Chapter 5 the best of all
In Arthur's eyes, there is a kind of person who seems to be carved out of the same mold.They are tall and straight, with neat eyebrows under handsome brown faces, neatly trimmed, and gentleman hats on crew-cut hair; Disapproval.They are not the most outstanding among the bustling crowd in the bustling city, in the castle full of wealth and the gatekeepers are dressed in gold, or in the glass spire buildings that look like futuristic fish tanks, they are not the most outstanding, but they are also a category that should not be underestimated. .
With their extraordinary backgrounds and educational backgrounds, they stand in the work environment and face their superiors with gentle and aggressive attitudes.In fact, they care as little about their jobs as they do about their possessions, since they are not short of money.Arthur hated them for it, wanted to be like them, and would have cost his soul for it.
Physically, he's up to the mark.He was a slender, handsome young man, and few women passed him without looking sideways, even if they didn't seek any result.His calm demeanor owes much to his keen insight and good self-control.But he was born into an ordinary family, his education background is not remarkable, and he has no other assets beyond the mid-range salary income.His parents had died—leaving him barely enough money to buy a coffin—and he had gone to work before finishing high school, and has struggled to find a decent job ever since.Until recently, he came to Holden Corporation, and all the deposits, wallets, and change in his bank account made his penniless wealth speak for itself.Obviously, his income does not allow him to take everything seriously like other well-off rich kids.
The children of rich families are the ones he hates the most.One morning, he was standing at the door of Mr. Horton's office when two sons of a client were ushered in by the receptionist.They glanced at Arthur lightly, and in less than a second, they immediately recognized that he was not the same kind of person, so they added cold eyes.He didn't say a word, didn't do anything, but they drew a clear line in an instant.He stood there, stricken with rage and hatred, unable to refute, and unable to approach their world: their mansion, their club, their affluence.This is the worst thing.
Mr Holden finally noticed Arthur for the first time as the elevator closed behind them. "Excellent young man." He said reluctantly towards the elevator door, with some appreciation.And this hurt Arthur's anxious heart.To him, Mr. Horton's words sound like a voiceover: They belong to my world, but you don't.
Of course, it was Miss Anne who made him feel worse.Anne Horton.
As if an ancient tradition, almost every young man is dedicated to his business as he tirelessly pursues romance, and believes that the highest state of success is to be the boss's son-in-law.It would be perfect if the boss's daughter happens to be beautiful and attractive, and willing to show off her admirable personality, like Miss Anne who is not spoiled.
Arthur instinctively thought that there were different levels of acceptance for being spoiled.For example, a girl who yearns for a forty-foot luxury yacht with cabins and ends up accepting a twenty-foot yacht, like Miss Anne Horton, is not spoiled.It takes more than dragon-slaying passion and zeal to be worthy of her, plus gold armor, a fast BMW, and a VIP seat at the theater to watch the best musical comedy in town with her just work.What is more clear is that one or two such overtures are not convincing and need to be offered frequently.
This was what Arthur thought every night as he lay in his landlady's room, Mrs. Marchhe, staring at the ceiling and tossing and turning.His thoughts were wild and restless, like a suspicious snake chasing its own tail and trying to devour it.Anne Holden, like other women throwing glances at him, gave him more than one look.If he could meet her needs like he thought about every night, would he have the marriage he wanted?But it takes a lot of money to win her heart, and the irony is that the only way he can get money is by marrying her!God, he thought, if he could get his way, he'd be rich, and he'd be able to throw money in the faces of the fine young men he hated.
These thoughts continued to churn, and marrying Anne Horton ended up being a means rather than an end.The ultimate goal becomes a shining halo around those who, regardless of cost, can pocket the best of everything.The best of all, Arthur said to himself with a dreamy vision, as if he saw those wonderful and luxurious scenes passing through the ceiling as if in the clouds.
Charlie Prince is a rich kid who has the best of everything.One day at lunch he barged in as Arthur sat drinking his coffee.At that time, Arthur's eyes stayed on the documents on the table, but he was imagining the scene of being on a twenty-foot speedboat with Anne Horton in his mind.
