But instantly recollecting36 himself, and throwing away the innocent flower spitefully, he exclaimed:
"Oh, fortune, what singular games you play!"
"Yes, fortune is singular!" answered a voice which was not unknown to him; and before he had time to turn, Dr. Vladimir was seated beside him.
Vladimir Paulitch had employed his morning well. Scarcely out of bed, he had given a private audience to Fritz, who, not daring to address his master directly, for his frowns always made him tremble, had come to ask the doctor to receive his revelations and obligingly transmit them to his Excellency. When in an excited and mysterious tone he had disclosed his important secret:
"There is nothing astonishing in that," replied Vladimir coldly.
"This young man is a somnambulist, and the conclusion of your
little story is, that his window must be barred. I will speak to
Count Kostia about it."
Upon which Fritz slunk away discomfited37 and much confused at the turn the adventure had taken.
After his departure, Vladimir Paulitch concluded to take a walk upon the grassy38 hillock, and on his way said to himself: "Have my suspicions, then, been well founded?"
He had passed an hour among the rocks, studying the spot, examining the aspect of the castle from this side, and particularly the irregularities of the roof. As his eyes rested on the square tower which Stephane occupied, he saw him appear at the window, and remain there some minutes, his eyes fixed39 upon Gilbert's turret40.
"Aha! Now we see how matters stand!" said he, "but to risk his head in this way, our idealist must be desperately41 in love. And he'll carry it through! We must find him and have a little chat."
In reascending to the castle, Vladimir had seen Gilbert turn into the woods, and without being perceived, had followed him at a distance.
"Yes, fortune is singular!" repeated he, "and we must resist it boldly and brave it resolutely42, or submit humbly43 to its caprices and die. This is but reasonable; half measures are expedients45 of fools. As for me, I have always been the partisan46 of sequere Deum, which I interpret thus: 'Take luck for your guide, and walk on blindly.'"
And as Gilbert made no answer, he continued:
"May I presume to ask you what caused you to say, just now, that fortune plays us odd tricks?"
"I was thinking," replied Gilbert, tranquilly47, "of the emperor,
Constantine the Great, who you know—"
"Ah! that is too much," interrupted Vladimir. "What! on a beautiful morning, in the midst of the woods, before a little dried-up pond, which is not without its poetry, seated in the grass with a pretty white flower in your hand—the emperor, Constantine, the subject of your meditations48? As for me, I have not such a well-balanced head, and I will confess to you that just now, in rambling49 among the thickets50, I was entirely51 occupied with the singular games of my own destiny, and what is more singular still, I felt the necessity of relating them to someone."
"You surprise me," replied Gilbert; "I did not think you so communicative."
"And who of us," resumed Vladimir, "never contradicts his own character? In Russia the duties of my position oblige me to be reserved, secret, enveloped52 in mystery from head to foot, a great pontiff of science, speaking but in brief sentences and in an oracular tone; but here I am not obliged to play my role, and by a natural reaction, finding myself alone in the woods with a man of sense and heart, my tongue unloosens like a magpie's. Let us see; if I tell you my history do you promise to be discreet53?"
"Undoubtedly54. But if you must have a confidant, how happens it that intimate as you are with Count Kostia—"
"Ah, precisely55! when you know my history you will understand for what reason in my interviews with Kostia Petrovitch I speak often of him, but rarely of myself."
And at these words Vladimir Paulitch turned up his sleeves, and showing his wrists to Gilbert; "Look!" he said. "Do you see any mark, any scar?"
"No, I cannot detect any."
"That is strange. For forty years, however, I have worn handcuffs, for such as you see me—I, Vladimir Paulitch; I, one of the first physicians of Russia; I, the learned physiologist56, I am the refuse of the earth, I am Ivan's equal; in a word, I am a serf!"
"You a serf!" exclaimed Gilbert, astonished.
"You should not be so greatly surprised; such things are common in Russia," said Vladimir Paulitch, with a faint smile. "Yes, sir," he resumed, "I am one of Count Kostia's serfs, and you may imagine whether or not I am grateful to him for having had the goodness to fashion from the humble57 clay of which nature had formed one of his moujiks, the glorious statue of Doctor Vladimir Paulitch. However, of all the favors he has heaped upon me the one which troubles me most is, that, thanks to his discretion58, there were but two men in the world, himself and myself, who knew me for what I am. Now there are three.
"My parents," continued he, "were Ukraine peasants, and my first profession was taking care of sheep; but I was a born physician. The sick, whether men or sheep, were to my mind the most interesting of spectacles. I procured59 some books, acquired a slight knowledge of anatomy60 and chemistry, and by turns I dissected61, and hunted for simples, the virtues62 of which I tried with indefatigable63 ardor64. Poor, lacking all resources, brought up from infancy65 in foolish superstitions66, from which I had the trouble in emancipating67 myself; living in the midst of coarse, ignorant men degraded by slavery, nothing could repulse68 me or discourage me. I felt myself born to decipher the great book of nature, and to wring69 from it her secrets. I had the good fortune to discover some specifics against the rot and tag sore. That rendered me famous within a circuit of three leagues. After quadrupeds, I tried my hand on bipeds. I effected several happy cures, and people came from all parts to consult me. Proud as Artaban, the little shepherd, seated beneath the shade of a tree, uttered his infallible oracles70, and they were believed all the more implicitly71, as nature had given to his eyes that veiled and impenetrable expression calculated to impose upon fools. The land to which I belonged was owned by a venerable relative of Count Kostia. At her death she left her property to him. He came to see his new domain72; heard of me, had me brought into his presence, questioned me, and was struck with my natural gifts and precocious73 genius. He had already proposed to found a hospital in one of his villages where he resided during the summer, and it occurred to him that he could some day make me useful there. I went with him to Moscow. Concealing74 my position from everyone, he had me instructed with the greatest care. Masters, books, money, I had in profusion75. So great was my happiness that I hardly dare to believe in it, and I was sometimes obliged to bite my finger to assure myself that I was not in a dream. When I reached the age of twenty, Kostia Petrovitch made me enter the school of medicine, and some years later I directed his hospital and a private asylum76 which he founded by my advice. My talents and success soon made me known. I was spoken of at Moscow, and was called there upon consultations78. Thus I was in a fair way to make a fortune, and what gratified me still more, I was sought after, feted, courted, fawned79 upon. The little shepherd, the moujik, had become King and more than King, for a successful physician is adored as a god by his patients; and I do not believe that a pretty woman gratifies her lovers with half the smiles which she lavishes80 freely upon the magician upon whom depend her life and her youth. At this time, sir, I was still religious. Imagine the place Count Kostia held in my prayers, and with what fervor81 I implored82 for him the intercession of the saints and of the blessed Mary. Prosperity, nevertheless, has this much of evil in it; it makes a man forget his former self.
"Intoxicated83 with my glory and success, I forgot too soon my youth and my sheep, and this forgetfulness ruined me. I was called to attend a cavalry84 officer retired85 from service. He had a daughter named Pauline; she was beautiful and charming. I thought myself insensible to love, but I had hardly seen her before I conceived a violent passion for her. Bear in mind that I had lived until that time as pure as an ascetic86 monk87; science had been my adored and lofty mistress. When passion fires a chaste88 heart, it becomes a fury there. I loved Pauline with frenzy89, with idolatry. One day she gave me to understand that my folly90 did not displease91 her. I declared myself to her father, obtained his consent, and felt as if I should die of happiness. The next day I sought Count Kostia, and telling him my story, supplicated92 him to emancipate93 me. He laughed, and declared such an extravagant94 idea was unworthy of me. Marriage was not what I required. A wife, children, useless encumbrances95 in my life! Petty delights and domestic cares would extinguish the fire of my genius, would kill in me the spirit of research and vigor96 of thought. Besides, was my passion serious? From what he knew of my disposition97, I was incapable98 of loving. It was a fantastic trick which my imagination had played me. Only remain a week without seeing Pauline, and I would be cured. My only answer was to throw myself at his feet. I glued my mouth to his hands, watered his knees with my tears, and kissed the ground before him. He laughed throughout, and asked me with a sneer99, if to possess Pauline it were necessary to marry her. My love was an adoration100. At these insulting words anger took possession of me. I poured forth20 imprecations and threats. Presently, however, recovering myself, I begged him to forgive my transports, and resuming the language of servile humility101, I endeavored to soften102 that heart of bronze with my tears. Trouble lost; he remained inflexible103. I rolled upon the floor and tore my hair; and he still laughed— That must have been a curious scene. Recollect15 that at this epoch104 I was quite recherche105 in my costume. I had an embroidered106 frill and very fine ruffles107 of point d'Alencon. I wore rings on every finger, and my coat was of the latest style and of elegant cut. Fancy, also, that my deportment, my gait, my air breathed of pride and arrogance108. Parvenus109 try it in vain, they always betray themselves. I had a high tone, an overbearing manner. I enveloped myself in mysterious darkness, which obscured at times the brightness of my genius, and as I had accomplished110 several extraordinary cures, strongly resembling miracles, or tricks of sorcery, my airs of an inspired priest did not seem out of place, and I had devotees who encouraged these licenses111 of my pride by the excess of their humility. And then, behold112, suddenly, this man of importance, this miraculous113 personage, flat upon his face, imploring114 the mercy of an inexorable master, writhing115 like a worm of the earth under the foot which crushed his heart! At last Kostia Petrovitch lost patience, seized me in his powerful hands, set me upon my feet, and pushing me violently against the wall, cried in a voice of thunder, 'Vladimir Paulitch, spare me your effeminate contortions116, and remember who I am and who you are. One day I saw an ugly piece of charcoal117 in the road. I picked it up at the risk of soiling my fingers, and, as I am something of a chemist, I put it in my crucible118 and converted it into a diamond. But just as I have set my jewel, and am about to wear it on my finger, you ask me to give it up! Ah! my son, I do not know what keeps me from sending you back to your sheep. Go, make an effort to conquer your passion; be reasonable, be yourself again. Wait until my death, my will shall emancipate you; but until then, even at the risk of your displeasure, you shall be my THING, my PROPERTY. Take care you do not forget it, or I will shatter you in pieces like this glass;' and, seizing a phial from the table, he threw it against the wall, where it broke in fragments.
"Sir, Count Kostia displayed a little too much energy at the time, but at bottom he was right. Was it just that he should lose all the fruits of his trouble? Think what a gratification it was to his pride, to be able to say to himself, 'The great doctor, so feted, so admired, is my thing and my property.' His words were true; he wore me as a ring upon his finger. And then he foresaw the future. For two consecutive119 years it has only been necessary for him to move the end of his forefinger120, to make me run from the heart of Russia to soothe121 his poor tormented122 nerves. You know how the heart of man is made. If he had had the imprudence to emancipate me, I should have come last year out of gratitude123; but this time—"
While Vladimir spoke77, Gilbert thought to himself, "This man is truly the compatriot of Count Leminof."
And then recalling the amiable124 and generous Muscovite with whom he had once been intimate, he justly concluded that Russia is large, and that nature, taking pleasure in contrasts, produces in that great country alternately the hardest and the most tender souls in the world.
