After the siege Antwerp became quite a show place; and among the visitors who flocked there to talk of the gallant2 general, and to see what remained of the great effort which he had made to defend the place, were two Englishmen. One was the hero of this little history; and the other was a young man of considerably3 less weight in the world. The less I say of the latter the better; but it is necessary that I should give some description of the former.
The Rev1. Augustus Horne was, at the time of my narrative4, a beneficed clergyman of the Church of England. The profession which he had graced sat easily on him. Its external marks and signs were as pleasing to his friends as were its internal comforts to himself. He was a man of much quiet mirth, full of polished wit, and on some rare occasions he could descend5 to the more noisy hilarity6 of a joke. Loved by his friends he loved all the world. He had known no care and seen no sorrow. Always intended for holy orders he had entered them without a scruple7, and remained within their pale without a regret. At twenty-four he had been a deacon, at twenty- seven a priest, at thirty a rector, and at thirty-five a prebendary; and as his rectory was rich and his prebendal stall well paid, the Rev. Augustus Horne was called by all, and called himself, a happy man. His stature8 was about six feet two, and his corpulence exceeded even those bounds which symmetry would have preferred as being most perfectly9 compatible even with such a height. But nevertheless Mr. Horne was a well-made man; his hands and feet were small; his face was handsome, frank, and full of expression; his bright eyes twinkled with humour; his finely-cut mouth disclosed two marvellous rows of well-preserved ivory; and his slightly aquiline10 nose was just such a projection11 as one would wish to see on the face of a well-fed good-natured dignitary of the Church of England. When I add to all this that the reverend gentleman was as generous as he was rich — and the kind mother in whose arms he had been nurtured12 had taken care that he should never want — I need hardly say that I was blessed with a very pleasant travelling companion.
I must mention one more interesting particular. Mr. Horne was rather inclined to dandyism, in an innocent way. His clerical starched13 neckcloth was always of the whitest, his cambric handkerchief of the finest, his bands adorned15 with the broadest border; his sable16 suit never degenerated17 to a rusty18 brown; it not only gave on all occasions glossy19 evidence of freshness, but also of the talent which the artisan had displayed in turning out a well-dressed clergyman of the Church of England. His hair was ever brushed with scrupulous20 attention, and showed in its regular waves the guardian21 care of each separate bristle22. And all this was done with that ease and grace which should be the characteristics of a dignitary of the established English Church.
I had accompanied Mr. Horne to the Rhine; and we had reached Brussels on our return, just at the close of that revolution which ended in affording a throne to the son-in-law of George the Fourth. At that moment General Chasse’s name and fame were in every man’s mouth, and, like other curious admirers of the brave, Mr. Horne determined23 to devote two days to the scene of the late events at Antwerp. Antwerp, moreover, possesses perhaps the finest spire24, and certainly one of the three or four finest pictures, in the world. Of General Chasse, of the cathedral, and of the Rubens, I had heard much, and was therefore well pleased that such should be his resolution. This accomplished25 we were to return to Brussels; and thence, via Ghent, Ostend, and Dover, I to complete my legal studies in London, and Mr. Horne to enjoy once more the peaceful retirement26 of Ollerton rectory. As we were to be absent from Brussels but one night we were enabled to indulge in the gratification of travelling without our luggage. A small sac-de-nuit was prepared; brushes, combs, razors, strops, a change of linen27, &c. &c., were carefully put up; but our heavy baggage, our coats, waistcoats, and other wearing apparel were unnecessary. It was delightful29 to feel oneself so light-handed. The reverend gentleman, with my humble30 self by his side, left the portal of the Hotel de Belle31 Vue at 7 a.m., in good humour with all the world. There were no railroads in those days; but a cabriolet, big enough to hold six persons, with rope traces and corresponding appendages32, deposited us at the Golden Fleece in something less than six hours. The inward man was duly fortified33, and we started for the castle.
It boots not here to describe the effects which gunpowder34 and grape- shot had had on the walls of Antwerp. Let the curious in these matters read the horrors of the siege of Troy, or the history of Jerusalem taken by Titus. The one may be found in Homer, and the other in Josephus. Or if they prefer doings of a later date there is the taking of Sebastopol, as narrated35 in the columns of the “Times” newspaper. The accounts are equally true, instructive, and intelligible37. In the mean time allow the Rev. Augustus Horne and myself to enter the private chambers38 of the renowned40 though defeated general.
We rambled41 for a while through the covered way, over the glacis and along the counterscarp, and listened to the guide as he detailed42 to us, in already accustomed words, how the siege had gone. Then we got into the private apartments of the general, and, having dexterously43 shaken off our attendant, wandered at large among the deserted44 rooms.
“It is clear that no one ever comes here,” said I.
“No,” said the Rev. Augustus; “it seems not; and to tell the truth, I don’t know why any one should come. The chambers in themselves are not attractive.”
What he said was true. They were plain, ugly, square, unfurnished rooms, here a big one, and there a little one, as is usual in most houses; — unfurnished, that is, for the most part. In one place we did find a table and a few chairs, in another a bedstead, and so on. But to me it was pleasant to indulge in those ruminations which any traces of the great or unfortunate create in softly sympathising minds. For a time we communicated our thoughts to each other as we roamed free as air through the apartments; and then I lingered for a few moments behind, while Mr. Horne moved on with a quicker step.
At last I entered the bedchamber of the general, and there I overtook my friend. He was inspecting, with much attention, an article of the great man’s wardrobe which he held in his hand. It was precisely45 that virile46 habiliment to which a well-known gallant captain alludes48 in his conversation with the posthumous49 appearance of Miss Bailey, as containing a Bank of England 5 pound note.
“The general must have been a large man, George, or he would hardly have filled these,” said Mr. Horne, holding up to the light the respectable leathern articles in question. “He must have been a very large man — the largest man in Antwerp, I should think; or else his tailor has done him more than justice.”
