第3章 My Uncle Jules 我的叔叔于勒

A whitebeard begged us for alms. My companion, Joseph Davranche, gave him five francs. Noticing my surprised look, he said: “That poor man reminds me of a story which I shall tell you, the memory of which continually pursues me. Here it is:

“My family, which came originally from Le Havre, was not rich. We just managed to make both ends meet. My father worked hard, came home late from the office, and earned very little. I had two sisters.

“My mother suffered a good deal from our reduced circumstances, and she often had harsh words for her husband, veiled and sly reproaches. The poor man then made a gesture which used to distress me. He would pass his open hand over his forehead, as if to wipe away perspiration which did not exist, and he would answer nothing. I felt his helpless suffering. We economized on everything, and never would accept an invitation to dinner, so as not to have to return the courtesy. All our provisions were bought at bargain sales. My sisters made their own gowns, and long discussions would arise on the price of a piece of braid worth fifteen centimes a yard. Our meals usually consisted of soup and beef, prepared with every kind of sauce. They say it is wholesome and nourishing, but I should have preferred a change.

“I used to go through terrible scenes on account of lost buttons and torn trousers.

“Every Sunday, dressed in our best, we would take our walk along the breakwater. My father, in a frock coat, high hat and kid gloves, would offer his arm to my mother, decked out and beribboned like a ship on a holiday. My sisters, who were always ready first, would await the signal for leaving; but at the last minute some one always found a spot on my father's frock coat, and it had to be wiped away quickly with a rag moistened with benzine.

“My father, in his shirt sleeves, his silk hat on his head, would await the completion of the operation, while my mother, putting on her spectacles, and taking off her gloves in order not to spoil them, would make haste.

“Then we set out ceremoniously. My sisters marched on ahead, arm in arm. They were of marriageable age and had to be displayed. I walked on the left of my mother and my father on her right. I remember the pompous air of my poor parents in these Sunday walks, their stern expression, their stiff walk. They moved slowly, with a serious expression, their bodies straight, their legs stiff, as if something of extreme importance depended upon their appearance.

“Every Sunday, when the big steamers were returning from unknown and distant countries, my father would invariably utter the same words: ‘What a surprise it would be if Jules were on that one! Eh? ’

“My Uncle Jules, my father's brother, was the only hope of the family, after being its only fear. I had heard about him since childhood, and it seemed to me that I should recognize him immediately, knowing as much about him as I did. I knew every detail of his life up to the day of his departure for America, although this period of his life was spoken of only in hushed tones.

“It seems that he had led a bad life, that is to say, he had squandered a little money, which action, in a poor family, is one of the greatest crimes. With rich people a man who amuses himself only sows his wild oats. He is what is generally called a sport. But among needy families a boy who forces his parents to break into the capital becomes a good-for-nothing, a rascal, a scamp.

“And this distinction is just, although the act be the same, for consequences alone determine the seriousness of the act.

“Well, Uncle Jules had visibly diminished the inheritance on which my father had counted, after he had swallowed his own to the last penny.

“Then, according to the custom of the times, he had been shipped off to America on a freighter going from Havre to New York.

“Once there, my uncle began to sell something or other, and he soon wrote that he was making a little money and that he soon hoped to be able to indemnify my father for the harm he had done him. This letter caused a profound emotion in the family. Jules, who up to that time had not been worth his salt, suddenly became a good man, a kind-hearted fellow, true and honest like all the Davranches.

“One of the captains told us that he had rented a large shop and was doing an important business.

“Two years later a second letter came, saying: ‘My dear Philippe, I am writing to tell you not to worry about my health, which is excellent. Business is good. I leave to-morrow for a long trip to South America. I may be away for several years without sending you any news. If I shouldn't write, don't worry. When my fortune is made I shall return to Havre. I hope that it will not be too long and that we shall all live happily together…’

“This letter became the gospel of the family. It was read on the slightest provocation, and it was shown to everybody.

“For ten years nothing was heard from Uncle Jules; but as time went on my father's hope grew, and my mother, also, often said: ‘When that good Jules is here, our position will be different. There is one who knew how to get along! ’

“And every Sunday, while watching the big steamers approaching from the horizon, pouring out a stream of smoke, my father would repeat his eternal question: ‘What a surprise it would be if Jules were on that one! Eh? ’

“We almost expected to see him waving his handkerchief and crying: ‘Hey! Philippe! ’

“Thousands of schemes had been planned on the strength of this expected return; we were even to buy a little house with my uncle's money—a little place in the country near Ingouville. In fact, I wouldn't swear that my father had not already begun negotiations.

“The elder of my sisters was then twenty-eight, the other twenty-six. They were not yet married, and that was a great grief to every one.

“At last a suitor presented himself for the younger one. He was a clerk, not rich, but honorable. I have always been morally certain that Uncle Jules' letter, which was shown him one evening, had swept away the young man's hesitation and definitely decided him.

“He was accepted eagerly, and it was decided that after the wedding the whole family should take a trip to Jersey.

“Jersey is the ideal trip for poor people. It is not far; one crosses a strip of sea in a steamer and lands on foreign soil, as this little island belongs to England. Thus, a Frenchman, with a two hours' sail, can observe a neighboring people at home and study their customs.

“This trip to Jersey completely absorbed our ideas, was our sole anticipation, the constant thought of our minds.

“At last we left. I see it as plainly as if it had happened yesterday. The boat was getting up steam against the quay at Granville; my father, bewildered, was superintending the loading of our three pieces of baggage; my mother, nervous, had taken the arm of my unmarried sister, who seemed lost since the departure of the other one, like the last chicken of a brood; behind us came the bride and groom, who always stayed behind, a thing that often made me turn round.

“The whistle sounded. We got on board, and the vessel, leaving the breakwater, forged ahead through a sea as flat as a marble table. We watched the coast disappear in the distance, happy and proud, like all who do not travel much.

“My father was swelling out his chest in the breeze, beneath his frock coat, which had that morning been very carefully cleaned; and he spread around him that odor of benzine which always made me recognize Sunday.

“Suddenly he noticed two elegantly dressed ladies to whom two gentlemen were offering oysters. An old, ragged sailor was opening them with his knife and passing them to the gentlemen, who would then offer them to the ladies. They ate them in a dainty manner, holding the shell on a fine handkerchief and advancing their mouths a little in order not to spot their dresses. Then they would drink the liquid with a rapid little motion and throw the shell overboard.

“My father was probably pleased with this delicate manner of eating oysters on a moving ship. He considered it good form, refined, and, going up to my mother and sisters, he asked: ‘Would you like me to offer you some oysters? ’

“My mother hesitated on account of the expense, but my two sisters immediately accepted. My mother said in a provoked manner: ‘I am afraid that they will hurt my stomach. Offer the children some, but not too much, it would make them sick.’

“Then, turning toward me, she added: ‘As for Joseph, he doesn't need any. Boys shouldn't be spoiled.’

“However, I remained beside my mother, finding this discrimination unjust. I watched my father as he pompously conducted my two sisters and his son-in-law toward the ragged old sailor.

“The two ladies had just left, and my father showed my sisters how to eat them without spilling the liquor. He even tried to give them an example, and seized an oyster. He attempted to imitate the ladies, and immediately spilled all the liquid over his coat. I heard my mother mutter: ‘He would do far better to keep quiet.’

“But, suddenly, my father appeared to be worried; he retreated a few steps, stared at his family gathered around the old shell opener, and quickly came toward us. He seemed very pale, with a peculiar look. In a low voice he said to my mother: ‘It's extraordinary how that man opening the oysters looks like Jules.’

“Astonished, my mother asked: ‘What Jules? ’

“My father continued: ‘Why, my brother. If I did not know that he was well off in America, I should think it was he.’

“Bewildered, my mother stammered: ‘You are crazy! As long as you know that it is not he, why do you say such foolish things? ’

“But my father insisted: ‘Go on over and see, Clarisse! I would rather have you see with your own eyes.’

“She arose and walked to her daughters. I, too, was watching the man. He was old, dirty, wrinkled, and did not lift his eyes from his work.

“My mother returned. I noticed that she was trembling. She exclaimed quickly: ‘I believe that it is he. Why don't you ask the captain? But be very careful that we don't have this rogue on our hands again! ’

“My father walked away, but I followed him. I felt strangely moved.

“The captain, a tall, thin man, with blond whiskers, was walking along the bridge with an important air as if he were commanding the Indian mail steamer.

“My father addressed him ceremoniously, and questioned him about his profession, adding many compliments: ‘What might be the importance of Jersey? What did it produce? What was the population? The customs? The nature of the soil? ' etc., etc.

“At last, my father asked a little nervously, ‘You have there an old shell opener who seems quite interesting. Do you know anything about him? ’

“The captain, whom this conversation began to weary, answered dryly: ‘He is some old French tramp whom I found last year in America, and I brought him back. It seems that he has some relatives in Havre, but that he doesn't wish to return to them because he owes them money. His name is Jules—Jules Darmanche or Darvanche or something like that. It seems that he was once rich over there, but you can see what's left of him now.’

“My father turned ashy pale and muttered, his throat contracted, his eyes haggard.

“‘Ah! ah! very well, very well. I'm not in the least surprised. Thank you very much, captain.’

“He went away, and the astonished sailor watched him disappear. He returned to my mother so upset that she said to him: ‘Sit down; some one will notice that something is the matter.’

“He sank down on a bench and stammered: ‘It's he! It's he! ’

“Then he asked: ‘What are we going to do? ’

“She answered quickly: ‘We must get the children out of the way. Since Joseph knows everything, he can go and get them. We must take good care that our son-in-law doesn't find out.’

“My father seemed absolutely bewildered. He murmured: ‘What a catastrophe! ’

“Suddenly growing furious, my mother exclaimed: ‘I always thought that that thief never would do anything, and that he would drop down on us again! As if one could expect anything from a Davranche! ’

“My father passed his hand over his forehead, as he always did when his wife reproached him.

“She added: ‘Give Joseph some money so that he can pay for the oysters. All that it needed to cap the climax would be to be recognized by that beggar. That would be very pleasant! Let's get down to the other end of the boat, and take care that that man doesn't come near us! ’

“They gave me five francs and walked away.

“Astonished, my sisters were awaiting their father. I said that mamma had felt a sudden attack of sea-sickness, and I asked the shell opener: ‘How much do we owe you, monsieur? ’

“I felt like laughing: he was my uncle! He answered: ‘Two francs fifty.’

“I held out my five francs and he returned the change. I looked at his hand; it was a poor, wrinkled, sailor's hand, and I looked at his face, an unhappy old face. I said to myself: ‘That is my uncle, the brother of my father, my uncle! ’

“I gave him half-a-franc tip. He thanked me: ‘God bless you, my young sir! ’

“He spoke like a poor man receiving alms. I couldn't help thinking that he must have begged over there!

“My sisters looked at me, surprised at my generosity. When I returned the two francs to my father, my mother asked me in surprise: ‘Was there three francs' worth? That is impossible.’

“I answered in a firm voice: ‘I gave half a franc as a tip.’

“My mother started, and, staring at me, she exclaimed: ‘You must be crazy! Give half a franc to that man, to that vagabond—’

“She stopped at a look from my father, who was pointing at his son-in-law.

“Then everybody was silent.

“Before us, on the distant horizon, a purple shadow seemed to rise out of the sea. It was Jersey.

“As we approached the breakwater a violent desire seized me once more to see my Uncle Jules, to be near him, to say to him something consoling, something tender.

“But as no one was eating any more oysters, he had disappeared, having probably gone below to the dirty hold which was the home of the poor wretch.

“From then on, I have never seen my father's brother!”

一位白胡子老人向我们乞求施舍。我的同伴约瑟夫·达夫朗什给了他五法郎。他注意到我惊讶的表情，就说道：“这个可怜人使我想起了一件事，对这件事的回忆不断纠缠着我。我告诉你吧，事情是这样的：

“我的一家最初来自勒阿弗尔市，并不富裕。我们仅能勉强度日。我的父亲拼命工作，很晚才下班回家，挣的钱并不多。我还有两个姐姐。

“我们穷困潦倒，我的母亲为此非常痛苦，常常对她的丈夫说一些刻薄无情的话，背地里偷偷指责他。每当此时，这个可怜人总是做出一个常常让我难过的手势。他总是张开手，按一下额头，仿佛要抹去并不存在的汗珠，而且他总是什么也不回答。我体会得到他无助的痛苦。我们样样东西都省着用，从不接受赴宴的邀请，以免不得不回请。我们的所有日用品买的都是减价货。姐姐们的衣服都是她们自己做的，价值十五生丁一码的一条饰带也总要讨价还价半天。我们吃的饭通常是肉汤和备有各种调料的牛肉。据说那样既卫生又营养，但我宁愿换换花样。

“我常常因丢失纽扣和扯破裤子而遭到臭骂。

“每到星期天，我们都身穿节日盛装，沿着防波堤散步。父亲身穿双排扣长礼服，戴着高顶硬礼帽和羔皮手套，总是伸手臂给母亲挽着，母亲饰着缎带打扮得像节日里的轮船。姐姐们总是最先准备好，等候出发的信号；但到了最后一分钟，总有人在父亲的双排扣长礼服上发现一个污点，于是不得不赶快用一块蘸着汽油的破布擦掉。

“父亲只穿衬衫，头戴大礼帽，等候着污渍给擦干净，而母亲也总是忙不迭地戴上眼镜，脱掉手套，以免弄脏。

“随后，我们就隆重出发了。姐姐们彼此挽着胳膊走在前面。她们都到了结婚年龄，必须得露露脸。我和父亲一左一右簇拥着母亲。我至今记得可怜的父母星期天散步时自命不凡的样子，表情严肃，步伐僵硬。他们一脸庄重，身体绷直，腿部僵硬，缓缓前行，好像一件天大的事情取决于他们的出现似的。

“每星期天，当那些大汽船从不知名的遥远国家回来时，父亲总会说着同一句话：‘要是于勒在那艘船上，那会多么让人惊喜啊！对吧？’

“父亲的弟弟于勒叔叔原先是家里唯一的祸害，现在则是家里唯一的希望。我小时候就听人说起过他，我对他知道的是那么多，好像一见面我就会马上认出他一般。尽管人们说起他的这段生活时反而压低了声音，但我对他动身去美洲以前的每个生活细节都了如指掌。

“他曾经好像生活放荡，也就是说，他挥霍过一点钱，这种行为对于一个贫穷的家庭来说简直就是最大的犯罪。对富人来说，一个寻欢作乐的人只不过算是生活放荡，常常被人称为花花公子。但是，在贫困家庭里，如果一个男孩逼得父母动用本钱，那他就是废物、流氓、无赖。

“尽管行为一样，但这样区别是公正的，因为只有后果决定行为的严重性。

“那么，于勒叔叔不仅将自己的那份遗产挥霍一空，显然也削减了我的父亲指望得到的那份遗产。

“于是，根据当时的风俗，他被送上了一艘从勒阿弗尔市到纽约的货船，前往美洲。

“一到那里，于勒叔叔就开始做起了买卖，不久写信来说他要赚点钱，有望很快能够补偿以前他对我的父亲造成的损失。这封信在家里引起了极大震动。此前一文不值的于勒一下子变成了好人、善人，像达夫朗什家的所有人一样忠诚老实。

“一位船长告诉我们说，我的叔叔租赁了一个大店铺，在做大买卖。

“两年后，来了第二封信，信上说：‘我亲爱的菲利普：我写信，是告诉你不要为我的健康担心，我身体很好。生意也不错。我明天动身远赴南美。我可能会离开好几年，其间不给你发任何消息。我要是不写信，请你们不要担心。等发了大财，我就回到勒阿弗尔。我希望这不会太久，我们大家会幸福地生活在一起……’

“这封信成了家里的福音，大家动不动就念上一遍，并拿给所有人看。

“十年来没有收到于勒叔叔的来信；但是，父亲的希望与日俱增，母亲也常常说：‘只要那个好心的于勒回来，我们的境况就会不一样。那是一个生活有起色的人！’

“每到星期天，望着那些喷着滚滚浓烟从地平线渐渐驶近的大汽船，父亲总是重复他那句口头禅：‘要是于勒在那艘船上，那会多么让人惊喜啊！对吧？’

“我们简直盼望看到他挥动手帕喊道：‘嘿！菲利普！’