"One word more," continued Vladimir: "Count Kostia was right; but unfortunately passion will not listen to reason. I left him with death in my heart, but firmly resolved to cope with him and to carry my point. You see that upon this occasion I observed but poorly the great maxim125, Sequere fatum. I flattered myself I should be able to stem the current. Vain illusion!—but without it would one be in love? Pauline lived in a small town at about two leagues from our village. Whenever I had leisure, I mounted a horse and flew to her. The third day after the terrible scene, I took a drive with this amiable girl and her father. As we were about to leave the village, I was seized with a sudden trembling at the sight of Count Kostia on the footpath126, holding his gold-headed cane127 under his arm and making his way quietly toward us. He recognized us, smiled agreeably, and signed to the coachman to stop and to me to descend128.
"Plague upon the thoughtless fellow! whip up, coachman!" cried
Pauline gayly.
But I had already opened the door.
"Excuse me," said I, "I will be with you in a moment." And while saying these words I was so pale that she became pale, too, as if assailed129 by a dark presentiment130. Kostia Petrovitch did not detain me long. After saluting131 me with ceremonious politeness, he said in a bantering132 tone:
"Vladimir, faith she is really charming. But I am sorry to say that if your engagement is not broken off before this evening, to- morrow this pretty girl will learn from me who you are."
"Money, sir, had always appeared to me so small a thing compared with science and glory; and besides, my love for Pauline was so free from alloy134, that I had never conceived the idea of informing myself in regard to her fortune, or the dowry which she might bring to me. That evening, as we took tea together in the parlor135 of my expected father-in-law, I contrived136 to bring up this important question for consideration, and expressed views of such a selfish character, and displayed such a sordid137 cupidity138, that the old officer at last became indignant. Pauline had a proud soul; she listened to us some time in silence, and then rising, she crushed me with a look of scorn, and, extending her arm, pointed139 me the door. That devil of a look, sir, I have not forgotten; it has long pursued me, and now I often see it in my dreams.
"Returning home, I tried to kill myself; but so awkwardly that I failed. There are some things in which we never succeed the first time. I was prevented from renewing the attempt by the Sequere fatum, which returned to my memory. I said to the floods which beat against my exhausted breast: 'Carry me where you please; you are my masters, I am your slave.'
"And believe me, sir, this unhappy adventure benefited me. It led me to salutary reflection. For the first time I ventured to think, I eradicated140 from my mind every prejudice which remained there, I took leave of all chimeras141, I saw life and the world as they are, and decided142 that Heaven is a myth. My manners soon betrayed the effect of the enlightenment of my mind. No more arrogance, no more boasting. I did not divest143 myself of pride, but it became more tractable144 and more convenient; it renounced145 ostentation146 and vain display; the peacock changed into a man of good breeding. This, sir, is what experience has done for me, assisted by Sequere fatum. It has made me wise, an honest man and an atheist147. So I said a little while afterwards to Count Kostia:
"'Of all the benefits I have received from you, the most precious was that of delivering me from Pauline. That woman would have ruined me. Ah, Count Kostia, how I laugh to myself when I recall the ridiculous litanies with which I once regaled your ears. You knew me well. A passing fancy—a fire of straw. Thanks to you, Kostia Petrovitch, my mind has acquired a perspicuity148 for which I shall be eternally grateful to you.
"This declaration touched him; he loved me the more for it. He has always had a weakness for men who listen to reason. Until then, notwithstanding the marks of affection which he lavished149 upon me, he had always made me feel the distance between us. But from that day I became intimate with him; I participated in his secrets, and, what cemented our friendship still more, was that one day I had an opportunity of saving his life at the risk of my own."
"And Pauline?" said the inquisitive150 and sympathetic Gilbert.
"Ah! Pauline interests you! Comfort yourself. Six months after our rupture151 she made a rich marriage. She still lives in her little town; she is happy, and has lost none of her beauty. I meet her sometimes in the street with her husband and children, and I have the pleasure of seeing her turn her head always from me. And I, too, sir, have children; they are my pupils. They are called in Moscow THE LITTLE VLADIMIRS, and one of them will become some of these days a great Vladimir. I have revealed all my secrets to him, for I do not want them to die with me, and my end may be near. I have yet an important work to accomplish; and when my task is finished, let death take me. The life of the little shepherd of Ukraine has been too exciting to last long. 'Short and sweet,' is my motto."
And at these words, leaning suddenly towards Gilbert, and looking him in the eye:
"Apropos," said he, "were you really thinking of Constantine, the emperor, when you exclaimed: 'Oh, fortune! what strange tricks you play?'"
"Ah! ah!" thought he, "it was not for nothing, then, that you told me your history; you had a purpose! Who knows but that Count Leminof has sent you to get my confidence?"
Vladimir employed all the skill he possessed153 to make Gilbert speak; his insidious154 questions were inexhaustible: Gilbert was impenetrable. From time to time they looked steadily155 at each other, each seeking to embarrass his adversary156, and to surprise his secret, but in vain; they fenced with glances, but they were both so sure in the parries, that not a thrust succeeded. At last Vladimir lost patience.
"My dear sir," exclaimed he, "I have the weakness to put faith in dreams, and I had one the other night which troubled me very much. I dreamed that Count Kostia had a daughter, and that he made her very unhappy, because she had the twofold misfortune of not being his daughter, and of resembling in a striking manner a woman whose remembrance he did not cherish. You see that dreams are as singular as the tricks of fortune. But the most serious matter was, that the unhappiness and beauty of this child had strongly touched your heart and that you had conceived an ardent157 passion for her.
"'What must I do?' you said to me one day.
