I was quite surprised when I read in your letter that you had decided not to finish your studies at the university.
当我在你的信中看到你已决定终止大学学业时感到很是惊讶。
but I do not turn for protection to dreary cliches about respect of elders -- as if mere age were a reason for respect.
但我不会用应当尊重长者这一套陈词滥调来为我自己辨护,似乎年长就是受人尊敬的理由。