らされてより美しく見える行い

Lives whose brave music long shall ring,

ring (鳴り響く) [動] to make or cause to make a clear resonant sound

勇敢な音楽が長く鳴り響く人生

Like a spirit-stirring strain,

魂を揺さぶる調べのように

Souls that shall gladly soar and sing

soar (舞い上がる) [動] fly or rise high in the air

喜んで舞い上がり歌う魂

In the long sunshine after rain.

in (の中で) [前] within the limits or bounds of

雨上がりの長い日差しの中で

“It’s very bad poetry, but I felt it when I wrote it, one day when I was very lonely, and had a good cry on a rag bag.

very bad (とてもひどい) [形] of very low quality

very lonely (とても寂しい) [形] sad because one has no friends or company

have a good cry (泣きつく) [動] cry for a long time

「とてもひどい詩だけど、ある日とても寂しくて、ぼろ布の袋に泣きついた時に書いたの。

I never thought it would go where it could tell tales,” said Jo, tearing up the verses the Professor had treasured so long.

tear up (破り捨てる) [動] to tear something into small pieces

それが物語を語るところに行くなんて思ってもみなかったよ」とジョーは言い、教授が長い間大切にしていた詩を破り捨てた。

“Let it go, it has done its duty, and I will haf a fresh one when I read all the brown book in which she keeps her little secrets,” said Mr. Bhaer with a smile as he watched the fragments fly away on the wind.

do one's duty (役目を果たす) [動] perform one's obligation

keep (書き留める) [動] write down

fly away (飛ばされる) [動] move quickly through the air

「行かせておけ、役目を果たしたのだ、そして彼女が小さな秘密を書き留めている茶色の本を全部読んだら、新しいものを手に入れよう」とベーアさんは破片が風に飛ばされるのを見ながら微笑んで言った。

“Yes,” he added earnestly, “I read that, and I think to myself, She has a sorrow, she is lonely, she would find comfort in true love.

「そう」と彼は真剣に付け加えた、「私はそれを読んで、彼女は悲しみを抱えている、彼女は孤独だ、彼女は真実の愛に慰めを見出すだろう、と私は思う。

I haf a heart full, full for her.

for (への) [前] in the direction of

私は彼女への愛で胸がいっぱいだ。

Shall I not go and say, ‘If this is not too poor a thing to gif for what I shall hope to receive, take it in Gott’s name?’”

too poor (あまりにも貧弱な) [形] not having enough money to live at a standard considered normal or average

私が行って「もしこれが私が受け取りたいと思うものに対してあまりにも貧弱なものでなければ、神の名において受け取ってください」と言うべきではないだろうか?」

“And so you came to find that it was not too poor, but the one precious thing I needed,” whispered Jo.

one precious thing (唯一の貴重なもの) [名] something that is very valuable or important

「そして、あなたはそれがあまりにも貧弱なものではなく、私が必要としていた唯一の貴重なものだと気付くようになったのね」とジョーはささやいた。

“I had no courage to think that at first, heavenly kind as was your welcome to me.

「最初は、あなたが私を天国のように優しく迎えてくれたので、そう考える勇気がありませんでした。

But soon I began to hope, and then I said, ‘I will haf her if I die for it,’ and so I will!” cried Mr. Bhaer, with a defiant nod, as if the walls of mist closing round them were barriers which he was to surmount or valiantly knock down.

surmount (乗り越える) [動] overcome (a difficulty or obstacle)

valiantly (勇敢に) [副] courageously

knock down (打ち倒す) [動] cause to fall to the ground

しかし、すぐに希望を持ち始め、そして「死んだとしても彼女を娶ろう」と言いました。そして、そうするつもりです!」とベーアさんは、まるで彼らを取り囲む霧の壁が彼が乗り越えるか、勇敢に打ち倒す障害物であるかのように、反抗的なうなずきをしながら叫んだ。

Jo thought that was splendid, and resolved to be worthy of her knight, though he did not come prancing on a charger in gorgeous array.

worthy (ふさわしい) [形] deserving of something

charger (軍馬) [名] a horse used in battle

ジョーはそれが素晴らしいと思い、彼が豪華な衣装を着て軍馬にまたがってやってきたわけではないが、彼女の騎士にふさわしいと決意した。

“What made you stay away so long?” she asked presently, finding it so pleasant to ask confidential questions and get delightful answers that she could not keep silent.

stay away (留守にする) [動] be absent from a place

keep silent (黙っている) [動] not say anything

「どうしてそんなに長く留守にしていたの?」彼女はすぐに尋ねたが、内緒の質問をして楽しい答えを得るのがとても楽しくて、黙っていることができなかった。

“It was not easy, but I could not find the heart to take you from that so happy home until I could haf a prospect of one to gif you, after much time, perhaps, and hard work.

find the heart (気にはなれない) [動] to be willing to do something

「それは簡単なことではありませんでしたが、長い時間と努力を重ねた後、あなたに家を与えられる見込みが立つまでは、あなたをあの幸せな家から連れ出す気にはなれませんでした。

How could I ask you to gif up so much for a poor old fellow, who has no fortune but a little learning?”

少しの学問以外に財産のない貧しい老人のために、そんなに多くのものを諦めるように頼むことができるでしょうか?」

“I’m glad you are poor.

「あなたが貧乏でよかったよ。

I couldn’t bear a rich husband,” said Jo decidedly, adding in a softer tone, “Don’t fear poverty.

お金持ちの夫なんて耐えられないよ」とジョーは断言し、さらに優しい口調で「貧乏を恐れないで。

I’ve known it long enough to lose my dread and be happy working for those I love, and don’t call yourself old—forty is the prime of life.

long enough (十分な長い間) [副] for a sufficient amount of time

私は恐怖を失い、愛する人のために働くことに幸せを感じるのに十分な長い間それを知っていました、そして自分を年寄りと呼ばないでください—40歳は人生の最盛期です。

I couldn’t help loving you if you were seventy!”

あなたが70歳だったとしても、私はあなたを愛さずにはいられないよ!」

The Professor found that so touching that he would have been glad of his handkerchief, if he could have got at it.

get at (手に取る) [動] to reach or obtain

教授はそれがとても感動的だったので、もしハンカチを手に取ることができたら、喜んでハンカチを差し出しただろう。

As he couldn’t, Jo wiped his eyes for him, and said, laughing, as she took away a bundle or two...

take away (取り去る) [動] remove or carry away

彼がそうすることができなかったので、ジョーは彼のために彼の目を拭き、そして彼女が1つか2つの束を取り去ったときに笑いながら言った。

“I may be strong-minded, but no one can say I’m out of my sphere now, for woman’s special mission is supposed to be drying tears and bearing burdens.

out of (外れている) [前] not within

sphere (領域) [名] a field of activity, interest, or expertise

special (特別な) [形] better or otherwise different from what is usual or common

「私は意志が強いかもしれないけど、今は誰も私が自分の領域から外れているとは言えないよ、だって女性の特別な使命は涙を拭いて重荷を負うことだと考えられているもの。

I’m to carry my share, Friedrich, and help to earn the home.

carry (果たす) [動] to take or support from one place to another

share (分担) [名] a part or portion belonging to, due to, or contributed by a person

私は自分の分担を果たして、家計を助けなきゃいけないの。

Make up your mind to that, or I’ll never go,” she added resolutely, as he tried to reclaim his load.

or (さもなければ) [接] otherwise

reclaim (取り戻す) [動] get or take back

それを決心してちょうだい、そうしないと私は絶対に行かないよ」と彼が荷物を取り戻そうとしたときに彼女は断固として付け加えた。

“We shall see. Haf you patience to wait a long time, Jo?

「様子を見ましょう。長い時間待つ忍耐力があるかい、ジョー?

I must go away and do my work alone.

私は去って、一人で仕事をしなければならない。

I must help my boys first, because, even for you, I may not break my word to Minna.

私はまず私の息子たちを助けなければならない、なぜなら、あなたのためにでさえ、私はミンナとの約束を破ることはできないからだ。

Can you forgif that, and be happy while we hope and wait?”

それを許して、私たちが希望を持ち、待つ間、幸せでいてくれるかい?」

“Yes, I know I can, for we love one another, and that makes all the rest easy to bear.

「できるよ、私たちはお互いに愛し合っているし、それが他の全てのことに耐えやすくしてくれるから。

I have my duty, also, and my work.

私にも義務と仕事がある。

I couldn’t enjoy myself if I neglected them even for you, so there’s no need of hurry or impatience.

