THE COURTIER, the respectable morning journal of the upper classes, regretted that so unseemly a riot should have taken place at the beginning of the season, and expressed a hope that it would not in any way impair5 the brilliancy of the State Ball which was to take place on the 7th. It gave an excellent account of the President's first ministerial dinner, with the menu duly appended, and it was concerned to notice that Se?or Louvet, Minister of the Interior, had been suffering from an indisposition which prevented his attending the function. THE DIURNAL9 GUSHER10, a paper with an enormous circulation, refrained from actual comments but published an excellent account of the massacre11, to the harrowing details of which it devoted12 much fruity sentiment and morbid13 imagination.
These were practically the organs on which the Government relied for support, and the President always read them first to fortify14 himself against the columns of abuse with which the Radical15, Popular, and Democratic Press saluted17 him, his Government, and all his works. The worst result of an habitual18 use of strong language is that when a special occasion really does arise, there is no way of marking it. THE FABIAN, THE SUNSPOT, and THE RISING TIDE had already exhausted19 every epithet20 in their extensive vocabularies on other and less important incidents. Now that a severe fusilade had been made upon the citizens and an ancient privilege attacked, they were reduced to comparative moderation as the only outlet21 for their feelings. They had compared the Head of the State so often and so vividly22 to Nero and Iscariot, very much to the advantage of those worthies23, that it was difficult to know how they could deal with him now. They nevertheless managed to find a few unused expressions, and made a great point of the Ministerial dinner as being an instance of his "brutal24 disregard of the commonest instincts of humanity." THE SUNSPOT was thought by its readers to have been particularly happy in alluding25 to the ministers as, "Indulging in a foul26 orgie of gluttony and dipping their blood-stained fingers in choice dishes, while the bodies of their victims lay unburied and unavenged."
Having finished his perusal27 the President pushed the last paper off the bed and frowned. He cared nothing for criticism, but he knew the power of the Press and he knew that it reflected as well as influenced public opinion. There could be no doubt that the balance was rising against him.
At breakfast he was moody28 and silent, and Lucile tactfully refrained from irritating him by the laboured commonplaces of matutinal conversation. By nine o'clock he was always at work and this morning he began earlier than usual. The Secretary was already at his table busily writing when Molara entered. He rose and bowed, a formal bow, which seemed an assertion of equality rather than a tribute of respect. The President nodded and walked to his table on which such parts of correspondence as needed his personal attention were neatly30 arranged. He sat down and began to read. Occasionally he uttered an exclamation31 of assent32 or disapproval, and his pencil was often employed to express his decisions and opinions. From time to time Miguel collected the papers he had thus dealt with and carried them to the inferior secretaries in the adjoining room, whose duty it was to elaborate into the stately pomposity33 of official language such phrases as "Curt34 Refusal" "Certainly not" "Apply to War Office" "Gushing35 Reply" "I do not agree" "See last year's Report."
Lucile also had letters to read and write. Having finished these she determined36 to take a drive in the park. For the last few weeks, since, in fact, they had returned from their summer residence, she had discontinued what had been in former years her usual practice; but after the scenes and riots of the day before she felt it her duty to display a courage which she did not feel. It might help her husband, for her beauty was such that an artistic37 people invariably showed her respect. It could at least do no harm, and besides she was weary of the palace and its gardens. With this intention her carriage was ordered and she was about to enter it, when a young man arrived at the door. He saluted her gravely.
It was the boast of the citizens of the Republic of Laurania that they never brought politics into private life or private life into politics. How far they justified38 it will appear later. The present situation had undoubtedly39 strained the principle to the full, but civilities were still exchanged between political antagonists40. Lucile, who had known the great Democrat16 as a frequent visitor at her father's house before the Civil War, and who had always kept up a formal acquaintance with him, smiled and bowed in return and asked whether he came to see the President.
"Yes," he replied. "I have an appointment."
"Public matters I suppose?" she inquired with the suspicion of a smile.
"How tiresome42 you all are," she said daringly, "with your public businesses and solemn looks. I hear nothing but matters of State from morning till night, and now, when I fly the palace for an hour's relaxation43, they meet me at the very door."
Savrola smiled. It was impossible to resist her charm. The admiration44 he had always felt for her beauty and her wit asserted itself in spite of the watchful45 and determined state of mind into which he had thrown himself as a preparation for his interview with the President. He was a young man, and Jupiter was not the only planet he admired. "Your Excellency," he said, "must acquit46 me of all intention."
"I do," she answered laughing, "and release you from all further punishment."
She signed to the coachman and bowing, drove off.
He entered the palace and was ushered47 by a footman resplendent in the blue and buff liveries of the Republic, into an ante-room. A young officer of the Guard, the Lieutenant48 who had commanded the escort on the previous day, received him. The President would be disengaged in a few minutes. The other members of the deputation had not yet arrived; in the meantime would he take a chair? The Lieutenant regarded him dubiously49, as one might view some strange animal, harmless enough to look at, but about whose strength, when roused, there were extraordinary stories. He had been brought up in the most correct regimental ideas: the people (by which he meant the mob) were "swine"; their leaders were the same, with an adjective prefixed; democratic institutions, Parliament, and such like, were all "rot." It therefore appeared that he and Savrola would find few topics in common. But besides his good looks and good manners, the young soldier had other attainments50; his men knew him as "all right" and "all there," while the Lancers of the Guard polo team regarded him as a most promising51 player.
Savrola, whose business it was to know everything, inquired respecting the project lately mooted52 by the Lauranian Cavalry53 of sending a polo team to England to compete in the great annual tournament at Hurlingham. Lieutenant Tiro (for that was his name) addressed himself to the subject with delight. They disputed as to who should be taken as "back." The discussion was only interrupted by the entrance of the Mayor and Renos, and the Subaltern went off to inform the President that the deputation waited.
"I will see them at once," said Molara; "show them up here."
The deputation were accordingly conducted up the stairs to the President's private room. He rose and received them with courtesy. Godoy stated the grievances54 of the citizens. He recalled the protests they had made against the unconstitutional government of the last five years, and their delight at the President's promise to call the Estates together. He described their bitter disappointment at the restriction of the franchise, and their keen desire that it should be fully29 restored. He dilated55 on their indignation at the cruelty with which the soldiers had shot down unarmed men, and finally declared that, as Mayor, he could not vouch56 for their continued loyalty57 to the President or their respect for his person. Renos spoke58 in the same strain, dwelling59 particularly on the legal aspect of the President's late action, and on the gravity of its effects as a precedent60 to posterity61.
Molara replied at some length. He pointed62 out the disturbed state of the country, and particularly of the capital; he alluded63 to the disorders65 of the late war and the sufferings it had caused to the mass of the people. What the State wanted was strong stable government. As things became more settled the franchise should be extended until it would ultimately be completely restored. In the meanwhile, what was there to complain about? Law and order were maintained; the public service was well administered; the people enjoyed peace and security. More than that, a vigorous foreign policy held the honour of the country high. They should have an instance.
He turned and requested Miguel to read the reply to the English note on the African Dispute. The Secretary stood up and read the paper in question, his soft, purring voice, proving well suited to emphasising the insults it contained.
"And that, Gentlemen," said the President, when it was finished, "is addressed to one of the greatest military and naval66 powers in the world."
Godoy and Renos were silent. Their patriotism67 was roused; their pride was gratified; but Savrola smiled provokingly. "It will take more than despatches," he said, "to keep the English out of the African sphere, or to reconcile the people of Laurania to your rule."
"And if stronger measures should be necessary," said the President, "rest assured they will be taken."
"After the events of yesterday we need no such assurance."
The President ignored the taunt68. "I know the English Government," he continued; "they will not appeal to arms."
"And I," said Savrola, "know the Lauranian people. I am not so confident."
There was a long pause. Both men faced each other, and their eyes met. It was the look of two swordsmen who engage, and it was the look of two bitter enemies; they appeared to measure distances and calculate chances. Then Savrola turned away, the ghost of a smile still lingering on his lips; but he had read the President's heart and he felt as if he had looked into hell.
"It is a matter of opinion, Sir," said Molara at last.
"It will soon be a matter of history."
"Other tales will have to be told before," said the President, and then with great formality, "I am obliged to you, Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen, for representing the dangerous elements of disorder64 which exist among certain classes of the people. You may rely on every precaution being taken to prevent an outbreak. I beg you will keep me further informed. Good morning."
The only course open appeared to be the door, and the deputation withdrew, after Savrola had thanked the President for his audience and had assured him that he would lose no opportunity of bringing home to him the hostile attitude of the citizens. On the way down-stairs they were met by Lucile, who had returned unexpectedly early from her drive. She saw by the expression of their faces that a heated discussion had taken place. Godoy and Renos she passed unnoticed, but she smiled merrily at Savrola, as if to convey to him that she was uninterested by politics and could not understand how people ever managed to get excited about them. The smile did not deceive him; he knew too much of her tastes and talents, but he admired her all the more for her acting69.
He walked home. The interview had not been altogether unsatisfactory. He had never hoped to convince the President; that indeed was hardly likely; but they had expressed the views of the people, and Godoy and Renos had already sent copies of their remarks to the newspapers, so that the party could not complain of their leaders' inaction at such a crisis. He thought he had frightened Molara, if indeed it were possible to frighten such a man; at any rate he had made him angry. When he thought of this he was glad. Why? He had always hitherto repressed such unphilosophic and futile70 emotions so far as possible, but somehow to-day he felt his dislike of the President was invested with a darker tinge71. And then his mind reverted72 to Lucile. What a beautiful woman she was! How full of that instinctive73 knowledge of human feelings which is the source of all true wit! Molara was a lucky man to have such a wife. Decidedly he hated him personally, but that, of course, was on account of his unconstitutional conduct.
When he reached his rooms, Moret was awaiting him, much excited and evidently angry. He had written several long letters to his leader, acquainting him with his unalterable decision to sever6 all connection with him and his party; but he had torn them all up, and was now resolved to tell him in plain words.
Savrola saw his look. "Ah, Louis," he cried, "I am glad you are here. How good of you to come! I have just left the President; he is recalcitrant74; he will not budge75 an inch. I need your advice. What course shall we adopt?"
Savrola related the interview with graphic77 terseness78. Moret listened attentively79 and then said, still with great ill humour, "Physical force is the only argument he understands. I am for raising the people."
"Perhaps you are right," said Savrola reflectively, "I am half inclined to agree with you."
Moret argued his proposition with vigour80 and earnestness, and never had his leader seemed so agreeable to the violent measures he proposed. For half an hour they discussed the point. Savrola still appeared unconvinced; he looked at his watch. "It is past two o'clock," he said. "Let us lunch here and thrash the matter out."
They did so. The luncheon81 was excellent, and the host's arguments became more and more convincing. At last, with the coffee, Moret admitted that perhaps it was better to wait, and they parted with great cordiality.
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
plentiful
|
|
| adj.富裕的，丰富的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
restriction
|
|
| n.限制，约束 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
franchise
|
|
| n.特许，特权，专营权，特许权 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
franchises
|
|
| n.（尤指选举议员的）选举权( franchise的名词复数 )；参政权；获特许权的商业机构（或服务）；（公司授予的）特许经销权v.给…以特许权，出售特许权( franchise的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
impair
|
|
| v.损害，损伤；削弱，减少 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
sever
|
|
| v.切开，割开；断绝，中断 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
disapproval
|
|
| n.反对，不赞成 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
condemnation
|
|
| n.谴责; 定罪 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
diurnal
|
|
| adj.白天的，每日的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
gusher
|
|
| n.喷油井 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
massacre
|
|
| n.残杀，大屠杀；v.残杀，集体屠杀 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
devoted
|
|
| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
morbid
|
|
| adj.病的；致病的；病态的；可怕的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
fortify
|
|
| v.强化防御，为…设防；加强，强化 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
radical
|
|
| n.激进份子，原子团，根号；adj.根本的，激进的，彻底的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
democrat
|
|
| n.民主主义者，民主人士；民主党党员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
saluted
|
|
| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
habitual
|
|
| adj.习惯性的；通常的，惯常的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
exhausted
|
|
| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
epithet
|
|
| n.（用于褒贬人物等的）表述形容词，修饰语 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
outlet
|
|
| n.出口/路；销路；批发商店；通风口；发泄 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
vividly
|
|
| adv.清楚地，鲜明地，生动地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
worthies
|
|
| 应得某事物( worthy的名词复数 )； 值得做某事； 可尊敬的； 有（某人或事物）的典型特征 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
brutal
|
|
| adj.残忍的，野蛮的，不讲理的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
alluding
|
|
| 提及，暗指( allude的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
foul
|
|
| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
perusal
|
|
| n.细读，熟读；目测 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
moody
|
|
| adj.心情不稳的，易怒的，喜怒无常的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
fully
|
|
| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
neatly
|
|
| adv.整洁地，干净地，灵巧地，熟练地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
exclamation
|
|
| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
assent
|
|
| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
pomposity
|
|
| n.浮华；虚夸；炫耀；自负 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
curt
|
|
| adj.简短的，草率的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
gushing
|
|
| adj.迸出的；涌出的；喷出的；过分热情的v.喷，涌( gush的现在分词 )；滔滔不绝地说话 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
determined
|
|
| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
artistic
|
|
| adj.艺术(家)的，美术(家)的；善于艺术创作的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
justified
|
|
| a.正当的，有理的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
undoubtedly
|
|
| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
antagonists
|
|
| 对立[对抗] 者，对手，敌手( antagonist的名词复数 )； 对抗肌； 对抗药 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
abruptly
|
|
| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
tiresome
|
|
| adj.令人疲劳的，令人厌倦的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
relaxation
|
|
| n.松弛，放松；休息；消遣；娱乐 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
admiration
|
|
| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
watchful
|
|
| adj.注意的，警惕的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
acquit
|
|
| vt.宣判无罪；(oneself)使(自己)表现出 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
ushered
|
|
| v.引，领，陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
lieutenant
|
|
| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
dubiously
|
|
| adv.可疑地，怀疑地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
attainments
|
|
| 成就，造诣； 获得( attainment的名词复数 )； 达到； 造诣； 成就 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
promising
|
|
| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
mooted
|
|
| adj.未决定的，有争议的，有疑问的v.提出…供讨论( moot的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
cavalry
|
|
| n.骑兵；轻装甲部队 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
grievances
|
|
| n.委屈( grievance的名词复数 )；苦衷；不满；牢骚 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
dilated
|
|
| adj.加宽的，扩大的v.（使某物）扩大，膨胀，张大( dilate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
vouch
|
|
| v.担保；断定；n.被担保者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
loyalty
|
|
| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
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： |
|
|
|
|
59
dwelling
|
|
| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
precedent
|
|
| n.先例，前例；惯例；adj.在前的，在先的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
posterity
|
|
| n.后裔，子孙，后代 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
pointed
|
|
| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
alluded
|
|
| 提及，暗指( allude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
disorder
|
|
| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
disorders
|
|
| n.混乱( disorder的名词复数 )；凌乱；骚乱；（身心、机能）失调 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
naval
|
|
| adj.海军的，军舰的，船的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
patriotism
|
|
| n.爱国精神，爱国心，爱国主义 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
taunt
|
|
| n.辱骂，嘲弄；v.嘲弄 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
acting
|
|
| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
futile
|
|
| adj.无效的，无用的，无希望的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
tinge
|
|
| vt.(较淡)着色于，染色；使带有…气息；n.淡淡色彩，些微的气息 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
reverted
|
|
| 恢复( revert的过去式和过去分词 )； 重提； 回到…上； 归还 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
instinctive
|
|
| adj.(出于)本能的；直觉的；(出于)天性的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
recalcitrant
|
|
| adj.倔强的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
budge
|
|
| v.移动一点儿；改变立场 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
curiously
|
|
| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
graphic
|
|
| adj.生动的，形象的，绘画的，文字的，图表的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
terseness
|
|
| 简洁，精练 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
attentively
|
|
| adv.聚精会神地；周到地；谛；凝神 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
vigour
|
|
| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
luncheon
|
|
| n.午宴，午餐，便宴 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |