“讲真”英文怎么说？

第一篇：“讲真”英文怎么说？

“讲真”英文怎么说？

不知从什么时候开始，“讲真”二字流行开来，时不时地出现在大家的口头禅里。这个词言简意赅，中文意思让人一听就懂。那你知道“讲真”用英语(精品课)应该怎么说吗？

1.actually: 其实，事实上

Actually, I didn't see her-I just heard her voice.实际上，我并没有看见她，只是听到了她的声音。2.to put it bluntly: 坦率说 To put it bluntly, I can't afford it.坦率地说，我买不起。

3.to be candid with you: 坦白的说

To be candid with you, I think you're making a dreadful mistake.跟你说实话，我觉得你在犯一个可怕的错误。

4.to be perfectly frank with you(= Frankly): 十分坦诚的说 To be perfectly frank with you, I don't think she's the woman for the job.十分坦诚地告诉你，我认为她不适合做那份工作。5.tell me straight: 坦白说

Tell me straight, would you rather we didn't go tonight? 请坦白告诉我，你是不是希望我们今天晚上不去？ 6.to be honest(= Speaking honestly): 老实说 To be honest, I don't think it will be possible.说老实话，我认为那根本不可能。7.to tell the truth: 说实话

To tell the truth, I'm quite pleased he's not coming.说实话，他不来我很高兴。

8.stop/quit beating around the bush: 别绕弯子 Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you want.别拐弯抹角了，直接告诉我你到底想怎么样。

第二篇：英文说传统清明

清明节及其起源英文介绍

Qing Ming Festival and Its Origin Qing Ming, which means clear and bright in Chinese, falls on April 5th this year.It is both the fifth term in the traditional lunar calendar and a festival to hold memorial ceremony for the dead.It is a time to express one's grief for his lost relatives.An ancient elegiac poem, which described a grievous woman, was read that vines tangled in vain and weeds crept in the graveyard, and her husband slept there lonely.It was so difficult to endure for her as if summer in the day and winter at night.And her only wish was to reunite with him after death.People often go to sweep and weed graves with whole family and take a walk in the countryside as well.In Tang Dynasty, the habit of taking an excursion on this day was developed.At this time, spring returns and dominates the earth again.The feel of growing life is in the air, with sap ascending in trees and buds bursting.And the willow branches inserted on each gate add vigor and vitality to the surroundings.But it actually means more than that.This custom can be traced back to over one thousand years ago.During the Period of Spring and Autumn in the Jin Kingdom, one of the King's sons was called Chong Er.Jealous of his talent, a concubine falsely accused him of rebellion to make her son the crown prince.He had no choice but to flee and with him were some officials.They hid themselves in a mountain and went hungry for quite some time.An official named Jie Zitui took great pain to cut some flesh from his thigh and cooked it for Chong Er.When the fact was known the young master was moved to tears and knelt down in gratitude.And Jie replied his best repayment should be a just king.They lived a life of hunger and cold for three years until the evil concubine died.Many soldiers were sent to look for him and to escort him back home.Going into the carriage, he saw an official packed an old mat onto a horse, he said laughingly, 'What on earth is the use of that? Throw it away!' Jie Zitui heard it and sighed, 'It is hardship that can be shared with his majesty but not prosperity.' So he went away quietly and lived in seclusion with his old mother.As Chong Er became king, he rewarded many people but he forgot Jie Zitui.He did not realize it until was reminded.However his invitation was refused and he flared up.Soldiers were ordered to burn up the mountain to force Jie to come out.Finally they found Jie and his mother scorched under a willow.He would rather die than yield to the power.Chong Er was so overwhelmed with regret that he ordered people hold memorial ceremony for Jie.So every year on that day folks mourned for him and the day before ate cold meals, which avoided making fire.Later the custom of inserting willow branches on gates was also added.清明节的由来

清 明 节（Tomb-Sweeping Day）Qing Ming Jie（All Souls' Day）

Qing Ming is a time to remember the dead and the dearly departed.More important, it is a period to honour and to pay respect to one's deceased ancestors and family members.Because it reinforces the ethic of filial piety, Qing Ming is a major Chinese festival.清明节是一个纪念祖先的节日。主要的纪念仪式是扫墓，扫墓是慎终追远、郭亲睦邻及行孝的具体表现；基于上述意义，清明节因此成为华人的重要节日。

Literally meaning “clear”(Qing)and “bright”(Ming), this Chinese festival falls in early spring, on the 106th day after the winter solstice.It is a “spring” festival, and it is an occasion for the whole family to leave the home and to sweep the graves of their forebears.Chinese being practical people this sweeping of the graves is given an extended period, that is, 10 days before and after Qing Ming day.Among some dialect groups a whole month is allocated.清明节是在仲春和暮春之交，也就是冬至后的106天。扫墓活动通常是在清明节的前十天或后十天。有些地域的人士的扫墓活动长达一个月。ORIGIN（起源）

Qing Ming is popularly associated with Jie Zi Zhui, who lived in Shanxi province in 600 B.C.Legend has it that Jie saved his starving lord's life by serving a piece of his own leg.When the lord succeeded in becoming the ruler of a small principality, he invited his faithful follower to join him.However, Jie declined his invitation, preferring to lead a hermit's life with his mother in the mountains.谈到清明节，有点历史知识的人，都会联想到历史人物介子椎。据历史记载，在两千多年以前的春秋时代，晋国公子重耳逃亡在外，生活艰苦，跟随他的介子椎不惜从自己的腿上割下一块肉让他充饥。后来，重耳回到晋国，作了国君（即晋文公，春秋五霸之一），大事封赏所有跟随他流亡在外的随从，惟独介子椎拒绝接受封赏，他带了母亲隐居绵山。

Believing that he could force Jie out by burning the mountain, the lord ordered his men to set the forest on fire.To his consternation, Jie chose to remain where he was and was burnt to death.To commemorate Jie, the lord ordered all fires in every home to be put out on the anniversary of Jie's death.Thus began the “cold food feast”, a day when no food could be cooked since no fire could be lit.晋文公无计可施，只好放火烧山，他想，介子椎孝顺母亲，一定会带着老母出来。谁知这场大火却把介子椎母子烧死了。为了纪念介子椎，晋文公下令每年的这一天，禁止生火，家家户户只能吃生冷的食物，这就是寒食节的来源。

The “cold food” festival occurs on the eve of Qing Ming and is often considered as part of the Qing Ming festival.As time passes, the Qing Ming festival replaced the “cold food” festival.Whatever practice is observed，the basic observation of Qing Ming is to remember one's elders by making a special effort to visit their graves, ashes or ancestral tablets.To make the visit even more meaningful, some time should be spent to remind the younger members of the family of the lives and contributions of their ancestors, and the story of Jie Zi Zhui who choose death over capitulation.寒食节是在清明节的前一天，古人常把寒食节的活动延续到清明，久而久之，清明取代了寒食节。拜介子椎的习俗也变成了清明扫墓的习俗了。无论以何种形式纪念，为了使纪念祖先的仪式更有意义，我们应该让年轻一代的家庭成员了解先人过去的奋斗历史，当然，还要学习介子椎宁死不屈的气节

2012各地清明节风俗习惯和来历（双语）

清明节的习俗是丰富有趣的，除了讲究禁火、扫墓，还有踏青、荡秋千、蹴鞠、打马球、插柳等一系列风俗体育活动。相传这是因为清明节要寒食禁火，为了防止寒食冷餐伤身，所以大家来参加一些体育活动，以锻炼身体。因此，这个节日中既有祭扫新坟生别死离的悲酸泪，又有踏青游玩的欢笑声，是一个富有特色的节日。

The custom of the qingming festival is rich interesting, in addition to pay attention to the fire, the grave, and outing, swing, a game called cuju, play polo, inserted liu and so on a series of customs sports activities.This is because tomb-sweeping day to people from the fire, in order to prevent a cold buffet injury body, so everyone to take part in some of the sports activities, and to exercise.Therefore, this festival both JiSao new born from the grave don't dead BeiSuan tears, and visit outing laughter, is a rich characteristic holiday.但是，清明作为节日，与纯粹的节气又有所不同。节气是我国物候变化、时令顺序的标志，而节日则包含着一定的风俗活动和某种纪念意义。

But, as a clear festival, and pure solar term and different.Solar term is our country phenology, seasonal change of the order of symbol, and the festival is contains certain custom of commemoration.清明节是我国传统节日，也是最重要的祭祀节日，是祭祖和扫墓的日子。扫墓俗称上坟，祭祀死者的一种活动。汉族和一些少数民族大多都是在清明节扫墓。

