207 Nobody talked much, but as the time drew very near, and they sat waiting for the carriage, Mrs. March said to the girls, who were all busied about her, one folding her shawl, another smoothing out the strings5 of her bonnet, a third putting on her overshoes, and a fourth fastening up her travelling bag,—
"Children, I leave you to Hannah's care and Mr. Laurence's protection. Hannah is faithfulness itself, and our good neighbor will guard you as if you were his own. I have no fears for you, yet I am anxious that you should take this trouble rightly. Don't grieve and fret6 when I am gone, or think that you can comfort yourselves by being idle and trying to forget. Go on with your work as usual, for work is a blessed solace7. Hope and keep busy; and whatever happens, remember that you never can be fatherless."
"Yes, mother."
"Meg, dear, be prudent8, watch over your sisters, consult Hannah, and, in any perplexity, go to Mr. Laurence. Be patient, Jo, don't get despondent9 or do rash things; write to me often, and be my brave girl, ready to help and cheer us all. Beth, comfort yourself with your music, and be faithful to the little home duties; and you, Amy, help all you can, be obedient, and keep happy safe at home."
"We will, mother! we will!"
The rattle10 of an approaching carriage made them all start and listen. That was the hard minute, but the girls stood it well: no one cried, no one ran away or uttered a lamentation11, though their hearts were very heavy as they sent loving messages to father, remembering, as they spoke12, that it might be too late to deliver them. They kissed their mother quietly, clung about her tenderly, and tried to wave their hands cheerfully when she drove away.
Laurie and his grandfather came over to see her off, and Mr. Brooke looked so strong and sensible and kind that the girls christened him "Mr. Greatheart" on the spot.
"Good-by, my darlings! God bless and keep us all!" whispered Mrs. March, as she kissed one dear little face after the other, and hurried into the carriage.
As she rolled away, the sun came out, and, looking back, she saw it shining on the group at the gate, like a good omen13. They saw it 208 also, and smiled and waved their hands; and the last thing she beheld14, as she turned the corner, was the four bright faces, and behind them, like a body-guard, old Mr. Laurence, faithful Hannah, and devoted15 Laurie.
She rolled away
"How kind every one is to us!" she said, turning to find fresh proof of it in the respectful sympathy of the young man's face.
"I don't see how they can help it," returned Mr. Brooke, laughing so infectiously that Mrs. March could not help smiling; and so the long journey began with the good omens16 of sunshine, smiles, and cheerful words.
"I feel as if there had been an earthquake," said Jo, as their neighbors went home to breakfast, leaving them to rest and refresh themselves.
"It seems as if half the house was gone," added Meg forlornly.
Beth opened her lips to say something, but could only point to the pile of nicely-mended hose which lay on mother's table, showing that even in her last hurried moments she had thought and worked for them. It was a little thing, but it went straight to their hearts; and, in spite of their brave resolutions, they all broke down, and cried bitterly.
209 Hannah wisely allowed them to relieve their feelings, and, when the shower showed signs of clearing up, she came to the rescue, armed with a coffee-pot.
"Now, my dear young ladies, remember what your ma said, and don't fret. Come and have a cup of coffee all round, and then let's fall to work, and be a credit to the family."
Coffee was a treat, and Hannah showed great tact17 in making it that morning. No one could resist her persuasive18 nods, or the fragrant19 invitation issuing from the nose of the coffee-pot. They drew up to the table, exchanged their handkerchiefs for napkins, and in ten minutes were all right again.
"'Hope and keep busy;' that's the motto for us, so let's see who will remember it best. I shall go to Aunt March, as usual. Oh, won't she lecture though!" said Jo, as she sipped20 with returning spirit.
"I shall go to my Kings, though I'd much rather stay at home and attend to things here," said Meg, wishing she hadn't made her eyes so red.
"Hannah will tell us what to do; and we'll have everything nice when you come home," added Beth, getting out her mop and dish-tub without delay.
The girls couldn't help laughing, and felt better for it, though Meg shook her head at the young lady who could find consolation23 in a sugar-bowl.
