Christmas was close at hand, in all his bluff and hearty honesty; it was the season of hospitality, merriment, and open heartedness; the old year was preparing, like an ancient philosopher, to call his friends around him, and amidst the sound of feasting and revelry to pass gently and calmly away.
圣诞节就在眼前，在他所有的坦率和由衷的诚实;这是一个好客、欢乐和心胸开阔的季节。旧年正像一位古代哲学家那样，准备把他的朋友们召集到身边，在宴会和狂欢的喧闹声中轻轻地、平静地过去。