Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. TITELBLATT

2. IMPRESSUM

3. BEFORE THE CURTAIN

4. CHAPTER I. CHISWICK MALL

5. CHAPTER II. IN WHICH MISS SHARP AND MISS SEDLEY PREPARE TO OPEN THE CAMPAIGN

6. CHAPTER III. REBECCA IS IN PRESENCE OF THE ENEMY

7. CHAPTER IV. THE GREEN SILK PURSE

8. CHAPTER V. DOBBIN OF OURS

9. CHAPTER VI. VAUXHALL

10. CHAPTER VII. CRAWLEY OF QUEEN’S CRAWLEY

11. CHAPTER VIII. PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

12. CHAPTER IX. FAMILY PORTRAITS

13. CHAPTER X. MISS SHARP BEGINS TO MAKE FRIENDS

14. CHAPTER XI. ARCADIAN SIMPLICITY

15. CHAPTER XII. QUITE A SENTIMENTAL CHAPTER

16. CHAPTER XIII. SENTIMENTAL AND OTHERWISE

17. CHAPTER XIV. MISS CRAWLEY AT HOME

18. CHAPTER XV. IN WHICH REBECCA’S HUSBAND APPEARS FOR A SHORT TIME

19. CHAPTER XVI. THE LETTER ON THE PINCUSHION

20. CHAPTER XVII. HOW CAPTAIN DOBBIN BOUGHT A PIANO

21. CHAPTER XVIII. WHO PLAYED ON THE PIANO CAPTAIN DOBBIN BOUGHT

22. CHAPTER XIX. MISS CRAWLEY AT NURSE

23. CHAPTER XX. IN WHICH CAPTAIN DOBBIN ACTS AS THE MESSENGER OF HYMEN

24. CHAPTER XXI. A QUARREL ABOUT AN HEIRESS

25. CHAPTER XXII. A MARRIAGE AND PART OF A HONEYMOON

26. CHAPTER XXIII. CAPTAIN DOBBIN PROCEEDS ON HIS CANVASS

27. CHAPTER XXIV. IN WHICH MR. OSBORNE TAKES DOWN THE FAMILY BIBLE

28. CHAPTER XXV. IN WHICH ALL THE PRINCIPAL PERSONAGES THINK FIT TO LEAVE BRIGHTON

29. CHAPTER XXVI. BETWEEN LONDON AND CHATHAM

30. CHAPTER XXVII. IN WHICH AMELIA JOINS HER REGIMENT

31. CHAPTER XXVIII. IN WHICH AMELIA INVADES THE LOW COUNTRIES

32. CHAPTER XXIX. BRUSSELS

33. CHAPTER XXX. “THE GIRL I LEFT BEHIND ME”

34. CHAPTER XXXI. IN WHICH JOS SEDLEY TAKES CARE OF HIS SISTER

35. CHAPTER XXXII. IN WHICH JOS TAKES FLIGHT, AND THE WAR IS BROUGHT TO A CLOSE

36. CHAPTER XXXIII. IN WHICH MISS CRAWLEY’S RELATIONS ARE VERY ANXIOUS ABOUT HER

37. CHAPTER XXXIV. JAMES CRAWLEY’S PIPE IS PUT OUT

38. CHAPTER XXXV. WIDOW AND MOTHER

39. CHAPTER XXXVI. HOW TO LIVE WELL ON NOTHING A YEAR

40. CHAPTER XXXVII. THE SUBJECT CONTINUED

41. CHAPTER XXXVIII. A FAMILY IN A VERY SMALL WAY

42. CHAPTER XXXIX. A CYNICAL CHAPTER

43. CHAPTER XL. IN WHICH BECKY IS RECOGNIZED BY THE FAMILY

44. CHAPTER XLI. IN WHICH BECKY REVISITS THE HALLS OF HER ANCESTORS

45. CHAPTER XLII. WHICH TREATS OF THE OSBORNE FAMILY

46. CHAPTER XLIII. IN WHICH THE READER HAS TO DOUBLE THE CAPE

47. CHAPTER XLIV. A ROUND-ABOUT CHAPTER BETWEEN LONDON AND HAMPSHIRE

48. CHAPTER XLV. BETWEEN HAMPSHIRE AND LONDON

49. CHAPTER XLVI. STRUGGLES AND TRIALS

50. CHAPTER XLVII. GAUNT HOUSE

51. CHAPTER XLVIII. IN WHICH THE READER IS INTRODUCED TO THE VERY BEST OF COMPANY

52. CHAPTER XLIX. IN WHICH WE ENJOY THREE COURSES AND A DESSERT

53. CHAPTER L. CONTAINS A VULGAR INCIDENT

54. CHAPTER LI. IN WHICH A CHARADE IS ACTED WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT PUZZLE THE READER

55. CHAPTER LII. IN WHICH LORD STEYNE SHOWS HIMSELF IN A MOST AMIABLE LIGHT

56. CHAPTER LIII. A RESCUE AND A CATASTROPHE

57. CHAPTER LIV. SUNDAY AFTER THE BATTLE

58. CHAPTER LV. IN WHICH THE SAME SUBJECT IS PURSUED

59. CHAPTER LVI. GEORGY IS MADE A GENTLEMAN

60. CHAPTER LVII. EOTHEN

61. CHAPTER LVIII. OUR FRIEND THE MAJOR

62. CHAPTER LIX. THE OLD PIANO

63. CHAPTER LX. RETURNS TO THE GENTEEL WORLD

64. CHAPTER LXI. IN WHICH TWO LIGHTS ARE PUT OUT

65. CHAPTER LXII. AM RHEIN

66. CHAPTER LXIII. IN WHICH WE MEET AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE

67. CHAPTER LXIV. A VAGABOND CHAPTER

68. CHAPTER LXV. FULL OF BUSINESS AND PLEASURE

69. CHAPTER LXVI. AMANTIUM IRAE

70. CHAPTER LXVII. WHICH CONTAINS BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS

71. VANITY FAIR (ENGLISCH)

William Makepeace Thackeray
Vanity Fair / Jahrmarkt der Eitelkeit
Zweisprachige Ausgabe
Übersetzt von Christoph Friedrich Grieb

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BEFORE THE CURTAIN

VOR DEM VORHANG

AS the manager of the Performance sits before the curtain on the boards and looks into the Fair,

Während der Direktor des Puppentheaters vor dem Vorhang auf den Brettern sitzt und über den Jahrmarkt schaut,

a feeling of profound melancholy comes over him in his survey of the bustling place.

befällt ihn beim Anblick des bunten Treibens eine tiefe Melancholie.

There is a great quantity of eating and drinking, making love and jilting, laughing and the contrary, smoking, cheating, fighting, dancing and fiddling;

Da wird gegessen und getrunken, geliebt und kokettiert, gelacht und geweint, geraucht, betrogen, gestritten, getanzt und gegeigt,

there are bullies pushing about, bucks ogling the women, knaves picking pockets, policemen on the look-out,

da drängen sich Großmäuler im Getümmel, Stutzer machen Frauen schöne Augen, Spitzbuben leeren Taschen, und Polizisten sind auf der Wacht;

quacks (other quacks, plague take them!) bawling in front of their booths, and yokels looking up at the tinselled dancers

da schreien Quacksalber (andere Quacksalber, die Pest soll sie holen!) vor ihren Buden, und Bauerntölpel starren zu den flitterglänzenden Tänzerinnen

and poor old rouged tumblers, while the light-fingered folk are operating upon their pockets behind.

und den armen, alten, geschminkten Clowns hinauf, während die Langfinger sich hinten an ihren Taschen zu schaffen machen.

Yes, this is Vanity Fair; not a moral place certainly; nor a merry one, though very noisy.

Ja, das ist der Jahrmarkt der Eitelkeit; gewiß kein moralischer Ort und auch kein lustiger, wenn es auch lärmend genug zugeht.