They were certainly large, and had about them a charming regimental military appearance. They were made of white leather, with bright metal buttons at the knees and bright metal buttons at the top. They owned no pockets, and were, with the exception of the legitimate50 outlet51, continuous in the circumference52 of the waistband. No dangling53 strings54 gave them an appearance of senile imbecility. Were it not for a certain rigidity55, sternness, and mental inflexibility56 — we will call it military ardour — with which they were imbued57, they would have created envy in the bosom58 of a fox- hunter.
Mr. Horne was no fox-hunter, but still he seemed to be irresistibly59 taken with the lady-like propensity60 of wishing to wear them. “Surely, George,” he said, “the general must have been a stouter62 man than I am”— and he contemplated63 his own proportions with complacency —“these what’s-the-names are quite big enough for me.”
I differed in opinion, and was obliged to explain that I thought he did the good living of Ollerton insufficient64 justice.
“I am sure they are large enough for me,” he repeated, with considerable obstinacy65. I smiled incredulously; and then to settle the matter he resolved that he would try them on. Nobody had been in these rooms for the last hour, and it appeared as though they were never visited. Even the guide had not come on with us, but was employed in showing other parties about the fortifications. It was clear that this portion of the building was left desolate66, and that the experiment might be safely made. So the sportive rector declared that he would for a short time wear the regimentals which had once contained the valorous heart of General Chasse.
With all decorum the Rev. Mr. Horne divested67 himself of the work of the London artist’s needle, and, carefully placing his own garments beyond the reach of dust, essayed to fit himself in military garb68.
At that important moment — at the critical instant of the attempt — the clatter69 of female voices was heard approaching the chamber39. They must have suddenly come round some passage corner, for it was evident by the sound that they were close upon us before we had any warning of their advent70. At this very minute Mr. Horne was somewhat embarrassed in his attempts, and was not fully28 in possession of his usual active powers of movement, nor of his usual presence of mind. He only looked for escape; and seeing a door partly open, he with difficulty retreated through it, and I followed him. We found that we were in a small dressing71-room; and as by good luck the door was defended by an inner bolt, my friend was able to protect himself.
“There shall be another siege, at any rate as stout61 as the last, before I surrender,” said he.
As the ladies seemed inclined to linger in the room it became a matter of importance that the above-named articles should fit, not only for ornament72 but for use. It was very cold, and Mr. Horne was altogether unused to move in a Highland73 sphere of life. But alas74, alas! General Chasse had not been nurtured in the classical retirement of Ollerton. The ungiving leather would stretch no point to accommodate the divine, though it had been willing to minister to the convenience of the soldier. Mr. Horne was vexed75 and chilled; and throwing the now hateful garments into a corner, and protecting himself from the cold as best he might by standing76 with his knees together and his body somewhat bent77 so as to give the skirts of his coat an opportunity of doing extra duty, he begged me to see if those jabbering78 females were not going to leave him in peace to recover his own property. I accordingly went to the door, and opening it to a small extent I peeped through.
Who shall describe my horror at the sight which I then saw? The scene, which had hitherto been tinted79 with comic effect, was now becoming so decidedly tragic81 that I did not dare at once to acquaint my worthy82 pastor83 with that which was occurring — and, alas! had already occurred.
Five country-women of our own — it was easy to know them by their dress and general aspect — were standing in the middle of the room; and one of them, the centre of the group, the senior harpy of the lot, a maiden84 lady — I could have sworn to that — with a red nose, held in one hand a huge pair of scissors, and in the other — the already devoted85 goods of my most unfortunate companion! Down from the waistband, through that goodly expanse, a fell gash86 had already gone through and through; and in useless, unbecoming disorder87 the broadcloth fell pendant from her arm on this side and on that. At that moment I confess that I had not the courage to speak to Mr. Horne — not even to look at him.
I must describe that group. Of the figure next to me I could only see the back. It was a broad back done up in black silk not of the newest. The whole figure, one may say, was dumpy. The black silk was not long, as dresses now are worn, nor wide in its skirts. In every way it was skimpy, considering the breadth it had to cover; and below the silk I saw the heels of two thick shoes, and enough to swear by of two woollen stockings. Above the silk was a red and blue shawl; and above that a ponderous88, elaborate brown bonnet89, as to the materials of which I should not wish to undergo an examination. Over and beyond this I could only see the backs of her two hands. They were held up as though in wonder at that which the red-nosed holder90 of the scissors had dared to do.
Opposite to this lady, and with her face fully tamed to me, was a kindly91-looking, fat motherly woman, with light-coloured hair, not in the best order. She was hot and scarlet92 with exercise, being perhaps too stout for the steep steps of the fortress93; and in one hand she held a handkerchief, with which from time to time she wiped her brow. In the other hand she held one of the extremities94 of my friend’s property, feeling — good, careful soul! — what was the texture95 of the cloth. As she did so, I could see a glance of approbation96 pass across her warm features. I liked that lady’s face, in spite of her untidy hair, and felt that had she been alone my friend would not have been injured.
On either side of her there stood a flaxen-haired maiden, with long curls, large blue eyes, fresh red cheeks, an undefined lumpy nose, and large good-humoured mouth. They were as like as two peas, only that one was half an inch taller than the other; and there was no difficulty in discovering, at a moment’s glance, that they were the children of that over-heated matron who was feeling the web of my friend’s cloth.
But the principal figure was she who held the centre place in the group. She was tall and thin, with fierce-looking eyes, rendered more fierce by the spectacles which she wore; with a red nose as I said before; and about her an undescribable something which quite convinced me that she had never known — could never know — aught of the comforts of married life. It was she who held the scissors and the black garments. It was she who had given that unkind cut. As I looked at her she whisked herself quickly round from one companion to the other, triumphing in what she had done, and ready to triumph further in what she was about to do. I immediately conceived a deep hatred97 for that Queen of the Harpies.
“Well, I suppose they can’t be wanted again,” said the mother, rubbing her forehead.
“Oh dear no!” said she of the red nose. “They are relics98!” I thought to leap forth99; but for what purpose should I have leaped? The accursed scissors had already done their work; and the symmetry, nay100, even the utility of the vestment was destroyed.
“General Chasse wore a very good article; — I will say that for him,” continued the mother.
“Of course he did!” said the Queen Harpy. “Why should he not, seeing that the country paid for it for him? Well, ladies, who’s for having a bit?”
“Oh my! you won’t go for to cut them up,” said the stout back.
“Won’t I,” said the scissors; and she immediately made another incision101. “Who’s for having a bit? Don’t all speak at once.”
“I should like a morsel102 for a pincushion,” said flaxen-haired Miss No. 1, a young lady about nineteen, actuated by a general affection for all sword-bearing, fire-eating heroes. “I should like to have something to make me think of the poor general!”
Snip103, snip went the scissors with professional rapidity, and a round piece was extracted from the back of the calf104 of the left leg. I shuddered105 with horror; and so did the Rev. Augustus Horne with cold.
“I hardly think it’s proper to cut them up,” said Miss No. 2.
“Oh isn’t it?” said the harpy. “Then I’ll do what’s improper106!” And she got her finger and thumb well through the holes in the scissors’ handles. As she spoke107 resolution was plainly marked on her brow.
“Well, if they are to be cut up, I should certainly like a bit for a pen-wiper,” said No. 2. No. 2 was a literary young lady with a periodical correspondence, a journal, and an album. Snip, snip went the scissors again, and the broad part of the upper right division afforded ample materials for a pen-wiper.
Then the lady with the back, seeing that the desecration108 of the article had been completed, plucked up heart of courage and put in her little request; “I think I might have a needle-case out of it,” said she, “just as a suvneer of the poor general”— and a long fragment cut rapidly out of the waistband afforded her unqualified delight.
Mamma, with the hot face and untidy hair, came next. “Well, girls,” she said, “as you are all served, I don’t see why I’m to be left out. Perhaps, Miss Grogram”— she was an old maid, you see — “perhaps, Miss Grogram, you could get me as much as would make a decent-sized reticule.”
There was not the slightest difficulty in doing this. The harpy in the centre again went to work, snip, snip, and extracting from that portion of the affairs which usually sustained the greater portion of Mr. Horne’s weight two large round pieces of cloth, presented them to the well-pleased matron. “The general knew well where to get a bit of good broadcloth, certainly,” said she, again feeling the pieces.
“And now for No. 1,” said she whom I so absolutely hated; “I think there is still enough for a pair of slippers109. There’s nothing so nice for the house as good black cloth slippers that are warm to the feet and don’t show the dirt.” And so saying, she spread out on the floor the lacerated remainders.
“There’s a nice bit there,” said young lady No. 2, poking110 at one of the pockets with the end of her parasol.
“Yes,” said the harpy, contemplating111 her plunder112. “But I’m thinking whether I couldn’t get leggings as well. I always wear leggings in the thick of the winter.” And so she concluded her operations, and there was nothing left but a melancholy113 skeleton of seams and buttons.
All this having been achieved, they pocketed their plunder and prepared to depart. There are people who have a wonderful appetite for relics. A stone with which Washington had broken a window when a boy — with which he had done so or had not, for there is little difference; a button that was on a coat of Napoleon’s, or on that of one of his lackeys114; a bullet said to have been picked up at Waterloo or Bunker’s Hill; these, and suchlike things are great treasures. And their most desirable characteristic is the ease with which they are attained115. Any bullet or any button does the work. Faith alone is necessary. And now these ladies had made themselves happy and glorious with “Relics” of General Chasse cut from the ill-used habiliments of an elderly English gentleman!
They departed at last, and Mr. Horne, for once in an ill humour, followed me into the bedroom. Here I must be excused if I draw a veil over his manly116 sorrow at discovering what fate had done for him. Remember what was his position, unclothed in the Castle of Antwerp! The nearest suitable change for those which had been destroyed was locked up in his portmanteau at the Hotel de Belle Rue36 in Brussels! He had nothing left to him — literally117 nothing, in that Antwerp world. There was no other wretched being wandering then in that Dutch town so utterly118 denuded119 of the goods of life. For what is a man fit — for what can he be fit — when left in such a position? There are some evils which seem utterly to crush a man; and if there be any misfortune to which a man may be allowed to succumb120 without imputation121 on his manliness122, surely it is such as this. How was Mr. Horne to return to his hotel without incurring123 the displeasure of the municipality? That was my first thought.
He had a cloak, but it was at the inn; and I found that my friend was oppressed with a great horror at the idea of being left alone; so that I could not go in search of it. There is an old saying, that no man is a hero to his valet de chambre, the reason doubtless being this, that it is customary for his valet to see the hero divested of those trappings in which so much of the heroic consists. Who reverences124 a clergyman without his gown, or a warrior125 without his sword and sabre-tasche? What would even Minerva be without her helmet?
I do not wish it to be understood that I no longer reverenced126 Mr. Horne because he was in an undress; but he himself certainly lost much of his composed, well-sustained dignity of demeanour. He was fearful and querulous, cold, and rather cross. When, forgetting his size, I offered him my own, he thought that I was laughing at him. He began to be afraid that the story would get abroad, and he then and there exacted a promise that I would never tell it during his lifetime. I have kept my word; but now my old friend has been gathered to his fathers, full of years.
At last I got him to the hotel. It was long before he would leave the castle, cloaked though he was; — not, indeed, till the shades of evening had dimmed the outlines of men and things, and made indistinct the outward garniture of those who passed to and fro in the streets. Then, wrapped in his cloak, Mr. Horne followed me along the quays127 and through the narrowest of the streets; and at length, without venturing to return the gaze of any one in the hotel court, he made his way up to his own bedroom.
Dinnerless and supperless he went to his couch. But when there he did consent to receive some consolation128 in the shape of mutton cutlets and fried potatoes, a savory129 omelet, and a bottle of claret. The mutton cutlets and fried potatoes at the Golden Fleece at Antwerp are — or were then, for I am speaking now of well-nigh thirty years since — remarkably130 good; the claret, also, was of the best; and so, by degrees, the look of despairing dismay passed from his face, and some scintillations of the old fire returned to his eyes.
“I wonder whether they find themselves much happier for what they have got?” said he.
“A great deal happier,” said I. “They’ll boast of those things to all their friends at home, and we shall doubtless see some account of their success in the newspapers.”
“It would be delightful to expose their blunder — to show them up. Would it not, George? To turn the tables on them?”
“Yes,” said I, “I should like to have the laugh against them.”
“So would I, only that I should compromise myself by telling the story. It wouldn’t do at all to have it told at Oxford131 with my name attached to it.”
To this also I assented132. To what would I not have assented in my anxiety to make him happy after his misery133?
But all was not over yet. He was in bed now, but it was necessary that he should rise again on the morrow. At home, in England, what was required might perhaps have been made during the night; but here, among the slow Flemings, any such exertion134 would have been impossible. Mr. Horne, moreover, had no desire to be troubled in his retirement by a tailor.
Now the landlord of the Golden Fleece was a very stout man — a very stout man indeed. Looking at him as he stood with his hands in his pockets at the portal of his own establishment, I could not but think that he was stouter even than Mr. Horne. But then he was certainly much shorter, and the want of due proportion probably added to his unwieldy appearance. I walked round him once or twice wishfully, measuring him in my eye, and thinking of what texture might be the Sunday best of such a man. The clothes which he then had on were certainly not exactly suited to Mr. Horne’s tastes.
He saw that I was observing him, and appeared uneasy and offended. I had already ascertained135 that he spoke a little English. Of Flemish I knew literally nothing, and in French, with which probably he was also acquainted, I was by no means voluble. The business which I had to transact136 was intricate, and I required the use of my mother-tongue.
It was intricate and delicate, and difficult withal. I began by remarking on the weather, but he did not take my remarks kindly. I am inclined to fancy that he thought I was desirous of borrowing money from him. At any rate he gave me no encouragement in my first advances.
“Vat misfortune?” at last he asked, when I had succeeded in making him understand that a gentleman up stairs required his assistance.
“He has lost these things,” and I took hold of my own garments. “It’s a long story, or I’d tell you how; but he has not a pair in the world till he gets back to Brussels — unless you can lend him one.”
“Lost hees br-?” and he opened his eyes wide, and looked at me with astonishment137.
“Yes, yes, exactly so,” said I, interrupting him. “Most astonishing thing, isn’t it? But it’s quite true.”
“Vas hees money in de pocket?” asked my auspicious138 landlord.
“No, no, no. It’s not so bad as that, his money is all right. I had the money, luckily.”
“Ah! dat is better. But he have lost hees b-?”
“Yes, yes;” I was now getting rather impatient. “There is no mistake about it. He has lost them as sure as you stand there.” And then I proceeded to explain that as the gentleman in question was very stout, and as he, the landlord, was stoat also, he might assist us in this great calamity139 by a loan from his own wardrobe.
When he found that the money was not in the pocket, and that his bill therefore would be paid, he was not indisposed to be gracious. He would, he said, desire his servant to take up what was required to Mr. Horne’s chamber. I endeavoured to make him understand that a sombre colour would be preferable; but he only answered that he would put the best that he had at the gentleman’s disposal. He could not think of offering anything less than his best on such an occasion. And then he turned his back and went his way, muttering as he went something in Flemish, which I believed to be an exclamation140 of astonishment that any man should, under any circumstances, lose such an article.
It was now getting late; so when I had taken a short stroll by myself, I went to bed without disturbing Mr. Horne again that night. On the following morning I thought it best not to go to him unless he sent for me; so I desired the boots to let him know that I had ordered breakfast in a private room, and that I would await him there unless he wished to see me. He sent me word back to say that he would be with me very shortly.
He did not keep me waiting above half an hour, but I confess that that half hour was not pleasantly spent. I feared that his temper would be tried in dressing, and that he would not be able to eat his breakfast in a happy state of mind. So that when I heard his heavy footstep advancing along the passage my heart did misgive141 me, and I felt that I was trembling.
That step was certainly slower and more ponderous than usual. There was always a certain dignity in the very sound of his movements, but now this seemed to have been enhanced. To judge merely by the step one would have said that a bishop142 was coming that way instead of a prebendary.
And then he entered. In the upper half of his august person no alteration143 was perceptible. The hair was as regular and as graceful144 as ever, the handkerchief as white, the coat as immaculate; but below his well-filled waistcoat a pair of red plush began to shine in unmitigated splendour, and continued from thence down to within an inch above his knee; nor, as it appeared, could any pulling induce them to descend lower. Mr. Horne always wore black silk stockings — at least so the world supposed, but it was now apparent that the world had been wrong in presuming him to be guilty of such extravagance. Those, at any rate, which he exhibited on the present occasion were more economical. They were silk to the calf, but thence upwards145 they continued their career in white cotton. These then followed the plush; first two snowy, full-sized pillars of white, and then two jet columns of flossy silk. Such was the appearance, on that well-remembered morning, of the Rev. Augustus Horne, as he entered the room in which his breakfast was prepared.
I could see at a glance that a dark frown contracted his eyebrows146, and that the compressed muscles of his upper lip gave a strange degree of austerity to his open face. He carried his head proudly on high, determined to be dignified147 in spite of his misfortunes, and advanced two steps into the room without a remark, as though he were able to show that neither red plush nor black cloth could disarrange the equal poise148 of his mighty149 mind!
And after all what are a man’s garments but the outward husks in which the fruit is kept, duly tempered from the wind?
“The rank is but the guinea stamp, The man’s the gowd for a’ that.”
And is not the tailor’s art as little worthy, as insignificant150 as that of the king who makes
“A marquis, duke, and a’ that”?
Who would be content to think that his manly dignity depended on his coat and waistcoat, or his hold on the world’s esteem151 on any other garment of usual wear? That no such weakness soiled his mind Mr. Horne was determined to prove; and thus he entered the room with measured tread, and stern dignified demeanour.
Having advanced two steps his eye caught mine. I do not know whether he was moved by some unconscious smile on my part; — for in truth I endeavoured to seem as indifferent as himself to the nature of his dress; — or whether he was invincibly152 tickled153 by some inward fancy of his own, but suddenly his advancing step ceased, a broad flash of comic humour spread itself over his features, he retreated with his back against the wall, and then burst out into an immoderate roar of loud laughter.
