It was then that I became aware how dependent I was upon my wife's judgment18 and how much I distrusted my own. Like a caged bird unwittingly made free, I felt bewildered and forsaken19 and vainly tried to be restored to favor. I am amenable20 to reason, to flattery, or to anything else that helps to make life pleasant and more worth living; not so with Marion. It is hopeless to attempt to change her purpose by external influences, and I soon gave up the thankless task of trying to extract an opinion from her that she was bound to keep to herself. It was while I was still in a state of mental bewilderment over her behavior that Peter Waydean came forward with what appeared to be a most reasonable proposition. While I had been puzzling over what I should do with the farm, it appeared that he, by a curious coincidence, was in a similar state of indecision about[Pg 257] what he should do without it. He hadn't realized, he said, when he sold the place to Mr. Fairman, how attached he was to the old homestead or how bereft21 of occupation he would feel when he no longer cultivated the land that he had cropped for half a century. He could scarcely make me understand how gratified he was that I, and not a stranger, was now the owner; indeed, the idea had occurred to him that, considering our friendly relations as neighbors, we might make an arrangement, to our mutual22 advantage—ahem!—to work the land on shares.
I had but a vague idea of what working land on shares meant, and I had to ask him to explain the term. Instead of giving me a precise definition, he began by pointing out that if I worked the farm myself I would have the expense of keeping a hired man all the year round, as well as extra hands in the busy season; I would have a continued outlay for farm-stock, implements23, feed and sundries. On the other hand, if we worked the land on shares, he would be willing to do all the work himself and [Pg 258]provide everything necessary, if I were willing to pay him the three hundred dollars that it would cost me to keep a hired man.
"And the produce?" I asked warily24, though I felt inclined to agree on the spot.
Peter rubbed his chin thoughtfully before he spoke25. "I was going to say that we might share and share alike, but I'm ready to do more than that," with an expansive smile. "You see, as I told you once before, taking one year with another, farming don't pay, and you might have to share two years' losses against one year's profits." He paused for a moment, and I nodded knowingly. "Now," he continued, "I'll take the hull26 darned crop myself, and if it don't pay expenses you don't lose, but if there is any profit once in a while, I'll have something for horse and cow feed."
This offer sounded so generous that I almost succumbed27; indeed, I would have agreed at once but for the caution inspired by my previous dealings with him, and the remembrance that Marion counted it one of my failings that my first impulse was always to agree with any plausible28 proposition.[Pg 259] This thought gave me moral courage enough to withhold29 my consent until I had time to talk it over with my wife.
Now when I eagerly began to explain the advantages of working the land on shares I was so full of the subject that I forgot temporarily that Marion was leaving me to my own devices, nor did I remember till I paused for her opinion, and heard the interesting comment that I'd better get the whitewash30 mixed up so that we could do the kitchen right after dinner.
I mixed the whitewash with fierce energy. After dinner I applied31 it with a concentrated vigor32 that, properly distributed, would have whitened the White House. As I worked, I ruminated33 bitterly upon Marion's aggravating34 reserve, doubly annoying in that I had an instinct that she saw a fatal flaw in the plan which was not apparent to me. When I finished the walls and ceiling of the kitchen I found that I had incidentally whitened the stove, the floor and myself.
To my surprise, Marion made no comment on this as she prepared to scrub the floor, her features expressing calm content,[Pg 260] with perhaps a suggestion of scornful amusement that was not definite enough to justify35 me in accusing her of implying that I hadn't done the work neatly36. She had just dipped her scrubbing brush into the pail of water, and I was in the act of removing my bespattered overalls37, when the front door-bell rang. It was such an unusual occurrence at Waydean for anyone to come to the front door that the sound of the bell at this juncture38 created a commotion39. Neither of us was presentable, but Marion seized a towel and rubbed some splatches of lime off my face, hurried me into an old coat and declared I must go. I had learned previously40 that on any special occasion it is always the man who must go, so I did not protest. I even went willingly, for the bell rang a second time with a portentous41 reverberation42 that thrilled me with expectancy43 that something was about to happen, and I was in the mood to enjoy something happening. As I glanced at the mirror in the hall I was startled to see that my hair and beard were powdered a delicate gray with the lime, and that the lines in my face[Pg 261] looked like the deep seams of old age, but as this couldn't be helped I opened the door with my usual air of inquiring dignity.
"How are you, Mr. Waydean?" demanded a hearty44 voice, and a large, bearded, black-clothed, silk-hatted man grasped my hand with a fervent45 pressure.
I am singularly open to sympathy, and at that particular time I would have welcomed the benediction46 of a wayside beggar, so I returned the hearty hand-clasp and replied that I was from fair to middling, warmly inviting47 him to walk into the parlor48. It did not occur to me until he spread his coat tails and inverted49 his hat on the floor that he looked as if he might be an ex-clerical insurance or book agent, and I was rather more relieved than impressed when he announced that he was the new pastor50 of the only church in the neighborhood. I attempted to apologize for my disordered appearance and to explain that I was not a church-goer, also that Waydean was not my name, but that of the place.
"Not one word, Mr. Waydean," he interrupted, his deep voice drowning my[Pg 262] courteous51 utterance52. "You wouldn't think so, perhaps, but I was brought up on a farm, and I have learned that clothes do not make a man. Would you be a different person, let me ask, were you clothed in sheepskins or purple and fine linen53?"
"I never tried either of those costumes," I answered, "but if you saw me in my ordinary clothes you wouldn't take me for a farmer."
"Come now, Mr. Waydean," he urged, tapping my knee insistently55; "would you or would you not be the same man? A straight answer, if you please—no hedging."
"Well," I admitted, "I suppose I would be the same man, but I'd look mighty56 different."
He leaned back in his chair, contemplating57 me with a satisfied smile. "I am pleased to see that you are willing to grant that you are in error," he said, stroking his beard; "it's always better to tell the truth at first than to wait until you are obliged to do so. But this, of course, is not what I called to say, and I must come to the point.[Pg 263] I've preached in this church two Sabbaths, and you have not been present. May I ask you why?"
"Well I—I'm not much in the habit of going to church. I——"
"Hedging again, Mr. Waydean," he said, holding up a warning forefinger58. "I must insist upon your being perfectly59 frank. I have reason to suppose you have stayed away on account of this petty disagreement with Brother Bunce and Brother Lemon. Is not that the fact?"
Alas60, I could not say! Had I known the particulars of the petty disagreement he mentioned I might have hazarded an admission that he was correct in his surmise61, for I find it easier to acknowledge that a person is right in a matter of no interest to me than think up arguments on the other side. I felt like a small boy who is called upon to decide instantly whether his punishment will be mitigated62 or increased if he confesses to a deed of which he is both innocent and ignorant. I looked in every direction but at my accuser, and remained silent.
[Pg 264]
"Mr. Waydean," he went on, with a note of sympathetic compassion63 that would have softened64 my heart had I been a sinner, "I find it is better to begin work in a new sphere by smoothing out anything that has caused discord65, so I have come to you to-day as a peacemaker to speak about your demeanor66 in church, which, I understand, has been the primary cause of this trouble."
"My demeanor in church?" I cried, with indignant incredulity.
"Not a word, if you please, until I have stated the case in full, as I understand it; then I shall listen to your explanation. You are in the habit of sleeping in church, and——"
Again I struggled to disclaim67 the habit of church-going. Again his masterful voice drowned my protest.
"I can assure you, Mr. Waydean, that we all have habits of which we are totally unconscious. I, for instance, invariably moisten my thumb in turning the leaves of the pulpit Bible, and I am inclined to disbelieve my wife when she mentions the matter afterwards. Now, I want you to[Pg 265] take my word for it that you have the habit I am about to speak of, even though you may think you haven't."
I remembered with an effort that my name was Peter Waydean; at the same time I was thrilled by a sudden conviction that, as resistance seemed useless, a delightful situation would result if I consented to play the part that was being thrust upon me so vigorously. There was no sound of scrubbing from the kitchen, and I was positive that Marion had left her work to listen to the conversation. This consideration gave zest68 to the idea, for things seemed to have been providentially arranged so that Marion might remain in the background, wrathfully powerless to interfere16 in what had every appearance of proving to be a most entertaining masquerade.
"Mr. Hughes, I'll try," I said meekly69.
"Well then, I will say frankly70 that I think it excusable if you occasionally fall asleep during the sermon on a warm day, considering that you have but one day's rest in the week from most arduous71 manual labor72; but, it happens, your pew is between[Pg 266] Brother Bunce's and Brother Lemon's, and they, too, are sometimes overcome by somnolency73. Don't be offended if I put the matter plainly,—they both complain that you have the habit of going to sleep and——"
"But what right have they to complain of my going to sleep, when they——"
"There,—there!—be calm, and I'll explain. Remember, they are both liberal givers and pillars of the church, and we must do nothing to alienate74 them; indeed, if we can do anything to make them more comfortable it is our duty to do so. Now they do not complain of your going to sleep, but they protest against having their rest disturbed by—ahem!—your—your snoring."
"My snoring!" I exclaimed wrathfully. "Let me inform you, sir, I never snore. I—" A choking guttural sound from the dining-room, followed by an artificial feminine cough, arrested my denial. I gulped75 twice, then I went on humbly76: "I should say, rather, that I was not aware I snored."
"Well put, Mr. Waydean," said my [Pg 267]mentor approvingly. "I remember the first time my wife told me I snored I was quite irritated, so I know how you feel. But I have investigated this matter thoroughly77 before coming to you, and I find the opinion is universal that you are in fault."
"Well, then, what are you going to do about it? If I'm not wanted in the church I'm willing to stay away."
"No, no,—my dear sir, I will not hear of such a thing. I am determined78 that no one shall leave the church during my pastorate. I would suggest, however, that you might change your pew to one at the rear of the building under the gallery. You would be more comfortable there, and Bunce and Lemon would be out of range, so to speak."
"Never," I protested firmly. "I shall either keep my pew at the front, or leave the church."
"You will listen to reason, Mr. Waydean," he insisted, with confident decision. "I was told that you were obstinate79, and that I might as well leave you alone, but I want you to set a good example to your[Pg 268] neighbors and show them you are a man of sense. May I—ah—ask you to call in Mrs. Waydean, if she is at home?"
It was a move that took me unawares; I almost broke out into a cold sweat. There was a sudden dull thump80 in the dining-room that sounded as if the cat had jumped down from the top of the dresser to the floor, and I knew that Marion in her dismay had dropped into a chair. Somehow this sound was inspiriting. She could not get upstairs without being seen by our visitor, and in her old skirt she was as impotent to interrupt any statement I chose to make as if she were bound and gagged. Therefore, with inward relish81 and outward regret, I answered that my wife had been so unfortunate as to twist her ankle and had been confined to her bed for two days.
He only paused to express the proper condolences before returning to the point; leaning forward confidentially82, he lowered his voice. "The fact is, Mr. Waydean, I sympathize with your stand in the matter, but we must all make sacrifices for the good of the community. You must consider that[Pg 269] these men give liberally, and how, may I ask, could the revenue be made up if they left the church?"
More was implied by the diplomatic suggestiveness of his tone than by the words. There was a pause, during which I pursed up my lips, half-closed my eyes, and thoughtfully rubbed the bristles83 on my chin. "Well," I remarked at length, in a reflective tone, "I suppose you think I might do a little better?"
"To be quite frank, I think you might," he responded. "It is a delicate matter to mention, but you have the reputation of being the wealthiest man in the neighborhood, and—and——"
"And the closest," I added, with a touch of asperity84. "To be quite frank with you, Mr. Hughes, I didn't take much stock in your predecessor85, or I might have given more; but now I may perhaps feel differently. You make Bunce and Lemon attend to their own beams, and I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll—" Again that falsetto cough from the next room checked my flow of speech. I had completely forgotten[Pg 270] Marion, having become so absorbed in my part.
"Well?" he asked expectantly.
I glanced around nervously86 and lowered my voice almost to a whisper. "I'll give as much cash as I gave before; besides, I'll give half my crop."
"Half your crop!" he exclaimed in amazement87.
"Half—my—crop," I solemnly asserted; "if you care to send for it. Perhaps you could get Bunce and Lemon to team the produce to market?"
"I'll attend to that," he responded cheerfully. "I'll get up a bee, and lend a hand myself. I hope,—ho, ho, ho!—that you will have a large crop. What do you propose to grow next year?"
"Well, I—I haven't quite decided88."
"Considering that I have a half-interest, let me suggest potatoes."
"Potatoes!" I exclaimed. "Why, they're not worth digging this year—fifteen cents a bag!"
The minister laughed. "Ninety-nine farmers out of a hundred will reason in the[Pg 271] same way," he said; "then the crop will be short and the prices high. Be the hundredth man, and plant potatoes."
I thanked him for the advice, which seemed to me to be excellent. He rose to go, then placed his hand affectionately on my shoulder. "Keep your pew," he said, "and leave me to settle with Brothers Bunce and Lemon; but if, as a favor to me, you could keep from—going to sleep?——"
I could not resist the urgent friendliness89 of his appeal. "Mr. Hughes," I responded, "I can promise never to close my eyes while listening to your sermons; more than that, I'll see that Bunce and Lemon keep awake also."
His eyes twinkled with appreciative90 humor as he thanked me, and a sudden remorse91 seized me for taking advantage of his insistent54 belief that I was Peter Waydean. I might have yielded to my inclination92 to confess, had not Marion's cough given place to a series of energetic movements which I interpreted as a threat that she was preparing to enter the room to expose my duplicity. As a usual thing I am[Pg 272] easily intimidated93, but sometimes when I get beyond my depth I become bold, defiant94, reckless. I had, after all, done no wrong; I had merely accepted a situation that had been forced upon me. My wife, on the contrary, had behaved with heartless indifference. After training me to depend upon her judgment, after teaching me to obey the dictates95 of her conscience, she had, without a word of warning, sympathy or apology, left me to wrestle96 alone with a momentous97 question; left me to be tossed about like a tailless kite or a rudderless boat. Well, it was my plain duty to teach her a lesson, and I saw the way to point a pretty moral and at the same time settle my doubts as to the wisdom of allowing Peter to work my land on shares. Marion had refused her opinion on this matter; she might now listen while I appealed to a stranger.
"Mr. Hughes," I said hurriedly, as he picked up his hat, "sit down for five minutes more—I want to ask your advice."
He did so, and briefly98,—very briefly, for the sounds indicated that Marion was desperately99 sponging her skirt on the [Pg 273]dining-room table,—I sketched100 a proposition similar to Peter's. "Now," I concluded, "do you consider that a fair arrangement for the city man as well as for the farmer?"
"A fair arrangement!" he exclaimed. "Where is the city man's share?"
"Wouldn't it be in the money he wouldn't spend by not working the land himself?" I asked earnestly.
He laughed in joyous101 abandonment. "Really, Mr. Waydean," he gasped102, "you have an extraordinary mind. But it doesn't pay to juggle103 with one's conscience, even in the case of a city man—it would be downright extortion."
Again I was moved by his geniality104 to confess that I was not the man I seemed; again was this virtuous105 resolve crushed. Before I could speak, he went on: "You wouldn't have asked me this if your conscience hadn't troubled you. Three hundred dollars bonus for the farmer—and all the produce!" Again his smile broke out afresh as he looked at me in mild reproof106. "Oh, I know what you're thinking. I, too, thought at one time that amateur farmers[Pg 274] were designed by Providence107 to add to the prosperity and entertainment of legitimate108 cultivators of the soil, but—oh, dear me!—three hun—ho, ho, ho!—Why, you'd kill your goose."
"Goose!" I cried fiercely. "Do you mean to call me a goose?"
"No, no,—I was going to say you'd kill your goose——"
"Don't say it, then," I adjured109 him, with bitter resentment110. "If you mention anything oval and metallic111 and glittering, I'll have a—a nervous prostration112. Why do men of your profession want to wreck113 the nerves of your listeners by firing off the most obvious remarks, the stalest platitudes114, the most hackneyed metaphors115? Why can't you sometimes say something unexpected? I'd go to church if I could listen to sermons in which I didn't always know what was coming next."
It was his turn to wince116. An angry flush mounted to his cheeks, and he positively117 glowered118 at me. "Permit me to say," he thundered, extending his right arm in a pulpit gesture, "that I wasn't going to[Pg 275] mention the gol"—I don't know what he wasn't going to mention, for I clapped my hands over my ears just in time to escape hearing, because I felt that I really couldn't bear a certain reference that he seemed bent119 upon making. The next words that reached me were: "—was about to say that if you pluck all the feathers off your goose out of season the result will be fatal. Mr. Waydean, you are behaving in——"
"Don't," I implored—"don't Mr. Waydean me again. I'm not old Waydean. I'm——"
"You're not—Peter Waydean?" he gasped.
"No,—I'm not."
"I—I was told this was the Waydean homestead."
"It is," I said, regaining120 my composure, "but he doesn't live here."
He stared at me blankly. "And you?"
"Oh, I'm only the city man."
He picked up his hat and moved toward the door. "Good-afternoon," he said frigidly121.
Remorse for what was past and despair[Pg 276] for what was to come gripped me. "I'm sorry for the mistake," I said, following him to the door, "but you wouldn't give me a chance to explain."
Without a word or look in reply, he walked away, selfishly absorbed in his own thoughts.
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rigidly
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| adv.刻板地，僵化地 | |
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amass
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| vt.积累，积聚 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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outlay
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| n.费用，经费，支出；v.花费 | |
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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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chafing
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| n.皮肤发炎v.擦热（尤指皮肤）( chafe的现在分词 )；擦痛；发怒；惹怒 | |
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restrictions
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| 约束( restriction的名词复数 )； 管制； 制约因素； 带限制性的条件（或规则） | |
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insinuate
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| vt.含沙射影地说，暗示 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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fatuous
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| adj.愚昧的；昏庸的 | |
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delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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phantom
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| n.幻影，虚位，幽灵；adj.错觉的，幻影的，幽灵的 | |
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prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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alluring
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| adj.吸引人的，迷人的 | |
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astounding
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| adj.使人震惊的vt.使震惊，使大吃一惊astound的现在分词) | |
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interfere
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| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
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indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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Forsaken
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| adj. 被遗忘的, 被抛弃的 动词forsake的过去分词 | |
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amenable
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| adj.经得起检验的；顺从的；对负有义务的 | |
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bereft
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mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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implements
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| n.工具( implement的名词复数 )；家具；手段；[法律]履行（契约等）v.实现( implement的第三人称单数 )；执行；贯彻；使生效 | |
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warily
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spoke
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hull
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succumbed
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| 不再抵抗（诱惑、疾病、攻击等）( succumb的过去式和过去分词 )； 屈从； 被压垮； 死 | |
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plausible
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| adj.似真实的，似乎有理的，似乎可信的 | |
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withhold
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| v.拒绝，不给；使停止，阻挡 | |
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whitewash
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applied
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vigor
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| n.活力，精力，元气 | |
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ruminated
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| v.沉思( ruminate的过去式和过去分词 )；反复考虑；反刍；倒嚼 | |
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aggravating
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| adj.恼人的，讨厌的 | |
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justify
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| vt.证明…正当(或有理)，为…辩护 | |
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neatly
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overalls
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| n.（复）工装裤；长罩衣 | |
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juncture
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| n.时刻，关键时刻，紧要关头 | |
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commotion
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| n.骚动，动乱 | |
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previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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portentous
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| adj.不祥的，可怕的，装腔作势的 | |
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reverberation
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| 反响； 回响； 反射； 反射物 | |
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expectancy
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| n.期望，预期，（根据概率统计求得）预期数额 | |
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hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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fervent
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| adj.热的，热烈的，热情的 | |
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benediction
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| n.祝福；恩赐 | |
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inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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parlor
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| n.店铺，营业室；会客室，客厅 | |
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49
inverted
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| adj.反向的，倒转的v.使倒置，使反转( invert的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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50
pastor
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| n.牧师，牧人 | |
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51
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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52
utterance
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| n.用言语表达，话语，言语 | |
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53
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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54
insistent
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| adj.迫切的，坚持的 | |
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55
insistently
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| ad.坚持地 | |
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56
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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57
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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58
forefinger
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| n.食指 | |
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59
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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60
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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61
surmise
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| v./n.猜想，推测 | |
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62
mitigated
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| v.减轻，缓和( mitigate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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63
compassion
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| n.同情，怜悯 | |
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64
softened
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| （使）变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
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65
discord
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| n.不和，意见不合，争论，（音乐）不和谐 | |
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66
demeanor
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| n.行为；风度 | |
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67
disclaim
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| v.放弃权利，拒绝承认 | |
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68
zest
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| n.乐趣；滋味，风味；兴趣 | |
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69
meekly
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| adv.温顺地，逆来顺受地 | |
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70
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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71
arduous
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| adj.艰苦的，费力的，陡峭的 | |
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72
labor
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| n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦 | |
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73
somnolency
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| n.想睡，梦幻 | |
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74
alienate
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| vt.使疏远，离间；转让(财产等) | |
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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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76
humbly
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| adv. 恭顺地，谦卑地 | |
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77
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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78
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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79
obstinate
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| adj.顽固的，倔强的，不易屈服的，较难治愈的 | |
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80
thump
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| v.重击，砰然地响；n.重击，重击声 | |
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81
relish
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| n.滋味，享受，爱好，调味品；vt.加调味料，享受，品味；vi.有滋味 | |
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82
confidentially
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| ad.秘密地，悄悄地 | |
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83
bristles
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| 短而硬的毛发，刷子毛( bristle的名词复数 ) | |
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asperity
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| n.粗鲁，艰苦 | |
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85
predecessor
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| n.前辈，前任 | |
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86
nervously
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| adv.神情激动地，不安地 | |
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87
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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88
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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89
friendliness
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| n.友谊，亲切，亲密 | |
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90
appreciative
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| adj.有鉴赏力的，有眼力的；感激的 | |
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91
remorse
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| n.痛恨，悔恨，自责 | |
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92
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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93
intimidated
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| v.恐吓；威胁adj.害怕的；受到威胁的 | |
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defiant
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| adj.无礼的，挑战的 | |
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95
dictates
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| n.命令，规定，要求( dictate的名词复数 )v.大声讲或读( dictate的第三人称单数 )；口授；支配；摆布 | |
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96
wrestle
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| vi.摔跤，角力；搏斗；全力对付 | |
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97
momentous
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| adj.重要的，重大的 | |
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98
briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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99
desperately
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| adv.极度渴望地，绝望地，孤注一掷地 | |
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100
sketched
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| v.草拟（sketch的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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101
joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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102
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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103
juggle
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| v.变戏法，纂改，欺骗，同时做；n.玩杂耍，纂改，花招 | |
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104
geniality
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| n.和蔼，诚恳；愉快 | |
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105
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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106
reproof
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| n.斥责，责备 | |
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107
providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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108
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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109
adjured
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| v.（以起誓或诅咒等形式）命令要求( adjure的过去式和过去分词 )；祈求；恳求 | |
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110
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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111
metallic
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| adj.金属的；金属制的；含金属的；产金属的；像金属的 | |
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112
prostration
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| n. 平伏, 跪倒, 疲劳 | |
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113
wreck
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| n.失事，遇难；沉船；vt.(船等)失事，遇难 | |
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114
platitudes
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| n.平常的话，老生常谈，陈词滥调( platitude的名词复数 )；滥套子 | |
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115
metaphors
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| 隐喻( metaphor的名词复数 ) | |
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116
wince
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| n.畏缩，退避，（因痛苦，苦恼等)面部肌肉抽动；v.畏缩，退缩，退避 | |
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117
positively
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| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
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118
glowered
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| v.怒视( glower的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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119
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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120
regaining
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| 复得( regain的现在分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
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121
frigidly
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| adv.寒冷地；冷漠地；冷淡地；呆板地 | |
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