原文
"Father's not very easy to get acquainted with," Paul had said once. "I
never got really acquainted with him until after my little mother died.
But he's splendid when you do get to know him. I love him the best in
all the world, and Grandma Irving next, and then you, teacher. I'd love
you next to father if it wasn't my DUTY to love Grandma Irving best,
because she's doing so much for me. YOU know, teacher. I wish she would
leave the lamp in my room till I go to sleep, though. She takes it right
out as soon as she tucks me up because she says I mustn't be a coward.
I'm NOT scared, but I'd RATHER have the light. My little mother used
always to sit beside me and hold my hand till I went to sleep. I expect
she spoiled me. Mothers do sometimes, you know."
語彙など
- get acquainted with:〜と親しくなる
- splendid:素晴らしい
- get to know:知るようになる
- duty:義務
- lamp:ランプ,灯火
- tuck:押し込む
- coward:憶病者
- scare:おびえさせる
- spoil:〜を甘やかす