And I— what else could I then do but laugh? He laughed, and I laughed. He roared, and I roared. He lifted up his vast legs to view till the rays of the morning sun shone through the window on the bright hues154 which he displayed; and he did not sit down to his breakfast till he had in every fantastic attitude shown off to the best advantage the red plush of which he had so recently become proud.
An Antwerp private cabriolet on that day reached the yard of the Hotel de Belle Vue at about 4 p.m., and four waiters, in a frenzy155 of astonishment, saw the Reverend Augustus Horne descend from the vehicle and seek his chamber dressed in the garments which I have described. But I am inclined to think that he never again favoured any of his friends with such a sight.
It was on the next evening after this that I went out to drink tea with two maiden ladies, relatives of mine, who kept a seminary for English girls at Brussels. The Misses Macmanus were very worthy women, and earned their bread in an upright, painstaking156 manner. I would not for worlds have passed through Brussels without paying them this compliment. They were, however, perhaps a little dull, and I was aware that I should not probably meet in their drawing- room many of the fashionable inhabitants of the city. Mr. Horne had declined to accompany me; but in doing so he was good enough to express a warm admiration157 for the character of my worthy cousins.
The elder Miss Macmanus, in her little note, had informed me that she would have the pleasure of introducing me to a few of my “compatriots.” I presumed she meant Englishmen; and as I was in the habit of meeting such every day of my life at home, I cannot say that I was peculiarly elevated by the promise. When, however, I entered the room, there was no Englishman there; — there was no man of any kind. There were twelve ladies collected together with the view of making the evening pass agreeably to me, the single virile being among them all. I felt as though I were a sort of Mohammed in Paradise; but I certainly felt also that the Paradise was none of my own choosing.
In the centre of the amphitheatre which the ladies formed sat the two Misses Macmanus; — there, at least, they sat when they had completed the process of shaking hands with me. To the left of them, making one wing of the semicircle, were arranged the five pupils by attending to whom the Misses Macmanus earned their living; and the other wing consisted of the five ladies who had furnished themselves with relics of General Chasse. They were my “compatriots.”
I was introduced to them all, one after the other; but their names did not abide158 in my memory one moment. I was thinking too much of the singularity of the adventure, and could not attend to such minutiae159. That the red-rosed harpy was Miss Grogram, that I remembered; — that, I may say, I shall never forget. But whether the motherly lady with the somewhat blowsy hair was Mrs. Jones, or Mrs. Green, or Mrs. Walker, I cannot now say. The dumpy female with the broad back was always called Aunt Sally by the young ladies.
Too much sugar spoils one’s tea; I think I have heard that even prosperity will cloy160 when it comes in overdoses; and a schoolboy has been known to be overdone161 with jam. I myself have always been peculiarly attached to ladies’ society, and have avoided bachelor parties as things execrable in their very nature. But on this special occasion I felt myself to be that schoolboy; — I was literally overdone with jam. My tea was all sugar, so that I could not drink it. I was one among twelve. What could I do or say? The proportion of alloy162 was too small to have any effect in changing the nature of the virgin163 silver, and the conversation became absolutely feminine.
I must confess also that my previous experience as to these compatriots of mine had not prejudiced me in their favour. I regarded them with — I am ashamed to say so, seeing that they were ladies — but almost with loathing164. When last I had seen them their occupation had reminded me of some obscene feast of harpies, or almost of ghouls. They had brought down to the verge165 of desperation the man whom of all men I most venerated166. On these accounts I was inclined to be taciturn with reference to them; — and then what could I have to say to the Misses Macmanus’s five pupils?
My cousin at first made an effort or two in my favour, but these efforts were fruitless. I soon died away into utter unrecognised insignificance167, and the conversation, as I have before said, became feminine. And indeed that horrid168 Miss Grogram, who was, as it were, the princess of the ghouls, nearly monopolised the whole of it. Mamma Jones — we will call her Jones for the occasion — put in a word now and then, as did also the elder and more energetic Miss Macmanus. The dumpy lady with the broad back ate tea-cake incessantly169; the two daughters looked scornful, as though they were above their company with reference to the five pupils; and the five pupils themselves sat in a row with the utmost propriety170, each with her hands crossed on her lap before her.
Of what they were talking at last I became utterly oblivious171. They had ignored me, going into realms of muslin, questions of maid- servants, female rights, and cheap under-clothing; and I therefore had ignored them. My mind had gone back to Mr. Horne and his garments. While they spoke of their rights, I was thinking of his wrongs; when they mentioned the price of flannel172, I thought of that of broadcloth.
But of a sudden my attention was arrested. Miss Macmanus had said something of the black silks of Antwerp, when Miss Grogram replied that she had just returned from that city and had there enjoyed a great success. My cousin had again asked something about the black silks, thinking, no doubt, that Miss Grogram had achieved some bargain, but that lady had soon undeceived her.
“Oh no,” said Miss Grogram, “it was at the castle. We got such beautiful relics of General Chasse! Didn’t we, Mrs. Jones?”
“Indeed we did,” said Mrs. Jones, bringing out from beneath the skirts of her dress and ostensibly displaying a large black bag.
“And I’ve got such a beautiful needle-case,” said the broad-back, displaying her prize. “I’ve been making it up all the morning.” And she handed over the article to Miss Macmanus.
“And only look at this duck of a pen-wiper,” simpered flaxen-hair No. 2. “Only think of wiping one’s pens with relics of General Chasse!” and she handed it over to the other Miss Macmanus.
“And mine’s a pin-cushion,” said No. 1, exhibiting the trophy173.
“But that’s nothing to what I’ve got,” said Miss Grogram. “In the first place, there’s a pair of slippers — a beautiful pair; — they’re not made up yet, of course; and then —”
The two Misses Macmanus and their five pupils were sitting open- eared, open-eyed, and open-mouthed. How all these sombre-looking articles could be relics of General Chasse did not at first appear clear to them.
“What are they, Miss Grogram?” said the elder Miss Macmanus, holding the needle-case in one hand and Mrs. Jones’s bag in the other. Miss Macmanus was a strong-minded female, and I reverenced my cousin when I saw the decided80 way in which she intended to put down the greedy arrogance174 of Miss Grogram.
“They are relics.”
“But where do they come from, Miss Grogram?”
“Why, from the castle, to be sure; — from General Chasse’s own rooms.”
“Did anybody sell them to you?”
“No.”
“Or give them to you?”
“Why, no; — at least not exactly give.”
“There they were, and she took ’em,” said the broad-back. Oh, what a look Miss Grogram gave her! “Took them! of course I took them. That is, you took them as much as I did. They were things that we found lying about.”
“What things?” asked Miss Macmanus, in a peculiarly strong-minded tone.
Miss Grogram seemed to be for a moment silenced. I had been ignored, as I have said, and my existence forgotten; but now I observed that the eyes of the culprits were turned towards me — the eyes, that is, of four of them. Mrs. Jones looked at me from beneath her fan; the two girls glanced at me furtively175, and then their eyes fell to the lowest flounces of their frocks.
Miss Grogram turned her spectacles right upon me, and I fancied that she nodded her head at me as a sort of answer to Miss Macmanus. The five pupils opened their mouths and eyes wider; but she of the broad back was nothing abashed176. It would have been nothing to her had there been a dozen gentlemen in the room. “We just found a pair of black —.” The whole truth was told in the plainest possible language.
“Oh, Aunt Sally!” “Aunt Sally, how can you?” “Hold your tongue, Aunt Sally!”
“And then Miss Grogram just cut them up with her scissors,” continued Aunt Sally, not a whit14 abashed, “and gave us each a bit, only she took more than half for herself.” It was clear to me that there had been some quarrel, some delicious quarrel, between Aunt Sally and Miss Grogram. Through the whole adventure I had rather respected Aunt Sally. “She took more than half for herself,” continued Aunt Sally. “She kept all the —”
“Jemima,” said the elder Miss Macmanus, interrupting the speaker and addressing her sister, “it is time, I think, for the young ladies to retire. Will you be kind enough to see them to their rooms?” The five pupils thereupon rose from their seats — and courtesied. They then left the room in file, the younger Miss Macmanus showing them the way.
“But we haven’t done any harm, have we?” asked Mrs. Jones, with some tremulousness in her voice.
“Well, I don’t know,” said Miss Macmanus. “What I’m thinking of now is this; — to whom, I wonder, did the garments properly belong? Who had been the owner and wearer of them?”
“Why, General Chasse of course,” said Miss Grogram.
“They were the general’s,” repeated the two young ladies; blushing, however, as they alluded177 to the subject.
“Well, we thought they were the general’s, certainly; and a very excellent article they were,” said Mrs. Jones.
“Perhaps they were the butler’s?” said Aunt Sally. I certainly had not given her credit for so much sarcasm178.
“Butler’s!” exclaimed Miss Grogram, with a toss of her head.
“Oh, Aunt Sally, Aunt Sally! how can you?” shrieked179 the two young ladies.
“Oh laws!” ejaculated Mrs. Jones.
“I don’t think that they could have belonged to the butler,” said Miss Macmanus, with much authority, “seeing that domestics in this country are never clad in garments of that description; so far my own observation enables me to speak with certainty. But it is equally sure that they were never the property of the general lately in command at Antwerp. Generals, when they are in full dress, wear ornamental180 lace upon their — their regimentals; and when —” So much she said, and something more, which it may be unnecessary that I should repeat; but such were her eloquence181 and logic182 that no doubt would have been left on the mind of any impartial183 hearer. If an argumentative speaker ever proved anything, Miss Macmanus proved that General Chasse had never been the wearer of the article in question.
“But I know very well they were his!” said Miss Grogram, who was not an impartial hearer. “Of course they were; whose else’s should they be?”
“I’m sure I hope they were his,” said one of the young ladies, almost crying.
“I wish I’d never taken it,” said the other.
“Dear, dear, dear!” said Mrs. Jones.
“I’ll give you my needle-case, Miss Grogram,” said Aunt Sally.
I had sat hitherto silent during the whole scene, meditating184 how best I might confound the red-nosed harpy. Now, I thought, was the time for me to strike in.
“I really think, ladies, that there has been some mistake,” said I.
“There has been no mistake at all, sir!” said Miss Grogram.
“Perhaps not,” I answered, very mildly; “very likely not. But some affair of a similar nature was very much talked about in Antwerp yesterday.”
“Oh laws!” again ejaculated Mrs. Jones.
“The affair I allude47 to has been talked about a good deal, certainly,” I continued. “But perhaps it may be altogether a different circumstance.”
“And what may be the circumstance to which you allude?” asked Miss Macmanus, in the same authoritative185 tone.
“I dare say it has nothing to do with these ladies,” said I; “but an article of dress, of the nature they have described, was cut up in the Castle of Antwerp on the day before yesterday. It belonged to a gentleman who was visiting the place; and I was given to understand that he is determined to punish the people who have wronged him.”
“It can’t be the same,” said Miss Grogram; but I could see that she was trembling.
“Oh laws! what will become of us?” said Mrs. Jones.
“You can all prove that I didn’t touch them, and that I warned her not,” said Aunt Sally. In the mean time the two young ladies had almost fainted behind their fans.
“But how had it come to pass,” asked Miss Macmanus, “that the gentleman had —”
“I know nothing more about it, cousin,” said I; “only it does seem that there is an odd coincidence.”
Immediately after this I took my leave. I saw that I had avenged186 my friend, and spread dismay in the hearts of these who had injured him. I had learned in the course of the evening at what hotel the five ladies were staying; and in the course of the next morning I sauntered into the hall, and finding one of the porters alone, asked if they were still there. The man told me that they had started by the earliest diligence. “And,” said he, “if you are a friend of theirs, perhaps you will take charge of these things, which they have left behind them?” So saying, he pointed187 to a table at the back of the hall, on which were lying the black bag, the black needle-case, the black pin cushion, and the black pen-wiper. There was also a heap of fragments of cloth which I well knew had been intended by Miss Grogram for the comfort of her feet and ancles.
I declined the commission, however. “They were no special friends of mine,” I said; and I left all the relics still lying on the little table in the back hall.
“Upon the whole, I am satisfied!” said the Rev. Augustus Horne, when I told him the finale of the story.
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1
rev
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| v.发动机旋转，加快速度 | |
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gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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hilarity
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| n.欢乐；热闹 | |
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scruple
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| n./v.顾忌，迟疑 | |
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8
stature
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| n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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10
aquiline
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| adj.钩状的，鹰的 | |
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projection
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| n.发射，计划，突出部分 | |
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12
nurtured
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| 养育( nurture的过去式和过去分词 )； 培育； 滋长； 助长 | |
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13
starched
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| adj.浆硬的，硬挺的，拘泥刻板的v.把（衣服、床单等）浆一浆( starch的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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14
whit
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| n.一点，丝毫 | |
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adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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sable
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| n.黑貂；adj.黑色的 | |
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17
degenerated
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| 衰退，堕落，退化( degenerate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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18
rusty
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| adj.生锈的；锈色的；荒废了的 | |
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19
glossy
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| adj.平滑的；有光泽的 | |
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20
scrupulous
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| adj.审慎的，小心翼翼的，完全的，纯粹的 | |
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21
guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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22
bristle
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| v.（毛发）直立，气势汹汹，发怒；n.硬毛发 | |
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23
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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24
spire
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| n.(教堂)尖顶，尖塔，高点 | |
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25
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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retirement
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| n.退休，退职 | |
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linen
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| n.亚麻布，亚麻线，亚麻制品；adj.亚麻布制的，亚麻的 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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29
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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30
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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31
belle
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| n.靓女 | |
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32
appendages
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| n.附属物( appendage的名词复数 )；依附的人；附属器官；附属肢体（如臂、腿、尾等） | |
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33
fortified
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| adj. 加强的 | |
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gunpowder
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| n.火药 | |
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narrated
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| v.故事( narrate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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rue
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| n.懊悔，芸香，后悔；v.后悔，悲伤，懊悔 | |
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intelligible
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| adj.可理解的，明白易懂的，清楚的 | |
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38
chambers
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| n.房间( chamber的名词复数 )；（议会的）议院；卧室；会议厅 | |
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chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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40
renowned
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| adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的 | |
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41
rambled
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| （无目的地）漫游( ramble的过去式和过去分词 )； （喻）漫谈； 扯淡； 长篇大论 | |
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42
detailed
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| adj.详细的，详尽的，极注意细节的，完全的 | |
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43
dexterously
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| adv.巧妙地，敏捷地 | |
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deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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precisely
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| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
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46
virile
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| adj.男性的；有男性生殖力的；有男子气概的；强有力的 | |
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47
allude
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| v.提及，暗指 | |
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alludes
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| 提及，暗指( allude的第三人称单数 ) | |
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49
posthumous
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| adj.遗腹的；父亡后出生的；死后的，身后的 | |
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50
legitimate
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| adj.合法的，合理的，合乎逻辑的；v.使合法 | |
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51
outlet
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| n.出口/路；销路；批发商店；通风口；发泄 | |
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52
circumference
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| n.圆周，周长，圆周线 | |
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53
dangling
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| 悬吊着( dangle的现在分词 )； 摆动不定； 用某事物诱惑…； 吊胃口 | |
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54
strings
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| n.弦 | |
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55
rigidity
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| adj.钢性，坚硬 | |
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inflexibility
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| n.不屈性，顽固，不变性；不可弯曲；非挠性；刚性 | |
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57
imbued
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| v.使（某人/某事）充满或激起（感情等）( imbue的过去式和过去分词 )；使充满；灌输；激发（强烈感情或品质等） | |
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58
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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59
irresistibly
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| adv.无法抵抗地，不能自持地；极为诱惑人地 | |
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60
propensity
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| n.倾向；习性 | |
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62
stouter
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| 粗壮的( stout的比较级 )； 结实的； 坚固的； 坚定的 | |
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contemplated
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| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
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64
insufficient
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| adj.(for，of)不足的，不够的 | |
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obstinacy
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| n.顽固；（病痛等）难治 | |
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66
desolate
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| adj.荒凉的，荒芜的；孤独的，凄凉的；v.使荒芜，使孤寂 | |
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67
divested
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| v.剥夺( divest的过去式和过去分词 )；脱去（衣服）；2。从…取去…；1。（给某人）脱衣服 | |
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garb
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| n.服装，装束 | |
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69
clatter
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| v./n.(使)发出连续而清脆的撞击声 | |
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70
advent
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| n.(重要事件等的)到来，来临 | |
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71
dressing
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| n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料 | |
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72
ornament
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| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
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73
highland
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| n.(pl.)高地，山地 | |
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74
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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75
vexed
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| adj.争论不休的；（指问题等）棘手的；争论不休的问题；烦恼的v.使烦恼( vex的过去式和过去分词 )；使苦恼；使生气；详细讨论 | |
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76
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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77
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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78
jabbering
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| v.急切而含混不清地说( jabber的现在分词 )；急促兴奋地说话；结结巴巴 | |
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79
tinted
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| adj. 带色彩的 动词tint的过去式和过去分词 | |
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80
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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tragic
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| adj.悲剧的，悲剧性的，悲惨的 | |
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82
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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83
pastor
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| n.牧师，牧人 | |
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84
maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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85
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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86
gash
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| v.深切，划开；n.(深长的)切(伤)口；裂缝 | |
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87
disorder
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| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
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88
ponderous
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| adj.沉重的，笨重的，(文章)冗长的 | |
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89
bonnet
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| n.无边女帽；童帽 | |
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90
holder
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| n.持有者，占有者；(台，架等)支持物 | |
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91
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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92
scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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93
fortress
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| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
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94
extremities
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| n.端点( extremity的名词复数 )；尽头；手和足；极窘迫的境地 | |
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95
texture
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| n.(织物)质地；(材料)构造；结构；肌理 | |
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96
approbation
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| n.称赞；认可 | |
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97
hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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98
relics
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| [pl.］n.遗物，遗迹，遗产；遗体，尸骸 | |
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99
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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100
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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101
incision
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| n．切口，切开 | |
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102
morsel
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| n.一口，一点点 | |
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103
snip
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| n.便宜货，廉价货，剪，剪断 | |
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104
calf
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| n.小牛，犊，幼仔，小牛皮 | |
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105
shuddered
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| v.战栗( shudder的过去式和过去分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
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106
improper
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| adj.不适当的，不合适的，不正确的，不合礼仪的 | |
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107
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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108
desecration
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| n. 亵渎神圣, 污辱 | |
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109
slippers
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| n. 拖鞋 | |
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110
poking
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| n. 刺，戳，袋 vt. 拨开，刺，戳 vi. 戳，刺，捅，搜索，伸出，行动散慢 | |
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111
contemplating
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| 深思，细想，仔细考虑( contemplate的现在分词 )； 注视，凝视； 考虑接受（发生某事的可能性）； 深思熟虑，沉思，苦思冥想 | |
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112
plunder
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| vt.劫掠财物，掠夺；n.劫掠物，赃物；劫掠 | |
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113
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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114
lackeys
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| n.听差( lackey的名词复数 )；男仆（通常穿制服）；卑躬屈膝的人；被待为奴仆的人 | |
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115
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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116
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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117
literally
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| adv.照字面意义，逐字地；确实 | |
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118
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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119
denuded
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| adj.[医]变光的，裸露的v.使赤裸( denude的过去式和过去分词 )；剥光覆盖物 | |
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120
succumb
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| v.屈服，屈从；死 | |
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121
imputation
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| n.归罪，责难 | |
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122
manliness
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| 刚毅 | |
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123
incurring
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| 遭受，招致，引起( incur的现在分词 ) | |
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124
reverences
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| n.尊敬，崇敬( reverence的名词复数 )；敬礼 | |
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125
warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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126
reverenced
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| v.尊敬，崇敬( reverence的过去式和过去分词 )；敬礼 | |
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127
quays
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| 码头( quay的名词复数 ) | |
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128
consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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129
savory
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| adj.风味极佳的，可口的，味香的 | |
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130
remarkably
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| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
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131
Oxford
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| n.牛津（英国城市） | |
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132
assented
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| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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133
misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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134
exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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135
ascertained
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| v.弄清，确定，查明( ascertain的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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136
transact
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| v.处理；做交易；谈判 | |
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137
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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138
auspicious
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| adj.吉利的；幸运的，吉兆的 | |
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139
calamity
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| n.灾害，祸患，不幸事件 | |
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140
exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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141
misgive
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| v.使担心 | |
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142
bishop
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| n.主教，（国际象棋）象 | |
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143
alteration
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| n.变更，改变；蚀变 | |
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144
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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145
upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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146
eyebrows
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| 眉毛( eyebrow的名词复数 ) | |
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147
dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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148
poise
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| vt./vi. 平衡，保持平衡；n.泰然自若，自信 | |
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149
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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150
insignificant
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| adj.无关紧要的，可忽略的，无意义的 | |
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151
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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152
invincibly
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| adv.难战胜地，无敌地 | |
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153
tickled
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| （使）发痒( tickle的过去式和过去分词 )； （使）愉快，逗乐 | |
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154
hues
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| 色彩( hue的名词复数 )； 色调； 信仰； 观点 | |
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155
frenzy
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| n.疯狂，狂热，极度的激动 | |
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156
painstaking
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| adj.苦干的；艰苦的，费力的，刻苦的 | |
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157
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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158
abide
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| vi.遵守；坚持；vt.忍受 | |
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159
minutiae
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| n.微小的细节，细枝末节；（常复数）细节，小事( minutia的名词复数 ) | |
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160
cloy
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| v.（吃甜食）生腻，吃腻 | |
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161
overdone
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| v.做得过分( overdo的过去分词 )；太夸张；把…煮得太久；（工作等）过度 | |
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162
alloy
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| n.合金，(金属的)成色 | |
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163
virgin
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| n.处女，未婚女子；adj.未经使用的；未经开发的 | |
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164
loathing
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| n.厌恶，憎恨v.憎恨，厌恶( loathe的现在分词)；极不喜欢 | |
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165
verge
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| n.边，边缘；v.接近，濒临 | |
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166
venerated
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| 敬重（某人或某事物），崇敬( venerate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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167
insignificance
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| n.不重要；无价值；无意义 | |
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168
horrid
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| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
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169
incessantly
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| ad.不停地 | |
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170
propriety
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| n.正当行为；正当；适当 | |
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171
oblivious
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| adj.易忘的，遗忘的，忘却的，健忘的 | |
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172
flannel
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| n.法兰绒；法兰绒衣服 | |
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173
trophy
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| n.优胜旗，奖品，奖杯，战胜品，纪念品 | |
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174
arrogance
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| n.傲慢，自大 | |
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175
furtively
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| adv. 偷偷地, 暗中地 | |
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176
abashed
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| adj.窘迫的，尴尬的v.使羞愧，使局促，使窘迫( abash的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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177
alluded
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| 提及，暗指( allude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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178
sarcasm
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| n.讥讽，讽刺，嘲弄，反话 （adj.sarcastic） | |
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179
shrieked
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| v.尖叫( shriek的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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180
ornamental
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| adj.装饰的；作装饰用的；n.装饰品；观赏植物 | |
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181
eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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182
logic
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| n.逻辑(学)；逻辑性 | |
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183
impartial
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| adj.(in,to)公正的，无偏见的 | |
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184
meditating
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| a.沉思的，冥想的 | |
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185
authoritative
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| adj.有权威的，可相信的；命令式的；官方的 | |
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186
avenged
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| v.为…复仇，报…之仇( avenge的过去式和过去分词 )；为…报复 | |
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187
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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