あなたのためにでもそれを怠ったら私は楽しめない、だから急ぐ必要も焦る必要もない。

You can do your part out West, I can do mine here, and both be happy hoping for the best, and leaving the future to be as God wills.”

do one's part (役割を果たす) [動] play one's part

West (西部) [名] the western part of the world

do mine (私の役割を果たす) [動] play my part

hope for the best (最善を望む) [動] hope that the best thing will happen

あなたは西部であなたの役割を果たせばいいし、私はここで私の役割を果たせばいい、そして二人とも最善を望み、未来を神の御心のままに任せて幸せでいましょう。」

“Ah! Thou gifest me such hope and courage, and I haf nothing to gif back but a full heart and these empty hands,” cried the Professor, quite overcome.

overcome (参る) [動] be victorious over; defeat

「ああ! 君は私にそのような希望と勇気を与えてくれる、そして私は満ちた心とこの空の手以外に何も返すものがない」と教授は叫び、すっかり参ってしまった。

Jo never, never would learn to be proper, for when he said that as they stood upon the steps, she just put both hands into his, whispering tenderly, “Not empty now,” and stooping down, kissed her Friedrich under the umbrella.

ジョーは決して、決して礼儀正しくなることを学ばなかった、なぜなら彼が階段に立ったときにそう言ったとき、彼女は両手を彼の手に入れて、「今は空っぽではない」と優しくささやき、かがんで、傘の下で彼女のフリードリヒにキスをしたからだ。

It was dreadful, but she would have done it if the flock of draggle-tailed sparrows on the hedge had been human beings, for she was very far gone indeed, and quite regardless of everything but her own happiness.

draggle-tailed (尾を引きずった) [形] having a wet or dirty tail

sparrow (雀) [名] a small bird

human being (人間) [名] a human

far gone (夢中になる) [形] very drunk or intoxicated

それは恐ろしいことだったが、もし生垣にいる尾を引きずった雀の群れが人間だったとしても、彼女はそうしていただろう、なぜなら彼女は本当に夢中になっていて、自分の幸せ以外は何も気にしていなかったからだ。

Though it came in such a very simple guise, that was the crowning moment of both their lives, when, turning from the night and storm and loneliness to the household light and warmth and peace waiting to receive them, with a glad “Welcome home!”

guise (装い) [名] an external appearance or form

welcome (おかえりなさい) [間] a greeting that expresses a glad reception

とてもシンプルな装いではあったが、夜と嵐と孤独から、家庭の明かりと暖かさと平和へと変わり、喜びの「おかえりなさい!」と迎えられたとき、それは二人の人生で最高の瞬間だった。

Jo led her lover in, and shut the door.

ジョーは恋人を中に導き、ドアを閉めた。

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN: HARVEST TIME

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN (第47章) [名] a division of a book

HARVEST TIME (収穫の時期) [名] the time of year when crops are gathered

第47章収穫の時期

For a year Jo and her Professor worked and waited, hoped and loved, met occasionally, and wrote such voluminous letters that the rise in the price of paper was accounted for, Laurie said.

for a year (一年の間) [名] for the duration of one year

voluminous (膨大な) [形] large in volume or extent

一年の間、ジョーと彼女の教授は働き、待ち、望み、愛し、時折会い、紙の値段が上がったのはそのせいだとローリーが言うほど膨大な手紙を書いた。

The second year began rather soberly, for their prospects did not brighten, and Aunt March died suddenly.

second year (二年目) [名] the second year of a period

rather soberly (かなり地味に) [副] in a serious, solemn, or subdued manner

二年目は、彼らの見通しが明るくならず、マーチおばさんが急死したため、かなり地味に始まった。

But when their first sorrow was over—for they loved the old lady in spite of her sharp tongue—they found they had cause for rejoicing, for she had left Plumfield to Jo, which made all sorts of joyful things possible.

cause (理由) [名] a person or thing that gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition

rejoicing (喜ぶ) [動] feel or show great joy or delight

joyful (楽しい) [形] causing or showing great happiness

しかし、最初の悲しみが過ぎ去ると、彼女たちは口が悪いにもかかわらず老婦人を愛していたので、喜ぶべき理由があることに気づいた。彼女はプラムフィールドをジョーに残していったので、あらゆる楽しいことが可能になったのだ。

“It’s a fine old place, and will bring a handsome sum, for of course you intend to sell it,” said Laurie, as they were all talking the matter over some weeks later.

bring (なる) [動] cause to come or be taken to a place

handsome (かなりの) [形] large in amount

「それは立派な古い家で、かなりの金額になるだろう、もちろん君はそれを売るつもりだろう」とローリーは言った。数週間後、彼らは皆その件について話し合っていた。

“No, I don’t,” was Jo’s decided answer, as she petted the fat poodle, whom she had adopted, out of respect to his former mistress.

「いいえ、売りません」とジョーは、前の飼い主への敬意から引き取った太ったプードルを撫でながら、決然と答えた。

“You don’t mean to live there?”

「そこに住むつもりじゃないだろう?」

“Yes, I do.”

「そうよ」

“But, my dear girl, it’s an immense house, and will take a power of money to keep it in order.

keep (維持する) [動] cause to continue or be maintained

「でも、お嬢さん、それはとても大きな家で、それを維持するにはお金がかかります。

The garden and orchard alone need two or three men, and farming isn’t in Bhaer’s line, I take it.”

two or three (2、3) [名] a small number of

farming (農業) [名] the business or practice of farming

line (仕事) [名] a type of work or business

庭と果樹園だけでも2、3人の人手が必要だし、農業はベーアの仕事ではないと思う。」

“He’ll try his hand at it there, if I propose it.”

try one's hand at (挑戦する) [動] attempt to do something

「私が提案すれば、彼はそこで農業に挑戦するでしょう。」

“And you expect to live on the produce of the place?

produce (産物) [名] something that is produced

「そして、あなたはその土地の産物で生活するつもりですか?

Well, that sounds paradisiacal, but you’ll find it desperate hard work.”

paradisiacal (楽園のような) [形] like paradise

まあ、それは楽園のように聞こえますが、あなたはそれが必死の重労働であることに気づくでしょう。」

“The crop we are going to raise is a profitable one,” and Jo laughed.

crop (作物) [名] a plant that is grown in large quantities for food

raise (育てる) [動] cause to grow or increase

「私たちが育てようとしている作物は収益性の高いものです」とジョーは笑った。

“Of what is this fine crop to consist, ma’am?”

consist (構成される) [動] be composed or made up of

「この素晴らしい作物は何で構成されるのでしょうか?」

“Boys. I want to open a school for little lads—a good, happy, homelike school, with me to take care of them and Fritz to teach them.”

「男の子たち。私は小さな子供たちのための学校を開きたいのです。良い、幸せで、家庭的な学校で、私が彼らの世話をし、フリッツが彼らに教えるのです。」

“That’s a truly Joian plan for you!

「それは本当にジョーらしい計画だね!

Isn’t that just like her?” cried Laurie, appealing to the family, who looked as much surprised as he.

just like (らしい) [形] similar to

彼女らしいでしょう?」とローリーは叫び、家族に訴えたが、家族も彼と同じくらい驚いたようだった。

“I like it,” said Mrs. March decidedly.

「私は好きだよ」とマーチ夫人は断言した。

“So do I,” added her husband, who welcomed the thought of a chance for trying the Socratic method of education on modern youth.

Socratic method (ソクラテス式) [名] a method of inquiry that involves asking questions to help a person think critically and come to their own conclusions

modern (現代の) [形] of or relating to the present or recent times

「私もだ」と夫は付け加えた。彼は現代の若者にソクラテス式の教育方法を試す機会があるという考えを歓迎した。

“It will be an immense care for Jo,” said Meg, stroking the head of her one all-absorbing son.

「ジョーにとっては大変な世話になるよね」とメグは言った。彼女は自分の唯一の息子の頭を撫でていた。

“Jo can do it, and be happy in it.

「ジョーはできるし、喜んでやるだろう。

It’s a splendid idea.

それは素晴らしい考えだ。

Tell us all about it,” cried Mr. Laurence, who had been longing to lend the lovers a hand, but knew that they would refuse his help.

全部話してくれ」とローレンス氏は叫んだ。彼は恋人たちに手を貸したいと思っていたが、彼らが彼の助けを拒むだろうと分かっていた。

“I knew you’d stand by me, sir.

「あなたが私を支持してくれると分かっていました。

Amy does too—I see it in her eyes, though she prudently waits to turn it over in her mind before she speaks.

エイミーもそうよ。彼女の目を見れば分かるよ。でも彼女は慎重に、話す前に心の中で考えを巡らせているの。

Now, my dear people,” continued Jo earnestly, “just understand that this isn’t a new idea of mine, but a long cherished plan.

people (家族) [名] a group of persons related by blood or marriage

さあ、私の愛する家族の皆さん」とジョーは真剣に続けた。「これは私の新しい考えではなく、長く温めてきた計画だということを理解してください。

Before my Fritz came, I used to think how, when I’d made my fortune, and no one needed me at home, I’d hire a big house, and pick up some poor, forlorn little lads who hadn’t any mothers, and take care of them, and make life jolly for them before it was too late.

make a fortune (財を成す) [動] become rich

私のフリッツが来る前は、私が財を成し、家で誰も私を必要としなくなったら、大きな家を借りて、母親のいない貧しい、孤独な少年たちを何人か拾って、彼らの世話をして、手遅れになる前に彼らの人生を楽しくしてあげようと考えていたものだった。

I see so many going to ruin for want of help at the right minute,

so many (とても多くの) [副] a lot of

go to ruin (破滅に向かう) [動] be destroyed or decayed

right minute (適切な時) [名] the exact time

適切な時に助けがなくて破滅に向かう人をたくさん見てきたよ。

I love so to do anything for them,

彼らのために何かをするのが大好きなの。

I seem to feel their wants, and sympathize with their troubles, and oh, I should so like to be a mother to them!”

