Calvert threw himself with enthusiasm into his work, delighted to be able to lighten the immense labors8 of Mr. Jefferson (who, to tell the truth, was always overworked and underpaid), and happy to think he was of service to one who had always shown such kindness to him. So interested and energetic was the young man that Mr. Jefferson had much difficulty in getting him to lay aside his papers and make himself ready for the reception of the evening. Indeed, when, after dressing9 quickly, he descended10 to the great drawing-room, which looked quite splendid, with its multitude of wax lights and gilded11 mirrors, he found it already filled with a company more splendid than any he had ever before seen. As he approached, he noticed that Mr. Jefferson was conversing12 with a large gentleman of pompous13 appearance, to whom he had just presented Mr. Morris, and to whom he presented Calvert in turn as "Monsieur Necker." 'Twas with a good deal of curiosity and disappointment that Calvert saw for the first time the Minister of Finance, the greatest power for the moment in France. He was a large, heavy man, whose countenance14, with its high, retreating forehead, chin of unusual length, vivid brown eyes and elevated eyebrows15, was intelligent, but did not even hint at genius. There was about him an air of fatigue16 and laboriousness17 which suggested the hard-working and successful business man rather than a great statesman and financier, and the courtly richness of his embroidered19 velvet20 dress suited ill his commonplace figure. In his whole personality Calvert decided21 there was no suggestion of that nobility of mind and nature which so distinguished22 Mr. Jefferson, nor of that keen mentality23 and easy elegance24 of manner so characteristic of Mr. Gouverneur Morris.
"His looks seem to say, 'I am the man,'" whispered that gentleman to Calvert as Monsieur Necker turned aside for an instant to speak with Mr. Jefferson, and Calvert could not help smiling at the humorous and swift summing-up of the Minister's character and the merry twinkle in Mr. Morris's eye. But whatever their opinion of his talents, Monsieur Necker's cordiality was above reproach, and it was with elaborate politeness that he presented the Americans to Madame Necker. She was a very handsome woman still, retaining traces of that beauty which had fired Gibbon in his youth, and was all amiability25 to the two strangers, whom she introduced to her daughter, Madame la Baronne de Sta?l-Holstein, wife of the ambassador from Gustavus III. to the court of Louis XVI.
Madame de Sta?l stood with her back to the open fire, her hands clasped behind her, her brilliant black eyes flashing upon the assembled company. Although she had accomplished27 nothing great ('twas before she wrote "Corinne" or "De l'Allemagne"), she was already famous for her appreciation28 of Monsieur Rousseau. Indeed, there was something so unusual, so forceful in this large, almost masculine woman, that Calvert was as much impressed with her as he had been disappointed in Monsieur Necker. It seemed as if the mediocre30 talents of the Minister of Finance had flamed into genius in this leonine creature who was as much her mother's inferior in looks as her father's superior in intelligence. Mingled31 with this masculinity of mind and appearance was an egotism, a coquetry, a directness of thought and action that combined to make a curious personality. It was amusing to note with what assiduity she showered her attentions on Mr. Morris, the man of the world, of whom she had heard much, and with what polite indifference32 she dismissed Calvert—though it is but doing her justice to say that later, tiring of her ineffectual efforts to interest Mr. Morris, she made the amende honorable and essayed her coquetries on the younger man, much to his embarrassment33. With a slight gesture of command she pointed29 Mr. Morris to a seat beside her on the divan34 upon which she had sunk.
"Ah! Monsieur," she said to him, with a languishing35 glance out of her brilliant eyes and a smile that displayed a row of wonderfully white teeth, "Monsieur de Lafayette tells me that you are un homme d'esprit."
"Madame," returned Mr. Morris, bowing low—perhaps to conceal37 the ironical38 smile playing about his lips—"I do not feel myself worthy39 of such a compliment."
"Mais, si!" insisted Madame de Sta?l, with another glance, which did not and was not meant to conceal her newly awakened40 interest in the distinguished-looking American. "We hear that Monsieur has even written a book on the American Constitution."
"Alas41, no, Madame! 'Tis a libel, I assure you," returned Mr. Morris, this time laughing outright42 with the amusement he could no longer conceal. "I have but done my duty in helping43 to form the Constitution."
