Lieutenant Colonel Victor Henry took a taxi home from the Navy Building on Constitution Road; the dark and stormy March weather was very similar to his mood at that time.This afternoon in the small room of the Operation Planning Department, he heard a very unexpected news from his superiors. According to his worldly experience, his bright future might be ruined.Now he had to consult with his wife and make a decision at once; yet he had no confidence in her opinion. At forty-five, Rhoda Henry was still a very pretty woman, but she was too chatty, which clouded her judgment.In her husband's opinion, this shortcoming of hers was hard to forgive.She didn't marry him in a daze.While the proposal was in full swing, the two of them had open and frank discussions about military life.Rhoda Grover claimed at the time that all the shortcomings - the prolonged separation, the lack of a real home and a normal family life - were, according to the system point one

The slow climb to the point, the servility required of the wife of a slightly superior man—all these disadvantages did not trouble her, because she loved him, and because the Navy was an honorable profession.She said these words in 1915, when the world war was going on and the uniforms were shining.Now it was 1939, and she had long since forgotten those words. He had warned her that the climb would be difficult.Victor Henry was not from a naval family.On every rung the Admiral's sons and grandsons jostled him as he climbed the slippery ladder of future.Yet everyone in the Navy who knew Pug Henry well said he had a future.Up until now, he has been steadily rising.

When he was in high school, he wrote a letter to the Congressman, which secured him admission to the Naval Academy, which is so indicative of his character that the following quotation is made.He showed his character early on. Dear Sir: Since I was a freshman in high school, I have written you three letters to report my academic performance in Sonoma County High School, and you have kindly written me three letters back, so I hope you remember my Name, and remember my ambition to go to the Naval Academy. Now I'm about to graduate from high school.It seems a little immodest to write all my good grades, but I know you can understand my painstaking efforts in doing so.This year I was captain of the varsity football team, played linebacker, and I was also on the boxing team.

I have been elected to the Arista Society.Mathematics, history and several natural sciences, I am a candidate for a prize.My English and foreign language (German) scores are not so high.But I am the secretary of the little Russian language club in the school.Although the nine members of the club were local residents, their ancestors were all settled in the Ross Fort by the Russian Tsar long ago.My best friend was in the club, so I joined and learned a little bit of Russian.The reason I mention this is to show that my language skills are not inferior. My goal in life is to serve my country as an officer in the United States Navy.I can't say exactly why I'm doing this, since no one in my family background was in the sailing business.My father was an engineer who felled fir trees.I have never been fond of logging, but have always been interested in ships and cannon.I often make a special trip to San Francisco and San Diego to see the warships moored there.I used my private savings to buy two dozen books on naval engineering and naval warfare for research.

I know you only have one place here, but in our district, there must be many people applying.If you find anyone more qualified than me, I'll sign up for the Navy and get myself out of the ranks.However, I have made serious efforts to get your consideration of my request, and I am convinced that I have a clear conscience. respect your students very much Victor Henry May 5, 1910 Five years later, Henry won his wife in the same straightforward manner, even though she was two inches taller than him, and although her wealthy parents thought Henry was not good enough for her: he was just a pudgy guy from California. Midshipman, football linebacker, no family, no family.When he pursued Rhoda, he put aside his soul-soaked personal ambitions and showed incomparable tenderness, humor, thoughtfulness and chic demeanor.After a month or two, Rhoda could hardly get the word "no" out of his mouth.The mundane details, such as the height of the figure, have long been ignored by her.

However, in the long run, it is not always a good thing for a beautiful woman to look down at her husband all the time.Some tall men thought such a pairing was a bit funny and would try to seduce her.Although Rhoda was a very well-behaved woman, she couldn't help feeling swayed at this point - just not to the point of getting into trouble - and sometimes even coyly teasing people.Henry was known as a ruthless and iron man, which made those men who fell in love with his wife afraid to act rashly.He also really has the ability to control Rhoda.Nevertheless, this physical defect caused frequent quarrels between the husband and wife.

The real shadow that hung over the couple was Lieutenant Colonel Henry's accusation of Rhoda's infidelity and the neglect of their premarital understanding.She was as good a Navy wife as she could be, but she complained too much, too loudly, and without reason.Every time she went to a place she didn't like, like Manila, she would babble for months on end.Wherever she went, she complained that it was too hot, or too cold, or that it was raining, or that it was too dry, or that she hated servants, taxi drivers, shop assistants, seamstresses, barbers, etc.Listening to Rhoda Henry babbling so much every day, it was as if her life was a daily struggle against an inefficient world and bad weather.It's just a cliché among women, and it's no surprise at all.But the intercourse between husband and wife is mainly talk rather than sex.Henry hates moaning in vain.He responded more and more with silence.It can muffle the sound.

Rhoda, on the other hand, satisfied him in two ways, which he thought a wife should be: a coquettish woman and an able housewife.They have been married for so many years, and she rarely makes him unmoved.And over the years, they have moved many times. Every time they go to a place, Rhoda can always arrange the living room or apartment comfortably, with hot coffee and delicious food, and the room is always cleaned very well. , the beds are always neatly folded, and the vases are always filled with flowers.She's got some charming little tricks, too, and when she's in the mood she can be very cute and very likable.Although Victor Henry didn't come into contact with many women, he knew that most of them were vain, slobs who chattered all day long, unlike Rhoda, who had a good side to make up for their shortcomings.His unshakable opinion was that Rhoda, despite her faults, was a good wife for him if he compared her to the average wife.This is no problem.

But on the way home after a busy day, he could never predict what kind of Rhoda he would meet, whether it was the cute Rhoda or the nagging Rhoda.At a critical juncture like today, the quality of her spirits will make all the difference.When she was in a bad mood, her judgments were crude and often foolish. As soon as he entered the house, he could hear her singing on the heated glass porch that opened onto the drawing room, where they usually had a drink before dinner.He saw her arranging flowers and put a bouquet of narcissus in the crimson vase he had bought in Manila.She was dressed in a light brown silk dress, and around her waist was a black leather belt with a large silver buckle.Her black hair was curled into waves and hung behind her ears.In 1939, it was a hairstyle that even middle-aged women loved.She welcomed him with love and joy in her eyes.Seeing her like this made him feel better at once; he had always felt that way all his life.

"Oh, look at you. Why didn't you let me know that Kip Tolliver was coming? He sent the flowers, and luckily a phone call. I've been around the house like a handyman for a long time." La la." Rhoda's voice, in his casual chatter, was high-pitched, like the airy Washington women usually are.Her voice is very nice, with a slight rustle, and the words and sentences she spits out often add emphasis to what she said, and give people the illusion of being talented. "He said he might be a little late. Let's have a little drink first, Pug, okay? There's all the bartending stuff. I'm dying of thirst."

Henry walked over to the bar on wheels and began mixing martinis. "I asked Kip to come in and sit down for a while so we could talk to him. This is not a social visit." "Oh? Shall I avoid it?" She smiled at him very cutely. "no no." "Excellent. I like Kip. Hey, I was surprised to hear his voice just now. I thought he was still in Berlin." "He's been transferred." "That's what he told me. Do you know who will take his place?" "No one has picked him up yet. Let the assistant Air Force attache take over." Victor Henry handed her a glass of cocktail.He sat down in a brown wicker armchair with his feet on the plush ottoman, sipping wine, and his mood became gloomy again. Rhoda had become accustomed to her husband's reticence.She had already seen his bad mood at a glance.Victor Henry always kept his back straight, except in moments of pain and tension.At that time, he would bend over and back, as if he was still playing football.He had been hunched when he entered the room just now, and even now that he was sitting on the armchair with his feet up, his back was still a little hunched.Straight black hair fell across his forehead.Although he was forty-nine, he had hardly a single gray hair on his head, and his black sweatpants, brown tracksuit, and red bow tie suited someone younger.This is his little vanity, as long as he doesn't wear a military uniform, he always likes to look young.His muscular physique helped him so that he didn't look too harsh.Rhoda could tell from the lines around his blue-brown eyes that he was tired and preoccupied.It may be the result of looking out at sea for many years. There are always wrinkles around Henry's eye sockets that seem to be caused by laughing.Strangers will mistake him for an amiable person when they see him. "Is there any more wine?" he said at last.She poured him a glass of wine. "Thank you. Hey, it just occurred to me that I wrote a memorandum on battleships. Do you know about that?" "Oh, I know. Is there a reaction? I know you've been concerned." "They called me into the office of the Chief of Naval Operations today." "Jesus, are you going to see Priber?" "Pryber himself. Haven't seen him since we parted with him on the 'California' many years ago. He's put on weight." Henry told her about his conversation with the Chief of Naval Operations.Rhoda had a stern, gloomy, bewildered look on his face. "Oh, I see. That's why you called Kip." "Exactly. What do you think of me going to be a military attache?" "When have you ever had the right to choose?" "He gave me the impression that I had a choice. If I don't take the job, I might be next time a battleship as mate-commander." "My God, Pug, that's just right!" "You like me to go back to sea?" "I like it? When has my opinion mattered?" "Anyway, I want to hear which one you like." Rhoda hesitated for a moment, then squinted at him. "Er--of course I'd like to go to Germany. It's much more interesting to me than you're on a ship like USS New Mexico patrolling around Hawaii while I'm sitting at home by myself. Germany is Loveliest country in all of Europe. People are so friendly. German used to be my main foreign language, you know, but that was years ago." "Yeah, I know," Victor Henry said, frowning and smiling, the first time he'd smiled since he got home. "Your German is very good." He Recalling how they recited Heine's love poems together on their honeymoon. Rhoda gave him a sideways glance affectionately. "Well, it's up to you. I mean, if you have to get out of Washington—I guess those Nazis are kind of ugly and ridiculous. But Maggie Nedson went to the Olympics in Germany. She I have always said that the place is still very good, the price is cheap, and you can buy a lot of things with the tourist mark they give you." "Yes, we can have a good time, no doubt. The question is, Rhoda, is it going to ruin my prospects altogether. Two shore duties in succession, you know, especially at this stage—" "Oh, Pug, you're going to get four bars. I knew you would. You'll be commanding a battleship, too. Gosh, you've got so many pennants and such a good certificate— —Maybe the Chief of Naval Operations is right, Pug? Maybe there's going to be a war there. Then your job will matter, won't it?" "That's nonsense." Pug got up and ate a piece of cheese. "He said the president is now asking for the best man to be a military attache in Berlin. Well, believe that. He also said it wouldn't affect my career. I can't believe that. The selection committee is in your The first thing to look out for on a résumé - as it is and as it will be - is how long you have served at sea." "Pug, you're sure Kip isn't here for dinner? There's plenty to eat. Warren's going to New York." "No, Kip's going to a reception at the German embassy. What the hell is Warren in New York again? He's only been home three days." "Ask him," Rhoda said. There was a slam at the front door, followed by quick, determined footsteps, and there was no doubt that it was Warren.He came into the porch and greeted them with a wave of two squash racquets in one hand. "Hey." He was wearing a gray sweatshirt and trousers, because he had just finished playing, his tanned and thin face was radiant, his hair was a little disheveled, and he had a cigarette sticking out of his thin mouth. Children who are not bound by their families and disappear from their parents' lives as soon as they graduate from college.Pug still wondered how Warren could grow and grow stronger on the kind of food that was on the boat.His slender child's figure grew tall and powerful.When he returned home this time, there were a few premature white hairs scattered in his black hair, which surprised his parents.Victor Henry was a little envious of Warren's tanned skin, because it said so much: the bridge on a destroyer, tennis, the green hills of Oahu, and especially the sea duty thousands of miles off Constitution Road.He said, "I hear you're going to New York?" "Yes, Dad. Can I go? My mate just got to Washington. We're going to see a few shows there. He's a real Idaho farmer, never been to New York." Lieutenant Colonel Henry grunted unhappily.It wouldn't be bad if Warren really flattered his first officer.A father is afraid of some woman waiting for him in New York.Warren was originally a top student in the college, but he went out secretly too many times, which almost affected his graduation appraisal.He had badly hurt his back, which he said he had suffered in a fall, but which was also said to have been a car crash in the middle of the night while he was messing around with an older woman.The parents had never mentioned the woman to him; partly out of embarrassment--they were both well-behaved Christians, and it was difficult to bring up such a subject--and partly because they knew it was too much to talk to Warren about. Such things are completely wasted. Doorbell rang.A gray-haired servant in a white uniform went out across the living room to answer the door.Rhoda stood up, brushed her hair with her slender hands, and lightly brushed her silk-clothed buttocks. "Remember Kip Tolliver, Warren? Probably Kip is here." "Hey, of course I do. That tall Lieutenant Commander who lived next door to us in Manila. Where's he serving?" "He was a naval attaché in Berlin and just left," Victor Henry said. Warren made a funny face and whispered, "My God, Dad, how did he get into this business? A civil servant in an embassy!" Rhoda gave her husband a look, and there was nothing wrong with his face. expression. "Colonel Tolliver is here, ma'am," said the servant at the door. "Hello, Rhoda!" Tolliver strode in, stretching out his long arms; he wore a well-fitting uniform: a blue coat with gold buttons, and several Medal, a black tie, and a crisp white shirt. "Hey, my God! You're ten years younger than you were in the Philippines." "Oh, see what you said," she said, with a twinkle in her eyes, and let him press a soft kiss on the cheek. "Hal, Pug." Tolliver raised a handsomely manicured hand, brushed his thick, graying curls, and stared at the son. "To be honest, which one of your children is this?" Warren stretched out a hand. "Hello, sir. Guess what." "Aha. It's Warren. Byron doesn't smile like that. And red hair, I remember." "You guessed it, sir." "Rosdy Trainor told me you were serving on the Monaghan. What's Byron doing?" Rhoda spoke cheerfully after a moment's silence. "Oh, Byron is the romantic dreamer of our family, Kip. He studied art in Italy. You should meet Madeline too! You're grown up," said Warren. "I'm sorry I'm sorry. , sir," and went out. "Art! Italy!" On Tolliver's thin and handsome face, a thick eyebrow was raised, and two diamond blue eyes were wide open. "Well, that would be very romantic. Hey, Pug, when did you start drinking?" Tolliver asked after taking a martini and seeing Henry pour himself another. "Why, Kip, I've been drinking in Manila. Pretty hard." "Really? I forgot. I just remember that you were the most anti-drinking in college. You didn't even smoke." "Well, I quit a long time ago." Victor Henry, who had been drinking and smoking since the death of his infant daughter, had gradually become addicted, and had long since forgotten the injunctions of his strict Methodist father to quit smoking and drinking.He didn't like to discuss this topic.Tolliver smiled slightly and said, "You also play cards on Sunday?" "No. I haven't gotten over my silly temper yet." "Don't call it silly, Pug." Lieutenant Colonel Tolliver began to talk about his job as a military attache in Berlin.His first words were: "You'll like Germany, and so will Rhoda. You'd be a fool to pass up the chance." His elbows were resting on the arms of his chair, one foot was neatly resting on the other, and his conversation was as eloquent as ever.To this day he was still one of the prettiest in Pug's class, but also one of the unluckiest.Two years after graduating from the Naval Academy, he had an accident during a fleet maneuver.He was a Japanese officer on a destroyer at the time, and there was a storm at sea, and at night, without warning, a submarine surfaced a hundred yards ahead of him and collided with the destroyer. on.The responsibility was not on him, and no one was injured. The ordinary military court only gave him a demerit.But this punishment hindered his promotion and affected his future.He drank as he spoke, downing two martinis in about fifteen minutes. ① The total Japanese officer on board is responsible for managing the work of the entire ship on behalf of the captain during the duty period. Except for the deputy captain, all personnel on the ship should obey his orders. Later, when Victor Henry asked him about the situation of the Nazis and how he should deal with them, Kip Tolliver suddenly sat up straight, straightened his crooked fingers when making gestures, and his tone changed. Very firm.The National Socialist Party came to power, he said, and other German political parties went out, just like the Democrats came to power and the Republicans went down in the United States.This is one aspect of the problem.The Germans love America and are desperate for our friendship.As long as Pug treats them as human beings, he will find that all channels are open to him, and information will flow in.Comments in the press about the new Germany distort the facts.When Pug got to know the reporters, he'd understand why—most of them were disaffected leftists and drunks. "Hitler was a fucking great guy," Tolliver said, straightening his elbows, resting his chin with one well-scrubbed hand, and pulling the other casually. With a smile on his face. "I'm not saying that he, or Goering, or any of their gang, wouldn't murder their own grandmother to increase their power or advance German interests. But that's the politics of Europe today. We Americans are too Naive. The Soviet Union is the great reality that Europe has to face, Pug - those Slav barbarians are making trouble in the East. It is difficult for us to understand the feeling, but for them, it is the rock of politics. The Comintern is not there to play mahjong, You know, the Bolsheviks are coming out to rule Europe, whether by tricks or force or both. But Hitler won't let them do that. That's the heart of the matter. The Germans don't do politics the way we do - the means against the Jews, for example - but it's only a transitional phenomenon, and it's none of your business anyway. Remember that. Your job is to gather military intelligence. You can get that from these guys. A lot of information. They are very proud of their achievements and they like to show off, I mean they will give you real information." Pug went back to mixing martinis, and Rhoda asked a few questions about the Jews.Tolliver told her emphatically that the newspaper reports were all exaggerated.The worst was the so-called "Crystal Night", when some Nazi thugs came out and smashed the windows of department stores and set fire to several synagogues.Even this was brought on by the Jews themselves, who first murdered an official in the German embassy in Paris.Tolliver also said that as an embassy worker himself, he has a pessimistic view on the matter.He and his wife happened to be watching a play in the theater that day, and when they came home, they saw a lot of broken glass on the Kurfürstenburg Avenue, and there was a fire or two in the distance.However, according to the report of "Time" magazine, it seems that the whole of Germany is burning, and the Jews are being massacred.Several news reports contradicted each other, but as far as he knew, no one was actually physically harmed.In order to comfort the dead embassy staff, they were fined a large sum of money, about one billion marks or something.Hitler believed in strong drugs. "As far as the president ordering the recall of our ambassador, I think it's a redundant gesture, completely redundant," Tolliver said. "It will only make things worse for the Jews, and at the same time completely disrupt the work of our embassy. Here in Washington, there is literally no common sense about Germany." After drinking two more martinis, this soldier, who was sitting upright, bent his waist and talked too much. He talked endlessly about the inside story of the navy, recalled various receptions, every weekend, several hunting trips, Wait; he recalled a time How he drank all night with some Luftwaffe officers after a National Socialist party meeting, and at dawn everyone drank potato soup to sober up; and how he befriended some famous actors and politicians.He said with a smile, as long as you don't play the wrong cards, military attache work is very interesting and you can live a very good life.Besides, it's your job to do these things in order to gather intelligence.This is the dream job.Since a man is in the navy, he is entitled to the most things in the navy!He sat in the front row and watched the history unfold one by one, and at the same time gained the greatest enjoyment. "I'm telling you, Pug, you're going to like this job. It's the funniest job in Europe right now. There's a lot of good and bad people in the Nazis. Some are very capable, but I'll tell you the truth, some are pretty vulgar too. .Professional soldiers in general look down on them a bit.But what the hell do we think of our own politicians?Hitler's in power now,that's out of the question.He's a big shot,I kid you not. So don't talk about that, and you'll have a good time, because there's really no one more hospitable than the Germans. In a sense, they're a lot like us, you know, than the French, Even more like us than the British. They see an American naval officer and want to take their heart out." He looked from Pug to Rhoda with a strange, slightly sad smile on his face. , and a little frustrated. "Especially one like you. They'll know all about you before you get there. Maybe I'm asking too bluntly—if so, tell me—but a man like you People who are keen on guns, why do they suddenly take up this job?" "Blame me for stretching my neck out too far," said Pug complainingly. "You know I worked on magnet torpedo tubes when I was at the Ordnance Bureau—" "Damn it, of course I know. Didn't you get a certificate too?" "Well, I've been keeping an eye on torpedo developments since then. Part of my job in Operations Planning is to keep an eye out for the latest intel on weapons and equipment. The Japanese are making some pretty potent torpedoes, Kip. One night I took out my own old slide rule, calculate the numbers, and find that our warship equipment is outdated below a safe level.I wrote a report recommending the addition or thickening of mine barriers on ships of the class 'Maryland' and 'New Mexico'.The Chief of Naval Operations called me into his office today.My report became a hot potato.The Bureau of Ships and the Bureau of Ordnance blame each other, memos are flying all over the sky, and the lightning protection barrier has been decided to increase or thicken—” ①The semi-cylindrical shell protruding from the west side of the warship's hull to prevent being sunk by torpedoes and mines, usually located below the waterline of the hull. "Finally, for goodness sake, Pug, you've got yourself another award. Well done!" Tolliver licked his lips, his piercing blue eyes shining. "I got myself an order to go to Berlin," Victor Henry said. "Unless I can present sufficient reasons to disobey the order. The Chief of Naval Operations said the White House has determined that the position is of paramount importance at this time." "Yes, Pug, exactly." "Well, maybe it's good, but there's a trade-off, Kip, you've got a knack for that kind of thing. I can't do it. I only do mechanical work. I don't belong in that circle. Gotta find someone right up there, It happened to me that I was picked, that's all. I happened to know a little German. Now I'm stuck." Tolliver looked at his watch. "Well, don't pass up this chance. Here's my advice as an old friend. Hitler's a very, very important man, and something might happen in Europe. I should go to the embassy." Victor Henry walked him out the door, right up to where the brand new gray Mercedes was parked.Tolliver's walking posture was a bit unsteady, but his voice was calm and clear. "Pug, if you decide to go, give me a call. I can copy you a book of phone numbers so you can find some suitable people to talk to. In fact—" A wry smile flashed across his face . "No, you don't need to give your woman's phone number, do you? Well, I've always admired you very much." He patted Henry on the shoulder. "My God, I had high hopes for this party! I haven't had a real glass of Moselle since I left Berlin." Victor Henry nearly tripped over a suitcase and a hatbox as he resumed his progress.His daughter was standing by the porch mirror in a green wool sweater, with a hat that fit perfectly on her head.While Rhoda watched her daughter get dressed, Warren waited, his army overcoat slung over his shoulders and an old pigskin duffel bag in his hand. "What's the matter, Madeline? Where are you going?" She smiled at him, opening her dark eyes very wide. "Oh, didn't Ma tell you yet? Warren is taking me to New York." Pug looked at Rhoda sternly, and Rhoda said, "Is there anything wrong with that, honey? Warren bought it." A few theater tickets. She likes the theater, and Washington seldom acts." "But is the university closed? Is it already Easter break?" The daughter said: "My homework is all ready. I will only go for two days, and there will be no exams during the two days." "Where are you going to live?" put in Warren, "in the Babizon Ladies' Hotel." "I don't like it," Victor Henry said. Madeleine looked at her father with that imploring look which would soften the heart of a hard-hearted man.She was nineteen years old, short and slender, with skin like Rhoda's, but with deep-rimmed brown eyes and a determined air, she looked a lot like her father.She tried to wrinkle her little nose towards him.This small gesture of hers can often make him smile and make her get what she wants.This time, his expression didn't change at all.Madeline glanced first at her mother, then at her brother Warren, asking for help, but neither of them showed any expression.Madeline's mouth curled into a smile, a coquettish smile that was sometimes harder to deal with than a tantrum or a back-to-back.She takes off her hat. "Okay! Never mind. Warren, I hope you'll get rid of the extra tickets. When's dinner?" "Now," Rhoda said. Warren put on his army overcoat and picked up his travel bag. "Hey, by the way, Dad, did I ever tell you that about two months ago our deputy captain proposed to conduct flight training? I submitted an application, but just wanted to join in the fun. Um, Saw Chet strolling around Naval Personnel Office today. Looks like we're both going to get in." "Flight training?" Rhoda looked very unhappy. "You mean you're going to be a pilot of an aircraft carrier? That's how it's decided? Don't you discuss it with your father?" "Why, mother, it's just a way of inflating qualifications. I think it makes sense, don't you, father?" Lieutenant Colonel Henry said, "Exactly. The future of the Navy must belong to the class in the tan shoes." "I don't know that, but Pensacola must be a fun place, if I don't make a fool of myself the first week. Be back on Friday. I'm sorry, Madeline." She said, "Thank you for your kindness. I wish you Have fun." He kissed his mother and left. Pug Henry was sullen and silent, absentmindedly drinking creme fraiche and eating London chicken and bayberry pie.Kip Tolliver's devotion to such mundane spy work only deepened Henry's unhappiness.Madeleine's constant tendency to skip class always annoyed him.But worst of all was Warren's casual news.Pug was both proud and afraid.Being a pilot on an aircraft carrier is the most dangerous job in the Navy, although even officers his age are applying to Pensacola for flight training so that they can serve on an aircraft carrier in the future.As he ate, Henry, a devoted Navy man, wondered whether it was right for Warren to do