私は彼らの欲求を感じ、彼らの悩みに共感しているように思うし、ああ、私は彼らの母親になりたいと思うよ!」

Mrs. March held out her hand to Jo, who took it, smiling, with tears in her eyes, and went on in the old enthusiastic way, which they had not seen for a long while.

マーチ夫人はジョーに手を差し出し、ジョーはそれを受け取り、目に涙を浮かべて微笑み、長い間見ていなかった昔の熱狂的な態度で続けた。

“I told my plan to Fritz once, and he said it was just what he would like, and agreed to try it when we got rich.

「私は一度フリッツに私の計画を伝えたんだけど、彼はそれがまさに彼が望んでいることだと言って、私たちが金持ちになったらそれを試すことに同意したよ。

Bless his dear heart, he’s been doing it all his life—helping poor boys, I mean, not getting rich, that he’ll never be.

all his life (一生) [名] the entire period of a person's life

彼の愛する心を祝福して、彼はそれを一生やってきたわー貧しい少年たちを助けること、つまり、金持ちになることではなく、彼は決してそうはならないよ。

Money doesn’t stay in his pocket long enough to lay up any.

お金は彼のポケットに長く留まらない。

But now, thanks to my good old aunt, who loved me better than I ever deserved, I’m rich, at least I feel so, and we can live at Plumfield perfectly well, if we have a flourishing school.

good old (年老いた) [形] used to express affection or familiarity

でも今は、私を愛してくれた年老いた叔母のおかげで、私は金持ちになった、少なくともそう感じているし、学校が繁栄すれば、プラムフィールドで完璧に暮らすことができる。

It’s just the place for boys, the house is big, and the furniture strong and plain.

そこはまさに少年たちの場所で、家は大きく、家具は頑丈で質素だ。

There’s plenty of room for dozens inside, and splendid grounds outside.

dozens (何十人も) [名] a group of twelve things

中には何十人も入れる十分な部屋があり、外には素晴らしい敷地がある。

They could help in the garden and orchard.

彼らは庭や果樹園で手伝うことができる。

Such work is healthy, isn’t it, sir?

そのような仕事は健康的ですよね?

Then Fritz could train and teach in his own way, and Father will help him.

そうすればフリッツは彼自身の方法で訓練し、教えることができ、父は彼を助けるだろう。

I can feed and nurse and pet and scold them, and Mother will be my stand-by.

pet (撫でる) [動] stroke or caress gently

stand-by (控え) [名] a person or thing ready to be used in an emergency

私は彼らに食事を与え、看護し、撫で、叱ることができ、母は私の控えになるだろう。

I’ve always longed for lots of boys, and never had enough, now I can fill the house full and revel in the little dears to my heart’s content.

lot (たくさん) [名] a large number or amount

私はいつもたくさんの男の子を欲しがっていたが、十分にいなかった。今は家をいっぱいにして、心ゆくまで小さな愛しい子たちを堪能できる。

Think what luxury— Plumfield my own, and a wilderness of boys to enjoy it with me.”

どんな贅沢か考えてみろ—プラムフィールドは私のもの、そして私と一緒にそれを楽しむための男の子の荒野。」

As Jo waved her hands and gave a sigh of rapture, the family went off into a gale of merriment, and Mr. Laurence laughed till they thought he’d have an apoplectic fit.

go off (盛り上がる) [動] start to laugh, talk, or behave in a noisy or excited way

merriment (盛り上がり) [名] fun and laughter

think (思える) [動] have as one's opinion

ジョーが手を振り、歓喜のため息をつくと、家族は大いに盛り上がり、ローレンス氏は卒中を起こすのではないかと思えるほど笑った。

“I don’t see anything funny,” she said gravely, when she could be heard.

「何もおかしなことなんてないよ」と彼女は声が聞こえるように真面目な顔で言った。

“Nothing could be more natural and proper than for my Professor to open a school, and for me to prefer to reside in my own estate.”

be more natural (より自然である) [動] be more in accordance with nature

proper (適切である) [形] suitable or right in the circumstances

estate (屋敷) [名] a large house with extensive grounds

「私の教授が学校を開き、私が自分の屋敷に住むことを好むこと以上に自然で適切なことはない。」

“She is putting on airs already,” said Laurie, who regarded the idea in the light of a capital joke.

「彼女はすでに気取っている」と、その考えを素晴らしいジョークだと見なしたローリーは言った。

“But may I inquire how you intend to support the establishment?

support (支援する) [動] give assistance to, or be in favor of

establishment (施設) [名] a business or other organization

「しかし、その施設をどのように支援するつもりかお聞きしてもいいだろうか?

If all the pupils are little ragamuffins, I’m afraid your crop won’t be profitable in a worldly sense, Mrs. Bhaer.”

ragamuffin (ぼろを着た子供) [名] a person who is dressed in ragged clothing

もし生徒がみんな小さなぼろを着た子供たちなら、あなたの収穫は世俗的な意味では利益にならないと思うよ、ベーア夫人。」

“Now don’t be a wet-blanket, Teddy.

「さあ、テディ、水を差すようなことを言わないで。

Of course I shall have rich pupils, also—perhaps begin with such altogether.

もちろん、私には裕福な生徒もいます、おそらくそのような生徒から始めるでしょう。

Then, when I’ve got a start, I can take in a ragamuffin or two, just for a relish.

それから、私がスタートを切ったら、楽しみのためにぼろを着た子供を1人か2人受け入れることができます。

Rich people’s children often need care and comfort, as well as poor.

裕福な人々の子供たちも、貧しい人々と同じように、しばしば世話や慰めを必要とします。

I’ve seen unfortunate little creatures left to servants, or backward ones pushed forward, when it’s real cruelty.

backward (後ろ向きの) [形] directed or moving toward the back

私は、不幸な小さな生き物が召使に預けられたり、後ろ向きのものが前に押し出されたりするのを見たことがあります。

Some are naughty through mismanagment or neglect, and some lose their mothers.

mismanagment (管理ミス) [名] the action or fact of managing something badly

中には、管理ミスや怠慢でいたずらをしたり、母親を亡くしたりするものもいます。

Besides, the best have to get through the hobbledehoy age, and that’s the very time they need most patience and kindness.

hobbledehoy (思春期) [名] an awkward, gawky adolescent boy

その上、一番良いのは、思春期を乗り越えなければならないことです。そして、それは彼らが最も忍耐と優しさを必要とする時です。

People laugh at them, and hustle them about, try to keep them out of sight, and expect them to turn all at once from pretty children into fine young men.

keep out of sight (視界から遠ざける) [動] make or keep invisible

人々は彼らを笑い、彼らをせわしなく動かし、彼らを視界から遠ざけようとし、そして彼らがかわいい子供から立派な若い男性に一変することを期待します。

They don’t complain much—plucky little souls—but they feel it.

彼らはあまり文句を言いません—勇敢な小さな魂—しかし、彼らはそれを感じています。

I’ve been through something of it, and I know all about it.

know about (知っている) [動] be aware of the existence or truth of

私はそれを経験したことがあるし、それについてはよく知っている。

I’ve a special interest in such young bears, and like to show them that I see the warm, honest, well-meaning boys’ hearts, in spite of the clumsy arms and legs and the topsy-turvy heads.

special interest (特別な関心) [名] a strong feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone

well-meaning (善意の) [形] having or showing good intentions

私はそのような若いクマに特別な関心を持っていて、不器用な腕と脚とめちゃくちゃな頭にもかかわらず、私が暖かく、正直で、善意の少年の心を見ていることを彼らに示したいと思っています。

I’ve had experience, too, for haven’t I brought up one boy to be a pride and honor to his family?”

have experience (経験がある) [動] have knowledge or skill in a particular field

haven't I (~したでしょう) [助] used in speech as a tag question to turn a statement into a yes-no question

私も経験があるよ、だって私は一人の男の子を育てて、彼の家族の誇りと名誉にしたでしょう?」

“I’ll testify that you tried to do it,” said Laurie with a grateful look.

testify (証言する) [動] give evidence as a witness

「あなたがそれをしようとしたことを証言します」とローリーは感謝の表情で言った。

“And I’ve succeeded beyond my hopes, for here you are, a steady, sensible businessman, doing heaps of good with your money, and laying up the blessings of the poor, instead of dollars.

steady (着実な) [形] not faltering or wavering

「そして私は私の望みを超えて成功しました、なぜならあなたはここにいて、着実で賢明なビジネスマンであり、あなたのお金でたくさんの善を行い、ドルの代わりに貧しい人々の祝福を積み上げているからです。

But you are not merely a businessman, you love good and beautiful things, enjoy them yourself, and let others go halves, as you always did in the old times.