"I hope it doesn't bother you," said Charlie Prince. "Do you work for old Holden?"
As soon as you hear it, you can tell that he must have a good family background and a good education, and the word "old" is so natural.The word has become fashionable these days, and it can be used to describe anything, regardless of its actual age.Arthur looked at the man in front of him, shoes, suit, shirt, tie, and hat, and he quickly identified the source of the outfit: Oliver Moore, Brooks, Suka, Brownini, and Kavaha, all famous brands.Finally, Arthur's eyes settled on his face.Yes, a handsome brown face with fine eyebrows and a gentleman's hat on his crew cut.However, he also has some differences, there are some fine lines around the eyes, and his mouth is a little crooked...
"Yes," said Arthur, "I work for Holden."
"Can I sit down? My name is Charlie Prince."
It turned out that Charlie Price had also worked for Mr. Horton. When he saw the company documents on the table, he couldn't help running to inquire about the current situation of his old employer.
"Not bad," Arthur said, "but I don't remember seeing you here."
"Oh, I left before you, and I don't think people in the office like to mention me. You know, I'm like a blemish on the epaulettes, I left because of a scandal, you know what I mean .”
"Oh," said Arthur, and a bitter jealousy came over him at once.Such an incompetent employee who refuses to bow down can walk away and leave Holden Company so carelessly.
Charlie Prince seems to have read Arthur's mind. "No," he said, "I didn't leave the company because of my personal ability, but I think you think so. I left because of integrity issues. I forged some checks and things like that."
Arthur's mouth fell open.
"I know," said Charlie Prince cheerfully, "that you must be thinking that a man caught in the act should have tears of regret in his eyes. But in fact, I didn't. Of course, being caught by the management Nosy idiot accountant caught, I do regret it. But, you can't blame me."
"Why did you do that?"
Charlie Prince frowned. "I don't look like one of those psychos who steal for thrills, do I? I do it for the money. Always, of course."
"Always for money?"
"I've worked at other places besides Holden. And every time I leave, there are disgraceful reasons. In fact, at Holden I learned the most valuable lesson in life." He leaned forward, The index finger tapped meaningfully on the table. “Fake signatures are very easy and just a lot of practice. With a lot of practice, you can write anyone’s signature with a swish of a pen, and that’s the only trick.”
"But you got caught anyway."
"It was carelessness. When I cashed a check, I didn't record it in the books. You know what accountants do when the books are out of balance?"
Arthur was very excited, but he didn't know how to ask in depth, so he could only put on airs. "What happened next? Did they... did you..."
"You mean arrest me, put me in jail or something?" said Charlie Prince, looking at Arthur sympathetically. "Of course not. You know how much these companies care about public image? So, when my dad was willing to pay for it, it was over."
"Then you have nothing to do?" Arthur said in awe.
"Not really," admitted Charlie Prince, "there were consequences, especially when he was caught by mistake, my father was like a boiling pressure cooker, and he was about to be blown up. The result was not too bad, Really, I just became a gnawing person."
"What race?" Arthur asked blankly.
"The gnats. You know, the old-fashioned British families who would deport the black sheep of the family to Australia, or something, just to keep out of sight, and tell them that as long as they didn't set foot in the house again, they would regularly Get financial support. At first, the old guy didn't want to give me a penny and drove me to a dark place. Thanks to the kind women at home, he finally convinced him. I can get a remittance every month , but only about half of what I normally spend. Turns out I've had to separate myself from anything related to my family for the rest of my life. It's a pretty big family, if I ask you."
"So you're not supposed to come to New York?"
"As I said, I am a gnawing elder. This means that as long as my family and various relatives and friends do not bump into me, no one cares about where I go. I only give the address to the family lawyer, because at the beginning of each month I Living expenses are required."
"Then," said Arthur, "I think your father was a very polite gentleman."