"Then I related my story to you, and said: 'You know the character of Kostia Petrovitch. Do not hope to move him, it would be an amusement for him to break your heart. If I had been as much in love as you are, I should have carried off Pauline and fled with her to the ends of the world. An elopement!—that is your only resource. And mark (it was in my dream that I spoke thus), and mark—if you perform this bold stroke successfully, the Count, at first furious to see his victim escape him, will at last be reconciled to it. The sight of this child is a horror to him; even the tyranny which he exercises over her excites him and disorders158 his nerves. After she has left him, he will breathe more freely, will enjoy better health, and will pardon the ravisher, who will have relieved his life of the ferment160 of hatred161 which torments162 him. Then you can treat with him, and I shall be much mistaken if it is long before your dear mistress becomes your wife.' It was thus I repeat, that I spoke to you in my dream, and I added: 'Do not lose an instant; there is danger in remaining here. Kostia Petrovitch has suspicions; to-morrow perhaps it will be too late!'"
"And then you awoke," interrupted Gilbert, laughing.
Then rising, he continued:
"Your dreams have no common sense, my dear Doctor; for without taking into consideration that M. Leminof has no daughter, the faculty163 of loving has been denied to me by nature, and the only abduction of which I am capable is that of ink spots from a folio. With a little chlorine you see—"
He took a few steps to pick up the little flower which he had thrown away, and continued as he retraced164 with Vladimir the path which led to the castle. "Let us speak of more serious things. Do you know the family of this pretty flower?"
Thus walking on they conversed165 exclusively upon botany, and having arrived at the terrace, separated amicably166. Vladimir saw Gilbert move away, and then muttered between his teeth:
"Ha! you won't speak, you refuse me your confidence, and you only take off spots of ink! Then let your fate work itself out!"
Shall I describe the feelings which agitated167 Gilbert's heart? They will readily be divined. In addition to the anxiety which preyed168 upon him, a further and greater source of uneasiness was the fear that all had been discovered. "In spite of my precautions," thought he, "some spy stationed by the Count may have seen me running over the roof, but it is very improbable.
"I am inclined to believe rather, that the lynx eyes of Vladimir Paulitch have read Stephane's face. At the table he has watched her narrowly. Perhaps, too, my glances have betrayed me. This mind, coarse in its subtilty, has taken for a common love the tender and generous pity with which a great misfortune has inspired me. Doubtless he has informed the Count, and it was by his order that he attempted to force my confidence and to draw out my intentions. Stephane, Stephane, all my efforts then will have but resulted in heaping upon your head new misfortunes!" He was calmed a little, however, by the reflection that she had authorized169 him of her own accord to remain away from her for at least two weeks. "Before that time expires," thought he, "I shall have devised some expedient44. It is, first of all, important to throw this terrier, who is upon our track, off the scent170. Fortunately he will not be here long. His departure will be a great relief to me, for he is a dangerous person. If only Stephane will be prudent171!"
Dinner passed off well! Vladimir did not make his appearance. The Count was amiable and gay. Stephane, although very pale, was as calm as on the preceding days, and his eyes did not try to meet those of Gilbert, who felt his alarm subsiding172; but when they had risen from the table, Kostia Petrovitch having left the room first, his daughter had time, before following him, to turn quickly, draw from her sleeve a little roll of paper, and throw it at Gilbert's feet; he picked it up, and what was his chagrin173 when, after having locked himself in his room, he read the following lines: "The spirit of darkness has returned to me! I could not close my eyes last night. My head is on fire. I fear, I doubt, I despair. My Gilbert, I must at any cost see you this evening, for I feel myself capable of anything. Oh, my friend! come at least to console me— come and take from my sight the knife which remains174 open on my table."
Gilbert passed two hours in indescribable anguish175. Whilst day lasted, he stood leaning upon his window sill, hoping all the time that Stephane would appear at hers, and that he could communicate to her by signs; but he waited in vain, and already night began to fall. He deliberated, wavered, hesitated. At last, in this internal struggle, one thought prevailed over all others. He imagined he could see Stephane, pale, disheveled, despair in her eyes; he thought he could see a knife in her hands, the slender blade flashing in the darkness of the night. Terrified by these horrible fancies, he turned a deaf ear to prudential counsels, suspended his ladder, descended176, crossed the roofs, clambered up the window, and sprang into the room. Stephane awaited him, crouching177 at the feet of the saints. She rose, bounded forward, and seized the knife lying upon the table with a convulsive motion, turned the point towards her heart, and cried in a vibrating voice:
"Gilbert, for the first and last time, do you love me?"
Terrified, trembling, beside himself, Gilbert opened his arms to her. She threw the poniard away, uttered a cry of joy, of delirium178, leaped with a bound to her friend, threw her arms about him, and hanging upon his lips she cried:
"He loves me! he loves! I am saved."
Gilbert, while returning her caresses179, sought to calm her excitement; but all at once he turned pale. From the neighboring alcove180 came a sigh like that he had heard in one of the corridors of the castle.
"You love me! I am happy. What matters the rest?"
At this moment the door of the alcove opened and Count Kostia appeared upon the threshold, terrible, threatening, his lips curling with a sinister185 smile. At this sight his daughter slowly raised her head, then took a few steps towards him, and for the first time dared to look that father in the face, who for so many years had held her bowed and shuddering187 under his iron hand. Then like a young lion with bristling188 mane, her hair floating in disorder159 upon her shoulders, her body quivering, her brows contracted, with flashing eyes and in a thrilling voice, she cried:
"Ah! it really is you then, sir!
"You are welcome. You here, great God! Truly these walls ought to be surprised to see you. Yes, hear me, deaf old walls: the man you see there upon the threshold is my father! Ah, tell me, would you not have divined it by the tenderness in his face, by that smile full of goodness playing about his lips?" And then she added: "Unnatural189 father, do you remember yet that you once had a daughter? Search well, you will find her, perhaps, at the bottom of your memory. Very well! this daughter whom you killed, has just left her coffin190, and he who resuscitated191 her is the man before you." Then more excitedly still: "Oh, how I love him, this divine man! and in loving him, obedient daughter that I am, what have I done but execute your will? for was it not you yourself who one day threw me at his feet? I have remained there."
At these words, exhausted by the excess of her emotion, her strength deserted192 her. She uttered a cry, closed her eyes, and sank down. Gilbert, however, had already sprang towards her; he raised her in his arms and laid her inanimate form in an armchair; then placing himself before her, made a rampart of his body. When he turned his eyes upon the Count again, he could not repress a shudder186, for he fancied he saw the somnambulist. The features of Kostia Petrovitch were distorted, his eyes bloodshot, and his fixed and burning pupils seemed almost starting from their sockets193. He bent194 down slowly and picked up the knife, after which he remained some time motionless without giving any signs of life except by passing his tongue several times over his lips, as if to assuage195 the thirst for blood which consumed him. At last he advanced, his head erect196, his arm holding the knife suspended in the air, ready to strike. As he drew near, Gilbert recovered all his composure, and in a clear, strong voice, cried out:
"Count Leminof, control yourself, or you will lose your reason."
And as the frightful197 phantom198 still advanced, he quickly uncovered his breast, and exclaimed in a still louder voice:
"Count Kostia, strike, here is my heart, but your blows will not reach me,—the specter of Morlof is between us."
At these words the Count uttered a cry like a fallow deer, followed by a long and plaintive199 sigh. A terrible internal struggle followed; his brow contracted; the convulsive movements which agitated his body, and the flakes200 of foam201 which stood upon his lips, testified to the violence of the effort he was making. Reason at length returned; his arms fell and the knife dropped, the muscles of his face relaxed, and his features by degrees resumed their natural expression. Then turning in the direction of the alcove, he called out:
"Ivan, come and take care of your young mistress, she has fainted."
Ivan appeared. Who could describe the look which he threw upon Gilbert? Meanwhile the Count had reentered the alcove; but returned immediately with a candle, which he lighted quietly, and then, with an easy gesture, said to Gilbert:
"My dear sir, it seems to me we are in the way here. Be good enough to leave with me by the staircase; for please God, you do not return by the roof. If an accident should happen to you, the Byzantines and I would be inconsolable!"
Gilbert was so constituted, that at this moment M. Leminof inspired him more with pity than anger. He obeyed, and preceding him a few steps, crossed the alcove and the vestibule and descended the stairs. When at the entrance of the corridor, he turned, and placing his back against the wall, said sadly:
"I have a few words to say to you!"
The Count, stopping upon the last step, leaned nonchalantly over the balustrade and answered, smiling:
"Speak, I am ready to hear you; you know it always gives me pleasure to talk with you."
"I beg you, sir," said Gilbert, "to pardon your daughter the bitterness of her language. She spoke in delirium. I swear to you that at the bottom of her heart, she respects you, and that you have only to wish it to have her love you as a father."
"I am bound to say further," resumed Gilbert, "that your anger ought to fall upon me alone. It was I who sought this child, who hated me; and I constrained203 her to receive me. I pressed my attentions upon her and had no peace or rest until I had gained her affection."
The Count shrugged204 his shoulders again, as much as to say: "I believe you, but how does that change the situation?"
"As for me," continued Gilbert, "I assure you, upon my honor, that it was only yesterday I drew from your daughter her secret."
The Count answered:
"I believe you readily; but tell me, if you please, is it true that you now love this little girl as she loves you?"
Gilbert reflected a moment; then considering only the dignity and interests of Stephane, he replied:
"Yes, I love her with a pure, deep love."
"Admirable!" said he; "that is all I wish to know. We have nothing more to say."
Gilbert raised his head: "One word more, sir!" he exclaimed. "I do not leave you until you have sworn to me that you will not touch a hair of your daughter's head, and that you will not revenge yourself upon her for my well-meant imprudence."
"Peste!" said the Count, laughing, "you are taking great airs; but I owe you some gratitude, inasmuch as your coolness has saved me from committing a crime which would have been a great folly, for only fools avenge206 themselves with the knife. So I shall grant you even more than you ask. Hereafter, my daughter shall have no cause to complain of me, and I will interest myself paternally207 in her happiness. It displeases208 her to be under Ivan's charge; he shall be only her humble servant. I intend that she shall be as free as air, and all of her caprices will be sacred to me. I will begin by restoring her horse, if he is not already sold. I will do more: I will permit her to resume the garments of her sex. But for these favors I exact two conditions: first, that you shall remain here at least six months; second, that you will try neither to see, speak, nor write to my doll, without my consent."
Gilbert breathed a deep sigh.
"I swear it, on my honor!" replied he.
"Enough! Enough!" resumed M. Leminof, "I have your promise, and I believe in it as I do in the Gospels."
When the Count reentered his study, Doctor Vladimir, who was patiently awaiting him, examined him from head to foot, as if seeking to discover upon his garments or his hands some stain of blood, then controlling his emotion:
"Well," said he coolly, "how did the affair terminate?"
"Very well," said the Count, throwing himself in a chair. "I have not killed anyone. This young man's reason restored mine."
Vladimir Paulitch turned pale.
