"What is it, Henry?" gasped11 Aunt Sophy, pressing one hand to her side and breathing heavily.
"Speak, Henry!" cried Marion.
"We've been sold—buncoed—duped. Old Peter—" I began thickly.
"You goose!" exclaimed Marion, with a laugh of sudden relief. "You misunderstand the letter. Of course old Peter has sold the place, but to me!—to me—do you understand? And I hereby make you a present of it to-day, because——"
"Because it's my wedding-day," interjected Aunt Sophy, wiping away tears of happiness. "I thought I'd like to see how pleased and proud you'd look before I go."
I awoke to my responsibilities and made a sickly attempt to look gratified. "What a—joyful surprise!" I stammered12. "Awfully13 obliged—not so much for—pecuniary15 value—as a token of—the day that—" My voice was lost in a peal16 of laughter.
[Pg 198]
"Oh, how funny! Just like your Uncle Philip, Marion."
"He always will have his little joke, Auntie. Come now, Henry, do be serious, and I'll tell you what a narrow escape we had. There was another man—Mr. Roper called him a 'party'—after the place."
"After the place!" I repeated, with profound incredulity.
"There now—I thought you'd be startled. This man had employed Mr. Brooks17 to negotiate with Peter, and he kept bidding higher and higher till I was awfully afraid he'd get it. Then I got desperate, and I drew the hundred dollars that I had in the savings18 bank, for I had an idea that the 'party' would stop at five thousand—and he did—and just yesterday Peter signed the agreement, and I have the cheque for five thousand one hundred dollars all ready to pay over as soon as the legal documents are signed."
"Well," I commented, drawing a long breath, "it's a good thing he stopped."
"And wasn't Marion clever to manage so well?" asked Aunt Sophy.
[Pg 199]
"She was indeed," I responded warmly. "I would have given up at five thousand."
Then Marion wondered who the man was, speaking as if he had ceased to exist, and so did Aunt Sophy. I was on the point of wondering also, when it struck me that I could not truthfully do so, and I merely said that as I knew Brooks pretty well he would probably mention the man's name to me, a statement that was unassailable even from Marion's pinnacle20 of morality, and one that helped me to keep my secret until after Aunt Sophy's departure.
It was well that I had completed my arrangements the day before, for I was so distraught by the ordeal21 I had passed through that I had difficulty even in remembering that I must hurry away to the station to meet Mr. Fairman, who was due to arrive on the ten o'clock train, and must be entertained by me until the minister appeared to perform the marriage ceremony at eleven. Not having an equipage of my own, I had hired the most presentable one to be found in the neighborhood, and the horse being warranted tractable22 by his[Pg 200] owner, Joe Wrigley, I had no hesitation23 in driving to the station and back myself, although as a usual thing, if I have to be near a horse I prefer to be in a position where I can look him in the eye.
I had been rather irritated by William's behavior that morning, for he had disappeared for an hour after breakfast just when I most needed him, and when he did appear he explained that he had been busy in the smokehouse rigging up a scarecrow and hadn't heard me calling him. This excuse seemed plausible24 at the time, though I remembered afterwards it was not the season to scare crows, for he had got permission from Marion the day before to take a discarded sun-bonnet25 of hers and a pair of Paul's long rubber boots for the purpose, so I warned him to be at the gate to open it when I returned, and drove away. It was not until it was too late to turn back that I found the reins26 were sticky with grafting28 wax where William had held them, and that it had melted with the warmth of my hands and ruined my new gloves. It was while I was trying to scrape the wax off with my[Pg 201] pocket knife that Peter Waydean stopped me to ask if I had seen a pig of his that had been missing since the day before. It was the first time I had seen him since our quarrel, so I answered briefly29 in the negative and drove on, but I noticed that he looked after me with surly suspicion, as if he thought I had it concealed30 under the seat.
Now when I returned half an hour later I was engrossed31 in conversation with Mr. Fairman, and I had forgotten all about Peter's quest. The horse was trotting32 along at a creditable pace; Mr. Fairman sat upright beside me in starched33 and immaculate apparel, trying to appear unconcerned about his approaching fate; I, flicking34 the animal in the most artfully casual manner to keep him going, had on my best company manners. Perhaps this phrase may suggest effort, constraint35, artificiality, but I have been told by Marion that no one could possibly be more charming in manner than I, when I choose to be agreeable, but that when I—but there, I like to take the sweet without the bitter, and the rest is quite [Pg 202]irrelevant. I was suave36, genial37, sympathetic; Mr. Fairman, in that blissfully exalted38 mood so natural to the occasion, had just drawn39 my attention to the idyllic40 beauty of Nature's autumn garb41, when suddenly up from the dry ditch at the roadside stumbled Peter Waydean, a dishevelled, disreputable blot42 upon the scene. Frantically43 waving his arms, he shouted an invitation to me to stop and give him a chance to do me up. I had an idea that he called me a pig, but we were bowling44 along at such a rate that I couldn't be sure of his words, though there could be no doubt of his general intentions. For various reasons I did not attempt to stop, and my attention was immediately distracted from him by the sight of Marion's old sun-bonnet bobbing up and down in the ditch some distance ahead. If it had been hanging on a tree or lying on the roadside, I would have been quite surprised, but to see it travel along with unvarying speed and apparent dogged intention in a straight line along the inner side of the ditch seemed very like a miracle. That it could do so without legs was inconceivable; that legs[Pg 203] could belong to it was marvellous, but if so, how many, what size and shape? I whipped up the horse, with a passing glance at Mr. Fairman. His eyes were riveted45 on the bonnet with eager wonderment; he had plainly forgotten for the moment that he was on his way to his wedding. As we neared the lower level of the road we were slightly ahead, and I checked the speed of the horse at the foot of a slope where the ditch ended; just in time, for like a dissolving view there dashed across the road directly in front of us the most grotesque46 object in the way of a quadruped that could be imagined. Its head was hidden in the sun-bonnet; the short fore-feet were completely encased in Paul's worn-out rubber boots; the body, instead of being hairy, was feathered like that of a Plymouth Rock hen; around the hind47 legs flapped a tiny pair of blue trousers—only a curly little tail remained to show it was a pig.
It came; it vanished. At the same instant Joe Wrigley's horse stood up very straight on his hind legs and then prepared to sit down on our laps. Without a word,[Pg 204] Mr. Fairman leaned sideways and tried to climb head first over the wheel. I had just time to rescue him by seizing his coat-tails with one hand while I lashed48 the horse with the whip. The effect of that blow was electrical, for with a bound the animal sprang forward at a pace that first astonished, and then alarmed me. We passed the Waydean gate at racing49 speed, and in a fleeting50 glimpse of William as he stood there I saw a broad grin merge51 into open-mouthed horror, and I had the grim satisfaction of knowing that the enjoyment52 of his handiwork was swallowed up in remorse53. In vain I tugged54 at the reins; the horse had the bit between his teeth, and the only effect was to slacken the traces and put the strain of drawing the vehicle on my arms. Perhaps if I had been alone I would have felt afraid and have resigned myself to disaster, but I was filled with a fierce resolve to save Mr. Fairman and see him safely married, as arranged.
He sat bolt upright now, his face pale and drawn as he gripped the seat with both hands. I had no breath to waste, so I [Pg 205]remained silent until he said, in feeble gasps55: "I think—perhaps—I'd better—get out."
It was then that my mind reached an altitude of far-seeing clear-sighted wisdom that, under the perilous56 circumstances, was akin19 to inspiration. Although ordinary men similarly placed would have reviewed their past misdeeds, or have looked forward with selfish misgiving58 to approaching dissolution, I did not think of my own danger; my mind was fully14 occupied with the problem of how to save my companion for his marriage at eleven o'clock. In case this mental attitude may seem heroic, I wish to say frankly59 that it didn't seem so to me; if it should be supposed that the impulse was a noble one, let me say that I had no intention of acting60 nobly; I also bitterly repel61 Marion's insinuation that it was an ignoble62 one. The fact is, it did not occur to me that I should analyze63 my motive64, but if I had known how I would be catechized later I would have done so, and thus have avoided trouble.
As he spoke65, Mr. Fairman gazed with longing66 eyes at the ground that seemed so[Pg 206] invitingly67 near, with only the upper half of a rapidly revolving68 wheel to bar his descent. I knew that if I left him to himself he would take that fatal jump, yet I could not have moved a finger to stop him, for I dared not relax my hold on the reins. I must overcome with calm and decisive reasoning the alluring69 idea that had taken possession of him.
"Mr. Fairman," I said, with quiet authority, "there is—no cause—for alarm." He looked beseechingly70 at me, and I felt encouraged. "If you—jumped—" I continued jerkily, my words punctuated71 by the jolting72 of the vehicle, "you would either—be killed—" he shuddered—"or mangled73." He stared at me with dumb appeal. "If the buggy were—in front—of a runaway74 horse—we'd have to jump, but since—we're behind—our best plan is to remain—seated—as long as—possible." A faint smile flickered75 at the corners of his mouth. "We're absolutely safe—" I urged, "on the seat—but danger begins when we—leave it."
Mr. Fairman gulped76. "I see," he said;[Pg 207] "you've got a head. Don't—let me—jump."
I needed all the head I had, for while the road had been clear so far, I descried77 a load of hay on the narrow bridge that stretched over the little river in front of us. There was no chance of passing to one side, and I wondered whether the horse would try to plunge78 through the load or jump over the railing of the bridge. He did neither, for I saw just in time that a track led down to the river, where farmers drove through when the water was low. Pulling with all my strength on one rein27, I managed to turn the horse off the main road and we headed straight for the river. A shout of horror arose from my companion, and I had to drop the reins and clasp him in my arms to keep him from jumping out. There was a mighty79 splash, a sudden shock that almost flung us over the dashboard, and then Joe Wrigley's horse walked,—yes walked, calmly and sedately80 to the opposite shore. We were safe and dry-shod, but alas81!—stranded in mid-stream. The horse had the shafts82; we had the buggy. I looked at my watch;[Pg 208] time, twenty-five minutes to eleven. We were a mile beyond Waydean, but it was possible to walk there in twenty minutes, if we could get to dry land. No one was in sight along the road, and the load of hay had lumbered83 on, the driver happily unconscious of how he had been saved from sudden disaster. Mr. Fairman, though still pale and agitated84, had recovered enough to remember his appointment, and was dismayed at our situation. I had to give up, regretfully, for want of time, a fascinating plan of taking off the buggy-top to float shorewards in; a glance at his gleaming boots and irreproachable85 trousers caused me to scout86 the thought of his wading87; there was but one course open to me. With many apologies I removed my lower garments; with more apologies I begged Mr. Fairman to do me the favor of carrying them, and stepped into the water. Then I showed him how to gather the skirts of his coat under his arms, get on my back and hold his legs straight out to keep them from touching88 the water. He politely protested; I insisted; he yielded. I am almost certain[Pg 209] I heard him chuckle89 on the journey; I knew he vibrated in a suspicious manner; but when I set him down on shore he was quite solemn in thanking me, and his eyes were moist with emotion as he watched me dry myself with the buggy-duster and get into my clothes.
In my young days I often wished I could have an opportunity to save a human life; indeed, I have always held myself in readiness to plunge into any depth of water up to four feet if occasion should arise, and it is all the more remarkable90 that I really didn't think of having saved Mr. Fairman's life until he mentioned it. But when I looked back I saw that I had saved him at least four times in a quarter of an hour. First, by not abandoning my post when the horse tried to sit down in the buggy; second, by overcoming his impulse to jump out by my cold dispassionate logic91; third, by holding him in the seat when we approached the river; fourth, by rescuing him from the shipwrecked buggy in perfect condition for his wedding.
When we met William Wedder hurrying[Pg 210] along the road in search of us, his anxious and crestfallen92 air showing how much he regretted having been the cause of the accident, I did not stop to reproach him but sent him on to bring the horse and buggy to Waydean. Fortunately, Aunt Sophy and Marion, knowing nothing of our adventure, had been spared much anxiety, and it was not until after the brief marriage ceremony that Mr. Fairman related how, but for my heroic conduct, Aunt Sophy would not now be Mrs. Fairman. I must say he did me a little more than justice, and I did my best to faintly depreciate93 my heroism94. I found Aunt Sophy's warm-hearted and impulsive95 demonstration96 most embarrassing, but it was a peculiar97 expression of scepticism on Marion's face that made me wish I had not been accused of acting heroically.
It was not until the Fairmans had departed and the flutter of Aunt Sophy's handkerchief from the car-window was no longer visible that Marion had a chance to speak to me alone; then she lost no time.
"Now," she said, turning to me with an impatient little tap of her foot, "I want to[Pg 211] know the truth about that horse. Didn't you only pretend he ran away?"
"Pretend!" I exclaimed, with rightful indignation, the muscles of my arms still tingling98 with the strain.
"Yes," she insisted, with the resolute99 look that I knew only too well; a look meaning that no matter what the evidence I would be adjudged guilty; naturally, I flushed under her gaze. "I knew from your manner that you had done something you were ashamed of. Did you do it for one of those insane practical jokes, or because you wanted to convince Mr. Fairman that you are the paragon100 that Aunt Sophy thinks you?"
My irritation101 vanished; being innocent, I could forgive my wife's suspicion. "The fact is, Marion," I explained, with complete candor102, "that brute103 of Joe Wrigley's had the bit between his teeth and I couldn't stop him."
She laughed scornfully. "He had the bit between his teeth! Just what you told poor Mr. Fairman. May I ask where you would have liked his bit to be? Between[Pg 212] his eyes or his ears, perhaps. If you had a bit in your mouth wouldn't it have to be between your teeth?"
I knew her argument was defective104, but I got too flustered105 to think where the weakness lay, for I felt the matter was getting serious. It is one thing to have the satisfaction of showing your wife that she has made a blunder; it is another to confirm her suspicions by your denial. In the end she did appear to believe that the horse ran away and that I really had tried, with some small measure of success, to save Mr. Fairman's life, but that didn't end the matter. Marion has unusual psychological insight. Not only can she unearth106 thoughts and motives107 that I am conscious of having, but she can go deeper still, delving108 into unexplored regions of sub-consciousness to find the thoughts and motives that I am not aware of having.
"How strange!" she mused109. "You had time to think of so much in those few minutes. Did I understand you to say that your one idea was to save Mr. Fairman?"
"Well, that was the dominant110 one. The[Pg 213] other thoughts that flashed through my mind were all dependent on it, as the tones of a musical scale are related to the tonic111."
Not once in years do I think of so apt an illustration within five minutes of the time I need it, and I was so wrapped up in conceit112 of my remark that I walked, open-eyed but unseeing, into the most transparent113 pitfall114. Knowing, in my innocence115, that I had nothing to conceal, I forgot for the time that I must be on my guard against Marion's digging up something that wasn't there.
"And you never considered," she asked, "how dreadful it would be for Paul and me if anything happened to you?"
"It never entered my mind," I answered confidently, "but I can tell you I was afraid the old gentleman would be killed or mangled before he was married—then where would Aunt Sophy have been?"
"Where would Aunt Sophy have been?"
"Don't you see," I explained, with a confidential lowering of my voice, "that if he had been killed before the ceremony she would have been left out in the cold;[Pg 214] whereas, afterwards it wouldn't matter—ah—so much."
"Wouldn't matter—so——"
"In a pecuniary sense," I interjected nervously116. "I know she'd be heartbroken and all that, but as a widow—I mean, as his widow—she'd be wealthy, and—and—she'd get over——"
By Marion's stony117 glare I knew I had struck quicksand; I felt myself sinking and made one despairing effort to recover my footing. "Of course, I made up my mind that if I didn't pull him through safely, I'd give back my five thousand to Aunt Sophy, but—Good Heavens! Marion—what's the matter?"
It has been my lot to arouse anger, sorrow, despair, scorn, and various other sentiments consecutively118, but never before had I seen them expressed in one composite glance.
"So that was your motive," she said, with stinging, withering119 emphasis. "You clutched Mr. Fairman as a miser120 might clutch his hoard121 if his house took fire. It wasn't to save his life; it wasn't for Aunt[Pg 215] Sophy's sake; he was merely a money sack. Henry, if you hadn't confessed it yourself I wouldn't have believed you were such a mercenary wretch122. No wonder you looked ashamed."
We had just reached the house, and I had no chance to clear my character before Marion ran upstairs and locked herself in her room, so I thought it politic123 to leave her in silence for a while. I was bristling124 with indignation, for while I hadn't pretended that my conduct was praiseworthy, I knew that I had not been cold-blooded and calculating enough to try to save Mr. Fairman from the motive she had suggested. Indeed, I saw that the explanation that I had formulated125 in response to Marion's insistent126 questions had no foundation in fact, except possibly a fragmentary impression that may have flashed across my mind for an instant during our imminent127 peril57, yet I had been thick-headed enough to make it appear that I had been influenced by these considerations instead of confessing that I had invented them as an afterthought. I knew I should be able to[Pg 216] make Marion see the matter in this light when she had been sufficiently128 long in seclusion129; in the meantime, I went around to the rear of the house to find William Wedder and to settle my score with him.
I met him looking for me, dressed up in his best clothes and carrying his red bundle and stick.
"William," I said, in my most austere130 manner, "I haven't had a chance to tell you what I think of your con——"
"No, sir," he broke in, "and I'm not calculatin' to give you a chance. I'm off."
"You're—off!" I ejaculated, my anger suddenly displaced by dismay. "What—what's the matter?"
"Well, sir," answered William, his face broadening to a grin, "there's several reasons why I'd better be off. One is, I'd rather go than be sacked; then, old Waydean, he's took the notion that I dressed up his pig, and Joe Wrigley says he's gone to swear out a summons."
His manner was so coy, so engaging, so innocently virtuous131 and forbearing, that I[Pg 217] could not refrain from an encouraging smile; somehow I seemed to know exactly how he felt—perhaps I, too, in some previous state of existence, had found it expedient132 to appear to know less than I did know.
"What became of the pig, William?" I asked, in a tone that conveyed, I fear, more sympathy than reproof133.
"After you drove off so fast," he replied, "it turned onto the Stone Road, with old Waydean close behind, and that was the last I seen of them, but Joe Wrigley says they met a funeral near the Stone Road Cemetery134, and there was a regular circus; after it was over I seen people drivin' past here lookin' as if they'd been at a Punch and Judy show."
I smiled appreciatively, feeling a softening135 toward William in view of the entertainment he had provided, but I saw it would be wiser for him to leave than to wait for Peter's revenge. There was one more point that puzzled me.
"How did you fasten those boots on the pig?" I asked.
[Pg 218]
There was a momentary136 triumphant137 gleam in his eyes, then they opened wide with innocent frankness as he spoke. "Joe Wrigley says there was a wad of graftin' wax in each one, and the longer they were on the tighter they'd stick. Joe says——"
"William," I interrupted, "why do you keep saying that Joe Wrigley says this and Joe Wrigley says that, when you——"
One eyelid138 slowly curtained an eye. "You see, Mr. Carton," he said, in a half-whisper, "if you don't know nothin' but what Joe says, you don't know enough for evidence, nor too much for your own good, and if that old sinner makes law trouble you can't swear to anythin' but hearsay139. Joe says it's like a sort of judgment140 on him, for it'll take as long to get the feathers and wax off that pig as it'll take new feathers to grow on them chickens. He says there ain't but three ways of gettin' that kind of wax off: bilin' in kerosene141, freezin' in a ice-cream freezer, or leavin' it to nature and the habits of pigs."
"Well, William," I said regretfully, "I suppose you had better go, but I'll have to[Pg 219] get another man to do the work, for I'll have the farm on my hands in a few days. Peter has signed the agreement to sell."
"Jee—rus'lem!" he exclaimed. "It'll be a bigger circus than I counted on when——"
"When what?" I asked, as he suddenly checked himself.
"I was thinkin' about the new well up at the barn," he replied, with sudden gravity. "I haven't got down to water yet, but it ain't far off, and Joe Wrigley says he'll come over to-morrow and finish it for you. Well, I must be goin'—good-by for the present. Mebbe I'll come back when this blows over."
"Where are you going to?" I called after him, as he hurried off.
His legs moved faster, as if he feared pursuit, but there was no response until he reached the gate, then he turned and shouted: "To see—Uncle—Benny!"
It is painfully humiliating to stand before a locked door and try to convince a silent person inside that you have high ideals, noble impulses, virtuous aspirations142 and an[Pg 220] unvarying regard for the truth; it is yet more painful if you are the victim of a train of circumstantial evidence that has biassed143 the mind of the listener; you are at a further disadvantage if that person is the one who knows your failings better than you do yourself, but there is yet hope if, with all your faults, she loves you still.
I pleaded and reasoned with Marion in a high, unnatural144 and despairingly mellifluous145 voice; without avail. Then it occurred to me that I was on the wrong tack146, and in a tone of hoarse147 despair I said I was a brute. This had been effective before, and I listened breathlessly; there was a faint monosyllabic response, but whether of assent148 or dissent149 I could not determine. With added anguish150 I declared that I was and that she needn't say I wasn't; that it would be better for her if I were dead. There was a whole sentence in reply, the gist151 of it being that she hadn't said I wasn't. This was encouraging, so I sought to create a diversion by telling her that William had gone; this item was coldly received. Then, like an inspiration, came the thought that I had[Pg 221] still to tell her how we had been bidding against each other.
"Marion," I called out excitedly, "I know the man who tried to buy the place."
"Who is he?"
"Open the door, and I'll tell you."
"No; I can hear."
"He's a perfect brute." I moved away with a heavy tread. It was an excellent move; the door opened and Marion ran after me.
"What's his name?" she demanded.
"He's a man," I replied, with unreproving, sad forgiveness, "who thought he would try to please his wife by making her a present of the place."
"Good gracious! Was it that wretched Griggs?"
"No,—his name is—Henry Carton."
Now I had expected the announcement to create a sensation, but I was totally unprepared for the effect it produced. Instead of being appalled152 to learn that she had thrown away sixteen hundred dollars unnecessarily, she forgave me with every appearance of being delighted to hear the[Pg 222] news. An interval153 followed, during which I didn't care particularly how this blissful state of affairs had come to pass, but I gathered by degrees that it was because I had quite innocently proved that I was not a mercenary wretch and that I could by no possibility have saved Mr. Fairman's life from any sordid154 motive. There are probably few men more deserving of praise, but I shall not repeat Marion's expressions of affection and respect, in case they should appear extravagant155. I bore her appreciation156 with my usual modesty157, and when she wondered how she could have behaved so, I said it wasn't any wonder at all, and that I was almost sure I wasn't as good as she said. She declared indignantly that I was far better, and when I tried to add that I had acted like a brute she put her hand over my mouth and threatened to get angry again if I used that word about myself, saying that I had acted like an angel, and how could I ever forgive her? I assured her that there was nothing to forgive, but if there was I forgave her freely, and I did so with such fervor158 and unselfishness that[Pg 223] she almost melted into tears again. Then with the greatest delicacy159 I suggested that I was grieved that she had been obliged to pay so much more for the farm than if I hadn't been so stupid, but she only said indifferently, "Bother the money—I've got you!"
Still, I grudged160 that sixteen hundred dollars, and I thought she ought to show more concern, but I dreaded161 a return of her suspicion that I was mercenary, so I bothered the money also and remarked that I had her. Then we both made the happy discovery that we had Paul, and Marion reminded me that I had the farm and enough money to stock it, yet in spite of all these blessings162 it rankled163 in my mind that when the papers were signed Peter Waydean would have that sixteen hundred dollars above the worth of the farm.
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sprightly
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| adj.愉快的，活泼的 | |
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conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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confidential
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| adj.秘（机）密的，表示信任的，担任机密工作的 | |
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intercept
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| vt.拦截，截住，截击 | |
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vehemence
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| n.热切；激烈；愤怒 | |
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distended
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| v.（使）膨胀，肿胀( distend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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smothered
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| （使）窒息， （使）透不过气( smother的过去式和过去分词 )； 覆盖； 忍住； 抑制 | |
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shriek
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owl
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| n.猫头鹰，枭 | |
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jumbled
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| adj.混乱的；杂乱的 | |
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gasped
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| v.喘气( gasp的过去式和过去分词 )；喘息；倒抽气；很想要 | |
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stammered
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| v.结巴地说出( stammer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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awfully
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| adv.可怕地，非常地，极端地 | |
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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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pecuniary
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| adj.金钱的；金钱上的 | |
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peal
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| n.钟声；v.鸣响 | |
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brooks
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savings
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akin
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pinnacle
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| n.尖塔，尖顶，山峰；(喻)顶峰 | |
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ordeal
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tractable
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| adj.易驾驭的；温顺的 | |
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23
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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24
plausible
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| adj.似真实的，似乎有理的，似乎可信的 | |
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25
bonnet
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| n.无边女帽；童帽 | |
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26
reins
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| 感情，激情； 缰( rein的名词复数 )； 控制手段； 掌管； （成人带着幼儿走路以防其走失时用的）保护带 | |
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27
rein
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| n.疆绳，统治，支配；vt.以僵绳控制，统治 | |
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28
grafting
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| 嫁接法，移植法 | |
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29
briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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30
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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31
engrossed
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| adj.全神贯注的 | |
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32
trotting
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| 小跑，急走( trot的现在分词 )； 匆匆忙忙地走 | |
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33
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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34
flicking
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| （尤指用手指或手快速地）轻击( flick的现在分词 )； （用…）轻挥； （快速地）按开关； 向…笑了一下（或瞥了一眼等） | |
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35
constraint
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| n.(on)约束，限制；限制(或约束)性的事物 | |
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36
suave
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| adj.温和的；柔和的；文雅的 | |
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37
genial
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| adj.亲切的，和蔼的，愉快的，脾气好的 | |
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38
exalted
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| adj.(地位等)高的，崇高的；尊贵的，高尚的 | |
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39
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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40
idyllic
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| adj.质朴宜人的，田园风光的 | |
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41
garb
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| n.服装，装束 | |
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42
blot
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| vt.弄脏（用吸墨纸）吸干；n.污点，污渍 | |
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43
frantically
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| ad.发狂地, 发疯地 | |
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44
bowling
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| n.保龄球运动 | |
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45
riveted
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| 铆接( rivet的过去式和过去分词 )； 把…固定住； 吸引； 引起某人的注意 | |
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46
grotesque
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| adj.怪诞的，丑陋的；n.怪诞的图案，怪人（物） | |
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47
hind
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| adj.后面的，后部的 | |
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48
lashed
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| adj.具睫毛的v.鞭打( lash的过去式和过去分词 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
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49
racing
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| n.竞赛，赛马；adj.竞赛用的，赛马用的 | |
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50
fleeting
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| adj.短暂的，飞逝的 | |
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51
merge
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| v.(使)结合，(使)合并，(使)合为一体 | |
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52
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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53
remorse
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|
| n.痛恨，悔恨，自责 | |
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54
tugged
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| v.用力拉，使劲拉，猛扯( tug的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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55
gasps
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| v.喘气( gasp的第三人称单数 )；喘息；倒抽气；很想要 | |
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56
perilous
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| adj.危险的，冒险的 | |
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57
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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58
misgiving
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| n.疑虑，担忧，害怕 | |
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59
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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60
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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61
repel
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| v.击退，抵制，拒绝，排斥 | |
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62
ignoble
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| adj.不光彩的，卑鄙的；可耻的 | |
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63
analyze
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| vt.分析，解析 (=analyse) | |
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64
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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65
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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66
longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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67
invitingly
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| adv. 动人地 | |
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68
revolving
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|
| adj.旋转的，轮转式的；循环的v.（使）旋转( revolve的现在分词 )；细想 | |
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69
alluring
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| adj.吸引人的，迷人的 | |
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70
beseechingly
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| adv. 恳求地 | |
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71
punctuated
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| v.（在文字中）加标点符号，加标点( punctuate的过去式和过去分词 )；不时打断某事物 | |
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72
jolting
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| adj.令人震惊的 | |
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73
mangled
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| vt.乱砍（mangle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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74
runaway
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| n.逃走的人，逃亡，亡命者；adj.逃亡的，逃走的 | |
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75
flickered
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| （通常指灯光）闪烁，摇曳( flicker的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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76
gulped
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|
| v.狼吞虎咽地吃，吞咽( gulp的过去式和过去分词 )；大口地吸（气）；哽住 | |
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77
descried
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| adj.被注意到的，被发现的，被看到的 | |
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78
plunge
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| v.跳入，(使)投入，(使)陷入；猛冲 | |
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79
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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80
sedately
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| adv.镇静地，安详地 | |
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81
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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82
shafts
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| n.轴( shaft的名词复数 )；（箭、高尔夫球棒等的）杆；通风井；一阵（疼痛、害怕等） | |
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83
lumbered
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| 砍伐（lumber的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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84
agitated
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|
| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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85
irreproachable
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| adj.不可指责的，无过失的 | |
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86
scout
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| n.童子军，侦察员；v.侦察，搜索 | |
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87
wading
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| （从水、泥等）蹚，走过，跋( wade的现在分词 ) | |
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88
touching
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|
| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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89
chuckle
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|
| vi.／n.轻声笑，咯咯笑 | |
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90
remarkable
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|
| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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91
logic
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| n.逻辑(学)；逻辑性 | |
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92
crestfallen
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| adj. 挫败的，失望的，沮丧的 | |
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93
depreciate
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| v.降价，贬值，折旧 | |
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94
heroism
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| n.大无畏精神，英勇 | |
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95
impulsive
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|
| adj.冲动的，刺激的；有推动力的 | |
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96
demonstration
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| n.表明，示范，论证，示威 | |
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97
peculiar
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|
| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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98
tingling
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| v.有刺痛感( tingle的现在分词 ) | |
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99
resolute
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| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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100
paragon
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| n.模范，典型 | |
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101
irritation
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| n.激怒，恼怒，生气 | |
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102
candor
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| n.坦白，率真 | |
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103
brute
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| n.野兽，兽性 | |
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104
defective
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| adj.有毛病的，有问题的，有瑕疵的 | |
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105
flustered
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| adj.慌张的；激动不安的v.使慌乱，使不安( fluster的过去式和过去分词) | |
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106
unearth
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| v.发掘，掘出，从洞中赶出 | |
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107
motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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108
delving
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| v.深入探究，钻研( delve的现在分词 ) | |
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109
mused
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| v.沉思，冥想( muse的过去式和过去分词 )；沉思自语说（某事） | |
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110
dominant
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|
| adj.支配的，统治的；占优势的；显性的；n.主因，要素，主要的人(或物)；显性基因 | |
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111
tonic
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| n./adj.滋补品，补药，强身的，健体的 | |
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112
conceit
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| n.自负，自高自大 | |
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113
transparent
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| adj.明显的，无疑的；透明的 | |
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114
pitfall
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| n.隐患，易犯的错误；陷阱，圈套 | |
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115
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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116
nervously
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| adv.神情激动地，不安地 | |
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117
stony
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| adj.石头的，多石头的，冷酷的，无情的 | |
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118
consecutively
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| adv.连续地 | |
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119
withering
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| 使人畏缩的，使人害羞的，使人难堪的 | |
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120
miser
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| n.守财奴，吝啬鬼 (adj.miserly) | |
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121
hoard
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| n./v.窖藏，贮存，囤积 | |
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122
wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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123
politic
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| adj.有智虑的；精明的；v.从政 | |
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124
bristling
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| a.竖立的 | |
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125
formulated
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| v.构想出( formulate的过去式和过去分词 )；规划；确切地阐述；用公式表示 | |
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126
insistent
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| adj.迫切的，坚持的 | |
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127
imminent
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| adj.即将发生的，临近的，逼近的 | |
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128
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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129
seclusion
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| n.隐遁，隔离 | |
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130
austere
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| adj.艰苦的；朴素的，朴实无华的；严峻的 | |
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131
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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132
expedient
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| adj.有用的，有利的；n.紧急的办法，权宜之计 | |
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133
reproof
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| n.斥责，责备 | |
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134
cemetery
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| n.坟墓，墓地，坟场 | |
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135
softening
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| 变软，软化 | |
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136
momentary
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| adj.片刻的，瞬息的；短暂的 | |
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137
triumphant
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| adj.胜利的，成功的；狂欢的，喜悦的 | |
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138
eyelid
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| n.眼睑，眼皮 | |
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139
hearsay
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| n.谣传，风闻 | |
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140
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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141
kerosene
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| n.(kerosine)煤油，火油 | |
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142
aspirations
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| 强烈的愿望( aspiration的名词复数 )； 志向； 发送气音； 发 h 音 | |
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143
biassed
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| （统计试验中）结果偏倚的，有偏的 | |
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144
unnatural
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| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
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145
mellifluous
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| adj.（音乐等）柔美流畅的 | |
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146
tack
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| n.大头钉；假缝，粗缝 | |
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147
hoarse
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| adj.嘶哑的，沙哑的 | |
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148
assent
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| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
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149
dissent
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| n./v.不同意，持异议 | |
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150
anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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151
gist
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| n.要旨；梗概 | |
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152
appalled
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| v.使惊骇，使充满恐惧( appall的过去式和过去分词)adj.惊骇的；丧胆的 | |
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153
interval
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| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
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154
sordid
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| adj.肮脏的，不干净的，卑鄙的，暗淡的 | |
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155
extravagant
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| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
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156
appreciation
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| n.评价；欣赏；感谢；领会，理解；价格上涨 | |
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157
modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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158
fervor
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| n.热诚；热心；炽热 | |
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159
delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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160
grudged
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| 怀恨（grudge的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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161
dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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162
blessings
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| n.（上帝的）祝福( blessing的名词复数 )；好事；福分；因祸得福 | |
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163
rankled
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| v.（使）痛苦不已，（使）怨恨不已( rankle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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