And now as she rode through the deserted14 streets of the sleeping suburb, fear for herself was mingled15 with a new and terrible fear for him. She had as yet no knowledge of what had passed in the Villa des Ombres after she had lost consciousness and she was obsessed16 with the thought of her husband. She saw him in every shadow, the very sound of the horses’ feet seemed to her excited fancy like hurrying pursuing footsteps. She hated herself for her want of confidence. At the bottom of her heart she knew that her trust in Carew was implicit17, that it was only her overstrained nerves that made her shiver with dread18, that turned her sick each time her horse quickened his pace or swerved19 from some object that only he could see. She tried to fight against her weakness, to believe that her disguise was complete, but she knew that she would have no peace until the town was left behind, until, the open country reached, she could abandon the r?le of attendant and ride beside the man to whom she had given herself and gain fresh strength and courage from his nearness. And from time to time unconsciously she strove to lessen20 the distance between them, checking her horse again with a sharp little sigh as she heard Hosein’s voice “Doucement, doucement” repeated warningly.
The way seemed never ending.
To avoid passing the Villa des Ombres a wide detour21 was necessary and Marny began to think they would never win clear of the tree-lined avenues and succession of silent villas22 that appeared to extend indefinitely.
There were few abroad at this early hour, but the occasional passing of some chance pedestrian made her shrink within the folds of the enveloping23 burnous, wild eyed with apprehension24 and faint with the heavy beating of her tired heart. And once the sound of galloping26 hoofs27 behind them came near to shattering what little self-control was left to her and with a choking cry she drove her horse against Hosein’s, clutching frantically29 at the man’s arm and reeling weakly in the saddle. But it was only an Arab, wraith-like in the darkness and immersed in his own concerns, who tore by at breakneck speed on a raking chestnut30 that squealed31 an angry defiance33 at the other horses as he clattered34 past. She recovered herself with a feeling of shame for her own cowardice35, wondering miserably36 if she would ever regain37 the strength and nerve that five years of crushing experience had slowly sapped from her. Once she had not known what it meant to be tired or afraid. Weariness and pain to her had been merely terms, without meaning, without significance. But in those five years she had learnt a bitter lesson. Physically38 and mentally she had suffered until suffering had become the dominant39 factor in her existence, until she had wondered how far endurance went, how long before her burden would become heavier than she could bear. And now, still dazed with the horror of the last few hours, she could hardly believe in the fact of her deliverance. Was it really over, the life of pain that had transformed her from a happy carefree child into a sorrowful disillusioned40 woman who had prayed for death to release her from bondage41 that was intolerable. And death had been very near to her last night. She had realised it when, seeking to prevent what she knew to be an injustice42, she had thrown herself between her husband and the wretched Arab valet and Geradine, mad with drink and rage, had turned to wreak43 on her the same punishment he had inflicted44 on his servant. His face had been the face of a devil, distorted almost beyond recognition, and in his glittering red flecked eyes she had read her fate. Temporarily insane he was past knowing what he did and, helpless against his strength, she was well aware now that but for the coming of Carew the ghastly scene must have ended in tragedy, that body or brain must have succumbed45 to the fury of his passion. Never while she lived would she forget. Still close to hers she seemed to see that savage46 bestial47 face, the staring bloodshot eyes blazing with merciless ferocity, her lacerated shoulders still quivered as if they shrank again under the cruel blows that had rained on her till consciousness fled. The brutality48 of years had reached culmination50 when, with words whose foulness51 had scorched52 her soul, he had beaten her like a dog. That was what she had been! His dog—kicked or caressed53 as the mood took him. A thing of no account. His chattel—sold to him like a slave in an eastern market, taken by him merely to satisfy his basest instincts. Shudderingly54 she tried to banish57 thought, to put him from her mind, but her shaken brain was beyond control and over and over again she lived through the cruelty of the years that were past until every nerve in her aching body seemed strained to breaking point.
Trembling from head to foot and bathed in perspiration58 she wondered if the horror of it would ever leave her, if all her remaining life was to be a nightmare of hideous59 recollection.
Drooping60 with fatigue61, her wet hands slipping on the bridle she grasped mechanically, she prayed desperately62 for the open country that meant freedom and happiness. And gradually, yielding to the physical pain that was swamping all other feeling, she ceased to notice the locality through which they were passing and she had almost drifted into unconsciousness when the sound of the voice she had longed for roused her to the fact that at last the town was left behind. Slowly she raised her head to meet the grave eyes that looked searchingly into hers. And at sight of her face Carew reined63 nearer, and she felt his cool strong fingers close with practised touch about her wrist.
“Can you hold out a bit longer, dear? We’re rather close to Algiers yet,” he said. And the tender anxiety of his voice made her set her teeth to keep back the sob64 that rose in her throat, a sob of joy and wonder at the consideration to which she was so unused. She drew herself straighter in the saddle and smiled at him bravely.
“I’m all right,” she gasped65, “if—if I can ride beside you,” she added, faintly. His lips tightened67 as he eyed her doubtfully. Then without answering he wheeled Suliman towards the south.
The movements of her horse were easy, and away from the metalled roads the slow canter at which they rode was less jarring, but it took all her resolution to maintain the upright carriage she had adopted and hide from him the weakness that was steadily69 overcoming her. The nervous strength that had upheld her at first was slipping from her fast now that the immediate70 fear of discovery was past, and in the reaction of relief she feared the collapse71 that was threatening momentarily. She pulled the haick closer about her face that he might not see the moisture lying thick on her forehead and rode on with compressed lips fighting the spells of faintness that made her head reel and the surrounding landscape appear to waver in curious undulations before her eyes.
The dawn was brightening. Already it was light enough to see distinctly, and despite her fatigue, Marny looked with interest on a district that was new to her.
For some time still their way led past farms and fruit gardens, but of human life they saw little. And the few field workers and goatherds they met were absorbed in their own affairs and paid no heed72 to their passing, or at most bestowed73 on them a perfunctory salaam74 that was due to Carew’s supposed rank. He looked like a chief, she thought with a strange new feeling of pride. It was difficult seeing him thus to remember that he was an Englishman. To her he would always be an Arab, a man of the open, a desert dweller75. And in the sandy wastes of the great wilderness76 towards which her thoughts had turned so longingly77 she would live with him the wild free life of her dreams, a life that might prove hard and dangerous but a life that would be made sweet by his love and companionship. If only she need not have come to him like this! If only he had found her in the time of her unfettered girlhood when he could have taken her unstained and without dishonour79! But over their love now hung the shadow of disgrace. And it was for her sake that he had done what would be held up to him as a reproach. For her sake—He heard the strangled sob she tried to smother80 and winced81, his eyes sweeping82 the horizon impatiently. He knew that she had almost reached the limit of her endurance and his arms were aching to hold her, to ease the pain of her weary little body against his own strong limbs, but while the scattered83 farms still stretched about them he dared not risk the chance of passing observation. Neither, because of her weakness, did he dare to quicken their slow pace—an unaccustomed pace at which Suliman was fretting84 and protesting, rearing from time to time as he tried to break into the usual gallop25.