Look at the faces of the actors and buffoons when they come off from their business;

Seht euch die Gesichter der Schauspieler und Possenreißer an, wenn sie von der Arbeit zurückkommen,

and Tom Fool washing the paint off his cheeks before he sits down to dinner with his wife and the little Jack Puddings behind the canvas.

wie der Hanswurst sich die Schminke aus dem Gesicht wäscht, ehe er sich mit seiner Frau und seinen kleinen Hanswürstchen hinter der Jahrmarktsbude zum Essen setzt.

The curtain will be up presently, and he will be turning over head and heels, and crying, “How are you?”

Bald geht der Vorhang auf, und er wird Purzelbäume schlagen und schreien: »Seid ihr alle da?«

A man with a reflective turn of mind, walking through an exhibition of this sort, will not be oppressed, I take it, by his own or other people’s hilarity.

Wenn ein nachdenklicher Mensch über solch einen Vergnügungsort wandelt, wird er vermutlich weder von seiner noch anderer Leute Fröhlichkeit überwältigt werden.

An episode of humour or kindness touches and amuses him here and there — a pretty child looking at a gingerbread stall;

Hier und da rührt und belustigt ihn wohl eine humorvolle oder ergreifende Episode – ein niedliches Kind, das eine Pfefferkuchenbude betrachtet;

a pretty girl blushing whilst her lover talks to her and chooses her fairing;

ein hübsches Mädchen, das errötend den Worten ihres Liebhabers lauscht, während er ihr ein Geschenk aussucht;

poor Tom Fool, yonder behind the waggon, mumbling his bone with the honest family which lives by his tumbling;

der arme Hanswurst dort hinter dem Wagen, der inmitten seiner braven Familie, die von seinen Kunststücken lebt, an seinem Knochen nagt.

but the general impression is one more melancholy than mirthful.

Der allgemeine Eindruck aber ist eher melancholisch als heiter.

When you come home you sit down in a sober, contemplative, not uncharitable frame of mind, and apply yourself to your books or your business.

Wenn du nach Hause kommst, so setzt du dich in ernster, nachdenklicher, milder Stimmung hin und wendest dich deinen Büchern oder deinen Geschäften zu.

I have no other moral than this to tag to the present story of “Vanity Fair.”

Eine andere Moral als die habe ich unserer Geschichte vom »Jahrmarkt der Eitelkeit« nicht unterzulegen.

Some people consider Fairs immoral altogether, and eschew such, with their servants and families: very likely they are right.

Manche betrachten Jahrmärkte überhaupt als etwas Unmoralisches und meiden sie mit ihrer Familie und den Dienstboten: vielleicht haben sie recht.

But persons who think otherwise, and are of a lazy, or a benevolent, or a sarcastic mood,

Aber die, die anders denken, träge sind oder wohlwollend oder sarkastisch,

may perhaps like to step in for half an hour, and look at the performances.

treten vielleicht auf eine halbe Stunde näher, um sich die Vorstellungen anzusehen.

There are scenes of all sorts; some dreadful combats, some grand and lofty horse-riding,

Es gibt da alle möglichen Bilder: fürchterliche Kämpfe, großartiges Kunstreiten;

some scenes of high life, and some of very middling indeed;

Szenen aus dem Leben der vornehmen Welt und solche aus dem Mittelstand;

some love-making for the sentimental, and some light comic business;

ein bißchen Liebe für die Sentimentalen und ein paar komische leichte Szenen.

the whole accompanied by appropriate scenery and brilliantly illuminated with the Author’s own candles.

Das Ganze ist umrahmt von entsprechenden Kulissen und von den Kerzen des Verfassers brillant beleuchtet.

What more has the Manager of the Performance to say?

Was soll der Direktor des Puppentheaters noch sagen?

— To acknowledge the kindness with which it has been received in all the principal towns of England through which the Show has passed,

– Er muß für die freundliche Aufnahme danken, die das Stück, als er mit seinem Theater in allen bedeutenden Städten Englands herumkam,

and where it has been most favourably noticed by the respected conductors of the public Press, and by the Nobility and Gentry.

bei den achtbaren Leitern der öffentlichen Presse, beim hohen und niederen Adel und bei dem verehrungswürdigen Publikum überhaupt gefunden hat.

He is proud to think that his Puppets have given satisfaction to the very best company in this empire.

Der Gedanke, daß seine Puppen den Beifall der besten Gesellschaft des Königreiches gefunden haben, macht ihn stolz.

The famous little Becky Puppet has been pronounced to be uncommonly flexible in the joints, and lively on the wire;

Von der berühmten kleinen Marionette Becky wurde gesagt, sie sei ungemein gelenkig und bewege sich sehr lebhaft am Draht.

the Amelia Doll, though it has had a smaller circle of admirers, has yet been carved and dressed with the greatest care by the artist;

Die Puppe Amelia hat der Künstler ebenfalls mit größter Sorgfalt geschnitzt und angezogen, dennoch hat sie nur einen kleineren Kreis von Bewunderern gehabt.

the Dobbin Figure, though apparently clumsy, yet dances in a very amusing and natural manner; the Little Boys’ Dance has been liked by some;

Die Figur Dobbin tanzt sehr drollig und natürlich, wenn es auch etwas unbeholfen wirkt. Dem Tanz der kleinen Jungen haben einige gern zugesehen;

and please to remark the richly dressed figure of the Wicked Nobleman,

und man achte bitte auf die reich gekleidete Figur des schurkischen Adligen,

on which no expense has been spared, and which Old Nick will fetch away at the end of this singular performance.

bei dem keine Kosten gescheut wurden und den der Teufel am Ende dieser Sondervorstellung holen wird.

And with this, and a profound bow to his patrons, the Manager retires, and the curtain rises.

Hiermit, und mit einer tiefen Verbeugung vor seinen Gönnern, zieht sich der Theaterdirektor zurück, und der Vorhang geht auf.

London, June 28, 1848

London, 28. Juni 1848

CHAPTER I. CHISWICK MALL

1. KAPITEL. CHISWICK MALL

WHILE the present century was in its teens, and on one sunshiny morning in June, there drove up to the great iron gate

Im zweiten Jahrzehnt dieses Jahrhunderts fuhr an einem sonnigen Junimorgen vor dem mächtigen eisernen Tor

of Miss Pinkerton’s academy for young ladies, on Chiswick Mall, a large family coach, with two fat horses in blazing harness,

von Miss Pinkertons Mädchenpensionat in der Chiswick Mall eine große Familienkutsche vor, gezogen von zwei wohlgenährten Pferden mit glänzendem Geschirr.

driven by a fat coachman in a three-cornered hat and wig, at the rate of four miles an hour.

Sie wurden von einem beleibten Kutscher mit Dreispitz und Perücke in einem Tempo von vier Meilen pro Stunde gelenkt.

A black servant, who reposed on the box beside the fat coachman,

Ein schwarzer Diener, der neben dem beleibten Kutscher auf dem Bock döste,

uncurled his bandy legs as soon as the equipage drew up opposite Miss Pinkerton’s shining brass plate,

streckte seine krummen Beine, sobald der Wagen an Miss Pinkertons glänzendem Messingschild hielt,

and as he pulled the bell at least a score of young heads were seen peering out of the narrow windows of the stately old brick house.

und als er die Klingel zog, sah man wenigstens zwanzig junge Köpfe aus den schmalen Fenstern des stattlichen alten Backsteingebäudes lugen.

Nay, the acute observer might have recognized the little red nose of good-natured Miss Jemima Pinkerton herself,

Ja, ein genauer Beobachter hätte sogar das rote Näschen der gutmütigen Miss Jemima Pinkerton

rising over some geranium pots in the window of that lady’s own drawing-room.

über einigen Geranientöpfen am Fenster des Empfangsraumes der Dame selbst erblicken können.

“It is Mrs. Sedley’s coach, sister,” said Miss Jemima.

»Es ist die Kutsche von Mrs. Sedley, Schwester«, sagte Miss Jemima.

“Sambo, the black servant, has just rung the bell; and the coachman has a new red waistcoat.”

»Sambo, der schwarze Diener, hat gerade geläutet; und der Kutscher hat eine neue rote Weste an.«

“Have you completed all the necessary preparations incident to Miss Sedley’s departure, Miss Jemima?”

»Hast du alle für das Ausscheiden von Miss Sedley nötigen Vorbereitungen getroffen, Miss Jemima?«

asked Miss Pinkerton herself, that majestic lady; the Semiramis of Hammersmith,

fragte Miss Pinkerton, jene majestätische Dame, die Semiramis von Hammersmith,

the friend of Doctor Johnson, the correspondent of Mrs. Chapone herself.

die Freundin von Doktor Johnson, die Korrespondentin von Mrs. Chapone.

“The girls were up at four this morning, packing her trunks, sister,” replied Miss Jemima; “we have made her a bow-pot.”

»Die Mädchen sind heute morgen um vier Uhr aufgestanden, um ihr die Koffer zu packen, Schwester«, erwiderte Miss Jemima; »wir haben ihr einen Blumenstrauß gebunden.«

“Say a bouquet, sister Jemima, ’tis more genteel.”

»Sage lieber Bukett, Schwester Jemima, es klingt feiner.«

“Well, a booky as big almost as a haystack;

»Nun ja, ein Bukett, fast so groß wie ein Heuschober;

I have put up two bottles of the gillyflower water for Mrs. Sedley, and the receipt for making it, in Amelia’s box.”

ich habe zwei Flaschen Levkojenwasser für Mrs. Sedley und auch das Rezept dafür in Amelias Koffer gepackt.«

“And I trust, Miss Jemima, you have made a copy of Miss Sedley’s account.

»Und ich hoffe, Miss Jemima, du hast eine Abschrift von Miss Sedleys Rechnung angefertigt;

This is it, is it? Very good — ninety-three pounds, four shillings.

das ist sie, nicht wahr? Sehr gut – dreiundneunzig Pfund und vier Shilling.

Be kind enough to address it to John Sedley, Esquire, and to seal this billet which I have written to his lady.”

Adressiere sie bitte an John Sedley, Esquire, und siegle dieses Billett, das ich an seine Gemahlin geschrieben habe.«

In Miss Jemima’s eyes an autograph letter of her sister, Miss Pinkerton,

Miss Jemima brachte einem eigenhändig geschriebenen Brief ihrer Schwester, Miss Pinkerton,

was an object of as deep veneration as would have been a letter from a sovereign.

ebenso tiefe Ehrfurcht entgegen, wie sie dem Brief eines Staatsoberhauptes entgegengebracht hätte.

Only when her pupils quitted the establishment, or when they were about to be married,

Nur wenn die Schülerinnen die Anstalt verließen oder wenn sie heiraten wollten,

and once, when poor Miss Birch died of the scarlet fever, was Miss Pinkerton known to write personally to the parents of her pupils;

und einmal, als die arme Miss Birch an Scharlach gestorben war, schrieb Miss Pinkerton persönlich an die Eltern ihrer Schülerinnen,

and it was Jemima’s opinion that if anything could console Mrs. Birch for her daughter’s loss,

und Jemima war überzeugt, wenn etwas imstande sei, Mrs. Birch über den Verlust ihrer Tochter zu trösten,

it would be that pious and eloquent composition in which Miss Pinkerton announced the event.

dann war es das fromme und beredte Schreiben, worin Miss Pinkerton ihr das Ereignis mitteilte.

In the present instance Miss Pinkerton’s “billet” was to the following effect: —

Im vorliegenden Fall lautete Miss Pinkertons Billett folgendermaßen:

The Mall, Chiswick, June 15, 18—

Chiswick, The Mall, 15. Juni 18..

Madam,— After her six years’ residence at the Mall, I have the honour and happiness of presenting Miss Amelia Sedley to her parents,

Madame – nach ihrem sechsjährigen Aufenthalt in der Mall habe ich die Ehre und das Vergnügen, Miss Amelia Sedley ihren Eltern

as a young lady not unworthy to occupy a fitting position in their polished and refined circle.

als junge Dame vorzustellen, die nicht unwürdig ist, in deren glänzendem, gebildetem Kreise die ihr zukommende Stellung einzunehmen.

Those virtues which characterize the young English gentlewoman, those accomplishments which become her birth and station,

An jenen Tugenden, welche eine junge englische Dame von vornehmer Abkunft charakterisieren, jenen Kenntnissen, die ihrer Geburt und ihrem Stand entsprechen,

will not be found wanting in the amiable Miss Sedley, whose industry and obedience have endeared her to her instructors,

mangelt es der liebenswürdigen Miss Sedley nicht. Ihr Fleiß und Gehorsam haben sie ihren Lehrern lieb und wert gemacht,

and whose delightful sweetness of temper has charmed her aged and her youthful companions.

und ihr reizendes, sanftes Wesen hat ihre älteren und ihre jüngeren Gefährtinnen bezaubert.

In music, in dancing, in orthography, in every variety of embroidery and needlework, she will be found to have realized her friends’ fondest wishes.

In der Musik, im Tanzen, in der Orthographie, in allen Arten von Handarbeiten erfüllt sie wohl die sehnlichsten Wünsche ihrer Verwandten.

In geography there is still much to be desired;

In der Geographie bleibt noch manches zu wünschen übrig,

and a careful and undeviating use of the backboard, for four hours daily during the next three years,

und eine sorgfältige und unablässige Anwendung des Rückenbrettes, täglich vier Stunden in den nächsten drei Jahren,

is recommended as necessary to the acquirement of that dignified deportment and carriage, so requisite for every young lady of fashion.

wird zur Erlangung jener würdevollen Haltung empfohlen, die für eine junge Dame von Welt erforderlich ist.

In the principles of religion and morality, Miss Sedley will be found worthy of an establishment

In den Grundsätzen der Religion und Moral wird sich Miss Sedley einer Anstalt würdig erweisen,

which has been honoured by the presence of the great lexicographer, and the patronage of the admirable Mrs. Chapone.

die durch die Gegenwart des großen Lexikographen und die Gönnerschaft der bewunderungswürdigen Mrs. Chapone geehrt worden ist.

In leaving the Mall, Miss Amelia carries with her the hearts of her companions,

Bei ihrem Scheiden von der Mall nimmt Miss Amelia die Herzen ihrer Gefährtinnen

and the affectionate regards of her mistress, who has the honour to subscribe herself,

und die liebevolle Hochachtung ihrer Lehrerin mit sich, welche die Ehre hat zu zeichnen als

Madam, Your most obliged humble servant, Barbara Pinkerton

Ihre gehorsamst ergebene Dienerin Barbara Pinkerton.

P.S. — Miss Sharp accompanies Miss Sedley. It is particularly requested that Miss Sharp’s stay in Russell Square may not exceed ten days.

PS: Miss Sharp begleitet Miss Sedley. Es wird ausdrücklich gebeten, daß Miss Sharp ihren Aufenthalt am Russell Square nicht länger als zehn Tage ausdehnt.

The family of distinction with whom she is engaged, desire to avail themselves of her services as soon as possible.

Die vornehme Familie, die sie eingestellt hat, wünscht ihre Dienste baldmöglichst in Anspruch zu nehmen.

This letter completed, Miss Pinkerton proceeded to write her own name, and Miss Sedley’s, in the fly-leaf of a Johnson’s Dictionary

Als Miss Pinkerton diesen Brief beendet hatte, schrieb sie ihren und Miss Sedleys Namen auf das Vorsatzblatt eines Exemplars von Johnsons Wörterbuch,

— the interesting work which she invariably presented to her scholars, on their departure from the Mall.

jenem interessanten Werk, welches sie jeder Schülerin beim Ausscheiden zu überreichen pflegte.

On the cover was inserted a copy of “Lines addressed to a young lady on quitting Miss Pinkerton’s school, at the Mall; by the late revered Doctor Samuel Johnson.”

Auf dem Deckel des Buches konnte man die »Zeilen an eine junge Dame bei ihrem Abgang von Miss Pinkertons Schule in der Mall, von dem seligen, hochverehrten Doktor Samuel Johnson« lesen.

In fact, the Lexicographer’s name was always on the lips of this majestic woman,

In der Tat führte diese majestätische Dame den Namen des Lexikographen ständig auf den Lippen,

and a visit he had paid to her was the cause of her reputation and her fortune.

und ein Besuch, den er ihr abgestattet hatte, war die Ursache ihres Rufes und ihres Vermögens geworden.

Being commanded by her elder sister to get “the Dictionary”

Nachdem Miss Jemima von ihrer älteren Schwester aufgefordert worden war, »das Wörterbuch«

from the cupboard, Miss Jemima had extracted two copies of the book from the receptacle in question.

aus dem Schrank zu holen, hatte sie dem erwähnten Behältnis zwei Exemplare entnommen.

When Miss Pinkerton had finished the inscription in the first, Jemima, with rather a dubious and timid air, handed her the second.

Als Miss Pinkerton die Widmung in das erste geschrieben hatte, reichte ihr Jemima mit zweifelnder und schüchterner Miene das andere.

“For whom is this, Miss Jemima?” said Miss Pinkerton, with awful coldness.

»Für wen soll das sein, Miss Jemima?« fragte Miss Pinkerton äußerst kühl.

“For Becky Sharp,” answered Jemima, trembling very much, and blushing over her withered face and neck,

»Für Becky Sharp«, erwiderte Jemima, heftig zitternd, und ihr welkes Gesicht wurde rot bis zum Halse,

as she turned her back on her sister. “For Becky Sharp: she’s going too.”

als sie ihrer Schwester den Rücken wandte. »Für Becky Sharp, sie geht ja auch.«

“MISS JEMIMA!” exclaimed Miss Pinkerton, in the largest capitals.

»MISS JEMIMA!« rief Miss Pinkerton in den größten Großbuchstaben.

“Are you in your senses? Replace the Dixonary in the closet, and never venture to take such a liberty in future.”

»Bist du bei Sinnen? Stell das Wörterbuch in den Schrank zurück und wage in Zukunft nicht mehr, dir eine solche Freiheit herauszunehmen!«

“Well, sister, it’s only two-and-ninepence, and poor Becky will be miserable if she don’t get one.”

»Ach, Schwester, es kostet doch nur zwei Shilling und neun Pence, und die arme Becky wird sich grämen, wenn sie keins bekommt.«

“Send Miss Sedley instantly to me,” said Miss Pinkerton.

»Schick Miss Sedley sofort zu mir«, sagte Miss Pinkerton.

And so venturing not to say another word, poor Jemima trotted off, exceedingly flurried and nervous.

Und so eilte die arme Jemima, verwirrt und ängstlich, ohne noch ein Wort zu wagen, davon.

Miss Sedley’s papa was a merchant in London, and a man of some wealth; whereas Miss Sharp was an articled pupil,

Miss Sedleys Vater war ein ziemlich vermögender Kaufmann in London, während Miss Sharp Lehrschülerin war,

for whom Miss Pinkerton had done, as she thought, quite enough, without conferring upon her at parting the high honour of the Dixonary.

für die Miss Pinkerton genug getan zu haben glaubte, auch ohne ihr beim Scheiden die hohe Ehre des Wörterbuches zuteil werden zu lassen.

Although schoolmistresses’ letters are to be trusted no more nor less than churchyard epitaphs;

Briefe von Schulvorsteherinnen sind kaum vertrauenswürdiger als Grabinschriften;

yet, as it sometimes happens that a person departs this life who is really deserving of all the praises the stone cutter carves over his bones;

wie es aber doch bisweilen vorkommt, daß ein Mensch das Zeitliche segnet und die Lobpreisungen des Steinmetzen über seinen Gebeinen verdient,

who is a good Christian, a good parent, child, wife, or husband; who actually does leave a disconsolate family to mourn his loss;

also wirklich ein guter Christ, ein guter Vater, ein gutes Kind, eine gute Ehefrau oder ein guter Ehemann gewesen ist, also wirklich eine seinen Tod betrauernde, verzweifelte Familie hinterläßt,

so in academies of the male and female sex it occurs every now and then

so kommt es auch hin und wieder in Mädchen- oder Knabenschulen vor,

that the pupil is fully worthy of the praises bestowed by the disinterested instructor.

daß der Schüler die Lobpreisungen des selbstlosen Lehrers verdient.

Now, Miss Amelia Sedley was a young lady of this singular species;

Miss Amelia Sedley nun war eine junge Dame dieser besonderen Art

and deserved not only all that Miss Pinkerton said in her praise, but had many charming qualities

und verdiente nicht nur alles, was Miss Pinkerton zu ihrem Lobe sagte, sondern besaß noch viele andere liebenswerte Eigenschaften,

which that pompous old Minerva of a woman could not see, from the differences of rank and age between her pupil and herself.

die die wichtigtuerische alte Minerva von einem Weibe infolge des Rang- und Altersunterschiedes zwischen ihr und ihrer Schülerin nicht zu sehen vermochte.

For she could not only sing like a lark, or a Mrs. Billington, and dance like Hillisberg or Parisot;

Denn Amelia konnte nicht nur singen wie eine Lerche oder eine Billington, tanzen wie Hillisberg oder Parisot,

and embroider beautifully; and spell as well as a Dixonary itself;

prächtig sticken und war fehlerfrei in der Rechtschreibung wie das Wörterbuch selbst,

but she had such a kindly, smiling, tender, gentle, generous heart of her own, as won the love of everybody who came near her,

sondern sie besaß auch ein so gutes, freundliches, weiches, sanftes, großmütiges Herz, daß sie die Liebe von jedermann in ihrer Umgebung gewann,

from Minerva herself down to the poor girl in the scullery, and the one-eyed tart-woman’s daughter,

von der Minerva bis herab zu der armen Scheuermagd und der Tochter der einäugigen Kuchenfrau,

who was permitted to vend her wares once a week to the young ladies in the Mall.

die den jungen Damen in der Mall ihre Ware einmal in der Woche verkaufen durfte.

She had twelve intimate and bosom friends out of the twenty-four young ladies. Even envious Miss Briggs never spoke ill of her;

Von den vierundzwanzig jungen Damen waren zwölf ihre Busenfreundinnen. Sogar die neidische Miss Briggs sprach nie schlecht von ihr;

high and mighty Miss Saltire (Lord Dexter’s granddaughter) allowed that her figure was genteel;

die hoch-wohlgeborene Miss Saltire (Lord Dexters Enkelin) gab zu, daß sie eine elegante Erscheinung sei,

and as for Miss Swartz, the rich woolly-haired mulatto from St. Kitt’s, on the day Amelia went away,

und bei Miss Swartz gar, der reichen wollhaarigen Mulattin von Saint Kitts, erlebte man an dem Tage, als Amelia die Schule verließ,

she was in such a passion of tears that they were obliged to send for Dr. Floss, and half tipsify her with salvolatile.

einen solchen Tränenausbruch, daß man nach Doktor Floss schicken und sie mit Riechsalz halb betäuben mußte.

Miss Pinkerton’s attachment was, as may be supposed from the high position and eminent virtues of that lady, calm and dignified;

Miss Pinkertons Zuneigung war ruhig und würdevoll, wie die hohe Stellung und die hervorragenden Tugenden dieser Dame nicht anders erwarten ließen;

but Miss Jemima had already whimpered several times at the idea of Amelia’s departure; and, but for fear of her sister,

aber Miss Jemima hatte bei dem bloßen Gedanken an Amelias Abreise schon mehrmals geschluckt, und wäre nicht die Furcht vor ihrer Schwester gewesen,

would have gone off in downright hysterics, like the heiress (who paid double) of St. Kitt’s.

so hätte sie hysterische Anfälle bekommen wie die (doppelt zahlende) Erbin von Saint Kitts.

Such luxury of grief, however, is only allowed to parlour-boarders.

Einen solchen Luxus mit seinem Schmerz zu treiben ist indessen nur besonders bevorzugten Schülerinnen gestattet.

Honest Jemima had all the bills, and the washing, and the mending,

Die ehrliche Jemima dagegen hatte die Oberaufsicht über die Rechnungen, das Waschen und Ausbessern,

and the puddings, and the plate and crockery, and the servants to superintend.

die Puddings, das silberne und das einfache Geschirr sowie über die Dienerschaft.