しかし、あなたは単なるビジネスマンではなく、善良で美しいものを愛し、自分で楽しんで、昔からいつもそうしていたように、他の人に半分を与えます。

I am proud of you, Teddy, for you get better every year, and everyone feels it, though you won’t let them say so.

get better (良くなる) [動] become more desirable or satisfactory

every year (毎年) [名] the period of time that the earth takes to make one complete orbit of the sun

私はあなたを誇りに思っています、テディ、あなたは年々良くなっていきます、そして誰もがそれを感じています、あなたは彼らにそうは言わせないけれど。

Yes, and when I have my flock, I’ll just point to you, and say ‘There’s your model, my lads’.”

そうだ、そして私が自分の群れを持ったとき、私はあなたを指さして、「これがお手本だ、私の若者たち」と言うだろう。」

Poor Laurie didn’t know where to look, for, man though he was, something of the old bashfulness came over him as this burst of praise made all faces turn approvingly upon him.

かわいそうなローリーはどこを見たらいいのかわからなかった、なぜなら、彼は男だったが、この賞賛の爆発がすべての顔を彼に承認するように向けさせたので、昔の恥ずかしさが彼を襲ったからだ。

“I say, Jo, that’s rather too much,” he began, just in his old boyish way.

too much (やりすぎ) [名] an excessive amount

「おい、ジョー、それはちょっとやりすぎだ」と彼は昔の少年のような言い方で始めた。

“You have all done more for me than I can ever thank you for, except by doing my best not to disappoint you.

「あなたたちは皆、私があなたたちを失望させないように最善を尽くすことを除いて、私があなたたちに感謝できる以上に私のために尽くしてくれています。

You have rather cast me off lately, Jo, but I’ve had the best of help, nevertheless.

cast off (捨てる) [動] get rid of

ジョー、最近は私を捨ててしまったけど、それでも私は最高の助けを得た。

So, if I’ve got on at all, you may thank these two for it,” and he laid one hand gently on his grandfather’s head, and the other on Amy’s golden one, for the three were never far apart.

だから、もし私がうまくやれているのなら、この二人に感謝してもいい」と言って、片方の手を祖父の頭に、もう片方の手をエイミーの金色の頭に優しく置いた。

“I do think that families are the most beautiful things in all the world!” burst out Jo, who was in an unusually up-lifted frame of mind just then.

burst out (叫ぶ) [動] to say something suddenly and loudly

up-lifted (高揚した) [形] raised to a higher position

「家族は世界で一番美しいものだと思うよ!」と、その時は異常に高揚した気分だったジョーは叫んだ。

“When I have one of my own, I hope it will be as happy as the three I know and love the best.

「私も自分の家族ができたら、私が知っている一番愛する三人と同じくらい幸せになってほしいよ。

If John and my Fritz were only here, it would be quite a little heaven on earth,” she added more quietly.

ジョンと私のフリッツがここにいてくれたら、ここはまさに地上の小さな天国になるよ」と彼女は静かに付け加えた。

And that night when she went to her room after a blissful evening of family counsels, hopes, and plans, her heart was so full of happiness that she could only calm it by kneeling beside the empty bed always near her own, and thinking tender thoughts of Beth.

calm (落ち着かせる) [動] make or become less agitated or excited

そしてその夜、家族の相談、希望、計画に満ちた至福の夜を過ごした後、彼女が自分の部屋に行った時、彼女の心は幸福でいっぱいだったので、いつも自分のベッドの近くにある空のベッドの横にひざまずき、ベスのことを優しく考えることでしか落ち着かせることができなかった。

It was a very astonishing year altogether, for things seemed to happen in an unusually rapid and delightful manner.

rapid (速い) [形] done or occurring with great speed

全体的にとても驚くべき年だった。物事が異常に速く、楽しい方法で起こっているように思えたからだ。

Almost before she knew where she was, Jo found herself married and settled at Plumfield.

know where one is (自分がどこにいるかを知る) [動] be aware of one's surroundings

find oneself (気がつくと) [動] discover oneself to be in a particular place or situation

自分がどこにいるかを知る前に、ジョーは結婚してプラムフィールドに住み着いていた。

Then a family of six or seven boys sprung up like mushrooms, and flourished surprisingly, poor boys as well as rich, for Mr. Laurence was continually finding some touching case of destitution, and begging the Bhaers to take pity on the child, and he would gladly pay a trifle for its support.

six or seven (六、七人の) [形] the number 6 or 7

spring up (生えてくる) [動] to grow or appear quickly

surprisingly (驚くほど) [副] in a way that is surprising

continually (絶えず) [副] without interruption

destitution (貧困) [名] extreme poverty

support (支援) [名] the action of helping someone by sharing work or providing money, or the state of being helped in this way

それから、六、七人の少年の家族がキノコのように生えてきて、驚くほど栄えた。貧しい少年も裕福な少年も、ローレンス氏は絶えず感動的な貧困のケースを見つけては、ベーア夫妻に子供を哀れんでくれと頼み、その支援のために喜んで小金を払っていたからだ。

In this way, the sly old gentleman got round proud Jo, and furnished her with the style of boy in which she most delighted.

in this way (このようにして) [副] in the manner described

このようにして、ずるい老紳士は誇り高きジョーを丸め込み、彼女が最も喜ぶ少年のスタイルを提供した。

Of course it was uphill work at first, and Jo made queer mistakes, but the wise Professor steered her safely into calmer waters, and the most rampant ragamuffin was conquered in the end.

make (犯す) [動] perform or carry out

steer (導く) [動] guide or direct the course of

calm (穏やかな) [形] not stormy or turbulent

rampant (横暴な) [形] flourishing or spreading unchecked

もちろん、最初は困難な仕事で、ジョーは奇妙な間違いを犯したが、賢い教授は彼女を安全に穏やかな水域に導き、最も横暴なぼろを着た子供は結局征服された。

How Jo did enjoy her ‘wilderness of boys’, and how poor, dear Aunt March would have lamented had she been there to see the sacred precincts of prim, well-ordered Plumfield overrun with Toms, Dicks, and Harrys!

Tom (トム) [名] a boy's name

Dick (ディック) [名] a boy's name

Harry (ハリー) [名] a boy's name

overrun (あふれかえる) [動] spread over or occupy in a rapid, uncontrolled manner

ジョーはいかに自分の「少年の荒野」を楽しんだことか、そして、もしマーチおばさんが、トム、ディック、ハリーたちであふれかえった、きちんと整えられたプラムフィールドの神聖な境内を見たら、どんなに嘆いたことだろう。

There was a sort of poetic justice about it, after all, for the old lady had been the terror of the boys for miles around, and now the exiles feasted freely on forbidden plums, kicked up the gravel with profane boots unreproved, and played cricket in the big field where the irritable ‘cow with a crumpled horn’ used to invite rash youths to come and be tossed.

poetic justice (詩的正義) [名] an outcome in which vice is punished and virtue rewarded, usually in a manner peculiarly or ironically appropriate

miles (数マイル) [名] a unit of length equal to 1.609344 kilometers

forbidden (禁断の) [形] not allowed

plum (プラム) [名] a small round fruit with a smooth red or purple skin and a sweet juicy flesh

kick up (蹴り上げる) [動] to cause a fuss or disturbance

gravel (砂利) [名] small stones

profane (冒涜的な) [形] showing contempt for God or sacred things

unreproved (非難されることなく) [形] not criticized or blamed

crumpled (曲がった) [形] crushed or wrinkled

結局のところ、そこには一種の詩的正義があった。老婦人は数マイルも離れた少年たちの恐怖の的だったが、今や追放者たちは禁断のプラムを自由に食べ、非難されることなく冒涜的なブーツで砂利を蹴り上げ、短気な「角の曲がった牛」が向こう見ずな若者たちを招き寄せては投げ飛ばしていた大きな野原でクリケットをしていた。

It became a sort of boys’ paradise, and Laurie suggested that it should be called the ‘Bhaer-garten’, as a compliment to its master and appropriate to its inhabitants.

それは一種の少年たちの楽園となり、ローリーは主人への賛辞として、また住人にもふさわしいものとして「ベーア・ガルテン」と呼ぶべきだと提案した。

It never was a fashionable school, and the Professor did not lay up a fortune, but it was just what Jo intended it to be—‘a happy, homelike place for boys, who needed teaching, care, and kindness’.

lay up (蓄える) [動] to store or save for future use

決して上品な学校ではなかったし、教授は財産を蓄えることもなかったが、それはまさにジョーが意図していた通りの「教育、世話、親切を必要とする少年たちのための幸せで家庭的な場所」だった。

Every room in the big house was soon full.

every room (どの部屋も) [名] all the rooms

大きな家のどの部屋もすぐにいっぱいになった。

Every little plot in the garden soon had its owner.

庭のどの小さな区画にもすぐに持ち主ができた。

A regular menagerie appeared in barn and shed, for pet animals were allowed.

納屋や小屋には、ペットの動物が許可されていたので、普通の動物園が現れた。

And three times a day, Jo smiled at her Fritz from the head of a long table lined on either side with rows of happy young faces, which all turned to her with affectionate eyes, confiding words, and grateful hearts, full of love for ‘Mother Bhaer’.

three times (三回) [名] three occurrences

そして、一日に三回、ジョーは長いテーブルの端から彼女のフリッツに微笑みかけ、その両側には幸せそうな若い顔が並び、皆が愛情のこもった目、信頼の言葉、感謝の心で「ベーア母さん」への愛に満ちて彼女の方を向いた。

She had boys enough now, and did not tire of them, though they were not angels, by any means, and some of them caused both Professor and Professorin much trouble and anxiety.

have enough (十分な数を抱える) [動] have as much or as many as required

tire of (飽きる) [動] become bored with

彼女は今や十分な数の男の子たちを抱え、彼らが決して天使ではなく、そのうちの何人かが教授と教授夫人の両方に多くの問題と不安をもたらしたにもかかわらず、彼らに飽きることはなかった。

But her faith in the good spot which exists in the heart of the naughtiest, sauciest, most tantalizing little ragamuffin gave her patience, skill, and in time success, for no mortal boy could hold out long with Father Bhaer shining on him as benevolently as the sun, and Mother Bhaer forgiving him seventy times seven.

naughty (いたずら好き) [形] behaving badly

tantalizing (じれったい) [形] very attractive or tempting

hold out (耐える) [動] continue to exist or be available

Father Bhaer (ベーア父さん) [名] the father of the Bhaer family

benevolently (慈悲深く) [副] in a kind and generous way

Mother Bhaer (ベーア母さん) [名] the mother of the Bhaer family

seventy times seven (七十回七回) [名] a large number

しかし、最もいたずら好きで、生意気で、最もじれったい小さなぼろぼろの服を着た子供の心の中に存在する善い場所に対する彼女の信念は、彼女に忍耐力と技能を与え、やがて成功をもたらした。なぜなら、ベーア父さんが太陽のように慈悲深く彼を照らし、ベーア母さんが七十回七回も彼を許してくれるのに、どんな人間の少年も長く耐えることはできなかったからだ。

Very precious to Jo was the friendship of the lads, their penitent sniffs and whispers after wrongdoing, their droll or touching little confidences, their pleasant enthusiasms, hopes, and plans, even their misfortunes, for they only endeared them to her all the more.

endear (愛おしくさせる) [動] to cause to be loved or liked

ジョーにとって、少年たちの友情、悪事をした後の後悔の鼻をすすり、ささやき、彼らのおかしくも感動的な小さな信頼、彼らの楽しい熱意、希望、計画、そして彼らの不幸さえも、彼らをますます彼女に愛おしくさせたので、とても貴重なものだった。

There were slow boys and bashful boys, feeble boys and riotous boys, boys that lisped and boys that stuttered, one or two lame ones, and a merry little quadroon, who could not be taken in elsewhere, but who was welcome to the ‘Bhaer-garten’, though some people predicted that his admission would ruin the school.

lisp (舌足らず) [動] speak with a lisp

stutter (吃音) [動] speak with a stutter

quadroon (クアドルーン) [名] a person who has one quarter black ancestry

elsewhere (他の場所) [副] in or to another place

のろまな少年や恥ずかしがり屋の少年、弱々しい少年や暴れん坊の少年、舌足らずの少年や吃音の少年、一人か二人の足の不自由な少年、そして陽気な小さなクアドルーンがいたが、彼は他の場所では受け入れられなかったが、「ベーア・ガルテン」では歓迎された。

Yes, Jo was a very happy woman there, in spite of hard work, much anxiety, and a perpetual racket.

そう、ジョーはそこでは、大変な仕事、多くの不安、そして絶え間ない騒ぎにもかかわらず、とても幸せな女性だった。

She enjoyed it heartily and found the applause of her boys more satisfying than any praise of the world, for now she told no stories except to her flock of enthusiastic believers and admirers.

satisfying (満足感を与える) [形] giving fulfillment or the pleasure of having had enough

彼女は心からそれを楽しみ、少年たちの拍手は世界のどんな賞賛よりも満足感を与えてくれるものだと感じた。なぜなら、今や彼女は熱狂的な信者や崇拝者の群れ以外には物語を語らなかったからだ。

As the years went on, two little lads of her own came to increase her happiness—Rob, named for Grandpa, and Teddy, a happy-go-lucky baby, who seemed to have inherited his papa’s sunshiny temper as well as his mother’s lively spirit.

as the years went on (年月が経つにつれて) [副] as time passed

Rob (ロブ) [名] a male given name

happy-go-lucky (のんきな) [形] cheerfully carefree

年月が経つにつれて、彼女自身の二人の小さな男の子が彼女の幸せを増すためにやってきた。おじいちゃんにちなんで名付けられたロブと、お父さんの明るい気質とママの生き生きとした精神を受け継いだように見える、のんきな赤ちゃんのテディだ。

How they ever grew up alive in that whirlpool of boys was a mystery to their grandma and aunts, but they flourished like dandelions in spring, and their rough nurses loved and served them well.

whirlpool (渦) [名] a swirling mass of water

dandelion (タンポポ) [名] a yellow-flowered plant

彼らがどうやってあの少年たちの渦の中で生きて成長したのかはおばあちゃんやおばさんたちにとって謎だったが、彼らは春のタンポポのように元気に育ち、荒々しい看護師たちは彼らを愛し、よく世話をした。

There were a great many holidays at Plumfield, and one of the most delightful was the yearly apple-picking.

a great many (たくさんの) [名] a large number of

yearly (毎年恒例の) [形] happening or done once a year

apple-picking (リンゴ狩り) [名] the activity of picking apples

プラムフィールドにはたくさんの休日があったが、最も楽しいものの1つは毎年恒例のリンゴ狩りだった。

For then the Marches, Laurences, Brookes and Bhaers turned out in full force and made a day of it.

Brooke (ブルックス) [名] a male given name

full force (総出) [名] all of one's strength or power

make a day of it (一日を過ごす) [動] to spend a day doing something

その時、マーチ家、ローレンス家、ブルックス家、ベーア家が総出で一日を過ごした。

Five years after Jo’s wedding, one of these fruitful festivals occurred, a mellow October day, when the air was full of an exhilarating freshness which made the spirits rise and the blood dance healthily in the veins.

five years (5年) [名] a period of five years

fruitful (実り多い) [形] producing good or helpful results

festival (お祭り) [名] an event that is celebrated

occur (行われる) [動] happen

mellow (穏やかな) [形] soft and rich

freshness (新鮮さ) [名] the quality of being new or different

vein (血管) [名] any of the tubes forming part of the circulation system of the body that carry blood from all parts of the body toward the heart

ジョーの結婚から5年後、この実り多いお祭りの1つが、空気が爽快な新鮮さに満ち、精神が高揚し、血管の中で血が健康に踊る、穏やかな10月の日に行われた。

The old orchard wore its holiday attire.

古い果樹園は休日の装いをしていた。

Goldenrod and asters fringed the mossy walls.

goldenrod (黄金色の花) [名] a plant with yellow flowers

aster (アスター) [名] a plant with daisy-like flowers

fringe (縁取る) [動] form a border around

黄金色の花とアスターが苔むした壁に縁取られていた。

Grasshoppers skipped briskly in the sere grass, and crickets chirped like fairy pipers at a feast.

sere (枯れた) [形] withered

piper (笛吹き) [名] a person who plays the pipes

バッタが枯れた草の中を元気に飛び跳ね、コオロギが宴会で妖精の笛吹きのように鳴いた。

Squirrels were busy with their small harvesting.

リスは小さな収穫に忙しかった。

Birds twittered their adieux from the alders in the lane, and every tree stood ready to send down its shower of red or yellow apples at the first shake.

twitter (さえずる) [動] make a series of short, high-pitched sounds

alder (ハンノキ) [名] a tree or shrub of the genus Alnus

send down (降らせる) [動] cause to fall from a higher to a lower level

小道のハンノキから鳥が別れのさえずりをし、どの木も最初の揺れで赤や黄色のリンゴのシャワーを降らせる準備ができていた。

Everybody was there.

みんなそこにいた。

Everybody laughed and sang, climbed up and tumbled down.

みんな笑ったり歌ったり、登ったり転んだりした。

Everybody declared that there never had been such a perfect day or such a jolly set to enjoy it, and everyone gave themselves up to the simple pleasures of the hour as freely as if there were no such things as care or sorrow in the world.

誰もが、こんな完璧な日や、それを楽しむためのこんな陽気なセットは今までなかったと宣言し、誰もが世の中に心配事や悲しみなどないかのように、その時間の気楽な楽しみに身を任せた。

Mr. March strolled placidly about, quoting Tusser, Cowley, and Columella to Mr. Laurence, while enjoying...

Tusser (タサー) [名] Thomas Tusser, an English poet and farmer

Cowley (カウリー) [名] Abraham Cowley, an English poet

Columella (コルメラ) [名] Lucius Junius Moderatus Columella, a Roman writer on agriculture

マーチ氏は、タサー、カウリー、コルメラをローレンス氏に引用しながら、穏やかに散歩していた。

The gentle apple’s winey juice.

winey (ワインのような) [形] having the taste or smell of wine

juice (汁) [名] the liquid that can be extracted from a fruit or vegetable

優しいリンゴのワインのような汁。

The Professor charged up and down the green aisles like a stout Teutonic knight, with a pole for a lance, leading on the boys, who made a hook and ladder company of themselves, and performed wonders in the way of ground and lofty tumbling.

charge (突進する) [動] move or go forward with great speed or force

green aisle (緑の道) [名] a path or passageway between rows of seats

stout (たくましき) [形] strong and brave

Teutonic knight (チュートンの騎士) [名] a member of a military order of German crusaders

lance (槍) [名] a long weapon with a pointed metal head

hook and ladder company (梯子隊) [名] a fire company equipped with a hook and ladder truck

lofty (高い) [形] of great height

tumbling (転倒) [名] the action of falling or rolling over and over

教授は、槍の代わりに棒を持ち、たくましきチュートンの騎士のように緑の道を突進し、少年たちを先導し、少年たちは自分たちで梯子隊を作り、地面や高いところでの転倒で奇跡を起こした。

Laurie devoted himself to the little ones, rode his small daughter in a bushel-basket, took Daisy up among the bird’s nests, and kept adventurous Rob from breaking his neck.

little one (小さな子供) [名] a young child

small daughter (小さな娘) [名] a young female child

bushel-basket (ブッシェルバスケット) [名] a basket that holds a bushel

bird's nest (鳥の巣) [名] a structure built by a bird in which it lays its eggs and shelters its young

adventurous (冒険好きな) [形] willing to take risks or to try out new things

ローリーは小さな子供たちに献身的に接し、小さな娘をブッシェルバスケットに乗せ、デイジーを鳥の巣に連れて行き、冒険好きなロブが首を折らないように見守った。

Mrs. March and Meg sat among the apple piles like a pair of Pomonas, sorting the contributions that kept pouring in, while Amy with a beautiful motherly expression in her face sketched the various groups, and watched over one pale lad, who sat adoring her with his little crutch beside him.

Pomona (ポモナ) [名] the Roman goddess of fruit trees

pour in (注ぎ込む) [動] arrive or be received in large quantities

マーチ夫人とメグは、ポモナのペアのようにリンゴの山の中に座り、次々と注ぎ込まれる寄付金を仕分けしていたが、エイミーは美しい母性的な表情で様々なグループをスケッチし、小さな松葉杖を横に置いて彼女を慕って座っている青白い少年を見守っていた。

Jo was in her element that day, and rushed about, with her gown pinned up, and her hat anywhere but on her head, and her baby tucked under her arm, ready for any lively adventure which might turn up.

be in one's element (本領を発揮する) [動] be in a situation in which one feels happy and at ease

rush about (走り回る) [動] move quickly and in a hurried way

tuck under (抱える) [動] put or thrust under something

turn up (備える) [動] be found or discovered

その日、ジョーは自分の本領を発揮し、ガウンをピンで留め、帽子を頭に被らずに、赤ちゃんを腕に抱えて、どんなに活発な冒険にも備えて走り回っていた。

Little Teddy bore a charmed life, for nothing ever happened to him, and Jo never felt any anxiety when he was whisked up into a tree by one lad, galloped off on the back of another, or supplied with sour russets by his indulgent papa, who labored under the Germanic delusion that babies could digest anything, from pickled cabbage to buttons, nails, and their own small shoes.

Little Teddy (小さなテディ) [名] the name of a person

bore (送る) [動] to have or lead a particular kind of life

charmed life (魅力的な生活) [名] a life in which nothing bad ever happens

gallop (疾走する) [動] (of a horse or other animal) move at a fast pace, with all the feet off the ground at once during each stride

supply (与える) [動] provide or equip with (something)

indulgent (甘やかされた) [形] lenient or tolerant

Germanic (ドイツ人の) [形] of or relating to Germany or its people, language, or culture

digest (消化する) [動] convert (food) into a form that can be absorbed by the body

pickled cabbage (キャベツの酢漬け) [名] cabbage that has been preserved in vinegar

nail (釘) [名] a small metal spike with a pointed end and a flat head, used to join things together or to fix them in position

小さなテディは、何も起こらない魅力的な生活を送っていたし、ジョーは、彼が一人のラッドに木に連れ込まれたり、別のラッドに背中に乗せられて疾走したり、甘やかされたパパに酸っぱいラセットを与えられたりしても、何の不安も感じなかった。パパは、赤ちゃんはキャベツの酢漬けからボタン、釘、自分の小さな靴まで何でも消化できるというドイツ人の妄想に取り憑かれていた。

She knew that little Ted would turn up again in time, safe and rosy, dirty and serene, and she always received him back with a hearty welcome, for Jo loved her babies tenderly.

彼女は、小さなテッドが時間内に無事に、バラ色に、汚れて、穏やかに再び現れることを知っていたし、ジョーはいつも心から歓迎して彼を迎え入れていた。ジョーは自分の赤ちゃんを優しく愛していたからだ。

At four o’clock a lull took place, and baskets remained empty, while the apple pickers rested and compared rents and bruises.

four o'clock (4時) [名] the time of day when the hour hand of a clock is pointing to the number 4

apple picker (リンゴを摘む人) [名] a person who picks apples

rent (裂け目) [名] a tear or gap in a garment or other material

bruise (傷) [名] an injury in which the skin is not broken but is discolored by a blow or impact

4時になると小康状態になり、かごは空のまま、リンゴを摘む人々は休憩して、裂け目や傷を比べ合った。

Then Jo and Meg, with a detachment of the bigger boys, set forth the supper on the grass, for an out-of-door tea was always the crowning joy of the day.

detachment (分遣隊) [名] a group of soldiers sent on a special mission

set forth (用意する) [動] to present or describe in words

out-of-door (屋外) [形] not inside a building

それからジョーとメグは、大きな男の子たちを連れて、芝生の上に夕食を用意した。屋外でのお茶は、いつもその日の最高の楽しみだった。

The land literally flowed with milk and honey on such occasions, for the lads were not required to sit at table, but allowed to partake of refreshment as they liked—freedom being the sauce best beloved by the boyish soul.

land (土地) [名] the solid surface of the earth

literally (文字通り) [副] in a literal manner or sense; exactly

flow (流れる) [動] move or cause to move easily and freely

sauce (ソース) [名] a liquid or semi-liquid substance served with food to add moistness and flavor

そのような時には、文字通り、土地には牛乳と蜂蜜が流れ、少年たちはテーブルに座る必要はなく、好きなように軽食をとることができた。自由は少年の魂に最も愛されるソースだった。

They availed themselves of the rare privilege to the fullest extent, for some tried the pleasing experiment of drinking milk while standing on their heads, others lent a charm to leapfrog by eating pie in the pauses of the game, cookies were sown broadcast over the field, and apple turnovers roosted in the trees like a new style of bird.

rare (稀な) [形] not common or frequent

lend (添える) [動] give or allow the use of (something) temporarily

leapfrog (馬跳び) [名] a game in which players take turns jumping over each other's backs

pause (合間) [名] a temporary stop in action or speech

cookie (クッキー) [名] a small sweet cake made from stiff dough

apple turnover (アップルパイ) [名] a pastry made of a sheet of puff pastry folded over an apple filling

roost (止まらせる) [動] to settle or perch on a roost

彼らはこの稀な特権を最大限に利用し、頭で立ったまま牛乳を飲むという楽しい実験をしたり、ゲームの合間にパイを食べて馬跳びに魅力を添えたり、クッキーを畑にばらまいたり、アップルパイを新しいスタイルの鳥のように木に止まらせたりした。

The little girls had a private tea party, and Ted roved among the edibles at his own sweet will.

Ted (テッド) [名] a male given name

rove (行ったり来たりする) [動] wander about aimlessly or unsystematically

edible (食べ物) [名] something that is fit to be eaten

小さな女の子たちはプライベートなお茶会を開き、テッドは自分の甘い意志で食べ物の間を行ったり来たりしていた。

When no one could eat any more, the Professor proposed the first regular toast, which was always drunk at such times—“Aunt March, God bless her!”

誰もこれ以上食べられないようになると、教授は最初の正式な乾杯を提案した。それはいつもこのような時に飲まれるものだった。「マーチおばさん、神のご加護を!」

A toast heartily given by the good man, who never forgot how much he owed her, and quietly drunk by the boys, who had been taught to keep her memory green.

good man (善良な男) [名] a man who is kind and generous

never forget (忘れない) [動] not forget

drunk (飲んだ) [動] drink an alcoholic beverage

彼女にどれほど恩があるかを忘れたことのない善良な男が心から乾杯し、彼女の記憶を鮮明に保つように教えられた少年たちは静かに飲んだ。

“Now, Grandma’s sixtieth birthday!

sixtieth (還暦) [形] being the ordinal number of sixty

「さて、おばあちゃんの還暦だ!

Long life to her, with three times three!”

three times three (三三七拍子) [名] a cheer in which the word "hip" is shouted three times, followed by the word "hooray" shouted three times

彼女の長寿を祝って、三三七拍子!」

That was given with a will, as you may well believe, and the cheering once begun, it was hard to stop it.

will (熱意) [名] the determination to do something

cheering (歓声) [名] a shout of encouragement or praise

ご想像の通り、それは熱意を込めて行われ、一度始まった歓声は止まらなかった。

Everybody’s health was proposed, from Mr. Laurence, who was considered their special patron, to the astonished guinea pig, who had strayed from its proper sphere in search of its young master.

guinea pig (モルモット) [名] a small domesticated rodent

彼らの特別な後援者と見なされていたローレンス氏から、若い主人を探して適切な場所から迷い込んだ驚いたモルモットまで、みんなの健康が提案された。

Demi, as the oldest grandchild, then presented the queen of the day with various gifts, so numerous that they were transported to the festive scene in a wheelbarrow.

grandchild (孫) [名] the child of one's son or daughter

numerous (たくさん) [形] great in number

デミは、一番上の孫として、その日の女王に様々な贈り物を贈ったが、それはとてもたくさんで、手押し車で祝いの場に運ばれた。

Funny presents, some of them, but what would have been defects to other eyes were ornaments to Grandma’s—for the children’s gifts were all their own.

some of them (中には) [名] a part of a group of people or things

defect (欠陥) [名] a fault or imperfection

中にはおかしなプレゼントもあったが、他の人には欠陥に見えるものが、おばあちゃんには装飾品に見えた。子供たちの贈り物はすべて自分たちのものだったからだ。

Every stitch Daisy’s patient little fingers had put into the handkerchiefs she hemmed was better than embroidery to Mrs. March.

put (縫い込む) [動] place or insert into something

デイジーの忍耐強い小さな指がハンカチに縫い込んだ一針一針は、マーチ夫人にとって刺繍よりも美しかった。

Demi’s miracle of mechanical skill, though the cover wouldn’t shut, Rob’s footstool had a wiggle in its uneven legs that she declared was soothing, and no page of the costly book Amy’s child gave her was so fair as that on which appeared in tipsy capitals, the words—“To dear Grandma, from her little Beth.”

mechanical skill (機械技術) [名] the ability to use machines effectively

costly (高価な) [形] of high price or value

tipsy (酔っ払った) [形] slightly drunk

capital (大文字) [名] a letter of the alphabet written or printed in a form larger than and often different from its lowercase counterpart

デミの機械技術の奇跡は、蓋が閉まらなかったが、ロブの足台は不揃いな脚が揺れて、彼女はそれが心地よいと宣言し、エイミーの子供がくれた高価な本のどのページも、酔っ払った大文字で書かれた「愛するおばあちゃんへ、小さなベスより」という言葉ほど美しいページはなかった。

During the ceremony the boys had mysteriously disappeared, and when Mrs. March had tried to thank her children, and broken down, while Teddy wiped her eyes on his pinafore, the Professor suddenly began to sing.

during (の間) [前] throughout the duration of

式の間、少年たちは不思議なことに姿を消し、マーチ夫人が子供たちに感謝しようとしたときには、テディがエプロンで目を拭いている間に泣き崩れてしまい、教授が突然歌い始めた。

Then, from above him, voice after voice took up the words, and from tree to tree echoed the music of the unseen choir, as the boys sang with all their hearts the little song that Jo had written, Laurie set to music, and the Professor trained his lads to give with the best effect.

take up (歌い始める) [動] start singing

echo (響き渡る) [動] be repeated or imitated

set to music (作曲する) [動] compose music for

すると、彼の頭上から次々と声が歌詞を歌い始め、木から木へと見えない合唱団の音楽が響き渡り、少年たちはジョーが書き、ローリーが作曲し、教授が最高の効果を出すように少年たちを訓練した小さな歌を心を込めて歌った。

This was something altogether new, and it proved a grand success, for Mrs. March couldn’t get over her surprise, and insisted on shaking hands with every one of the featherless birds, from tall Franz and Emil to the little quadroon, who had the sweetest voice of all.

couldn't get over (隠しきれない) [動] be unable to recover from

featherless bird (羽のない鳥) [名] a bird that does not have feathers

これは全く新しいことで、大成功を収めた。マーチ夫人は驚きを隠しきれず、背の高いフランツやエミルから、誰よりも甘い声を持つ小さなクアドロンまで、羽のない鳥たち全員と握手することを主張した。

After this, the boys dispersed for a final lark, leaving Mrs. March and her daughters under the festival tree.

festival tree (祭りの木) [名] a tree that is decorated for a festival

この後、少年たちは最後の楽しみのために散り散りになり、マーチ夫人と娘たちを祭りの木の下に残した。

“I don’t think I ever ought to call myself ‘unlucky Jo’ again, when my greatest wish has been so beautifully gratified,” said Mrs. Bhaer, taking Teddy’s little fist out of the milk pitcher, in which he was rapturously churning.

gratify (叶える) [動] to give pleasure to

pitcher (ピッチャー) [名] a container with a handle and a spout for pouring liquids

churn (かき回す) [動] to stir or agitate vigorously

rapturously (夢中になって) [副] in a state of great joy or pleasure

「私の最大の願いがこんなにも美しく叶えられたのに、自分を「不運なジョー」と呼ぶべきではないと思うよ」とベーア夫人は、テディが夢中になってかき回しているミルクピッチャーから小さな拳を取り出しながら言った。

“And yet your life is very different from the one you pictured so long ago.

picture (描く) [動] to form a mental image of

「それでも、あなたの人生はずっと前に描いていたものとは大きく違うよ。

Do you remember our castles in the air?” asked Amy, smiling as she watched Laurie and John playing cricket with the boys.

私たちの空想の城を覚えている?」とエイミーは尋ね、ローリーとジョンが少年たちとクリケットをしているのを見て微笑んだ。

“Dear fellows! It does my heart good to see them forget business and frolic for a day,” answered Jo, who now spoke in a maternal way of all mankind.

「愛すべき仲間たち! 彼らが仕事を忘れて一日はしゃいでいるのを見ると、心が和むよ」と、今や全人類に対して母親のような口調で話すジョーが答えた。

“Yes, I remember, but the life I wanted then seems selfish, lonely, and cold to me now.

「そう、覚えているよ、でもあの頃私が望んでいた人生は、今となっては利己的で孤独で冷たいものに思えるよ。

I haven’t given up the hope that I may write a good book yet, but I can wait, and I’m sure it will be all the better for such experiences and illustrations as these,” and Jo pointed from the lively lads in the distance to her father, leaning on the Professor’s arm, as they walked to and fro in the sunshine, deep in one of the conversations which both enjoyed so much, and then to her mother, sitting enthroned among her daughters, with their children in her lap and at her feet, as if all found help and happiness in the face which never could grow old to them.

sure (確信している) [形] confident in what one thinks or knows; having no doubt that one is right

illustration (実例) [名] a picture or diagram that explains or decorates a text

enthrone (玉座に座る) [動] seat on a throne

grow old (年を取る) [動] become old

まだ良い本を書けるかもしれないという希望は捨てていないけど、待つことはできるし、こんな経験や実例があればもっと良くなると思うよ」とジョーは、遠くにいる元気な少年たちから、教授の腕に寄りかかって日差しの中を行き来する父親を指さし、二人ともとても楽しんでいた会話に深く入り込み、そして娘たちの間に玉座に座り、子供たちを膝の上や足元に置いて、まるで皆が自分たちにとって決して年を取ることのない顔に助けと幸せを見出したかのような母親を指さした。

“My castle was the most nearly realized of all.

「私の城は、すべての中で最も実現に近かったよ。

I asked for splendid things, to be sure, but in my heart I knew I should be satisfied, if I had a little home, and John, and some dear children like these.

