Chapter 31 Chapter 31 Destiny's Favorite: The Fancy World on Broadway

The city and his own situation affected Hurstwood as much as Carrie, who had always accepted her fate with the utmost kindness. New York, though she had expressed her dislike at first, was very fond of it. It soon interested her very much. The fresh air, the wider streets, and the characteristic indifference among the people made a deep impression on her. She had never seen anything like her living. The new furniture looked very luxurious, and the sideboard that Hurstwood had arranged by himself gleamed. The furniture in each room was very suitable, in the so-called drawing room or front room. A piano was also put in, because Carrie said she wanted to learn it. She also had a maid, and she was making rapid progress in housework and knowledge. For the first time in her life, she felt at home, She had achieved a certain legitimacy in the minds of people in society. Her ideas were cheerful and naive. For a long time she was preoccupied with the furnishing of New York houses, and it seemed to everyone that ten families lived in one building. It was very strange to be strangers and not to care about each other. What surprised her was the whistle of hundreds of ships in the harbor... When there was fog, the long sound of steamships and ferries passing through the Long Island Sound And the muffled sirens. These sounds come from the sea, and for that alone they are wonderful. From her west window she often looks out over the Hudson River and the metropolises that are rapidly building up on both sides of the river. There are many things to ponder, Enough for her to appreciate it for a year and a half without feeling bored.

Besides, Hurstwood's infatuation for her fascinated her greatly. Although he was troubled, he never complained to her; Delighted. He came home on time for dinner every evening, and found the little dining-room at home extremely lovely. In a way, the smallness of the room made it all the more splendid. It looked everything. Beautiful plates, lighted by four-pronged sconces, each with a red shade. Carrie and the maid cooked good steaks and pork chops, and sometimes ate canned food. Carrie learned to make biscuits, and soon You can make a plate of soft and delicious snacks by yourself. The second, third, and fourth months passed in this way. Winter came, and then it was best to stay at home, so there was not much talk of theatres. Hurstwood paid everything he could, and paid nothing He pretended to be reinvesting the money, expanding his business for more future income. He was happy to save as much as possible on his clothes, and rarely offered to buy anything for Carrie. That was the first winter. This passed. In the second year, Hurstwood's business really increased in income. He was able to get a regular amount of $150 a month which he expected. Unfortunately, by this time Carrie had already worked out some Conclusion, and he also made a few friends.

Carrie's nature is passive, tolerant, rather than active and aggressive, so she is content with the status quo. Her situation seems to be quite satisfactory to her. Sometimes, they will go to the theater together, and occasionally go to the beach and various places in New York in season. They played around, but they made no friends. Hurstwood's attitude towards her was naturally no longer polite, but a casual intimacy. There were no misunderstandings, no obvious differences of opinion. In fact, without money, there was no With no friends to visit, he led a life which aroused neither envy nor criticism. Carrie sympathized with his efforts, and did not think of the lack of entertainment which he had enjoyed in Chicago. New York, Taken as a whole, and her apartment seems content for the time being.

However, as mentioned above, as Hurstwood's business prospered, he began to make friends. He also began to buy clothes for himself. He considered family life to be very dear to him, but thought it was okay for him not to come home for dinner now and then. Yes. The first time he didn't come home to dinner, he sent a letter saying he was delayed. Carrie dined alone, hoping the same thing wouldn't happen again. The second time, he sent a letter too. , but it was almost time for dinner. For the third time, he simply forgot all about it and explained it afterwards. This kind of thing happens every few months.

"Where have you been, George?" asked Carrie, after his first absence from dinner. "I can't get away in the shop," he said kindly; "I have some accounts to do." "I'm sorry you can't come home," she said kindly, "I have prepared such a good supper." The second time he made the same excuse, but the third time Carrie felt that there was something a little out of the ordinary about it. "I can't go home," he said when he came back that evening, "I'm too busy." "Can't you take a message for me?" asked Carrie.

"I meant to do it," said he, "but, you know, I forgot, and when I remembered it was too late to send a message." "What a pity I have had such a good supper!" said Carrie. It was at this time, through his observation of Carrie, that he began to think that her temperament belonged to the out-and-out housewife type. After this year, he really thought that the main content of her life was naturalized in housework. Although he had seen her perform in Chicago, and for the past year he had seen her deal with the apartment and him without making any friends or associates, because of the conditions he had imposed on her, But he came to this strange conclusion. The satisfaction that followed in marrying such a contented wife had its corollary consequences. That is, since he thought she was content, I feel that his duty is only to provide her with something that will satisfy her in this way. He provides furniture, decoration, food, and necessary clothing. And to entertain her, to take her out into the sunny and magnificent life, etc. Thoughts became less and less. The outside world attracted him, but he didn't expect that she was willing to go out together. Once, he went to the theater alone. Another time, he played cards with two new friends at night. He Financially fluffed up again, and he sprang up and out in public again. Only it was not nearly as ostentatious as he had been in Chicago. He avoided places of entertainment where he might run into old acquaintances. .

Carrie began to feel it now, through various impressions of the senses. She was not the sort to be disturbed by his behaviour. She did not love him very much, and was not disturbed by jealousy. In fact, she wasn't jealous at all. Hurstwood was pleased with her calm demeanor, which he should have given due consideration to. She didn't feel it when he didn't come home. It's a big deal. She thinks he should have the usual fun of men... chatting with people, finding a place to rest, or discussing issues with friends. Although she would like him to be so self-sufficient She didn't like being left out. She seemed to be getting along, though. What she really sensed was that something was different about Hurstwood.

Sometime during their second year on Seventy-eighth Street, the apartment opposite Carrie's house became vacant, and a very pretty young woman and her husband moved in. Carrie later became acquainted with the pair. .This is entirely caused by the structure of the apartment. There is a place between the two apartments that is connected by an elevator. This practical elevator brings fuel, food and other things up from the bottom floor, and then transports garbage and Take the waste down. The elevator is shared by two houses on the same floor, that is to say, each house has a small door leading to it.

If the people who lived in both flats came out at the same time at the porter's whistle and opened the little elevator doors, they would stand face to face. One morning, when Carrie went to fetch the papers, the newcomer, A pretty, dark-skinned woman of about twenty-three was also there with the newspaper. She was in a nightgown and dressing gown, and her hair was disheveled, but she looked lovely. She was friendly, and Carrie took an immediate liking to her. The newcomer only gave a shy smile, but that was enough. Carrie felt that she wanted to make her acquaintance, and the other thought the same, and she admired Carrie's innocent face.

"The woman who moved in next door is a real beauty," said Carrie to Hurstwood at the breakfast table. "Who are they?" asked Hurstwood. "I don't know," answered Carrie. "The name on the bell is Vance. Someone in their family plays the piano very well. I suppose it must be her." "Oh, you never know what your neighbors are like in this city, do you?" Hurstwood said, expressing the common perception New Yorkers have of their neighbors. "Come to think of it," said Carrie, "I've lived in this house with nine other families for over a year, and I don't know any of them. The family have been here for over a month, but I've never seen anyone before this morning."

"That's all right," said Hurstwood, "you never know what kind of people you're going to meet. Some of them aren't very nice." "I think so, too," echoed Carrie. The conversation changed to another subject, and Carrie gave no further thought to the matter until, a day or two later, as she was going out to market, she met Mrs. Vance entering from outside. The latter recognized her and nodded. Carrie Li also responded with a smile. In this way, there is a possibility of acquaintance. If you don't recognize him at all this time, there will be no future contacts. Carrie did not see Mrs. Vance again during the next few weeks. But through the thin partition between the two front rooms she heard her play, and liked her pleasant selections and Its wonderful performance. She can only play mediocre pieces herself. In her ears, Mrs. Vance's rich and varied music is close to great art. Everything she has heard and seen so far... .Only fragmentary impressions . . . show that the family were of some refinement and well-being. Carrie was therefore prepared for a possible future friendship. One day, the doorbell of Carrie's house rang, and the servant in the kitchen pressed a button, which opened the front door of the main entrance on the first floor. Carrie waited at the door of her own house on the third floor to see who would call on her. Wan came up. Mrs. "I beg your pardon," said she, "for I forgot the key of the front door when I went out, so I thought of ringing your bell." The other residents of this building, every time they forget to bring the key to the door, they all do this. But no one apologizes for it. "Never mind," said Carrie, "I'm glad you ring my doorbell. I do sometimes, too." "It's a fine day, isn't it?" said Mrs. Vance, pausing for a moment. Thus, after a few more preliminary contacts, the mutual acquaintance was formally established. Carrie found young Mrs. Vance a pleasant friend. On several occasions Carrie visited her house and entertained her in her own. Both apartments looked fine, but Vance's was more luxuriously furnished. "I want you to come over tonight and meet my husband," said Mrs. Vance, shortly after they became acquainted. "He wants to see you. You can play cards, can't you?" "A little while," said Carrie. "Well, then, let's play cards. If your husband comes home, bring him with you." "He's not coming to dinner to-night," said Carrie. "Then, when he comes back, we'll call him." Carrie obliged, and that night saw the paunchy Vance. He was a few years younger than Hurstwood. His seemingly happy marriage was more due to his money than to his good looks. He first The sight of Carrie took a liking to her. He was deliberately genial, taught her a new game of cards, and talked to her of New York and its amusements. Mrs. Vance played a few pieces on the piano. .At last Hurstwood came. "I am very pleased to meet you," he said to Mrs. Vance, when Carrie introduced him, with a great display of the old grace which had so fascinated Carrie. "Do you think your wife has escaped?" said Mr. Vance, holding out his hand during the introduction. "I thought she might have found a better husband," said Hurstwood. At this moment, he turned his attention to Mrs. Vance, and for a moment, Carrie saw again what she had subconsciously felt for some time was no longer in Hurstwood... the adaptability and adaptability he was good at. Flattery. She also found that she was not well dressed, and was far from Mrs. Vance. These were no longer vague thoughts. She saw her situation clearly. So sad. The old feeling of melancholy, which helped people move forward and stimulated people, returned. The yearning Carrie was quietly reminding her that it was time to think about her own future. There were no immediate results of this awakening, for Carrie lacked initiative. But nevertheless, she always seemed to adapt to the tide of change, to jump in and go with the flow. Hurstwood noticed nothing. He didn't. Feeling the stark contrast that Carrie had noticed. He hadn't even noticed the melancholy in her eyes. The worst of it was that she was now beginning to feel lonely at home, and wanted the company of Mrs. Vance, who was very fond of her. "Let's go to a play this afternoon," said Mrs. Vance, coming into Carrie's house one morning, still in the soft pink dressing gown she wore when she got up. Hurstwood and Vance had gone to the house about an hour before. Everyone is on their way. "Well," said Carrie, noting that Mrs. Vance's appearance always had that air of a pampered and prettified woman. She seemed to be pampered and responsive. "What are we going to see?" Where's the play?" "Oh, I'd love to see Nat Goodwin play," said Mrs. Vance. "I think he's the funniest actor ever. The papers say it's a very good play." "And when shall we start?" asked Carrie. "We'll start at one o'clock, go out on Thirty-fourth Street, and go south on Broadway," said Mrs. Vance. "It's a very interesting way to go. He's playing at Madison Square." "I'd love to go," said Carrie. "How much are the tickets?" "Less than a dollar," said Mrs. Vance. Mrs. Vance went back, and came again at one o'clock. She was very pretty in a dark blue walkable dress, with a smart hat. Carrie made herself attractive enough. But by comparison , this woman made Carrie feel distressed. It seems that she has a lot of fine trinkets, and Carrie has none. She has all kinds of small gold ornaments, a fine green leather bag with her initials on it, and a very fancy pattern. Vance's fashionable handkerchiefs and other such things. Carrie felt that she needed more and better clothes to match this woman. Anyone who saw them would choose Mrs. Vance's clothes on the basis of clothes alone. The idea is very annoying, although it is not Quite just, because Carrie now has the same lovely figure, and she is more and more beautiful, and she is already a very lovely beauty of her type. There are some differences in the quality and newness of the clothes of the two, but these differences Not very obvious. Yet it increased Carrie's dissatisfaction with her situation. Strolling Broadway was, then as now, one of the city's striking features. Before and after matinee shows, it was not only the coquettish pretty women who swarmed here, but also those who loved to watch. A man who loves to admire women. This is a team composed of beautiful faces and gorgeous clothes, which is very spectacular. The women wear their best hats, shoes and gloves, and walk arm in arm along the way. From 34th Street to Thirty-fourth Street are lined with gorgeous shops or theaters. Likewise, men parade in the latest clothing that they can afford. Here, tailors can get inspiration for tailoring clothes, shoemakers can learn Fashionable styles and colors, the hatter can know the market of hats. If a well-dressed person buys a new suit, it must be worn for the first time on Broadway Street, this is true. This fact is absolutely true , as we all know. So, a few years later, there was also a popular song that dealt with this and other aspects of the showy scene on a matinee afternoon. The song was called "What Right Has He to Be on Broadway On the Street?", the song was very popular in the concert halls of New York after its release. In all her time in the city, Carrie had never heard of such a display of display. Nor had she been to Broadway when it occurred. To Mrs. Vance, however, it was It was commonplace. Not only did she know all about it, but she was often in it, going out of her way to see and be seen, to cause a stir with her beauty, to compare herself with the fashionable beauties of the city, so as not to be at odds with the well-dressed beauties. any outdated trends. After they got off the streetcar at Thirty-fourth Street, Carrie walked forward quite comfortably. But after a while, she was staring at the beauties who passed or walked with them in groups. She looked at it. She suddenly felt that Mrs. Vance was a little embarrassed in the public eye. Those handsome men and elegantly dressed ladies were staring at her with unscrupulous eyes, and there was no politeness at all. It became a legitimate and natural thing. Carrie noticed that she too was being stared and eyed. Men in fine coats and top hats, with silver canes in their hands, passed by and often stared at her. Look at her sensitive eyes. The well-dressed ladies rustled by, smiling and smelling their scents. Carrie noticed that there were few of them good, and most of them were evil. There are many red lips, white face, fragrant hair and big lazy eyes. She was surprised to find that she was in the fashionable crowd, showing herself in this ostentatious place, and it was such a spectacular place The bright windows of jewellers' shops are visible along the way. Flower shops. Fur shops. Men's haberdashery shops. Candy shops, one after the other. Carriages all over the street. The brass buttons and belts of the men stood in front of the high-end stores. The coachmen in brown boots, white tights, and blue jackets waited obsequiously for the hostesses who were shopping in the shops. It was a magnificent sight, and Carrie felt that she did not belong here. In any case, she could not have the attitude and manners of Mrs. Vance, who was always confident because she was beautiful. She could think of it. Only, as it must be obvious to all, she was the least well-dressed of the two of them. It hurt her heart. She made up her mind that she would not come here again unless she was better dressed. Here it is. But at the same time, she longs to have the pleasure of being here at the same price. Ah, she will be happy then.