Charlie Prince sighed. "Honestly, he's not a bad old bigot, to be honest. But he does have a morbid admiration for well-behaved young people, you know what I mean, the kind of young people who are utterly dull, both outside and inside. If Me too, just need to live my playboy life and everything will be fine. But I don't want that. So, my veritable Ismail, because it's two weeks before I get next month's living allowance, So I was locked out of the hotel..."
Arthur was inexplicably excited. "Locked out?"
"If you have no money to pay the rent, you can only be treated like this. The rules have always been so ruthless. Whether it is laws or regulations, they are not humane at all. Since you have peeped into the secrets of my life, then, I hope you can lend me some money. Me, as a gift in return. Not too little, but not too much. I promise to pay you back at the beginning of the month, including interest." Charlie Prince pleaded, "I have confessed my bad reputation, But I will never default on my debts in my life. In fact,” he explained, “I’m where I am today because I cared so much about paying off my debts.”
Arthur looked at Charlie Prince's well-dressed clothes, relaxed manner, and heard his well-timed voice echoing happily in his ears, and his inexplicable excitement suddenly found meaning.
"So," he said, "where do you live now?"
"I'm locked out of the hotel. Of course I have nowhere to stay. But I'll come here to find you at the beginning of next month. I can swear you don't have to worry about my default. What I just said should be It can prove my sincerity."
"That's not what I meant," said Arthur. "I meant, would you share a room with me? If I'd lend you the money and let you settle your hotel bill and get your bags out, would you move?" Come live with me? I have a nice room, although it is in an old house, but it is well maintained. The landlady, Mrs. Marche, is a bit talkative and picky, but she keeps the place tidy. Qi. The rent is not expensive, which can save you a lot of money.”
He paused, realizing that he seemed to be making a sales pitch, and that Charlie Prince was looking at him oddly.
"What's the matter," said Charlie Prince, "are you broke too?"
"No, it has nothing to do with money. Didn't I say that I have money to lend you?"
"Then why are you sharing the room with me? Especially now that I'm poor."
Arthur clenched his fists and summoned courage. "Well, I'll tell you, because you have what I need in you."
Charlie Prince blinked. "Do I have it?"
"Listen," said Arthur, "I have never had anything you have and show. You would never talk to me the way you talk to the kind of young people your father likes. But I don't mind. What I care about is how to look like you, like you people. Good birth and wealth can give you extraordinary bearing, and it will never fade. And that's what I want. "
Charlie Prince looked at him suspiciously. "Do you think that if we live together, you will have that kind of mystery?"
"Let me worry about that," Arthur said, and took out the checkbook and pen and placed them on the table in front of him. "What do you think?" Arthur asked.
Charlie Prince pored over the checkbook. "I have to say, I don't really know what I'm doing you," he said, "but it's a good deal."
As it turns out, they're both competent roommates.A talkative, a careful listening, there is nothing more suitable than this combination.Charlie Prince's head was full of anecdotes and past events, and Arthur happened to be an enthusiastic audience.In Mrs. March's bedroom on the second floor, there was a sense of ease and peace.
Of course, there are also not-so-harmonious notes.At times, Charlie Prince found, Arthur, the listener, was too demanding of details.When the talkative Charlie Prince talks about his experience of driving a speedboat, he needs to describe the size, structure and handling method of the yacht in detail, and then analyze the advantages and disadvantages of various small boats before entering the topic.It annoyed him a lot.Also, it's tiresome to tell a story about meeting a young woman at a restaurant without having to tell how to order, tip, and dress for the occasion at a fancy restaurant.
What also made Charlie Prince uncomfortable was that he, with his keen observation skills, noticed Arthur's ability to accurately imitate his own image.Arthur's voice, words, sitting posture, walking, standing, gestures, and facial expressions are all accurately imitated to every small detail, which makes Charlie Prince feel that he seems to be living in a mirror.
For Arthur, the most shocking thing was the glimpse into Charlie Prince's childhood and his little world.Arthur grimly thought that Charlie Prince and his kind of rich kids had stagnated in their growth from childhood into adulthood.Physically, they are mature and good-looking, but mentally, they have not grown at all.They have learned the language and mannerisms of adults, but what about their bones?Of course, Arthur never discussed the matter to his face.