The sight of the turn-overs made Jo sober again; and when the two went out to their daily tasks, they looked sorrowfully back at the window where they were accustomed to see their mother's face. It was gone; but Beth had remembered the little household ceremony, and there she was, nodding away at them like a rosy-faced mandarin24.
"That's so like my Beth!" said Jo, waving her hat, with a grateful face. "Good-by, Meggy; I hope the Kings won't train to-day. Don't fret about father, dear," she added, as they parted.
"And I hope Aunt March won't croak25. Your hair is becoming, 210 and it looks very boyish and nice," returned Meg, trying not to smile at the curly head, which looked comically small on her tall sister's shoulders.
"That's my only comfort;" and, touching26 her hat à la Laurie, away went Jo, feeling like a shorn sheep on a wintry day.
News from their father comforted the girls very much; for, though dangerously ill, the presence of the best and tenderest of nurses had already done him good. Mr. Brooke sent a bulletin every day, and, as the head of the family, Meg insisted on reading the despatches, which grew more and more cheering as the week passed. At first, every one was eager to write, and plump envelopes were carefully poked27 into the letter-box by one or other of the sisters, who felt rather important with their Washington correspondence. As one of these packets contained characteristic notes from the party, we will rob an imaginary mail, and read them:—
"My Dearest Mother,—
"It is impossible to tell you how happy your last letter made us, for the news was so good we couldn't help laughing and crying over it. How very kind Mr. Brooke is, and how fortunate that Mr. Laurence's business detains him near you so long, since he is so useful to you and father. The girls are all as good as gold. Jo helps me with the sewing, and insists on doing all sorts of hard jobs. I should be afraid she might overdo28, if I didn't know that her 'moral fit' wouldn't last long. Beth is as regular about her tasks as a clock, and never forgets what you told her. She grieves about father, and looks sober except when she is at her little piano. Amy minds me nicely, and I take great care of her. She does her own hair, and I am teaching her to make button-holes and mend her stockings. She tries very hard, and I know you will be pleased with her improvement when you come. Mr. Laurence watches over us like a motherly old hen, as Jo says; and Laurie is very kind and neighborly. He and Jo keep us merry, for we get pretty blue sometimes, and feel like orphans29, with you so far away. Hannah is a perfect saint; she does not scold at all, and always calls me Miss 'Margaret,' which is quite proper, you know, and treats me with respect. We are all well and 211 busy; but we long, day and night, to have you back. Give my dearest love to father, and believe me, ever your own
"Meg."
This note, prettily30 written on scented31 paper, was a great contrast to the next, which was scribbled32 on a big sheet of thin foreign paper, ornamented33 with blots34 and all manner of flourishes and curly-tailed letters:—
"My Precious Marmee,—
"Three cheers for dear father! Brooke was a trump35 to telegraph right off, and let us know the minute he was better. I rushed up garret when the letter came, and tried to thank God for being so good to us; but I could only cry, and say, 'I'm glad! I'm glad!' Didn't that do as well as a regular prayer? for I felt a great many in my heart. We have such funny times; and now I can enjoy them, for every one is so desperately36 good, it's like living in a nest of turtle-doves. You'd laugh to see Meg head the table and try to be motherish. She gets prettier every day, and I'm in love with her sometimes. The children are regular archangels, and I—well, I'm Jo, and never shall be anything else. Oh, I must tell you that I came near having a quarrel with Laurie. I freed my mind about a silly little thing, and he was offended. I was right, but didn't speak as I ought, and he marched home, saying he wouldn't come again till I begged pardon. I declared I wouldn't, and got mad. It lasted all day; I felt bad, and wanted you very much. Laurie and I are both so proud, it's hard to beg pardon; but I thought he'd come to it, for I was in the right. He didn't come; and just at night I remembered what you said when Amy fell into the river. I read my little book, felt better, resolved not to let the sun set on my anger, and ran over to tell Laurie I was sorry. I met him at the gate, coming for the same thing. We both laughed, begged each other's pardon, and felt all good and comfortable again.
"I made a 'pome' yesterday, when I was helping37 Hannah wash; and, as father likes my silly little things, I put it in to amuse him. Give him the lovingest hug that ever was, and kiss yourself a dozen times for your
"Topsy-Turvy Jo."
212
"A SONG FROM THE SUDS.
"Queen of my tub, I merrily sing,
And fasten the clothes to dry;
Then out in the free fresh air they swing,
Under the sunny sky.
"I wish we could wash from our hearts and souls
The stains of the week away,
And let water and air by their magic make
Ourselves as pure as they;
Then on the earth there would be indeed
A glorious washing-day!
"Along the path of a useful life,
Will heart's-ease ever bloom;
The busy mind has no time to think
Of sorrow or care or gloom;
And anxious thoughts may be swept away,
"I am glad a task to me is given,
For it brings me health and strength and hope,
And I cheerfully learn to say,—
'Head, you may think, Heart, you may feel,
But, Hand, you shall work alway!'"
I wind the clock
"Dear Mother,—
"There is only room for me to send my love, and some pressed pansies from the root I have been keeping safe in the house for father to see. I read every morning, try to be good all day, and sing myself to sleep with father's tune43. I can't sing 'Land of the Leal' now; it makes me cry. Every one is very kind, and we are as happy as we can be without you. Amy wants the rest of the page, so I must stop. I didn't forget to cover the holders44, and I wind the clock and air the rooms every day.
"Kiss dear father on the cheek he calls mine. Oh, do come soon to your loving
"Little Beth."
213
"Ma Chere Mamma,—
"We are all well I do my lessons always and never corroberate the girls—Meg says I mean contradick so I put in both words and you can take the properest. Meg is a great comfort to me and lets me have jelly every night at tea its so good for me Jo says because it keeps me sweet tempered. Laurie is not as respeckful as he ought to be now I am almost in my teens, he calls me Chick and hurts my feelings by talking French to me very fast when I say Merci or Bon jour as Hattie King does. The sleeves of my blue dress were all worn out, and Meg put in new ones, but the full front came wrong and they are more blue than the dress. I felt bad but did not fret I bear my troubles well but I do wish Hannah would put more starch45 in my aprons46 and have buckwheats every day. Can't she? Didn't I make that interrigation point nice? Meg says my punchtuation and spelling are disgraceful and I am mortyfied but dear me I have so many things to do, I can't stop. Adieu, I send heaps of love to Papa.
"Your affectionate daughter,
"Amy Curtis March."
Yours Respectful, Hannah Mullet
"Dear Mis March,—
"I jes drop a line to say we git on fust rate. The girls is clever and fly round right smart. Miss Meg is going to make a proper good 214 housekeeper47; she hes the liking48 for it, and gits the hang of things surprisin quick. Jo doos beat all for goin ahead, but she don't stop to cal'k'late fust, and you never know where she's like to bring up. She done out a tub of clothes on Monday, but she starched49 'em afore they was wrenched50, and blued a pink calico dress till I thought I should a died a laughin. Beth is the best of little creeters, and a sight of help to me, bein so forehanded and dependable. She tries to learn everything, and really goes to market beyond her years; likewise keeps accounts, with my help, quite wonderful. We have got on very economical so fur; I don't let the girls hev coffee only once a week, accordin to your wish, and keep em on plain wholesome51 vittles. Amy does well about frettin, wearin her best clothes and eatin sweet stuff. Mr. Laurie is as full of didoes as usual, and turns the house upside down frequent; but he heartens up the girls, and so I let em hev full swing. The old gentleman sends heaps of things, and is rather wearin, but means wal, and it aint my place to say nothin. My bread is riz, so no more at this time. I send my duty to Mr. March, and hope he's seen the last of his Pewmonia.
"Yours Respectful,
"Hannah Mullet."
"All serene53 on the Rappahannock, troops in fine condition, commissary department well conducted, the Home Guard under Colonel Teddy always on duty, Commander-in-chief General Laurence reviews the army daily, Quartermaster Mullett keeps order in camp, and Major 215 Lion does picket54 duty at night. A salute55 of twenty-four guns was fired on receipt of good news from Washington, and a dress parade took place at head-quarters. Commander-in-chief sends best wishes, in which he is heartily56 joined by
"Colonel Teddy."