"Indeed!" exclaimed Madame de Sta?l, and then lowering her voice slightly and dropping her coquettish manner for a serious air, "perhaps we shall have occasion to beg of Monsieur Morris some ideas là dessus. There is nothing this poor, distracted France stands so much in need of as a constitution. My father is a great man, on whom the King and country depend for everything" ("In my life I never saw such exuberant44 vanity," thought Mr. Morris to himself), "but even he must fail at times if not supported by a reasonable constitution. You must come to see me, Monsieur, when we can be alone and discuss this. One who has helped to form his country's laws and has been wounded in her services," and she pointed with an eloquent45, somewhat theatrical46 gesture to Mr. Morris's wooden stump47, "cannot fail to be a good adviser48."
"Oh, Madame, I must indeed cripple myself in your esteem49 now," says Mr. Morris, laughing again heartily50. "'Twas not in my country's service that I lost my leg—'twas but a runaway51 accident with two fiery52 little ponies53 in Philadelphia! But, indeed," he goes on, still laughing, "I do not miss it greatly, and can get around as easily as though I were a centipede and had a hundred good legs at my disposal!"
As for Calvert, he had been only too glad to make his escape on Madame de Sta?l's cool dismissal, and had retreated to the side of Madame Necker, who was kindness itself to the young man, pointing out the great celebrities54 of the Paris world who thronged55 the rooms, and presenting him to many of the most famous people of the day. Thither56 had come Monsieur le Maréchal de Castries, Monsieur le Duc d'Aiguillon, Mr. Arthur Young, the noted57 English traveller, His Grace the Duc de Penthièvre, the richest and best noble of France, together with Monsieur de Montmorin, of the Foreign Affairs, and Monsieur de la Luzerne, Minister of Marine58. Monsieur Houdon, the sculptor59, was there, with a young poet named André Chenier, and later entered the daintily beautiful Madame de Sabran, followed by her devoted60 admirer, the Chevalier de Boufflers, abbé, soldier, diplomat61, and courtier. Madame de Chastellux, the Duchesse d'Orléans's lady-in-waiting, whom Calvert had once met in America, was also making a tour of the salon62, accompanied by that charming hedonist, Monsieur le Vicomte de Ségur, than whom there was no wilder, lighter-headed youth in Paris, unless it was his bosom63 friend, Beaufort, who, catching64 sight of Calvert standing65 beside Madame Necker, straightway went over to him.
"As ever, the Squire66 of Elderly Dames," he whispered to Calvert, smiling mockingly. "Are you looking for d'Azay? Well, he has not arrived, nor Madame la Marquise, nor Madame la Duchesse. Trust me for seeing them as soon as they come! In the meantime, my dear Calvert, there are some beauties here whom you must meet. Madame de Flahaut, for example. I shall ask Madame Necker's permission to take you to her. But wait," he said, with a little laugh, and, laying a hand on Calvert's arm, "we are forestalled67! See, Mr. Morris is just being presented," and he motioned to where a beautiful young woman sat, before whom Mr. Morris was making a most profound bow. Calvert thought he had rarely seen a more lovely face, though there was a touch of artificiality about it, young as it was, which he did not admire. The soft, fair hair was thickly powdered, the cheeks rouged68, and the whiteness of the chin and forehead enhanced by many patches. The eyes were intelligent, but restless and insincere, the mouth too small.
"'Twill have to be for another time, Calvert," said Beaufort, after an instant's pause, during which Mr. Morris installed himself beside the lady with the evident intention of staying. "'Tis plain that the beautiful Madame de Flahaut has thrown her spell over him, and 'twill not do to break it just yet. But by St. Denis!" he suddenly whispered to Calvert, "here comes d'Azay with the Duchess and Madame de St. André, attended as usual by St. Aulaire."
Calvert followed Beaufort's glance and saw entering the room his friend d'Azay, at whose side, slowly and proudly, walked an old woman. She bore herself with a nobility of carriage Calvert had never seen equalled, and her face, wrinkled and powdered and painted though it was, was the face of one who had been beautiful and used to command. Her dark eyes were still brilliant and glittered humorously and shrewdly from beneath their bushy brows. The lean, veined neck, bedecked with diamonds, was still poised69 proudly on the bent70 shoulders. Her wrecked71 beauty was a perfect foil for the fresh loveliness of the young girl who, with a splendidly attired72 cavalier, followed closely behind her.
"Is she not a beauty?" said Beaufort, under his breath, to Calvert. With a start the young man recognized the original of the miniature that d'Azay had shown him that last evening at Monticello, so many years ago. It is to be doubted whether, in the interim73, Calvert had bestowed74 a thought upon the beautiful French girl, but as he looked at the deep blue eyes shining divinely beneath the straight brows, at the crimson75 mouth, with its determined76 but lovely curves, at the cloud of dark hair about the white brow, it suddenly seemed to him as if the picture had never been out of his mind. "The Lass with the Delicate Air" was before him, but changed. The look of girlish immaturity77 was gone—replaced by an imperious decision of manner. A haughty78, almost wayward, expression was on the smiling face—a look of dawning worldliness and caprice. 'Twas as if the thought which had once passed through Calvert's mind had come true—that countenance which had been capable of developing into noble loveliness or hardening into unpleasing, though striking, beauty, had somehow chosen the latter way. The spiritual beauty seemed now in eclipse and only the earthly, physical beauty remained.
Calvert had opportunity to note these subtle changes which time had wrought79 in the original of the miniature while Mr. Jefferson bent low over the withered80, beringed hand of the old Duchess, and he waited his turn to be presented to the ladies. The ceremony over, he and d'Azay greeted each other as old friends and comrades-in-arms are wont81 to do. They had scarce time to exchange a word, however, as Monsieur de Ségur, coming up hurriedly, carried d'Azay and Beaufort away to where a group of young men were waiting for the last news of the elections. Already politics were ousting82 every other topic of conversation in the salon.
As for Madame de St. André, she did not at all imitate her brother's warmth of manner toward Calvert. He was conscious of an almost contemptuous iciness in her greeting, and that mentally she was unfavorably comparing him, the simply dressed, serious young American before her, with the splendid courtiers who crowded around. Certain it was that she was much more gracious in manner to Monsieur le Baron26 de St. Aulaire, who had accompanied her into the salon and still remained at her side. It was the first time that Calvert had seen St. Aulaire, and, remembering Beaufort's words about him, a sudden pang83 shot through his breast as he saw the young girl turn aside with him to make a tour of the rooms. For, in truth, Monsieur le Baron de St. Aulaire was the epitome84 of all that was most licentious85, most unworthy, most brilliant in the Old Order, and was known throughout the kingdom by reputation—or, more properly speaking, by lack of it. But in spite of his long life of dissipation and adventure (he had campaigned with the Swiss Guards at thirteen, and, though he was much past forty, looked like a man of scarce thirty), there was still such an unrivalled grace in all he said and did, such an heroic lightness and gallantry in all he dared—and he dared everything—that he seemed to be eternally young and incomparably charming. It was with a new-born and deep disgust that Calvert noted the attentions of this man, whose life he disdained86 to think of, to the beautiful girl beside him. And it seemed to him that she took a wayward pleasure in charming him, though she kept him at a distance by a sort of imperious coquetry that was not to be presumed upon.
Calvert turned from his almost melancholy87 contemplation of the young girl to the old Duchesse d'Azay standing beside him and talking volubly to Mr. Jefferson.
"And have your friends newly arrived from America brought you news from our old friend, Dr. Franklin, Monsieur?" she asks, in her grand manner. "Ah, I wish we might see him again! I think there was never an ambassador so popular with us—snuff-boxes with his face upon them, miniatures, fans! I was present when he was crowned with laurel. We had thought it impossible to replace him, Monsieur, until you arrived!"
"Ah, Madame, I did not come to replace him," corrected Mr. Jefferson, making his best bow, and which was very courtly and deferential88, indeed, "not to replace him—no one can do that—only to succeed him."
"Bien, bien, Monsieur," cried the Duchess, tapping her fan against her long, thin fingers and breaking out into an appreciative89 little cackle. "Monsieur understands our language" (they were both speaking French) "quite as well as that paragon90 of wit and erudition, Dr. Franklin himself. Ah! what a man," she went on, musingly91; "'twas he who gave the Duchesse de Bourbon a lesson in chess! She put her king in prise and Monsieur Franklin promptly92 took it! 'But we do not take kings so,' cried Her Grace, furiously, for you may be sure she was greatly put out. 'We do in America,' said the Doctor, calmly." And she broke out laughing again in her thin, cracked voice at the recollection of the discomfiture93 of her archrival, the old Duchesse de Bourbon. "Truly that America of yours must be a wonderful place."
"Ah, Madame," said Mr. Jefferson—and there was a note of sadness in his voice—"I think there is no land like it, no rivers so broad and deep, no woods so green and wild, no soil so fertile, no climate so delightful94. I wish I might show you but one garden-spot of it—my Virginia—to prove to you, Madame, that I do not exaggerate when I sing my country's praises. The Duc de la Rochefoucault-Liancourt promises to visit me at Monticello within the next few years. Cannot I persuade you, Madame, to come, too?"
"Ah, Monsieur, 'twould give me infinite pleasure, but I shall never leave my France—although"—and here she lowered her voice and shrugged96 her lean shoulders contemptuously—"did I listen to but one-half of what I hear prophesied97 in these revolutionary salons98, to but one-half of what I hear openly discussed at the card-tables, I might accept your invitation as a refuge! But I have no fear for my King. I am not shaking with apprehension99 at the turn affairs are taking, like that poor-spirited little Madame de Montmorin, whose husband knows no more about foreign affairs than does my coachman, but I wish with all my heart, Monsieur, that you had kept your revolution chez vous! 'Tis a fever, this revolution of yours, and our young men return from the war and spread the contagion100. They clamor for new rights, for assemblies, for States-Generals—'twas that fever-stricken young Lafayette himself who demanded that, and, instead of being in attendance at court, as a young noble should be, he is buried in Auvergne, trying to get himself elected to his own States-General! Bah! what will it all come to?" She fastened her keen, bright eyes on Mr. Jefferson's face and spoke101 with indomitable energy and haughtiness102. "The noblesse is all-powerful. We have everything—why should we cry for something more? As for the commons, they don't know what is good for them and they have all they deserve. At any rate they will not get anything more. These contentions103, these revolts of the lower orders"—she stopped, for at that instant the young Vicomte de Ségur came up and, making a profound bow, offered his arm to the Duchess.
"Madame," he said, "the Duchesse de Chastellux begs that you will join her at a table of whist." He paused a moment, and then, with a languid shrug95 of his shoulders and a whimsical smile, "Your Grace was speaking of the discontent of the lower orders? They are very unreasonable—these lower orders—they spoil one's Paris so!"
Calvert was about to follow the two figures into the crowd, when suddenly he heard his name called softly, and, turning, found himself beside St. Aulaire and Madame de St. André. She was looking at him, her eyes and lips smiling mockingly. Calvert met her gaze calmly and fully36. They stood thus, looking at each other, courteously104 on Calvert's part, curiously105, almost challengingly, on the young girl's. It was Madame de St. André who broke the silence. When she spoke, her voice was exquisitely106 sweet and low, and her eyes became kind, and the artificial smile faded from her lips. Looking at her so, Calvert could scarce believe that it was the same arrogant107 beauty who had regarded him so haughtily108 but a moment before. 'Twas as if she had let fall from her face, for a moment, some lovely but hateful mask, which she could resume instantly at will.
"Mr. Calvert," she said, "I hope my brother has had a chance to talk with you. He is most anxious to see you." As she spoke, Calvert thought he had never heard anything so beautiful as the sound of those clear, French words, each one as sweet and distinct as the carillon of a silver bell.
"Alas, no, Madame! We have exchanged but a dozen words. 'Tis almost five years since we last talked together. That was at Monticello, where, indeed, I had the pleasure of making your acquaintance—in miniature!" He bowed and smiled as he noted her look of surprise. "And where—-"
"And where," interrupted Beaufort, who at that instant joined them and who had overheard Calvert's last words, "d'Azay promised to introduce Mr. Calvert to you as an American savage109!"
"Indeed, my brother spoke to me on the subject," returned Madame de St. André, laughing outright at the recollection (and if each word she spoke was like the sound of a silver bell, her laugh was like a whole chime of them). "I had looked for something quite different," she went on, in a mock-disappointed tone, and with an amused glance at Beaufort. "Perhaps paint and feathers and a—a—what is the name, Monsieur? a—tomahawk to kill with! Ah! Monsieur"—here she sighed in a delightfully110 droll111 way and swept Calvert a courtesy—"as an American you are a great disappointment!"