"You haven't common sense, Vladimir Paulitch! What are you saying about seduction? Gilberts are an enigma210 to you. They are not born under the same planets as Doctors Vladimir and Counts Leminof. There is a mixture in them of the humanitarian211, the knight-errant, the gray sister, and the St. Vincent de Paul, added to all which, our philanthropist has a passion for puppets, and from the time of his arrival he has forewarned me that he intended to make them play. He must have wanted, I think, to give himself a representation of some sacramental act, of some mystery play of the middle ages. The piece began well. The principal personages were faith, hope, and charity. Unfortunately, love got into the party, and the mystery was transformed into a drama of cloak and sword. I am sorry for him; these things always end badly."
"You are mistaken, Count Kostia!" replied Vladimir ironically; "they often end with a wedding."
"Vladimir Paulitch!" exclaimed the Count, stamping his foot, "you have the faculty of exasperating212 me. Today you spent an hour in kindling213 the fire of vengeance214 in my soul. You hate this young man. I believe, on my honor, that you are jealous of him. You are afraid, perhaps, that I may put him in my will in place of the little shepherd of Ukraine? Think of it as you please, my dear doctor; it is certain that if I had had the awkwardness to kill this admirable companion of my studies, I should lament215 him now in tears of blood, for I know not why, but he is dear to me in spite of all. But who loves well, chastises216 well, and I cannot help pitying him in thinking of all the sufferings which I shall make him undergo. Now go to bed, doctor. To-morrow morning you will go on your nimble feet, three leagues from here, on the other side of the mountain, to a little inn, which I will direct you how to find. I will follow on horseback. I need exercise and diversion. We will meet there and dine together. At dessert we will talk physiology217, and you will exert yourself to entertain me."
"But what are you thinking of?" exclaimed Vladimir, surprised to the last degree. "Will you permit these two lovers—"
"Oh! you have but a dull mind, in spite of your wisdom," interrupted the Count. "In matters of vengeance, you only know the calicoes and cottons. Mine I prefer to weave of silk and threads of gold."
On returning to his room, Vladimir Paulitch said to himself:
"These two men are too rational. The piece moves too slowly. I must hasten the denouement218."
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
solitary
|
|
| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
glade
|
|
| n.林间空地，一片表面有草的沼泽低地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
stagnant
|
|
| adj.不流动的，停滞的，不景气的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
rippled
|
|
| 使泛起涟漪（ripple的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
gambols
|
|
| v.蹦跳，跳跃，嬉戏( gambol的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
6
aquatic
|
|
| adj.水生的，水栖的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
drowsy
|
|
| adj.昏昏欲睡的，令人发困的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
pensive
|
|
| a.沉思的,哀思的,忧沉的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
marsh
|
|
| n.沼泽，湿地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
willow
|
|
| n.柳树 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
exhausted
|
|
| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
nettles
|
|
| n.荨麻( nettle的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
melancholy
|
|
| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
languor
|
|
| n.无精力，倦怠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
recollect
|
|
| v.回忆，想起，记起，忆起，记得 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
solitude
|
|
| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
meditation
|
|
| n.熟虑，（尤指宗教的）默想，沉思，（pl.）冥想录 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
intervals
|
|
| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
agitation
|
|
| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
forth
|
|
| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
admiration
|
|
| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
elasticity
|
|
| n.弹性，伸缩力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
condemn
|
|
| vt.谴责，指责；宣判(罪犯)，判刑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
impulsive
|
|
| adj.冲动的，刺激的；有推动力的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
calamity
|
|
| n.灾害，祸患，不幸事件 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
deplore
|
|
| vt.哀叹，对...深感遗憾 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
eccentricities
|
|
| n.古怪行为( eccentricity的名词复数 )；反常；怪癖 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
passionate
|
|
| adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
penetration
|
|
| n.穿透，穿人，渗透 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
raven
|
|
| n.渡鸟，乌鸦；adj.乌亮的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
croaking
|
|
| v.呱呱地叫( croak的现在分词 )；用粗的声音说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
variegated
|
|
| adj.斑驳的，杂色的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
attentive
|
|
| adj.注意的，专心的；关心(别人)的，殷勤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
tint
|
|
| n.淡色，浅色；染发剂；vt.着以淡淡的颜色 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
petals
|
|
| n.花瓣( petal的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
recollecting
|
|
| v.记起，想起( recollect的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
discomfited
|
|
| v.使为难( discomfit的过去式和过去分词)；使狼狈；使挫折；挫败 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
grassy
|
|
| adj.盖满草的；长满草的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
fixed
|
|
| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
turret
|
|
| n.塔楼，角塔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
desperately
|
|
| adv.极度渴望地，绝望地，孤注一掷地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
resolutely
|
|
| adj.坚决地，果断地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
humbly
|
|
| adv. 恭顺地，谦卑地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
expedient
|
|
| adj.有用的，有利的；n.紧急的办法，权宜之计 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
expedients
|
|
| n.应急有效的，权宜之计的( expedient的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
partisan
|
|
| adj.党派性的；游击队的；n.游击队员；党徒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
tranquilly
|
|
| adv. 宁静地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
meditations
|
|
| 默想( meditation的名词复数 )； 默念； 沉思； 冥想 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
rambling
|
|
| adj.[建]凌乱的，杂乱的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
thickets
|
|
| n.灌木丛( thicket的名词复数 )；丛状物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
entirely
|
|
| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
enveloped
|
|
| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
discreet
|
|
| adj.(言行)谨慎的；慎重的；有判断力的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
undoubtedly
|
|
| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
precisely
|
|
| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
physiologist
|
|
| n.生理学家 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
humble
|
|
| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
discretion
|
|
| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
procured
|
|
| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
anatomy
|
|
| n.解剖学，解剖；功能，结构，组织 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
dissected
|
|
| adj.切开的，分割的，（叶子）多裂的v.解剖（动物等）( dissect的过去式和过去分词 )；仔细分析或研究 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
virtues
|
|
| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
indefatigable
|
|
| adj.不知疲倦的，不屈不挠的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
ardor
|
|
| n.热情，狂热 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
infancy
|
|
| n.婴儿期；幼年期；初期 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
superstitions
|
|
| 迷信，迷信行为( superstition的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
emancipating
|
|
| v.解放某人（尤指摆脱政治、法律或社会的束缚）( emancipate的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
repulse
|
|
| n.击退，拒绝；vt.逐退，击退，拒绝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
wring
|
|
| n.扭绞；v.拧，绞出，扭 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
oracles
|
|
| 神示所( oracle的名词复数 )； 神谕； 圣贤； 哲人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
implicitly
|
|
| adv. 含蓄地, 暗中地, 毫不保留地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
domain
|
|
| n.(活动等)领域，范围；领地，势力范围 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
precocious
|
|
| adj.早熟的；较早显出的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
concealing
|
|
| v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
profusion
|
|
| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
asylum
|
|
| n.避难所，庇护所，避难 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
spoke
|
|
| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
consultations
|
|
| n.磋商（会议）( consultation的名词复数 )；商讨会；协商会；查找 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
fawned
|
|
| v.（尤指狗等）跳过来往人身上蹭以示亲热( fawn的过去式和过去分词 )；巴结；讨好 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
lavishes
|
|
| v.过分给予，滥施( lavish的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
fervor
|
|
| n.热诚；热心；炽热 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
implored
|
|
| 恳求或乞求（某人）( implore的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
intoxicated
|
|
| 喝醉的，极其兴奋的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
cavalry
|
|
| n.骑兵；轻装甲部队 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
retired
|
|
| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
ascetic
|
|
| adj.禁欲的；严肃的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
monk
|
|
| n.和尚，僧侣，修道士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
chaste
|
|
| adj.贞洁的；有道德的；善良的；简朴的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
frenzy
|
|
| n.疯狂，狂热，极度的激动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
folly
|
|
| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
displease
|
|
| vt.使不高兴，惹怒；n.不悦，不满，生气 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
supplicated
|
|
| v.祈求，哀求，恳求( supplicate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
emancipate
|
|
| v.解放，解除 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
extravagant
|
|
| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
encumbrances
|
|
| n.负担( encumbrance的名词复数 )；累赘；妨碍；阻碍 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
vigor
|
|
| n.活力，精力，元气 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
disposition
|
|
| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
incapable
|
|
| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
sneer
|
|
| v.轻蔑；嘲笑；n.嘲笑，讥讽的言语 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
adoration
|
|
| n.爱慕，崇拜 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
humility
|
|
| n.谦逊，谦恭 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
soften
|
|
| v.(使)变柔软；(使)变柔和 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
inflexible
|
|
| adj.不可改变的，不受影响的，不屈服的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
epoch
|
|
| n.(新)时代；历元 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
recherche
|
|
| adj.精选的；罕有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
embroidered
|
|
| adj．绣花的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
ruffles
|
|
| 褶裥花边( ruffle的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
arrogance
|
|
| n.傲慢，自大 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
parvenus
|
|
| n.暴富者( parvenu的名词复数 )；暴发户；新贵；傲慢自负的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
accomplished
|
|
| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
licenses
|
|
| n.执照( license的名词复数 )v.批准，许可，颁发执照( license的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
behold
|
|
| v.看，注视，看到 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
miraculous
|
|
| adj.像奇迹一样的，不可思议的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
imploring
|
|
| 恳求的，哀求的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
writhing
|
|
| （因极度痛苦而）扭动或翻滚( writhe的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
contortions
|
|
| n.扭歪，弯曲；扭曲，弄歪，歪曲( contortion的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
charcoal
|
|
| n.炭，木炭，生物炭 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
crucible
|
|
| n.坩锅，严酷的考验 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
consecutive
|
|
| adj.连续的，联贯的，始终一贯的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
forefinger
|
|
| n.食指 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
soothe
|
|
| v.安慰；使平静；使减轻；缓和；奉承 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
tormented
|
|
| 饱受折磨的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
gratitude
|
|
| adj.感激，感谢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
amiable
|
|
| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
maxim
|
|
| n.格言，箴言 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
footpath
|
|
| n.小路，人行道 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
cane
|
|
| n.手杖，细长的茎，藤条；v.以杖击，以藤编制的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
descend
|
|
| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
assailed
|
|
| v.攻击( assail的过去式和过去分词 )；困扰；质问；毅然应对 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
presentiment
|
|
| n.预感，预觉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
saluting
|
|
| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的现在分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
132
bantering
|
|
| adj.嘲弄的v.开玩笑，说笑，逗乐( banter的现在分词 )；（善意地）取笑，逗弄 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
133
aria
|
|
| n.独唱曲，咏叹调 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
134
alloy
|
|
| n.合金，(金属的)成色 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
135
parlor
|
|
| n.店铺，营业室；会客室，客厅 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
136
contrived
|
|
| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
137
sordid
|
|
| adj.肮脏的，不干净的，卑鄙的，暗淡的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
138
cupidity
|
|
| n.贪心，贪财 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
139
pointed
|
|
| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
140
eradicated
|
|
| 画着根的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
141
chimeras
|
|
| n.（由几种动物的各部分构成的）假想的怪兽( chimera的名词复数 )；不可能实现的想法；幻想；妄想 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
142
decided
|
|
| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
143
divest
|
|
| v.脱去，剥除 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
144
tractable
|
|
| adj.易驾驭的；温顺的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
145
renounced
|
|
| v.声明放弃( renounce的过去式和过去分词 )；宣布放弃；宣布与…决裂；宣布摒弃 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
146
ostentation
|
|
| n.夸耀，卖弄 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
147
atheist
|
|
| n.无神论者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
148
perspicuity
|
|
| n.（文体的）明晰 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
149
lavished
|
|
| v.过分给予，滥施( lavish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
150
inquisitive
|
|
| adj.求知欲强的，好奇的，好寻根究底的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
151
rupture
|
|
| n.破裂；(关系的)决裂；v.(使)破裂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
152
promptly
|
|
| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
153
possessed
|
|
| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
154
insidious
|
|
| adj.阴险的，隐匿的，暗中为害的，（疾病）不知不觉之间加剧 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
155
steadily
|
|
| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
156
adversary
|
|
| adj.敌手，对手 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
157
ardent
|
|
| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
158
disorders
|
|
| n.混乱( disorder的名词复数 )；凌乱；骚乱；（身心、机能）失调 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
159
disorder
|
|
| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
160
ferment
|
|
| vt.使发酵；n./vt.（使）激动，（使）动乱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
161
hatred
|
|
| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
162
torments
|
|
| （肉体或精神上的）折磨，痛苦( torment的名词复数 )； 造成痛苦的事物[人] | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
163
faculty
|
|
| n.才能；学院，系；(学院或系的)全体教学人员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
164
retraced
|
|
| v.折回( retrace的过去式和过去分词 )；回忆；回顾；追溯 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
165
conversed
|
|
| v.交谈，谈话( converse的过去式 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
166
amicably
|
|
| adv.友善地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
167
agitated
|
|
| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
168
preyed
|
|
| v.掠食( prey的过去式和过去分词 )；掠食；折磨；（人）靠欺诈为生 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
169
authorized
|
|
| a.委任的，许可的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
170
scent
|
|
| n.气味，香味，香水，线索，嗅觉；v.嗅，发觉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
171
prudent
|
|
| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
172
subsiding
|
|
| v.（土地）下陷（因在地下采矿）( subside的现在分词 )；减弱；下降至较低或正常水平；一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
173
chagrin
|
|
| n.懊恼；气愤；委屈 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
174
remains
|
|
| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
175
anguish
|
|
| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
176
descended
|
|
| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
177
crouching
|
|
| v.屈膝，蹲伏( crouch的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
178
delirium
|
|
| n. 神智昏迷,说胡话;极度兴奋 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
179
caresses
|
|
| 爱抚，抚摸( caress的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
180
alcove
|
|
| n.凹室 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
181
gasped
|
|
| v.喘气( gasp的过去式和过去分词 )；喘息；倒抽气；很想要 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
182
stifled
|
|
| （使）窒息， （使）窒闷( stifle的过去式和过去分词 )； 镇压，遏制； 堵 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
183
illuminated
|
|
| adj.被照明的；受启迪的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
184
delirious
|
|
| adj.不省人事的，神智昏迷的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
185
sinister
|
|
| adj.不吉利的，凶恶的，左边的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
186
shudder
|
|
| v.战粟，震动，剧烈地摇晃；n.战粟，抖动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
187
shuddering
|
|
| v.战栗( shudder的现在分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
188
bristling
|
|
| a.竖立的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
189
unnatural
|
|
| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
190
coffin
|
|
| n.棺材，灵柩 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
191
resuscitated
|
|
| v.使（某人或某物）恢复知觉，苏醒( resuscitate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
192
deserted
|
|
| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
193
sockets
|
|
| n.套接字，使应用程序能够读写与收发通讯协定(protocol)与资料的程序( Socket的名词复数 )；孔( socket的名词复数 )；（电器上的）插口；托座；凹穴 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
194
bent
|
|
| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
195
assuage
|
|
| v.缓和，减轻，镇定 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
196
erect
|
|
| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
197
frightful
|
|
| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
198
phantom
|
|
| n.幻影，虚位，幽灵；adj.错觉的，幻影的，幽灵的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
199
plaintive
|
|
| adj.可怜的，伤心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
200
flakes
|
|
| 小薄片( flake的名词复数 )； （尤指）碎片； 雪花； 古怪的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
201
foam
|
|
| v./n.泡沫，起泡沫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
202
shrug
|
|
| v.耸肩(表示怀疑、冷漠、不知等) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
203
constrained
|
|
| adj.束缚的,节制的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
204
shrugged
|
|
| vt.耸肩（shrug的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
205
sarcastic
|
|
| adj.讥讽的，讽刺的，嘲弄的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
206
avenge
|
|
| v.为...复仇，为...报仇 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
207
paternally
|
|
| adv.父亲似地；父亲一般地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
208
displeases
|
|
| 冒犯，使生气，使不愉快( displease的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
209
seducer
|
|
| n.诱惑者,骗子,玩弄女性的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
210
enigma
|
|
| n.谜，谜一样的人或事 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
211
humanitarian
|
|
| n.人道主义者，博爱者，基督凡人论者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
212
exasperating
|
|
| adj. 激怒的 动词exasperate的现在分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
213
kindling
|
|
| n. 点火, 可燃物 动词kindle的现在分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
214
vengeance
|
|
| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
215
lament
|
|
| n.悲叹，悔恨，恸哭；v.哀悼，悔恨，悲叹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
216
chastises
|
|
| v.严惩（某人）（尤指责打）( chastise的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
217
physiology
|
|
| n.生理学，生理机能 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
218
denouement
|
|
| n.结尾，结局 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |