Carmilla

Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu

ESL Easy Read

Reading Comprehension B1 • Original Text • Português Support

SAMPLE

Copyright

Fonte original — domínio público

Esta edição ESL Easy Read foi adaptada a partir de Carmilla, de Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, publicado originalmente em 1871.

A obra original encontra-se em domínio público e pode ser utilizada, reproduzida, distribuída e adaptada de acordo com a legislação aplicável.

Autor

Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu (1814–1873)

Estados Unidos

Esta obra foi publicada originalmente em 1871.

Nos Estados Unidos, obras publicadas antes de 1930 encontram-se normalmente em domínio público.

Com base no ano de publicação disponível, esta obra encontra-se em domínio público nos Estados Unidos desde 1º de janeiro de 1967.

Brasil

Autor: Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu (1814–1873)

De acordo com a Lei nº 9.610/1998, os direitos patrimoniais expiram 70 anos após a morte do autor, contados a partir de 1º de janeiro do ano seguinte ao falecimento.

Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu faleceu em 1873.

Situação no Brasil: DOMÍNIO PÚBLICO.

Portugal

Autor: Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu (1814–1873)

De acordo com o Código do Direito de Autor e dos Direitos Conexos, a proteção patrimonial dura 70 anos após a morte do autor.

Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu faleceu em 1873.

Situação em Portugal: DOMÍNIO PÚBLICO.

Dados da publicação original

Obra original: Carmilla

Autor: Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu

Primeira publicação: 1871

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Esta adaptação ESL Easy Read

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Introdução

Como ler este livro

Cada livro desta coleção é apresentado em um nível de leitura simplificada, de acordo com o CEFR — Quadro Europeu Comum de Referência para Línguas.

A2 — Básico: indicado para leitores que já compreendem frases simples, vocabulário frequente e textos curtos sobre situações do cotidiano.

B1 — Intermediário: indicado para leitores que conseguem compreender as ideias principais de textos claros e acompanhar uma narrativa com vocabulário e estruturas de dificuldade moderada.

B2 — Intermediário avançado: indicado para leitores que já conseguem compreender textos mais complexos, acompanhar descrições detalhadas e reconhecer uma variedade maior de vocabulário e estruturas gramaticais.

Este livro foi adaptado para o nível B1.

Assim, você pode começar a lê-lo mesmo sem dominar completamente o inglês. O texto foi simplificado para facilitar a compreensão, preservando a história, os personagens e os acontecimentos principais da obra original.

Como usar as notas

No texto de leitura simplificada, cada parágrafo possui um link Pt/En. Esse link abre uma nota com a tradução em português do texto simplificado e o trecho correspondente no texto original em inglês.

No texto original em inglês, o link PT leva diretamente ao parágrafo correspondente na versão em português. Na tradução portuguesa, o link En retorna ao parágrafo correspondente no texto original.

A tradução para o português é feita a partir do texto em inglês simplificado, e não diretamente do texto original. O objetivo é ajudar você a compreender com precisão a frase simplificada que está estudando naquele momento.

O texto original em inglês é apresentado separadamente para a etapa seguinte do aprendizado, quando você já estiver preparado para ler e comparar a obra em sua forma original.

Cada nota contém links que permitem retornar exatamente ao parágrafo que você estava lendo.

Sobre este livro

Em 'Carmilla', novela gótica de 1872 de Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, a jovem Laura vive isolada com seu pai em um castelo remoto na Estíria, Áustria. Sua vida muda com a chegada de uma carruagem que sofre um acidente perto de sua casa, trazendo a bela Carmilla e sua mãe enigmática. Carmilla é acolhida pela família de Laura para se recuperar, e as duas garotas desenvolvem um vínculo intenso e íntimo. No entanto, o comportamento de Carmilla é estranho: ela dorme durante o dia, tem aversão a símbolos religiosos e sua presença coincide com uma série de mortes nas aldeias vizinhas, onde as vítimas são encontradas sem sangue. A própria Laura começa a sofrer de pesadelos e uma fraqueza misteriosa. Conforme a narrativa avança, o pai de Laura e seu amigo, o erudito Barão Vordenburg, investigam os eventos sobrenaturais. Eles descobrem a lenda de uma vampira chamada Mircalla, Condessa Karnstein, que retornou para se alimentar dos vivos. O conflito central gira em torno da crescente consciência de Laura sobre a verdadeira natureza de Carmilla e a luta para se proteger da influência sedutora e mortal da vampira. A história é contada através da narração retrospectiva de Laura, criando um tom de pavor e melancolia. Le Fanu mescla magistralmente desejo romântico com horror, explorando temas de desejo proibido e corrupção da inocência. O cenário — um castelo isolado nos Alpes Estírios — reforça a atmosfera de isolamento e ameaça. A progressão vai da fascinação inicial de Laura à sua gradual percepção do perigo, culminando em um confronto que revela a identidade da vampira, mas deixa o destino final de Laura ambíguo.

Nota editorial

A tradução para o português e a versão Reading Comprehension B1 foram geradas com apoio de inteligência artificial e submetidas a revisão editorial.

Em caso de dúvida ou observações, fale conosco.

MicMac from Las Vegas LLC
Contato: admin@micmacfromlasvegas.com

Outros livros e materiais

Materiais e outros livros da série ESL Easy Read:

Coleção Gothic and Terror Classics

Carmilla

Dracula

Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus

The Fall of the House of Usher

The Mysteries of Udolpho

The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

The Turn of the Screw

Outras coleções disponíveis

Doctor Dolittle

Anne of Green Gables / L. M. Montgomery

A Selva de Burroughs

Marte de Burroughs

Sherlock Holmes

The Land of Oz

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Reading Comprehension B1

1 - Front Matter

Front Matter

Pt/En Chapter 1: A Bad Dream

Pt/En The narrator says that something new entered her life that night, which was terror. She adds that this terror still stays with her.

Pt/En My name is Laura and I live in a castle in a quiet part of Styria, Austria. My family is not very important or very rich. My father is English, and my name is English too, but I have never visited England. My father worked for the Austrian government for many years, but he is now old. After he stopped working, he bought this castle and some land.

Pt/En The castle is in a lonely place. It is on a hill in the middle of a thick forest. A very old, narrow road goes past the castle gates. On one side of the castle, there is a steep bridge over a small river. The river disappears into the dark forest.

Pt/En The castle is made of grey stone and has tall windows on the front. There are beautiful gardens and a small church next to the castle. It is a very pretty place.

Pt/En The closest village is two hours away by car. There is a village only half an hour away, but it is empty. It has a small church with no roof, where the Karnstein family graves are. The Karnstein family no longer exists, and their large castle near the church is falling down. The village houses are also empty. The reason for this will be explained later in the story.

Pt/En The narrator's story starts when she was a young child. She lived in the castle with her kind father. Her mother, who was from Styria, died soon after she was born. A Swiss woman named Madame Perrodon was hired to care for her. Madame Perrodon, who had a kind face, was always with the child and ate meals with them. Another younger lady, Mademoiselle De Lafontaine, also lived with them. She was the child's teacher and ate with them too. Madame Perrodon spoke French and a little English. Mademoiselle De Lafontaine spoke French and German. The father and the child spoke English. Visitors often found it funny to hear so many languages spoken at their dinner table.

Pt/En The narrator has one very bad memory from her childhood. She says she will never forget it because her life changed that night. She believes it might seem unimportant to others, but it is important for her story.

Pt/En The narrator was six years old. Her bedroom was on the highest floor of the castle, under a steep roof. One night, she woke up suddenly. She looked for Madame Perrodon but she was not there. The child was not scared because she did not know about ghosts or monsters. She thought the shadows made by a dying candle on the wall were pretty. However, she was sad because she was alone and started to cry.

Pt/En Suddenly, the child stopped crying because she was surprised. There was a beautiful young lady with a serious face next to her bed. The lady gently touched her and lay down beside her. Then, the lady smiled and pulled the child closer. The child felt warm and happy and fell asleep. While sleeping, she felt two sharp pains in her neck, like needles. She woke up and cried loudly. The lady moved away, watched her, and then quickly hid under the bed.

Pt/En I was very scared. I shouted again and screamed. Madame Perrodon, Mademoiselle De Lafontaine, and two servants quickly came into my room.

Pt/En They listened to my story and held my hand.

Pt/En They told me it was nothing, calling me their dear child.

Pt/En But they knew it was not nothing. Their faces looked pale and worried as they searched the room. They looked under the bed and inside the cupboards. Madame Perrodon spoke quietly to a servant, and I heard her words.

Pt/En She said that the bed felt warm in one place and that someone had been there.

Pt/En People checked the narrator's neck but found nothing. Madame Perrodon, Mademoiselle De Lafontaine, and a servant stayed in the room all night. After that night, a servant was always with the narrator until she was about fourteen years old. That night, the narrator felt a new feeling: terror, which she still feels today.

Pt/En The next morning, the narrator's father visited her room. He sat on her bed, kissed her, and made jokes with Madame Perrodon and Mademoiselle De Lafontaine.

Pt/En The father told the narrator not to be frightened. He said it was only a bad dream and that nothing would hurt her.

Pt/En Mademoiselle De Lafontaine explained that she had been lying next to the narrator on the bed. She said the narrator was half dreaming and did not see her clearly.

Pt/En However, the narrator knew it was not a dream. She was sure the woman was not Mademoiselle De Lafontaine, and she was very frightened.

Pt/En A doctor visited me. He looked old and sick, even sicker than I was. He gave me medicine, which I did not like.

Pt/En Later, a priest visited me with Madame Perrodon. He had white hair and wore black clothes. He had a kind face and spoke softly. I listened to his words and remembered them. I often repeated them at my bedside before sleeping.

Pt/En Twelve years passed after a bad night and a bad dream. My life was quiet and easy. I usually did what I wanted. I studied, went for walks, and read books. I sometimes visited other girls my age, or they visited me.

Pt/En I will now tell a very strange story. It may be hard to believe, but it is true. I was there.

Pt/En One summer evening, my father and I went for a long walk. We were expecting visitors the next day, but my father had some bad news.

Pt/En He said that General Spielsdorf could not visit them until later in the year.

Pt/En I said that I really wanted to meet Bertha because she was the same age as me and I had never met her before.

Pt/En General Spielsdorf had no children. Bertha was his niece. When her mother died, Bertha came to live with the General. Her visit was a very important day for me. My life in the country was very quiet, so meeting her was exciting.

Pt/En I asked when they were coming.

Pt/En He replied that the General would not arrive until the autumn, but he was very glad that Bertha and I had never met.

Pt/En The narrator was surprised and asked how the other person could say that, reminding them that they had been thinking about the visit for weeks.

Pt/En The other person sadly explained that the young lady had died.

Pt/En The narrator was very shocked and their father showed them a letter from the General.

Pt/En The father said that the General was very unhappy and wrote in his letter that he was going crazy.

Pt/En They sat near the river under old trees. The sun was setting, and its bright colours reflected in the water.

Pt/En The person read the letter and became very sad, crying.

Pt/En The writer explained that their dearest girl, Bertha, who was like a daughter, had died. They realized too late that a monster had killed her in their house. The writer felt foolish for not knowing Bertha was in danger. They were glad Bertha did not know why she was suffering, only that she was ill. The writer vowed to search for the monster for the rest of their life. They felt lost and were losing their mind. They hoped to see the recipient in the autumn if they were still alive.

Pt/En The letter was signed by Roland Spielsdorf, who called himself the writer's friend.

Pt/En The sun was setting, and the group was still far from home. They walked slowly and talked about the General's unusual letter.

Pt/En As they got near the castle, they saw Madame Perrodon and Mademoiselle De Lafontaine walking towards them.

Pt/En The view was beautiful in the moonlight. A narrow road went left into the forest. To the right, it crossed a bridge over the river and climbed steeply into trees, where dark shadows lay. The moon lit up the river, creating a lovely scene. However, the narrator felt sad because they were still thinking about the General's shocking news.

Pt/En Mademoiselle De Lafontaine commented that bright moonlight could affect people in strange ways. She explained that some people might have bad dreams, others could feel nervous, and some might even become crazy.

Pt/En They walked slowly. After a period of quiet, the narrator's father began to speak.

Pt/En The father expressed that he had a bad feeling that night and sensed that great danger was near.

Pt/En At that moment, they heard horses and carriage wheels coming very fast on the road. Two men on horses arrived first, followed by a carriage pulled by four horses. They were all moving too quickly over the bridge and along the road. Loud screams could be heard from the carriage window.

Pt/En We watched in fear and moved away from the road. The horses pulling the carriage suddenly turned near a big tree.

Pt/En I knew something bad would happen. I closed my eyes and covered my ears. The women and horses screamed, and the men shouted. There was a loud, frightening noise of things breaking.

Pt/En I opened my eyes. Two horses were on the ground, and the carriage had fallen onto its side. Two of its wheels were in the air and turning.

Pt/En As the wheels stopped turning, a well-dressed lady got out of the carriage. Some men helped a younger lady out and placed her on the grass. She was not moving. My father went to the girl and checked her wrist. Then he looked at the older lady.

Pt/En He told the older lady that the girl was alive.

Pt/En The woman smiled and looked up to the sky to show she was thankful.

Pt/En The woman looked nice for her age. She was tall and not thin, wearing nice black clothes. She seemed like an important person, maybe a countess. Her skin was pale, and she looked proud. Then, she stopped smiling.

Pt/En The woman asked why these things happened to her. She explained that she was on a very important journey where time was critical, but her daughter could not travel. She did not know how long her daughter would need to rest. The woman said she had to leave her daughter behind and could not wait. She asked how far the nearest village was, saying she must leave her daughter there. She also said she would not see or hear about her daughter until she returned in three months.

Pt/En The narrator pulled his father’s coat.

Pt/En The narrator spoke to his father, asking him to invite the woman to stay with them. He mentioned that their castle had many empty bedrooms that nobody used.

Pt/En The narrator's father told the lady that they would be very happy if she left her daughter with them. He asked her not to worry, saying that Madame Perrodon and his daughter would take care of her. He added that the daughter was welcome to stay for as long as she needed.

Pt/En The lady replied that he was very kind, but she could not accept his invitation because they did not know each other well. She felt it was too generous of him.

Pt/En He explained to the lady that the nearest village to the east was far away and did not have a good hotel. He also agreed that a long journey would be bad for her daughter's health. He mentioned that his daughter would be happy to make friends with her.

Pt/En He added that his daughter had been waiting for a friend, but sadly, that friend could not visit.

Pt/En The carriage was now upright again on its wheels. The horses were calm and had returned to their positions.

Pt/En The narrator thought the lady looked strangely cold at her daughter. The lady then called the narrator's father over. They walked away from the group. The lady spoke to the father very seriously and quietly for a few minutes. The father did not seem to notice anything different about her. The narrator could not hear what they were talking about.

Pt/En The lady returned to her daughter, spoke to her quickly, and kissed her goodbye. Then she got into the carriage, and the door was shut. The carriage drove away very fast, with two horsemen following it.

Pt/En CHAPTER 2 A Beautiful Guest

Pt/En The narrator did not like some things about her new friend. The friend refused to tell her anything about herself, her mother, her past, or her life.

Pt/En They watched the carriage go away into the dark forest. The sounds of the horses and wheels slowly disappeared into the night. Then, silence returned.

Pt/En The situation felt like a dream, but the young lady was still on the grass. After a short time, she opened her eyes.

Pt/En She asked in a sweet voice where her mother was. When she turned her face towards them, they saw she was very beautiful.

Pt/En She had many questions. She asked where she was, what this place was, why she could not see the carriage, and where her nurse, Matska, was.

Pt/En Madame Perrodon kindly told her that they would answer all her questions when she felt better. She assured the young lady that she was safe with them.

Pt/En Then the young lady remembered the crash. She was happy that no one was hurt, but she asked again about her mother.

Pt/En Madame Perrodon explained that the girl's mother had left her with them because she had to continue her journey. She added that her mother would return very soon.

Pt/En The father honestly told the girl that her mother would be back in three months. Hearing this, the girl started to cry.

Pt/En Madame Perrodon put her arm around the girl. The girl could now stand, and they walked through the castle gates. The father sent a servant on horseback to find the doctor and other servants to prepare a bedroom for their new guest.

Pt/En That evening, after the young lady was in bed, they drank tea in the large sitting-room. This room had four tall windows looking down to the gates. Everyone was thinking about the day's unusual events.

Original English Text

1 - Front Matter

Front Matter

PT CHAPTER 1 A Bad Dream

PT ‘Something new came into my life that night — terror. And it still lives with me now. ’

PT My name is Laura and I live in a castle. The castle is in a lonely place in Styria, in Austria. My family is not an important family, but we are not poor either. My father is English, and I have an English name, but I have never been to England. My father worked for many years for the Austrian government, but he is getting old now. When he left his job, he bought this castle and some of the land around it.

PT As I say, it is a lonely place. The castle stands on high ground in the middle of thick forest. A very old and narrow road passes in front of the castle gates. On one side of the castle is a steep bridge over a little river. The river runs off into the dark shadows of the forest.