Charlie Prince's living expenses lifted his spirits.At the beginning of each month, Mrs. March came into the guest room smiling, with an envelope signed by Charlie Prince.It was an expensive-looking envelope, and if you held it up to the light, as Charlie Prince usually did before opening it, you could roughly see a piece of expensive letter paper.It was a check for five hundred dollars signed by James Llewellyn. "He's our family's personal lawyer," Charlie Prince explained once, and then added, not without bitterness, "it's hard enough to have a man like my father. It is the most painful thing to be guarded by someone who claims to be my second father."
To Charlie Prince, the money was little more than a small favor.But for Arthur, it was a key.A key that can open the magic garden within Arthur's reach: a key that can open the forbidden door in Blue Beard's house; a key that can open the door of Anne, Holden's heart.It can't directly conjure what you want, but it can lead to where your heart goes.
What upset Arthur was that for a few hours each month the money was his.Charlie Prince signed his name and sent Arthur to the bank where his account was held to cash the check.On the way back, Arthur would carefully subtract the rent that Charlie Prince had shared with him on the house, minus the money Charlie Prince had borrowed from him a week or two earlier, and return the rest to his roommate.It was Charlie Prince who insisted on doing it. "If you want to make sure I can share the rent with you and pay you back," he explained, "that's the way to go. Plus, it's easier for you to cash checks, and I've got a lot of trouble." .”
And so, for a few hours each month, Arthur was someone else.Charlie Prince graciously lent him his entire outfit, and when he cashed his check, Arthur would go out of his way to don one of those well-cut, high-quality suits that fitted them as if they had been made for him.In the wallet in the breast pocket of the suit, there were five brand new hundred-yuan bills.There is no doubt that days like this give him a sense of a dream come true.
When Arthur walked into the boss's office, Annie Holden was sitting at the corner of the desk, chatting with her father.She caught a glimpse of him, stopped talking immediately, and looked him up and down with eyes full of admiration.
"Well," she said to her father, "I've seen this young man in the office several times, don't you think it's time to introduce us?"
Her words frightened Arthur, because he had always regarded Mr. Holden as a god on the top of a mountain, remote and daunting.However, Mr. Horton was also taken aback for a moment, but he quickly recognized the young man, and praised him as an outstanding young man in a tone that sounded wonderful to Arthur, and he was willing to introduce him to his daughter.
It was perfect timing for Arthur, but he screwed it up.He was in pain.His diction was incoherent, and the content of his conversation was dull, even clumsy.He finally realized his predicament when he saw the excitement on Anne Holden's face fade away.He cursed himself and the world for it.
The money didn't really belong to him, and that was the crux of the matter.If he had money, he could ask her out that night, or tomorrow night, or the day after tomorrow, or every day after that.But this is obviously impossible.The few new banknotes in the wallet are just meaningless scraps of paper that won't keep him rich.He doesn't even have a rich father.It made everything look pale and meaningless: well-dressed, elegantly spoken, all the qualities he tried to make himself have, because without money, it was all in vain.If you have money, then...
Money is easy to handle!He just seemed to be in a daze just now, but now thinking of this, he collapsed like a patient.Annie, Holden's lovely eyes immediately revealed a look of concern, obviously she is a woman full of maternal care.
"You don't look very well," she said.
This thought, this exhilarating realization, roared toward him like a flame.He jumped up like a phoenix bathing in fire.
"Yeah, I'm not feeling well," he said, barely distinguishing his own voice, "but not too much, really."
"Well, you should go home and rest right away." She said affirmatively, "My car is downstairs, and it won't take much trouble to take you back..."
Arthur secretly hit his head with his fist.He had already lost one opportunity, should he lose another as well?Mrs. Marche's room had never been so embarrassing for him, and there was no way she would drive him back there.
Arthur was encouraged, and he was finally able to express himself. "I've got a lot of work to do," Arthur insisted, "and I can't just go back." Then, in phrases he'd practiced for hours, "but I'd love to see you again if tomorrow night I'll call you, will you..."
Afterwards, no matter how the fire in his heart was extinguished by an unknown blow, he told himself coldly that he had no choice but to accept.Charlie Prince has no choice.At 11:53 a.m., after a valiant struggle, Charlie Prince died in bed, suffocated.He had been dead for several minutes, but Arthur's hand was still tightly around his throat, refusing to let go.
It is said that shooting at the target in the crowd and then running away is the best way for a murderer to escape the scene.Still, the tactic was uninnovative and too extreme for a murderer who might be caught and hanged.From this point of view, even though Arthur was not very rational, judging from the way the murder was carried out, it was reasonable.
In fact, from the moment he left Anne, Holden, to the moment he let go of his fingers from Charlie Prince's throat, Arthur was in a kind of blind frenzy.He knew what he wanted, but he didn't know how to get started.Now, when he stood up and looked at the corpse in front of him, he finally understood what had happened, and instantly felt great fear and was at a loss.Undoubtedly, he was scared out of his wits, but what should he do with the body lying here?
He could tie up the body and stuff it in a closet, at least for now, out of sight and out of mind, but what would that solve?Mrs Marche cleaned the room and took out the trash every morning.There was no lock on the closet, so it was hard to keep her from finding it.
Or bring Charlie Prince's suitcase around the corner, put his body in it, and carry it away.Where are they going?he racked his brains.However, he quickly came to the conclusion that there was no place in the world where a suitcase with a corpse could be accommodated without being discovered.
However, he was excited to find that following the idea of the suitcase was correct.He finally thought of a surefire solution: Mrs. Marr's storage room is located deep in the basement, a cold and damp hollow, with a heavy door that is not locked at the exit, and it is a cold storage isolated from the outside world all year round. .Because there are not many people coming and going, no one will find the corpse decomposing there for several years.In addition, it is easy to dispose of the corpse, just put the object of disposal into the box, and then put it in the storage room below.
To Arthur's annoyance, he found that although the box was large and airtight, it was not easy to dispose of everything properly.Finally, he secured the box firmly and moved it into the hallway.When he was carrying the box down the stairs, an accident happened.The box slid down his back, and he pushed it up so hard that the box went over his head and fell down the stairs, making a loud noise that shook the whole house.He immediately ran after the box, but fortunately the box was tightly buckled.At this time, Mrs. March was standing in front of him, meeting his eyes.
She stood there like a terrified ghost, her flannel pajamas hanging down to her feet, her fingers pressed to her lips, her eyes staring.
"My God," she said, "how could you be so careless?"
Arthur dangled in front of the box, as if afraid she might see through it. "Sorry," he stammered, "I'm so sorry, I really didn't want to make any noise, but somehow it just slipped off..."
She shook her head, scowling. "It's easy to scratch the wall, or injure yourself."
"It's okay," he reassured in a panic, "Nothing was hurt, not at all."
She walked around Arthur and stared at the box. "Why, it's Charlie Prince's beautiful trunk, isn't it? Where are you going to take it now?"
Cold sweat broke out on Arthur's forehead. "Not going anywhere," Arthur said hoarsely.Noticing her furrowed brow trying to figure it out, he quickly added, "Well, going to move to the storage room. You see, Charlie... Mr. Prince... would have helped me, but he always No show, so I had to move by myself."
"It must be heavy." Her sympathetic tone soothed Arthur's nerves and calmed him down.Then, he figured out how to get out next.
"It's kind of heavy," he said, laughing, "but I'd rather do it myself than wait for Mr. Prince to help me. He's not very reliable, you know, he can go wherever he wants, there's no One knows how long it took him to come back."
"It's too much," said Mrs. Marche firmly.
"It's okay, he's a bit weird, but that's all. If you know him well, you'll think he's actually pretty good." Arthur grabbed the box and said, "I can handle the rest of the way with ease. "
Mrs. March seemed to remember something. "Oh, my God," she said sharply, "maybe these accidents were for the best. I mean, you made such a noise that you scared me out before I remembered, and now the storage room is gone." It is locked, and you cannot open it. I will change into a robe and unlock it for you."
She walked ahead of him, creaking the basement stairs, waiting in the storage room for him to bring the boxes.The lights were dim, and as he remembered, there was thick dust everywhere.Mrs. March shook her head.
"It's disgusting," she said, "but there's really no need to clean this place. Why bother? No one has used this room in years! I just locked the door because the insurance company wanted it."
Arthur dangled patiently.His purpose has been achieved.He wished very much to get out of the place as soon as possible, but Mrs. Marche obviously didn't care.
"I don't like carousel tenants," she said. "I just like people who behave well. They don't make a fuss. They don't make people worry. Now, put the box there." Her bony middle finger pointed to the hill It looked like a pile of dust, but a closer look revealed that it was actually a box buried under the accumulated dust. "When that gentleman comes..."
The continuous words echoed in Arthur's ears, so annoying that he could hardly stand still.In this way, he listened to the parents of the gentleman who lived on the inner side of the first floor, the gentleman who lived on the outer side of the second floor, and the gentleman who lived at the corner of the third floor.Her chatterbox seems to have been closed for too long, and once opened, it is difficult to close, and the wheels of the car talk back and forth.In the end, he was finally able to get away with the murder.When the storeroom door closed behind him, the sprawled corpse of Charlie Prince would rot there, never to be resurrected.The check would arrive on time for five hundred dollars a month, and Anne, Holden, and a world of glory awaited him.Best of all, Arthur thought over Mrs. March's babbling, and he felt at ease like a king in disguise.
After Mrs. March's lengthy solitude ended, the heavy door was locked, locked forever.Arthur rushes to the next stop in his life with enthusiasm and confidence in his impunity.He was not at all disturbed when he met Mrs. Marche in the corridor one evening a few weeks later.
"You're right," she said, pursing her lips sympathetically. "Charlie Prince is kind of queer, isn't he?"
"Really?" Arthur said hesitantly.
"Isn't it? He keeps practicing writing his name on paper. It's on every piece of paper. There's nothing but his name."
Arthur immediately thought about the wastebasket, and then he felt a little proud.I have made such an unforgivable mistake carelessly, but I can still help myself.
"I believe," asserted Mrs. March, "that a grown man should have more important things to do than write names."
"Yes," said Arthur, "you're right."
Then Mrs. March fell silent.
The days passed peacefully day by day.Arthur had no trouble cashing those precious checks, and had no trouble spending them.With Charlie Prince's wardrobe to pack for himself, he dresses up glamorously; with Charlie Prince's diction, he speaks elegantly and full of extravagance, and becomes the focus of everyone wherever he goes.When Arthur mentions that he has a generous aunt who has always supported him financially, his boss loves him: and since his one night with Anne Horton, their romance has magically blossomed It worked out.
Anne Holden was everything he wanted in a dream girl: passionate, charming, and faithful.Of course, she also has strange little principles.There is a small territory in her heart that she doesn't want others to touch.But Arthur reminded himself, why ask for so much?He performed impeccably, and finally it was time to talk about marriage.At this point, they had their first quarrel.
There was no disagreement between them about the wedding.The wedding will be held in June, which is a good time for marriage and marriage; followed by a luxurious honeymoon; and then, Arthur will take up an important position in Holden Company, with a high annual salary.All this is logical, there is no dispute.The fire of jealousy in the eyes of every young man who ever had an idea of Anne Horton said it all.However, there is a serious problem with the wedding feast.
"Why do you insist on the pomp and pomp?" she said. "I find it so annoying. Those people, those trivialities, it's like a circus."
He couldn't explain it to her because it would only get darker.He couldn't explain to any of the girls that their wedding wasn't just a ceremony, it was a sweet revenge.The news of the marriage would be published in the newspapers, and all the rich kids would be notified that they must be present, otherwise the wedding would be dull.