確かに私は素晴らしいものを求めていたけど、心の中では、小さな家とジョン、そしてこんな愛すべき子供たちがいれば満足できると分かっていたの。

I’ve got them all, thank God, and am the happiest woman in the world,” and Meg laid her hand on her tall boy’s head, with a face full of tender and devout content.

the happiest woman (一番幸せな女性) [名] the most happy woman

lay one's hand on (手を置く) [動] put one's hand on

devout (敬虔な) [形] having or showing deep religious feeling

content (満足感) [名] a state of happiness and satisfaction

神に感謝して、私はそのすべてを手に入れ、世界で一番幸せな女性よ」とメグは、優しく敬虔な満足感に満ちた顔で、背の高い男の子の頭に手を置いた。

“My castle is very different from what I planned, but I would not alter it, though, like Jo, I don’t relinquish all my artistic hopes, or confine myself to helping others fulfill their dreams of beauty.

alter (変える) [動] make or become different

relinquish (放棄する) [動] renounce or give up

confine (限定する) [動] keep or restrict someone or something within limits of space, time, or circumstances

fulfill (実現する) [動] bring to completion or reality

「私の城は私が計画したものとは大きく違うけど、私はそれを変えようとはしないよ、でも、ジョーのように、私は芸術的な希望をすべて放棄したり、他人が美の夢を実現するのを助けることに自分を限定したりはしないよ。

I’ve begun to model a figure of baby, and Laurie says it is the best thing I’ve ever done.

model (作る) [動] make a model of

figure (像) [名] a representation of a person or thing in solid form

私は赤ん坊の像を作り始め、ローリーはそれが私が今まで作った中で一番いいものだと言う。

I think so, myself, and mean to do it in marble, so that, whatever happens, I may at least keep the image of my little angel.”

私もそう思うし、大理石で作ろうと思っているの、そうすれば、何が起ころうとも、少なくとも私の小さな天使の像を残しておけるよ。」

As Amy spoke, a great tear dropped on the golden hair of the sleeping child in her arms, for her one well-beloved daughter was a frail little creature and the dread of losing her was the shadow over Amy’s sunshine.

well-beloved (愛する) [形] greatly loved

frail (か弱い) [形] physically weak

エイミーが話している間に、大きな涙が彼女の腕の中で眠っている子供の金色の髪に落ちた、というのも、彼女の愛する一人娘はか弱い小さな生き物で、彼女を失う恐怖がエイミーの陽射しの影だったからだ。

This cross was doing much for both father and mother, for one love and sorrow bound them closely together.

do much (大きな意味がある) [動] be of great importance

この十字架は父と母の両方にとって大きな意味があった、というのも、一つの愛と悲しみが二人を強く結びつけていたからだ。

Amy’s nature was growing sweeter, deeper, and more tender.

エイミーの性質はより優しく、深く、より優しくなっていった。

Laurie was growing more serious, strong, and firm, and both were learning that beauty, youth, good fortune, even love itself, cannot keep care and pain, loss and sorrow, from the most blessed for ...

ローリーはより真面目で、強く、しっかりとしていき、二人とも美しさ、若さ、幸運、愛そのものさえも、最も恵まれた人から心配や痛み、喪失や悲しみを遠ざけることはできないことを学んでいた。

Into each life some rain must fall, Some days must be dark and sad and dreary.

誰の人生にも雨は降り、暗く悲しく陰鬱な日もある。

“She is growing better, I am sure of it, my dear.

grow better (良くなる) [動] become better

「彼女は良くなってきている、私はそれを確信している、私の愛しい人。

Don’t despond, but hope and keep happy,” said Mrs. March, as tenderhearted Daisy stooped from her knee to lay her rosy cheek against her little cousin’s pale one.

despond (落胆する) [動] lose hope or courage

落胆せずに、希望を持ち、幸せでいなさい」とマーチ夫人は言い、優しいデイジーは膝から身をかがめて、小さないとこの青白い頬にバラ色の頬を当てた。

“I never ought to, while I have you to cheer me up, Marmee, and Laurie to take more than half of every burden,” replied Amy warmly.

take (負う) [動] carry or support

「ママが私を元気づけてくれるし、ローリーがあらゆる重荷の半分以上を負ってくれるのに、私は決してそうすべきではないよ」とエイミーは熱く答えた。

“He never lets me see his anxiety, but is so sweet and patient with me, so devoted to Beth, and such a stay and comfort to me always that I can’t love him enough.

stay (支え) [名] a period of living somewhere temporarily

「彼は決して私に不安を見せませんが、私にとても優しく忍耐強く、ベスにとても献身的で、いつも私を支え慰めてくれるので、私は彼を十分に愛することができません。

So, in spite of my one cross, I can say with Meg, ‘Thank God, I’m a happy woman.’”

だから、私の唯一の十字架にもかかわらず、私はメグと一緒に「神に感謝します、私は幸せな女性です」と言うことができます。」

“There’s no need for me to say it, for everyone can see that I’m far happier than I deserve,” added Jo, glancing from her good husband to her chubby children, tumbling on the grass beside her.

there be no need for (必要はない) [動] it is not necessary

can see (わかる) [動] be able to see

「私が言う必要はないよ、誰もが私が受けるに値するよりもはるかに幸せだとわかるもの」とジョーは付け加えて、彼女の良い夫から彼女の横の芝生で転がっている丸々とした子供たちへと視線を移した。

“Fritz is getting gray and stout.

「フリッツは白髪になって太り始めている。

I’m growing as thin as a shadow, and am thirty.

私は影のように痩せてきて、三十歳だ。

We never shall be rich, and Plumfield may burn up any night, for that incorrigible Tommy Bangs will smoke sweet-fern cigars under the bed-clothes, though he’s set himself afire three times already.

be rich (金持ちになる) [動] have a great deal of money or valuable possessions

burn up (燃えてしまう) [動] be destroyed or consumed by fire

any night (いつ夜) [名] any night

Tommy Bangs (トミー・バンクス) [名] a character in the story

will smoke (吸うだろう) [動] inhale and exhale the smoke of a burning or smoldering substance, especially tobacco

sweet-fern (甘いシダ) [名] a plant

bed-clothes (寝具) [名] coverings for a bed

set oneself afire (火をつける) [動] cause to burn

私たちは決して金持ちにはなれないし、プラムフィールドはいつ夜に燃えてしまうかもしれない、あの手に負えないトミー・バンクスは、すでに三回も火をつけているのに、寝具の下で甘いシダの葉巻を吸うだろうから。

But in spite of these unromantic facts, I have nothing to complain of, and never was so jolly in my life.

unromantic (非現実的な) [形] lacking in romance or sentimentality

しかし、これらの非現実的な事実にもかかわらず、私は不満を言うことは何もなく、私の人生でこれほど陽気だったことはない。

Excuse the remark, but living among boys, I can’t help using their expressions now and then.”

excuse (失礼な) [形] deserving of blame or punishment

失礼な言い方だが、男の子たちと暮らしていると、時々彼らの表現を使わずにはいられないんだ」

“Yes, Jo, I think your harvest will be a good one,” began Mrs. March, frightening away a big black cricket that was staring Teddy out of countenance.

be a good one (良いものになる) [動] be of high quality

frighten away (怖がらせながら) [動] cause to go away by frightening

「そうね、ジョー、あなたの収穫は良いものになると思うよ」とマーチ夫人はテディをじろじろと見つめていた大きな黒いコオロギを怖がらせながら話し始めた。

“Not half so good as yours, Mother.

「ママの半分も良くないよ。

Here it is, and we never can thank you enough for the patient sowing and reaping you have done,” cried Jo, with the loving impetuosity which she never would outgrow.

here it is (これがそれです) [句] used to introduce something

never can thank you enough (どれだけ感謝してもしきれません) [句] used to express gratitude

sowing (種まき) [名] the action of planting seeds

reaping (収穫) [名] the action or process of harvesting a crop

impetuosity (衝動) [名] a tendency to act or do something without properly thinking about the possible consequences

これがそれです、そして、あなたが辛抱強く種をまき、収穫してくれたことには、どれだけ感謝してもしきれません」と、ジョーは、彼女が決して成長しきれないであろう愛情深い衝動で叫んだ。

“I hope there will be more wheat and fewer tares every year,” said Amy softly.

wheat (麦) [名] a cereal plant that is the most important crop in the world

tare (毒麦) [名] a weed that grows among grain crops

「毎年、麦が増えて毒麦が減るといいな」とエイミーはそっと言った。

“A large sheaf, but I know there’s room in your heart for it, Marmee dear,” added Meg’s tender voice.

sheaf (束) [名] a bundle of things tied together

「大きな束だけど、ママの心にはそれを入れる余裕があるって知ってるよ」とメグの優しい声が加わった。

Touched to the heart, Mrs. March could only stretch out her arms, as if to gather children and grandchildren to herself, and say, with face and voice full of motherly love, gratitude, and humility...

touch (打つ) [動] to come into or be in contact with

stretch out (広げる) [動] to extend or be extended

motherly love (母性愛) [名] the love of a mother for her child

心を打たれたマーチ夫人は、子供たちや孫たちを自分のもとに集めようと両腕を広げ、母性愛と感謝と謙虚さに満ちた顔と声で言うだけだった。

“Oh, my girls, however long you may live, I never can wish you a greater happiness than this!”

however long (どれだけ長く) [副] no matter how long

「ああ、私の娘たちよ、あなたがたがどれだけ長生きしようとも、これ以上の幸せを願うことはできないよ!」