Polish up the spoons and the fat silver teapot
She had to wash the cups every morning, and polish up the old-fashioned spoons, the fat silver teapot, and the glasses, till they shone. Then she must dust the room, and what a trying job that was! Not a speck5 escaped Aunt March's eye, and all the furniture had claw legs, and much carving6, which was never dusted to suit. Then Polly must be fed, the lap-dog combed, and a dozen trips upstairs and down, to get things, or deliver orders, for the old lady was very lame7, and seldom left her big chair. After these tiresome8 labors9, she must do her lessons, which was a daily trial of every virtue10 she possessed11. Then she was allowed one hour for exercise or play, and didn't she enjoy it? Laurie came every day, and wheedled12 Aunt March, till Amy was allowed to go out with him, when they walked and rode, and had capital times. After dinner, she had to read aloud, and sit still while the old lady slept, which she 236 usually did for an hour, as she dropped off over the first page. Then patchwork13 or towels appeared, and Amy sewed with outward meekness14 and inward rebellion till dusk, when she was allowed to amuse herself as she liked till tea-time. The evenings were the worst of all, for Aunt March fell to telling long stories about her youth, which were so unutterably dull that Amy was always ready to go to bed, intending to cry over her hard fate, but usually going to sleep before she had squeezed out more than a tear or two.
If it had not been for Laurie, and old Esther, the maid, she felt that she never could have got through that dreadful time. The parrot alone was enough to drive her distracted, for he soon felt that she did not admire him, and revenged himself by being as mischievous15 as possible. He pulled her hair whenever she came near him, upset his bread and milk to plague her when she had newly cleaned his cage, made Mop bark by pecking at him while Madam dozed16; called her names before company, and behaved in all respects like a reprehensible17 old bird. Then she could not endure the dog,—a fat, cross beast, who snarled18 and yelped19 at her when she made his toilet, and who lay on his back, with all his legs in the air and a most idiotic20 expression of countenance21 when he wanted something to eat, which was about a dozen times a day. The cook was bad-tempered22, the old coachman deaf, and Esther the only one who ever took any notice of the young lady.
On his back, with all his legs in the air
Esther was a Frenchwoman, who had lived with "Madame," as she called her mistress, for many years, and who rather tyrannized over the old lady, who could not get along without her. Her real 237 name was Estelle, but Aunt March ordered her to change it, and she obeyed, on condition that she was never asked to change her religion. She took a fancy to Mademoiselle, and amused her very much, with odd stories of her life in France, when Amy sat with her while she got up Madame's laces. She also allowed her to roam about the great house, and examine the curious and pretty things stored away in the big wardrobes and the ancient chests; for Aunt March hoarded24 like a magpie25. Amy's chief delight was an Indian cabinet, full of queer drawers, little pigeon-holes, and secret places, in which were kept all sorts of ornaments26, some precious, some merely curious, all more or less antique. To examine and arrange these things gave Amy great satisfaction, especially the jewel-cases, in which, on velvet28 cushions, reposed29 the ornaments which had adorned30 a belle31 forty years ago. There was the garnet set which Aunt March wore when she came out, the pearls her father gave her on her wedding-day, her lover's diamonds, the jet mourning rings and pins, the queer lockets, 238 with portraits of dead friends, and weeping willows32 made of hair inside; the baby bracelets33 her one little daughter had worn; Uncle March's big watch, with the red seal so many childish hands had played with, and in a box, all by itself, lay Aunt March's wedding-ring, too small now for her fat finger, but put carefully away, like the most precious jewel of them all.
I should choose this
"Which would Mademoiselle choose if she had her will?" asked Esther, who always sat near to watch over and lock up the valuables.
"I like the diamonds best, but there is no necklace among them, and I'm fond of necklaces, they are so becoming. I should choose this if I might," replied Amy, looking with great admiration34 at a string of gold and ebony beads35, from which hung a heavy cross of the same.
"I, too, covet36 that, but not as a necklace; ah, no! to me it is a rosary, and as such I should use it like a good Catholic," said Esther, eying the handsome thing wistfully.
"Is it meant to use as you use the string of good-smelling wooden beads hanging over your glass?" asked Amy.
"Truly, yes, to pray with. It would be pleasing to the saints if one used so fine a rosary as this, instead of wearing it as a vain bijou."
"You seem to take a great deal of comfort in your prayers, Esther, and always come down looking quiet and satisfied. I wish I could."
"If Mademoiselle was a Catholic, she would find true comfort; but, as that is not to be, it would be well if you went apart each day, to meditate37 and pray, as did the good mistress whom I served before Madame. She had a little chapel38, and in it found solacement for much trouble."
"Would it be right for me to do so too?" asked Amy, who, in her loneliness, felt the need of help of some sort, and found that she was apt to forget her little book, now that Beth was not there to remind her of it.
"It would be excellent and charming; and I shall gladly arrange the little dressing-room for you if you like it. Say nothing to Madame, but when she sleeps go you and sit alone a while to think good thoughts, and pray the dear God to preserve your sister."
Esther was truly pious39, and quite sincere in her advice; for she 239 had an affectionate heart, and felt much for the sisters in their anxiety. Amy liked the idea, and gave her leave to arrange the light closet next her room, hoping it would do her good.
"I wish I knew where all these pretty things would go when Aunt March dies," she said, as she slowly replaced the shining rosary, and shut the jewel-cases one by one.
"To you and your sisters. I know it; Madame confides40 in me; I witnessed her will, and it is to be so," whispered Esther, smiling.
"How nice! but I wish she'd let us have them now. Pro-cras-ti-nation is not agreeable," observed Amy, taking a last look at the diamonds.
"It is too soon yet for the young ladies to wear these things. The first one who is affianced will have the pearls—Madame has said it; and I have a fancy that the little turquoise41 ring will be given to you when you go, for Madame approves your good behavior and charming manners."
"Do you think so? Oh, I'll be a lamb, if I can only have that lovely ring! It's ever so much prettier than Kitty Bryant's. I do like Aunt March, after all;" and Amy tried on the blue ring with a delighted face, and a firm resolve to earn it.
From that day she was a model of obedience42, and the old lady complacently43 admired the success of her training. Esther fitted up the closet with a little table, placed a footstool before it, and over it a picture taken from one of the shut-up rooms. She thought it was of no great value, but, being appropriate, she borrowed it, well knowing that Madame would never know it, nor care if she did. It was, however, a very valuable copy of one of the famous pictures of the world, and Amy's beauty-loving eyes were never tired of looking up at the sweet face of the divine mother, while tender thoughts of her own were busy at her heart. On the table she laid her little Testament44 and hymn-book, kept a vase always full of the best flowers Laurie brought her, and came every day to "sit alone, thinking good thoughts, and praying the dear God to preserve her sister." Esther had given her a rosary of black beads, with a silver cross, but Amy hung it up and did not use it, feeling doubtful as to its fitness for Protestant prayers.
240 The little girl was very sincere in all this, for, being left alone outside the safe home-nest, she felt the need of some kind hand to hold by so sorely, that she instinctively45 turned to the strong and tender Friend, whose fatherly love most closely surrounds his little children. She missed her mother's help to understand and rule herself, but having been taught where to look, she did her best to find the way, and walk in it confidingly46. But Amy was a young pilgrim, and just now her burden seemed very heavy. She tried to forget herself, to keep cheerful, and be satisfied with doing right, though no one saw or praised her for it. In her first effort at being very, very good, she decided47 to make her will, as Aunt March had done; so that if she did fall ill and die, her possessions might be justly and generously divided. It cost her a pang48 even to think of giving up the little treasures which in her eyes were as precious as the old lady's jewels.
During one of her play-hours she wrote out the important document as well as she could, with some help from Esther as to certain legal terms, and, when the good-natured Frenchwoman had signed her name, Amy felt relieved, and laid it by to show Laurie, whom she wanted as a second witness. As it was a rainy day, she went upstairs to amuse herself in one of the large chambers49, and took Polly with her for company. In this room there was a wardrobe full of old-fashioned costumes, with which Esther allowed her to play, and it was her favorite amusement to array herself in the faded brocades, and parade up and down before the long mirror, making stately courtesies, and sweeping50 her train about, with a rustle51 which delighted her ears. So busy was she on this day that she did not hear Laurie's ring, nor see his face peeping in at her, as she gravely promenaded52 to and fro, flirting53 her fan and tossing her head, on which she wore a great pink turban, contrasting oddly with her blue brocade dress and yellow quilted petticoat. She was obliged to walk carefully, for she had on high-heeled shoes, and, as Laurie told Jo afterward54, it was a comical sight to see her mince55 along in her gay suit, with Polly sidling and bridling56 just behind her, imitating her as well as he could, and occasionally stopping to laugh or exclaim, "Ain't we fine? Get along, you fright! Hold your tongue! Kiss me, dear! Ha! ha!"
Gravely promenaded to and fro
Having with difficulty restrained an explosion of merriment, lest it 241 should offend her majesty57, Laurie tapped, and was graciously received.
"Sit down and rest while I put these things away; then I want to consult you about a very serious matter," said Amy, when she had shown her splendor58, and driven Polly into a corner. "That bird is the trial of my life," she continued, removing the pink mountain from her head, while Laurie seated himself astride of a chair. "Yesterday, when aunt was asleep, and I was trying to be as still as a mouse, Polly began to squall and flap about in his cage; so I went to let him out, and found a big spider there. I poked59 it out, and it ran under the bookcase; Polly marched straight after it, stooped down and peeped under the bookcase, saying, in his funny way, with a cock of his eye, 'Come out and take a walk, my dear.' I couldn't help laughing, which made Poll swear, and aunt woke up and scolded us both."
242 "Did the spider accept the old fellow's invitation?" asked Laurie, yawning.
"Yes; out it came, and away ran Polly, frightened to death, and scrambled60 up on aunt's chair, calling out, 'Catch her! catch her! catch her!' as I chased the spider.
"That's a lie! Oh lor!" cried the parrot, pecking at Laurie's toes.
"I'd wring61 your neck if you were mine, you old torment," cried Laurie, shaking his fist at the bird, who put his head on one side, and gravely croaked62, "Allyluyer! bless your buttons, dear!"
"Now I'm ready," said Amy, shutting the wardrobe, and taking a paper out of her pocket. "I want you to read that, please, and tell me if it is legal and right. I felt that I ought to do it, for life is uncertain and I don't want any ill-feeling over my tomb."
Amy's Will
Laurie bit his lips, and turning a little from the pensive63 speaker, read the following document, with praiseworthy gravity, considering the spelling:—
"MY LAST WILL AND TESTIMENT.
"I, Amy Curtis March, being in my sane64 mind, do give and bequeethe all my earthly property—viz. to wit:—namely
"To my father, my best pictures, sketches65, maps, and works of art, including frames. Also my $100, to do what he likes with.
"To my mother, all my clothes, except the blue apron67 with pockets,—also my likeness68, and my medal, with much love.
"To my dear sister Margaret, I give my turkquoise ring (if I get it), also my green box with the doves on it, also my piece of real lace for her neck, and my sketch66 of her as a memorial of her 'little girl.'
"To Jo I leave my breast-pin, the one mended with sealing wax, also my bronze inkstand—she lost the cover—and my most precious plaster rabbit, because I am sorry I burnt up her story.
"To Beth (if she lives after me) I give my dolls and the little bureau, my fan, my linen69 collars and my new slippers70 if she can wear them being thin when she gets well. And I herewith also leave her my regret that I ever made fun of old Joanna.
243 "To my friend and neighbor Theodore Laurence I bequeethe my paper marshay portfolio71, my clay model of a horse though he did say it hadn't any neck. Also in return for his great kindness in the hour of affliction any one of my artistic72 works he likes, Noter Dame23 is the best.
"To our venerable benefactor73 Mr. Laurence I leave my purple box with a looking glass in the cover which will be nice for his pens and remind him of the departed girl who thanks him for his favors to her family, specially27 Beth.
"I wish my favorite playmate Kitty Bryant to have the blue silk apron and my gold-bead ring with a kiss.
244 "To Hannah I give the bandbox she wanted and all the patch work I leave hoping she 'will remember me, when it you see.'
"And now having disposed of my most valuable property I hope all will be satisfied and not blame the dead. I forgive every one, and trust we may all meet when the trump74 shall sound. Amen.
"To this will and testiment I set my hand and seal on this 20th day of Nov. Anni Domino 1861.
"Amy Curtis March.
"Witnesses: { Estelle Valnor,
Theodore Laurence."
The last name was written in pencil, and Amy explained that he was to rewrite it in ink, and seal it up for her properly.
"What put it into your head? Did any one tell you about Beth's giving away her things?" asked Laurie soberly, as Amy laid a bit of red tape, with sealing-wax, a taper75, and a standish before him.
She explained; and then asked anxiously, "What about Beth?"
"I'm sorry I spoke76; but as I did, I'll tell you. She felt so ill one day that she told Jo she wanted to give her piano to Meg, her cats to you, and the poor old doll to Jo, who would love it for her sake. She was sorry she had so little to give, and left locks of hair to the rest of us, and her best love to grandpa. She never thought of a will."
Laurie was signing and sealing as he spoke, and did not look up till a great tear dropped on the paper. Amy's face was full of trouble; but she only said, "Don't people put sort of postscripts77 to their wills, sometimes?"
"Yes; 'codicils,' they call them."
"Put one in mine then—that I wish all my curls cut off, and given round to my friends. I forgot it; but I want it done, though it will spoil my looks."
Laurie added it, smiling at Amy's last and greatest sacrifice. Then he amused her for an hour, and was much interested in all her trials. But when he came to go, Amy held him back to whisper, with trembling lips, "Is there really any danger about Beth?"
"I'm afraid there is; but we must hope for the best, so don't cry, 245 dear;" and Laurie put his arm about her with a brotherly gesture which was very comforting.
When he had gone, she went to her little chapel, and, sitting in the twilight78, prayed for Beth, with streaming tears and an aching heart, feeling that a million turquoise rings would not console her for the loss of her gentle little sister.
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1
prim
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| adj.拘泥形式的，一本正经的；n.循规蹈矩，整洁；adv.循规蹈矩地，整洁地 | |
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docile
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| adj.驯服的，易控制的，容易教的 | |
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amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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counteract
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| vt.对…起反作用，对抗，抵消 | |
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speck
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| n.微粒，小污点，小斑点 | |
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carving
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| n.雕刻品，雕花 | |
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lame
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| adj.跛的，(辩解、论据等)无说服力的 | |
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tiresome
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| adj.令人疲劳的，令人厌倦的 | |
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9
labors
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| v.努力争取(for)( labor的第三人称单数 )；苦干；详细分析；（指引擎）缓慢而困难地运转 | |
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virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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wheedled
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| v.骗取（某物），哄骗（某人干某事）( wheedle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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patchwork
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| n.混杂物；拼缝物 | |
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meekness
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| n.温顺，柔和 | |
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mischievous
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| adj.调皮的，恶作剧的，有害的，伤人的 | |
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16
dozed
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| v.打盹儿，打瞌睡( doze的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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reprehensible
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| adj.该受责备的 | |
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18
snarled
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| v.（指狗）吠，嗥叫， （人）咆哮( snarl的过去式和过去分词 )；咆哮着说，厉声地说 | |
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yelped
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| v.发出短而尖的叫声( yelp的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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idiotic
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| adj.白痴的 | |
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countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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bad-tempered
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| adj.脾气坏的 | |
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dame
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| n.女士 | |
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24
hoarded
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| v.积蓄并储藏（某物）( hoard的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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magpie
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| n.喜欢收藏物品的人，喜鹊，饶舌者 | |
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26
ornaments
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| n.装饰( ornament的名词复数 )；点缀；装饰品；首饰v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的第三人称单数 ) | |
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27
specially
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| adv.特定地；特殊地；明确地 | |
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28
velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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reposed
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| v.将（手臂等）靠在某人（某物）上( repose的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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belle
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| n.靓女 | |
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willows
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| n.柳树( willow的名词复数 )；柳木 | |
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bracelets
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| n.手镯，臂镯( bracelet的名词复数 ) | |
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admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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beads
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| n.（空心）小珠子( bead的名词复数 )；水珠；珠子项链 | |
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covet
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| vt.垂涎；贪图(尤指属于他人的东西) | |
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meditate
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| v.想，考虑，（尤指宗教上的）沉思，冥想 | |
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chapel
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| n.小教堂，殡仪馆 | |
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pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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40
confides
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| v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的第三人称单数 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
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41
turquoise
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| n.绿宝石；adj.蓝绿色的 | |
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42
obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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43
complacently
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| adv. 满足地, 自满地, 沾沾自喜地 | |
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44
testament
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| n.遗嘱；证明 | |
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45
instinctively
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| adv.本能地 | |
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46
confidingly
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| adv.信任地 | |
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47
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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48
pang
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| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
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49
chambers
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| n.房间( chamber的名词复数 )；（议会的）议院；卧室；会议厅 | |
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50
sweeping
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| adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的 | |
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51
rustle
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| v.沙沙作响；偷盗(牛、马等)；n.沙沙声声 | |
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52
promenaded
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| v.兜风( promenade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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flirting
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| v.调情，打情骂俏( flirt的现在分词 ) | |
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54
afterward
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| adv.后来；以后 | |
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55
mince
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| n.切碎物；v.切碎，矫揉做作地说 | |
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56
bridling
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| 给…套龙头( bridle的现在分词 )； 控制； 昂首表示轻蔑（或怨忿等）； 动怒，生气 | |
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57
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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58
splendor
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| n.光彩；壮丽，华丽；显赫，辉煌 | |
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59
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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60
scrambled
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| v.快速爬行( scramble的过去式和过去分词 )；攀登；争夺；（军事飞机）紧急起飞 | |
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61
wring
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| n.扭绞；v.拧，绞出，扭 | |
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62
croaked
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| v.呱呱地叫( croak的过去式和过去分词 )；用粗的声音说 | |
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63
pensive
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| a.沉思的,哀思的,忧沉的 | |
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sane
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| adj.心智健全的，神志清醒的，明智的，稳健的 | |
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65
sketches
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| n.草图( sketch的名词复数 )；素描；速写；梗概 | |
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66
sketch
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| n.草图；梗概；素描；v.素描；概述 | |
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67
apron
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| n.围裙；工作裙 | |
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68
likeness
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| n.相像，相似（之处） | |
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69
linen
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| n.亚麻布，亚麻线，亚麻制品；adj.亚麻布制的，亚麻的 | |
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70
slippers
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| n. 拖鞋 | |
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71
portfolio
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| n.公事包；文件夹；大臣及部长职位 | |
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72
artistic
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| adj.艺术(家)的，美术(家)的；善于艺术创作的 | |
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73
benefactor
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| n. 恩人，行善的人，捐助人 | |
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74
trump
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| n.王牌，法宝；v.打出王牌，吹喇叭 | |
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75
taper
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| n.小蜡烛，尖细，渐弱；adj.尖细的；v.逐渐变小 | |
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76
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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77
postscripts
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| （信末签名后的）附言，又及( postscript的名词复数 )； （正文后的）补充说明 | |
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78
twilight
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| n.暮光，黄昏；暮年，晚期，衰落时期 | |
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