But at length the last outlying vineyard was passed, and screened by the rising ground of the foothills they were approaching, precaution was no longer necessary. With a sigh of relief Carew swung his horse close to hers and, bending sideways, lifted her easily out of the saddle. She yielded without demur85, relaxing against him with a moan of utter exhaustion86. He knew that she was crying, but he knew also that the tears which hurt him so poignantly87 were necessary to relieve the excited brain that had gone so perilously88 near to destruction and he made no attempt to check them. Tightening89 his arm about her he gave Suliman his head. And with a snort of pleasure the big bay leaped forward, free to go his own pace at last, galloping as he had galloped90 when once before he had carried double. The memory of that midnight ride came to Carew as he glanced down at the girl he held before him. With what different feelings he had carried her then! How he had revolted at her proximity91, hating the slight burden that was now so precious. Every moment had been torture. Now, in the ecstasy92 that filled him, he wished that the way were longer, that the moment might never come when he would have to waken from his dream ride of almost unbelievable happiness and face the stern realities of the difficult course that lay before them. For an instant his sombre eyes grew stern and brooding, then he thrust the thought of the future from him. There was time, and enough to think of that. Now he could only think of her. His face grew very tender, very pitiful as he looked at her. Poor little tired child, bruised93 and broken with appalling94 experience—would even his love, great as it was, compensate95 for the suffering that had wrecked96 her young life? All that was best in him rose up as he caught her closer with a stifled97 whisper. That he might never fail her, that she might never regret the step she had taken, never regret the faith she had in him, was the prayer that burst from his innermost soul—a prayer that was deeper, more fervent99 than any he had ever uttered in his life.
But as the bay tore on with long swinging strides that were the perfection of movement, Carew put from him everything but the joy of the moment. After the enforced stay in a town he had come to loathe100, after the tedious days of comparative inactivity made hideous by mental struggle, he felt like a man released from prison. Behind him lay all he wished to forget. Before him lay a new life, new happiness, new hope. He could hardly realise yet what it meant to him. No longer alone, with something more than his work to live for, he seemed to see the world suddenly with new eyes—a world of new wonder, a world transformed and beautified. Eagerly he looked at the brightening sky. The dawn had almost come, a dawn that was to him symbolical101.
A feeling of exultation102 came over him. The wild rush through the air, the cool wind blowing against his face, was like an intoxicant stirring him as it always stirred him, and today more powerfully than ever before. For did he not hold in his arms his heart’s desire—was not the woman he had craved103 his at last! With a quick fierce laugh he drove his knees into Suliman’s ribs104 and swung him round to face the open hillside. Gallantly105 the horse attacked the steep incline, but the gradient was punishing and gradually his pace slackened till it dropped to a walk and, picking his steps carefully amongst the scrub and boulders106, he wound his way laboriously107 up the twisting track till he reached the summit to stand with heaving sides and wide distended108 nostrils109.
And at the same moment the sun rose clear of the banking110 clouds of gold and crimson111, and the full light came with startling suddenness revealing all the wild beauty of the desolate112 hills. A scene of more than ordinary grandeur113, or so it seemed to the man whose heart was throbbing114 with a passion that almost frightened him and whose whole sensitive being was thrilling and responding to the radiant glory of this most marvellous sunrise he had ever witnessed. Behind them Hosein was on his knees absorbed in rapt devotion, and alone with her he viewed the advent115 of the new day, the new life that they would live together. The reins116 dropped loose on Suliman’s neck as he raised her high in his arms till their lips met and her shy eyes fell under the ardour of his burning kiss. A kiss that with its hungry passion, its complete possessiveness awoke her to a fuller realisation of the step she had taken.
She was trembling when at last he released her, her quivering face scarlet117 with shame. Miserably she stared at him, struggling to free herself.
“Let me go,” she moaned. “I hadn’t any right to ask you—I hadn’t any right to make it difficult for you.” But in her piteous eyes he read the despair that gave the lie to her stumbling sobbing118 words.
“You want to go—back to him?” he said, slowly. And he was answered in the sharp cry that burst from her as she shuddered119 closer into his arms, clinging to him with all her feeble strength. With a soft little laugh of triumph he kissed her again and turned in the saddle to shout to Hosein who had finished his prayers and was waiting discreetly120 in the background with no sign of his inward astonishment121 visible in his imperturbable122 face. That the master he worshipped had been stricken with sudden madness was to him the only possible explanation for the departure from established principle, that in his years of service he had become thoroughly123 acquainted with. Shrewdly observant he had seen and wondered at the gradual change that had come over Carew since the night when he had amazed his retainers by bringing a woman to the camp from which women had always been religiously excluded. And now that same woman was lying across his saddle, a willing captive to the man who was bending over her with a face that was transfigured. That his master had no right to her, that she was the wife of the foreign Sidi who had made himself so notorious in Algiers, were matters of indifference124 to Hosein. It was no business of his. If his lord had at last found happiness—who was he to judge him! He had been mad with that same madness himself once—
As he ranged alongside leading the spare horse, Marny tried to raise herself.
“I’m rested now—let me ride,” she murmured. But Carew saw her face contract with the pain that movement caused her, and shook his head. “You are not fit to ride. Lie still and rest,” he said, decisively.
“But you can’t carry me all the way, I’m so heavy—” she objected, faintly.
“Heavy!” he laughed, “about as heavy as an extra carbine.”
And following his swift glance she noticed for the first time the leathern holster that projected beyond his knee. The sight of it reminded her of the hazardous126 life that would be hers and made her rebel against the weakness that seemed to make her so unfit a companion for him.
“Let me try,” she pleaded. But he shook his head again.
“Do as you’re told my dear,” he said, with a smile that softened127 the peremptoriness128 of his tone. “You’re worn out, and you are on the highroad to fever unless you take things easily. I can’t have you knocking up out in the desert. You’ll want all your strength where we’re going.”
Where were they going? She wondered without caring. She knew nothing of his plans. She was content to go where he took her, content to follow where he led. She had given her life into his keeping, she was satisfied to leave to him the ordering of that life. With a tired sigh she dropped her head on his breast, thankful for the support of the strong arm crooked129 about her, yielding to the strength that was so strangely gentle.
A drowsiness130 she did not attempt to combat stole over her as she lay with closed eyes listening to the murmur125 of the two men’s voices. They were speaking in Arabic which she did not understand, but it seemed to her that Carew was giving certain orders to which his servant responded with his usual brevity. Then there was silence and dreamily she became aware that Hosein had left them and that they were alone on the top of the sun warmed hill. Dead with sleep she felt Carew’s arm tighten66 round her, heard without fully68 comprehending his explanation that he had sent the Arab on to prepare the camp for their coming, and slept as his lips touched hers.
It was late in the afternoon when she woke. Still heavy and confused with sleep, at first she was conscious only of the feeling of bodily comfort that enveloped131 her. Her tired limbs were at rest and she lay propped132 against soft cushions that eased the dull ache of her wounded shoulders. With a little sigh of physical content, she nestled deeper into the silken pillows, inhaling133 the faint oriental perfume that clung about them, wondering vaguely134 when Ann would come to waken her. Ann? Ann would never come to her again! Ann was gone, the victim of petty spite and tyranny. And she—With a strangled cry she started up, trembling violently, staring around her in bewilderment. Then remembrance came with a rush, and sobbing with relief she sank back on the cushions of the wide divan135 where once before she had slept with such curious confidence.
Wonderingly she looked about the room, at the simple but costly136 Arab furnishings, at the well stocked gun rack that stood near the couch on which she was lying, at the litter of masculine belongings137 that with their suggestion of intimacy138 served to bring home to her even more fully than before the significance of what she had done. His room! The hot blood flamed into her cheeks and she hid her face in the pillows, whispering his name, shivering with a new sweet fear and joy that made her long for him and yet shrink from even the thought of his coming.
How long since he had brought her here? How long since she had fallen asleep in his arms on the top of the sun-bathed hill? The room was perceptibly darker when at last she raised her head and sat up, listening for some sound to penetrate139 from the adjoining room that should assure her of his nearness. But she heard only the distant hum of the scattered camp—the shrill140 squeal32 of an angry stallion, the doleful long-drawn bray141 of a donkey and, near at hand, the monotonous142 creak and whine143 of some unknown piece of mechanism144 whose use she could not guess. Strange, unfamiliar145 noises that yet seemed so oddly familiar, like the faint echoes of a far-off memory urging the remembrance of another long forgotten life when she had lived and loved in close proximity to the sounds that now thrilled her with vague wonderings. Did love ever die—was this passion that had overwhelmed her so suddenly only the reawakening of a love that had been born in bygone ages? Had she loved him then! Had he too lived in that remote past that seemed struggling for recognition? Had their wandering souls, long desolate and alone triumphed over the barrier that separated them to converge146 once more and know again the transient rapture147 of earthly happiness?
With a tremulous smile she slipped from the couch and went slowly to the little dressing148 table at the further end of the room. Curiously149 she stared at herself in the tiny mirror, frowning at the weary white face she saw reflected.
The close-drawn haick had been removed and, tumbled by the heavy head-dress, her hair lay loose in curling waves about her shoulders. The colour crept into her cheeks again as she strove to roll it up into something approaching order. And as she wrestled150 with the few pins that remained to her, two hands placed suddenly on her shoulders made her start violently. “Must you hide it all away? It was very pretty as it was.” There was a new note in his voice, a new hint of definite ownership in his manner as he coolly unloosened the soft coils she had hastily bound up and drew her to him. But she dared not meet his look and, surrendering to his arms, she hid her face against him in an agony of shyness.
With a tender word of expostulation he slipped his hand under her chin and raised her head. His ardent151 love was crying out for expression but the shamed piteousness of her eyes checked the passionate152 words that rushed to his lips. What was his love worth if self came before consideration? He stooped his cheek to hers.
“Do you think I don’t understand,” he murmured, “do you think I don’t realise how—strange it is? But you can’t be shy with me, dear. Only remember that I love you, that I’d give my life to keep you happy. I’ll do all I can to make it easy for you—” But even as he spoke153 the restraint he imposed on himself slipped for a moment and he crushed her to him conclusively154. “Child, child, if you knew how I have longed for you! If you knew what it means to me to hold you in my arms—here—to know that you are mine, mine, utterly. Marny—” He pulled himself up sharply with a gesture of compunction, his hands dropping to his sides.
“Forgive me, dear,” he said, gently, “I didn’t mean to be rough with you—I wouldn’t hurt you for the world.”
The tears that were so near the surface welled into her eyes and she looked at him strangely.
“Rough?” she whispered, slowly. “I wonder if you know what roughness means—I wonder if you could hurt me if you tried!” Then her face contracted suddenly and her hands went out to him in shuddering55 appeal. “Keep me from remembering!” she cried, wildly, “help me to blot155 out the past. I can’t tell even you. I want to forget—everything—everything but your love. Oh, my Desert Healer, you heal others, heal me too! Make me strong again—strong and fit to share your life, to be your helper—Don’t let me think! Oh, Gervas, don’t—let—me—think!”
The look he had dreaded156 to see again was back in her eyes and her whole body was shaking as she clung to him with all her shyness forgotten in the greater mental distress157 that made her seek his help and consolation. With almost womanly tenderness he soothed her, holding her till the nervous trembling passed and she lay still in his arms.
“It’s over,” he said, at last, “over and done with. It’s a new life we’ve begun together, dearest. A new life that will bring you health and strength and, God helping158 me, a greater joy than we have ever known. The desert will heal you, Marny, as it healed me years ago. Shut your mind to the past. Think only of the future—and of our happiness.”
A bitter sob escaped her.
“We haven’t any right to be happy,” she moaned. He did not answer but she felt him stiffen159 suddenly and her eyes leaped to his with a new fear dawning in them.
“Gervas—” she gasped, “what will you do—if he won’t divorce me? Oh, you don’t know him as I do, you don’t know of what he is capable. He would do it just to feel that his power was over me still, just to keep me bound, just to hurt us. Gervas, if I can never be free, if I can never be your wife—what then?”
A shadow passed over his face as he looked down at her.
“Will the price of our happiness be too big for you to pay, Marny—or is it me that you doubt?” he asked, slowly.
“Gervas—” But his kisses stopped her frantic28 protestations and there was only love and pity in his eyes as he gathered her closer. “You will always be my wife—as you are my wife to me, now. Nothing can ever alter that. Nothing shall ever come between us. God knows how you’ve suffered, and He can judge me for what I have done when the time comes. But while I live you’re mine and no power on earth shall take you from me.” His deep voice was vibrant161 with passion and for a moment the fierce pressure of his arms was pain. Then as if ashamed of his own display of feeling he put her from him.
“I’m a brute162,” he exclaimed, remorsefully163. “Come and eat, you pale child. I hadn’t the heart to wake you before, you were sleeping so soundly.”
Shyness fell on her again as he led her into the adjoining room. And throughout the meal that followed she was very silent, eating mechanically what was put before her and studiously avoiding his eyes as from time to time she glanced with furtive164 curiosity about the big tent.
His heart ached for her as he watched her with an intentness he was careful to conceal3. He was longing78 to help her, longing to make easier the difficult situation which he knew she was only now realising in its entirety, fearful of augmenting165 her constraint166 by any word or gesture that should emphasise167 the new relationship between them. Love made it easy for him to guess her thoughts. With fine intuition he understood perfectly168 the struggle that complete realisation must have awakened169 in her mind. Though she loved him, though she had given herself to him, still he knew that she must be shrinking sensitively from the consequences of her own act. His arms had been a refuge she had turned to in her need, but they were the arms of the man who loved her and here, in his tent, she must be facing the hard fact of her obligation, facing the payment of her freedom—a payment that only love could make endurable. More than ever did his own love clamour for utterance170 but he gripped himself resolutely171, playing the part of impassive host with almost cold courtesy while he attended to her wants and keeping the conversation strictly172 to trivialities, and trivial conversation was not easy. They knew so little the one of the other. He had as yet no knowledge of her tastes, no knowledge of her interests. In spite of the love that had swept them both off their feet they were, to all intents and purposes, strangers to each other, and further hindered by her shy reserve a common meeting ground was difficult to find.
But when the short twilight173 had faded and the lamps were lit in the tent, when Hosein had come and gone for the last time leaving them alone, he found it impossible to maintain the detached attitude he had adopted, impossible to avoid reference to certain subjects that must of necessity be discussed between them. The sense of their aloneness, the intimacy of the moment, was stirring him deeply and the sight of her lying amongst the heaped up cushions of the divan, lovelier than he had ever seen her, infinitely174 pathetic as she seemed in her utter dependence175 on him, was an appeal that was too strong to be resisted and his heart was beating furiously as he went to her.
And affected no less than he, her breath came fast and her shy eyes met his for only a moment as she moved to make place for him. Sitting down beside her he caught her slim hands up to his lips. Then, still holding them in his firm grasp, he crashed through the faint barrier that had risen between them and spoke with unreserved frankness of the future and the life that they would share together. And afterwards, because he believed that only by mutual176 confidence and trust could their love be perfected, he broke the silence of years and told her the story of his life, the tragedy that had wrecked his early manhood and driven him to a self-imposed exile, and of the consolation he had found in the work that had become so dear to him. And his own confidence ended, he drew from her, bit by bit, the history of her girlhood and pitiful marriage. But of what she had suffered at the hands of the brute to whom her brother had sold her she would say nothing.
“You know,” she whispered, with quivering lips, “you saw—the morning after the Governor’s ball. I can’t speak of it. It hurts me.” For a moment he held her closely, his eyes blazing as once before she had seen them blaze, then he rose abruptly177 and striding across the room flung back the closed entrance flap and stood in the open doorway178 staring out into the night.
She twisted on the divan to watch him, wondering what chain of thought her words had set in motion, wondering if he was vexed179 at her reticence180. But he gave no explanation of his hasty movement, and after a time he came back slowly, his face inscrutable as she had ever known it, and squatted181, Arab fashion, on a pile of cushions near her. Lighting182 a cigarette, for a while he talked fitfully, his brief remarks punctuated183 by lengthy184 silences she did not know how to break. And as the evening wore on he grew more and more distrait185 until finally he ceased to speak at all, sitting motionless with his eyes fixed186 on the rug, smoking cigarette after cigarette.
She knew that it was late. The tom-toms and pipes, that earlier in the evening had resounded187 from the men’s quarters, had long since died away. She was conscious of a silence that could be almost felt, she found herself straining her ears to catch some sound that should moderate the deep quiet that was reminiscent of long ago nights in Ireland. But for once there was peace amongst the picketed188 horses and not even the wail189 of a jackal came to break the intense stillness. It was as if all the world slept and only she was awake—she and the man to whom she must soon yield the final proof of her love and surrender. She slid her arm across her burning face and shrank closer against the silken pillows, shivering uncontrollably, torn with the conflict that raged within her. She loved him, with her whole being she loved him—madly, utterly. To give him all he demanded would be joy beyond expression—but, oh, dear God, why must their love be stained with sin! Last night he had loved her well enough to let her go—and her coward body had driven her to plead with him until his renunciation became impossible. It was she who was responsible. It was her sin, not his—and let her be the only one to pay. Passionately190 she prayed it, clenching191 her teeth to smother the sounds of agony that rose in her throat. Weak with emotion, vaguely frightened by his continued abstraction, she was aching for the clasp of his arms, hungering for his kisses, longing for the comfort and reassurance192 of his voice. Of what was he thinking as he sat motionless, scowling193 heavily as he stared into space, no longer even smoking. Was it the remembrance of the early sorrow of which he had told her that made his face so stern and sad? A swift spasm194 of jealousy195 shook her. But she crushed it down, her tender brooding eyes growing misty196 with tears. What need had she to be jealous! The past was over—and his love was hers. He had proved it beyond all doubt. And he had done so much already, it was foolish to expect that every moment of his time could be given to her. He had other matters beside herself to engage his attention, matters that now, because of her, must necessarily have become more complex. It was only natural that he should be pre-occupied and silent. She must be content to wait. He would turn to her again in his own good time.
And when at last he stirred and rose with swift noiselessness to his feet, she was lying so still that he thought she was asleep. For a moment he bent197 over her, his hands reaching out to the little recumbent body, his strong limbs shaking with the fierce tide of emotion that was pouring over him, his passionate eyes aflame with love and longing. Hungrily he gazed at the woman he had taken for his own. Why did he hesitate? Was she not his, his of her own free will, his to give him all he asked! Of what use to refrain? Who, after what he had done, would believe that he had spared her! And if her fears were justified198, if she failed to win release—what would either of them have gained? If not tonight—then sooner or later, for he would never let her go. Wife or mistress, whichever it was to be, he would keep her while the breath of life was in him. Lower and lower he bent till the warm sweet nearness of her, the faint intoxicating199 perfume of her fragrant200 hair, and his own desperate need combining shattered the last remnant of his self-control and he swept her up into his arms, straining her to his heaving chest, raining kisses on her lips, her eyes, her palpitating throat, till, panting and exhausted201 with the force of his ardent embrace, her head fell back against his shoulder and he carried her white-lipped and trembling towards the inner room. But as he reached the screening curtains that barred his impetuous way he came to a sudden halt and the quivering eagerness of his face gave way to a look of doubt and bitter misery202. Yearningly203 he stared into her frightened eyes, then with a gasping204 sob he slid her slowly to her feet and pushed her gently through the silken hangings. “Go—for God’s sake go,” he muttered, and wrenched205 the curtain into place.
Not yet! Not while there still remained a chance that he might take her without dishonour. What the world would not believe was yet possible to him who loved her. Until he was sure, beyond all doubt, that she could never be legally free to marry him he would hold her unscathed, unsoiled by his passion. And, Merciful God, how long would that be? How long would he be able to hold out! He was pledged to Sanois and he had sworn to take her with him. Was he strong enough to withstand the temptation of long months spent in close proximity, riding day after day at her side under the burning sun, sleeping night after night with only a frail206 curtain between them? He did not know. He only knew that tonight his strength was gone and that he dared not stay beside her. The calm radiance of the star-lit sky, the deep stillness of the night mocked his as he fled from the tent he did not trust himself to look back on. A night of mystical beauty, redolent with the subtle odours of the east, languorous207 and heavy scented—a night for love and the fulfillment of desire.
With a groan208 he swept his hand across his eyes, wrestling with physical agony that was intolerable, cursing the scruple209 that kept him from her, cursing the man who stood between them. The blood was beating in his ears and his brain was on fire as he stumbled through the shadowy darkness of the little valley, striving to subdue210 the longing that possessed211 him, striving to banish the torturing thought of her nearness. Blind to the road he was taking, he saw only the sweet pale face that had flushed to the touch of his burning kisses, saw only the tempting212 beauty of the slender loveliness he craved. Was she asleep, as he prayed with all his soul she might be—or was she too awake, longing for him as he was longing for her, suffering as he was suffering? Just now she had trembled in his arms and he had seen the fear that leaped to her flickering213 eyes, but she had made no effort to repulse214 him, had made no plea for release. Instead she had clung to him. And it seemed to him that he could still feel the touch of her fingers, ice-cold and shaking against his, still feel the rapid beating of her heart, the tumultuous rise and fall of her delicate bosom215 as he carried her swiftly across the room. She had been willing, and he—He flung out his hands with a bitter cry and dropped like a log, burying his head in his arms.
Hour after hour he lay motionless on the soft warm sand, too passion swept to sleep, till at last the raging fever that consumed him abated216, and he knew that, for the time being, his victory over himself was complete.
But there was no peace in his mind. There was another decision that had to be made before the stars faded and the sun rose on a new day—a decision he knew in his heart was already determined217. By acceding218 to the frenzied219 appeal of the woman he loved, in his endeavour to save her from further suffering, he had done a thing unpardonable. That did not trouble him. He did not regret it, he would never regret it. Her happiness was the only thing that weighed with him. Last night her need, and only her need, had been his sole consideration. Mad with fear she had implored220 him to take her from Algiers and, trembling for her reason, he had consented. But tonight his thoughts were centered on the husband from whom he had taken her. He would never give her up—but he would steal no man’s wife in secret. He was going back to Algiers—going back to face the man he had wronged. And what would be the outcome of that interview? No matter what Geradine had done—she was his wife. No matter what she had suffered at his hands—he was her husband. No extenuating221 circumstances could gloss222 over the hard indisputable fact or lessen his own culpableness.
What would Geradine do?
Carew rose deliberately223 to his feet with a harsh mirthless laugh. He knew what he would do himself if the position were reversed, what he would unhesitatingly have done twelve years ago if the opportunity had been given him. And if Geradine shot him like a dog, as he deserved to be shot, what would become of the girl who trusted to him? To stay—and forfeit224 his own self-respect. To go—knowing that he might never return. Heavens above, what a choice! But there was no other way thinkable. His mind was fixed, and the rest lay with Geradine. Would the cur who had stooped to strike a woman fight to regain possession of her, fight to avenge225 his honour? If he only would—by God, if he only would! The breath hissed226 through Carew’s set teeth and his strong hands clenched227 in fierce anticipation228 as his mind leaped forward to the coming meeting. The primitive229 man in him was uppermost as he thought with curious pleasure of Geradine’s huge proportions and powerful limbs. There was not much to choose between them. True he had thrashed him last night, but the man had been drunk. Heaven send that he was sober this time!
With a strange smile he swung on his heel and strode back to the sleeping camp.
But as he neared the tent his swift pace lessened230 and his sombre eyes were dull with pain as he passed under the lance-propped awning160 into the empty living room. How could he leave her to wait alone until he came again—or did not come! What would be the effect of those long-drawn hours of suspense231 on the nervous brain that was already dangerously overstrained and excited? His stern lips quivered as he parted the curtains and felt his way to the long low couch that was only dimly visible.
His tentative whisper was answered by a stifled sob, and out of the darkness two soft bare arms came tremblingly to close about his neck and drew his head down to the pillow that was wet with her tears. That she had wept bitterly was evident, and shaken by the distress his resolution almost failed. But he crushed the momentary232 weakness that came over him. “My dear, my dear,” he murmured, huskily, “have I made you weep so soon? Have I failed you tonight of all nights when you needed me most? Did you think I didn’t care—that I didn’t want you! Do you think it was easy for me to go from the heaven of your arms to a hell of loneliness under those cursed stars? God knows it was hard—as hard as it is for me to say what I’ve got to say to you now.” And with characteristic directness he told her plainly the course he had decided233.
At first she did not seem to understand, then as she grasped the meaning of his words a cry of terror burst from her. “You can’t go—you can’t, you can’t. Oh, Gervas, stay with me, don’t leave me! If you go you’ll never come back and I—” she shuddered, horribly, and her frenzied voice sank to an agonised whisper. “He’ll kill you. Gervas, he’ll kill you!”
“Pray God, I don’t kill him,” he retorted, grimly, and with gentle force he unloosened the tightly clasped arms that were locked about his neck. “I’ve got to go, dear,” he said, steadily, “it’s the only thing I can do.” And unable to bear the sound of her passionate weeping he turned away. But with a wail of anguish234 she leaped to her feet, striving with all her strength to hold him.
“Gervas, Gervas, don’t leave me like that—tell me you love me, tell me you’ll come back to me—”
For a long moment his lips clung to hers, then he laid her on the bed. “You know I love you, Marny,” he answered, “it is because I love you that I am going back to Algiers.” There was a note of intense sadness in his voice that made her bury her face in the pillow to stifle98 the sobs235 that were fast growing beyond control, but there was also in it a ring of finality that made further pleading impossible. Nothing she could say would move him. His will was stronger than hers and she knew that, despite the love and consideration that henceforward would make possession so different, she had but exchanged one master for another.
When she raised her head again she was alone and she started up, trembling with dread, listening till her ears ached that she might hear the last sound of his voice. But there was only silence in the adjoining room and, driven by an irresistible236 impulse, she fled through the communicating curtains. The loose entrance flap was only partially237 closed and, screened by the looped-back draperies she waited scarcely breathing, straining her eyes through the gloom, praying that she might see him once more.
And when he came it was only a momentary glimpse, a fleeting238 impression of two shadowy horsemen who flashed past the tent to vanish in the darkness beyond as though they had never been, and sobbingly239 she stumbled back to the inner room, flinging herself in a passion of tears on the bed where she had wept throughout the lonely hours of the night. She did not question his action, it was enough for her that he had done what he thought best. And there was no bitterness in her grief. Selfless, she did not think of herself. It was only of him she was thinking, only for him she was agonising. The brutal49 strength she knew by terrible experience, the savage unbridled nature she had learned so thoroughly—what would he do? What ghastly tragedy would ensue from the meeting of these two men so strangely opposite, so strangely linked by a common desire? Tortured by horrible imaginings, mad with fear, she writhed240 in mental anguish that took from her all power of reasoning, and tossing to and fro on the soft bed that still gave no rest to her aching limbs, she wept until she had no more tears, until exhausted she fell asleep.
It was mid-day before she woke. The room was filled with light, hot with the vertical241 rays of the sun blazing down on the roof of the tent. Slipping from the bed she stood for a moment holding her throbbing head between her hands, then moved languidly towards the dressing table. At the further end of the room she found a little bathroom, Spartan-like in its appointments but containing all that was needful and half-an-hour later, bathed and refreshed, she went listlessly into the living room.
As she came through the curtain, Hosein, who was squatting242 on his heels by the doorway, rose to his feet with a deep salaam. And listening to his low-voiced inquiry243 whether it was her pleasure to eat, she wondered how long he had been waiting there, wondered what lay behind his inscrutable face and suave244 deferential245 manner. She had learned from Carew last night of his Arab servant’s devotion, and of the confidence that existed between them, and his presence now gave her a curious feeling of reassurance. She knew without being told that Carew must have left her in his keeping, knew also that Hosein must be perfectly aware of the reason of his master’s absence, and his calm demeanour and untroubled expression seemed insensibly to soothe11 her own agitation246 of mind. But when the meal which had appeared with almost magical quickness was finished, when Hosein had gone again and she was alone once more, the temporary courage that had come to her faded as new doubts and fears crowded in upon her more overwhelmingly than before. How could she rest! How could she bear the torture of long hours of waiting—waiting that might never end!
And mingling247 with the present agony came the memory of past suffering. Why had the way of life been made so difficult for her? To what end the misery she had endured? Was it that through sorrow and pain she might attain248 to a greater perfection hereafter? Her lips quivered. The goal had been too high for her endeavour. Her faith had not been strong enough to trust only in the Divine Comforter. In her despair she had turned to earthly consolation, and the clamouring of her starved heart had driven her into the arms of the man who loved her. And stronger than she, he had striven to save her from the consequences of her weakness. But she had tempted249 him—tempted him with her fear, tempted him with her threat of suicide. Why didn’t he hate her for the vile250 despicable thing she was! Gervas! Gervas! Cold and shivering, tortured with suspense, unconscious of the passing hours, she huddled251 on the divan, hoping, despairing, until concrete thought became at last impossible, until all her senses seemed merged252 into one dominant perception as she lay listening, listening for the soft thud of galloping hoofs.
And in the end, it was no actual sound that roused her, but an instinctive253 intuition, an indefinite something penetrating254 to her brain that sent her flying with shaking limbs and palpitating heart to the open doorway.
The sun was setting and every detail of the rosy-tinged landscape stood out in sharp and clear relief. But her wild dilated255 eyes saw nothing of the peaceful beauty of her surroundings as she waited, sick with apprehension for the moment that should determine her fate.
The camp was curiously silent. There was no sign of life, nothing to impede256 her view except the odd blur257 that came over her eyes at intervals258. How long she stood there she never knew. One thought only held her motionless, one question that her pallid259 lips repeated monotonously260. Which—which?
And then, quite suddenly, she knew—knew even before the three swift moving horses swept into sight from behind the angle of jutting261 rocks that framed the entrance to the little valley. Faint with the shock of relief she clung to the curtains for support, watching them gallop towards the tent as though the hounds of hell were at their heels. Why were there three? Only one attendant had gone with him. And the horseman who rode so closely behind was no Arab. Her heart seemed to miss a beat as she recognised the slim little figure whose crouching262 seat in the saddle was so familiar to her. Oh, God, what had happened! Why was Tanner with him!
But she had no time for reflection. She saw the foam263 flecked black horse, savage and intractable still in spite of the punishing ride, race to the very entrance of the tent; saw his rider drag him, screaming and fighting, to a standstill. Then as Carew leaped to the ground, an overmastering panic seized her and she shrank back into the room wide eyed and trembling.
He came through the doorway slowly, reeling slightly as he walked, and took her into his arms without a word. His face was grey with dust and fatigue and there was a strangeness in his manner that forced utterance from her.
“Geradine—” The fearful whisper was barely audible, but he heard it and his arms tightened round her with a quick convulsive movement.
“Dead,” he said tensely.
She did not flinch264 from him but her face went ghastly and a terrible shudder56 passed through her.
“Not you, oh, Gervas, not you?” she breathed, imploringly265.
His tired eyes looked into hers with infinite tenderness, infinite understanding.
“No, thank God, it was not I,” he said quietly. “Malec killed him. They killed each other. Tanner found them when he went back to the house early the next morning. The other servants had cleared out—the place was empty. I can’t tell you any more, dear. It’s too—beastly.”
She was leaning weakly against him, her face hidden in his robes, shivering from head to foot. And as he broke off abruptly, she shuddered closer to him, clutching at his burnous with shaking fingers.
“Was it my fault—was it our fault?” she gasped, with a ring of horror in her voice.
“No,” he answered, almost violently, “it was his own fault. He brought it on himself. But he’s dead, poor devil, and God knows I haven’t the right to judge him.”
He held her silently for a moment, then the strained rigidity266 of his features relaxed and a great gladness dawned in his eyes as he stooped his tall head to the soft curls lying on his breast.
“Marny,” he whispered, impellently, “Marny—my wife!” And with a little cry that was love and trust and joy unutterable, she lifted her tear wet face and yielded her lips to his.
The End
The End
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1
guise
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| n.外表，伪装的姿态 | |
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concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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4
wary
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| adj.谨慎的，机警的，小心的 | |
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bridle
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| n.笼头，束缚；vt.抑制，约束；动怒 | |
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affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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courageous
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| adj.勇敢的，有胆量的 | |
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9
villa
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| n.别墅，城郊小屋 | |
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10
soothed
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| v.安慰( soothe的过去式和过去分词 )；抚慰；使舒服；减轻痛苦 | |
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11
soothe
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| v.安慰；使平静；使减轻；缓和；奉承 | |
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12
consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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13
tangible
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| adj.有形的，可触摸的，确凿的，实际的 | |
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deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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15
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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16
obsessed
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| adj.心神不宁的,鬼迷心窍的,沉迷的 | |
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17
implicit
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| a.暗示的，含蓄的，不明晰的，绝对的 | |
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18
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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19
swerved
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| v.（使）改变方向，改变目的( swerve的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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20
lessen
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| vt.减少，减轻；缩小 | |
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21
detour
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| n.绕行的路，迂回路；v.迂回，绕道 | |
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villas
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| 别墅，公馆( villa的名词复数 )； （城郊）住宅 | |
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enveloping
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| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的现在分词 ) | |
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apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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gallop
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| v./n.(马或骑马等)飞奔；飞速发展 | |
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galloping
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| adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式 | |
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27
hoofs
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| n.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的名词复数 )v.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的第三人称单数 ) | |
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28
frantic
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| adj.狂乱的，错乱的，激昂的 | |
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frantically
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| ad.发狂地, 发疯地 | |
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30
chestnut
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| n.栗树，栗子 | |
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31
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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32
squeal
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| v.发出长而尖的声音；n.长而尖的声音 | |
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33
defiance
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| n.挑战，挑衅，蔑视，违抗 | |
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34
clattered
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| 发出咔哒声（clatter的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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cowardice
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| n.胆小，怯懦 | |
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36
miserably
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| adv.痛苦地；悲惨地；糟糕地；极度地 | |
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37
regain
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| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
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physically
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| adj.物质上，体格上，身体上，按自然规律 | |
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dominant
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| adj.支配的，统治的；占优势的；显性的；n.主因，要素，主要的人(或物)；显性基因 | |
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40
disillusioned
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| a.不再抱幻想的，大失所望的，幻想破灭的 | |
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bondage
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| n.奴役，束缚 | |
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42
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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43
wreak
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| v.发泄；报复 | |
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44
inflicted
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| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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45
succumbed
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| 不再抵抗（诱惑、疾病、攻击等）( succumb的过去式和过去分词 )； 屈从； 被压垮； 死 | |
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46
savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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47
bestial
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| adj.残忍的；野蛮的 | |
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48
brutality
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| n.野蛮的行为，残忍，野蛮 | |
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49
brutal
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| adj.残忍的，野蛮的，不讲理的 | |
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50
culmination
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| n.顶点；最高潮 | |
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51
foulness
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| n. 纠缠, 卑鄙 | |
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52
scorched
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| 烧焦，烤焦( scorch的过去式和过去分词 )； 使（植物）枯萎，把…晒枯； 高速行驶； 枯焦 | |
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53
caressed
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| 爱抚或抚摸…( caress的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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54
shudderingly
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55
shuddering
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| v.战栗( shudder的现在分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
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56
shudder
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| v.战粟，震动，剧烈地摇晃；n.战粟，抖动 | |
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57
banish
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| vt.放逐，驱逐；消除，排除 | |
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58
perspiration
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| n.汗水；出汗 | |
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59
hideous
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| adj.丑陋的，可憎的，可怕的，恐怖的 | |
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60
drooping
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| adj. 下垂的，无力的 动词droop的现在分词 | |
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61
fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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62
desperately
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| adv.极度渴望地，绝望地，孤注一掷地 | |
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63
reined
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| 勒缰绳使（马）停步( rein的过去式和过去分词 )； 驾驭； 严格控制； 加强管理 | |
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64
sob
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| n.空间轨道的轰炸机；呜咽，哭泣 | |
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65
gasped
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| v.喘气( gasp的过去式和过去分词 )；喘息；倒抽气；很想要 | |
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66
tighten
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| v.(使)变紧；(使)绷紧 | |
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67
tightened
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| 收紧( tighten的过去式和过去分词 )； （使）变紧； （使）绷紧； 加紧 | |
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68
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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69
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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70
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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71
collapse
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| vi.累倒；昏倒；倒塌；塌陷 | |
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72
heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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73
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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74
salaam
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| n.额手之礼，问安，敬礼；v.行额手礼 | |
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75
dweller
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| n.居住者，住客 | |
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76
wilderness
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| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
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77
longingly
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| adv. 渴望地 热望地 | |
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78
longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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79
dishonour
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| n./vt.拒付（支票、汇票、票据等）；vt.凌辱，使丢脸；n.不名誉，耻辱，不光彩 | |
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80
smother
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| vt./vi.使窒息；抑制；闷死；n.浓烟；窒息 | |
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81
winced
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| 赶紧避开，畏缩( wince的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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82
sweeping
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| adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的 | |
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83
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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84
fretting
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| n. 微振磨损 adj. 烦躁的, 焦虑的 | |
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85
demur
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| v．表示异议，反对 | |
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86
exhaustion
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| n.耗尽枯竭，疲惫，筋疲力尽，竭尽，详尽无遗的论述 | |
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87
poignantly
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88
perilously
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| adv.充满危险地，危机四伏地 | |
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89
tightening
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| 上紧，固定，紧密 | |
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90
galloped
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| （使马）飞奔，奔驰( gallop的过去式和过去分词 )； 快速做[说]某事 | |
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91
proximity
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| n.接近，邻近 | |
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92
ecstasy
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| n.狂喜，心醉神怡，入迷 | |
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93
bruised
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| [医]青肿的，瘀紫的 | |
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94
appalling
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| adj.骇人听闻的，令人震惊的，可怕的 | |
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95
compensate
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| vt.补偿，赔偿；酬报 vi.弥补；补偿；抵消 | |
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96
wrecked
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| adj.失事的，遇难的 | |
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97
stifled
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| （使）窒息， （使）窒闷( stifle的过去式和过去分词 )； 镇压，遏制； 堵 | |
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98
stifle
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| vt.使窒息；闷死；扼杀；抑止，阻止 | |
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99
fervent
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| adj.热的，热烈的，热情的 | |
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100
loathe
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| v.厌恶，嫌恶 | |
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101
symbolical
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| a.象征性的 | |
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102
exultation
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| n.狂喜，得意 | |
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103
craved
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| 渴望，热望( crave的过去式 )； 恳求，请求 | |
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104
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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105
gallantly
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| adv. 漂亮地，勇敢地，献殷勤地 | |
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106
boulders
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| n.卵石( boulder的名词复数 )；巨砾；（受水或天气侵蚀而成的）巨石；漂砾 | |
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107
laboriously
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| adv.艰苦地；费力地；辛勤地；（文体等）佶屈聱牙地 | |
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108
distended
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| v.（使）膨胀，肿胀( distend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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109
nostrils
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| 鼻孔( nostril的名词复数 ) | |
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110
banking
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| n.银行业，银行学，金融业 | |
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111
crimson
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| n./adj.深(绯)红色(的)；vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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112
desolate
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| adj.荒凉的，荒芜的；孤独的，凄凉的；v.使荒芜，使孤寂 | |
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113
grandeur
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| n.伟大，崇高，宏伟，庄严，豪华 | |
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114
throbbing
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| a. 跳动的,悸动的 | |
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115
advent
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| n.(重要事件等的)到来，来临 | |
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116
reins
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| 感情，激情； 缰( rein的名词复数 )； 控制手段； 掌管； （成人带着幼儿走路以防其走失时用的）保护带 | |
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117
scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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118
sobbing
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| <主方>Ⅰ adj.湿透的 | |
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119
shuddered
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| v.战栗( shudder的过去式和过去分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
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120
discreetly
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| ad.(言行)审慎地，慎重地 | |
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121
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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122
imperturbable
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| adj.镇静的 | |
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123
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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124
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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125
murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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126
hazardous
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| adj.(有)危险的，冒险的；碰运气的 | |
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127
softened
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| （使）变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
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128
peremptoriness
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| n.专横，强制，武断 | |
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129
crooked
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| adj.弯曲的；不诚实的，狡猾的，不正当的 | |
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130
drowsiness
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| n.睡意；嗜睡 | |
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131
enveloped
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| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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132
propped
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| 支撑，支持，维持( prop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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133
inhaling
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| v.吸入( inhale的现在分词 ) | |
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134
vaguely
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| adv.含糊地，暖昧地 | |
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135
divan
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| n.长沙发；（波斯或其他东方诗人的）诗集 | |
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136
costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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137
belongings
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| n.私人物品，私人财物 | |
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138
intimacy
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| n.熟悉，亲密，密切关系，亲昵的言行 | |
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139
penetrate
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| v.透(渗)入；刺入，刺穿；洞察，了解 | |
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140
shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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141
bray
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| n.驴叫声, 喇叭声；v.驴叫 | |
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142
monotonous
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| adj.单调的，一成不变的，使人厌倦的 | |
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143
whine
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| v.哀号，号哭；n.哀鸣 | |
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144
mechanism
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| n.机械装置；机构，结构 | |
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145
unfamiliar
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| adj.陌生的，不熟悉的 | |
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146
converge
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| vi.会合；聚集，集中；(思想、观点等)趋近 | |
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147
rapture
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| n.狂喜；全神贯注；着迷；v.使狂喜 | |
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148
dressing
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| n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料 | |
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149
curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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150
wrestled
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| v.（与某人）搏斗( wrestle的过去式和过去分词 )；扭成一团；扭打；（与…）摔跤 | |
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151
ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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152
passionate
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的 | |
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153
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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154
conclusively
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| adv.令人信服地，确凿地 | |
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155
blot
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| vt.弄脏（用吸墨纸）吸干；n.污点，污渍 | |
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156
dreaded
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| 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) | |
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157
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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158
helping
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| n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的 | |
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159
stiffen
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| v.(使)硬，(使)变挺，(使)变僵硬 | |
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160
awning
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| n.遮阳篷；雨篷 | |
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161
vibrant
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| adj.震颤的，响亮的，充满活力的，精力充沛的，(色彩)鲜明的 | |
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162
brute
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| n.野兽，兽性 | |
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163
remorsefully
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| adv.极为懊悔地 | |
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164
furtive
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| adj.鬼鬼崇崇的，偷偷摸摸的 | |
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165
augmenting
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| 使扩张 | |
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166
constraint
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| n.(on)约束，限制；限制(或约束)性的事物 | |
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167
emphasise
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| vt.加强...的语气，强调，着重 | |
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168
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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169
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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170
utterance
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| n.用言语表达，话语，言语 | |
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171
resolutely
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| adj.坚决地，果断地 | |
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172
strictly
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| adv.严厉地，严格地；严密地 | |
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173
twilight
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| n.暮光，黄昏；暮年，晚期，衰落时期 | |
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174
infinitely
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| adv.无限地，无穷地 | |
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175
dependence
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| n.依靠，依赖；信任，信赖；隶属 | |
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176
mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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177
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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178
doorway
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| n.门口，(喻)入门；门路，途径 | |
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179
vexed
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| adj.争论不休的；（指问题等）棘手的；争论不休的问题；烦恼的v.使烦恼( vex的过去式和过去分词 )；使苦恼；使生气；详细讨论 | |
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180
reticence
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| n.沉默，含蓄 | |
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181
squatted
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| v.像动物一样蹲下( squat的过去式和过去分词 )；非法擅自占用（土地或房屋）；为获得其所有权；而占用某片公共用地。 | |
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182
lighting
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| n.照明，光线的明暗，舞台灯光 | |
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183
punctuated
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| v.（在文字中）加标点符号，加标点( punctuate的过去式和过去分词 )；不时打断某事物 | |
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184
lengthy
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| adj.漫长的，冗长的 | |
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185
distrait
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| adj.心不在焉的 | |
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186
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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187
resounded
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| v.（指声音等）回荡于某处( resound的过去式和过去分词 )；产生回响；（指某处）回荡着声音 | |
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188
picketed
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| 用尖桩围住（picket的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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189
wail
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| vt./vi.大声哀号，恸哭；呼啸，尖啸 | |
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190
passionately
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| ad.热烈地，激烈地 | |
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191
clenching
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| v.紧握，抓紧，咬紧( clench的现在分词 ) | |
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192
reassurance
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| n.使放心，使消除疑虑 | |
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193
scowling
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| 怒视，生气地皱眉( scowl的现在分词 ) | |
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194
spasm
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| n.痉挛，抽搐；一阵发作 | |
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195
jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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196
misty
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| adj.雾蒙蒙的，有雾的 | |
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197
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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198
justified
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| a.正当的，有理的 | |
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199
intoxicating
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| a. 醉人的,使人兴奋的 | |
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200
fragrant
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| adj.芬香的，馥郁的，愉快的 | |
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201
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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202
misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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203
yearningly
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| 怀念地，思慕地，同情地； 渴 | |
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204
gasping
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| adj. 气喘的, 痉挛的 动词gasp的现在分词 | |
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205
wrenched
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| v.（猛力地）扭( wrench的过去式和过去分词 )；扭伤；使感到痛苦；使悲痛 | |
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206
frail
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| adj.身体虚弱的；易损坏的 | |
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207
languorous
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| adj.怠惰的，没精打采的 | |
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208
groan
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| vi./n.呻吟，抱怨；(发出)呻吟般的声音 | |
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209
scruple
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| n./v.顾忌，迟疑 | |
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210
subdue
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| vt.制服，使顺从，征服；抑制，克制 | |
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211
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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212
tempting
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| a.诱人的, 吸引人的 | |
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213
flickering
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| adj.闪烁的，摇曳的，一闪一闪的 | |
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214
repulse
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| n.击退，拒绝；vt.逐退，击退，拒绝 | |
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215
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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216
abated
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| 减少( abate的过去式和过去分词 )； 减去； 降价； 撤消（诉讼） | |
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217
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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218
acceding
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| v.（正式）加入( accede的现在分词 )；答应；（通过财产的添附而）增加；开始任职 | |
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219
frenzied
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| a.激怒的；疯狂的 | |
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220
implored
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| 恳求或乞求（某人）( implore的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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221
extenuating
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| adj.使减轻的，情有可原的v.（用偏袒的辩解或借口）减轻( extenuate的现在分词 )；低估，藐视 | |
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222
gloss
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| n.光泽，光滑；虚饰；注释；vt.加光泽于；掩饰 | |
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223
deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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224
forfeit
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| vt.丧失；n.罚金，罚款，没收物 | |
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225
avenge
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| v.为...复仇，为...报仇 | |
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226
hissed
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| 发嘶嘶声( hiss的过去式和过去分词 )； 发嘘声表示反对 | |
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227
clenched
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| v.紧握，抓紧，咬紧( clench的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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228
anticipation
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| n.预期，预料，期望 | |
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229
primitive
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| adj.原始的；简单的；n.原(始)人，原始事物 | |
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230
lessened
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| 减少的，减弱的 | |
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231
suspense
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| n.（对可能发生的事）紧张感，担心，挂虑 | |
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232
momentary
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| adj.片刻的，瞬息的；短暂的 | |
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233
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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234
anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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235
sobs
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| 啜泣（声），呜咽（声）( sob的名词复数 ) | |
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236
irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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237
partially
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| adv.部分地，从某些方面讲 | |
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238
fleeting
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| adj.短暂的，飞逝的 | |
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239
sobbingly
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| 啜泣地，呜咽地，抽抽噎噎地 | |
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240
writhed
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| （因极度痛苦而）扭动或翻滚( writhe的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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241
vertical
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| adj.垂直的，顶点的，纵向的；n.垂直物，垂直的位置 | |
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242
squatting
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| v.像动物一样蹲下( squat的现在分词 )；非法擅自占用（土地或房屋）；为获得其所有权；而占用某片公共用地。 | |
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243
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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244
suave
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| adj.温和的；柔和的；文雅的 | |
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245
deferential
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| adj. 敬意的，恭敬的 | |
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246
agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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247
mingling
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| adj.混合的 | |
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248
attain
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| vt.达到，获得，完成 | |
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249
tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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250
vile
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| adj.卑鄙的，可耻的，邪恶的；坏透的 | |
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251
huddled
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| 挤在一起（huddle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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252
merged
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| （使）混合( merge的过去式和过去分词 )； 相融； 融入； 渐渐消失在某物中 | |
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253
instinctive
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| adj.(出于)本能的；直觉的；(出于)天性的 | |
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254
penetrating
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| adj.（声音）响亮的，尖锐的adj.（气味）刺激的adj.（思想）敏锐的，有洞察力的 | |
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255
dilated
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| 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 ) | |
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256
impede
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| v.妨碍，阻碍，阻止 | |
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257
blur
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| n.模糊不清的事物；vt.使模糊，使看不清楚 | |
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258
intervals
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| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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259
pallid
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| adj.苍白的，呆板的 | |
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260
monotonously
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| adv.单调地，无变化地 | |
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261
jutting
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| v.（使）突出( jut的现在分词 )；伸出；（从…）突出；高出 | |
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262
crouching
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| v.屈膝，蹲伏( crouch的现在分词 ) | |
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263
foam
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| v./n.泡沫，起泡沫 | |
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264
flinch
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| v.畏缩，退缩 | |
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265
imploringly
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| adv. 恳求地, 哀求地 | |
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266
rigidity
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| adj.钢性，坚硬 | |
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