'Twas in a frolic mood that I met the wench[150] of the Magpie8, which meeting led to an evening's entertainment, tolerably humoursome, but something "pretty-missy" for a stark9 man like me. I was newly come from the Bath Road with my purse full of king's pictures, to the which I had added on Turnham Green without so much as a thought of it. 'Twas fallen dark of a foul10 December evening, and, as I was riding for town, I missed the road and Calypso floundered into a bog11 of water and mire12. With a curse I pulled her out, when just at that moment I heard a voice crying out a little way off. The common oozed13 mud, for the rain had been falling heavily, but I pushed the mare14 across in the direction of the voice, and there was another that had fallen into my plight15, but much worse. For a chaise had wandered off the road and was axle-deep in a pond that spreads on the common.
"Help!" says the voice.
"That I will! Help you and myself, too," says I; and I gave a hand to the coachman and together we got the carriage to land.
"I am much in your debt, sir," says the master of it when we were done—a smug-speaking sort of fellow whose face I could not see. "You have placed Samuel Hogg, haberdasher, of Bristol, under obligations," he said pompously16.
[151]
"Oh, you are in my debt, 'tis no doubt," says I, laughing, "but, rip me, you won't be long;" and at that I delivered him of a pile of gold guineas, and turned my back on his entreaties17 and objurgations.
When I was come to town I put up at my favourite inn and where I am known, and on the next day I set out for Polly Scarlet's. But when I got there, there was my poor girl abed with a swollen cheek. So, says I, giving her good cheer and a certain trinket that I had for her, I will make the best of my way to Soho and see if, maybe, some of the lads be assembled. But I had got no further than the Minories, when who should emerge into sight in the company of two officers, but Timothy Grubbe, that rascally18 thief-taker, crimp and scoundrel. I am not to be frightened by any man on earth, but 'twas wise to go shy of Timothy and his friends at that time; so ere they had a sight of me I turned my back on them and slipped in at the Magpie tavern19. Here was a warm room and comfortable, and the wine, when mulled, was passable, though sour. So I tossed off a draught20 and says to the wench, ironically,—
"To bring out the flavour of this tap, I'll eat cheese, my dear. 'Tis a wine worth testing," says I.
Thereat she fetched me cheese, and stood[152] staring on a ring that she wore on her finger, a little in the shadow. Well, I sat idly there, sipping21 at my glass, for 'twas pleasant enough, and quiet. 'Twas a bare, empty tap, as it chanced, and the wench and I had it to ourselves. She was a pretty sort of figure, all in white—white mob and white apron23; of a middle height and slightness pleasant in so young a maid, brisk of eye, quick of face, and with a certain abruptness24 of chin. She stood, as I say, staring on a ring, in a brooding seriousness, and then of a sudden she uttered a little sob25 and rushed her apron to her eye.
"Whoa!" says I. "Whoa there, mare," speaking softly enough, but she started up and turned about, so that her face was no longer in the light, and so remained a little while.
"Come, my pretty," said I in a good-humoured way. "Wash no colour from that blue. I'll warrant 'tis admired, and rightly. If there's any huff or bully26 that breeds those dew-drops give me his name, and on my word, I'll make carrion27 of him."
At that she turned to me again, holding herself erect28, and her eyes discharged at me a glance. 'Twas not one of haughtiness29 merely, but rather one in which fear and defiance30 and anger rubbed shoulders. One might have said, indeed, that all these sentiments rained together from her pretty peepers. But then[153] she dropped her head as quickly, and affected31 her interest in the bottles or the casks or something else in the distance.
"Why," says I, "I will even taste once more that delectable32 bin," and she came forth33, reluctant, to fill my glass again. "Now," says I, when I had her there, "you're a girl of spirit; rip me, what's amiss?"
"Sir?" she says with a glare in her face.
"Come, if every pretty filly used her hind34 legs so hard," said I with a laugh, "what room would be left in the stalls?"
She said no word but went about her business, the which, as I am not used to rebuffs either from man, madam, or maid, nettled35 me; but I know such wildings; they be not pigeons nor doves nor tame sparrows neither. I must lime her with another manner; so I altered my voice, and says I, in a pleasant, but masterful, tone,—
"You must not think me any Peeping Tom," I said, "to twist his eyes on you and badger36 you. Tears spoil that handsome cheek, and I would know if there be no remedy. I cannot abide to see youth and beauty weeping."
She had turned her head now, and gave me a searching glance. "'Tis naught37 you could help in, sir," she says with some demureness,[154] and then broke out, "'tis along of my aunt. She has put upon me and treated me ill."
"A hag of an aunt," says I sympathetically, "to bruise39 one so tender and so dutiful, I'll swear."
"Yes, 'tis so," says she, now with some confidence, and wagging her little head towards me. "She knows not when she is well-served—that she doth not."
"I'll take oath of that," says I.
"I am daughter to her husband's sister, sir," said she, running on glibly40 by this time, "and Cousin Tom is sib to me."
"Why, for sure, if he be your cousin," said I.
"And when my mother died," she said, taking no heed41, "uncle says I must live with him, and there have I lived all these years."
"None so many, rip me," says I, handsomely.
"He has had good service out of me," she said, casting me a glance, as of one who would assert her rights. "There have I worked for my Aunt Susan and cast up figures for uncle, and no thanks given me—no, not a crown's worth all these years."
"A sorry pair of skinflints," said I, nodding. "But I would not cry tears on them, not I, if I was a spirited wench."
"'Tis not that," says she, weeping anew.[155] "'Tis that I am turned out of doors; they will not have me more."
"Why, how is that?" I asked, whereat she looked demure38 as a saint, and says she,—
"Oh, 'twas but nothing. 'Twas Cousin Tom."
And it appeared that Cousin Tom had set calf's eyes on her, and that his mother destined42 him for better things; so that the wench must quit, though she kept the tally43 for nunkie and the house for aunt.
"Well," says I, "'tis a piece of injustice44, my dear, and that I'll swear to. Love you this Tom?"
Whereat she hesitated, and stammered45, and turned aside her face, and then heaved up her pretty shoulders.
"He is so silly," says she.
"Why, that is the right kind of silliness for a maid, I'll take oath," said I.
But she said nothing, so I tossed a guinea on the table, for I had just taken a fancy to a little entertainment, having nothing to do and being at a loose end by reason of Polly.
"There's that will pay for a bottle of wine," said I, "the which I will put under my jacket by your leave, mistress. And I will be the one to pull you out of your despair."
She looked at me in surprise.
"Oh, I have an eye for a wench," said I,[156] "and I know virtue46 when it peeps out. And if so be you want Tom, rip me, you shall have him."
"I do not understand you, sir," said she, still wondering.
"See you here, mistress," says I, with a wink47, "if you was known to be in the expectation of money," says I, "maybe auntie would sing to another tune48."
"Yes," said she, with her mouth open and her eyes.
"Very well," said I, "a gentlemanly haberdasher has clapped eyes on a pretty miss and taken a fancy to her for a daughter."
She stared at me.
"Say that here sits the haberdasher," said I, cocking an eye at her, "a gentlemanly haberdasher that is a widower49 and is peaking for a daughter that he will never get," says I, "what says auntie and nunkie now?"
She met my glance and presently hers fell. I could see she was quick of wit and took me now.
"But, sir, I do not know who you be," said she, demurely50, and fidgeting with her apron.
"Oh, we will better that," says I, remembering of the man on Turnham Green. "Call me Samuel Hogg," said I, "godly Samuel Hogg, of Bristol, that wants a daughter all to himself and is willing to leave her a hundred[157] guineas for a dowry and a thousand on his deathbed."
Her lips parted and her eyes gleamed. Then she gave me a shrewd glance, for she was no fool, and at last she smiled.
"You are very kind," said she.
"Pooh!" said I, emptying the bottle. "You may say that when I see you this evening and confront 'em."
"Confront 'em," she said.
"D'ye suppose I will not pursue that which I propose?" I asked. "I will see auntie, nunkie and all, and so you may warn 'em. The gentlemanly haberdasher, rip me, will visit 'em to-night, for to beg their niece of 'em."
'Twas on that understanding we parted, though I believe the girl thought me gone in liquor and talking foolishly. But that I was not, as she discovered, for I meant to go through with the jest and help a poor female against her shrew of an aunt at the same time.
So that evening when it had fallen dark, sure enough, I presented myself before the Magpie, clothed very old and sober and with a wig52 to suit, and knocked for admittance. Well, there were they assembled to meet me (for the wench had done her part), looking very expectant and all in a flutter. There was uncle that was broad and short[158] and of a weak cast of face with a grin on it, and by him was aunt, prim53 and stiff, but the vinegar of her face sugared over with a smile; and to these were added Cousin Tom, a lubberly big fellow with a booby expression, and a couple more. Why, had I not been used to distinguished54 company I might have turned white of trembling and bashfulness before them. But as it was, the more the merrier, and, says I, with a congee55 to aunt,—
"By your leave, madam."
"Sir," says she, "our niece Nancy has acquainted us with your story;" at which, thinks I, "'Egad I'm glad I know her name," the which I had misremembered to ask.
"She hath done me honour, mistress," I replied, polite as a pea. "And since you know why I am here, faith, let us sit down and discuss of it."
Uncle sat down, blinking rapidly at us, and a little fat man in the corner eyed me curiously58.
"Your sister's daughter, my good man?" says I to uncle, with a benevolent59 smile. He nodded.
"And a very precious daughter she has been to us, sir," says aunt with a sort of whine60.
Now that kind fairly makes my stomach queasy61, and, moreover, I guessed what she was after. She meant to pull a long face on parting with her niece, with an eye to money.
[159]
"I hope," said I, suavely62, "that she will prove a precious daughter to me in good time."
"That depends," says the little fat man, who, it seems, was a grocer.
"Ay, that depends," says the remaining person in the room, a thin, elderly woman.
"Well," said I, annoyed at this intervention63, "it depends on whether miss here suits me. I will confess she has took my fancy, and I have room for her."
"You want to adopt Nancy?" says the aunt.
"'Tis my intention," I answered plump.
"May we ask what set the notion in your head?" says the grocer from his corner.
"Faith you may," said I, "and 'tis easy said. For walking down the Minories yesterday, whom did I spy but a handsome miss with as two pretty eyes as ever sparkled in a wench's face. 'She's for me,' says I to myself, 'she'll suit my town house like a linnet or a piping lark64. I'll warrant she's all sunshine.'"
At that I thought they looked on me with some suspicion, and, perish me, I believe I had spoken too warmly, for she was dainty enough.
"Oh!" says aunt, faintly, and glanced at her husband, as if inviting66 him to speak, but he sat smoking.
[160]
"My niece says you are a godly man, sir?" she pursued.
"Godly," says I, "is not the word. I cry second to none if it comes to church and prayers."
She looked astonished at that, but 'twas the grocer who spoke65 next.
"'Tis a strange matter," he said, "that you should have took so great a fancy to Miss Nancy here. It may be, as you say, that you would adopt her, yet you are young for a daughter."
"Young!" said I, "why, I be ancient enough. I have gone through enough in my time to fetch out grey hairs in bunches. There was my poor wife that died ten years gone, and my daughter that followed her in the flower of her youth, to whom miss hath a most singular likeness67. 'Twas that attracted me."
"You are a haberdasher, sir?" says the thin woman.
"'Tis my calling," I replied.
"Ah," she sighed. "And so 'twas my poor husband's that is at rest."
"He was engaged in an honourable68 trade," said I.
"You say truly. That he was," she assented69, sighing.
But here uncle spoke for the first time. He[161] was clearly no man of words, but the fat grocer had been whispering in his ears.
"We should want some warranty," said he.
"Warranty," said I indignantly. "There's my name, Samuel Hogg, of Bristol, and, for the rest, if it is the colour you wish, why I can satisfy you," and I brought out a purse full of King's pictures.
I could see that their eyes glistened70.
"You seem well endowed," said the grocer.
"Ay, and 'tis all at the disposal of Miss Nancy, when I am in my gloomy tomb," said I.
But the grocer whispered to the widow, and she to aunt, and they glanced askance at me. So, as matters were not going forward to my taste, I got up and said I,—
"It seems that suspicions rule here. I am the target of eyes. Rip me, I carry not my wares71 to a market that fancies me not, and so I will bid you good evening."
But that shook them. "Stay, sir," says the aunt, "I am sure we may be pardoned if we hesitate to lose one so dear to us. 'Tis a new idea, and we must get used to it."
"Why," said I, smiling, for I could see the drift of her thoughts, "there is no haste. You shall satisfy yourself of what I promise. 'Tis but the preliminary to my design. I will not pluck your partridge from you roughly—not[162] I. But I would have her remain with you during my preparations, and only ask that I may present her with that which shall fit her out as becomes one who is to do honour to my house and me."
And with that I opened the purse and counted out ten golden guineas.
Miss Nancy gazed wide-eyed, and there was a little silence among the others, save that uncle started and rubbed his eyes, and cried, "The devil!"
But 'twas enough for them. Auntie melted like a snowball in the sun; the grocer pursed up his lips; and the widow regarded me with wonder. Booby, in his corner, gave vent3 to a silly chuckle72.
"Well, that's fair," said uncle hastily, and, at that, supper being ready, I was invited to join them.
Now this was the time that I should have taken to go, for I had done what I promised; but I had nothing to attract me that night, and, moreover, I was for pushing the fun a little further. Lord, if Tony or old Creech could have seen me a-sitting there, in such company, with an adopted daughter on my hands, 'twould have made them split their sides. So says I,—
"At your service, and thank ye;" and down we sat to the table.
[163]
As chance would have it I was set alongside of the widow, and on t'other side was the grocer. Says I to the girl in a whisper, as she passed me,—
"There; 'tis all laid for you, and you can fire the train when you will, along of Booby."
She cast a glance at me and looked down, fingering her guineas as if she loved 'em. But, bless you, I did not mind the guineas. There was plenty more behind 'em. And then the widow turns on me, and begins to ply73 me with questions about haberdashery and prices, but, rot me, I knew nothing about them more than the babe in its cradle. So said I presently,—
"Madam, I leave all such trifles to my man."
"Heavens!" says she, "you will be ruined. 'Tis most perilous74. You want someone that will look after your interests, and keep your house in trim."
"Why, that's what miss will do," I laughed.
She shrugged75 her shoulders. "My husband," said she, "was worth his two hundred guineas a year, and that's all come to me, alas," she says sighing.
"'Tis not I would cry 'Alack,' if that befel me," I said with a grin.
"Ah, 'tis not the money," she says, "but the loneliness; and to think that it's all lost to business; for I am my own mistress," she[164] says, "and can do what I like, having no child to consider."
"Well," said I, "I have one now, and an amazing beauty." She looked sourly at Miss Nancy, who flushed very deep. Just then I was digged in the ribs76 t'other side, and, turning, found the grocer with a grin on his face.
"Pretty wench," says he with a wink.
"That is so," said I, tossing off the wine, which was not so ill.
"There's none too many like her about the town," he says again with his significant wink.
"What the plague—" says I, but he winked77 again.
"I seen what you was after from the first," he said.
"The devil you did!" I said, and stared at him.
He dug his thumb into me again. "Ten guineas for her!" he said with a knowing air.
"Well?" said I, for I guessed what the fool was after.
"Well," says he in his fat whisper, "you ain't no haberdasher. I seen through you from the first."
"Look you," said I sharply, "get on with your supper and keep your foul fingers off me, or I will choke your weasand for you."
That, as I conceive, startled him, for he fell away, looking at me mighty anxiously, but[165] said no more. Moreover, I was not for turning the party into pepper and mustard, so I took another glass, and the vintner at t'other end of the table nodded at me in a friendly way.
"'Tis a good bottle," says he knowingly, "and not every man's liquor."
That was true enough, for 'twas not the swipes I had took in his tavern that afternoon, and he himself was witness to his words, for he had drunk the better part of a bottle already and seemed very merry and on familiar terms with the world. He plied57 the widow on one side and his wife on t'other, but aunt's visage, for all her simper, would have turned the best wine sour. Miss took but a sip22 of wine, but her face was flushed and eager, but Booby—he made up for that abstinence, and drank and talked and laughed as though he was at a goose-fair. Well, they were a pretty party, and by this time I was entered into the proper spirit of it. Booby over the way made a feint of embracing miss and whispered in her ear, seeing which I bestowed78 a smile on him as who should say "Brava! I commend your spirit." But miss turned away from him sharply and I could see she was firing him a rejoinder. Thinks I, maybe he hath crushed her steels, the which no woman will stand, and the least of all in public. But as 'twas to settle their little affairs that I[166] was there the time had come to speak out, and so up jumps I with my glass in hand.
"I will ask this company," said I, "to toast a pretty girl and her lover. I'll warrant their names spring to your minds. Need I put a style on them? Well, when these hairs be whitening, sure I shall be comforted in a nursery of babes that shall bring 'em tenderly to the grave, all along of my adopted daughter there and Cousin Tom that shall inherit my fortune."
Now aunt's face was lined with smiles, and she lifted up her glass, and looked towards the couple. The vintner, too, chuckled79 and called out an indelicate jest for such maidenly80 ears. But what was my surprise that miss turned crimson81, and then pale, and started up with a little exclamation82. Booby looked sheepish and grinned, but she gave him her shoulder, and,—
"I will not have you drink it," says she tartly83. "I am my own mistress, and not to be dictated84 to by any."
"Why, child, who is dictating85 to you?" said I amazed, and aunt frowned, but says sweetly,—
"We have known all along 'twas a strong attachment86 'twixt my son and niece."
"Why, so I should ha' guessed," I replied.
"No, no," says uncle, shaking his silly head,[167] "I never did believe there was aught in it. So now you know, wife."
But his wife, who was as black as night, cried out sharply,—
"'Tis all nonsense. They are affianced duly."
And then the fat grocer muttered in my ears, "'Twas precious cunning; you have noosed87 and caught her already. Gad56, she'll fall into your maw like a ripe plum!"
"If you will not cease," said I angrily, "I will run my hilt down your throat."
"Hilt!" says he, staring, and edged away from me; and I could see him eyeing me up and down to see if I carried a weapon.
"Come," said I to the girl. "Maybe this is sprung on you too suddenly. Take your time," I said, "and we will wait. 'Tis a hundred guineas on your wedding, my dear, and much more at my funeral."
"I do not want your money," said she petulantly88, and flung the guineas on the table.
Aunt cried out in a fury, and uncle stared, for he was much in liquor. But the grocer and the widow began hurriedly to gather them up.
"Steady," said I. "Whoa, my lass. What's come over you? This suits not with your mood this afternoon. I will admit Booby is no beauty and hath a tongue too gross for his phiz, but 'tis your own choice."
[168]
"Whom call you Booby?" cries the youth, rising in a passion that was compounded of wine and jealousy89.
"If you will not sit down," said I, "I will teach you a lesson. Sit down and buss, you fool. Buss and be thankful."
He flopped90 into his seat foolishly, but miss rose and moved from the table. "I will not stay here for insult," she said, with spirit.
"You shall not refuse," says aunt, white with anger, "or you shall be turned out of doors this very night, you shall."
"Oh, she is a sly slut; she casts her eyes high," says the widow, in a high vindictive91 note.
"Look ye here," says the vintner sillily, and with a tipsy frown. "Let us not tangle92 this merry meeting into knots. Be easy all. If Nancy wants a husband, as well she may, being of a marriageable age, here's one for her, and no better than he—Mr Samuel Hogg, of Bristol. Sir, I toast you and Nancy as bride and groom93."
I looked at the girl. She had come to a pause and now stood, her face demurely cast down, and she said nothing, not raising any protest. And then, in a flash, it came to me what she wanted. I could have laughed aloud if I had been in my own company. She took me for a real well-to-do haberdasher and would[169] have me, the puss; or maybe 'twas my looks took her, for she is not the first to be tantalised by my bearing. But I had not bargained for this, and so I laughed a little, and looked askew94 at the vintner.
"How!" says I, "will you turn a daughter into a wife?"
"'Tis infamous," says the widow. "'Tis shocking to the ordinances95 of religion."
"Not so fast," said I. "She's no daughter to me yet, nor perhaps will be," for I was weary of her hints and innuendoes96, the meaning of which was apparent.
"Oh, maybe he can find room for you both," says the grocer, with his fat laugh.
"Though 'tis my only niece," says the vintner, pursuing his theme, as if none had spoken, "I will spare her to so worthy97 a gentleman. I have known her since she was a chit so high—my own sister's child!" and he began to weep maudlin98 tears that came of the drink.
"I'm sure," says the widow, "that the gentleman will be well rid of such an ungrateful baggage, and 'tis an insult to use him so. He does not want a silly slip like that, either to daughter or wife, undutiful as she would be, and extravagant99 in her habit. What would suit you, sir," she says, turning on me, "would be a staid comely100 wife near to your[170] own age, with a knowledge of haberdashery, and some money to—"
"Will you be quiet," says I to her, savagely101.
"He's got his eye on the young 'un; he's marked her," says the fat grocer, dipping his nose in the wine, "I knew it all along. There's mighty little chance to deceive me. I know these dogs. Why, directly he came in I saw a look on him when he eyed her that—"
"Look here, I have warned you once," says I, infuriated, and I gave him a blow under his fat chin that sent him sprawling102 over the next chair to the floor. At that the widow screamed out and cries,—
"Murder! murder!"
I was for turning on her, for my blood was up at this silliness, when the vintner got upon his legs unsteadily.
"I will have no murder done in my house," says he, with a hiccough. "I will fight any man that is for doing murder in my house."
But ere I could answer Booby rushed at me. "I'll have your blood," he cried. And when I would have treated him as I had done the grocer, the widow put her arms about me and squealed103 that I was being killed, while miss clung to Booby behind and strove to pull him off with her hands and nails.
"Oh, sir, oh, sir, 'tis a Christian104 house," cries aunt, wringing105 her hands.
[171]
But, Christian or not, I was not for being choked by the old cat, and so I threw her off roughly; but a blow from the vintner took me in the stomach, so that all my wind was out. He was whirling his arms like a mill.
"I'll learn you to do murder," cries he.
'Twas too much for me. I had been sorely tried by their stupidity, and to have them falling on me was more than I could stand.
"Rip me," says I, "as sure as my name is Dick Ryder I'll lay a corpse106 out if you do not leave me."
"Dick Ryder!" cries Miss Nancy, letting go of Booby, who toppled over upon the grocer.
"Yes," says I, "Dick Ryder, who is mightily107 sorry that he ever set forth to do any kindness to a ninny like you."
"Ay," says a voice behind me, "'tis Dick Ryder for sure, young woman."
I turned at the sound, and on the steps, descending108 from the tavern, was Timothy Grubbe, with the face of a trap behind him.
"Dick Ryder," says he, with a grin, "I arrest you in the name of His Majesty109 for the robbery of one Samuel Hogg, on Turnham Green, last night."
"Is that you, Timothy?" said I, for I never minded the wretch110. "Why, come in[172] and welcome. You come in the nick of time to prevent murder."
"Why, I see you have been very merry," says he, with his leer.
I tapped the vintner on the shoulder. "Here is a party," I said, "that will drink my health. I beg you to open a bottle of your best for these good friends of mine. How many be you, Timothy?" I asked.
"Call it three, Dick," says he with his tongue in his cheek.
"Make it two bottles, host," said I cheerily.
The vintner, with his mouth open, now coming to his sober senses, stared at the visitors and at me; but in obedience111 to my command, he moved slowly towards the tap-room door, where Grubbe and the trap stood. I followed him, and had, out of the tail of my eye, a glimpse of the wench—struck dumb and terrified.
"As touching112 the guineas of Hogg, Timothy," said I, "you will find 'em on that scratch-cat over yonder, with the red nose. She is an old hand, Timothy, and hath a maw for gold, so she hath."
At that the widow started up, protesting and crying out that she knew nothing of it, and she was innocent, and that he would spare her and the Lord knows what. So I was avenged113 on her, the vain old noodle.
[173]
But I paid no heed, only walked up behind the vintner till I came abreast114 of Grubbe, who grinned at me as he eyed me carefully.
"'Twas not so skilful115 as usual, Dick," says he, "'twas a boggle—a blunder."