PT The castle is built of grey stone and has tall windows all along the front. There are lovely gardens and a small church to the side of the castle. It is very pretty.

PT The nearest village is two hours’ drive away. Well, that is not quite true. There is a village only half an hour away, but nobody lives there. It has a small church, but the church has no roof. There, in the church, lie the graves of the Karnstein family. There are no more Karnsteins today, and their great castle, behind the church, is falling down. The village houses are all empty too. Later in my story, you will learn the reason why.

PT My story begins when I was a young child. Then, as now, I lived in the castle with my father, the kindest man on earth. My mother, a Styrian lady, died soon after I was born. A Swiss woman, Madame Perrodon, was employed to look after me. Her round, smiling face was always at my side, and she ate with my father and me. Another, younger lady, Mademoiselle De Lafontaine, lived with us. She was my teacher, and she also joined us for dinner. Madame Perrodon spoke French and a little English, Mademoiselle De Lafontaine spoke French and German. My father and I spoke English too. Visitors laughed at all the languages at our dinner table.

PT I have one terrible memory from when I was a child. I have never forgotten it because my life changed that night. I will never forget it. It may seem unimportant to you now, but it plays a part in my story.

PT I was six years old. My bedroom then was on the top floor of the castle, under a steep roof. One night, I woke up suddenly. I looked around the room for Madame Perrodon. She was not there, but I was not frightened. I knew nothing of ghosts and monsters in those days. When a dying candle made strange shadows on the bedroom wall, to me it was pretty. But I was unhappy because I was alone. I began to cry.

PT Suddenly, I stopped in surprise. There was someone next to my bed — a lovely young lady with a serious face. She touched me softly with her hands and lay next to me on the bed. Then she pulled me towards her, smiling. I felt warm and happy, and fell deeply asleep. In my sleep I felt two sharp needles go deep into my neck. I woke and cried loudly. The lady moved back. She kept her eyes on me, and then quickly disappeared under the bed.

PT Now I was frightened. I cried out again. I screamed. Madame Perrodon, Mademoiselle De Lafontaine and two servants ran into the room.

PT They listened to my story and held my hand.

PT ‘It was nothing, my dear child,’ they said.

PT But it was not nothing, and they knew it. Their faces were pale and worried as they searched the room. They looked under the bed and in the cupboards. Madame Perrodon spoke quietly to a servant, but I heard her words.

PT ‘Feel the bed here - someone was here,’ she said. ‘The place is still warm.’

PT They looked at my neck, but they found nothing there. Madame Perrodon, Mademoiselle De Lafontaine and one of the servants stayed in my room all night. From that time, until I was about fourteen, there was always a servant there with me. Something new came into my life that night - terror. And it still lives with me now.

PT The next morning, my father came to visit me in my room. He sat on my bed and kissed me. He made jokes and laughed with Madame Perrodon and Mademoiselle De Lafontaine.

PT ‘Do not be frightened,’ he said to me. ‘It was just a bad dream. Nothing is going to hurt you.’

PT ‘It was only me,’ said Mademoiselle De Lafontaine. ‘I lay next to you on the bed. You were half dreaming and you did not see me clearly.’

PT But I knew that it was not a dream. I knew that the woman was not Mademoiselle De Lafontaine. And I was very frightened.

PT The doctor came. He was pale and old, and he looked more ill than me. He gave me some medicine and of course I hated it.

PT Later that day, I had another visitor. An old priest came into my room with Madame Perrodon. His hair was white and he wore black clothes. He had a sweet, kind face. He spoke quietly. I listened and remembered his words. And from that time, I often repeated them at my bedside, before I went to sleep.

PT Twelve years passed after that terrible night and the bad dream did not return. I lived a quiet life. It was an easy life too. Most of the time, I did what I wanted. I learned my lessons, I went for long walks and I read books. There were a few girls of my age in the area. I visited them sometimes, or they visited me.

PT Now I will tell you a very strange story. You will find it hard to believe. But it is true. I was there.

PT One sweet summer evening, my father and I went for a long walk. Some visitors were coming the next day, but my father had some bad news.

PT ‘General Spielsdorf cannot visit us until later in the year,’ he said.

PT ‘Oh, but I want to meet Bertha! She is exactly my age and I have never met her!’ I said.

PT The General had no children of his own. Bertha was his sister’s daughter. When his sister died, Bertha moved into the General’s house. Her visit was an important day for me. Perhaps it does not sound exciting to you, but I lived a very quiet life in the country.

PT ‘When are they coming?’ I asked.

PT ‘The General is not coming until the autumn. But I am very glad that you and Bertha never met.’

PT ‘How can you say that!’ I said, surprised. ‘You know that I have thought about this visit for weeks!’

PT ‘Because the poor young lady is dead,’ he said sadly.

PT I was very shocked. My father showed me the General’s letter.

PT ‘I am afraid the General is very unhappy. He says in his letter that he is going crazy,’ said my father.

PT We sat down under some beautiful old trees near the river. The sun was beginning to go down and its bright reds and yellows shone in the water.

PT I read the letter and my eyes filled with tears.

PT I have lost my dearest girl. Bertha was my sister’s child, but she was like my own daughter. She was in danger and I had no idea. Now I know everything, and it is too late. A monster was in our house and she has killed my child. I was stupid! I am only glad that Bertha knew nothing of the reason for her terrible suffering. She knew she was ill, but not why. For the rest of my days on this earth, I will search for that terrible monster. There is almost no light to guide me. I cannot write or talk sensibly -I am going crazy. Perhaps in the autumn, if I am still alive, I will see you.

PT Your friend, Roland Spielsdorf

PT The sun was now disappearing behind the trees, and we were still far from home. We talked about the General’s strange letter as we walked slowly along the road.

PT When we were close to the castle, we saw Madame Perrodon and Mademoiselle De Lafontaine. They were coming down the road to meet us.

PT The view was lovely in the moonlight. To the left of our castle, the narrow road disappears into the forest. To the right it crosses a bridge over the river and then climbs up steeply into more trees. Dark shadows fall across the road there. That night, the moon lit up the river. There was no sweeter picture. It felt sad too, because I was still thinking about the General’s shocking news.

PT ‘Bright moonlight can do strange things to people,’ said Mademoiselle De Lafontaine. ‘Some people have bad dreams, other people feel nervous ... some people even go crazy.’

PT We walked along slowly. After a silence, my father spoke.

PT ‘I have a bad feeling tonight,’ he said. ‘I feel that some great danger is hanging over us ...’

PT Just then, we heard the sound of horses and carriage wheels on the road, arriving at high speed. They came suddenly, over the bridge. Two men on horses arrived first, followed by a team of four carriage horses. They were racing along the road too fast. Loud, high screams came from the carriage window.

PT We watched in terror, stepping back from the road. When the carriage horses reached a large tree by the road, they turned sharply.

PT I knew what was coming. I shut my eyes and covered my ears with my hands. The ladies and the horses screamed, the men shouted. There was a terrible crashing noise.

PT I opened my eyes. Two horses were on the ground, and the carriage was on its side with two wheels in the air. The wheels were going round and round.

PT As the wheels slowed down, a well-dressed lady climbed out of the carriage. A younger lady was lifted out by some of the men and put down on the grass. She was not moving. My dear old father ran to the girl and felt her wrist. Then he looked at the older lady.

PT ‘She is alive,’ he said.

PT The lady smiled and looked up to the sky in thanks.

PT She was a good-looking woman for her age. She was tall but not thin, and was dressed in fine black clothes. She was clearly an important person, perhaps a countess. Her skin was pale but her face was very proud. Suddenly, her smile disappeared.

PT ‘Why do these things happen to me?’ she cried. ‘I am on a journey of life and death - an hour may make the difference - and now my daughter cannot travel. Who knows how long she must rest for? I must leave her. I cannot wait - I must not wait. How far, kind sir - can you tell me? - is the nearest village? I must leave her there. I will not see my dear girl, or hear of her, until my return in three months’ time!’

PT I pulled my father’s coat.

PT ‘Father!’ I said in his ear. ‘Please invite her to stay with us. Please! We have so many pretty bedrooms in the castle but nobody ever sleeps in them!’

PT ‘Madame,’ my father said to the lady, ‘we will be very pleased if you leave your daughter with us. Please do not worry about her. Madame Perrodon and my daughter will look after her. She is welcome to stay with us for as long as necessary.’

PT Sir, she said, ‘you are very kind, but I cannot accept your invitation. You do not know us. It is too good of you.’

PT ‘Madame,’ he said, ‘the nearest village on the road to the east is a long way away and has no suitable hotel. And, as you say, a long journey will be too dangerous for your daughter’s health. My daughter will be very happy to make friends with her.

PT In fact, she was waiting for a friend who is now, sadly, unable to visit.’

PT The carriage was now back on its wheels. The horses were calm and back in their places.

PT The lady looked at her daughter - a strangely cold look, I thought. Then she called my father to her. They walked away from our group. The lady’s face was very serious as she spoke to my father quietly for two or three minutes. He did not seem to notice the change in her. What was she saying? I could hear nothing of the conversation.

PT The lady returned to her daughter’s side, spoke quickly in her ear and kissed her goodbye. Then she jumped into the carriage and the door was closed. The carriage drove away at high speed, with the two horsemen behind it.

PT CHAPTER 2 A Beautiful Guest

PT ‘There were some things about my new friend that I did not like. She refused to tell me anything about herself her mother, her history or her life.

PT We watched the carriage disappear into the dark forest. The sound of horses and wheels died away in the night air. The silence returned.

PT It felt like a dream, except for the young lady. She still lay on the grass. After a few minutes, she opened her eyes.

PT ‘Where is Mama?’ she asked, in a very sweet voice. She turned her face to us. We all saw how lovely she was.

PT She had many questions. ‘Where am I? What is this place? I cannot see the carriage. And Matska, my nurse — where is she?’

PT ‘We will answer all your questions when you are feeling a little better,’ said Madame Perrodon kindly. ‘You are safe with us.’

PT Then the young lady remembered the crash. She was happy that nobody was hurt. ‘But Mama?’ she asked again. ‘Where is she?’

PT ‘Your mother has left you with us,’ explained Madame Perrodon. ‘She had to continue her journey. She will be back soon ... quite soon.’

PT ‘In three months’ time,’ said my father honestly, and at that news the girl cried.

PT Madame Perrodon put an arm around her. She was able to stand by now and we walked through the castle gates. My father sent a servant on horseback to find the doctor. He sent other servants upstairs to make a bedroom ready for our new and interesting guest.

PT That evening, when the young lady was safely in bed, we drank tea in the large sitting-room at the front of the castle. It has four tall windows that look down to the gates. We were all thinking about the evening’s adventure.

Versão em Português

1 - Preliminares

Preliminares

En O primeiro capítulo se chama Um Sonho Ruim.

En A narradora diz que algo novo entrou em sua vida naquela noite, que era o terror, e que esse terror ainda permanece com ela.

En A narradora se apresenta como Laura, que vive em um castelo em uma parte remota da Estíria, na Áustria. Sua família não é de alto status, mas também não é pobre. Seu pai é inglês, e embora ela tenha um nome inglês, nunca visitou a Inglaterra. Depois de muitos anos trabalhando para o governo austríaco, seu pai se aposentou e comprou o castelo e algumas terras ao redor.

En O castelo está situado em um terreno elevado no meio de uma floresta densa, com uma estrada estreita e antiga passando diante de seus portões. De um lado, uma ponte íngreme cruza um pequeno rio que desaparece nas sombras escuras da floresta.

En Construído de pedra cinzenta, o castelo possui janelas altas ao longo de sua fachada. É cercado por belos jardins, e uma pequena igreja fica ao lado. A impressão geral é de beleza.

En A aldeia mais próxima fica a duas horas de carro. Na verdade, há uma aldeia a apenas meia hora de distância, mas está deserta. Tem uma pequena igreja sem telhado, onde estão localizados os túmulos da família Karnstein. A família Karnstein já não existe mais, e seu grande castelo atrás da igreja está em ruínas. As casas da aldeia também estão vazias. Mais tarde na história, o motivo disso será revelado.

En A história da narradora começa quando ela era uma criança pequena. Ela vivia no castelo com seu pai, que era o homem mais bondoso. Sua mãe, uma senhora da Estíria, morreu logo após seu nascimento. Uma mulher suíça chamada Madame Perrodon foi contratada para cuidar dela. Madame Perrodon tinha um rosto redondo e sorridente e estava sempre ao seu lado, comendo com seu pai e com ela. Outra jovem, Mademoiselle De Lafontaine, também morava com eles e servia como sua professora; ela também se juntava a eles para o jantar. Madame Perrodon falava francês e um pouco de inglês, Mademoiselle De Lafontaine falava francês e alemão, e a narradora e seu pai falavam inglês. Os visitantes achavam engraçada a mistura de idiomas à mesa de jantar.

En A narradora tem uma memória terrível da infância que nunca esqueceu porque mudou sua vida naquela noite. Ela diz que pode parecer sem importância para os outros, mas tem um papel em sua história.

En Quando tinha seis anos, seu quarto ficava no último andar do castelo, sob um telhado íngreme. Uma noite ela acordou de repente e procurou por Madame Perrodon, mas ela não estava lá. Ela não ficou assustada, pois não sabia nada sobre fantasmas ou monstros. As sombras estranhas de uma vela moribunda pareciam bonitas para ela. No entanto, ela se sentiu infeliz por estar sozinha e começou a chorar.

En De repente, ela parou surpresa. Ao lado de sua cama havia uma linda jovem de rosto sério. A moça tocou-a suavemente, deitou-se ao seu lado e depois a puxou para perto com um sorriso. A narradora sentiu-se aquecida e feliz e adormeceu profundamente. Durante o sono, sentiu duas agulhas afiadas penetrarem fundo em seu pescoço. Ela acordou e chorou alto. A moça recuou, manteve os olhos nela e então desapareceu rapidamente debaixo da cama.

En Fiquei aterrorizado. Gritei e berrei novamente. Madame Perrodon, Mademoiselle De Lafontaine e dois criados correram para o quarto.

En Eles ouviram meu relato e seguraram minha mão.

En Eles me disseram que não era nada, chamando-me de sua querida filha.

En Mas não era nada, e eles sabiam disso. Seus rostos estavam pálidos e ansiosos enquanto revistavam o quarto, olhando debaixo da cama e dentro dos armários. Madame Perrodon falou baixinho com um criado, mas eu ouvi suas palavras.

En Ela disse que a cama estava quente em um ponto, indicando que alguém estivera ali.

En Eles examinaram o pescoço da narradora, mas não descobriram nada. Madame Perrodon, Mademoiselle De Lafontaine e uma criada permaneceram em seu quarto durante toda a noite. Daquela noite em diante até ela ter cerca de catorze anos, uma criada estava sempre presente com ela. Aquela noite introduziu um novo elemento em sua vida: o terror, que continua a acompanhá-la até hoje.

En Na manhã seguinte, o pai da narradora veio vê-la em seu quarto. Ele sentou-se em sua cama, beijou-a e compartilhou piadas e risadas com Madame Perrodon e Mademoiselle De Lafontaine.

En O pai dela disse a ela para não ter medo. Ele explicou que era apenas um mau sonho e que nada a machucaria.

En Mademoiselle De Lafontaine afirmou que tinha sido apenas ela mesma. Ela disse que estava deitada ao lado da narradora na cama, e que a narradora, meio adormecida, não a vira claramente.

En No entanto, a narradora tinha certeza de que não tinha sido um sonho. Ela sabia que a mulher não era Mademoiselle De Lafontaine, e estava profundamente assustada.

En O médico chegou, pálido e idoso, parecendo ainda mais doente do que eu. Ele me receitou um remédio, que eu naturalmente detestei.

En Mais tarde naquele dia, recebi outra visita. Um padre idoso entrou no meu quarto junto com a Madame Perrodon. Seu cabelo era branco, suas vestes pretas, e seu rosto tinha uma expressão doce e bondosa. Ele falou baixinho. Eu ouvi atentamente e gravei suas palavras na memória. A partir daquela noite, muitas vezes as repeti ao lado da minha cama antes de dormir.

En Doze anos se passaram após aquela noite terrível, e o pesadelo nunca mais se repetiu. Minha existência era tranquila e confortável; na maior parte do tempo, seguia minhas próprias inclinações. Cuidava dos meus estudos, fazia longas caminhadas e mergulhava nos livros. Havia algumas garotas da minha idade nas redondezas, e ocasionalmente nos visitávamos.

En Agora contarei uma história muito peculiar. Você pode achar difícil de acreditar, mas é genuína. Eu estava presente.

En Numa agradável noite de verão, meu pai e eu partimos para uma longa caminhada. Visitantes eram esperados no dia seguinte, mas meu pai trazia notícias ruins.

En Ele explicou que o General Spielsdorf não poderia visitá-los até mais tarde no ano.

En Exclamei que estava ansioso para conhecer Bertha, já que ela tinha exatamente a minha idade e eu nunca a tinha encontrado.

En O General não tinha filhos próprios; Bertha era sua sobrinha, filha de sua irmã. Após a morte de sua irmã, Bertha veio morar com ele. A iminente visita dela me pareceu significativa. Talvez pareça trivial, mas minha vida no campo era extremamente tranquila, e sua chegada prometia uma mudança bem-vinda.

En Perguntei sobre a data da chegada deles.

En Ele respondeu que o General não viria antes do outono e acrescentou que estava aliviado por Bertha e eu nunca termos nos encontrado.

En A narradora ficou surpresa e insistiu que era injusto dizer aquilo, já que ela estava ansiosamente esperando a visita há semanas.

En Ele respondeu tristemente que a jovem havia falecido.

En A narradora ficou profundamente chocada, e seu pai lhe apresentou uma carta do General.

En Meu pai expressou preocupação de que o General estava extremamente angustiado, afirmando em sua carta que estava perdendo a razão.

En Eles se sentaram sob algumas árvores antigas e bonitas perto do rio. O sol começara a se pôr, lançando tons vívidos de vermelho e amarelo que brilhavam na superfície da água.

En A carta trouxe lágrimas aos olhos do leitor.

En O escritor lamentou a perda de Bertha, sua sobrinha que era como uma filha. Um monstro a matara enquanto ele não percebia. Ele se culpou por não reconhecer o perigo e ficou feliz que Bertha não soubesse a verdadeira causa de seu sofrimento. Ele jurou caçar o monstro pelo resto de sua vida, embora sentisse desespero e loucura. Se sobrevivesse até o outono, esperava encontrar o destinatário.

En A carta foi assinada por Roland Spielsdorf, que se identificou como amigo.

En Enquanto o sol se punha atrás das árvores, eles ainda estavam longe de casa. Caminhando devagar, discutiam a estranha carta do General.

En Perto do castelo, eles avistaram Madame Perrodon e Mademoiselle De Lafontaine se aproximando pela estrada.

En O narrador descreveu a vista do luar como adorável. À esquerda, a estrada estreita desaparecia na floresta; à direita, cruzava uma ponte sobre o rio e subia abruptamente até as árvores, onde sombras escuras caíam. A lua iluminava o rio, criando a imagem mais doce, mas a cena parecia triste porque o narrador ainda pensava na notícia chocante do General.

En Mademoiselle De Lafontaine observou que o luar brilhante poderia ter efeitos estranhos nas pessoas; algumas tinham pesadelos, outras se sentiam nervosas e algumas até perdiam a razão.

En Eles caminharam devagar. Após um silêncio, o pai do narrador falou.

En O pai confessou que tinha um sentimento perturbador naquela noite, sentindo que um grande perigo pairava sobre eles.

En Naquele momento, ouviram o som de cavalos e rodas de carruagem se aproximando em alta velocidade. Dois homens a cavalo vieram primeiro, seguidos por uma carruagem puxada por quatro cavalos correndo rápido demais sobre a ponte. Gritos altos e agudos vinham da janela da carruagem.

En Observamos aterrorizados e recuamos da estrada. À medida que os cavalos da carruagem se aproximavam de uma grande árvore, eles desviaram bruscamente.

En Eu antecipei o que aconteceria. Fechei os olhos e pressionei as mãos sobre os ouvidos. As mulheres e os cavalos gritaram, os homens berraram, e então veio um terrível som de impacto.

En Quando abri os olhos, vi dois cavalos caídos no chão. A carruagem estava de lado com duas rodas girando no ar.

En À medida que as rodas desaceleravam, uma mulher bem-vestida desceu da carruagem. Alguns homens retiraram uma mulher mais jovem e a deitaram na grama, imóvel. Meu querido velho pai correu até ela, sentiu seu pulso e então se virou para a mulher mais velha.

En Ele anunciou que ela estava viva.

En A mulher sorriu e ergueu os olhos para o céu em gratidão.

En Ela era uma mulher atraente para a idade, alta e de corpo cheio, vestida com roupas pretas finas. Parecia ser uma pessoa importante, talvez uma condessa. Sua pele era pálida e sua expressão orgulhosa. Então, de repente, seu sorriso desapareceu.

En Ela exclamou, perguntando por que essas coisas sempre aconteciam com ela. Ela disse que estava em uma jornada de vida ou morte, onde uma hora poderia fazer a diferença, mas sua filha não podia viajar. Sem saber quanto tempo sua filha precisaria descansar, ela teve que deixá-la para trás. Ela perguntou a distância até a vila mais próxima, explicando que precisava deixar sua filha lá e não a veria nem teria notícias dela até seu retorno em três meses.

En Puxei o casaco do meu pai.

En Ele pediu ao pai que convidasse a mulher para ficar com eles, dizendo que tinham muitos quartos bonitos no castelo que ninguém nunca usava.

En O pai da narradora garantiu à senhora que eles ficariam encantados em ter a filha dela hospedada com eles. Disse a ela para não se preocupar, pois Madame Perrodon e sua filha cuidariam da garota, e ela seria bem-vinda pelo tempo que fosse necessário.

En A senhora expressou gratidão, mas recusou, explicando que eram estranhos e que a oferta dele era generosa demais.

En Ele observou que a vila mais próxima ao leste era distante e não tinha uma estalagem decente, e concordou que uma longa viagem prejudicaria a saúde da filha dela. Acrescentou que sua própria filha ficaria encantada em se tornar amiga dela.

En Ele mencionou ainda que sua filha estava esperando uma companhia, mas que infelizmente essa amiga não poderia vir.

En A carruagem havia sido recolocada sobre as rodas, e os cavalos, agora calmos, estavam novamente atrelados em seus lugares.

En O narrador observou que a senhora deu à filha um olhar notavelmente frio. Ela então chamou o pai do narrador e eles se afastaram. A expressão da senhora tornou-se grave enquanto ela falava baixinho com ele por alguns minutos. O pai parecia alheio à mudança em seu comportamento. O narrador não conseguiu ouvir a conversa.

En A senhora voltou para sua filha, sussurrou algo em seu ouvido e beijou-a em despedida. Ela então subiu na carruagem, a porta foi fechada, e o veículo partiu rapidamente, acompanhado por dois cavaleiros.

En CAPÍTULO 2 Uma Convidada Bela

En O narrador achou certos aspectos de sua nova amiga desagradáveis. A amiga recusou-se a compartilhar qualquer detalhe sobre si mesma — sua mãe, sua origem ou sua vida.

En Eles observaram a carruagem desaparecer na floresta sombria. O barulho dos cascos e das rodas gradualmente se dissipou na noite. O silêncio novamente os envolveu.

En A experiência parecia um sonho, mas a jovem ainda estava deitada na grama. Após alguns instantes, ela abriu os olhos.

En Ela perguntou com uma voz muito doce onde sua mãe estava. Quando virou o rosto para eles, todos viram como ela era adorável.

En Ela tinha muitas perguntas. Perguntou onde estava, que lugar era aquele, por que não via a carruagem e onde estava sua babá, Matska.

En Madame Perrodon disse gentilmente que responderiam a todas as suas perguntas quando ela se sentisse melhor e garantiu que estava segura com eles.

En Então a jovem se lembrou do acidente. Ela ficou aliviada que ninguém se feriu, mas perguntou novamente onde sua mãe estava.

En Madame Perrodon explicou que a mãe da garota a havia deixado com eles porque precisava continuar sua viagem, e garantiu a ela que voltaria muito em breve.

En O pai afirmou honestamente que a mãe dela voltaria em três meses, o que fez a garota chorar.

En Madame Perrodon colocou um braço ao redor da garota, que já conseguia ficar em pé, e eles entraram no castelo. O pai enviou um servo a cavalo para buscar o médico e ordenou que outros preparassem um quarto para sua intrigante nova hóspede.

En Naquela noite, assim que a jovem estava acomodada na cama, eles tomaram chá na sala de estar da frente, que tinha quatro janelas altas com vista para os portões. Todos refletiram sobre os eventos incomuns da noite.

Front Matter

Português

O primeiro capítulo se chama Um Sonho Ruim.

Original English

CHAPTER 1 A Bad Dream

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Português

A narradora diz que algo novo entrou em sua vida naquela noite, que era o terror, e que esse terror ainda permanece com ela.

Original English

‘Something new came into my life that night — terror. And it still lives with me now. ’

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Português

A narradora se apresenta como Laura, que vive em um castelo em uma parte remota da Estíria, na Áustria. Sua família não é de alto status, mas também não é pobre. Seu pai é inglês, e embora ela tenha um nome inglês, nunca visitou a Inglaterra. Depois de muitos anos trabalhando para o governo austríaco, seu pai se aposentou e comprou o castelo e algumas terras ao redor.

Original English

My name is Laura and I live in a castle. The castle is in a lonely place in Styria, in Austria. My family is not an important family, but we are not poor either. My father is English, and I have an English name, but I have never been to England. My father worked for many years for the Austrian government, but he is getting old now. When he left his job, he bought this castle and some of the land around it.

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Português

O castelo está situado em um terreno elevado no meio de uma floresta densa, com uma estrada estreita e antiga passando diante de seus portões. De um lado, uma ponte íngreme cruza um pequeno rio que desaparece nas sombras escuras da floresta.

Original English

As I say, it is a lonely place. The castle stands on high ground in the middle of thick forest. A very old and narrow road passes in front of the castle gates. On one side of the castle is a steep bridge over a little river. The river runs off into the dark shadows of the forest.

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Português

Construído de pedra cinzenta, o castelo possui janelas altas ao longo de sua fachada. É cercado por belos jardins, e uma pequena igreja fica ao lado. A impressão geral é de beleza.

Original English

The castle is built of grey stone and has tall windows all along the front. There are lovely gardens and a small church to the side of the castle. It is very pretty.

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Português

A aldeia mais próxima fica a duas horas de carro. Na verdade, há uma aldeia a apenas meia hora de distância, mas está deserta. Tem uma pequena igreja sem telhado, onde estão localizados os túmulos da família Karnstein. A família Karnstein já não existe mais, e seu grande castelo atrás da igreja está em ruínas. As casas da aldeia também estão vazias. Mais tarde na história, o motivo disso será revelado.

Original English

The nearest village is two hours’ drive away. Well, that is not quite true. There is a village only half an hour away, but nobody lives there. It has a small church, but the church has no roof. There, in the church, lie the graves of the Karnstein family. There are no more Karnsteins today, and their great castle, behind the church, is falling down. The village houses are all empty too. Later in my story, you will learn the reason why.

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Português

A história da narradora começa quando ela era uma criança pequena. Ela vivia no castelo com seu pai, que era o homem mais bondoso. Sua mãe, uma senhora da Estíria, morreu logo após seu nascimento. Uma mulher suíça chamada Madame Perrodon foi contratada para cuidar dela. Madame Perrodon tinha um rosto redondo e sorridente e estava sempre ao seu lado, comendo com seu pai e com ela. Outra jovem, Mademoiselle De Lafontaine, também morava com eles e servia como sua professora; ela também se juntava a eles para o jantar. Madame Perrodon falava francês e um pouco de inglês, Mademoiselle De Lafontaine falava francês e alemão, e a narradora e seu pai falavam inglês. Os visitantes achavam engraçada a mistura de idiomas à mesa de jantar.

Original English

My story begins when I was a young child. Then, as now, I lived in the castle with my father, the kindest man on earth. My mother, a Styrian lady, died soon after I was born. A Swiss woman, Madame Perrodon, was employed to look after me. Her round, smiling face was always at my side, and she ate with my father and me. Another, younger lady, Mademoiselle De Lafontaine, lived with us. She was my teacher, and she also joined us for dinner. Madame Perrodon spoke French and a little English, Mademoiselle De Lafontaine spoke French and German. My father and I spoke English too. Visitors laughed at all the languages at our dinner table.

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Português

A narradora tem uma memória terrível da infância que nunca esqueceu porque mudou sua vida naquela noite. Ela diz que pode parecer sem importância para os outros, mas tem um papel em sua história.

Original English

I have one terrible memory from when I was a child. I have never forgotten it because my life changed that night. I will never forget it. It may seem unimportant to you now, but it plays a part in my story.

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Português

Quando tinha seis anos, seu quarto ficava no último andar do castelo, sob um telhado íngreme. Uma noite ela acordou de repente e procurou por Madame Perrodon, mas ela não estava lá. Ela não ficou assustada, pois não sabia nada sobre fantasmas ou monstros. As sombras estranhas de uma vela moribunda pareciam bonitas para ela. No entanto, ela se sentiu infeliz por estar sozinha e começou a chorar.

Original English

I was six years old. My bedroom then was on the top floor of the castle, under a steep roof. One night, I woke up suddenly. I looked around the room for Madame Perrodon. She was not there, but I was not frightened. I knew nothing of ghosts and monsters in those days. When a dying candle made strange shadows on the bedroom wall, to me it was pretty. But I was unhappy because I was alone. I began to cry.

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Português

De repente, ela parou surpresa. Ao lado de sua cama havia uma linda jovem de rosto sério. A moça tocou-a suavemente, deitou-se ao seu lado e depois a puxou para perto com um sorriso. A narradora sentiu-se aquecida e feliz e adormeceu profundamente. Durante o sono, sentiu duas agulhas afiadas penetrarem fundo em seu pescoço. Ela acordou e chorou alto. A moça recuou, manteve os olhos nela e então desapareceu rapidamente debaixo da cama.

Original English

Suddenly, I stopped in surprise. There was someone next to my bed — a lovely young lady with a serious face. She touched me softly with her hands and lay next to me on the bed. Then she pulled me towards her, smiling. I felt warm and happy, and fell deeply asleep. In my sleep I felt two sharp needles go deep into my neck. I woke and cried loudly. The lady moved back. She kept her eyes on me, and then quickly disappeared under the bed.

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Português

Fiquei aterrorizado. Gritei e berrei novamente. Madame Perrodon, Mademoiselle De Lafontaine e dois criados correram para o quarto.

Original English

Now I was frightened. I cried out again. I screamed. Madame Perrodon, Mademoiselle De Lafontaine and two servants ran into the room.

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Português

Eles ouviram meu relato e seguraram minha mão.

Original English

They listened to my story and held my hand.

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Português

Eles me disseram que não era nada, chamando-me de sua querida filha.

Original English

‘It was nothing, my dear child,’ they said.

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Português

Mas não era nada, e eles sabiam disso. Seus rostos estavam pálidos e ansiosos enquanto revistavam o quarto, olhando debaixo da cama e dentro dos armários. Madame Perrodon falou baixinho com um criado, mas eu ouvi suas palavras.

Original English

But it was not nothing, and they knew it. Their faces were pale and worried as they searched the room. They looked under the bed and in the cupboards. Madame Perrodon spoke quietly to a servant, but I heard her words.

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Português

Ela disse que a cama estava quente em um ponto, indicando que alguém estivera ali.

Original English

‘Feel the bed here - someone was here,’ she said. ‘The place is still warm.’

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Português

Eles examinaram o pescoço da narradora, mas não descobriram nada. Madame Perrodon, Mademoiselle De Lafontaine e uma criada permaneceram em seu quarto durante toda a noite. Daquela noite em diante até ela ter cerca de catorze anos, uma criada estava sempre presente com ela. Aquela noite introduziu um novo elemento em sua vida: o terror, que continua a acompanhá-la até hoje.

Original English

They looked at my neck, but they found nothing there. Madame Perrodon, Mademoiselle De Lafontaine and one of the servants stayed in my room all night. From that time, until I was about fourteen, there was always a servant there with me. Something new came into my life that night - terror. And it still lives with me now.

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Português

Na manhã seguinte, o pai da narradora veio vê-la em seu quarto. Ele sentou-se em sua cama, beijou-a e compartilhou piadas e risadas com Madame Perrodon e Mademoiselle De Lafontaine.

Original English

The next morning, my father came to visit me in my room. He sat on my bed and kissed me. He made jokes and laughed with Madame Perrodon and Mademoiselle De Lafontaine.

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Português

O pai dela disse a ela para não ter medo. Ele explicou que era apenas um mau sonho e que nada a machucaria.

Original English

‘Do not be frightened,’ he said to me. ‘It was just a bad dream. Nothing is going to hurt you.’

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Português

Mademoiselle De Lafontaine afirmou que tinha sido apenas ela mesma. Ela disse que estava deitada ao lado da narradora na cama, e que a narradora, meio adormecida, não a vira claramente.

Original English

‘It was only me,’ said Mademoiselle De Lafontaine. ‘I lay next to you on the bed. You were half dreaming and you did not see me clearly.’

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Português

No entanto, a narradora tinha certeza de que não tinha sido um sonho. Ela sabia que a mulher não era Mademoiselle De Lafontaine, e estava profundamente assustada.

Original English

But I knew that it was not a dream. I knew that the woman was not Mademoiselle De Lafontaine. And I was very frightened.

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Português

O médico chegou, pálido e idoso, parecendo ainda mais doente do que eu. Ele me receitou um remédio, que eu naturalmente detestei.

Original English

The doctor came. He was pale and old, and he looked more ill than me. He gave me some medicine and of course I hated it.