this, and whether he himself should apply for flight training in order to honorably (if a bit heinously) avoid his mission to Berlin. Madeline kept her smile on her face as she talked to her mother about GWU's student radio station, which was her favorite thing at school.The servant, an old Irishman who also tended the garden in warm weather, walked lightly in and out of the candle-lit dining room furnished with Rhoda's antiques.Rhoda also contributes to family expenses so they can maintain the lifestyle they have in Washington, with her old friends.Although Victor Henry was full of displeasure, he couldn't express his suffering.A lieutenant colonel's salary is not much, but Rhoda is used to a better life. Madeline kissed her father on the forehead and left the dining room early.While the sweets were being eaten, there was still a gloomy silence at the table, except for the soft footsteps of the old servant.罗达一句话也不说，等着她丈夫的心情逐渐好转。后来他清了下喉咙，说还是到廊子上去喝白兰地和咖啡吧，她就愉快地微笑着回答：“好的，咱们去吧，帕格。” 用人把银茶具放到廊子上，开亮假壁炉里一闪一闪的红灯。她耐心地等着，直到她丈夫在他喜爱的椅子上坐好，慢慢地喝着咖啡和白兰地。于是她说：“你知道吗，拜伦来信了。” “什么？他真还记得我们都活着？他身体可好？” 他们有好几个月没收到他的信了。亨利常常做噩梦，梦见他儿子死在意大利一辆掉进水沟冒着烟的汽车里，或者梦见他死于其他方式或受伤。不过他从接到最后一封信以后，一直没提起过拜伦。 “他身体挺好。他目前在锡耶纳。他已经不在佛罗伦萨学习，说他已对美术感到腻烦了。” “我听了一点也不觉得奇怪。锡耶纳。那地方仍属于意大利，是不是？” “是的，靠近佛罗伦萨。在托斯卡纳山区。他一直在托斯卡纳山区打转。他似乎对一个女孩子有了好感。” “一个女孩子，嗯？什么样的女孩子？意大利姑娘？” “不，不。一个纽约姑娘。娜塔丽•杰斯特罗。他说她叔父是个名人。” “我明白了。她叔父是谁？” “是个作家。他住在锡耶纳，名叫埃伦•杰斯特罗博士。勃拉尼①说，他曾经在耶鲁大学教过历史。” ①勃拉尼是拜伦的昵称。 “信在哪儿？” “在电话桌上。” 几分钟后他拿着信回来了，还拿来一本有黑包包封的厚书，封面上印着一个白色十字架和一个蓝色六角星。“这就是她叔父写的。” “哦，不错。《一个犹太人的耶稣》。这本书是某个读书会寄来的。你看过没有？” “我看了两遍。写得好极了。”亨利映着黄色的灯光翻阅他儿子的信。“嗯。事情看来进展得相当快呢。” “她好象挺可爱，”罗达说。“不过他过去也曾有过这情况，九天的热恋。” 亨利中校把信轻轻地扔在咖啡桌上，又给自己倒了杯白兰地。“我过会儿再细看。他从来没有写过这样长的信。信里有什么重要的话吗？” “他想要继续留在意大利。” “真的吗？他打算怎样生活？” “他跟杰斯特罗博士一起做点儿研究工作。那姑娘也在那儿工作。他认为靠他自己所挣的钱，加上从我母亲的信托财产里拿到的不多几块钱，就可以凑合了。” “当真？”亨利盯了她一眼。“连拜伦•亨利也谈起自己养活自己了，这倒是自从你生下他以后从他那里听到的最大新闻。”他喝完杯子里的咖啡和白兰地，站起来，砰的拍了下桌子，才把信拿在手里。 “别生气，帕格。拜伦是个奇怪的孩子，不过他很有头脑。” “我还有点儿工作要做。” 亨利进了他的私室，点上一支雪茄，把拜伦的信仔细看了两遍。这个私室是女用人的房间改装而成。楼下原有一间漂亮的书室，装着落地窗，望出去可以看到花园。这间书室在理论上是属于他的。但这个房间实在太可爱了，罗达有时喜欢用它来接待客人，她丈夫要是留下一些文件和书籍在里面，她就要跟他唠叨个没完。这样过了几个月，亨利就把几个书架、—张小床、一张用旧了的小书桌搬到原来给女用人住的小房间里，自己也住在里面，他对这个小天地还感到很满意：过去住的驱逐舰舱房比这还要小呢！ 亨利抽完雪茄，就向他那架旧手提打字机走去。他把两手放在键盘上，停了片刻，注视着桌上皮镜框里的三张像片：华伦，穿着军装，刺猬似的头发，严肃而孩子气的脸，他是海军将级军官的接班人；梅德琳，才十七岁，但看上去要比现在年轻得多：拜伦站在中间，挑衅似的大嘴，半闭着的、善于分析的眼睛，又浓又密的头发，有点象瓜子型的脸上奇特地混杂着温柔和桀骜不驯。拜伦的外貌既不象他父亲也不象他母亲。他只是他怪模怪样的自己。 亲爱的勃拉尼： 你母亲和我接到了你的长信。我打算认真地对待这封信。你母亲宁愿一笑置之，可是我记得你过去从来不曾写过这样长的信，也从来不曾用那样的言词形容过一个姑娘。我很高兴你身体很好，还找到了有收益的工作。这是个好消息。我从来不曾认真看待过你要学美术这件事。 现在谈谈娜塔丽•杰斯特罗。在这可悲的日子和时代，尤其考虑到德国目前发生的情况，我得首先表示，我对犹太民族没有一点偏见。我跟他们的交往不多，因为海军里很少犹太人。在海军学院学习的时候我班上有四个，在一九一一年这也是很罕见的现象。他们中间有一个毕了业，他名叫汉克•高尔德法伯，是个很好的军官。 在这儿华盛顿，对犹太人的偏见颇深。他们做生意的本领太大，最近终于遭到物议。不久前，你母亲的一个朋友讲给我听一个笑话。我听了并不觉得好笑，大概是因为我自己的曾祖来自格拉斯哥的缘故。他说，国会图书馆里三本最薄的书是：《苏格兰慈善事业的历史》、《法国妇女的贞操》和《犹太人生意道德的研究》。Hahaha!这种笑话可能是希特勒宣传的影响，不过讲给我听这个笑话的人是个很好的律师和基督教徒。 你最好仔细想想结婚的深远意义。我知道我这话说得太早了一些，可是在你不能自拔之前，现在正是好好思考的时候。千万不要忘记这样一个真理：你要与之结婚的姑娘，和你必须与之共同生活的女人，是两个完全不同的人。 女人一般都喜欢注意眼前的生活。在没有结婚之前，她一心想赢得你。结婚之后，你只是她生活中的许多因素之一。在某种意义上说，你的重要性只占第二位，因为她已经•占•有了你，而其他的一切却在变动——孩子们、家庭生活、新衣服、社交关系。如果这些其他因素不合她的意，她就会使你的日子过得不愉快。 万一跟娜塔丽•杰斯特罗这样的姑娘结婚，所有其他因素都会经常给她带来烦恼，从混血的孩子到社交上很细微的歧视。象中国人用眼泪折磨人一样，这一切都会使你痛苦。如果这样，你们两个都会渐渐觉得苦恼和悲伤，可是到那时你们都有了儿女，分离不开，结果你们会觉得自己生活在人间地狱。 我只是把我心里想的告诉你。也许我是老脑筋，或者太愚蠢，或者太没有同情心。我不在乎这个姑娘是犹太人，虽说孩子们的信仰将会成为一个严重的问题，因为我觉得你是一个很好的基督教徒，比现在的华伦更好。你形容她头脑如何聪明，这一点给我印象很深，我也毫不怀疑，因为她身为埃伦•杰斯特罗的侄女这件事就是说明。《一个犹太人的耶稣》是一部很出色的作品。如果我认为她真能够使你幸福，能够在生活上给你一些指导，那么我就会欢迎她，而且如有人胆敢对她无礼，我就会亲自给他鼻子上一拳。不过我觉得这可能成为我将从事的第二种事业。 嗯，我已同意你按照你自己的志趣行事。这一点你想必早已知道了。我写这样一封信是很不容易的。我觉得自己真象一个傻瓜，把大家明白的道理加以发挥，把我自己所厌恶的真理加以解释，尤其是让我自己来干涉你的私人感情。可是我这样做是有道理的。你给我们写了一封信。我的理解是你要一封回信。我只能做到这一点。你要是把我当作一个老顽固，我也没有意见。 这封信我要拿给你母亲看。她一定不会赞成我这样写，因此我要在她不签名的情况下把信寄给你。也许她会附上一笔，跟你讲几句她的心里话。华伦在家。他已申请参加飞行训练，有可能批准。 dad 罗达喜欢睡懒觉，但她丈夫第二天早晨八点就叫醒了她，递给她一封他写给拜伦的信和一杯热咖啡。她象发脾气似的霍地从床上坐起来，一边喝咖啡一边看信，看完后一言不发，把信还给了他。 “你要在信上加点儿什么吗？” “不。”她板着脸。刚才读到帕格写的关于女人和婚姻这一段时，她微微把眉毛一拧。 “你赞成这样写吗？” “象这样的信解决不了任何问题，”罗达说，表示了很深的、很有把握的轻蔑。 “我可以寄出吗？” "I do not care." 他把那封信放在前胸口袋里。“今天早晨十点钟我要去见普瑞柏尔海军上将。你还有其他想法吗？” “帕格，请你完全照你自己的意思去办好不好？”罗达说。口气里带着痛苦和腻烦。他一离开，她就一下子钻进被窝了。 帕格说了他愿意接受这个职务的时候，海军作战部长似乎一点也不觉得惊奇。早在黎明时分，亨利一觉醒来，深深觉得自己已无法逃避这个使命，也就索性不去想它了。普瑞柏尔要他赶紧准备。去柏林的命令已经发出了。