"Well, there's no boggle this time," said I shortly, and of a sudden put my foot under him sharply, knocked away his leg and sent him flying into the room on the top of Booby, who was standing51, mouth open. And next moment I thrust the solid body of the vintner in the face of the trap and toppled 'em both over. That done, I clapped to the door instantaneous and darted116 through the dark tavern and into the road. There was no one there, so that I knew that Grubbe had lied, or else he had posted a man behind the house, never thinking I should break out in front. Once in the road I ran through the blackness of the night, and, ere the pursuit was after me, was safe in a hiding-place I know, cursing myself for a fool to have wasted my time and temper on a pack of asses117.
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mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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bucks
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| n.雄鹿( buck的名词复数 )；钱；（英国十九世纪初的）花花公子；（用于某些表达方式）责任v.（马等）猛然弓背跃起( buck的第三人称单数 )；抵制；猛然震荡；马等尥起后蹄跳跃 | |
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vent
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| n.通风口，排放口；开衩；vt.表达，发泄 | |
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esteemed
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| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
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abide
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| vi.遵守；坚持；vt.忍受 | |
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swollen
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| adj.肿大的，水涨的；v.使变大，肿胀 | |
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countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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magpie
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| n.喜欢收藏物品的人，喜鹊，饶舌者 | |
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stark
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| adj.荒凉的；严酷的；完全的；adv.完全地 | |
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foul
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| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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11
bog
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| n.沼泽；室...陷入泥淖 | |
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mire
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| n.泥沼，泥泞；v.使...陷于泥泞，使...陷入困境 | |
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oozed
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| v.（浓液等）慢慢地冒出，渗出( ooze的过去式和过去分词 )；使（液体）缓缓流出；（浓液）渗出，慢慢流出 | |
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mare
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| n.母马，母驴 | |
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15
plight
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| n.困境，境况，誓约，艰难；vt.宣誓，保证，约定 | |
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16
pompously
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| adv.傲慢地，盛大壮观地；大模大样 | |
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entreaties
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| n.恳求，乞求( entreaty的名词复数 ) | |
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18
rascally
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| adj. 无赖的，恶棍的 adv. 无赖地，卑鄙地 | |
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19
tavern
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| n.小旅馆，客栈；小酒店 | |
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20
draught
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| n.拉，牵引，拖；一网（饮，吸，阵)；顿服药量，通风；v.起草，设计 | |
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21
sipping
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| v.小口喝，呷，抿( sip的现在分词 ) | |
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22
sip
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| v.小口地喝，抿，呷；n.一小口的量 | |
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23
apron
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| n.围裙；工作裙 | |
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24
abruptness
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| n. 突然，唐突 | |
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25
sob
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| n.空间轨道的轰炸机；呜咽，哭泣 | |
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26
bully
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| n.恃强欺弱者，小流氓；vt.威胁，欺侮 | |
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27
carrion
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| n.腐肉 | |
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28
erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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29
haughtiness
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| n.傲慢；傲气 | |
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30
defiance
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| n.挑战，挑衅，蔑视，违抗 | |
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31
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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32
delectable
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| adj.使人愉快的；美味的 | |
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33
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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34
hind
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| adj.后面的，后部的 | |
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35
nettled
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| v.拿荨麻打，拿荨麻刺（nettle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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36
badger
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| v.一再烦扰，一再要求，纠缠 | |
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37
naught
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| n.无，零 [=nought] | |
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38
demure
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| adj.严肃的；端庄的 | |
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39
bruise
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| n.青肿，挫伤；伤痕；vt.打青；挫伤 | |
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40
glibly
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| adv.流利地，流畅地；满口 | |
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41
heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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42
destined
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| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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43
tally
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| n.计数器，记分，一致，测量；vt.计算，记录，使一致；vi.计算，记分，一致 | |
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44
injustice
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| n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利 | |
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45
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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46
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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47
wink
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| n.眨眼，使眼色，瞬间；v.眨眼，使眼色，闪烁 | |
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48
tune
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| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
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49
widower
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| n.鳏夫 | |
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50
demurely
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| adv.装成端庄地，认真地 | |
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51
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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52
wig
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| n.假发 | |
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53
prim
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| adj.拘泥形式的，一本正经的；n.循规蹈矩，整洁；adv.循规蹈矩地，整洁地 | |
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54
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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55
congee
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| vi.告别，鞠躬；n.稀饭 | |
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56
gad
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| n.闲逛；v.闲逛 | |
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57
plied
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| v.使用（工具）( ply的过去式和过去分词 )；经常供应（食物、饮料）；固定往来；经营生意 | |
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58
curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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59
benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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60
whine
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| v.哀号，号哭；n.哀鸣 | |
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61
queasy
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| adj.易呕的 | |
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62
suavely
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63
intervention
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| n.介入，干涉，干预 | |
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64
lark
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| n.云雀，百灵鸟；n.嬉戏，玩笑；vi.嬉戏 | |
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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
inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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67
likeness
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| n.相像，相似（之处） | |
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68
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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69
assented
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| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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70
glistened
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| v.湿物闪耀，闪亮( glisten的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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71
wares
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| n. 货物, 商品 | |
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72
chuckle
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| vi.／n.轻声笑，咯咯笑 | |
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73
ply
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| v.(搬运工等)等候顾客，弯曲 | |
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74
perilous
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| adj.危险的，冒险的 | |
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75
shrugged
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| vt.耸肩（shrug的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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76
ribs
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| n.肋骨( rib的名词复数 )；（船或屋顶等的）肋拱；肋骨状的东西；（织物的）凸条花纹 | |
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77
winked
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| v.使眼色( wink的过去式和过去分词 )；递眼色（表示友好或高兴等）；（指光）闪烁；闪亮 | |
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78
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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79
chuckled
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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80
maidenly
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| adj. 像处女的, 谨慎的, 稳静的 | |
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81
crimson
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| n./adj.深(绯)红色(的)；vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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82
exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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83
tartly
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| adv.辛辣地，刻薄地 | |
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84
dictated
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| v.大声讲或读( dictate的过去式和过去分词 )；口授；支配；摆布 | |
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85
dictating
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| v.大声讲或读( dictate的现在分词 )；口授；支配；摆布 | |
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86
attachment
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| n.附属物，附件；依恋；依附 | |
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87
noosed
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| v.绞索，套索( noose的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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88
petulantly
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89
jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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90
flopped
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| v.（指书、戏剧等）彻底失败( flop的过去式和过去分词 )；（因疲惫而）猛然坐下；（笨拙地、不由自主地或松弛地）移动或落下；砸锅 | |
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91
vindictive
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| adj.有报仇心的，怀恨的，惩罚的 | |
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92
tangle
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| n.纠缠；缠结；混乱；v.(使)缠绕；变乱 | |
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93
groom
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| vt.给（马、狗等）梳毛，照料，使...整洁 | |
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94
askew
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| adv.斜地；adj.歪斜的 | |
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95
ordinances
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| n.条例，法令( ordinance的名词复数 ) | |
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96
innuendoes
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| n.影射的话( innuendo的名词复数 )；讽刺的话；含沙射影；暗讽 | |
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97
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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98
maudlin
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| adj.感情脆弱的，爱哭的 | |
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99
extravagant
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| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
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100
comely
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| adj.漂亮的，合宜的 | |
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101
savagely
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| adv. 野蛮地，残酷地 | |
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102
sprawling
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| adj.蔓生的，不规则地伸展的v.伸开四肢坐[躺]( sprawl的现在分词 )；蔓延；杂乱无序地拓展；四肢伸展坐着（或躺着） | |
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103
squealed
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| v.长声尖叫，用长而尖锐的声音说( squeal的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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104
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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105
wringing
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| 淋湿的，湿透的 | |
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106
corpse
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| n.尸体，死尸 | |
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107
mightily
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| ad.强烈地；非常地 | |
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108
descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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109
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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110
wretch
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| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
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111
obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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112
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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113
avenged
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| v.为…复仇，报…之仇( avenge的过去式和过去分词 )；为…报复 | |
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114
abreast
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| adv.并排地；跟上(时代)的步伐，与…并进地 | |
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115
skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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116
darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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117
asses
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| n. 驴，愚蠢的人，臀部 adv. (常用作后置)用于贬损或骂人 | |
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