Текст книги "Дракула / Dracula"

Mina Murray’s Journal

8 August. – Lucy was very restless all night, and I, too, could not sleep. The storm was fearful. Strangely enough, Lucy did not wake; but she got up twice and dressed herself. Fortunately, each time I awoke in time and undressed her without waking her, and got her back to bed. It is a very strange thing, this sleep-walking.

Early in the morning we both got up and went down to the harbour to see if anything had happened in the night. Somehow I was glad that Jonathan was not on the sea last night, but on land. But, oh, is he on land or sea? Where is he, and how? I am getting fearfully anxious about him. If I only knew what to do, and could do anything!

10 August. – The funeral of the poor captain. Lucy came with me. She seemed much upset and was restless and uneasy all the time. Lucy is so sweet and sensitive that she feels influences more acutely than other people do. She was full of pity, and she will dream of this tonight, I am sure. The ship steered into port by a dead man; the captain tied to the wheel with a cross…

Same day, 11 p.m. – Oh, but I am tired! We had a lovely walk. Lucy, after a while, was in good mood. She was really tired, and we intended to go to bed as soon as we could.

Lucy is asleep and breathing softly. She has more colour in her cheeks than usual, and looks, oh, so sweet. I am so happy tonight, because dear Lucy seems better. But I don’t know anything about Jonathan… God bless and keep him.

11 August, 3 a.m. – Diary again. No sleep now, so I may as well write. I am too agitated to sleep. We have had such an adventure, such an agonizing experience. I fell asleep as soon as I had closed my diary…

Suddenly I became awake, and sat up, with a horrible sense of fear upon me, and of some feeling of emptiness around me. The room was dark, so I could not see Lucy’s bed. The bed was empty. I lit a match and found that she was not in the room. The door was shut, but not locked, as I had left it. I feared to wake her mother. I ran downstairs and looked in the sitting-room. Not there! Then I looked in all the other open rooms of the house, with a growing fear in my heart. Finally I came to the hall door and found it open. It was not wide open. The people of the house usually lock the door every night. I took a big, heavy shawl and ran out. The clock was striking one, and there was not a soul in sight.

I ran along the North Terrace, but could see no sign of the white figure which I expected. Then as the cloud passed I could see the ruins of the abbey; the church and the churchyard became gradually visible. There, on the bench, I saw snowy white figure. It seemed to me that something dark stood behind the figure, and bent over it. What it was, whether man or beast, I could not tell; I did not wait to catch another glance, but flew down the steep steps to the pier and along to the bridge, which was the only way to reach the East Cliff. The town seemed dead, for not a soul did I see. I rejoiced that it was so, for I wanted no witness of poor Lucy’s condition. The time and distance seemed endless, and my knees trembled. When I got almost to the top I could see the bench and the white figure, and I was now close enough to distinguish it even through the shadow. There was undoubtedly something, long and black, it was bending over the white figure. I called in fright, “Lucy! Lucy!” and something raised a head, and I saw a white face and red, gleaming eyes. Lucy did not answer, and I ran on to the entrance of the churchyard. As I entered, the church was between me and the bench, and for a minute or so I lost sight of her. When I came in view again the cloud had passed, and I could see Lucy lying on the bench. She was quite alone, and there was not a sign of anybody about.

When I bent over her I noticed that she was still asleep. She was breathing – not softly as usual with her, but in long, heavy gasps. As I came close, she put up her hand in her sleep and pulled the collar of her nightdress close around her throat. I fastened the shawl at her throat with a big safety pin;[97]97
  safety pin – английская булавка


[Закрыть] but I was clumsy in my anxiety and pinched or pricked her with it, for when her breathing became quieter, she put her hand to her throat again and moaned. I put my shoes on her feet and then began very gently to wake her. At first she did not respond; but gradually she became more and more uneasy in her sleep, moaning and sighing occasionally. At last, I shook her more forcibly, till finally she opened her eyes and awoke. She did not seem surprised to see me, as, of course, she did not realize all at once where she was.

Lucy always wakes prettily, and even at such a time in a churchyard at night, she did not lose her grace. She trembled a little, and when I told her to come with me home she rose without a word, with the obedience of a child. We got home and we did not meet anybody. Once we saw a man, who seemed not quite sober; but we hid in a door till he had disappeared.

When we came home, and washed our feet, and said a prayer of thankfulness together, I brought her to bed. Before falling asleep she asked – even implored – me not to say a word to any one, even her mother, about her sleep-walking adventure. I thought it wiser to do so. I hope I did right.