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Português

Mais tarde naquele dia, recebi outra visita. Um padre idoso entrou no meu quarto junto com a Madame Perrodon. Seu cabelo era branco, suas vestes pretas, e seu rosto tinha uma expressão doce e bondosa. Ele falou baixinho. Eu ouvi atentamente e gravei suas palavras na memória. A partir daquela noite, muitas vezes as repeti ao lado da minha cama antes de dormir.

Original English

Later that day, I had another visitor. An old priest came into my room with Madame Perrodon. His hair was white and he wore black clothes. He had a sweet, kind face. He spoke quietly. I listened and remembered his words. And from that time, I often repeated them at my bedside, before I went to sleep.

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Português

Doze anos se passaram após aquela noite terrível, e o pesadelo nunca mais se repetiu. Minha existência era tranquila e confortável; na maior parte do tempo, seguia minhas próprias inclinações. Cuidava dos meus estudos, fazia longas caminhadas e mergulhava nos livros. Havia algumas garotas da minha idade nas redondezas, e ocasionalmente nos visitávamos.

Original English

Twelve years passed after that terrible night and the bad dream did not return. I lived a quiet life. It was an easy life too. Most of the time, I did what I wanted. I learned my lessons, I went for long walks and I read books. There were a few girls of my age in the area. I visited them sometimes, or they visited me.

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Português

Agora contarei uma história muito peculiar. Você pode achar difícil de acreditar, mas é genuína. Eu estava presente.

Original English

Now I will tell you a very strange story. You will find it hard to believe. But it is true. I was there.

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Português

Numa agradável noite de verão, meu pai e eu partimos para uma longa caminhada. Visitantes eram esperados no dia seguinte, mas meu pai trazia notícias ruins.

Original English

One sweet summer evening, my father and I went for a long walk. Some visitors were coming the next day, but my father had some bad news.

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Português

Ele explicou que o General Spielsdorf não poderia visitá-los até mais tarde no ano.

Original English

‘General Spielsdorf cannot visit us until later in the year,’ he said.

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Português

Exclamei que estava ansioso para conhecer Bertha, já que ela tinha exatamente a minha idade e eu nunca a tinha encontrado.

Original English

‘Oh, but I want to meet Bertha! She is exactly my age and I have never met her!’ I said.

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Português

O General não tinha filhos próprios; Bertha era sua sobrinha, filha de sua irmã. Após a morte de sua irmã, Bertha veio morar com ele. A iminente visita dela me pareceu significativa. Talvez pareça trivial, mas minha vida no campo era extremamente tranquila, e sua chegada prometia uma mudança bem-vinda.

Original English

The General had no children of his own. Bertha was his sister’s daughter. When his sister died, Bertha moved into the General’s house. Her visit was an important day for me. Perhaps it does not sound exciting to you, but I lived a very quiet life in the country.

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Português

Perguntei sobre a data da chegada deles.

Original English

‘When are they coming?’ I asked.

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Português

Ele respondeu que o General não viria antes do outono e acrescentou que estava aliviado por Bertha e eu nunca termos nos encontrado.

Original English

‘The General is not coming until the autumn. But I am very glad that you and Bertha never met.’

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Português

A narradora ficou surpresa e insistiu que era injusto dizer aquilo, já que ela estava ansiosamente esperando a visita há semanas.

Original English

‘How can you say that!’ I said, surprised. ‘You know that I have thought about this visit for weeks!’

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Português

Ele respondeu tristemente que a jovem havia falecido.

Original English

‘Because the poor young lady is dead,’ he said sadly.

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Português

A narradora ficou profundamente chocada, e seu pai lhe apresentou uma carta do General.

Original English

I was very shocked. My father showed me the General’s letter.

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Português

Meu pai expressou preocupação de que o General estava extremamente angustiado, afirmando em sua carta que estava perdendo a razão.

Original English

‘I am afraid the General is very unhappy. He says in his letter that he is going crazy,’ said my father.

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Português

Eles se sentaram sob algumas árvores antigas e bonitas perto do rio. O sol começara a se pôr, lançando tons vívidos de vermelho e amarelo que brilhavam na superfície da água.

Original English

We sat down under some beautiful old trees near the river. The sun was beginning to go down and its bright reds and yellows shone in the water.

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Português

A carta trouxe lágrimas aos olhos do leitor.

Original English

I read the letter and my eyes filled with tears.

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Português

O escritor lamentou a perda de Bertha, sua sobrinha que era como uma filha. Um monstro a matara enquanto ele não percebia. Ele se culpou por não reconhecer o perigo e ficou feliz que Bertha não soubesse a verdadeira causa de seu sofrimento. Ele jurou caçar o monstro pelo resto de sua vida, embora sentisse desespero e loucura. Se sobrevivesse até o outono, esperava encontrar o destinatário.

Original English

I have lost my dearest girl. Bertha was my sister’s child, but she was like my own daughter. She was in danger and I had no idea. Now I know everything, and it is too late. A monster was in our house and she has killed my child. I was stupid! I am only glad that Bertha knew nothing of the reason for her terrible suffering. She knew she was ill, but not why. For the rest of my days on this earth, I will search for that terrible monster. There is almost no light to guide me. I cannot write or talk sensibly -I am going crazy. Perhaps in the autumn, if I am still alive, I will see you.

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Português

A carta foi assinada por Roland Spielsdorf, que se identificou como amigo.

Original English

Your friend, Roland Spielsdorf

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Português

Enquanto o sol se punha atrás das árvores, eles ainda estavam longe de casa. Caminhando devagar, discutiam a estranha carta do General.

Original English

The sun was now disappearing behind the trees, and we were still far from home. We talked about the General’s strange letter as we walked slowly along the road.

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Português

Perto do castelo, eles avistaram Madame Perrodon e Mademoiselle De Lafontaine se aproximando pela estrada.

Original English

When we were close to the castle, we saw Madame Perrodon and Mademoiselle De Lafontaine. They were coming down the road to meet us.

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Português

O narrador descreveu a vista do luar como adorável. À esquerda, a estrada estreita desaparecia na floresta; à direita, cruzava uma ponte sobre o rio e subia abruptamente até as árvores, onde sombras escuras caíam. A lua iluminava o rio, criando a imagem mais doce, mas a cena parecia triste porque o narrador ainda pensava na notícia chocante do General.

Original English

The view was lovely in the moonlight. To the left of our castle, the narrow road disappears into the forest. To the right it crosses a bridge over the river and then climbs up steeply into more trees. Dark shadows fall across the road there. That night, the moon lit up the river. There was no sweeter picture. It felt sad too, because I was still thinking about the General’s shocking news.

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Português

Mademoiselle De Lafontaine observou que o luar brilhante poderia ter efeitos estranhos nas pessoas; algumas tinham pesadelos, outras se sentiam nervosas e algumas até perdiam a razão.

Original English

‘Bright moonlight can do strange things to people,’ said Mademoiselle De Lafontaine. ‘Some people have bad dreams, other people feel nervous ... some people even go crazy.’

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Português

Eles caminharam devagar. Após um silêncio, o pai do narrador falou.

Original English

We walked along slowly. After a silence, my father spoke.

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Português

O pai confessou que tinha um sentimento perturbador naquela noite, sentindo que um grande perigo pairava sobre eles.

Original English

‘I have a bad feeling tonight,’ he said. ‘I feel that some great danger is hanging over us ...’

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Português

Naquele momento, ouviram o som de cavalos e rodas de carruagem se aproximando em alta velocidade. Dois homens a cavalo vieram primeiro, seguidos por uma carruagem puxada por quatro cavalos correndo rápido demais sobre a ponte. Gritos altos e agudos vinham da janela da carruagem.

Original English

Just then, we heard the sound of horses and carriage wheels on the road, arriving at high speed. They came suddenly, over the bridge. Two men on horses arrived first, followed by a team of four carriage horses. They were racing along the road too fast. Loud, high screams came from the carriage window.

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Português

Observamos aterrorizados e recuamos da estrada. À medida que os cavalos da carruagem se aproximavam de uma grande árvore, eles desviaram bruscamente.

Original English

We watched in terror, stepping back from the road. When the carriage horses reached a large tree by the road, they turned sharply.

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Português

Eu antecipei o que aconteceria. Fechei os olhos e pressionei as mãos sobre os ouvidos. As mulheres e os cavalos gritaram, os homens berraram, e então veio um terrível som de impacto.

Original English

I knew what was coming. I shut my eyes and covered my ears with my hands. The ladies and the horses screamed, the men shouted. There was a terrible crashing noise.

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Português

Quando abri os olhos, vi dois cavalos caídos no chão. A carruagem estava de lado com duas rodas girando no ar.

Original English

I opened my eyes. Two horses were on the ground, and the carriage was on its side with two wheels in the air. The wheels were going round and round.

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Português

À medida que as rodas desaceleravam, uma mulher bem-vestida desceu da carruagem. Alguns homens retiraram uma mulher mais jovem e a deitaram na grama, imóvel. Meu querido velho pai correu até ela, sentiu seu pulso e então se virou para a mulher mais velha.

Original English

As the wheels slowed down, a well-dressed lady climbed out of the carriage. A younger lady was lifted out by some of the men and put down on the grass. She was not moving. My dear old father ran to the girl and felt her wrist. Then he looked at the older lady.

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Português

Ele anunciou que ela estava viva.

Original English

‘She is alive,’ he said.

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Português

A mulher sorriu e ergueu os olhos para o céu em gratidão.

Original English

The lady smiled and looked up to the sky in thanks.

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Português

Ela era uma mulher atraente para a idade, alta e de corpo cheio, vestida com roupas pretas finas. Parecia ser uma pessoa importante, talvez uma condessa. Sua pele era pálida e sua expressão orgulhosa. Então, de repente, seu sorriso desapareceu.

Original English

She was a good-looking woman for her age. She was tall but not thin, and was dressed in fine black clothes. She was clearly an important person, perhaps a countess. Her skin was pale but her face was very proud. Suddenly, her smile disappeared.

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Português

Ela exclamou, perguntando por que essas coisas sempre aconteciam com ela. Ela disse que estava em uma jornada de vida ou morte, onde uma hora poderia fazer a diferença, mas sua filha não podia viajar. Sem saber quanto tempo sua filha precisaria descansar, ela teve que deixá-la para trás. Ela perguntou a distância até a vila mais próxima, explicando que precisava deixar sua filha lá e não a veria nem teria notícias dela até seu retorno em três meses.

Original English

‘Why do these things happen to me?’ she cried. ‘I am on a journey of life and death - an hour may make the difference - and now my daughter cannot travel. Who knows how long she must rest for? I must leave her. I cannot wait - I must not wait. How far, kind sir - can you tell me? - is the nearest village? I must leave her there. I will not see my dear girl, or hear of her, until my return in three months’ time!’

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Português

Puxei o casaco do meu pai.

Original English

I pulled my father’s coat.

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Português

Ele pediu ao pai que convidasse a mulher para ficar com eles, dizendo que tinham muitos quartos bonitos no castelo que ninguém nunca usava.

Original English

‘Father!’ I said in his ear. ‘Please invite her to stay with us. Please! We have so many pretty bedrooms in the castle but nobody ever sleeps in them!’

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Português

O pai da narradora garantiu à senhora que eles ficariam encantados em ter a filha dela hospedada com eles. Disse a ela para não se preocupar, pois Madame Perrodon e sua filha cuidariam da garota, e ela seria bem-vinda pelo tempo que fosse necessário.

Original English

‘Madame,’ my father said to the lady, ‘we will be very pleased if you leave your daughter with us. Please do not worry about her. Madame Perrodon and my daughter will look after her. She is welcome to stay with us for as long as necessary.’

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Português

A senhora expressou gratidão, mas recusou, explicando que eram estranhos e que a oferta dele era generosa demais.

Original English

Sir, she said, ‘you are very kind, but I cannot accept your invitation. You do not know us. It is too good of you.’

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Português

Ele observou que a vila mais próxima ao leste era distante e não tinha uma estalagem decente, e concordou que uma longa viagem prejudicaria a saúde da filha dela. Acrescentou que sua própria filha ficaria encantada em se tornar amiga dela.

Original English

‘Madame,’ he said, ‘the nearest village on the road to the east is a long way away and has no suitable hotel. And, as you say, a long journey will be too dangerous for your daughter’s health. My daughter will be very happy to make friends with her.

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Português

Ele mencionou ainda que sua filha estava esperando uma companhia, mas que infelizmente essa amiga não poderia vir.

Original English

In fact, she was waiting for a friend who is now, sadly, unable to visit.’

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Português

A carruagem havia sido recolocada sobre as rodas, e os cavalos, agora calmos, estavam novamente atrelados em seus lugares.

Original English

The carriage was now back on its wheels. The horses were calm and back in their places.

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Português

O narrador observou que a senhora deu à filha um olhar notavelmente frio. Ela então chamou o pai do narrador e eles se afastaram. A expressão da senhora tornou-se grave enquanto ela falava baixinho com ele por alguns minutos. O pai parecia alheio à mudança em seu comportamento. O narrador não conseguiu ouvir a conversa.

Original English

The lady looked at her daughter - a strangely cold look, I thought. Then she called my father to her. They walked away from our group. The lady’s face was very serious as she spoke to my father quietly for two or three minutes. He did not seem to notice the change in her. What was she saying? I could hear nothing of the conversation.

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Português

A senhora voltou para sua filha, sussurrou algo em seu ouvido e beijou-a em despedida. Ela então subiu na carruagem, a porta foi fechada, e o veículo partiu rapidamente, acompanhado por dois cavaleiros.

Original English

The lady returned to her daughter’s side, spoke quickly in her ear and kissed her goodbye. Then she jumped into the carriage and the door was closed. The carriage drove away at high speed, with the two horsemen behind it.

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Português

CAPÍTULO 2 Uma Convidada Bela

Original English

CHAPTER 2 A Beautiful Guest

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Português

O narrador achou certos aspectos de sua nova amiga desagradáveis. A amiga recusou-se a compartilhar qualquer detalhe sobre si mesma — sua mãe, sua origem ou sua vida.

Original English

‘There were some things about my new friend that I did not like. She refused to tell me anything about herself her mother, her history or her life.

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Português

Eles observaram a carruagem desaparecer na floresta sombria. O barulho dos cascos e das rodas gradualmente se dissipou na noite. O silêncio novamente os envolveu.

Original English

We watched the carriage disappear into the dark forest. The sound of horses and wheels died away in the night air. The silence returned.

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Português

A experiência parecia um sonho, mas a jovem ainda estava deitada na grama. Após alguns instantes, ela abriu os olhos.

Original English

It felt like a dream, except for the young lady. She still lay on the grass. After a few minutes, she opened her eyes.

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Português

Ela perguntou com uma voz muito doce onde sua mãe estava. Quando virou o rosto para eles, todos viram como ela era adorável.

Original English

‘Where is Mama?’ she asked, in a very sweet voice. She turned her face to us. We all saw how lovely she was.

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Português

Ela tinha muitas perguntas. Perguntou onde estava, que lugar era aquele, por que não via a carruagem e onde estava sua babá, Matska.

Original English

She had many questions. ‘Where am I? What is this place? I cannot see the carriage. And Matska, my nurse — where is she?’

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Português

Madame Perrodon disse gentilmente que responderiam a todas as suas perguntas quando ela se sentisse melhor e garantiu que estava segura com eles.

Original English

‘We will answer all your questions when you are feeling a little better,’ said Madame Perrodon kindly. ‘You are safe with us.’

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Português

Então a jovem se lembrou do acidente. Ela ficou aliviada que ninguém se feriu, mas perguntou novamente onde sua mãe estava.

Original English

Then the young lady remembered the crash. She was happy that nobody was hurt. ‘But Mama?’ she asked again. ‘Where is she?’

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Português

Madame Perrodon explicou que a mãe da garota a havia deixado com eles porque precisava continuar sua viagem, e garantiu a ela que voltaria muito em breve.

Original English

‘Your mother has left you with us,’ explained Madame Perrodon. ‘She had to continue her journey. She will be back soon ... quite soon.’

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Português

O pai afirmou honestamente que a mãe dela voltaria em três meses, o que fez a garota chorar.

Original English

‘In three months’ time,’ said my father honestly, and at that news the girl cried.

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Português

Madame Perrodon colocou um braço ao redor da garota, que já conseguia ficar em pé, e eles entraram no castelo. O pai enviou um servo a cavalo para buscar o médico e ordenou que outros preparassem um quarto para sua intrigante nova hóspede.

Original English

Madame Perrodon put an arm around her. She was able to stand by now and we walked through the castle gates. My father sent a servant on horseback to find the doctor. He sent other servants upstairs to make a bedroom ready for our new and interesting guest.

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Português

Naquela noite, assim que a jovem estava acomodada na cama, eles tomaram chá na sala de estar da frente, que tinha quatro janelas altas com vista para os portões. Todos refletiram sobre os eventos incomuns da noite.

Original English

That evening, when the young lady was safely in bed, we drank tea in the large sitting-room at the front of the castle. It has four tall windows that look down to the gates. We were all thinking about the evening’s adventure.

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