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CHAPTER XXX THE NEW COOK
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 IT was nearly four o’clock when Sardis arrived. The family were on the veranda1, each curious to see the cook whom the young man was to bring. As he appeared alone at the big birch-tree they gave him scant2 notice, their eyes passing from him to the place beyond where the new cook would first come into view. They watched in vain.
 
“She probably rode,” whispered Lilith to Polly; “but why didn’t he ride up with her?”
 
“I bet she wouldn’t come!” piped Clementina.
 
“It would be a joke if she left him in the lurch,” smiled Mrs. Daybill.
 
Polly stepped forward to greet the visitor, and Dr. Abbe lifting Dolly in his arms went down the steps, saying, “Here is a young lady who ‘can’t wait to kiss Sardis.’”
 
There was a general laugh, and then Clementina got in her word. “Where’s the new cook?”
 
“She will be here presently,—as soon as I get washed up.”
 
Polly’s heart “went down cellar,” as later she told Lilith.
 
After a little non-essential talk Sardis Merrifield walked over to the Study with Dr. Abbe.
 
[260] Lilith drew Polly inside and thence to the kitchen. “What does it mean?” she began. “Not that the minister—?”
 
“Yes,” frowned Polly. “Every boy who has fried bacon or made coffee at a camp thinks he is an accomplished3 cook.” She looked round the spotless kitchen over which she and Lilith had spent the greater share of the forenoon, and sighed. If only Benedicta would pop in and save the day!
 
“I’m glad I blacked the stove,” reflected Lilith. “I thought first I’d leave it for the new cook!”
 
“He’ll never know whether it is black or red,” scorned Polly. “In some respects men are all alike.”
 
Nevertheless, the man that walked into the kitchen, unannounced, a few moments later did look different from any other that Polly had ever known. Very trim he was in his short white coat, a chef’s cap hiding his thick brown hair. His face wore the expression of one in love with his r?le.
 
“At your service, mademoiselle,” he said with a low bow.
 
Lilith peeped in from the back piazza4, then swiftly stole away with a silent chuckle5. It was too funny! Could he really cook?
 
“If you will allow me,” began the newcomer, “I should like to look round a bit, so that I may learn where things are. Or perhaps you will be good enough to show me.”
 
“Now, Mr. Merrifield,” began Polly, “you[261] needn’t think you must do this to help out. We can get along. The truth is, Miss Brooks6 and I don’t know much about cooking, and we were afraid you wouldn’t like it very well; but if you can put up with—”
 
His hand stayed her apologies. “Miss Dudley,” he said, “I have come here to cook, and I don’t like to give up a job until I have had a chance at it. Then if I don’t suit you, I will get out as quick and gracefully7 as I can.” He looked at her with mischievous8 eyes.
 
She laughed. “I suppose I’ll have to let you,” she replied, “and Lilith and I will help all we can.”
 
“I think I shall not need any help,” he smiled. “I will agree to take care of the kitchen.”
 
“All but the dishes, then,” yielded Polly.
 
“I always wash my own dishes,” he returned, with eyes that twinkled.
 
“You talk as if you were used to kitchen work,” laughed Polly.
 
“I am.”
 
The girl looked incredulous, but said nothing. At once she began opening doors of pantry and storeroom and cupboards.
 
“Everything appears to be very convenient,” he approved, as he examined the large ice-chest in the corner of the storeroom.
 
“We think so,” was the response. “Mrs. Gresham spared no money in remodeling this part of the house.”
 
[262] The talk passed to the donator’s beneficence, until, finally, they came back to the kitchen, where the clock told them that tea-time was not far away.
 
The new cook at once began preparations for the meal, and in the short time that Polly remained she had to admit to herself that here was no green hand, and she left the room with a relief that she had not known since Benedicta’s departure.
 
That first tea will always remain in the memory of those that sat at the table with Sardis Merrifield. Bouillon, deliciously seasoned; small rolls—hot, light, tender, and crusted—as rolls should be; salad served on individual dishes, lettuce9 leaves beneath and sprays of parsley atop; a layer cake with filling of peaches and whipped cream;—that was all, but no one who shared the meal felt any lack.
 
“Where did he get that salad dressing,” queried10 Lilith of Polly, while the new cook was washing the dishes. “There wasn’t a drop in the pantry, and he surely hadn’t time to make it; yet there it was, exactly in the middle of each slice of tomato—and wasn’t it good!”
 
“It was good, and he made the dressing,” answered Polly.
 
“How do you know?” queried Lilith in surprise.
 
“I asked him when I went out to offer my services as dish-wiper,” replied Polly. “Do you know what was in that salad?”
 
[263] “No, I couldn’t quite make out—tomatoes and cabbage for two things.”
 
“And macaroni!”
 
“I thought of that, but I couldn’t believe it was.”
 
“He found some in the refrigerator, so he chopped some cabbage to go with it; he says he often puts them together.”
 
“And wasn’t it arranged prettily11? Where in the world did he learn to do those things?”
 
Polly shook her head. “I am going to find out.”
 
Two days afterward12 she came upon the new cook in the kitchen scanning a small volume.
 
“I am hunting for a pudding recipe,” he told her.
 
“It is an imposition for us to let you do all this work,” she said apologetically.
 
“No, indeed,” he replied; “it is a real pleasure. Besides, I was falling out of practice. I ought to remember how to make this pudding without consulting a recipe.”
 
Polly looked at him curiously13. “You talk—and cook—as if you were a professional,” she laughed.
 
“I am. This is the first summer for five years that I have not been concocting14 dishes for the table. I cooked my way through college, first at the commons, then at a New York restaurant. Finally a Yale boy rescued me, and for three summers I was chef at his father’s home up the Hudson.”
 
[264] “Isn’t that fine!” exclaimed Polly, her eyes shining.
 
“Some people don’t see it that way,” smiled the young man.
 
“Why not?” Polly returned in an astonished tone. “I think it is splendid to work one’s way through college; but I never should have thought of cooking.”
 
“It pays pretty well, and it was the money I was looking for,” he laughed.
 
“I knew a boy who took care of furnaces; but cooking is ever so much better. And you do know how to cook!” Polly wagged her head in approval.
 
“It is well you think so,” he replied; “seeing you have to eat the cooking.”
 
“By the way,” he went on, “my sub-conscious mind has just notified me of a neglected duty. While you were down in Overlook this forenoon Mr. Wheatley came to see his little granddaughter. He rode up with the grocer.”
 
“Oh, did he!” cried Polly. “Rosalind must have been delighted.”
 
“Yes, but you should have seen her grandfather. He was almost beside himself to find how much she had improved. Is she really expected to walk at the end of two years?”
 
“Father thinks she will.”
 
There was a moment of tense silence.
 
Then the man asked, in lowered tone, “Has[265] Dr. Dudley ever said whether there was any chance for Dorothy?”
 
This was what Polly had dreaded16 the first time he was at Overlook; but he had not asked the question. Now it had come. She could not bear to hurt him. Her eyes misted, and she looked away.
 
“Yes,” she answered slowly, “he told me that before he saw her he thought there might be help; afterwards—”
 
A tear escaped its bound, and her hand sought to hide it.
 
“Of course, it couldn’t be,” he said quickly. “I didn’t need to ask.”
 
“Oh, why must there be such hard things in the world!” broke out Polly impulsively17.
 
“Even as it is, she is happier than most children.”
 
“I know, still—” She did not go on; and he spoke18 brightly.
 
“Little Miss Rosalind Ferne told me to-day that I was extravagant19.”
 
“Extravagant!” Polly’s forehead wrinkled in perplexity.
 
“She asked me what I was going to have for dinner, and I told her I intended to fricassee three chickens. ‘Dear me!’ she said, ‘fricassee means all cut up, doesn’t it?’ I told her it did. ‘Well,’ she replied, ‘I’m sorry, for I do like to see a bird on the table, and I think you’re pretty extravagant with your ammunition20.’”
 
Polly laughed. “She does make droll21 speeches.”
 
[266] “Yes, she has strange thoughts. This morning I overheard the children talking, and Rosalind said, ‘What pretty hills those are—the ’way-off ones! I wish I knew who made them.’ Dorothy spoke up. ‘Why, Rosalind, don’t you know? God made them.’—‘Who made the sunshine?’—‘God made it,’ Dorothy answered.—‘Who made the stars?’ went on Rosalind.—‘God. He made everything. He made the whole world.’ For a moment Rosalind was silent; then she asked, in quite a now-I’ve-got-you tone, ‘Well, who made God?’ But Dorothy was ready. ‘Nobody made Him,’ she replied. ‘He has lived always. There never was a time when He didn’t live.’ They were quiet for a little. Then Rosalind responded in a rather weary tone, ‘My, He must be healthy!’
 
“I thought they’d laugh; but not a sound! So I peeped in. There they sat, solemn as little owls22. Nobody had seen anything funny about that!”
 
The days flew swiftly over Sunrise Chalet. Sardis Merrifield had been cook in the commodious23 kitchen for more than a week and had treated the family to an astonishing variety of fancy dishes and plain. At first the White Nurse had worried for fear the children were having too rich food; but the cook assured her that the richness was mostly in the unfamiliar24 names, and as nobody became ill, she soon settled down, with everybody else, to the enjoyment25 of the novel viands26 with which the table greeted them, meal after meal.
 
[267] Early one afternoon Benedicta appeared at the kitchen door with Grocer Jack27, and the welcome that she received would have turned any head which was not as well-balanced as hers.
 
“Well, now stop talkin’, all of you,” she laughed finally, “and leave me the kitchen to myself! I can’t concoct15 cookies or doughnuts to such a tintinnabulation as this!”
 
“But you don’t need to,” cried Lilith. “Mr. Merrifield keeps us beautifully cooked up.”
 
“Oh!” scoffed28 Benedicta, turning merry eyes towards the minister, “I know what a man’s cooking is—I’ve had it! It’s bacon and eggs, bacon and eggs, ham and griddles, and bacon and eggs—that’s what it is! I warrant you haven29’t got a cooky or a doughnut in the house—have you, now?” Her challenging eyes swept the group.
 
“Show her into the storeroom, Merrifield!” laughed Dr. Abbe.
 
“There’s Fruit Wheels and Buttercups!” piped Clementina.
 
“Parrots and pans! what hifalutings are those?”
 
“Oh, they’re little—” began the child; but two of her audience were disappearing in the hallway that led to the storeroom and she speeded after.
 
“Well, I don’t see ’s I’m a requisite30 here,” laughed Benedicta as she returned to the kitchen. “Such things for a man to make!”
 
“We had White Monkey for supper,” Clementina informed her; “but they wouldn’t let me[268] have any. And then they ate it all up!” she ended plaintively31.
 
“‘White Monkey’!” repeated the housekeeper32 in a shocked tone.
 
“Just a cheese dish,” explained Lilith.
 
Polly threw her arm around Benedicta’s waist. “When are you coming back to stay?” she asked.
 
The woman looked at her tenderly.
 
“When you want me?” she queried.
 
“As soon as you can come. We’ve been lost without you.”
 
“Huh, looks like it!” she returned. Nevertheless, Polly knew that she was pleased. “When’s your French cook goin’?” with a nod in the direction of Sardis.
 
“He says he can’t be away beyond his two weeks.”
 
“I’ve got to stay with my sister over Sunday,” was the reply, the word so unfamiliar to her lips slipping out smoothly33. “After that, Sereno thinks he and Oscarlucy can get along. My, it’s amazin’ly marvelous the things that ten-year-old kid can do—and do as well as I could. She’s an extraordinary wonder. But, then, she has a mighty34 smart grandfather and grandmother. Why, that house was like waxwork35 when I got there, the patient all fixed36 up in bed as nice as you please. I d’n’ know what I’d ’a’ done without Oscarlucy when she was so sick. But the doctor says she’ll be all right in a little while—There! I forgot! I[269] sh’d think I was losin’ my mind! Where’s my bag? Oh, thanks! There’s a letter to pay you for it,” handing the thick missive across Clementina’s head to Sardis Merrifield. “I thought I might as well bring up all the mail there was, seein’ I was comin’.”
 
She handed out the letters and papers, and then went upstairs with the girls.
 
The children were in bed, Lilith and Dr. Abbe had gone for a moonlight walk, Benedicta had “stepped down” to see “Young Ben,” Mrs. Daybill was sewing, and Polly was alone on the veranda, when Sardis came across from the Study.
 
“Want to walk about on ‘Top o’ the World’ a few minutes?” he smiled.
 
Polly ran down to him, and they went up the road together.
 
“I’d like a little advice,” he began.
 
“I’m afraid I shall not be very wise at that,” she returned; “but I will do my best.”
 
“Suppose we go to the point at once,” he said; “then we will see. The letter that Benedicta brought me was from a New York friend. He is a Yale man and one of a number from the University that are planning what will doubtless be of untold37 benefit to one of the worst sections of the city. They have acquired the land already, sufficient for their purpose. The scheme is to put up a few buildings at first and if successful to add to them as needed. They are planning a church, a school,[270] a homey hotel for young women, a lodging-house and restaurant for men and boys, a club-house with gymnasium, and so on. They want me to help.”
 
“To be pastor38 of the church?” questioned Polly eagerly.
 
“If they can get a congregation,” he nodded. “It would be my ideal life,” he went on; “though it would not be easy. For myself I should not mind the hardness, or the discouragement—which must be expected; but”—for an instant he paused—“if I should wish to marry, a woman well might hesitate to share the responsibilities of such a future.”
 
“Why?” asked Polly in a surprised tone. “You cannot know girls very well, if you think they must have velvet39 cushions and paths of roses.”
 
“You are right,” he responded; “I have known but few girls in all my life. Still, I am very sure that those—nearly all, at least—would not be attracted by the great opportunities, they would not be willing to make the sacrifice.”
 
Polly shook her head. “I think it is just the work that the right kind of woman would like. Take my mother, for instance—you know she used to be a nurse before her marriage—why, she couldn’t be contented40 a day if she were not helping41 somebody somewhere. A life of pleasure cannot satisfy the earnest, thoughtful girl of to-day. She craves42 her share of the world’s work, she wants to[271] see some little spot grow better and happier under her hands.”
 
“Then, you would advise me to accept the offer?”
 
“I should think you would not hesitate one moment, since you are sure that it is just what you would like best.”
 
“Thank you; I wanted your opinion. This proposal is not wholly unexpected. Last spring Waite practically said that they should want me as soon as the church was finished; but the word came earlier than I looked for it. The building will not be ready before next summer, and I have one more year of study in New Haven.”
 
The talk fell to other matters, and they walked on and on until they were near the bungalows43 on the other part of the mountain. A girl came out from the Robinson house, and Polly recognized Sally.
 
“I thought it was you,” she said as they met. “Father has just come up from Overlook and brought your mail with ours. I was going to run over with it.”
 
“Oh, a letter and paper from mother!” cried Polly joyfully44, scanning the superscriptions by the light of the moon. “Thank you. Benedicta brought some mail this afternoon, but nothing for me. I always miss mother’s letters if they don’t come on the regular days.”
 
The others were on the veranda when they returned,[272] and Polly excused herself to read her letter. Upstairs, standing45 by the lamp, she tore open the envelope.
 
As she read, her eyes widened and she dropped limply into the nearest chair. She reached for the newspaper which had slipped to the floor and slitted the wrapper with unsteady fingers. Glancing hurriedly over it her eyes rested on a marked paragraph near the middle of the third page. Quickly she read it through, and then read it again. She was still sitting there when she heard footfalls on the stairs.
 
“Lilith!” she called, and the girl came in.
 
Polly thrust the paper towards her, pointing to the article.
 
Lilith glanced at Polly first and was startled at her face. It was colorless with a dazed expression; but it told of neither grief nor trouble. Her eyes came back to the printed page, and she read:—
 
Mrs. Marion Winifred Stuart, of Richmond, Virginia, announces the engagement of her daughter, Valorie Lynde Stuart, to Mr. David Gresham Collins, son of Mrs. Eva Gresham Collins, and grandnephew of David Gresham, of Fair Harbor, Connecticut.
 
Polly smiled.
 
“Do-don’t you—care?” whispered Lilith.
 
“I want to shout ‘Halleluiah!’ at the top of my voice!”
 
“Polly Dudley!”
 
[273] “I do! I feel so deliciously light—I may fly away!”
 
Lilith looked into the sparkling eyes and believed her.
 
Polly went to bed; but sleep did not come. That first exaltation had passed and left her heart quivering and sad. She reviewed her talk with Sardis. Why had he sought her opinion? What was it to him? Questions clamored for answers. Why should her path always lead through such tangles46? There was Lilith—she had come up to Overlook, heart-free, untroubled; now she was radiantly happy with her new-found lover. Patricia had had a little bitterness which lasted only long enough to make the joy that had followed it seem the sweeter. She was not envious47 of her friends—oh, no, not in the least degree. She rejoiced in their gladness; yet she could not resist comparing her way with theirs. During the later years they had been together David was but an unsatisfactory lover. She had felt trammeled by his watchful48, jealous eyes. Their love, if love it had really been, looked now but the shadow of the joyousness49 which she realized love might be. And only within a few hours she had practically told Sardis Merrifield that the really greatest happiness the right kind of woman could have was in her labor50 for others! What a hypocrite she was! When her heart was yearning51, not for increased opportunity for work, but for the love that was not for[274] her! She scorned, she despised herself, and yet this new emotion was something beyond her power. Hours dragged by with thoughts like these racing52 through her brain. Finally weariness overcame her and she slept.
 
It was late when she awoke. She rose and dressed quickly, suddenly remembering that she was to take Benedicta down to Overlook and had planned to start early.
 
Sardis was hanging up the dishpans as Polly came into the kitchen.
 
“Suppose you ride down to Overlook with us,” she said. “I’m going to take two or three of the children, and Dolly will enjoy it better if you are with her.”
 
“Thank you,” he smiled; “I shall be glad to go. I need some supplies, and the grocer won’t be here until to-morrow; so I was thinking I’d beg your car and run down and get them. This makes it all right.”
 
“I didn’t know you could drive,” Polly looked surprised.
 
“Yes. I learned last summer. The car was a Grant Six, similar to yours. I have not touched one this year, but I think I have not forgotten.”
 
“Then you don’t need me, and you can take more children.”
 
He looked at her earnestly, almost questioningly. For an instant Polly was afraid that he was offended at her suggestion.
 
[275] “Yes,” he said slowly, “I do need you—I think I have always needed you. I only wish that you needed me.”
 
He was still looking steadily53 across the corner of the kitchen table into the brown eyes. They widened a bit with astonishment54, and then flashed with incredulous joy. Her cheeks paled and flushed.
 
She had the poise55 of a startled bird just ready to take wing.
 
“Miss Dudley, do you—need me? Do you?” He bent56 towards her, and involuntarily she drew back.
 
“No, don’t!” he pleaded. “I’m not coming—unless you want me.”
 
Her lips moved, but with no word. She looked up into his eyes, a sweet, tremulous smile on the lips that would not speak.
 
“Bless you, little girl!” he breathed, and took a quick step round the table.
 
“Teeters and tongs57!” ejaculated Benedicta from the back piazza, “what in the universe are you doin’? Ain’t you ready yet? I’ve been sittin’ there in the chariot for an hour or less. I thought we were goin’ to Overlook!”
 
“Yes, Benedicta, I’ll be out in a minute!” Polly’s lips had spoken.
 
There was a knock, and then the inner door crept open, Lilith calling out, “Anybody here?—Oh, I beg your pardon!”
 
[276] “What is it, Lilith?” Polly said hurriedly. She flung the door wide.
 
“I thought there was nobody there,” she apologized. “I was afraid you were waiting. The children are all ready.”
 
“I was asking Mr. Merrifield to go with us, and just found out that he could drive,” explained Polly, somewhat lamely58, as the girls went upstairs together.
 
“Say, Miss Polly,” called Benedicta.
 
Polly came to the head of the flight.
 
“Do you mind if I drive the chariot down? I was dyin’ to get my hands on that wheel, and I’ve been holdin’ ’em on it for the longest time, waitin’ for you folks. It did feel amazin’ly rapturous.”
 
“Why, certainly you can drive,” Polly assured her.
 
“Just as lief as not?” was the anxious inquiry59.
 
“Surely, Benedicta, and I’ll be down directly.”
 
“How lovely you look!” beamed Lilith innocently. “Your eyes are even brighter than they were last night. I wish David Collins had got engaged a year ago if it is going to make you look this way.”
 
“Thank you,” replied Polly. “I am glad he is all right; now I can be happy with a clear conscience.”
 
The horn was honking60 as they went out. “Hurry up!” called Benedicta. “We shan’t arrive till noon.”
 
 “Miss Polly is going to walk down with me,” Sardis Merrifield answered.
 
“Teeters and tongs!” she replied, “you’ll be totally exhausted61 by the time you reach the foot.”
 
“Oh, no,” laughed Polly, “one couldn’t be tired. Look over there—fringes of purple and gold as far as you can see! It is a royal road to Overlook to-day.”
 
“Teeters and tongs!” floated out to them as the doors clicked together. “’Course it’s a ‘royal road’ ... but ’tain’t the goldenrod and asters!... God bless ’em!”

THE END

点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 veranda XfczWG     
n.走廊;阳台
参考例句:
  • She sat in the shade on the veranda.她坐在阳台上的遮荫处。
  • They were strolling up and down the veranda.他们在走廊上来回徜徉。
2 scant 2Dwzx     
adj.不充分的,不足的;v.减缩,限制,忽略
参考例句:
  • Don't scant the butter when you make a cake.做糕饼时不要吝惜奶油。
  • Many mothers pay scant attention to their own needs when their children are small.孩子们小的时候,许多母亲都忽视自己的需求。
3 accomplished UzwztZ     
adj.有才艺的;有造诣的;达到了的
参考例句:
  • Thanks to your help,we accomplished the task ahead of schedule.亏得你们帮忙,我们才提前完成了任务。
  • Removal of excess heat is accomplished by means of a radiator.通过散热器完成多余热量的排出。
4 piazza UNVx1     
n.广场;走廊
参考例句:
  • Siena's main piazza was one of the sights of Italy.锡耶纳的主要广场是意大利的名胜之一。
  • They walked out of the cafeteria,and across the piazzadj.他们走出自助餐厅,穿过广场。
5 chuckle Tr1zZ     
vi./n.轻声笑,咯咯笑
参考例句:
  • He shook his head with a soft chuckle.他轻轻地笑着摇了摇头。
  • I couldn't suppress a soft chuckle at the thought of it.想到这个,我忍不住轻轻地笑起来。
6 brooks cdbd33f49d2a6cef435e9a42e9c6670f     
n.小溪( brook的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • Brooks gave the business when Haas caught him with his watch. 哈斯抓到偷他的手表的布鲁克斯时,狠狠地揍了他一顿。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • Ade and Brooks exchanged blows yesterday and they were severely punished today. 艾德和布鲁克斯昨天打起来了,今天他们受到严厉的惩罚。 来自《简明英汉词典》
7 gracefully KfYxd     
ad.大大方方地;优美地
参考例句:
  • She sank gracefully down onto a cushion at his feet. 她优雅地坐到他脚旁的垫子上。
  • The new coats blouse gracefully above the hip line. 新外套在臀围线上优美地打着褶皱。
8 mischievous mischievous     
adj.调皮的,恶作剧的,有害的,伤人的
参考例句:
  • He is a mischievous but lovable boy.他是一个淘气但可爱的小孩。
  • A mischievous cur must be tied short.恶狗必须拴得短。
9 lettuce C9GzQ     
n.莴苣;生菜
参考例句:
  • Get some lettuce and tomatoes so I can make a salad.买些莴苣和西红柿,我好做色拉。
  • The lettuce is crisp and cold.莴苣松脆爽口。
10 queried 5c2c5662d89da782d75e74125d6f6932     
v.质疑,对…表示疑问( query的过去式和过去分词 );询问
参考例句:
  • She queried what he said. 她对他说的话表示怀疑。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • \"What does he have to do?\" queried Chin dubiously. “他有什么心事?”琴向觉民问道,她的脸上现出疑惑不解的神情。 来自汉英文学 - 家(1-26) - 家(1-26)
11 prettily xQAxh     
adv.优美地;可爱地
参考例句:
  • It was prettily engraved with flowers on the back.此件雕刻精美,背面有花饰图案。
  • She pouted prettily at him.她冲他撅着嘴,样子很可爱。
12 afterward fK6y3     
adv.后来;以后
参考例句:
  • Let's go to the theatre first and eat afterward. 让我们先去看戏,然后吃饭。
  • Afterward,the boy became a very famous artist.后来,这男孩成为一个很有名的艺术家。
13 curiously 3v0zIc     
adv.有求知欲地;好问地;奇特地
参考例句:
  • He looked curiously at the people.他好奇地看着那些人。
  • He took long stealthy strides. His hands were curiously cold.他迈着悄没声息的大步。他的双手出奇地冷。
14 concocting 2ec6626d522bdaa0922d36325bd9d33b     
v.将(尤指通常不相配合的)成分混合成某物( concoct的现在分词 );调制;编造;捏造
参考例句:
  • I judged that he was concocting a particularly knotty editorial. 我估计他是在拼凑一篇特别伤脑筋的社论。 来自辞典例句
  • 'And you,' returned Sydney, busy concocting the punch, 'are such a sensitive and poetical spirit.' “可你呢,”西德尼一边忙着调五味酒,一边回答,“你却是这样一个敏感而有诗意的精灵。” 来自英汉文学 - 双城记
15 concoct vOoz0     
v.调合,制造
参考例句:
  • I gave her a tip on how to concoct a new kind of soup.我教她配制一种新汤的诀窍。
  • I began to concoct explanations of my own.我开始思考自己的解释。
16 dreaded XuNzI3     
adj.令人畏惧的;害怕的v.害怕,恐惧,担心( dread的过去式和过去分词)
参考例句:
  • The dreaded moment had finally arrived. 可怕的时刻终于来到了。
  • He dreaded having to spend Christmas in hospital. 他害怕非得在医院过圣诞节不可。 来自《用法词典》
17 impulsively 0596bdde6dedf8c46a693e7e1da5984c     
adv.冲动地
参考例句:
  • She leant forward and kissed him impulsively. 她倾身向前,感情冲动地吻了他。
  • Every good, true, vigorous feeling I had gathered came impulsively round him. 我的一切良好、真诚而又强烈的感情都紧紧围绕着他涌现出来。
18 spoke XryyC     
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:
  • They sourced the spoke nuts from our company.他们的轮辐螺帽是从我们公司获得的。
  • The spokes of a wheel are the bars that connect the outer ring to the centre.辐条是轮子上连接外圈与中心的条棒。
19 extravagant M7zya     
adj.奢侈的;过分的;(言行等)放肆的
参考例句:
  • They tried to please him with fulsome compliments and extravagant gifts.他们想用溢美之词和奢华的礼品来取悦他。
  • He is extravagant in behaviour.他行为放肆。
20 ammunition GwVzz     
n.军火,弹药
参考例句:
  • A few of the jeeps had run out of ammunition.几辆吉普车上的弹药已经用光了。
  • They have expended all their ammunition.他们把弹药用光。
21 droll J8Tye     
adj.古怪的,好笑的
参考例句:
  • The band have a droll sense of humour.这个乐队有一种滑稽古怪的幽默感。
  • He looked at her with a droll sort of awakening.他用一种古怪的如梦方醒的神情看着她.
22 owls 7b4601ac7f6fe54f86669548acc46286     
n.猫头鹰( owl的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • 'Clumsy fellows,'said I; 'they must still be drunk as owls.' “这些笨蛋,”我说,“他们大概还醉得像死猪一样。” 来自英汉文学 - 金银岛
  • The great majority of barn owls are reared in captivity. 大多数仓鸮都是笼养的。 来自辞典例句
23 commodious aXCyr     
adj.宽敞的;使用方便的
参考例句:
  • It was a commodious and a diverting life.这是一种自由自在,令人赏心悦目的生活。
  • Their habitation was not merely respectable and commodious,but even dignified and imposing.他们的居所既宽敞舒适又尊严气派。
24 unfamiliar uk6w4     
adj.陌生的,不熟悉的
参考例句:
  • I am unfamiliar with the place and the people here.我在这儿人地生疏。
  • The man seemed unfamiliar to me.这人很面生。
25 enjoyment opaxV     
n.乐趣;享有;享用
参考例句:
  • Your company adds to the enjoyment of our visit. 有您的陪同,我们这次访问更加愉快了。
  • After each joke the old man cackled his enjoyment.每逢讲完一个笑话,这老人就呵呵笑着表示他的高兴。
26 viands viands     
n.食品,食物
参考例句:
  • Greek slaves supplied them with exquisite viands at the slightest nod.只要他们轻轻点点头希腊奴隶就会供奉给他们精美的食品。
  • The family sat down to table,and a frugal meal of cold viands was deposited beforethem.一家老少,都围着桌子坐下,几样简单的冷食,摆在他们面前。
27 jack 53Hxp     
n.插座,千斤顶,男人;v.抬起,提醒,扛举;n.(Jake)杰克
参考例句:
  • I am looking for the headphone jack.我正在找寻头戴式耳机插孔。
  • He lifted the car with a jack to change the flat tyre.他用千斤顶把车顶起来换下瘪轮胎。
28 scoffed b366539caba659eacba33b0867b6de2f     
嘲笑,嘲弄( scoff的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • He scoffed at our amateurish attempts. 他对我们不在行的尝试嗤之以鼻。
  • A hundred years ago people scoffed at the idea. 一百年前人们曾嘲笑过这种想法。
29 haven 8dhzp     
n.安全的地方,避难所,庇护所
参考例句:
  • It's a real haven at the end of a busy working day.忙碌了一整天后,这真是一个安乐窝。
  • The school library is a little haven of peace and quiet.学校的图书馆是一个和平且安静的小避风港。
30 requisite 2W0xu     
adj.需要的,必不可少的;n.必需品
参考例句:
  • He hasn't got the requisite qualifications for the job.他不具备这工作所需的资格。
  • Food and air are requisite for life.食物和空气是生命的必需品。
31 plaintively 46a8d419c0b5a38a2bee07501e57df53     
adv.悲哀地,哀怨地
参考例句:
  • The last note of the song rang out plaintively. 歌曲最后道出了离别的哀怨。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • Birds cry plaintively before they die, men speak kindly in the presence of death. 鸟之将死,其鸣也哀;人之将死,其言也善。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
32 housekeeper 6q2zxl     
n.管理家务的主妇,女管家
参考例句:
  • A spotless stove told us that his mother is a diligent housekeeper.炉子清洁无瑕就表明他母亲是个勤劳的主妇。
  • She is an economical housekeeper and feeds her family cheaply.她节约持家,一家人吃得很省。
33 smoothly iiUzLG     
adv.平滑地,顺利地,流利地,流畅地
参考例句:
  • The workmen are very cooperative,so the work goes on smoothly.工人们十分合作,所以工作进展顺利。
  • Just change one or two words and the sentence will read smoothly.这句话只要动一两个字就顺了。
34 mighty YDWxl     
adj.强有力的;巨大的
参考例句:
  • A mighty force was about to break loose.一股巨大的力量即将迸发而出。
  • The mighty iceberg came into view.巨大的冰山出现在眼前。
35 waxwork ceJze4     
n.蜡像
参考例句:
  • The waxworker brought a new waxwork into the room.蜡制品工人把一个新蜡像搬进了屋。
  • She's only a waxwork.她只是一座蜡像罢了。
36 fixed JsKzzj     
adj.固定的,不变的,准备好的;(计算机)固定的
参考例句:
  • Have you two fixed on a date for the wedding yet?你们俩选定婚期了吗?
  • Once the aim is fixed,we should not change it arbitrarily.目标一旦确定,我们就不应该随意改变。
37 untold ljhw1     
adj.数不清的,无数的
参考例句:
  • She has done untold damage to our chances.她给我们的机遇造成了不可估量的损害。
  • They suffered untold terrors in the dark and huddled together for comfort.他们遭受着黑暗中的难以言传的种种恐怖,因而只好挤在一堆互相壮胆。
38 pastor h3Ozz     
n.牧师,牧人
参考例句:
  • He was the son of a poor pastor.他是一个穷牧师的儿子。
  • We have no pastor at present:the church is run by five deacons.我们目前没有牧师:教会的事是由五位执事管理的。
39 velvet 5gqyO     
n.丝绒,天鹅绒;adj.丝绒制的,柔软的
参考例句:
  • This material feels like velvet.这料子摸起来像丝绒。
  • The new settlers wore the finest silk and velvet clothing.新来的移民穿着最华丽的丝绸和天鹅绒衣服。
40 contented Gvxzof     
adj.满意的,安心的,知足的
参考例句:
  • He won't be contented until he's upset everyone in the office.不把办公室里的每个人弄得心烦意乱他就不会满足。
  • The people are making a good living and are contented,each in his station.人民安居乐业。
41 helping 2rGzDc     
n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的,辅助的
参考例句:
  • The poor children regularly pony up for a second helping of my hamburger. 那些可怜的孩子们总是要求我把我的汉堡包再给他们一份。
  • By doing this, they may at times be helping to restore competition. 这样一来, 他在某些时候,有助于竞争的加强。
42 craves dcdf03afe300a545d69a1e6db561c77f     
渴望,热望( crave的第三人称单数 ); 恳求,请求
参考例句:
  • The tree craves calm but the wind will not drop. 树欲静而风不止。
  • Victory would give him a passport to the riches he craves. 胜利将使他有机会获得自己梦寐以求的财富。
43 bungalows e83ad642746e993c3b19386a64028d0b     
n.平房( bungalow的名词复数 );单层小屋,多于一层的小屋
参考例句:
  • It was a town filled with white bungalows. 这个小镇里都是白色平房。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • We also seduced by the reasonable price of the bungalows. 我们也确实被这里单层间的合理价格所吸引。 来自互联网
44 joyfully joyfully     
adv. 喜悦地, 高兴地
参考例句:
  • She tripped along joyfully as if treading on air. 她高兴地走着,脚底下轻飘飘的。
  • During these first weeks she slaved joyfully. 在最初的几周里,她干得很高兴。
45 standing 2hCzgo     
n.持续,地位;adj.永久的,不动的,直立的,不流动的
参考例句:
  • After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.地震过后只有几幢房屋还立着。
  • They're standing out against any change in the law.他们坚决反对对法律做任何修改。
46 tangles 10e8ecf716bf751c5077f8b603b10006     
(使)缠结, (使)乱作一团( tangle的第三人称单数 )
参考例句:
  • Long hair tangles easily. 长头发容易打结。
  • Tangles like this still interrupted their intercourse. 像这类纠缠不清的误会仍然妨碍着他们的交情。
47 envious n8SyX     
adj.嫉妒的,羡慕的
参考例句:
  • I don't think I'm envious of your success.我想我并不嫉妒你的成功。
  • She is envious of Jane's good looks and covetous of her car.她既忌妒简的美貌又垂涎她的汽车。
48 watchful tH9yX     
adj.注意的,警惕的
参考例句:
  • The children played under the watchful eye of their father.孩子们在父亲的小心照看下玩耍。
  • It is important that health organizations remain watchful.卫生组织保持警惕是极为重要的。
49 joyousness 8d1f81f5221e25f41efc37efe96e1c0a     
快乐,使人喜悦
参考例句:
  • He is, for me: sigh, prayer, joyousness. 对我来说,他就是叹息,祈祷和欢乐。
50 labor P9Tzs     
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
参考例句:
  • We are never late in satisfying him for his labor.我们从不延误付给他劳动报酬。
  • He was completely spent after two weeks of hard labor.艰苦劳动两周后,他已经疲惫不堪了。
51 yearning hezzPJ     
a.渴望的;向往的;怀念的
参考例句:
  • a yearning for a quiet life 对宁静生活的向往
  • He felt a great yearning after his old job. 他对过去的工作有一种强烈的渴想。
52 racing 1ksz3w     
n.竞赛,赛马;adj.竞赛用的,赛马用的
参考例句:
  • I was watching the racing on television last night.昨晚我在电视上看赛马。
  • The two racing drivers fenced for a chance to gain the lead.两个赛车手伺机竞相领先。
53 steadily Qukw6     
adv.稳定地;不变地;持续地
参考例句:
  • The scope of man's use of natural resources will steadily grow.人类利用自然资源的广度将日益扩大。
  • Our educational reform was steadily led onto the correct path.我们的教学改革慢慢上轨道了。
54 astonishment VvjzR     
n.惊奇,惊异
参考例句:
  • They heard him give a loud shout of astonishment.他们听见他惊奇地大叫一声。
  • I was filled with astonishment at her strange action.我对她的奇怪举动不胜惊异。
55 poise ySTz9     
vt./vi. 平衡,保持平衡;n.泰然自若,自信
参考例句:
  • She hesitated briefly but quickly regained her poise.她犹豫片刻,但很快恢复了镇静。
  • Ballet classes are important for poise and grace.芭蕾课对培养优雅的姿仪非常重要。
56 bent QQ8yD     
n.爱好,癖好;adj.弯的;决心的,一心的
参考例句:
  • He was fully bent upon the project.他一心扑在这项计划上。
  • We bent over backward to help them.我们尽了最大努力帮助他们。
57 tongs ugmzMt     
n.钳;夹子
参考例句:
  • She used tongs to put some more coal on the fire.她用火钳再夹一些煤放进炉子里。
  • He picked up the hot metal with a pair of tongs.他用一把钳子夹起这块热金属。
58 lamely 950fece53b59623523b03811fa0c3117     
一瘸一拐地,不完全地
参考例句:
  • I replied lamely that I hope to justify his confidence. 我漫不经心地回答说,我希望我能不辜负他对我的信任。
  • The wolf leaped lamely back, losing its footing and falling in its weakness. 那只狼一跛一跛地跳回去,它因为身体虚弱,一失足摔了一跤。
59 inquiry nbgzF     
n.打听,询问,调查,查问
参考例句:
  • Many parents have been pressing for an inquiry into the problem.许多家长迫切要求调查这个问题。
  • The field of inquiry has narrowed down to five persons.调查的范围已经缩小到只剩5个人了。
60 honking 69e32168087f0fd692f761e62a361acf     
v.(使)发出雁叫似的声音,鸣(喇叭),按(喇叭)( honk的现在分词 )
参考例句:
  • Cars zoomed helter-skelter, honking belligerently. 大街上来往车辆穿梭不停,喇叭声刺耳。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • Flocks of honking geese flew past. 雁群嗷嗷地飞过。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
61 exhausted 7taz4r     
adj.极其疲惫的,精疲力尽的
参考例句:
  • It was a long haul home and we arrived exhausted.搬运回家的这段路程特别长,到家时我们已筋疲力尽。
  • Jenny was exhausted by the hustle of city life.珍妮被城市生活的忙乱弄得筋疲力尽。


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