MML Computer-Assisted Translation

Ian McEwan, from Atonement (novel)

Silke Mentchen

She could see the huge blackened [1] tray recently [2] pulled from[3] the oven bearing a quantity of roast potatoes that still sizzled [4]. mildly. There were perhaps a hundred in all, in ragged[5] rows of pale gold. They were perfect. The last row was turned [6] and Betty said, ‘You want these, Ma’am[7] in a potato salad?’[8]; ‘Exactly so. Cut[9] the burnt bits away, wipe off the fat, put them in a big bowl and give them a good dousing[10], in olive oil and then…’ Emily gestured vaguely towards a display[11] of fruit by the larder door where there may or may not have been a lemon.

Betty addressed[12] the ceiling. ‘Will you be wanting a Brussels sprouts salad?’

‘Really, Betty.’

‘A cauliflower gratin salad? A horseradish sauce salad?’

‘You’re making a great fuss about nothing'.[13]

Betty turned to[14]Celia, ‘Miss Cee, it was a roast what was ordered and we’ve been at it all day in temperatures above the boiling point of blood.’

‘Emily, I’m with you’, Celia said, ‘I don’t want a roast in this heatwave either. Best thing[15]is to give everyone a choice. Send Polly out to cut some lettuces. There’s beetroot in the larder. Betty can do some new potatoes and let them cool.’

And so it was resolved and the roast was saved.[16]