"I am inexpressibly grieved to be the cause of any disappointment to you, Madame," replied Calvert, calmly. "But as for paint and feathers, surely they can be no novelties to you," and here he looked meaningly around at the bedaubed, bedecked ladies of fashion (though 'tis but fair to say that the young beauty before him disdained the use of furbelows or cosmetics112, as well she might with such a brilliant complexion); "and as for tomahawks—the ladies of this country need no more deadly weapons than their own bright glances. But truly, Madame, did you expect to see a young savage?"
"I was hoping to," she said, demurely113. "'Twould have been more interesting than—than—" And here she stopped as if in seeming embarrassment and loss for words. "Is not America full of them?" she asked, innocently.
"Assuredly, Madame, as you must know, since they have so often been your allies!"
As Calvert spoke, all the amusement and good-nature died out of Madame de St. André's face, and she resumed her mask, becoming again the haughty and distant young beauty.
"But 'tis not an uncivilized land by any means," went on Calvert, who was young and ardent114 enough to espouse115 warmly the cause of his country from even the badinage116 of a spoilt young girl. "There is much learning and the most gracious manners to be found there, as you must also know, since we have been able to spare two such shining examples of both to this court—Dr. Franklin and Mr. Jefferson."
"Monsieur does not mean to compare the civilization of his own country to that of ours?" contemptuously demanded St. Aulaire, who, up to that time, had stood superciliously117 by, taking no part in the conversation.
"Indeed, no!" returned Calvert, with suspicious promptness. "In my mind there can be no comparison, and surely you will acknowledge that a country which has produced the greatest man of the age is not one to be despised."
"And who may that be?" asked Monsieur de St. Aulaire, with lazy insolence118.
"I had thought, my lord," returned Calvert, bowing low, "that the subject of so enlightened a state as you say France is would surely have heard the name of General Washington. Monsieur does not read history?"
"'Tis impossible to read yours, since you have none," returned St.
Aulaire, with a contemptuous little laugh.
"We are making it every day, Monsieur," said Calvert, calmly.
"Ah, sir!" demanded Madame de St. André, "are all Americans so presumptuous119?"
"Yes, Madame—if 'tis presumptuous to admire General Washington."
"We have heard of him in effect," sneeringly120 broke in Monsieur de St. Aulaire. "A lucky adventurer with a pretty talent for fighting British cowards, a beggar who has not been turned away empty from our doors. Why, hasn't the whole country given to him?—from the King down—and truth to tell we were glad to give as long as he whipped the English."
"No, no, Monsieur de St. Aulaire," suddenly interrupted Madame de St. André, turning upon him, "do not wrong France, do not wrong your King, do not wrong Lafayette and Rochambeau and Dillon and so many others! We gave because France was strong and America weak, because it was our greatest happiness to help right her wrongs, because 'tis ever France's way to succor121 the oppressed. As for General Washington, Monsieur Calvert does well to admire him. The King admires him—can Monsieur de St. Aulaire do less? We are devoted royalists, but we can still respect and admire patriotism122 and genius under whatever government they flourish." She changed her tone of authority and accusation123 and turned to Calvert. Again the mask had been dropped, the eyes were once more kind, the voice and smile once more tender. "I should like to hear more of your General Washington and of America, Monsieur," she said, almost shyly, and Calvert wondered at the change in her. "If Monsieur skates, we should be happy to have him join us to-morrow afternoon on the ice near the Pont Royal. 'Tis for three o'clock." And she smiled as she turned away, followed by Monsieur de St. Aulaire, apparently124 in no very good-humor.
When Calvert again looked around him, after having watched Madame de St. André disappear, he noticed Mr. Jefferson at the farther end of the room looking much disturbed and talking earnestly with Monsieur Necker, Monsieur le Comte de Montmorin, and Mr. Gouverneur Morris, who had at length left the side of the charming Madame de Flahaut. Calvert approached the group, and, as he drew near, he could hear Necker speaking in an anxious, despondent125 tone.
"My dear friend," he was saying, "'tis not only difficulties with the finances which alarm us! Obedience126 is not to be found anywhere. Even the troops are not to be relied on." And he turned wearily away.
When Mr. Jefferson caught sight of Calvert, who had stopped, hesitating to join the group lest he should intrude127 on some important and private business, he beckoned128 the young man forward.
"Is anything the matter?" asked Calvert, in a low tone. "You look anxious."
"I will tell you later, my boy," returned Mr. Jefferson, smiling reassuringly129. "Go and talk to Madame de Flahaut—Mr. Morris has promised to send you to her."
Calvert did as he was desired, and found Madame de Flahaut a very entertaining lady, but who, in spite of her charms, he was not sorry to see go, as she did presently, with Madame de Coigny and Monsieur de Curt130. And soon after she retired131 the company broke up and only Mr. Morris remained behind to have a last glass of wine and a few moments' quiet chat with Mr. Jefferson and Calvert. It was while they were thus engaged in the now deserted132 drawing-room that Mr. Jefferson told Calvert the cause of his perturbed133 look, which was none other than a conversation concerning the state of the kingdom confided134 to himself and Mr. Morris by Monsieur Necker. He explained at great length to Calvert the delicacy135 and danger of the Comptroller-General's position and the wretched condition of the country's finances and army. To which Mr. Morris added some of his own observations, made with the rapidity and justness so characteristic of him.
"Monsieur Necker seems to me, indeed, to be in a disagreeable and sufficiently136 dangerous position. His business stands thus: if any mischiefs137 happen they will be charged to him. If he gets well through the business others will claim the reputation of what good is done by the States-General. If he is a really great man, I am deceived. If he is not a laborious18 man, I am also deceived. He loves flattery—for he flatters. He is therefore easily imposed upon."
But here Mr. Jefferson would not allow Mr. Morris to proceed with his dicta, declaring that he did Monsieur Necker a gross injustice138, and defending him warmly, both as a financier and statesman. Mr. Morris still clinging to his hastily formed opinion, the two gentlemen continued to argue the matter until, Mr. Morris's carriage having been announced, he took his final leave and stumped139 his way down the broad staircase, attended to the door by Calvert.
But deeply as Calvert was already interested in the affairs of France, it was not the miscarried business of a nation that troubled his sleep that night. For the first time in his life the face of a woman haunted his dreams, now luring140 him on with glance and voice, as it seemed to him, now sending him far from her with teasing laughter and disdainful eyes.
点击收听单词发音
1 thoroughly | |
adv.完全地,彻底地,十足地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
2 cynosure | |
n.焦点 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
3 abetted | |
v.教唆(犯罪)( abet的过去式和过去分词 );煽动;怂恿;支持 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
4 isolated | |
adj.与世隔绝的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
5 splendor | |
n.光彩;壮丽,华丽;显赫,辉煌 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
6 continental | |
adj.大陆的,大陆性的,欧洲大陆的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
7 semblance | |
n.外貌,外表 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
8 labors | |
v.努力争取(for)( labor的第三人称单数 );苦干;详细分析;(指引擎)缓慢而困难地运转 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
9 dressing | |
n.(食物)调料;包扎伤口的用品,敷料 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
10 descended | |
a.为...后裔的,出身于...的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
11 gilded | |
a.镀金的,富有的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
12 conversing | |
v.交谈,谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
13 pompous | |
adj.傲慢的,自大的;夸大的;豪华的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
14 countenance | |
n.脸色,面容;面部表情;vt.支持,赞同 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
15 eyebrows | |
眉毛( eyebrow的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
16 fatigue | |
n.疲劳,劳累 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
17 laboriousness | |
参考例句: |
|
|
18 laborious | |
adj.吃力的,努力的,不流畅 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
19 embroidered | |
adj.绣花的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
20 velvet | |
n.丝绒,天鹅绒;adj.丝绒制的,柔软的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
21 decided | |
adj.决定了的,坚决的;明显的,明确的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
22 distinguished | |
adj.卓越的,杰出的,著名的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
23 mentality | |
n.心理,思想,脑力 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
24 elegance | |
n.优雅;优美,雅致;精致,巧妙 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
25 amiability | |
n.和蔼可亲的,亲切的,友善的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
26 baron | |
n.男爵;(商业界等)巨头,大王 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
27 accomplished | |
adj.有才艺的;有造诣的;达到了的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
28 appreciation | |
n.评价;欣赏;感谢;领会,理解;价格上涨 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
29 pointed | |
adj.尖的,直截了当的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
30 mediocre | |
adj.平常的,普通的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
31 mingled | |
混合,混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 ); 混进,与…交往[联系] | |
参考例句: |
|
|
32 indifference | |
n.不感兴趣,不关心,冷淡,不在乎 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
33 embarrassment | |
n.尴尬;使人为难的人(事物);障碍;窘迫 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
34 divan | |
n.长沙发;(波斯或其他东方诗人的)诗集 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
35 languishing | |
a. 衰弱下去的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
36 fully | |
adv.完全地,全部地,彻底地;充分地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
37 conceal | |
v.隐藏,隐瞒,隐蔽 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
38 ironical | |
adj.讽刺的,冷嘲的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
39 worthy | |
adj.(of)值得的,配得上的;有价值的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
40 awakened | |
v.(使)醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 );(使)觉醒;弄醒;(使)意识到 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
41 alas | |
int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
42 outright | |
adv.坦率地;彻底地;立即;adj.无疑的;彻底的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
43 helping | |
n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的,辅助的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
44 exuberant | |
adj.充满活力的;(植物)繁茂的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
45 eloquent | |
adj.雄辩的,口才流利的;明白显示出的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
46 theatrical | |
adj.剧场的,演戏的;做戏似的,做作的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
47 stump | |
n.残株,烟蒂,讲演台;v.砍断,蹒跚而走 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
48 adviser | |
n.劝告者,顾问 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
49 esteem | |
n.尊敬,尊重;vt.尊重,敬重;把…看作 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
50 heartily | |
adv.衷心地,诚恳地,十分,很 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
51 runaway | |
n.逃走的人,逃亡,亡命者;adj.逃亡的,逃走的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
52 fiery | |
adj.燃烧着的,火红的;暴躁的;激烈的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
53 ponies | |
矮种马,小型马( pony的名词复数 ); £25 25 英镑 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
54 celebrities | |
n.(尤指娱乐界的)名人( celebrity的名词复数 );名流;名声;名誉 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
55 thronged | |
v.成群,挤满( throng的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
56 thither | |
adv.向那里;adj.在那边的,对岸的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
57 noted | |
adj.著名的,知名的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
58 marine | |
adj.海的;海生的;航海的;海事的;n.水兵 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
59 sculptor | |
n.雕刻家,雕刻家 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
60 devoted | |
adj.忠诚的,忠实的,热心的,献身于...的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
61 diplomat | |
n.外交官,外交家;能交际的人,圆滑的人 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
62 salon | |
n.[法]沙龙;客厅;营业性的高级服务室 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
63 bosom | |
n.胸,胸部;胸怀;内心;adj.亲密的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
64 catching | |
adj.易传染的,有魅力的,迷人的,接住 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
65 standing | |
n.持续,地位;adj.永久的,不动的,直立的,不流动的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
66 squire | |
n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
67 forestalled | |
v.先发制人,预先阻止( forestall的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
68 rouged | |
胭脂,口红( rouge的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
69 poised | |
a.摆好姿势不动的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
70 bent | |
n.爱好,癖好;adj.弯的;决心的,一心的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
71 wrecked | |
adj.失事的,遇难的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
72 attired | |
adj.穿着整齐的v.使穿上衣服,使穿上盛装( attire的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
73 interim | |
adj.暂时的,临时的;n.间歇,过渡期间 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
74 bestowed | |
赠给,授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
75 crimson | |
n./adj.深(绯)红色(的);vi.脸变绯红色 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
76 determined | |
adj.坚定的;有决心的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
77 immaturity | |
n.不成熟;未充分成长;未成熟;粗糙 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
78 haughty | |
adj.傲慢的,高傲的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
79 wrought | |
v.引起;以…原料制作;运转;adj.制造的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
80 withered | |
adj. 枯萎的,干瘪的,(人身体的部分器官)因病萎缩的或未发育良好的 动词wither的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
81 wont | |
adj.习惯于;v.习惯;n.习惯 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
82 ousting | |
驱逐( oust的现在分词 ); 革职; 罢黜; 剥夺 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
83 pang | |
n.剧痛,悲痛,苦闷 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
84 epitome | |
n.典型,梗概 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
85 licentious | |
adj.放纵的,淫乱的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
86 disdained | |
鄙视( disdain的过去式和过去分词 ); 不屑于做,不愿意做 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
87 melancholy | |
n.忧郁,愁思;adj.令人感伤(沮丧)的,忧郁的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
88 deferential | |
adj. 敬意的,恭敬的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
89 appreciative | |
adj.有鉴赏力的,有眼力的;感激的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
90 paragon | |
n.模范,典型 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
91 musingly | |
adv.沉思地,冥想地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
92 promptly | |
adv.及时地,敏捷地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
93 discomfiture | |
n.崩溃;大败;挫败;困惑 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
94 delightful | |
adj.令人高兴的,使人快乐的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
95 shrug | |
v.耸肩(表示怀疑、冷漠、不知等) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
96 shrugged | |
vt.耸肩(shrug的过去式与过去分词形式) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
97 prophesied | |
v.预告,预言( prophesy的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
98 salons | |
n.(营业性质的)店( salon的名词复数 );厅;沙龙(旧时在上流社会女主人家的例行聚会或聚会场所);(大宅中的)客厅 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
99 apprehension | |
n.理解,领悟;逮捕,拘捕;忧虑 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
100 contagion | |
n.(通过接触的疾病)传染;蔓延 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
101 spoke | |
n.(车轮的)辐条;轮辐;破坏某人的计划;阻挠某人的行动 v.讲,谈(speak的过去式);说;演说;从某种观点来说 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
102 haughtiness | |
n.傲慢;傲气 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
103 contentions | |
n.竞争( contention的名词复数 );争夺;争论;论点 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
104 courteously | |
adv.有礼貌地,亲切地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
105 curiously | |
adv.有求知欲地;好问地;奇特地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
106 exquisitely | |
adv.精致地;强烈地;剧烈地;异常地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
107 arrogant | |
adj.傲慢的,自大的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
108 haughtily | |
adv. 傲慢地, 高傲地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
109 savage | |
adj.野蛮的;凶恶的,残暴的;n.未开化的人 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
110 delightfully | |
大喜,欣然 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
111 droll | |
adj.古怪的,好笑的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
112 cosmetics | |
n.化妆品 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
113 demurely | |
adv.装成端庄地,认真地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
114 ardent | |
adj.热情的,热烈的,强烈的,烈性的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
115 espouse | |
v.支持,赞成,嫁娶 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
116 badinage | |
n.开玩笑,打趣 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
117 superciliously | |
adv.高傲地;傲慢地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
118 insolence | |
n.傲慢;无礼;厚颜;傲慢的态度 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
119 presumptuous | |
adj.胆大妄为的,放肆的,冒昧的,冒失的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
120 sneeringly | |
嘲笑地,轻蔑地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
121 succor | |
n.援助,帮助;v.给予帮助 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
122 patriotism | |
n.爱国精神,爱国心,爱国主义 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
123 accusation | |
n.控告,指责,谴责 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
124 apparently | |
adv.显然地;表面上,似乎 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
125 despondent | |
adj.失望的,沮丧的,泄气的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
126 obedience | |
n.服从,顺从 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
127 intrude | |
vi.闯入;侵入;打扰,侵扰 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
128 beckoned | |
v.(用头或手的动作)示意,召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
129 reassuringly | |
ad.安心,可靠 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
130 curt | |
adj.简短的,草率的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
131 retired | |
adj.隐退的,退休的,退役的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
132 deserted | |
adj.荒芜的,荒废的,无人的,被遗弃的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
133 perturbed | |
adj.烦燥不安的v.使(某人)烦恼,不安( perturb的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
134 confided | |
v.吐露(秘密,心事等)( confide的过去式和过去分词 );(向某人)吐露(隐私、秘密等) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
135 delicacy | |
n.精致,细微,微妙,精良;美味,佳肴 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
136 sufficiently | |
adv.足够地,充分地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
137 mischiefs | |
损害( mischief的名词复数 ); 危害; 胡闹; 调皮捣蛋的人 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
138 injustice | |
n.非正义,不公正,不公平,侵犯(别人的)权利 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
139 stumped | |
僵直地行走,跺步行走( stump的过去式和过去分词 ); 把(某人)难住; 使为难; (选举前)在某一地区作政治性巡回演说 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
140 luring | |
吸引,引诱(lure的现在分词形式) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
欢迎访问英文小说网 |