"Why are you reluctant to spend money and insist on having a small wedding?" He asked back, "I always think that a wedding is the most important event in a girl's life, and she will be deeply proud of it. In the bedroom, To be married in the presence of my father and my aunt is not a wedding at all."
"But you were there," she said, "you were the star of the wedding."
He didn't want to compromise with her, and made his position clear again.Finally, she broke into tears and ran away, leaving him alone in the company and refusing to budge.He said to himself angrily, even if he was killed, I would not really compromise on this.He was going to be married in the biggest Catholic church in town, and to have all the respectable people there—that was the best of all.
When they met again, she stabilized and he showed due magnanimity.
"Honey," she said, "you think I'm silly for crying?"
"Why, Anne. Don't you think I don't know how strong you are, how serious you are about this?"
"It's very kind of you, Arthur," she said. "Really. In a way, perhaps the question of wedding pomp has more weight on my mind than you understand."
"From which side?" he asked.
"I can't tell you now. But I want to say that if this matter is not resolved, I will never get the happy life I deserve."
"What's the matter?" he asked.The vagueness that women are good at confuses him.
"Before I tell you about this, you need to answer me a question, Arthur. And, please, tell me the truth."
"I will do what I say."
"Would you sincerely forgive a man who has committed a great mistake? This man has made a mistake and suffered from it."
He made a face. "Of course I will forgive. I never mind the mistakes anyone has ever made, and I will naturally forgive him."
He almost used the word "she", but he changed it in time. After all, since Anne wanted to confess her mistakes, why would Arthur stop her?But she didn't go on.For the rest of that night, she didn't say a word about confessing her mistakes, but discussed the details of the wedding banquet arrangements with him, as if she had forgotten what she had said before.
The next afternoon, he was called to the office by Mr. Horton.Annie was in there when he went in.From the expressions of the father and daughter, he could guess the content of their conversation just now.The joy of success welled up in his heart.
"Arthur," said Mr. Holden, "please sit down." Arthur sat down, crossed his legs, and looked at Annie with a smile.
"Arthur," said Mr. Holden, "I have something serious to talk to you about."
"I'm listening, sir," said Arthur, and waited patiently for Mr. Horton to place three pencils, a pen, a paper knife, a memorandum and a telephone on the table in front of him. .
"Arthur," said Mr. Holden, "what I want to tell you, few people know. I hope you will avoid mentioning it to anyone in the future like those who know."
"Yes, sir," said Arthur.
"Anne told me that you insisted on having a grand wedding ceremony. The point is, an intimate wedding has its own advantages and can do no harm. Do you see what I mean?"
"Yes, sir." Arthur replied with affected composure.He secretly looked at Annie, but couldn't see anything. "Of course I understand, sir."
“我是一个喜欢开门见山的人。实话说吧，我有一个儿子，和你长得非常像——其实，安妮和我一开始就被你们的相似震惊了——但不幸的是，他是个彻头彻尾的孽畜。他闯了很多祸之后，我把他赶出家门，让他拿着我给的生活费自谋生路去了。从那以后，我就没了他的消息，一直由我的家庭律师处理这事。所以，在盛大的婚宴现场，与其让熟人问东问西，倒不如让他自己站出来面对一切。你一定明白我的意思吧。”
整个房间仿佛向亚瑟一股脑儿压过来，霍顿先生的脸忽然像恶魔的面具一样，漂浮在墙上。
“是的，先生。”亚瑟轻声说。
“这意味着，我不能让安妮一遍又一遍地催我了。我有我儿子的地址，咱们现在就一起去找他，跟他聊聊，看看他能不能浪子回头，以你为榜样，重新做人。”
“查理王子，”安妮温柔地说，“过去我们都这样称呼他，他迷人极了。”
此时，亚瑟觉得四周的墙壁几乎贴在了他脸上，是暗室的墙壁，墙上还飘着安妮和他父亲的脸。奇怪的是，马尔什太太的脸也飘过来了，絮絮叨叨的马尔什太太，她的脸越来越大，盖过了一切。
当然，还有一只箱子等着他打开，储藏室里的箱子。
Notes:
Notes: