The Sprawling 185-acre estate of Chateau Villette was located twenty-five minutes northwest of Paris in the environs of Versailles. Designed by Franois Mansart in 1668 for the Count of Aufflay, it was one of Paris's most significant historical chateaux. Complete with two rectangular lakes and gardens designed by Le N. tre, Chateau Villette was more of a modest castle than a mansion. The estate fondly had become known as la Petite Versailles.
查看中文翻译
As if to proclaim his home a British Isle unto itself, Teabing had not only posted his signs in English, but he had installed his gate's intercom entry system on the right-hand side of the truck -- the passenger's side everywhere in Europe except England.
查看中文翻译
Langdon brought the armored truck to a shuddering stop at the foot of the mile-long driveway. Beyond the imposing security gate, Sir Leigh Teabing's residence rose on a meadow in the distance. The sign on the gate was in English: PRIVATE PROPERTY. NO TRESPASSING.
查看中文翻译
Sophie gave the misplaced intercom an odd look. "And if someone arrives without a passenger?"
查看中文翻译
"My master is sleeping. As was I. What is your business with him?"
查看中文翻译
Finally, the intercom crackled and an irritated French accent spoke. "Chateau Villette. Who is calling?"
查看中文翻译
Sophie rolled down her window. "Robert, you'd better do the talking."
查看中文翻译
Langdon shifted his position, leaning out across Sophie to press the intercom button. As he did, an alluring whiff of Sophie's perfume filled his nostrils, and he realized how close they were. He waited there, awkwardly prone, while a telephone began ringing over the small speaker.
查看中文翻译
"Don't ask." Langdon had already been through that with Teabing. "He prefers things the way they are at home."
查看中文翻译
"This is Robert Langdon," Langdon called out, sprawled across Sophie's lap. "I'm a friend of Sir Leigh Teabing. I need his help."
查看中文翻译
"It is a private matter. One of great interest to him."
查看中文翻译
"Then I'm sure he will be pleased to receive you in the morning."
查看中文翻译
Langdon shifted his weight. "It's quite important."
查看中文翻译
"As is Sir Leigh's sleep. If you are a friend, then you are aware he is in poor health."
查看中文翻译
Langdon grinned, recognizing the thick British accent. "Leigh, my apologies for waking you at this obscene hour."
查看中文翻译
"Those who seek the truth are more than friends. They are brothers."
查看中文翻译
"Any chance you'd open the gate for an old friend?"
查看中文翻译
Sir Leigh Teabing had suffered from polio as a child and now wore leg braces and walked with crutches, but Langdon had found him such a lively and colorful man on his last visit that it hardly seemed an infirmity. "If you would, please tell him I have uncovered new information about the Grail. Information that cannot wait until morning." There was a long pause.
查看中文翻译
Langdon and Sophie waited, the truck idling loudly.
查看中文翻译
"I thought that might get you out of bed."
查看中文翻译
Langdon rolled his eyes at Sophie, well accustomed to Teabing's predilection for dramatic antics.
查看中文翻译
"And so it has."
查看中文翻译
Finally, someone spoke. "My good man, I daresay you are still on Harvard Standard Time." The voice was crisp and light.
查看中文翻译
A full minute passed.
查看中文翻译
"My manservant tells me that not only are you in Paris, but you speak of the Grail."
查看中文翻译
Langdon knew Teabing's feelings about the American phenomenon of coffee. "Tea," he replied. "Earl Grey."
查看中文翻译
Langdon had no idea, but he could imagine only one reason the question had been asked. "Surely such a travesty has never occurred."The gate clicked open. "Your heart is true, my friend. You may pass."
查看中文翻译
Teabing made no reply.
查看中文翻译
"Sugar?"
查看中文翻译
"Milk," Sophie whispered in his ear. "I think the British take milk."
查看中文翻译
"Indeed I will open the gate," Teabing proclaimed, "but first I must confirm your heart is true. Atest of your honor. You will answer three questions." Langdon groaned, whispering at Sophie. "Bear with me here. As I mentioned, he's something of a character."
查看中文翻译
"Your first question," Teabing declared, his tone Herculean. "Shall I serve you coffee, or tea?"
查看中文翻译
Silence.
查看中文翻译
"Excellent. Your second question. Milk or sugar?"
查看中文翻译
Wait! Langdon now recalled the bitter beverage he had been served on his last visit and realized this question was a trick. "Lemon!" he declared. "Earl Grey with lemon"
查看中文翻译
Langdon hesitated.
查看中文翻译
"Indeed." Teabing sounded deeply amused now. "And finally, I must make the most grave of inquiries." Teabing paused and then spoke in a solemn tone. "In which year did a Harvard sculler last outrow an Oxford man at Henley?"
查看中文翻译
"Milk," Langdon said.
查看中文翻译