"Dear Madam,—
"The little girls are all well; Beth and my boy report daily; Hannah is a model servant, and guards pretty Meg like a dragon. Glad the fine weather holds; pray make Brooke useful, and draw on me for funds if expenses exceed your estimate. Don't let your husband want anything. Thank God he is mending.
"Your sincere friend and servant,
"James Laurence."
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1
bustle
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| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
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unnatural
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| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
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bonnet
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| n.无边女帽；童帽 | |
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sleeplessness
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| n.失眠，警觉 | |
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strings
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| n.弦 | |
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fret
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| v.(使)烦恼；(使)焦急；(使)腐蚀，(使)磨损 | |
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solace
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| n.安慰；v.使快乐；vt.安慰(物)，缓和 | |
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prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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despondent
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| adj.失望的，沮丧的，泄气的 | |
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rattle
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| v.飞奔，碰响；激怒；n.碰撞声；拨浪鼓 | |
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lamentation
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| n.悲叹，哀悼 | |
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12
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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13
omen
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| n.征兆，预兆；vt.预示 | |
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14
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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15
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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omens
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| n.前兆，预兆( omen的名词复数 ) | |
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tact
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| n.机敏，圆滑，得体 | |
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18
persuasive
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| adj.有说服力的，能说得使人相信的 | |
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19
fragrant
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| adj.芬香的，馥郁的，愉快的 | |
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20
sipped
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| v.小口喝，呷，抿( sip的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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21
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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pensively
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| adv.沉思地，焦虑地 | |
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23
consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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Mandarin
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| n.中国官话，国语，满清官吏；adj.华丽辞藻的 | |
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25
croak
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| vi.嘎嘎叫，发牢骚 | |
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touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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27
poked
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| v.伸出( poke的过去式和过去分词 )；戳出；拨弄；与（某人）性交 | |
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28
overdo
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| vt.把...做得过头，演得过火 | |
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29
orphans
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| 孤儿( orphan的名词复数 ) | |
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30
prettily
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| adv.优美地；可爱地 | |
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31
scented
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| adj.有香味的；洒香水的；有气味的v.嗅到(scent的过去分词) | |
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32
scribbled
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| v.潦草的书写( scribble的过去式和过去分词 )；乱画；草草地写；匆匆记下 | |
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33
ornamented
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| adj.花式字体的v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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34
blots
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| 污渍( blot的名词复数 )； 墨水渍； 错事； 污点 | |
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35
trump
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| n.王牌，法宝；v.打出王牌，吹喇叭 | |
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desperately
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| adv.极度渴望地，绝望地，孤注一掷地 | |
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helping
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| n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的 | |
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foam
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| v./n.泡沫，起泡沫 | |
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39
rinse
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| v.用清水漂洗，用清水冲洗 | |
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40
wring
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| n.扭绞；v.拧，绞出，扭 | |
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41
wield
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| vt.行使，运用，支配；挥，使用(武器等) | |
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42
labor
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| n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦 | |
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43
tune
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| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
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44
holders
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| 支持物( holder的名词复数 )； 持有者； （支票等）持有人； 支托（或握持）…之物 | |
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45
starch
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| n.淀粉；vt.给...上浆 | |
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46
aprons
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| 围裙( apron的名词复数 )； 停机坪，台口（舞台幕前的部份） | |
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47
housekeeper
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| n.管理家务的主妇，女管家 | |
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48
liking
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| n.爱好；嗜好；喜欢 | |
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49
starched
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| adj.浆硬的，硬挺的，拘泥刻板的v.把（衣服、床单等）浆一浆( starch的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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50
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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51
wholesome
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| adj.适合；卫生的；有益健康的；显示身心健康的 | |
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52
ward
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| n.守卫，监护，病房，行政区，由监护人或法院保护的人（尤指儿童）；vt.守护，躲开 | |
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53
serene
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| adj. 安详的，宁静的，平静的 | |
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54
picket
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| n.纠察队；警戒哨；v.设置纠察线；布置警卫 | |
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55
salute
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| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
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56
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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