Same day, noon. – All goes well. Lucy slept till I woke her. She looks better this morning than before. I was sorry to notice that I hurt her with the safety-pin. Indeed, it can be serious, for the skin of her throat was pierced. There are two little red points like pin-pricks, and on the band of her nightdress was a drop of blood. When I apologized, she laughed, and said she did not even feel it. Fortunately it is so tiny.

Same day, night. – We passed a happy day. The air was clear, and the sun bright, and there was a cool breeze. We took our lunch to Mulgrave Woods.[98]98
  Mulgrave Woods – Малгрейв-Вудс


[Закрыть] In the evening we heard some good music by Spohr and Mackenzie,[99]99
  Spohr and Mackenzie – Шпор и Маккензи


[Закрыть] and went to bed early. Lucy seems more restful than she has been for some time, and fell asleep at once. I shall lock the door and secure the key the same as before, though I do not expect any trouble tonight.

12 August. – My expectations were wrong, for twice during the night I was wakened by Lucy. She was trying to get out. I woke with the dawn, and heard the birds outside of the window. Lucy woke, too, and, I was glad to see, was even better than on the previous morning. She came and snuggled in beside me and told me all about Arthur. I told her how anxious I was about Jonathan, and then she tried to comfort me. Well, she succeeded somewhat.

13 August. – Another quiet day, and to bed with the key on my wrist as before. Again I awoke in the night, and found Lucy sitting up in bed, still asleep, pointing to the window. I got up quietly, and looked out. It was brilliant moonlight. Between me and the moonlight flitted a great bat. Once or twice it came quite close. When I came back from the window Lucy had lain down again, and was sleeping peacefully. She did not stir again all night.

14 August. – On the East Cliff, reading and writing all day. This afternoon Lucy made a funny remark. We were coming home for dinner, and had come to the top of the steps up from the West Pier and stopped to look at the view, as we generally do. The setting sun was bathing everything in a beautiful rosy glow. We were silent for a while, and suddenly Lucy murmured as if to herself, “His red eyes again! They are just the same.”

It was such an odd expression, that it quite startled me. Lucy was in a half-dreamy state,[100]100
  half-dreamy state – полусонное состояние


[Закрыть] with an odd look on her face; so I said nothing, but followed her eyes. She was looking at the bench, whereon was a dark figure. I was a little frightened; but a second look dispelled the illusion. The red sunlight was shining on the windows of St. Mary’s Church.[101]101
  St. Mary’s Church – церковь Святой Марии


[Закрыть] Lucy looked sad; so I said nothing, and we went home to dinner. Lucy had a headache and went early to bed. I saw her asleep, and went out for a while.

I walked along the cliffs to the westward, and was full of sweet sadness, for I was thinking of Jonathan. When I was coming home, I looked at our window, and saw Lucy’s head. I thought that perhaps she was looking out for me, so I opened my handkerchief and waved it. She did not notice. Just then the light fell on the window. Lucy was asleep, and by her, was something that looked like a giant bird. I ran upstairs, but as I came into the room she was lying in her bed, she was breathing heavily; and she was holding her hand to her throat.

I did not wake her. She looks so sweet as she sleeps; but she is paler than before. I fear she is fretting about something. What is it?

15 August. – Rose later than usual. Lucy was languid and tired.

17 August. – No diary for two whole days. I did not want to write. No news from Jonathan, and Lucy is growing weaker. I do not understand why Lucy fades away. She eats well and sleeps well, and enjoys the fresh air; but all the time the roses in her cheeks are fading, and she gets weaker and more languid day by day.[102]102
  day by day – день за днём


[Закрыть] At night she gets up and walks about the room, and sits at the open window.

I looked at her throat just now as she lay asleep, and the tiny wounds were not healed. They are still open, and larger than before, and the edges of them are faintly white. They are like little white dots with red centres. Unless they heal within a day or two, I shall insist on the doctor.

18 August. – I am happy today. Lucy is ever so much better. Last night she slept well all night, and did not disturb me once. She is full of life and cheerfulness.

19 August. – Joy, joy, joy! Although not all joy. At last, news of Jonathan. He has been ill; that is why he did not write. I am not afraid to think it or say it, now that I know. I shall leave in the morning and go over to Jonathan, and help to nurse him if necessary, and bring him home. I got a good Sister’s[103]103
  good Sister – сестра милосердия


[Закрыть] letter! It is of Jonathan, and it must be next my heart, for he is in my heart. My journey is prepared, and my luggage is ready.

Letter, Sister Agatha, Hospital of St. Joseph and Ste. Mary,[104]104
  Hospital of St. Joseph and Ste. Mary – больница Святого Иосифа и Святой Марии


[Закрыть] Buda-Pesth, to Miss Wilhelmina Murray

12 August.

Dear Madam,

I write by desire[105]105
  I write by desire – я пишу по просьбе


[Закрыть] of Mr. Jonathan Harker, who is himself not strong enough to write, but he is recovering, thanks to God and St. Joseph and Ste. Mary. He has been under our care for nearly six weeks, he is suffering from a violent brain fever.[106]106
  brain fever – горячка


[Закрыть] He is sorry for his delay, his work is completed. He will require some few weeks’ rest in our sanatorium in the hills, but will then return. He wishes me to say that he has not sufficient money with him. He would like to pay for his staying here.

Yours, with sympathy and all blessings,

Sister Agatha.

P. S. My patient is asleep, and I want to let you know something more. He has told me all about you, and that you agree to be his wife. All blessings to you both! He has had some fearful shock – so says our doctor – and his delirium is dreadful; of wolves and poison and blood; of ghosts and demons; and I fear to say of what. Be careful with him always. He came in the train from Klausenburg, and the station-master there said that he rushed into the station and shouted for a ticket for home. They gave him a ticket for the furthest station.

He has won all hearts by his sweetness and gentleness. I have no doubt he will in a few weeks recover completely. There are, I pray God and St. Joseph and Ste. Mary, many, many, happy years for you both.

Dr. Seward’s Diary

19 August. – Strange and sudden change in Renfield last night. About eight o’clock he began to get excited and sniff about[107]107
  sniff about – принюхиваться


[Закрыть] as a dog does. The attendant encouraged him to talk. Renfield is usually respectful to the attendant; but tonight, the man tells me, he was quite haughty. All he said was, “I don’t want to talk to you: you are nothing for me now; I have my Master.”

The attendant thinks some sudden form of religious mania has seized him. If so, he might be dangerous. At nine o’clock I visited him myself. His attitude to me was the same as that to the attendant. It looks like religious mania, and he will soon think that he himself is God.

For half an hour or more Renfield was getting excited more and more. All at once he became quite quiet, and sat on the edge of his bed, and looked into space. I tried to lead him to talk of his pets. At first he made no reply, but after he said testily, “I don’t care about them.”

“What?” I said. “You don’t care about spiders?” (Spiders at present are his hobby.)

To this he answered enigmatically, “I don’t need them anymore.”

He did not explain himself, but remained obstinately seated on his bed all the time I remained with him.

Later. – The night watchman[108]108
  night watchman – ночной дежурный


[Закрыть] came to me and said that Renfield had escaped. I threw on my clothes and ran down at once; my patient is a very dangerous person. He was only in his night-gear,[109]109
  night-gear – ночная рубашка


[Закрыть] and cannot go far.

The attendant told me that the patient had gone to the left, and had taken a straight line, so I ran as quickly as I could. Soon I saw a white figure. I ran back at once, told the watchman to get three or four men immediately and follow me, in case our friend might be dangerous. I could see Renfield’s figure just behind the angle of the deserted house, so I ran after him. He was talking to some one. After a few minutes, however, I could see that he did not see anything around him. I heard his words, “I am here to do Your bidding, Master. I am Your slave, and You will reward me, for I shall be faithful. I have worshipped You long. Now that You are near, I await Your commands!”

When we were trying to catch him he fought like a tiger. He is immensely strong, for he was more like a wild beast than a man. I never saw a lunatic in such a paroxysm of rage before; and I hope I shall not again. His cries are at times awful, but the silences that follow are even more terrible. He spoke like this, “I shall be patient, Master. It is coming – coming – coming!”

I was too excited to sleep, but this diary has quieted me, and I feel I shall get some sleep tonight.

Letter, Mina Harker to Lucy Westenra

24 August, Buda-Pesth.

My dearest Lucy,

I caught the boat to Hamburg, and then the train on here. I found my poor Jonathan, oh, so thin and pale and weak-looking! He is only a wreck of himself, and he does not remember anything that has happened to him for a long time past. He has had some terrible shock. Sister Agatha is a sweet, good soul.

I am now sitting by his bedside, where I can see his face while he sleeps. He is waking!…

When he woke he asked me for his coat, as he wanted to get something from the pocket; I asked Sister Agatha, and she brought all his things. I saw that amongst them was his note-book, and was going to ask him to let me look at it. I knew that I might find some clue to his trouble. But he sent me over to the window, and said he wanted to be quite alone for a moment. Then he called me back, and when I came he put his hand over the note-book, and he said to me very solemnly, “Wilhelmina, you know, dear: there must be no secret, no concealment between husband and wife. I have had a great shock, and I do not know if it was all real or the dreaming of a madman. You know I have had brain fever. The secret is here, and I do not want to know it. I want to marry you as soon as possible, right here. Wilhelmina, here is the book. Take it and keep it, read it if you want, but never let me know.” He fell back exhausted, and I put the book under his pillow, and kissed him. I have asked Sister Agatha to let our wedding be this afternoon, and I am waiting for her reply…

She has come and told me that they sent for the chaplain of the English mission church. We will marry in an hour, or as soon after as Jonathan awakes…

Lucy, I feel very solemn, but very, very happy. Jonathan woke a little after the hour, and all was ready, and he sat up in bed, propped up with pillows. He answered his “I will” firmly and strongly. I could hardly speak. The dear sisters were so kind. Please God, I shall never, never forget them.

Jonathan took my hand in his, and oh, Lucy, it was the first time he took his wife’s hand, and said that it was the dearest thing in all the wide world. Well, my dear, what could I say? I could only tell him that I was the happiest woman in all the wide world, and that I had nothing to give him except myself, my life, and my trust, and my love. And then, my dear, he kissed me, and drew me to him with his poor weak hands.

Lucy dear, do you know why I tell you all this? It is not only because it is all sweet to me, but because you are very dear to me. It is my privilege to be your friend.

Goodbye, my dear. I shall post this at once, and, perhaps, write you very soon again. I must stop, for Jonathan is waking.

Your ever-loving

Mina Harker

Letter, Lucy Westenra to Mina Harker

30 August, Whitby.

My dearest Mina,

Oceans of love and millions of kisses, and may you soon be in your own home with your husband. The strong air would soon restore Jonathan; it has quite restored me. I am full of life, and sleep well. You will be glad to know that I have quite given up walking in my sleep.[110]110
  I have quite given up walking in my sleep – я совершенно прекратила ходить во сне


[Закрыть] Arthur says I am getting fat. By the way, I forgot to tell you that Arthur is here. We have such walks and drives, and rides, and rowing, and tennis, and fishing together; and I love him more than ever. He tells me that he loves me more, but I doubt that, for at first he told me that he couldn’t love me more than he did then. But this is nonsense. There he is, calling to me.

So no more just at present from your loving

Lucy

P. S. Mother sends her love. She seems better, poor dear.

P. P. S. We are to be married on 28 September.

Dr. Seward’s Diary

20 August. – The case of Renfield grows even more interesting. One night, just as the moon rose, he grew quiet, and murmured to himself, “Now I can wait; now I can wait.” The attendant came to tell me, so I ran down at once to have a look at him. I was satisfied with his present condition. Tonight he does not want to speak. Even the offer of a kitten or even a cat does not tempt him. He only says, “I’m not interested in cats. I have more to think of now,[111]111
  I have more to think of now – сейчас у меня есть нечто поважнее


[Закрыть] and I can wait; I can wait.”

After a while I left him. The attendant tells me that he was quiet until just before dawn, and that then he began to get uneasy, until at last he fell into a paroxysm.

… Three nights the same thing happened – violent all day then quiet from moonrise to sunrise. What is the cause? Some influence which came and went. Happy thought! We shall tonight play with him. He escaped before without our help; tonight he shall escape with it. We shall give him a chance, and we shall watch him.

23 August. – “The unexpected always happens.” How well Disraeli[112]112
  Disraeli – Дизраэли (английский государственный деятель, писатель, 1804–1881)


[Закрыть] knew life. He refused to escape. It’s very strange…

The unexpected again! The patient has escaped.

Later. – Another night adventure. Renfield waited until the attendant was entering the room. Then he flew down the passage. The attendants followed him. Again he went into the grounds of the deserted house, and we found him in the same place. He pressed against the old chapel door. When he saw me he became furious, he tried to kill me. As we were holding him a strange thing happened. He suddenly redoubled his efforts, and then as suddenly grew calm. I looked round instinctively, but I saw nothing. Then I caught the patient’s eye and followed it. It looked into the sky. There was a big bat, which was flying to the west. The patient grew calmer and calmer, and presently said, “You needn’t tie me; I shall go quietly!”

Without trouble we came back to the house. I shall not forget this night…

Lucy Westenra’s Diary

24 August. Hillingham.[113]113
  Hillingham – Хиллингем


[Закрыть] – I must imitate Mina and keep a diary. Without her I feel so unhappy. Last night I was dreaming something dark and horrid, I can remember nothing; but I am full of vague fear, and I feel so weak. I shall try to sleep in mother’s room tonight.

25 August. – Another bad night. Mother did not take my proposal. She seems not too well herself, and she fears to worry me. I tried not to sleep, and succeeded for a while; but when the clock struck twelve it waked me from a doze. Something was scratching or flapping at the window, but I don’t remember anything. More bad dreams. This morning I am horribly weak. My face is ghastly pale, and my throat pains me. It must be something wrong with my lungs.