“我们料想于勒叔叔一定回国，拟定过无数计划，甚至计划用叔叔的钱买一座小房子——在安谷维尔附近买一座乡村小别墅。事实上，我敢发誓父亲已经找人商量过了。

“我的大姐当时二十八岁，另一个姐姐二十六岁。她们都还没有出嫁，而这对每个人都是一大困扰。

“终于有一个人主动上门向二姐求婚。他是一名职员，不是很富有，但体面。我始终坚信是有天晚上让那个小伙子看了于勒叔叔的那封信，是那封信使他的犹豫一扫而空，使他下定了决心。

“我们迫不及待地接受了他的求婚，并决定婚礼之后，全家要去泽西岛短期旅行。

“对穷人来说，泽西岛是一次理想的旅行。距离不远，坐一艘汽船渡过海峡，就到了异国他乡，因为这座小岛属于英国。这样，一个法国人经过两小时航行，就能看到一个邻国的民族，研究他们的习俗。

“泽西岛之行完全占据了我们的思想，成了我们唯一的期待，成了我们不变的梦想。

“我们终于动身了。那情景就像昨天发生的一样，至今还历历在目。轮船正在慢慢加速准备离开格朗维尔码头；父亲手足无措地监督着我们的三件行李装上船；母亲则紧张地挽着我那个没有出嫁的姐姐的胳膊，我的这位姐姐自从另一个姐姐嫁人后，就像窝里的最后一只小鸡似的茫然失措；我们后面走来了新郎新娘，他们总是落在后面，这使我常常回头。

“汽笛响了。我们都上了船，船离开防波堤，在平坦得像大理石桌面一样的海面上破浪前进。我们望见海岸消失在了远处，就像所有不大旅行的人一样既高兴又自豪。

“父亲穿着早上刚被仔仔细细擦拭干净的双排扣长礼服，在微风中腆着胸，周身散发着那股汽油味，这种气味总让我觉得是礼拜天。

“突然，他注意到两位穿着雅致的女士，只见有两位先生正在主动给她们吃牡蛎。一个衣服破旧的老水手用小刀撬开牡蛎，交给那两位先生，随后他们再交给那两位女士。她们姿态优雅地吃着牡蛎，用一块精美的手帕举起牡蛎壳，微微向前伸着嘴，以免弄脏衣服。随后，她们飞快地喝掉牡蛎汁，把牡蛎壳扔到船外。

“父亲可能对这种在开动的汽船上吃牡蛎的优雅举止感到满意，认为那是良好姿势，优雅得体。于是，他走到我的母亲和姐姐们身边，问道：‘你们愿意让我请你们吃一些牡蛎吗？’

“母亲怕花钱，犹豫不决，但我的两个姐姐马上欣然接受。母亲怒气冲冲地说：‘我怕它们会伤了我的胃。给孩子们吃吧，但不要太多，吃多了会使她们生病的。’

“随后，她转向我，补充道：‘至于约瑟夫，他用不着吃；男孩子不应该娇生惯养。’

“我只好留在母亲身边，认为这种差别待遇很不公平。我目送父亲装模作样地领着我的两个姐姐和他的女婿朝那个衣服破旧的老水手走去。

“那两位女士刚一走开，父亲便告知我的两个姐姐怎么吃，才不让牡蛎汁撒出来。他甚至想给她们示范一下，就飞快地拿起一只牡蛎。他试图模仿那两位女士，结果一下把牡蛎汁都撒到了自己的大衣上。我听到母亲咕哝道：‘他安安静静待着该多好。’

“但突然，父亲显得神色不安，后退了几步，盯着围在老牡蛎贩身边的家人，然后飞快地朝我们走来。他好像脸色惨白，神情怪异，低声对我的母亲说：‘真奇怪，那个牡蛎贩看上去像于勒。’

“母亲大吃一惊，问道：‘哪个于勒？’

“父亲接着说：‘就是我的兄弟啊。要不是我知道他在美洲生活富裕，我会认为那就是他呢。’

“母亲迷惑不解，结结巴巴地说：‘你疯了！你知道那不是他，为什么还要说这种蠢话？’

“可是，父亲坚持说道：‘过去看看，克拉丽斯！我宁愿让你去亲眼看看。’

“她站起来，走到两个女儿身边。我也在注视着那个人。他又老又脏，皱纹斑斑，目光没有从他的活计上抬起来。

“母亲走了回来。我注意到她正在发抖。她飞快地大声说道：‘我相信那就是他。你何不问一下船长？不过，要千万当心，别让这个无赖又赖上我们！’

“父亲走开，但我跟在他后面。我感到异常激动。

“船长瘦高个子，留着金色腮须，正以权威的姿态顺着船桥散步，好像他正在指挥一艘印度邮船。

“我的父亲客套地跟他说话，询问和他的职业有关的情况，同时加上了许多恭维话：‘泽西岛的重要性大概是什么？它出产什么？人口是多少？风俗习惯？土壤性质？’等等。

“最后，我的父亲才有点儿局促不安地问道：‘你这里有一个年老的牡蛎贩子，他好像非常有趣。你知道他的底细吗？’

“船长对谈话变得厌倦，冷冷地答道：‘他是一个法国老流浪汉，去年我在美洲发现了他，就把他带了回来。好像他在勒阿弗尔有一些亲戚，但他不想回到他们身边，因为他欠他们钱。他的名字叫于勒——于勒·达尔芒什、达尔旺什或类似的姓。他好像曾在那边富过，但你可以看见他现在落魄到了什么地步。’

“父亲面色灰白，咕咕哝哝，喉咙哽塞，两眼憔悴。

“‘啊！啊！很好，很好。我一点也不吃惊。非常感谢你，船长。’

“他说完就走开了，船长面露惊讶地望着他一步步走开。他回到我的母亲身边，是那样忐忑不安，所以母亲对他说：‘坐下，有人会看出问题的。’

“他瘫坐在长凳上，结结巴巴地说：‘是他！就是他！’

“随后，他问道：‘我们打算怎么办？’

“她飞快地答道：‘我们必须让孩子们走开。既然约瑟夫什么都知道，他可以去把他们叫过来。我们一定要万分当心，别让我们的女婿发现。’

“父亲好像完全不知所措，喃喃说道：‘真是祸从天降啊！’

“突然，母亲怒气冲冲，大声说道：‘我向来都认为那个贼绝不会有什么出息，他会落魄再回来找我们的！怎能指望从一个姓达夫朗什的人身上得到什么呢！’

“父亲用手拂了一下额头，就像妻子责备他时他一向做的那样。

“她又补充道：‘给约瑟夫钱，让他付清吃牡蛎的钱。只差被那个叫花子认出来了。那可就热闹喽！我们到船的另一头去吧，当心别让那个人靠近我们！’

“他们给了我五法郎，就走开了。

“两个姐姐面露惊讶，正在等候父亲。我说妈妈突然感到晕船，随后我问那个牡蛎贩：“我们付你多少，先生？”

“我真想笑着说：他是我的叔叔！他回答说：‘两个半法郎。’

“我拿出五法郎，他找了零钱。我望着他那只手；那是一只可怜巴巴、皱纹斑斑的海员手；我又看看他的脸，那是一张郁郁寡欢的苍老脸庞。我自言自语说：‘这是我的叔叔，我父亲的弟弟，我的叔叔啊！’

“我给了他半法郎小费。他向我道谢说：‘上帝保佑你，少爷！’

“他说话就像穷人接受施舍时说的那样。我禁不住想，他肯定在那边要过饭！

“姐姐们看着我，对我的慷慨大方感到吃惊。当我把两法郎交还父亲时，母亲吃惊地问我：‘花了三法郎？那不可能。’

“我坚定地答道：‘我给了半法郎作为小费。’

“母亲吃了一惊，盯着我，大声叫道：‘你一定是疯了！给了那个人半法郎，给了那个流浪汉半法郎——’

“她停住了话头，因为她看到我的父亲指着女婿给她递了个眼色。

“随后，大家都默不作声。

“在我们面前，在远处的地平线上，一片紫色的阴影仿佛从海里升起。那就是泽西岛。

“等我们快到防波堤时，我突然产生了一种强烈的愿望，想再去见一下我的于勒叔叔，走到他身边想对他说几句安慰话、体贴话。

“但是，没有人再吃牡蛎时，他就不见了踪影，他可能下到可怜的苦命人住的肮脏底舱去了。

“从此，我再也没有见过父亲的弟弟！”