But why speak about her? It is probable that we shall not hear of her again from this moment to the end of time,

Aber warum sprechen wir von ihr: wahrscheinlich werden wir bis in alle Ewigkeit nichts mehr von ihr hören,

and that when the great filigree iron gates are once closed on her,

und wenn sich erst einmal das große, verschnörkelte, eiserne Tor geschlossen hat,

she and her awful sister will never issue therefrom into this little world of history.

wird weder sie noch ihre ehrfurchtgebietende Schwester jemals wieder in der kleinen Welt unserer Geschichte auftauchen.

But as we are to see a great deal of Amelia, there is no harm in saying, at the outset of our acquaintance,

Da wir indessen viel über Amelia erfahren werden, kann es nichts schaden, wenn wir gleich zu Anfang unserer Bekanntschaft sagen,

that she was a dear little creature; and a great mercy it is, both in life and in novels, which (and the latter especially)

daß sie eines der besten und liebenswürdigsten Geschöpfe war, die je lebten, und es ist ein Segen, daß wir, da es sowohl im Leben als auch in Romanen (und in diesen besonders)

abound in villains of the most sombre sort, that we are to have for a constant companion so guileless and good-natured a person.

von Bösewichten der schlimmsten Sorte nur so wimmelt, solch einen ehrlichen und gutherzigen Menschen zur Seite haben.

As she is not a heroine, there is no need to describe her person;

Da sie keine Heldin ist, brauchen wir ihre Person nicht zu beschreiben;

indeed I am afraid that her nose was rather short than otherwise, and her cheeks a great deal too round and red for a heroine;

ich befürchte sogar, daß ihre Nase etwas zu klein und ihre Wangen viel zu rund und rot für eine Heldin waren;

but her face blushed with rosy health, and her lips with the freshest of smiles, and she had a pair of eyes

aber ihr Gesicht strahlte von blühender Gesundheit, und auf ihren Lippen lag das munterste Lächeln; sie hatte ein Paar Augen,

which sparkled with the brightest and honestest good-humour, except indeed when they filled with tears,

die von lebhafter und ehrlicher guter Laune blitzten, wenn sie sich nicht gerade mit Tränen füllten,

and that was a great deal too often; for the silly thing would cry over a dead canary-bird;

und das geschah in der Tat viel zu oft, denn das einfältige Ding konnte über einen toten Kanarienvogel

or over a mouse, that the cat haply had seized upon; or over the end of a novel, were it ever so stupid;

oder über eine Maus, die die Katze gefangen hatte, oder über den Schluß eines Romans, war er auch noch so albern, weinen;

and as for saying an unkind word to her, were any persons hard-hearted enough to do so — why, so much the worse for them.

und sagte man ihr ein unfreundliches Wort – vorausgesetzt, es fand sich jemand, der so hartherzig war –, um so schlimmer war es dann für diesen.

Even Miss Pinkerton, that austere and godlike woman, ceased scolding her after the first time,

Sogar Miss Pinkerton, diese strenge und göttergleiche Dame, schalt sie nur einmal,

and though she no more comprehended sensibility than she did Algebra, gave all masters and teachers particular orders

und obgleich sie von Gefühlen ebensowenig verstand wie von Algebra, gab sie allen Lehrern den ausdrücklichen Befehl,

to treat Miss Sedley with the utmost gentleness, as harsh treatment was injurious to her.

mit Miss Sedley so sanft wie möglich umzugehen, da diese eine rauhe Behandlung nicht vertrage.

So that when the day of departure came, between her two customs of laughing and crying, Miss Sedley was greatly puzzled how to act.

Als der Tag der Abreise kam, wußte Miss Sedley daher nicht, für welche ihrer beiden Gewohnheiten – lachen oder weinen – sie sich entscheiden sollte.

She was glad to go home, and yet most woefully sad at leaving school.

Sie war froh, nach Hause zu kommen, und dabei doch wieder so unendlich traurig, die Schule verlassen zu müssen.

For three days before, little Laura Martin, the orphan, followed her about like a little dog.

Die letzten drei Tage folgte ihr die kleine verwaiste Laura Martin überallhin, wie ein kleines Hündchen.

She had to make and receive at least fourteen presents — to make fourteen solemn promises of writing every week:

Sie mußte mindestens vierzehn Geschenke machen und entgegennehmen und vierzehnmal das feierliche Versprechen geben, jede Woche zu schreiben.

“Send my letters under cover to my grandpapa, the Earl of Dexter,” said Miss Saltire (who, by the way, was rather shabby).

»Schicke deine Briefe an mich bitte an die Adresse meines Großvaters, des Grafen von Dexter«, sagte Miss Saltire (die, nebenbei erwähnt, etwas knauserig war).

“Never mind the postage, but write every day, you dear darling,”

»Du brauchst dich nicht um das Porto zu kümmern, schreibe mir nur jeden Tag, mein Herzblatt«,

said the impetuous and woolly-headed, but generous and affectionate Miss Swartz;

bat die ungestüme, wollhaarige, aber großherzige und liebevolle Miss Swartz,

and the orphan little Laura Martin (who was just in round-hand), took her friend’s hand and said,

und die kleine Laura Martin – die eben schreiben gelernt hatte – ergriff die Hand ihrer Freundin und sagte,

looking up in her face wistfully, “Amelia, when I write to you I shall call you Mamma.”

ihr ernst ins Gesicht schauend: »Amelia, wenn ich dir schreibe, werde ich dich Mama nennen.«

All which details, I have no doubt, Jones, who reads this book at his Club,

Zweifellos wird Jones, der dieses Buch in seinem Klub liest,

will pronounce to be excessively foolish, trivial, twaddling, and ultra-sentimental.

alle diese Einzelheiten äußerst töricht, unbedeutend, geschwätzig und übersentimental finden.

Yes; I can see Jones at this minute (rather flushed with his joint of mutton and half pint of wine),

Ja ich sehe direkt, wie Jones in diesem Augenblick – gerötet nach dem Genuß seiner Hammelkeule und einem Glas Wein

taking out his pencil and scoring under the words “foolish, twaddling,” &c., and adding to them his own remark of “quite True.”

– seinen Bleistift zückt, die Worte »töricht, geschwätzig« und so weiter unterstreicht und »sehr richtig« an den Rand schreibt.

Well, he is a lofty man of genius, and admires the great and heroic in life and novels;

Ja, er ist ein Mann von großem Geist und bewundert das Erhabene und Heroische im Leben und im Roman;

and so had better take warning and go elsewhere.

und deshalb sollte er sich lieber warnen lassen und sich anderem zuwenden.

Well, then. The flowers, and the presents, and the trunks, and bonnet-boxes of Miss Sedley having been arranged by Mr. Sambo in the carriage,

Nun gut. Nachdem Mr. Sambo Miss Sedleys Blumen, Geschenke, Koffer und Hutschachteln in der Kutsche verstaut

together with a very small and weather-beaten old cow’s-skin trunk with Miss Sharp’s card neatly nailed upon it, which was delivered by Sambo with a grin,

und dem Kutscher grinsend einen winzigen, schäbigen alten Rindslederkoffer, säuberlich mit Miss Sharps Namensschild versehen, gereicht hatte,

and packed by the coachman with a corresponding sneer — the hour for parting came;

den dieser hohnlächelnd wegpackte, schlug die Abschiedsstunde.

and the grief of that moment was considerably lessened by the admirable discourse which Miss Pinkerton addressed to her pupil.

Der Schmerz dieses Augenblicks wurde durch die vortreffliche Ansprache, die Miss Pinkerton an ihre Schülerin richtete, beträchtlich gelindert.

Not that the parting speech caused Amelia to philosophise, or that it armed her in any way with a calmness, the result of argument;

Nicht daß die Abschiedsrede Amelia etwa zum Philosophieren verleitet hätte oder sie irgendwie mit einer Ruhe, die der Vernunft entspringt, gewappnet hätte

but it was intolerably dull, pompous, and tedious;

– nein, die Rede war unerträglich langweilig, hochtrabend und ermüdend;

and having the fear of her schoolmistress greatly before her eyes,

und da Miss Sedley ihre Schulvorsteherin nicht wenig fürchtete,

Miss Sedley did not venture, in her presence, to give way to any ebullitions of private grief.

so wagte sie nicht, in deren Gegenwart ihrem privaten Schmerz freien Lauf zu lassen.

A seed-cake and a bottle of wine were produced in the drawing-room, as on the solemn occasions of the visits of parents,

Ein Kümmelkuchen nebst einer Flasche Wein wurden in den Empfangsraum gebracht, was sonst nur bei dem feierlichen Anlaß von Elternbesuchen geschah,

and these refreshments being partaken of, Miss Sedley was at liberty to depart.

und nachdem man diesen Erfrischungen gehörig zugesprochen hatte, stand es Miss Sedley frei, zu gehen.

“You’ll go in and say good-by to Miss Pinkerton, Becky!” said Miss Jemima to a young lady

»Sie gehen doch wohl hinein und verabschieden sich von Miss Pinkerton, Becky?« sagte Miss Jemima zu einer jungen Dame,

of whom nobody took any notice, and who was coming downstairs with her own bandbox.

die, von niemandem beachtet, eben mit ihrer Hutschachtel die Treppe herabkam.

“I suppose I must,” said Miss Sharp calmly, and much to the wonder of Miss Jemima;

»Ich kann wohl nicht umhin«, sagte Miss Sharp gelassen zu Miss Jemimas Verwunderung;

and the latter having knocked at the door, and receiving permission to come in,

und nachdem Jemima an die Tür geklopft hatte und zum Hereinkommen aufgefordert worden war,

Miss Sharp advanced in a very unconcerned manner, and said in French, and with a perfect accent, “Mademoiselle, je viens vous faire mes adieux.”

trat Miss Sharp unbekümmert vor und sagte in vollendetem Französisch: »Mademoiselle, je viens vous faire mes adieux.«

Miss Pinkerton did not understand French; she only directed those who did:

Miss Pinkerton konnte nicht Französisch; sie stand nur denen vor, die es konnten;

but biting her lips and throwing up her venerable and Roman-nosed head (on the top of which figured a large and solemn turban), she said,

aber sie biß sich auf die Lippen, warf den ehrwürdigen Kopf mit der römischen Nase unter dem großen feierlichen Turban in den Nacken und sagte:

“Miss Sharp, I wish you a good morning.”

»Miss Sharp, ich wünsche Ihnen einen guten Morgen!«

As the Hammersmith Semiramis spoke, she waved one hand, both by way of adieu,

Während die Semiramis von Hammersmith sprach, machte sie eine Handbewegung, teils zum Zeichen des Abschiedes,

and to give Miss Sharp an opportunity of shaking one of the fingers of the hand which was left out for that purpose.

teils um Miss Sharp Gelegenheit zu bieten, einen zu diesem Zwecke ausgestreckten Finger zu schütteln.

Miss Sharp only folded her own hands with a very frigid smile and bow, and quite declined to accept the proffered honour;

Miss Sharp aber faltete nur sehr kühl lächelnd die Hände, verbeugte sich und verschmähte die ihr zugedachte Ehre völlig,

on which Semiramis tossed up her turban more indignantly than ever.

worauf Semiramis ihren Turban unwilliger denn je zurückwarf.

In fact, it was a little battle between the young lady and the old one, and the latter was worsted.

Es war wirklich ein kleiner Kampf zwischen der jungen Dame und der alten Dame, und die alte zog den kürzeren.

“Heaven bless you, my child,” said she, embracing Amelia, and scowling the while over the girl’s shoulder at Miss Sharp.

»Der Himmel beschütze dich, mein Kind«, sagte sie und umarmte Amelia, wobei sie über des Mädchens Schulter hinweg Miss Sharp grimmig anblickte.

“Come away, Becky,” said Miss Jemima, pulling the young woman away in great alarm,

»Kommen Sie, Becky«, sagte Miss Jemima und zog das junge Mädchen in höchster Angst hinaus.

and the drawing-room door closed upon them for ever.

Die Tür des Empfangsraumes schloß sich für immer hinter ihnen.

Then came the struggle and parting below. Words refuse to tell it.

Dann folgten die Aufregung und das Abschiednehmen unten. Worte vermögen es nicht zu schildern.

All the servants were there in the hall — all the dear friend

In der Vorhalle hatten sich alle Dienstboten versammelt, die teuren Freundinnen,

— all the young ladies — the dancing-master who had just arrived;

überhaupt sämtliche jungen Damen und der eben angekommene Tanzlehrer;

and there was such a scuffling, and hugging, and kissing, and crying,

da gab es ein solches Drängen und Umarmen, Küssen und Weinen,

with the hysterical yoops of Miss Swartz, the parlour-boarder, from her room,

begleitet von den aus dem Zimmer der reichen Miss Swartz dringenden hysterischen Schreien,

as no pen can depict, and as the tender heart would fain pass over.

daß keine Feder es zu beschreiben vermag und ein gefühlvolles Herz es gern übergeht.

The embracing was over; they parted — that is, Miss Sedley parted from her friends.

Endlich waren die Umarmungen vorüber; sie trennten sich – das heißt, Miss Sedley trennte sich von ihren Freundinnen.

Miss Sharp had demurely entered the carriage some minutes before. Nobody cried for leaving her.

Miss Sharp war einige Minuten zuvor ruhig in die Kutsche gestiegen. Niemand weinte bei ihrem Scheiden.

Sambo of the bandy legs slammed the carriage door on his young weeping mistress. He sprang up behind the carriage.

Der krummbeinige Samba schlug die Wagentür hinter seiner weinenden jungen Herrin zu und sprang hinten auf.

“Stop!” cried Miss Jemima, rushing to the gate with a parcel.

»Halt!« rief Miss Jemima, die mit einem Päckchen zum Tor stürzte.

“It’s some sandwiches, my dear,” said she to Amelia.

»Es sind nur ein paar belegte Brote, meine Liebe«, sagte sie zu Amelia.

“You may be hungry, you know; and Becky, Becky Sharp, here’s a book for you

»Falls Sie Hunger bekommen – und Becky, Becky Sharp, hier ist ein Buch für Sie,

that my sister — that is, I — Johnson’s Dixonary, you know; you mustn’t leave us without that.

das meine Schwester – das heißt ich – Johnsons Wörterbuch, wissen Sie? Sie dürfen uns nicht ohne das Buch verlassen.

Good-by. Drive on, coachman. God bless you!”

Adieu! – Fahr zu, Kutscher! Gott segne euch!«

And the kind creature retreated into the garden, overcome with emotion.

Und das gutmütige Geschöpf eilte, ganz überwältigt von ihren Gefühlen, in den Garten zurück.

But, lo! and just as the coach drove off, Miss Sharp put her pale face out of the window

Aber siehe da! Gerade als der Wagen anfuhr, steckte Miss Sharp ihr blasses Gesicht aus dem Fenster

and actually flung the book back into the garden.

und schleuderte tatsächlich das Buch in den Garten zurück.

This almost caused Jemima to faint with terror. “Well, I never” — said she — “what an audacious”

Die arme Jemima fiel vor Entsetzen fast in Ohnmacht. »Nein, ich habe noch nie…«, sagte sie, »so ein unverschämtes …«

— Emotion prevented her from completing either sentence.

Die heftige Erregung erlaubte ihr nicht, die angefangenen Sätze zu vollenden.

The carriage rolled away; the great gates were closed; the bell rang for the dancing lesson.

Die Kutsche rollte fort; das große Tor wurde geschlossen; die Glocke gab das Zeichen zur Tanzstunde.

The world is before the two young ladies; and so, farewell to Chiswick Mall.

Vor den beiden jungen Damen liegt nun die Welt; deshalb: ade, Chiswick Mall!

BEFORE THE CURTAIN

AS the manager of the Performance sits before the curtain on the boards and looks into the Fair, a feeling of profound melancholy comes over him in his survey of the bustling place. There is a great quantity of eating and drinking, making love and jilting, laughing and the contrary, smoking, cheating, fighting, dancing and fiddling; there are bullies pushing about, bucks ogling the women, knaves picking pockets, policemen on the look-out, quacks (other quacks, plague take them!) bawling in front of their booths, and yokels looking up at the tinselled dancers and poor old rouged tumblers, while the light-fingered folk are operating upon their pockets behind. Yes, this is Vanity Fair; not a moral place certainly; nor a merry one, though very noisy. Look at the faces of the actors and buffoons when they come off from their business; and Tom Fool washing the paint off his cheeks before he sits down to dinner with his wife and the little Jack Puddings behind the canvas. The curtain will be up presently, and he will be turning over head and heels, and crying, “How are you?”

A man with a reflective turn of mind, walking through an exhibition of this sort, will not be oppressed, I take it, by his own or other people’s hilarity. An episode of humour or kindness touches and amuses him here and there — a pretty child looking at a gingerbread stall; a pretty girl blushing whilst her lover talks to her and chooses her fairing; poor Tom Fool, yonder behind the waggon, mumbling his bone with the honest family which lives by his tumbling; but the general impression is one more melancholy than mirthful. When you come home you sit down in a sober, contemplative, not uncharitable frame of mind, and apply yourself to your books or your business.

I have no other moral than this to tag to the present story of “Vanity Fair.” Some people consider Fairs immoral altogether, and eschew such, with their servants and families: very likely they are right. But persons who think otherwise, and are of a lazy, or a benevolent, or a sarcastic mood, may perhaps like to step in for half an hour, and look at the performances. There are scenes of all sorts; some dreadful combats, some grand and lofty horse-riding, some scenes of high life, and some of very middling indeed; some love-making for the sentimental, and some light comic business; the whole accompanied by appropriate scenery and brilliantly illuminated with the Author’s own candles.

What more has the Manager of the Performance to say? — To acknowledge the kindness with which it has been received in all the principal towns of England through which the Show has passed, and where it has been most favourably noticed by the respected conductors of the public Press, and by the Nobility and Gentry. He is proud to think that his Puppets have given satisfaction to the very best company in this empire. The famous little Becky Puppet has been pronounced to be uncommonly flexible in the joints, and lively on the wire; the Amelia Doll, though it has had a smaller circle of admirers, has yet been carved and dressed with the greatest care by the artist; the Dobbin Figure, though apparently clumsy, yet dances in a very amusing and natural manner; the Little Boys’ Dance has been liked by some; and please to remark the richly dressed figure of the Wicked Nobleman, on which no expense has been spared, and which Old Nick will fetch away at the end of this singular performance.

And with this, and a profound bow to his patrons, the Manager retires, and the curtain rises.

London, June 28, 1848

CHAPTER I. CHISWICK MALL

WHILE the present century was in its teens, and on one sunshiny morning in June, there drove up to the great iron gate of Miss Pinkerton’s academy for young ladies, on Chiswick Mall, a large family coach, with two fat horses in blazing harness, driven by a fat coachman in a three-cornered hat and wig, at the rate of four miles an hour. A black servant, who reposed on the box beside the fat coachman, uncurled his bandy legs as soon as the equipage drew up opposite Miss Pinkerton’s shining brass plate, and as he pulled the bell at least a score of young heads were seen peering out of the narrow windows of the stately old brick house. Nay, the acute observer might have recognized the little red nose of good-natured Miss Jemima Pinkerton herself, rising over some geranium pots in the window of that lady’s own drawing-room.

“It is Mrs. Sedley’s coach, sister,” said Miss Jemima. “Sambo, the black servant, has just rung the bell; and the coachman has a new red waistcoat.”

“Have you completed all the necessary preparations incident to Miss Sedley’s departure, Miss Jemima?” asked Miss Pinkerton herself, that majestic lady; the Semiramis of Hammersmith, the friend of Doctor Johnson, the correspondent of Mrs. Chapone herself.

“The girls were up at four this morning, packing her trunks, sister,” replied Miss Jemima; “we have made her a bow-pot.”

“Say a bouquet, sister Jemima, ’tis more genteel.”

“Well, a booky as big almost as a haystack; I have put up two bottles of the gillyflower water for Mrs. Sedley, and the receipt for making it, in Amelia’s box.”

“And I trust, Miss Jemima, you have made a copy of Miss Sedley’s account. This is it, is it? Very good — ninety-three pounds, four shillings. Be kind enough to address it to John Sedley, Esquire, and to seal this billet which I have written to his lady.”

In Miss Jemima’s eyes an autograph letter of her sister, Miss Pinkerton, was an object of as deep veneration as would have been a letter from a sovereign. Only when her pupils quitted the establishment, or when they were about to be married, and once, when poor Miss Birch died of the scarlet fever, was Miss Pinkerton known to write personally to the parents of her pupils; and it was Jemima’s opinion that if anything could console Mrs. Birch for her daughter’s loss, it would be that pious and eloquent composition in which Miss Pinkerton announced the event.

In the present instance Miss Pinkerton’s “billet” was to the following effect: —

The Mall, Chiswick, June 15, 18—

Madam,— After her six years’ residence at the Mall, I have the honour and happiness of presenting Miss Amelia Sedley to her parents, as a young lady not unworthy to occupy a fitting position in their polished and refined circle. Those virtues which characterize the young English gentlewoman, those accomplishments which become her birth and station, will not be found wanting in the amiable Miss Sedley, whose industry and obedience have endeared her to her instructors, and whose delightful sweetness of temper has charmed her aged and her youthful companions.

In music, in dancing, in orthography, in every variety of embroidery and needlework, she will be found to have realized her friends’ fondest wishes. In geography there is still much to be desired; and a careful and undeviating use of the backboard, for four hours daily during the next three years, is recommended as necessary to the acquirement of that dignified deportment and carriage, so requisite for every young lady of fashion.

In the principles of religion and morality, Miss Sedley will be found worthy of an establishment which has been honoured by the presence of the great lexicographer, and the patronage of the admirable Mrs. Chapone. In leaving the Mall, Miss Amelia carries with her the hearts of her companions, and the affectionate regards of her mistress, who has the honour to subscribe herself,

Madam, Your most obliged humble servant, Barbara Pinkerton

P.S. — Miss Sharp accompanies Miss Sedley. It is particularly requested that Miss Sharp’s stay in Russell Square may not exceed ten days. The family of distinction with whom she is engaged, desire to avail themselves of her services as soon as possible.

This letter completed, Miss Pinkerton proceeded to write her own name, and Miss Sedley’s, in the fly-leaf of a Johnson’s Dictionary — the interesting work which she invariably presented to her scholars, on their departure from the Mall. On the cover was inserted a copy of “Lines addressed to a young lady on quitting Miss Pinkerton’s school, at the Mall; by the late revered Doctor Samuel Johnson.” In fact, the Lexicographer’s name was always on the lips of this majestic woman, and a visit he had paid to her was the cause of her reputation and her fortune.

Being commanded by her elder sister to get “the Dictionary” from the cupboard, Miss Jemima had extracted two copies of the book from the receptacle in question. When Miss Pinkerton had finished the inscription in the first, Jemima, with rather a dubious and timid air, handed her the second.

“For whom is this, Miss Jemima?” said Miss Pinkerton, with awful coldness.

“For Becky Sharp,” answered Jemima, trembling very much, and blushing over her withered face and neck, as she turned her back on her sister. “For Becky Sharp: she’s going too.”

“MISS JEMIMA!” exclaimed Miss Pinkerton, in the largest capitals. “Are you in your senses? Replace the Dixonary in the closet, and never venture to take such a liberty in future.”

“Well, sister, it’s only two-and-ninepence, and poor Becky will be miserable if she don’t get one.”

“Send Miss Sedley instantly to me,” said Miss Pinkerton. And so venturing not to say another word, poor Jemima trotted off, exceedingly flurried and nervous.

Miss Sedley’s papa was a merchant in London, and a man of some wealth; whereas Miss Sharp was an articled pupil, for whom Miss Pinkerton had done, as she thought, quite enough, without conferring upon her at parting the high honour of the Dixonary.

