"Because it proves that misery4 loves company," was Mr. Fox's observation at Wattier's, hard upon two in the morning. "Poor Sherry, as an inconsolable widower5, must naturally have some one to share his grief. He perfectly6 comprehends that no one will lament7 the death of his wife more fervently8 than her successor."
In London Mr. Fox thus worded his interpretation9 of the matter; and spoke10, oddly enough, at the very moment that in Edinburgh Mr. Sheridan returned to his lodgings11 in Abercromby Place, deep in the reminiscences of a fortunate evening at cards. In consequence, Mr. Sheridan entered the room so quietly that the young man who was employed in turning over the contents of the top bureau-drawer was taken unprepared.
But in the marauder's nature, as far as resolution went, was little lacking. "Silence!" he ordered, and with the mandate13 a pistol was leveled upon the representative for the borough14 of Stafford. "One cry for help, and you perish like a dog. I warn you that I am a desperate man."
"Now, even at a hazard of discourtesy, I must make bold to question your statement," said Mr. Sheridan, "although, indeed, it is not so much the recklessness as the masculinity which I dare call into dispute."
He continued, in his best parliamentary manner, a happy blending of reproach, omniscience15 and pardon. "Only two months ago," said Mr. Sheridan, "I was so fortunate as to encounter a lady who, alike through the attractions of her person and the sprightliness16 of her conversation, convinced me I was on the road to fall in love after the high fashion of a popular romance. I accordingly make her a declaration. I am rejected. I besiege17 her with the customary artillery18 of sonnets19, bouquets20, serenades, bonbons21, theater-tickets and threats of suicide. In fine, I contract the habit of proposing to Miss Ogle on every Wednesday; and so strong is my infatuation that I follow her as far into the north as Edinburgh in order to secure my eleventh rejection22 at half-past ten last evening."
"I fail to understand," remarked the burglar, "how all this prolix23 account of your amours can possibly concern me."
"You are at least somewhat involved in the deplorable climax," Mr. Sheridan returned. "For behold24! at two in the morning I discover the object of my adoration25 and the daughter of an estimable prelate, most calumniously clad and busily employed in rumpling26 my supply of cravats27. If ever any lover was thrust into a more ambiguous position, madam, historians have touched on his dilemma28 with marked reticence29."
He saw—and he admired—the flush which mounted to his visitor's brow. And then, "I must concede that appearances are against me, Mr. Sheridan," the beautiful intruder said. "And I hasten to protest that my presence in your apartments at this hour is prompted by no unworthy motive31. I merely came to steal the famous diamond which you brought from London—the Honor of Eiran."
"Incomparable Esther Jane," ran Mr. Sheridan's answer, "that stone is now part of a brooch which was this afternoon returned to my cousin's, the Earl of Eiran's, hunting-lodge near Melrose. He intends the gem32 which you are vainly seeking among my haberdashery to be the adornment33 of his promised bride in the ensuing June. I confess to no overwhelming admiration35 as concerns this raucous36 if meritorious37 young person; and will even concede that the thought of her becoming my kinswoman rouses in me an inevitable38 distaste, no less attributable to the discord39 of her features than to the source of her eligibility40 to disfigure the peerage—that being her father's lucrative41 transactions in Pork, which I find indigestible in any form."
"A truce42 to paltering!" Miss Ogle cried. "That jewel was stolen from the temple at Moorshedabad, by the Earl of Eiran's grandfather, during the confusion necessarily attendant on the glorious battle of Plassy." She laid down the pistol, and resumed in milder tones: "From an age-long existence as the left eye of Ganesh it was thus converted into the loot of an invader43. To restore this diamond to its lawful44, although no doubt polygamous and inefficiently-attired proprietors45 is at this date impossible. But, oh! what claim have you to its possession?"
"Why, none whatever," said the parliamentarian; "and to contend as much would be the apex46 of unreason. For this diamond belongs, of course, to my cousin the Earl of Eiran——"
"Eh, eh, you go too fast! Eiran, to do him justice, is not a graduate in peculation49. At worst, he is only the sort of fool one's cousins ordinarily are."
The trousered lady walked to and fro for a while, with the impatience50 of a caged lioness. "I perceive I must go more deeply into matters," Miss Ogle remarked, and, with that habitual51 gesture which he fondly recognized, brushed back a straying lock of hair. "In any event," she continued, "you cannot with reason deny that the world's wealth is inequitably distributed?"
"Madam," Mr. Sheridan returned, "as a member of Parliament, I have necessarily made it a rule never to understand political economy. It is as apt as not to prove you are selling your vote to the wrong side of the House, and that hurts one's conscience."
"Ah, that is because you are a man. Men are not practical. None of you has ever dared to insist on his opinion about anything until he had secured the cowardly corroboration52 of a fact or so to endorse53 him. It is a pity. Yet, since through no fault of yours your sex is invariably misled by its hallucinations as to the importance of being rational, I will refrain from logic54 and statistics. In a word, I simply inform you that I am a member of the League of Philanthropic Larcenists."
"I had not previously55 heard of this organization," said Mr. Sheridan, and not without suspecting his response to be a masterpiece in the inadequate56.
"Our object is the benefit of society at large," Miss Ogle explained; "and our obstacles so far have been, in chief, the fetish of proprietary57 rights and the ubiquity of the police."
And with that she seated herself and told him of the league's inception58 by a handful of reflective persons, admirers of Rousseau and converts to his tenets, who were resolved to better the circumstances of the indigent59. With amiable60 ardor61 Miss Ogle explained how from the petit larcenies62 of charity-balls and personally solicited63 subscriptions64 the league had mounted to an ampler field of depredation65; and through what means it now took toll66 from every form of wealth unrighteously acquired. Divertingly she described her personal experiences in the separation of usurers, thieves, financiers, hereditary67 noblemen, popular authors, and other social parasites68, from the ill-got profits of their disreputable vocations69. And her account of how, on the preceding Tuesday, she, single-handed, had robbed Sir Alexander McRae—who then enjoyed a fortune and an enviable reputation for philanthropy, thanks to the combination of glucose70, vitriol and other chemicals which he prepared under the humorous pretext71 of manufacturing beer—wrung high encomiums from Mr. Sheridan.
"The proceeds of these endeavors," Miss Ogle added, "are conscientiously72 devoted73 to ameliorating the condition of meritorious paupers74. I would be happy to submit to you our annual report. Then you may judge for yourself how many families we have snatched from the depths of poverty and habitual intoxication75 to the comparative comfort of a vine-embowered cottage."
Mr. Sheridan replied: "I have not ever known of any case where adoration needed an affidavit76 for foundation. Oh, no, incomparable Esther Jane! I am not in a position to be solaced77 by the reports of a corresponding secretary. I gave my heart long since; to-night I fling my confidence into the bargain; and am resolved to serve wholeheartedly the cause to which you are devoted. In consequence, I venture to propose my name for membership in the enterprise you advocate and indescribably adorn34."
Miss Ogle was all one blush, such was the fervor78 of his utterance79. "But first you must win your spurs, Mr. Sheridan. I confess you are not abhorrent80 to me," she hurried on, "for you are the most fascinatingly hideous81 man I have ever seen; and it was always the apprehension82 that you might look on burglary as an unmaidenly avocation83 which has compelled me to discourage your addresses. Now all is plain; and should you happen to distinguish yourself in robbery of the criminally opulent, you will have, I believe, no reason to complain of a twelfth refusal. I cannot modestly say more."
He laughed. "It is a bargain. We will agree that I bereave84 some person of either stolen or unearned property, say, to the value of L10,000——" And with his usual carefulness in such matters, Mr. Sheridan entered the wager85 in his notebook.
She yielded him her hand in token of assent86. And he, depend upon it, kissed that velvet87 trifle fondly.
"And now," said Mr. Sheridan, "to-morrow we will visit Bemerside and obtain possession of that crystal which is in train to render me the happiest of men. The task will be an easy one, as Eiran is now in England, and his servants for the most part are my familiars."
"I agree to your proposal," she answered. "But this diamond is my allotted88 quarry89; and any assistance you may render me in procuring90 it will not, of course, affect in any way our bargain. On this point"—she spoke with a break of laughter—"I am as headstrong as an allegory on the banks of the Nile."
"To quote an author to his face," lamented91 Mr. Sheridan, "is bribery92 as gross as it is efficacious. I must unwillingly94 consent to your exorbitant95 demands, for you are, as always, the irresistible Ogle."
Miss Ogle bowed her gratitude96; and, declining Mr. Sheridan's escort, for fear of arousing gossip by being seen upon the street with him at this late hour, preferred to avoid any appearance of indecorum by climbing down the kitchen roof.
When she had gone, Mr. Sheridan very gallantly97 attempted a set of verses. But the Muse99 was not to be wooed to-night, and stayed obstinately100 coy.
Mr. Sheridan reflected, rather forlornly, that he wrote nothing nowadays. There was, of course, his great comedy, Affectation, his masterpiece which he meant to finish at one time or another; yet, at the bottom of his heart, he knew that he would never finish it. But, then, deuce take posterity101! for to have written the best comedy, the best farce102, and the best burlesque103 as well, that England had ever known, was a very prodigal104 wiping-out of every obligation toward posterity. Boys thought a deal about posterity, as he remembered; but a sensible man would bear in mind that all this world's delicacies—its merry diversions, its venison and old wines, its handsomely-bound books and fiery-hearted jewels and sumptuous105 clothings, all its lovely things that can be touched and handled, and more especially its ear-tickling applause—were to be won, if ever, from one's contemporaries. And people were generous toward social, rather than literary, talents for the sensible reason that they derived106 more pleasure from an agreeable companion at dinner than from having a rainy afternoon rendered endurable by some book or another. So the parliamentarian sensibly went to bed.
Miss Ogle during this Scottish trip was accompanied by her father, the venerable Dean of Winchester. The Dean, although in all things worthy30 of implicit107 confidence, was not next day informed of the intended expedition, in deference108 to public opinion, which, as Miss Ogle pointed109 out, regards a clergyman's participation110 in a technical felony with disapproval111.
Miss Ogle, therefore, radiant in a becoming gown of pink lute-string, left Edinburgh the following morning under cover of a subterfuge112, and with Mr. Sheridan as her only escort. He was at pains to adorn this role with so many happy touches of courtesy and amiability113 that their confinement114 in the postchaise appeared to both of incredible brevity.
When they had reached Melrose another chaise was ordered to convey them to Bemerside; and pending115 its forthcoming Mr. Sheridan and Miss Ogle strolled among the famous ruins of Melrose Abbey. The parliamentarian had caused his hair to be exuberantly116 curled that morning, and figured to advantage in a plum-colored coat and a saffron waistcoat sprigged with forget-me-nots. He chatted entertainingly concerning the Second Pointed style of architecture; translated many of the epitaphs; and was abundant in interesting information as to Robert Bruce, and Michael Scott, and the rencounter of Chevy Chase.
"Oh, but observe," said Mr. Sheridan, more lately, "our only covering is the dome117 of heaven. Yet in their time these aisles118 were populous119, and here a score of generations have besought120 what earth does not afford—now where the banners of crusaders waved the ivy121 flutters, and there is no incense122 in this consecrated123 house except the breath of the wild rose."
"The moral is an old one," she returned. "Mummy is become merchandise, Mizraim cures wounds, and Pharaoh is sold for balsams."
"You are a reader, madam?" he observed, with some surprise; and he continued: "Indeed, my thoughts were on another trail. I was considering that the demolishers of this place—those English armies, those followers124 of John Knox—were actuated by the highest and most laudable of motives125. As a result we find the house of Heaven converted into a dustheap."
"I believe you attempt an apologue," she said, indignantly. "Upon my word, I think you would insinuate126 that philanthropy, when forced to manifest itself through embezzlement127, is a less womanly employment than the darning of stockings!"
"Whom the cap fits——" he answered, with a bow. "Indeed, incomparable Esther Jane, I had said nothing whatever touching128 hosiery; and it was equally remote from my intentions to set up as a milliner."
They lunched at Bemerside, where Mr. Sheridan was cordially received by the steward129, and a well-chosen repast was placed at their disposal.
"Fergus," Mr. Sheridan observed, as they chatted over their dessert concerning famous gems130—in which direction talk had been adroitly131 steered"—Fergus, since we are on the topic, I would like to show Miss Ogle the Honor of Eiran."
The Honor of Eiran was accordingly produced from a blue velvet case, and was properly admired. Then, when the steward had been dismissed to fetch a rare liqueur, Mr. Sheridan laughed, and tossed and caught the jewel, as though he handled a cricket-ball. It was the size of a pigeon's egg, and was set among eight gems of lesser132 magnitude; and in transit133 through the sunlight the trinket flashed and glittered with diabolical134 beauty. The parliamentarian placed three bits of sugar in the velvet case and handed the gem to his companion.
"The bulk is much the same," he observed; "and whether the carbon be crystallized or no, is the responsibility of stratigraphic geology. Fergus, perhaps, must go to jail. That is unfortunate. But true philanthropy works toward the benefit of the greatest number possible; and this resplendent pebble135 will purchase you innumerable pounds of tea and a warehouseful of blankets."
"But, Mr. Sheridan," Miss Ogle cried, in horror, "to take this brooch would not be honest!"
"Oh, as to that——!" he shrugged.
"——because Lord Eiran purchased all these lesser diamonds, and very possibly paid for them."
Then Mr. Sheridan reflected, stood abashed136, and said: "Incomparable Esther Jane, I confess I am only a man. You are entirely137 right. To purloin138 any of these little diamonds would be an abominable139 action, whereas to make off with the only valuable one is simply a stroke of retribution. I will, therefore, attempt to prise it out with a nutpick."
Three constables140 came suddenly into the room. "We hae been tauld this missy is a suspectit thieving body," their leader cried. "Esther Jane Ogle, ye maun gae with us i' the law's name. Ou ay, lass, ye ken12 weel eneugh wha robbit auld142 Sir Aleexander McRae, sae dinna ye say naething tae your ain preejudice, lest ye hae tae account for it a'."
Mr. Sheridan rose to the occasion. "My exceedingly good friend, Angus Howden! I am unwilling93 to concede that yeomen can excel in gentlemanly accomplishments143, but it is only charity to suppose all three of you as drunk as any duke that ever honored me with his acquaintance." This he drawled, and appeared magisterially144 to await an explanation.
"Hout, Mr. Sheridan," commenced the leading representative of justice, "let that flee stick i' the wa'—e dinna mean tae tell me, Sir, that ye are acquaintit wi' this—ou ay, tae pleasure ye, I micht e'en say wi' this——"
"This lady, probably?" Mr. Sheridan hazarded.
"'Tis an unco thing," the constable141 declared, "but that wad be the word was amaist at my tongue's tip."
"Why, undoubtedly145," Mr. Sheridan assented146. "I rejoice that, being of French extraction, and unconversant with your somewhat cryptic147 patois148, the lady in question is the less likely to have been sickened by your extravagances in the way of misapprehension. I candidly149 confess such imbecility annoys me. What!" he cried out, "what if I marry! is matrimony to be ranked with arson150? And what if my cousin, Eiran, affords me a hiding-place wherein to sneak151 through our honeymoon152 after the cowardly fashion of all modern married couples! Am I in consequence compelled to submit to the invasions of an intoxicated153 constabulary?" His rage was terrific.
"Voilà la seule devise. Ils me connaissent, ils ont confidence dans moi. Si, taisez-vous! Si non, vous serez arretée et mise dans la prison, comme une caractère suspicieuse!" Mr. Sheridan exhorted154 Miss Ogle to this intent with more of earnestness than linguistic155 perfection; and he rejoiced to see that instantly she caught at her one chance of plausibly156 accounting157 for her presence at Bemerside, and of effecting a rescue from this horrid158 situation.
"But I also spik the English," she sprightlily announced. "I am appleed myself at to learn its by heart. Certainly you look for a needle in a hay bundle, my gentlemans. I am no stealer of the grand road, but the wife of Mistaire Sheridan, and her presence will say to you the remains159."
"You see!" cried Mr. Sheridan, in modest triumph. "In short, I am a bridegroom unwarrantably interrupted in his first tête-à-tête, I am responsible for this lady and all her past and its appurtenances; and, in a phrase, for everything except the course of conduct I will undoubtedly pursue should you be visible at the conclusion of the next five minutes."
His emphasis was such that the police withdrew with a concomitant of apologies.
"And now I claim my bond," said Mr. Sheridan, when they were once again free from intrusion. "For we two are in Scotland, where the common declaration of a man and woman that they are married constitutes a marriage."
"Oh——!" she exclaimed, and stood encrimsoned.
"Indeed, I must confess that the day's work has been a trick throughout. The diamond was pawned160 years ago. This trinket here is a copy in paste and worth perhaps some seven shillings sixpence. And those fellows were not constables, but just my cousin Eiran and two footmen in disguise. Nay161, madam, you will learn with experience that to display unfailing candor162 is not without exception the price of happiness."
"But this, I think, evades our bargain, Mr. Sheridan. For you were committed to pilfer163 property to the value of L10,000——"
"And to fulfil the obligation I have stolen your hand in marriage. What, madam! do you indeed pretend that any person outside of Bedlam164 would value you at less? Believe me, your perfections are of far more worth. All persons recognize that save yourself, incomparable Esther Jane; and yet, so patent is the proof of my contention165, I dare to leave the verdict to your sense of justice."
Miss Ogle did not speak. Her lashes166 fell as, with some ceremony, he led her to the long French mirror which was in the breakfast room. "See now!" said Mr. Sheridan. "You, who endanger life and fame in order to provide a mendicant167 with gruel168, tracts169 and blankets! You, who deny a sop170 to the one hunger which is vital! Oh, madam, I am tempted98 glibly171 to compare your eyes to sapphires172, and your hair to thin-spun gold, and the color of your flesh to the arbutus-flower—for that, as you can see, would be within the truth, and it would please most women, and afterward173 they would not be so obdurate174. But you are not like other women," Mr. Sheridan observed, with admirable dexterity175. "And I aspire176 to you, the irresistible Ogle! you, who so great-heartedly befriend the beggar! you, who with such industry contrive177 alleviation178 for the discomforts179 of poverty. Eh, eh! what will you grant to any beggar such as I? Will you deny a sop to the one hunger which is vital?" He spoke with unaccustomed vigor180, even in a sort of terror, because he knew that he was speaking with sincerity182.
"To the one hunger which is vital!" he repeated. "Ah, where lies the secret which makes one face the dearest in the world, and entrusts183 to one little hand a life's happiness as a plaything? All Aristotle's learning could not unriddle the mystery, and Samson's thews were impotent to break that spell. Love vanquishes184 all.… You would remind me of some previous skirmishings with Venus's unconquerable brat185? Nay, madam, to the contrary, the fact that I have loved many other women is my strongest plea for toleration. Were there nothing else, it is indisputable we perform all actions better for having rehearsed them. No, we do not of necessity perform them the more thoughtlessly as well; for, indeed, I find that with experience a man becomes increasingly difficult to please in affairs of the heart. The woman one loves then is granted that pre-eminence not merely by virtue186 of having outshone any particular one of her predecessors187; oh, no! instead, her qualities have been compared with all the charms of all her fair forerunners188, and they have endured that stringent189 testing. The winning of an often-bartered heart is in reality the only conquest which entitles a woman to complacency, for she has received a real compliment; whereas to be selected as the target of a lad's first declaration is a tribute of no more value than a man's opinion upon vintages who has never tasted wine."
He took a turn about the breakfast room, then came near to her. "I love you. Were there any way to parade the circumstance and bedeck it with pleasing adornments of filed phrases, tropes and far-fetched similes190, I would not grudge191 you a deal of verbal pageantry. But three words say all. I love you. There is no act in my past life but appears trivial and strange to me, and to the man who performed it I seem no more akin181 than to Mark Antony or Nebuchadnezzar. I love you. The skies are bluer since you came, the beauty of this world we live in oppresses me with a fearful joy, and in my heart there is always the thought of you and such yearning192 as I may not word. For I love you."
"You—but you have frightened me." Miss Ogle did not seem so terrified as to make any effort to recede193 from him; and yet he saw that she was frightened in sober earnest. Her face showed pale, and soft, and glad, and awed194, and desirable above all things; and it remained so near him as to engender195 riotous196 aspirations197.
"I love you," he said again. You would never have suspected this man could speak, upon occasion, fluently. "I think—I think that Heaven was prodigal when Heaven made you. To think of you is as if I listened to an exalted198 music; and to be with you is to understand that all imaginable sorrows are just the figments of a dream which I had very long ago."
She laid one hand on each of his shoulders, facing him. "Do not let me be too much afraid! I have not ever been afraid before. Oh, everything is in a mist of gold, and I am afraid of you, and of the big universe which I was born into, and I am helpless, and I would have nothing changed! Only, I cannot believe I am worth L10,000, and I do so want to be persuaded I am. It is a great pity," she sighed, "that you who convicted Warren Hastings of stealing such enormous wealth cannot be quite as eloquent199 to-day as you were in the Oudh speech, and convince me his arraigner has been equally rapacious200!"
"I mean to prove as much—with time," said Mr. Sheridan. His breathing was yet perfunctory.
Miss Ogle murmured, "And how long would you require?"
"Why, I intend, with your permission, to devote the remainder of my existence to the task. Eh, I concede that space too brief for any adequate discussion of the topic; but I will try to be concise201 and very practical——"
She laughed. They were content. "Try, then——" Miss Ogle said.
She was able to get no farther in the sentence, for reasons which to particularize would be indiscreet.
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ogle
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| v.看；送秋波；n.秋波，媚眼 | |
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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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shrugged
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| vt.耸肩（shrug的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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widower
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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lament
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| n.悲叹，悔恨，恸哭；v.哀悼，悔恨，悲叹 | |
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fervently
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| adv.热烈地，热情地，强烈地 | |
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interpretation
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| n.解释，说明，描述；艺术处理 | |
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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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lodgings
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| n. 出租的房舍, 寄宿舍 | |
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ken
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| n.视野，知识领域 | |
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mandate
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| n.托管地；命令，指示 | |
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borough
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| n.享有自治权的市镇；(英)自治市镇 | |
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omniscience
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| n.全知，全知者，上帝 | |
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sprightliness
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| n.愉快，快活 | |
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besiege
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| vt.包围，围攻，拥在...周围 | |
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artillery
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| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
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sonnets
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| n.十四行诗( sonnet的名词复数 ) | |
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bouquets
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bonbons
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rejection
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| n.拒绝，被拒，抛弃，被弃 | |
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prolix
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| adj.罗嗦的；冗长的 | |
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behold
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adoration
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| n.爱慕，崇拜 | |
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rumpling
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| v.弄皱，使凌乱( rumple的现在分词 ) | |
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cravats
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dilemma
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| n.困境，进退两难的局面 | |
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reticence
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| n.沉默，含蓄 | |
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worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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gem
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| n.宝石，珠宝；受爱戴的人 [同]jewel | |
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adornment
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| n.装饰；装饰品 | |
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34
adorn
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| vt.使美化，装饰 | |
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35
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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36
raucous
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| adj.(声音)沙哑的，粗糙的 | |
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37
meritorious
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| adj.值得赞赏的 | |
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38
inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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39
discord
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| n.不和，意见不合，争论，（音乐）不和谐 | |
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40
eligibility
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| n.合格，资格 | |
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41
lucrative
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| adj.赚钱的，可获利的 | |
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42
truce
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|
| n.休战，(争执，烦恼等的)缓和；v.以停战结束 | |
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43
invader
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|
| n.侵略者，侵犯者，入侵者 | |
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44
lawful
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| adj.法律许可的，守法的，合法的 | |
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45
proprietors
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| n.所有人，业主( proprietor的名词复数 ) | |
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46
apex
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| n.顶点，最高点 | |
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47
legacy
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|
| n.遗产，遗赠；先人(或过去)留下的东西 | |
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48
irritation
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| n.激怒，恼怒，生气 | |
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49
peculation
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| n.侵吞公款[公物] | |
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50
impatience
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|
| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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51
habitual
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|
| adj.习惯性的；通常的，惯常的 | |
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52
corroboration
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|
| n.进一步的证实，进一步的证据 | |
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53
endorse
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|
| vt.(支票、汇票等)背书，背署；批注；同意 | |
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54
logic
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| n.逻辑(学)；逻辑性 | |
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55
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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56
inadequate
|
|
| adj.(for,to)不充足的，不适当的 | |
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57
proprietary
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|
| n.所有权，所有的；独占的；业主 | |
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58
inception
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| n.开端，开始，取得学位 | |
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59
indigent
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|
| adj.贫穷的，贫困的 | |
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60
amiable
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|
| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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61
ardor
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| n.热情，狂热 | |
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62
larcenies
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|
| n.盗窃（罪）( larceny的名词复数 ) | |
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63
solicited
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|
| v.恳求( solicit的过去式和过去分词 )；（指娼妇）拉客；索求；征求 | |
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64
subscriptions
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|
| n.（报刊等的）订阅费( subscription的名词复数 )；捐款；（俱乐部的）会员费；捐助 | |
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65
depredation
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|
| n.掠夺，蹂躏 | |
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66
toll
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|
| n.过路(桥)费；损失，伤亡人数；v.敲(钟) | |
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67
hereditary
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|
| adj.遗传的，遗传性的，可继承的，世袭的 | |
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68
parasites
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| 寄生物( parasite的名词复数 )； 靠他人为生的人； 诸虫 | |
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69
vocations
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|
| n.（认为特别适合自己的）职业( vocation的名词复数 )；使命；神召；（认为某种工作或生活方式特别适合自己的）信心 | |
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70
glucose
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|
| n.葡萄糖 | |
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71
pretext
|
|
| n.借口，托词 | |
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72
conscientiously
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|
| adv.凭良心地；认真地，负责尽职地；老老实实 | |
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73
devoted
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|
| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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74
paupers
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|
| n.穷人( pauper的名词复数 )；贫民；贫穷 | |
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75
intoxication
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|
| n.wild excitement;drunkenness；poisoning | |
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76
affidavit
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|
| n.宣誓书 | |
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77
solaced
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|
| v.安慰，慰藉( solace的过去分词 ) | |
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78
fervor
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|
| n.热诚；热心；炽热 | |
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79
utterance
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|
| n.用言语表达，话语，言语 | |
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80
abhorrent
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|
| adj.可恶的，可恨的，讨厌的 | |
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81
hideous
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|
| adj.丑陋的，可憎的，可怕的，恐怖的 | |
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82
apprehension
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|
| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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83
avocation
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|
| n.副业，业余爱好 | |
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84
bereave
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|
| v.使痛失(亲人等)，剥夺，使丧失 | |
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85
wager
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|
| n.赌注；vt.押注，打赌 | |
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86
assent
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|
| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
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87
velvet
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|
| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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88
allotted
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| 分配，拨给，摊派( allot的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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89
quarry
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|
| n.采石场；v.采石；费力地找 | |
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90
procuring
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|
| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的现在分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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91
lamented
|
|
| adj.被哀悼的，令人遗憾的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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92
bribery
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|
| n.贿络行为，行贿，受贿 | |
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93
unwilling
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|
| adj.不情愿的 | |
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94
unwillingly
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|
| adv.不情愿地 | |
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95
exorbitant
|
|
| adj.过分的；过度的 | |
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96
gratitude
|
|
| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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97
gallantly
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|
| adv. 漂亮地，勇敢地，献殷勤地 | |
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98
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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99
muse
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|
| n.缪斯（希腊神话中的女神），创作灵感 | |
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100
obstinately
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|
| ad.固执地，顽固地 | |
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101
posterity
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|
| n.后裔，子孙，后代 | |
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102
farce
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|
| n.闹剧，笑剧，滑稽戏；胡闹 | |
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103
burlesque
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|
| v.嘲弄，戏仿；n.嘲弄，取笑，滑稽模仿 | |
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104
prodigal
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|
| adj.浪费的，挥霍的，放荡的 | |
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105
sumptuous
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|
| adj.豪华的，奢侈的，华丽的 | |
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106
derived
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|
| vi.起源；由来；衍生；导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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107
implicit
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|
| a.暗示的，含蓄的，不明晰的，绝对的 | |
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108
deference
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|
| n.尊重，顺从；敬意 | |
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109
pointed
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|
| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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110
participation
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|
| n.参与，参加，分享 | |
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111
disapproval
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|
| n.反对，不赞成 | |
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112
subterfuge
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|
| n.诡计；藉口 | |
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113
amiability
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|
| n.和蔼可亲的，亲切的，友善的 | |
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114
confinement
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|
| n.幽禁，拘留，监禁；分娩；限制，局限 | |
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115
pending
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|
| prep.直到，等待…期间；adj.待定的；迫近的 | |
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116
exuberantly
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|
| adv.兴高采烈地，活跃地，愉快地 | |
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117
dome
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| n.圆屋顶，拱顶 | |
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118
aisles
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| n. (席位间的)通道, 侧廊 | |
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119
populous
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| adj.人口稠密的，人口众多的 | |
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120
besought
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|
| v.恳求，乞求（某事物）( beseech的过去式和过去分词 )；(beseech的过去式与过去分词) | |
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121
ivy
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| n.常青藤，常春藤 | |
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122
incense
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| v.激怒；n.香，焚香时的烟，香气 | |
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123
consecrated
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|
| adj.神圣的，被视为神圣的v.把…奉为神圣，给…祝圣( consecrate的过去式和过去分词 )；奉献 | |
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124
followers
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|
| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
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125
motives
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|
| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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126
insinuate
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| vt.含沙射影地说，暗示 | |
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127
embezzlement
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| n.盗用，贪污 | |
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128
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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129
steward
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| n.乘务员，服务员；看管人；膳食管理员 | |
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130
gems
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| growth； economy； management； and customer satisfaction 增长 | |
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131
adroitly
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| adv.熟练地，敏捷地 | |
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132
lesser
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| adj.次要的，较小的；adv.较小地，较少地 | |
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133
transit
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| n.经过，运输；vt.穿越，旋转；vi.越过 | |
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134
diabolical
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|
| adj.恶魔似的，凶暴的 | |
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135
pebble
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| n.卵石，小圆石 | |
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136
abashed
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|
| adj.窘迫的，尴尬的v.使羞愧，使局促，使窘迫( abash的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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137
entirely
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|
| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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138
purloin
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| v.偷窃 | |
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139
abominable
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| adj.可厌的，令人憎恶的 | |
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140
constables
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| n.警察( constable的名词复数 ) | |
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141
constable
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|
| n.(英国)警察，警官 | |
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142
auld
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| adj.老的，旧的 | |
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143
accomplishments
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|
| n.造诣；完成( accomplishment的名词复数 )；技能；成绩；成就 | |
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144
magisterially
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|
| adv.威严地 | |
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145
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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146
assented
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|
| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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147
cryptic
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|
| adj.秘密的，神秘的，含义模糊的 | |
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148
patois
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| n.方言；混合语 | |
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149
candidly
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| adv.坦率地，直率而诚恳地 | |
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150
arson
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| n.纵火，放火 | |
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151
sneak
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|
| vt.潜行(隐藏,填石缝)；偷偷摸摸做；n.潜行；adj.暗中进行 | |
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152
honeymoon
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|
| n.蜜月（假期）；vi.度蜜月 | |
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153
intoxicated
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| 喝醉的，极其兴奋的 | |
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154
exhorted
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|
| v.劝告，劝说( exhort的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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155
linguistic
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|
| adj.语言的，语言学的 | |
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156
plausibly
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| 似真地 | |
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157
accounting
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|
| n.会计，会计学，借贷对照表 | |
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158
horrid
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|
| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
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159
remains
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|
| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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160
pawned
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|
| v.典当，抵押( pawn的过去式和过去分词 )；以（某事物）担保 | |
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161
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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162
candor
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| n.坦白，率真 | |
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163
pilfer
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| v.盗，偷，窃 | |
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164
bedlam
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| n.混乱，骚乱；疯人院 | |
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165
contention
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| n.争论，争辩，论战；论点，主张 | |
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166
lashes
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| n.鞭挞( lash的名词复数 )；鞭子；突然猛烈的一击；急速挥动v.鞭打( lash的第三人称单数 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
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167
mendicant
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| n.乞丐；adj.行乞的 | |
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168
gruel
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| n.稀饭，粥 | |
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169
tracts
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| 大片土地( tract的名词复数 )； 地带； （体内的）道； （尤指宣扬宗教、伦理或政治的）短文 | |
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170
sop
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| n.湿透的东西，懦夫；v.浸，泡，浸湿 | |
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171
glibly
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| adv.流利地，流畅地；满口 | |
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172
sapphires
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| n.蓝宝石，钢玉宝石( sapphire的名词复数 )；蔚蓝色 | |
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173
afterward
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| adv.后来；以后 | |
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174
obdurate
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| adj.固执的，顽固的 | |
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175
dexterity
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| n.(手的)灵巧，灵活 | |
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176
aspire
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| vi.(to，after)渴望，追求，有志于 | |
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177
contrive
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| vt.谋划，策划；设法做到；设计，想出 | |
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178
alleviation
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| n. 减轻，缓和，解痛物 | |
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179
discomforts
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| n.不舒适( discomfort的名词复数 )；不愉快，苦恼 | |
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180
vigor
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| n.活力，精力，元气 | |
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181
akin
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| adj.同族的，类似的 | |
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182
sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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183
entrusts
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的第三人称单数 ) | |
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184
vanquishes
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| v.征服( vanquish的第三人称单数 )；战胜；克服；抑制 | |
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185
brat
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| n.孩子；顽童 | |
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186
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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187
predecessors
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| n.前任( predecessor的名词复数 )；前辈；（被取代的）原有事物；前身 | |
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188
forerunners
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| n.先驱( forerunner的名词复数 )；开路人；先兆；前兆 | |
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189
stringent
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| adj.严厉的；令人信服的；银根紧的 | |
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190
similes
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| （使用like或as等词语的）明喻( simile的名词复数 ) | |
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191
grudge
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| n.不满，怨恨，妒嫉；vt.勉强给，不情愿做 | |
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192
yearning
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| a.渴望的；向往的；怀念的 | |
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193
recede
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| vi.退(去)，渐渐远去；向后倾斜，缩进 | |
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194
awed
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| adj.充满敬畏的，表示敬畏的v.使敬畏，使惊惧( awe的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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195
engender
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| v.产生，引起 | |
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196
riotous
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| adj.骚乱的；狂欢的 | |
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197
aspirations
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| 强烈的愿望( aspiration的名词复数 )； 志向； 发送气音； 发 h 音 | |
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198
exalted
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| adj.(地位等)高的，崇高的；尊贵的，高尚的 | |
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199
eloquent
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| adj.雄辩的，口才流利的；明白显示出的 | |
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200
rapacious
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| adj.贪婪的，强夺的 | |
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201
concise
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| adj.简洁的，简明的 | |
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