)
. During that time, I have not seen as many strange faces (за это время немного я видел незнакомых лиц)
, and I have not read a single newspaper (и я не прочитал ни единой газеты)
. You are the first stranger who has crossed my threshold for more than four years (вы первый незнакомец, который переступил мой порог за более чем четыре года)
. Will you favour me with a few words of information (не окажете ли вы мне любезность, кратко поделившись со мной сведениями: «несколькими словами информации»;
to favour – благоволить, быть благосклонным, быть согласным; оказывать внимание, любезность)
respecting that outer world from which I have parted company so long (относительно того внешнего мира, с которым я расстался так давно;
company – общество, компания)
?’‘Pray interrogate me,’ I replied (пожалуйста, спрашивайте, – ответил я). ‘I am heartily at your service (я всецело к вашим услугам; heartily – искренне, сердечно; охотно; целиком, совершенно).’
He bent his head in acknowledgment, leaned forward (он кивнул головой в подтверждение, наклонился вперед; to bend – сгибать; гнуть; acknowledg(e)ment – признание; подтверждение), with his elbows resting on his knees and his chin supported in the palms of his hands (локти на коленях, уперев подбородок в ладони; to rest – покоиться, лежать; to support – поддерживать, подпирать; palm – ладонь; hand – кисть руки); stared fixedly into the fire; and proceeded to question me (и, не отрывая взгляда от огня, начал расспрашивать меня; to stare – пристально глядеть, уставиться; fixedly – пристально, сосредоточенно; to proceed – приступать, приниматься).

‘Sir, I have lived here in strict retirement for three-and-twenty years. During that time, I have not seen as many strange faces, and I have not read a single newspaper. You are the first stranger who has crossed my threshold for more than four years. Will you favour me with a few words of information respecting that outer world from which I have parted company so long?’
‘Pray interrogate me,’ I replied. ‘I am heartily at your service.’
He bent his head in acknowledgment, leaned forward, with his elbows resting on his knees and his chin supported in the palms of his hands; stared fixedly into the fire; and proceeded to question me.
His inquiries related chiefly to scientific matters