Although schoolmistresses’ letters are to be trusted no more nor less than churchyard epitaphs; yet, as it sometimes happens that a person departs this life who is really deserving of all the praises the stone cutter carves over his bones; who is a good Christian, a good parent, child, wife, or husband; who actually does leave a disconsolate family to mourn his loss; so in academies of the male and female sex it occurs every now and then that the pupil is fully worthy of the praises bestowed by the disinterested instructor. Now, Miss Amelia Sedley was a young lady of this singular species; and deserved not only all that Miss Pinkerton said in her praise, but had many charming qualities which that pompous old Minerva of a woman could not see, from the differences of rank and age between her pupil and herself.

For she could not only sing like a lark, or a Mrs. Billington, and dance like Hillisberg or Parisot; and embroider beautifully; and spell as well as a Dixonary itself; but she had such a kindly, smiling, tender, gentle, generous heart of her own, as won the love of everybody who came near her, from Minerva herself down to the poor girl in the scullery, and the one-eyed tart-woman’s daughter, who was permitted to vend her wares once a week to the young ladies in the Mall. She had twelve intimate and bosom friends out of the twenty-four young ladies. Even envious Miss Briggs never spoke ill of her; high and mighty Miss Saltire (Lord Dexter’s granddaughter) allowed that her figure was genteel; and as for Miss Swartz, the rich woolly-haired mulatto from St. Kitt’s, on the day Amelia went away, she was in such a passion of tears that they were obliged to send for Dr. Floss, and half tipsify her with salvolatile. Miss Pinkerton’s attachment was, as may be supposed from the high position and eminent virtues of that lady, calm and dignified; but Miss Jemima had already whimpered several times at the idea of Amelia’s departure; and, but for fear of her sister, would have gone off in downright hysterics, like the heiress (who paid double) of St. Kitt’s. Such luxury of grief, however, is only allowed to parlour-boarders. Honest Jemima had all the bills, and the washing, and the mending, and the puddings, and the plate and crockery, and the servants to superintend. But why speak about her? It is probable that we shall not hear of her again from this moment to the end of time, and that when the great filigree iron gates are once closed on her, she and her awful sister will never issue therefrom into this little world of history.

But as we are to see a great deal of Amelia, there is no harm in saying, at the outset of our acquaintance, that she was a dear little creature; and a great mercy it is, both in life and in novels, which (and the latter especially) abound in villains of the most sombre sort, that we are to have for a constant companion so guileless and good-natured a person. As she is not a heroine, there is no need to describe her person; indeed I am afraid that her nose was rather short than otherwise, and her cheeks a great deal too round and red for a heroine; but her face blushed with rosy health, and her lips with the freshest of smiles, and she had a pair of eyes which sparkled with the brightest and honestest good-humour, except indeed when they filled with tears, and that was a great deal too often; for the silly thing would cry over a dead canary-bird; or over a mouse, that the cat haply had seized upon; or over the end of a novel, were it ever so stupid; and as for saying an unkind word to her, were any persons hard-hearted enough to do so — why, so much the worse for them. Even Miss Pinkerton, that austere and godlike woman, ceased scolding her after the first time, and though she no more comprehended sensibility than she did Algebra, gave all masters and teachers particular orders to treat Miss Sedley with the utmost gentleness, as harsh treatment was injurious to her.

So that when the day of departure came, between her two customs of laughing and crying, Miss Sedley was greatly puzzled how to act. She was glad to go home, and yet most woefully sad at leaving school. For three days before, little Laura Martin, the orphan, followed her about like a little dog. She had to make and receive at least fourteen presents — to make fourteen solemn promises of writing every week: “Send my letters under cover to my grandpapa, the Earl of Dexter,” said Miss Saltire (who, by the way, was rather shabby). “Never mind the postage, but write every day, you dear darling,” said the impetuous and woolly-headed, but generous and affectionate Miss Swartz; and the orphan little Laura Martin (who was just in round-hand), took her friend’s hand and said, looking up in her face wistfully, “Amelia, when I write to you I shall call you Mamma.” All which details, I have no doubt, Jones, who reads this book at his Club, will pronounce to be excessively foolish, trivial, twaddling, and ultra-sentimental. Yes; I can see Jones at this minute (rather flushed with his joint of mutton and half pint of wine), taking out his pencil and scoring under the words “foolish, twaddling,” &c., and adding to them his own remark of “quite True.” Well, he is a lofty man of genius, and admires the great and heroic in life and novels; and so had better take warning and go elsewhere.

Well, then. The flowers, and the presents, and the trunks, and bonnet-boxes of Miss Sedley having been arranged by Mr. Sambo in the carriage, together with a very small and weather-beaten old cow’s-skin trunk with Miss Sharp’s card neatly nailed upon it, which was delivered by Sambo with a grin, and packed by the coachman with a corresponding sneer — the hour for parting came; and the grief of that moment was considerably lessened by the admirable discourse which Miss Pinkerton addressed to her pupil. Not that the parting speech caused Amelia to philosophise, or that it armed her in any way with a calmness, the result of argument; but it was intolerably dull, pompous, and tedious; and having the fear of her schoolmistress greatly before her eyes, Miss Sedley did not venture, in her presence, to give way to any ebullitions of private grief. A seed-cake and a bottle of wine were produced in the drawing-room, as on the solemn occasions of the visits of parents, and these refreshments being partaken of, Miss Sedley was at liberty to depart.

“You’ll go in and say good-by to Miss Pinkerton, Becky!” said Miss Jemima to a young lady of whom nobody took any notice, and who was coming downstairs with her own bandbox.

“I suppose I must,” said Miss Sharp calmly, and much to the wonder of Miss Jemima; and the latter having knocked at the door, and receiving permission to come in, Miss Sharp advanced in a very unconcerned manner, and said in French, and with a perfect accent, “Mademoiselle, je viens vous faire mes adieux.”

Miss Pinkerton did not understand French; she only directed those who did: but biting her lips and throwing up her venerable and Roman-nosed head (on the top of which figured a large and solemn turban), she said, “Miss Sharp, I wish you a good morning.” As the Hammersmith Semiramis spoke, she waved one hand, both by way of adieu, and to give Miss Sharp an opportunity of shaking one of the fingers of the hand which was left out for that purpose.

Miss Sharp only folded her own hands with a very frigid smile and bow, and quite declined to accept the proffered honour; on which Semiramis tossed up her turban more indignantly than ever. In fact, it was a little battle between the young lady and the old one, and the latter was worsted. “Heaven bless you, my child,” said she, embracing Amelia, and scowling the while over the girl’s shoulder at Miss Sharp. “Come away, Becky,” said Miss Jemima, pulling the young woman away in great alarm, and the drawing-room door closed upon them for ever.

Then came the struggle and parting below. Words refuse to tell it. All the servants were there in the hall — all the dear friend — all the young ladies — the dancing-master who had just arrived; and there was such a scuffling, and hugging, and kissing, and crying, with the hysterical yoops of Miss Swartz, the parlour-boarder, from her room, as no pen can depict, and as the tender heart would fain pass over. The embracing was over; they parted — that is, Miss Sedley parted from her friends. Miss Sharp had demurely entered the carriage some minutes before. Nobody cried for leaving her.

Sambo of the bandy legs slammed the carriage door on his young weeping mistress. He sprang up behind the carriage. “Stop!” cried Miss Jemima, rushing to the gate with a parcel.

“It’s some sandwiches, my dear,” said she to Amelia. “You may be hungry, you know; and Becky, Becky Sharp, here’s a book for you that my sister — that is, I — Johnson’s Dixonary, you know; you mustn’t leave us without that. Good-by. Drive on, coachman. God bless you!”

And the kind creature retreated into the garden, overcome with emotion.

But, lo! and just as the coach drove off, Miss Sharp put her pale face out of the window and actually flung the book back into the garden.

This almost caused Jemima to faint with terror. “Well, I never” — said she — “what an audacious” — Emotion prevented her from completing either sentence. The carriage rolled away; the great gates were closed; the bell rang for the dancing lesson. The world is before the two young ladies; and so, farewell to Chiswick Mall.