查尔斯·狄更斯：维多利亚时代英国最伟大的作家，也是一位以反映现实生活见长的作家。他的代表作《双城记》，一百多年来在全世界盛行不衰。
My Dearest Kate,
我亲爱的凯特：
Now observe, you must read this letter very slowly and carefully.
现在，请你注意了，你必须仔细地看这封信，而且速度要慢下来。
If you have hurried on thus far without quite understanding (apprehending some bad news) I rely on your turning back and reading again.
如果你只是匆匆忙忙地读到这里，完全没有搞清楚——还没有领会信中所说的坏消息，恐怕你不得不重新看一遍了。
Little Dora, without being in the least pain, is suddenly stricken ill.
小朵拉突然病倒了，却仿佛一丝痛苦都没有，
There is nothing in her appearance but perfect rest —you would suppose her quietly asleep,
因为她的表情非常平静——如果你看到她的样子，一定会以为她在平静地睡觉呢。

but I am sure she is very ill, and I cannot encourage myself with much hope of her recovery.
可是，我知道她病得有多重，甚至都不敢对她的康复抱有太大希望。
I do not (and why should I say I do to you, my dear?)
我不敢相信——我还有什么不能和你说的呢，亲爱的？
I do not think her recovery at all likely.
事实上，她已经完全没有康复的可能了。