Английский с Р. Л. Стивенсоном. Странная история доктора Джекила и мистера Хайда / Robert Louis Stevenson. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

The laboratory door I had closed. If I sought to enter by the house, my own servants would consign me to the gallows. I saw I must employ another hand, and thought of Lanyon. How was he to be reached? how persuaded? Supposing that I escaped capture in the streets, how was I to make my way into his presence? and how should I, an unknown and displeasing visitor, prevail on the famous physician to rifle the study of his colleague, Dr. Jekyll? Then I remembered that of my original character, one part remained to me: I could write my own hand; and once I had conceived that kindling spark, the way that I must follow became lighted up from end to end.

Thereupon, I arranged my clothes as best I could (вслед за этим я, насколько смог, привел в порядок свою одежду; to arrange – приводить в порядок, расставлять; range – ряд, линия), and summoning a passing hansom (и, подозвав проезжавший мимо /двухколесный/ экипаж), drove to an hotel in Portland Street (поехал к одной гостинице на Портлэнд-Стрит), the name of which I chanced to remember (название которой случайно запомнил). At my appearance (поглядев на меня: «при моем внешнем виде») (which was indeed comical enough (а выглядел я действительно достаточно забавно), however tragic a fate these garments covered (какую бы трагическую судьбу ни прикрывала та одежда)) the driver could not conceal his mirth (извозчик не мог скрыть своего веселья). I gnashed my teeth upon him with a gust of devilish fury (я заскрежетал зубами на него в порыве дьявольской ярости; gust – порыв /ветра/; взрыв, вспышка /чувств/); and the smile withered from his face (и улыбка /мгновенно/ сошла с его лица; to wither – вянуть, сохнуть; чахнуть, идти на убыль) – happily for him – yet more happily for myself (к счастью для него, но еще к большему счастью для меня), for in another instant I had certainly dragged him from his perch (так как в следующее мгновение = через секунду я бы точно стащил его с козел; perch – насест, жердочка; козлы, высокое сиденье).

Thereupon, I arranged my clothes as best I could, and summoning a passing hansom, drove to an hotel in Portland Street, the name of which I chanced to remember. At my appearance (which was indeed comical enough, however tragic a fate these garments covered) the driver could not conceal his mirth. I gnashed my teeth upon him with a gust of devilish fury; and the smile withered from his face – happily for him – yet more happily for myself, for in another instant I had certainly dragged him from his perch.