Ching Ming festival is a traditional Chinese festival, is also the most important sacrifice holiday, is the day of worship their ancestors and the grave.The grave commonly known as ShangFen, the sacrifices of the dead an activity.The han nationality and some minority are mostly in the ching Ming festival the grave.按照旧的习俗，扫墓时，人们要携带酒食果品、纸钱等物品到墓地，将食物供祭在亲人墓前，再将纸钱焚化，为坟墓培上新土，折几枝嫩绿的新枝插在坟上，然后叩头行礼祭拜，最后吃掉酒食回家。唐代诗人杜牧的诗《清明》：“清明时节雨纷纷，路上行人欲断魂。借问酒家何处有？牧童遥指杏花村。”写出了清明节的特殊气氛。

According to the old tradition, the grave, people to carry goods such as especially fruit, paper money to the cemetery, will be food for offering in the tomb of loved ones, then the dead incineration, grave earthed up new soil, fold a few branches of the 60-foot green inserted in a grave, and then KouTou worship salute, finally eat especially home.The poets in tang dynasty DuMu poem “painting” : “time.though rain in succession, pedestrian rains fall heavily as qingming comes JieWen restaurant where you have.The most ambitious almond flowers? Village.” Write the tomb-sweeping day special atmosphere.荡秋千

swing

这是我国古代清明节习俗。秋千，意即揪着皮绳而迁移。它的历史很古老，最早叫千秋，后为了避忌讳，改为秋千。古时的秋千多用树桠枝为架，再栓上彩带做成。后来逐步发展为用两根绳索加上踏板的秋千。打秋千不仅可以增进健康，而且可以培养勇敢精神，至今为人们特别是儿童所喜爱。

This is our country ancient qingming festival customs.Swing, meaning clench leather string and migration.Its history is very old, and the first call century, in order to avoid after taboo, to swing.Swing of the old tree YaZhi multi-purpose for frame, then switch to make the ribbons.Then gradually developed for use two rope and pedal swing.Play not only improves the health swing, and can cultivate the brave spirit, to now is people, especially children's favorite.蹴鞠

Game called cuju

鞠是一种皮球，球皮用皮革做成，球内用毛塞紧。蹴鞠，就是用足去踢球。这是古代清明节时人们喜爱的一种游戏。相传是黄帝发明的，最初目的是用来训练武士。

A ball is bowed, ball with leather skin made, the ball inside with wool plugged.A game called cuju, which is with enough to play football.This is ancient tomb-sweeping day's favorite when a game.Legend has it that the invention of the yellow emperor, original purpose is used to train warrior.踏青

outing

又叫春游。古时叫探春、寻春等。三月清明，春回大地，自然界到处呈现一派生机勃勃的景象，正是郊游的大好时光。我国民间长期保持着清明踏青的习惯。

And that spring outing.That old TanChun, XunChun, etc.During march, spring warms the earth, nature become a vibrant picture everywhere, it is the good old days for an outing.Our country folk to keep for a long time the habit of clear outing.植树

Planting trees

清明前后，春阳照临，春阳照临，春雨飞洒，种植树苗成活率高，成长快。因此，自古以来，我国就有清明植树的习惯。有人还把清明节叫作“植树节”。植树风俗一直流传至今。1979年，人大常委会规定，每年三月十二日为我国植树节。这对动员全国各族人民积极开展绿化祖国活动，有着十分重要的意义。

Clarity around, ChunYang ZhaoLin, ChunYang ZhaoLin, spring rain FeiSa, planting trees survival rate high, grow fast.Therefore, since the ancient times, our country is clear the habit of planting trees.There are some called the qingming festival “Arbor Day”.Planting trees customs has been spread until now.In 1979, the National People's Congress standing committee regulations, 12 March each year for our country Arbor Day.The mobilization of the people of all ethnic groups in motherland green actively carry out activities, has the extremely vital significance.放风筝

Fly a kite

也是清明时节人们所喜爱的活动。每逢清明时节，人们不仅白天放，夜间也放。夜里在风筝下或风稳拉线上挂上一串串彩色的小灯笼，象闪烁的明星，被称为“神灯”。过去，有的人把风筝放上蓝天后，便剪断牵线，任凭清风把它们送往天涯海角，据说这样能除病消灾，给自己带来好运。

Qingming day is enjoyed by people of activities.Every qingming day, people not only BaiTianFang, also put on at night.The night wind or stability in kite hung a string of arrows color small lanterns, like the shining stars, called “the absolute being light”.In the past, some people put a kite the blue sky, then cut matchmaking, let the wind put them sent to the ends of the world, it is said that this can except disease disaster, bring you good luck.

第三篇：英 语 演 讲

My definition of success

我对成功的定义

Ladies and Gentlemen:

先生们，女士们

Today I am very glad to be here to share with you my ideas of success.今天我很高兴能在这里与大家分享我对成功的想法。

Success is what everyone is longing for.成功是每个人都渴望的。

Sometimes success would be rather simple.有时成功会相当简单。

Winning a game;getting a high grade in the exam;making a new friend;all of this are

success,even now I am standing here giving my speech is also success.赢得比赛;获得高分;结交新友是成功，即使现在我站在这里演讲也算成功。

However, as a person’s whole life , success becomes very complicated.然而，作为一个人的一生来说，成功变得非常复杂。

What is success?什么是成功？

Is fortune success? Is fame success? Is high social status success?

财富是成功？名誉是成功？高社会地位是成功？

No, I don’t think so.不，我不这么认为

I believe success is the realization of people's hopes and goals.我相信成功是实现人的希望和目标

Nowadays, in the modern society there are many people who are regarded as the successful.当今，在现代社会中有很多人被认为是成功的And the most obvious characteristics of them are money, high position and luxurious life.他们最明显的特征是有钱，地位高和生活豪华。

So most people believe that success and all that they do is for this purpose.因此，大多数人认为成功和他们所做的就是为了这个目的。

But the problem is wether it is real success.但问题是这是否真正的成功

We all know there are always more money, higher position and better condition in front of us.我们都知道，总会有更多的钱，更高的位置，更好地条件在我们面前

If we keep chasing them, where is the end?

如果我们一直追逐它们，哪里才是尽头？

What will satisfy us at last?

最后什么会令我们满意？

Therefore, we can see, to get the real success，we must need something inside, which is the realization of people’ hopes and goals.因此，我们可以看到，要获得真正的成功，我们必须需要内在的东西，这就是的实现人的希望和目标。

Different people have different ideas about success;bcause people’s hopes and goals vary from one another.不同的人有不同的想法对成功;因为人们的希望和想法彼此各不相同

But I am sure every success is dear to everybody, bcause it is not easy to come by, bcause in the

process of our striving for success, we got both our body and soul tempted, meanwhile we are enlightened by the most valuable qualities of human beings: love, patient, courage and sense of responsibility.但我相信每一个成功是大家所希望的，因为这是不容易得到，因为在我们追求成功的过程中，我们得到了身体和心灵的磨砺，同时我们被开导通过人类最宝贵的品质：爱心，耐心，勇气和责任感。

These are the best treasures.这是最好的财富。

So now I am very proud that I have this opportunity to stand here speaking to all of you

所以，现在我感到非常自豪，我有这个机会站在这里向大家说

It is my success, bcause I raise up to challenge my hopes.这是我的成功，因为我提出来挑战我的希望。

I am sure all of us can find our truth love sooner or later.Yes,we can!

I am sure all of us can make a living after graduating.Yes,we can!

I am sure all of us can realize our dream by making great efforts.Yes,we can!

So ladies and gentlemen, , believe in ourselves, believe in all of us, we can make a successful life!Yes,we can!

Wish you all success!That is all,thank you!

因此，女士们，先生们，相信我们的希望，相信我们自己，相信我们每一个人，我们可以有一个成功的人生！

祝各位成功！

第四篇：如何用英文说班级里的干部

在我们的班级里，有着大大小小的干部：班长、学习委员、组织委员、劳动委员„„每个委员都承担着自己领域的责任，为同学们的学习和生活提供服务。今天我们就来看看如何用英语说这些委员的称号。班委会 class committee 班长 class monitor 副班长 assistant class monitor 学习委员 commissary in charge of studies 组织委员 commissary in charge of organization 宣传委员 commissary in charge of publicity 文艺委员 commissary in charge of literature and art 体育委员 commissary in charge of sports 生活委员 commissary in charge of general affairs 劳动委员 commissary in charge of physical labour 其实“啥啥委员”是很中国化的东西，所以英语中也没有确切对应的表达方式。以上译法是我们这里比较通用的方式，不过就小编个人看来，将其中的commissary一词换做class representative（班级代表）更为贴切一些。下面是一所国外学校的The Class Committee Structure（班委结构图）：

其中form teacher是指级任导师，也就是年级组长的概念。我们可以发现他们都是分成了一个个Committee：Welfare Committee（福利委员会，负责向学生提供福利服务，如：订购午膳饭盒、文具等）, Environment Committee（环境委员会）, Special Projects Committee（特殊项目委员会）, Subject Areas Committee（学科工作委员会）。所以要说“啥啥委员”时也可以用a member of XXX Committee 或者 XXX Committee Member。

第五篇：安徒生童话：“真可爱”(英)

安徒生童话：“真可爱”(英)

Beauty of Form and Beauty of Mind

by Hans Christian Andersen（1860）

THERE was once a sculptor，named Alfred，who having won the large gold medal and obtained a travelling scholarship，went to Italy，and then came back to his native land.He was young at that time-indeed，he is young still，although he is ten years older than he was then.On his return，he went to visit one of the little towns in the island of Zealand.The whole town knew who the stranger was； and one of the richest men in the place gave a party in his honor，and all who were of any consequence，or who possessed some property，were invited.It was quite an event，and all the town knew of it，so that it was not necessary to announce it by beat of drum.Apprentice-boys，children of the poor，and even the poor people themselves，stood before the house，watching the lighted windows； and the watchman might easily fancy he was giving a party also，there were so many people in the streets.There was quite an air of festivity about it，and the house was full of it； for Mr.Alfred，the sculptor，was there.He talked and told anecdotes，and every one listened to him with pleasure，not unmingled with awe； but none felt so much respect for him as did the elderly widow of a naval officer.She seemed，so far as Mr.Alfred was concerned，to be like a piece of fresh blotting-paper that absorbed all he said and asked for more.She was very appreciative，and incredibly ignorant—a kind of female Gaspar Hauser.“I should like to see Rome，” she said； “it must be a lovely city，or so many foreigners would not be constantly arriving there.Now，do give me a description of Rome.How does the city look when you enter in at the gate？”

“I cannot very well describe it，” said the sculptor； “but you enter on a large open space，in the centre of which stands an obelisk，which is a thousand years old.”

“An organist！” exclaimed the lady，who had never heard the word 'obelisk.' Several of the guests could scarcely forbear laughing，and the sculptor would have had some difficulty in keeping his countenance，but the smile on his lips faded away； for he caught sight of a pair of dark-blue eyes close by the side of the inquisitive lady.They belonged to her daughter； and surely no one who had such a daughter could be silly.The mother was like a fountain of questions； and the daughter，who listened but never spoke，might have passed for the beautiful maid of the fountain.How charming she was！She was a study for the sculptor to contemplate，but not to converse with； for she did not speak，or，at least，very seldom.“Has the pope a great family？” inquired the lady.The young man answered considerately，as if the question had been a different one，“No； he does not come from a great family.”

“That is not what I asked，” persisted the widow； “I mean，has he a wife and children？”

“The pope is not allowed to marry，” replied the gentleman.“I don't like that，” was the lady's remark.She certainly might have asked more sensible questions； but if she had not been allowed to say just what she liked，would her daughter have been there，leaning so gracefully on her shoulder，and looking straight before her，with a smile that was almost mournful on her face？

Mr.Alfred again spoke of Italy，and of the glorious colors in Italian scenery； the purple hills，the deep blue of the Mediterranean，the azure of southern skies，whose brightness and glory could only be surpassed in the north by the deep-blue eyes of a maiden； and he said this with a peculiar intonation； but she who should have understood his meaning looked quite unconscious of it，which also was charming.“Beautiful Italy！” sighed some of the guests.“Oh，to travel there！” exclaimed others.“Charming！Charming！” echoed from every voice.“I may perhaps win a hundred thousand dollars in the lottery，” said the naval officer's widow； “and if I do，we will travel—I and my daughter； and you，Mr.Alfred，must be our guide.We can all three travel together，with one or two more of our good friends.” And she nodded in such a friendly way at the company，that each imagined himself to be the favored person who was to accompany them to Italy.“Yes，we must go，” she continued； “but not to those parts where there are robbers.We will keep to Rome.In the public roads one is always safe.”

The daughter sighed very gently； and how much there may be in a sigh，or attributed to it！The young man attributed a great deal of meaning to this sigh.Those deep-blue eyes，which had been lit up this evening in honor of him，must conceal treasures，treasures of heart and mind，richer than all the glories of Rome； and so when he left the party that night，he had lost it completely to the young lady.The house of the naval officer's widow was the one most constantly visited by Mr.Alfred，the sculptor.It was soon understood that his visits were not intended for that lady，though they were the persons who kept up the conversation.He came for the sake of the daughter.They called her Kala.Her name was really Karen Malena，and these two names had been contracted into the one name Kala.She was really beautiful； but some said she was rather dull，and slept late of a morning.“She has been accustomed to that，” her mother said.“She is a beauty，and they are always easily tired.She does sleep rather late； but that makes her eyes so clear.”

What power seemed to lie in the depths of those dark eyes！The young man felt the truth of the proverb，“Still waters run deep：” and his heart had sunk into their depths.He often talked of his adventures，and the mamma was as simple and eager in her questions as on the first evening they met.It was a pleasure to hear Alfred describe anything.He showed them colored plates of Naples，and spoke of excursions to Mount Vesuvius，and the eruptions of fire from it.The naval officer's widow had never heard of them before.“Good heavens！” she exclaimed.“So that is a burning mountain； but is it not very dangerous to the people who live near it？”

“Whole cities have been destroyed，” he replied； “for instance，Herculaneum and Pompeii.”

“Oh，the poor people！And you saw all that with your own eyes？”

“No； I did not see any of the eruptions which are represented in those pictures； but I will show you a sketch of my own，which represents an eruption I once saw.”

He placed a pencil sketch on the table； and mamma，who had been over-powered with the appearance of the colored plates，threw a glance at the pale drawing and cried in astonishment，“What，did you see it throw up white fire？”

For a moment，Alfred's respect for Kala's mamma underwent a sudden shock，and lessened considerably； but，dazzled by the light which surrounded Kala，he soon found it quite natural that the old lady should have no eye for color.After all，it was of very little consequence； for Kala's mamma had the best of all possessions； namely，Kala herself.Alfred and Kala were betrothed，which was a very natural result； and the betrothal was announced in the newspaper of the little town.Mama purchased thirty copies of the paper，that she might cut out the paragraph and send it to friends and acquaintances.The betrothed pair were very happy，and the mother was happy too.She said it seemed like connecting herself with Thorwalsden.“You are a true successor of Thorwalsden，” she said to Alfred； and it seemed to him as if，in this instance，mamma had said a clever thing.Kala was silent； but her eyes shone，her lips smiled，every movement was graceful，—in fact，she was beautiful； that cannot be repeated too often.Alfred decided to take a bust of Kala as well as of her mother.They sat to him accordingly，and saw how he moulded and formed the soft clay with his fingers.“I suppose it is only on our account that you perform this common-place work yourself，instead of leaving it to your servant to do all that sticking together.”

“It is really necessary that I should mould the clay myself，” he replied.“Ah，yes，you are always so polite，” said mamma，with a smile； and Kala silently pressed his hand，all soiled as it was with the clay.Then he unfolded to them both the beauties of Nature，in all her works； he pointed out to them how，in the scale of creation，inanimate matter was inferior to animate nature； the plant above the mineral，the animal above the plant，and man above them all.He strove to show them how the beauty of the mind could be displayed in the outward form，and that it was the sculptor's task to seize upon that beauty of expression，and produce it in his works.Kala stood silent，but nodded in approbation of what he said，while mamma-in-law made the following confession：—

“It is difficult to follow you； but I go hobbling along after you with my thoughts，though what you say makes my head whirl round and round.Still I contrive to lay hold on some of it.”

Kala's beauty had a firm hold on Alfred； it filled his soul，and held a mastery over him.Beauty beamed from Kala's every feature，glittered in her eyes，lurked in the corners of her mouth，and pervaded every movement of her agile fingers.Alfred，the sculptor，saw this.He spoke only to her，thought only of her，and the two became one； and so it may be said she spoke much，for he was always talking to her； and he and she were one.Such was the betrothal，and then came the wedding，with bride's-maids and wedding presents，all duly mentioned in the wedding speech.Mamma-in-law had set up Thorwalsden's bust at the end of the table，attired in a dressing-gown； it was her fancy that he should be a guest.Songs were sung，and cheers given； for it was a gay wedding，and they were a handsome pair.“Pygmalion loved his Galatea，” said one of the songs.“Ah，that is some of your mythologies，” said mamma-in-law.Next day the youthful pair started for Copenhagen，where they were to live； mamma-in-law accompanied them，to attend to the “coarse work，” as she always called the domestic arrangements.Kala looked like a doll in a doll's house，for everything was bright and new，and so fine.There they sat，all three； and as for Alfred，a proverb may describe his position—he looked like a swan amongst the geese.The magic of form had enchanted him； he had looked at the casket without caring to inquire what it contained，and that omission often brings the greatest unhappiness into married life.The casket may be injured，the gilding may fall off，and then the purchaser regrets his bargain.In a large party it is very disagreeable to find a button giving way，with no studs at hand to fall back upon； but it is worse still in a large company to be conscious that your wife and mother-in-law are talking nonsense，and that you cannot depend upon yourself to produce a little ready wit to carry off the stupidity of the whole affair.The young married pair often sat together hand in hand； he would talk，but she could only now and then let fall a word in the same melodious voice，the same bell-like tones.It was a mental relief when Sophy，one of her friends，came to pay them a visit.Sophy was not，pretty.She was，however，quite free from any physical deformity，although Kala used to say she was a little crooked； but no eye，save an intimate acquaintance，would have noticed it.She was a very sensible girl，yet it never occurred to her that she might be a dangerous person in such a house.Her appearance created a new atmosphere in the doll's house，and air was really required，they all owned that.They felt the want of a change of air，and consequently the young couple and their mother travelled to Italy.“Thank heaven we are at home again within our own four walls，” said mamma-in-law and daughter both，on their return after a year's absence.“There is no real pleasure in travelling，” said mamma； “to tell the truth，it's very wearisome； I beg pardon for saying so.I was soon very tired of it，although I had my children with me； and，besides，it's very expensive work travelling，very expensive.And all those galleries one is expected to see，and the quantity of things you are obliged to run after！It must be done，for very shame； you are sure to be asked when you come back if you have seen everything，and will most likely be told that you've omitted to see what was best worth seeing of all.I got tired at last of those endless Madonnas； I began to think I was turning into a Madonna myself.”

“And then the living，mamma，” said Kala.“Yes，indeed，” she replied，“no such a thing as a respectable meat soup—their cookery is miserable stuff.”

The journey had also tired Kala； but she was always fatigued，that was the worst of it.So they sent for Sophy，and she was taken into the house to reside with them，and her presence there was a great advantage.Mamma-in-law acknowledged that Sophy was not only a clever housewife，but well-informed and accomplished，though that could hardly be expected in a person of her limited means.She was also a generous-hearted，faithful girl； she showed that thoroughly while Kala lay sick，fading away.When the casket is everything，the casket should be strong，or else all is over.And all was over with the casket，for Kala died.“She was beautiful，” said her mother； “she was quite different from the beauties they call 'antiques，' for they are so damaged.A beauty ought to be perfect，and Kala was a perfect beauty.”

Alfred wept，and mamma wept，and they both wore mourning.The black dress suited mamma very well，and she wore mourning the longest.She had also to experience another grief in seeing Alfred marry again，marry Sophy，who was nothing at all to look at.“He's gone to the very extreme，” said mamma-in-law； “he has gone from the most beautiful to the ugliest，and he has forgotten his first wife.Men have no constancy.My husband was a very different man，—but then he died before me.”

“'Pygmalion loved his Galatea，' was in the song they sung at my first wedding，” said Alfred； “I once fell in love with a beautiful statue，which awoke to life in my arms； but the kindred soul，which is a gift from heaven，the angel who can feel and sympathize with and elevate us，I have not found and won till now.You came，Sophy，not in the glory of outward beauty，though you are even fairer than is necessary.The chief thing still remains.You came to teach the sculptor that his work is but dust and clay only，an outward form made of a material that decays，and that what we should seek to obtain is the ethereal essence of mind and spirit.Poor Kala！our life was but as a meeting by the way-side； in yonder world，where we shall know each other from a union of mind，we shall be but mere acquaintances.”

“That was not a loving speech，” said Sophy，“nor spoken like a Christian.In a future state，where there is neither marrying nor giving in marriage，but where，as you say，souls are attracted to each other by sympathy； there everything beautiful develops itself，and is raised to a higher state of existence： her soul will acquire such completeness that it may harmonize with yours，even more than mine，and you will then once more utter your first rapturous exclamation of your love，'Beautiful，most beautiful！'”