Ruined Hopes
IT RAINED all night without ceasing yet the morrow was serene1. Nevertheless the odds2 had shifted. On the evening, thy had not been more than two to one against the first favourite, the Duke of St. James’s ch. c. Sanspareil, by Ne Plus Ultra; while they were five to one against the second favourite, Mr. Dash’s gr. c. The Dandy, by Banker, and nine and ten to one against the next in favour. This morning, however, affairs were altered. Mr. Dash and his Dandy were at the head of the poll; and as the owner rode his own horse, being a jockey and a fit rival for the Duke of St. James, his backers were sanguine3. Sanspareil, was, however, the second favourite.
The Duke, however, was confident as an universal conqueror4, and came on in his usual state, rode round the course, inspirited Lady Aphrodite, who was all anxiety, betted with Miss Dacre, and bowed to Mrs. Dallington.
There were more than ninety horses, and yet the start was fair. But the result? Pardon me! The fatal remembrance overpowers my pen. An effort and some Eau de Portingale, and I shall recover. The first favourite was never heard of, the second favourite was never seen after the distance post, all the ten-to-oners were in the rear, and a dark horse, which had never been thought of, and which the careless St. James had never even observed in the list, rushed past the grand stand in sweeping5 triumph. The spectators were almost too surprised to cheer; but when the name of the winner was detected there was a deafening6 shout, particularly from the Yorkshiremen. The victor was the Earl of St. Jerome’s b. f. May Dacre, by Howard.
Conceive the confusion! Sanspareil was at last discovered, and immediately shipped off for Newmarket, as young gentlemen who get into scrapes are sent to travel. The Dukes of Burlington and Shropshire exchanged a few hundreds; the Duchess and Charles Annesley a few gloves. The consummate7 Lord Bloomerly, though a backer of the favourite, in compliment to his host, contrived8 to receive from all parties, and particularly from St. Maurice. The sweet little Wrekins were absolutely ruined. Sir Lucius looked blue, but he had hedged; and Lord Squib looked yellow, but some doubted. Lord Hounslow was done, and Lord Bagshot was diddled.
The Duke of St. James was perhaps the heaviest sufferer on the field, and certainly bore his losses the best. Had he seen the five-and-twenty thousand he was minus counted before him, he probably would have been staggered; but as it was, another crumb9 of his half-million was gone. The loss existed only in idea. It was really too trifling10 to think of, and he galloped12 up to Miss Dacre, and was among the warmest of her congratulators.
‘I would offer your Grace my sympathy for your congratulations,’ said Miss Dacre, in a rather amiable13 tone; ‘but’ (and here she resumed her air of mockery) ‘you are too great a man to be affected14 by so light a casualty. And, now that I recollect15 myself, did you run a horse?’
‘Why, no; the fault was, I believe, that he would not run; but Sanspareil is as great a hero as ever. He has only been conquered by the elements.’
The dinner at the Duke of St. James’s was this day more splendid even than the preceding. He was determined16 to show that the disappointment had produced no effect upon the temper of so imperial a personage as himself, and he invited several of the leading gentry17 to join his coterie18. The Dacres were among the solicited19; but they were, during the races, the guests of Mrs. Dallington Vere, whose seat was only a mile off, and therefore were unobtainable.
Blazed the plate, sparkled the wine, and the aromatic20 venison sent forth21 its odourous incense22 to the skies. The favourite cook had done wonders, though a Sanspareil paté, on which he had been meditating23 for a week, was obliged to be suppressed, and was sent up as a tourte à la Bourbon, in compliment to his Royal Highness. It was a delightful24 party: all the stiffness of metropolitan25 society disappeared. All talked, and laughed, and ate, and drank; and the Protocolis and the French princes, who were most active members of a banquet, ceased sometimes, from want of breath, to moralize on the English character. The little Wrekins, with their well-acted lamentations over their losses, were capital; and Sophy nearly smiled and chattered26 her head this day into the reversion of the coronet of Fitz-pompey. May she succeed! For a wilder little partridge never yet flew. Caroline St. Maurice alone was sad, and would not be comforted; although St. James, observing her gloom, and guessing at its cause, had in private assured her that, far from losing, on the whole he was perhaps even a winner.
None, however, talked more agreeable nonsense and made a more elegant uproar27 than the Duke of St. James.
‘These young men,’ whispered Lord Squib to Annesley, ‘do not know the value of money. We must teach it them. I know too well; I find it very dear.’
If the old physicians are correct in considering from twenty-five to thirty-five as the period of lusty youth, Lord Squib was still a lusty youth, though a very corpulent one indeed. The carnival28 of his life, however, was nearly over, and probably the termination of the race-week might hail him a man. He was the best fellow in the world; short and sleek29, half bald, and looked fifty; with a waist, however, which had not yet vanished, and where Art successfully controlled rebellious30 Nature, like the Austrians the Lombards. If he were not exactly a wit, he was still, however, full of unaffected fun, and threw out the results of a roué life with considerable ease and point. He had inherited a fair and peer-like property, which he had contrived to embarrass in so complicated and extraordinary a manner that he had been a ruined man for years, and yet lived well on an income allowed him by his creditors31 to manage his estate for their benefit. The joke was, he really managed it well. It was his hobby, and he prided himself especially upon his character as a man of business.
The banquet is certainly the best preparative for the ball, if its blessings32 be not abused, for then you get heavy. Your true votary33 of Terpsichore, and of him we only speak, requires, particularly in a land of easterly winds, which cut into his cab-head at every turn of every street, some previous process to make his blood set him an example in dancing. It is strong Burgundy and his sparkling sister champagne34 that make a race-ball always so amusing a divertissement. One enters the room with a gay elation35 which defies rule without violating etiquette36, and in these county meetings there is a variety of character, and classes, and manners, which is interesting, and affords an agreeable contrast to those more brilliant and refined assemblies the members of which, being educated by exactly the same system and with exactly the same ideas, think, look, move, talk, dress, and even eat, alike; the only remarkable37 personage being a woman somewhat more beautiful than the beauties who surround her, and a man rather more original in his affectations than the puppies that surround him. The proof of the general dulness of polite circles is the great sensation that is always produced by a new face. The season always commences briskly, because there are so many. Ball, and dinner, and concert collect then plentiful38 votaries39; but as we move on the dulness will develop itself, and then come the morning breakfast, and the water party, and the fête champêtre, all desperate attempts to produce variety with old materials, and to occasion a second effect by a cause which is already exhausted40.
These philosophical41 remarks precede another introduction to the public ball-room at Doncaster. Mrs. Dallington Vere and Miss Dacre are walking arm in arm at the upper end of the room.
‘You are disappointed, love, about Arundel?’ said Mrs. Dallington.
‘Bitterly; I never counted on any event more certainly than on his return this summer.’
‘And why tarrieth the wanderer? unwillingly42 of course?’
‘Lord Darrell, who was to have gone over as Chargé d’affaires, has announced to his father the impossibility of his becoming a diplomatist, so our poor attaché suffers, and is obliged to bear the portefeuille ad interim43.’
‘Does your cousin like Vienna?’
‘Not at all. He is a regular John Bull; and, if I am to judge from his correspondence, he will make an excellent ambassador in one sense, for I think his fidelity44 and his patriotism45 may be depended on. We seldom serve those whom we do not love; and, if I am to believe Arundel, there is neither a person nor a place on the whole Continent that affords him the least satisfaction.’
‘How singular, then, that he should have fixed46 on such a métier; but, I suppose, like other young men, his friends fixed for him?’
‘Not at all. No step could be less pleasing to my father than his leaving England; but Arundel is quite unmanageable, even by papa. He is the oddest but the dearest person in the world!’
‘He is very clever, is he not?’
‘I think so. I have no doubt he will distinguish himself, whatever career he runs; but he is so extremely singular in his manner that I do not think his general reputation harmonises with my private opinion.’
‘And will his visit to England be a long one?’
‘I hope that it will be a permanent one. I, you know, am his confidant, and entrusted47 with all his plans. If I succeed in arranging something according to his wishes, I hope that he will not again quit us.’
‘I pray you may, sweet! and wish, love, for your sake, that he would enter the room this moment.’
‘This is the most successful meeting, I should think, that ever was known at Doncaster,’ said Miss Dacre. ‘We are, at least, indebted to the Duke of St. James for a very agreeable party, to say nothing of all the gloves we have won.’
‘How do you like the Duke of Burlington?’
‘Much. There is a calm courtliness about him which I think very imposing48. He is the only man I ever saw who, without being very young, was not an unfit companion for youth. And there is no affectation of juvenility49 about him. He involuntarily reminds you of youth, as an empty orchestra does of music.’
‘I shall tell him this. He is already your devoted50; and I have no doubt that, inspired at the same time by your universal charms and our universal hints, I shall soon hail you Duchess of Burlington. Don Arundel will repent51 his diplomacy52.’
‘I thought I was to be another Duchess this morning.’
‘You deserve to be a triple one. But dream not of the unhappy patron of Sanspareil. There is something in his eyes which tells me he is not a marrying man.’
‘I like his brother steward55, Bertha. Sir Lucius is witty56 and candid57. It is an agreeable thing to see a man who had been so gay, and who has had so many temptations to be gay, turn into a regular domestic character, without losing any of those qualities which made him an ornament58 to society. When men of the world terminate their career as prudently59 as Sir Lucius, I observe that they are always amusing companions, because they are perfectly60 unaffected.’
‘No one is more unaffected than Lucius Grafton. I am quite happy to find you like him; for he is an old friend of mine, and I know that he has a good heart.’
‘I like him especially because he likes you.’
‘Dearest!’
‘He introduced me to Lady Afy. I perceive that she is very attached to her husband.’
‘Lady Afy is a charming woman. I know no woman so truly elegant as Lady Afy. The young Duke, you know they say, greatly admires Lady Afy.’
‘Oh! does he? Well now, I should have thought her rather a sentimental61 and serious donna; one very unlikely ———’
‘Hush! here come two cavaliers.’
The Dukes of Burlington and St. James advanced.
‘We are attracted by observing two nymphs wandering in this desert,’ said his Grace of Burlington. This was the Burgundy.
‘And we wish to know whether there be any dragon to destroy, any ogre to devour62, any magician to massacre63, or how, when, and where we can testify our devotion to the ladies of our love,’ added his Grace of St. James. This was the champagne.
‘The age of chivalry64 is past,’ said Miss Dacre. ‘Bores have succeeded to dragons, and I have shivered too many lances in vain ever to hope for their extirpation65; and as for enchantments66 ——’
‘Our spells are dissolved, our wands are sunk five fathom68 deep; we had retired69 to this solitude70, and we were moralising,’ said Mrs. Dallington Vere.
‘Then you were doing an extremely useless and not very magnanimous thing,’ said the Duke of St. James; ‘for to moralise in a desert is no great exertion71 of philosophy. You should moralise in a drawing-room; and so let me propose our return to that world which must long have missed us. Let us do something to astound72 these elegant barbarians73. Look at that young gentleman: how stiff he is! A Yorkshire Apollo! Look at that old lady; how elaborately she simpers! The Venus of the Riding! They absolutely attempt to flirt74. Let us give them a gallop11!’
‘Ah! I forgot,’ said the young Duke. ‘I am Yorkshire. If I were a western, like yourself, I might compromise my character. Your Grace monopolises the fun.’
‘I think you may safely attack them,’ said Miss Dacre. ‘I do not think you will be recognised. People entertain in this barbarous country, such vulgar, old-fashioned notions of a Duke of St. James, that I have not the least doubt your Grace might have a good deal of fun without being found out.’
‘There is no necessity,’ said the Duke, ‘to fly from Miss Dacre for amusement. By-the-bye, you make a good repartee77. You must permit me to introduce you to my friend, Lord Squib. I am sure you would agree so.’
‘I have been introduced to Lord Squib.’
‘And you found him most amusing? Did he say anything which vindicates78 my appointment of him as my court jester?’
‘I found him modest. He endeavoured to excuse his errors by being your companion; and to prove his virtues79 by being mine.’
‘Treacherous Squib! I positively80 must call him out. Duke, bear him a cartel.’
‘The quarrel is ours, and must be decided81 here,’ said Mrs. Dallington Vere. ‘I second Miss Dacre.’
‘We are in the way of some good people here, I think,’ said the Duke of Burlington, who, though the most dignified82, was the most considerate of men; ‘at least, here are a stray couple or two staring as if they wished us to understand we prevented a set.’
‘Let them stare,’ said the Duke of St. James; ‘we were made to be looked at. ’Tis our vocation83, Hal, and they are gifted with vision purposely to behold84 us.’
‘Your Grace,’ said Miss Dacre, ‘reminds me of my old friend, Prince Rubarini, who told me one day that when he got up late he always gave orders to have the sun put back a couple of hours.’
‘And you, Miss Dacre, remind me of my old friend, the Duchess of Nevers, who told me one day that in the course of her experience she had only met one man who was her rival in repartee.’
‘And that man,’ asked Mrs. Vere.
‘Was your slave, Mrs. Dallington,’ said the young Duke, bowing profoundly, with his hand on his heart.
‘I remember she said the same thing to me,’ said the Duke of Burlington, ‘about ten years before.’
‘That was her grandmother, Burley,’ said the Duke of St. James.
‘Her grandmother!’ said Mrs. Dallington, exciting the contest.
‘Decidedly,’ said the young Duke. ‘I remember my friend always spoke of the Duke of Burlington as grandpapa.’
‘You will profit, I have no doubt, then, by the company of so venerable a friend,’ said Miss Dacre.
‘Why,’ said the young Duke, ‘I am not a believer in the perfectibility of the species; and you know, that when we come to a certain point ——’
‘We must despair of improvement,’ said the Duke of Burlington.
‘Your Grace came forward, like a true knight85, to my rescue,’ said Miss Dacre, bowing to the Duke of Burlington.
‘Beauty can inspire miracles,’ said the Duke of St. James.
‘This young gentleman has been spoiled by travel, Miss Dacre,’ said the Duke of Burlington. ‘You have much to answer for, for he tells every one that you were his guardian86.’
The eyes of Miss Dacre and the Duke of St. James met. He bowed with that graceful87 impudence88 which is, after all, the best explanation for every possible misunderstanding.
‘I always heard that the Duke of St. James was born of age,’ said Miss Dacre.
‘That was only a poetical91 allegory, which veiled the precocious92 results of my fair tutor’s exertions93.’
‘How discreet94 he is!’ said the Duke of Burlington. ‘You may tell immediately that he is two-and-forty.’
‘We are neither of us, though, off the pavé yet, Burlington; so what say you to inducing these inspiring muses95 to join the waltz which is just now commencing?’
The young Duke offered his hand to Miss Dacre, and, followed by their companions, they were in a few minutes lost in the waves of the waltzers.
Chapter 6.
THE gaieties of the race-week closed with a ball at Dallington House. As the pretty mistress of this proud mansion98 was acquainted with all the members of the ducal party, our hero and his noble band were among those who honoured it with their presence.
We really have had so many balls both in this and other as immortal99 works that, in a literary point of view, we think we must give up dancing; nor would we have introduced you to Dallington House if there had been no more serious business on hand than a flirtation100 with a lady or a lobster101 salad. Ah! why is not a little brief communion with the last as innocent as with the first?
Small feet are flitting in the mazy dance and music winds with inspiring harmony through halls whose lofty mirrors multiply beauty and add fresh lustre102 to the blazing lights. May Dacre there is wandering like a peri in Paradise, and Lady Aphrodite is glancing with her dazzling brow, yet an Asmodeus might detect an occasional gloom over her radiant face. It is but for an instant, yet it thrills. She looks like some favoured sultana, who muses for a moment amid her splendour on her early love.
And she, the sparkling mistress of this scene; say, where is she? Not among the dancers, though a more graceful form you could scarcely look upon; not even among her guests, though a more accomplished103 hostess it would be hard to find. Gaiety pours forth its flood, and all are thinking of themselves, or of some one sweeter even than self-consciousness, or else perhaps one absent might be missed.
Leaning on the arm of Sir Lucius Grafton, and shrouded104 in her cashmere, Mrs. Dallington Vere paces the terrace in earnest conversation.
‘If I fail in this,’ said Sir Lucius, ‘I shall be desperate. Fortune seems to have sent him for the very purpose. Think only of the state of affairs for a moment. After a thousand plots on my part; after having for the last two years never ceased my exertions to make her commit herself; when neither a love of pleasure, nor a love of revenge, nor the thoughtlessness to which women in her situation generally have recourse, produced the slightest effect; this stripling starts upon the stage, and in a moment the iceberg105 melts. Oh! I never shall forget the rapture106 of the moment when the faithful Lachen announced the miracle!’
‘But why not let the adventure take the usual course? You have your evidence, or you can get it. Finish the business. The exposés, to be sure, are disagreeable enough; but to be the talk of the town for a week is no great suffering. Go to Baden, drink the waters, and it will be forgotten. Surely this is an inconvenience not to be weighed for a moment against the great result.’
‘Believe me, my dearest friend, Lucy Grafton cares very little about the babble107 of the million, provided it do not obstruct108 him in his objects. Would to Heaven I could proceed in the summary and effectual mode you point out; but that I much doubt. There is about Afy, in spite of all her softness and humility109, a strange spirit, a cursed courage or obstinacy110, which sometimes has blazed out, when I have over-galled her, in a way half-awful. I confess I dread111 her standing89 at bay. I am in her power, and a divorce she could successfully oppose if I appeared to be the person who hastened the catastrophe112 and she were piqued113 to show that she would not fall an easy victim. No, no! I have a surer, though a more difficult, game. She is intoxicated114 with this boy. I will drive her into his arms.’
‘A probable result, forsooth! I do not think your genius has particularly brightened since we last met. I thought your letters were getting dull. You seem to forget that there is a third person to be consulted in this adventure. And why in the name of Doctors’ Commons, the Duke is to close his career by marrying a woman of whom, with your leave, he is already, if experience be not a dream, half-wearied, is really past my comprehension, although as Yorkshire, Lucy, I should not, you know, be the least apprehensive115 of mortals.’
‘I depend upon my unbounded influence over St. James.’
‘What! do you mean to recommend the step, then?’
‘Hear me! At present I am his confidential116 counsellor on all subjects ——’
‘But one.’
‘Patience, fair dame117; and I have hitherto imperceptibly, but efficiently118, exerted my influence to prevent his getting entangled119 with any other nets.’
‘Faithful friend!’
‘Point de moquerie! Listen. I depend further upon his perfect inexperience of women; for, in spite of his numerous gallantries, he has never yet had a grand passion, and is quite ignorant, even at this moment, how involved his feelings are with his mistress. He has not yet learnt the bitter lesson that, unless we despise a woman when we cease to love her, we are still a slave, without the consolement of intoxication120. I depend further upon his strong feelings; for strong I perceive they are, with all his affectation; and on his weakness of character, which will allow him to be the dupe of his first great emotion. It is to prevent that explosion from taking place under any other roof than my own that I now require your advice and assistance; that advice and assistance which already have done so much for me. I like not this sudden and uncontemplated visit to Castle Dacre. I fear these Dacres; I fear the revulsion of his feelings. Above all, I fear that girl.’
‘Pooh! a cousin! Is not the name an answer? She loves him as she loves her pony122; because he was her companion when she was a child, and kissed her when they gathered strawberries together. The pallid123, moonlight passion of a cousin, and an absent one, too, has but a sorry chance against the blazing beams that shoot from the eyes of a new lover. Would to Heaven that I had not to go down to my boobies at Cleve! I should like nothing better than to amuse myself an autumn at Dallington with the little Dacre, and put an end to such an unnatural124 and irreligious connection. She is a splendid creature! Bring her to town next season.’
‘But to the point. You wish me, I imagine, to act the same part with the lady as you have done with the gentleman. I am to step in, I suppose, as the confidential counsellor on all subjects of sweet May. I am to preserve her from a youth whose passions are so impetuous and whose principles are so unformed.’
‘Admirable Bertha! You read my thoughts.’
‘But suppose I endanger, instead of advance, your plans. Suppose, for instance, I captivate his Grace. As extraordinary things have happened, as you know. High place must be respected, and the coronet of a Duchess must not be despised.’
‘All considerations must yield to you, as do all men,’ said Sir Lucius, with ready gallantry, but not free from anxiety.
‘No, no; there is no danger of that. I am not going to play traitress to my system, even for the Duke of St. James; therefore, anything that occurs between us shall be merely an incident pour passer le temps seulement, and to preserve our young friend from the little Dacre. I have no doubt he will behave very well, and that I shall send him safe to Cleve Park in a fortnight with a good character. I would recommend you, however, not to encourage any unreasonable125 delay.’
‘Certainly not; but I must, of course, be guided by circumstances.’ Sir Lucius observed truly. There were other considerations besides getting rid of his spouse which cemented his friendship with the young Duke. It will be curious if lending a few thousands to the husband save our hero from the wife. There is no such thing as unmixed evil. A man who loses his money gains, at least, experience, and sometimes something better. But what the Duke of St. James gained is not yet to be told.
‘And you like Lachen?’ asked Mrs. Dallington.
‘Very much.’
‘I formed her with great care, but you must keep her in good humour.’
‘That is not difficult. Elle est très jolie; and pretty women, like yourself, are always good-natured.’
‘Entirely. And the humour is, that Lachen has persuaded her that Lachen herself is on the best possible terms with my confidential valet, and can make herself at all times mistress of her master’s secrets. So it is always in my power, apparently127 without taking the slightest interest in Afy’s conduct, to regulate it as I will. At present she believes that my affairs are in a distracted state, and that I intend to reside solely128 on the Continent, and to bear her off from her Cupidon. This thought haunts her rest, and hangs heavy on her waking mind. I think it will do the business.’
‘We have been too long absent. Let us return.’
‘I accompany you, my charming friend. What should I do without such an ally? I only wish that I could assist you in a manner equally friendly. Is there no obdurate129 hero who wants a confidential adviser130 to dilate131 upon your charms, or to counsel him to throw himself at your feet; or are that beautiful in face and lovely form, as they must always be, invincible132?’
‘I assure you quite disembarrassed of any attentions whatever. But, I suppose, when I return to Athens, I must get Platonic133 again.’
‘Let me be the philosopher!’
‘No, no; we know each other too well. I have been free ever since that fatal affair of young Darrell, and travel has restored my spirits a little. They say his brother is just as handsome. He was expected at Vienna, but I could not meet him, although I suppose, as I made him a Viscount, I am rather popular than not with him.’
‘Pooh! pooh! think not of this. No one blames you. You are still a universal favourite. But I would recommend you, nevertheless, to take me as your cavalier.’
‘You are too generous, or too bold. No, man! I am tired of flirtation, and really think, for variety’s sake, I must fall in love. After all, there is nothing like the delicious dream, though it be but a dream. Spite of my discretion134, I sometimes tremble lest I should end by making myself a fool, with some grand passion. You look serious. Fear not for the young Duke. He is a dazzling gentleman, but not a hero exactly to my taste.’
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
serene
|
|
| adj. 安详的，宁静的，平静的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
odds
|
|
| n.让步，机率，可能性，比率；胜败优劣之别 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
sanguine
|
|
| adj.充满希望的，乐观的，血红色的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
conqueror
|
|
| n.征服者，胜利者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
sweeping
|
|
| adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
deafening
|
|
| adj. 振耳欲聋的, 极喧闹的 动词deafen的现在分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
consummate
|
|
| adj.完美的；v.成婚；使完美 [反]baffle | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
contrived
|
|
| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
crumb
|
|
| n.饼屑，面包屑，小量 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
trifling
|
|
| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
gallop
|
|
| v./n.(马或骑马等)飞奔；飞速发展 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
galloped
|
|
| （使马）飞奔，奔驰( gallop的过去式和过去分词 )； 快速做[说]某事 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
amiable
|
|
| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
affected
|
|
| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
recollect
|
|
| v.回忆，想起，记起，忆起，记得 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
determined
|
|
| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
gentry
|
|
| n.绅士阶级，上层阶级 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
coterie
|
|
| n.(有共同兴趣的)小团体，小圈子 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
solicited
|
|
| v.恳求( solicit的过去式和过去分词 )；（指娼妇）拉客；索求；征求 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
aromatic
|
|
| adj.芳香的，有香味的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
forth
|
|
| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
incense
|
|
| v.激怒；n.香，焚香时的烟，香气 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
meditating
|
|
| a.沉思的，冥想的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
delightful
|
|
| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
metropolitan
|
|
| adj.大城市的，大都会的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
chattered
|
|
| （人）喋喋不休( chatter的过去式 )； 唠叨； （牙齿）打战； （机器）震颤 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
uproar
|
|
| n.骚动，喧嚣，鼎沸 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
carnival
|
|
| n.嘉年华会，狂欢，狂欢节，巡回表演 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
sleek
|
|
| adj.光滑的，井然有序的；v.使光滑，梳拢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
rebellious
|
|
| adj.造反的，反抗的，难控制的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
creditors
|
|
| n.债权人，债主( creditor的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
blessings
|
|
| n.（上帝的）祝福( blessing的名词复数 )；好事；福分；因祸得福 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
votary
|
|
| n.崇拜者；爱好者；adj.誓约的，立誓任圣职的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
champagne
|
|
| n.香槟酒；微黄色 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
elation
|
|
| n.兴高采烈，洋洋得意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
etiquette
|
|
| n.礼仪，礼节；规矩 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
remarkable
|
|
| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
plentiful
|
|
| adj.富裕的，丰富的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
votaries
|
|
| n.信徒( votary的名词复数 )；追随者；（天主教）修士；修女 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
40
exhausted
|
|
| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
philosophical
|
|
| adj.哲学家的，哲学上的，达观的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
unwillingly
|
|
| adv.不情愿地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
interim
|
|
| adj.暂时的，临时的；n.间歇，过渡期间 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
fidelity
|
|
| n.忠诚，忠实；精确 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
patriotism
|
|
| n.爱国精神，爱国心，爱国主义 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
fixed
|
|
| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
entrusted
|
|
| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
imposing
|
|
| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
juvenility
|
|
| n.年轻，不成熟 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
devoted
|
|
| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
repent
|
|
| v.悔悟，悔改，忏悔，后悔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
diplomacy
|
|
| n.外交；外交手腕，交际手腕 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
momentary
|
|
| adj.片刻的，瞬息的；短暂的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
spoke
|
|
| 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 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
steward
|
|
| n.乘务员，服务员；看管人；膳食管理员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
witty
|
|
| adj.机智的，风趣的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
candid
|
|
| adj.公正的，正直的；坦率的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
ornament
|
|
| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
prudently
|
|
| adv. 谨慎地，慎重地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
perfectly
|
|
| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
sentimental
|
|
| adj.多愁善感的，感伤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
devour
|
|
| v.吞没；贪婪地注视或谛听，贪读；使着迷 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
massacre
|
|
| n.残杀，大屠杀；v.残杀，集体屠杀 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
chivalry
|
|
| n.骑士气概，侠义；（男人）对女人彬彬有礼，献殷勤 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
extirpation
|
|
| n.消灭，根除，毁灭；摘除 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
enchantments
|
|
| n.魅力( enchantment的名词复数 )；迷人之处；施魔法；着魔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
gallantly
|
|
| adv. 漂亮地，勇敢地，献殷勤地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
fathom
|
|
| v.领悟，彻底了解 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
retired
|
|
| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
solitude
|
|
| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
exertion
|
|
| n.尽力，努力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
astound
|
|
| v.使震惊，使大吃一惊 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
barbarians
|
|
| n.野蛮人( barbarian的名词复数 )；外国人；粗野的人；无教养的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
flirt
|
|
| v.调情，挑逗，调戏；n.调情者，卖俏者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
salute
|
|
| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
provincial
|
|
| adj.省的，地方的；n．外省人，乡下人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
repartee
|
|
| n.机敏的应答 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
vindicates
|
|
| n.澄清（某人/某事物）受到的责难或嫌疑( vindicate的名词复数 )；表明或证明（所争辩的事物）属实、正当、有效等；维护v.澄清（某人/某事物）受到的责难或嫌疑( vindicate的第三人称单数 )；表明或证明（所争辩的事物）属实、正当、有效等；维护 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
virtues
|
|
| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
positively
|
|
| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
decided
|
|
| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
dignified
|
|
| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
vocation
|
|
| n.职业，行业 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
behold
|
|
| v.看，注视，看到 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
knight
|
|
| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
guardian
|
|
| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
graceful
|
|
| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
impudence
|
|
| n.厚颜无耻；冒失；无礼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
standing
|
|
| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
rife
|
|
| adj.(指坏事情)充斥的，流行的，普遍的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
poetical
|
|
| adj.似诗人的；诗一般的；韵文的；富有诗意的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
precocious
|
|
| adj.早熟的；较早显出的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
exertions
|
|
| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
discreet
|
|
| adj.(言行)谨慎的；慎重的；有判断力的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
muses
|
|
| v.沉思，冥想( muse的第三人称单数 )；沉思自语说（某事） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
complaisant
|
|
| adj.顺从的，讨好的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
spouse
|
|
| n.配偶(指夫或妻) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
mansion
|
|
| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
immortal
|
|
| adj.不朽的；永生的，不死的；神的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
flirtation
|
|
| n.调情，调戏，挑逗 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
lobster
|
|
| n.龙虾，龙虾肉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
lustre
|
|
| n.光亮，光泽；荣誉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
accomplished
|
|
| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
shrouded
|
|
| v.隐瞒( shroud的过去式和过去分词 )；保密 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
iceberg
|
|
| n.冰山，流冰，冷冰冰的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
rapture
|
|
| n.狂喜；全神贯注；着迷；v.使狂喜 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
babble
|
|
| v.含糊不清地说，胡言乱语地说，儿语 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
obstruct
|
|
| v.阻隔，阻塞(道路、通道等)；n.阻碍物，障碍物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
humility
|
|
| n.谦逊，谦恭 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
obstinacy
|
|
| n.顽固；（病痛等）难治 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
dread
|
|
| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
catastrophe
|
|
| n.大灾难，大祸 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
piqued
|
|
| v.伤害…的自尊心( pique的过去式和过去分词 )；激起（好奇心） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
intoxicated
|
|
| 喝醉的，极其兴奋的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
apprehensive
|
|
| adj.担心的，恐惧的，善于领会的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
confidential
|
|
| adj.秘（机）密的，表示信任的，担任机密工作的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
dame
|
|
| n.女士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
efficiently
|
|
| adv.高效率地，有能力地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
entangled
|
|
| adj.卷入的；陷入的；被缠住的；缠在一起的v.使某人（某物/自己）缠绕，纠缠于（某物中），使某人（自己）陷入（困难或复杂的环境中）( entangle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
intoxication
|
|
| n.wild excitement;drunkenness；poisoning | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
talisman
|
|
| n.避邪物，护身符 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
pony
|
|
| adj.小型的；n.小马 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
pallid
|
|
| adj.苍白的，呆板的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
unnatural
|
|
| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
unreasonable
|
|
| adj.不讲道理的，不合情理的，过度的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
virtuous
|
|
| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
apparently
|
|
| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
solely
|
|
| adv.仅仅，唯一地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
obdurate
|
|
| adj.固执的，顽固的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
adviser
|
|
| n.劝告者，顾问 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
dilate
|
|
| vt.使膨胀，使扩大 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
132
invincible
|
|
| adj.不可征服的，难以制服的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
133
platonic
|
|
| adj.精神的；柏拉图（哲学）的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
134
discretion
|
|
| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |