爱德华的奇妙之旅 双语 第一章 04

Abilene's parents found itcharming that Abilene considered Edward real, and that she sometimes requestedthat a phrase or story be repeated because Edward had not heard it.

"Papa,"Abilene would say, "I'm afraid that Edward didn't catch that lastbit."

Abilene's father would thenturn in the direction of Edward's ears and speak slowly, repeating what he hadjust said for the benefit of the china rabbit. Edward pretended, out ofcourtesy to Abilene, to listen. But, in truth, he was not very interested inwhat people had to say. And also, he did not care for Abilene's parents andtheir condescending manner toward him. All adults, in fact, condescended tohim.

Only Abilene's grandmotherspoke to him as Abilene did, as one equal to another. Pellegrina was very old.She had a large, sharp nose and bright, black eyes that shone like dark stars.It was Pellegrina who was responsible for Edward's existence. It was she whohad commissioned his making, she who had ordered his silk suits and his pocketwatch, his

jaunty hats and his bendableears, his fine leather shoes and his jointed arms and legs, all from a mastercraftsman in her native France. It was Pellegrina who had given him as a gift toAbilene on her seventh birthday.