One summer morning, when the air was full of country sounds, of mowers in the meadow, black-birds by the brook, and the low of kine upon the hill-side, the old house wore its cheeriest aspect, and a certain humble7 history began.
"Nan!"
"Yes, Di."
And a head, brown-locked, blue-eyed, soft-featured, looked in at the open door in answer to the call.
"Just bring me the third volume of 'Wilhelm Meister,' there's a dear. It's hardly worth while to rouse such a restless ghost as I, when I'm once fairly laid."
As she spoke8, Di PUlled up her black braids, thumped9 the pillow of the couch where she was lying, and with eager eyes went down the last page of her book.
"Nan!"
"Yes, Laura," replied the girl, coming back with the third volume for the literary cormorant10, who took it with a nod, still too content upon the "Confessions11 of a Fair Saint" to remember the failings of a certain plain sinner.
"Don't forget the Italian cream for dinner. I depend upon it; for it's the only thing fit for me this hot weather."
And Laura, the cool blonde, disposed the folds of her white gown more gracefully13 about her, and touched up the eyebrow16 of the Minerva she was drawing.
"Little daughter!"
"Yes, father."
"Let me have plenty of clean collars in my bag, for I must go at once; and some of you bring me a glass of cider in about an hour;—I shall be in the lower garden."
The old man went away into his imaginary paradise, and Nan into that domestic purgatory17 on a summer day,—the kitchen. There were vines about the windows, sunshine on the floor, and order everywhere; but it was haunted by a cooking-stove, that family altar whence such varied18 incense19 rises to appease20 the appetite of household gods, before which such dire21 incantations are pronounced to ease the wrath22 and woe23 of the priestess of the fire, and about which often linger saddest memories of wasted temper, time, and toil24.
Nan was tired, having risen with the birds,—hurried, having many cares those happy little housewives never know,—and disappointed in a hope that hourly "dwindled25, peaked, and pined." She was too young to make the anxious lines upon her forehead seem at home there, too patient to be burdened with the labor26 others should have shared, too light of heart to be pent up when earth and sky were keeping a blithe27 holiday. But she was one of that meek28 sisterhood who, thinking humbly29 of themselves, believe they are honored by being spent in the service of less conscientious30 souls, whose careless thanks seem quite reward enough.
To and fro she went, silent and diligent31, giving the grace of willingness to every humble or distasteful task the day had brought her; but some malignant32 sprite seemed to have taken possession of her kingdom, for rebellion broke out everywhere. The kettles would boil over most obstreperously,—the mutton refused to cook with the meek alacrity33 to be expected from the nature of a sheep,—the stove, with unnecessary warmth of temper, would glow like a fiery34 furnace,—the irons would scorch,—the linens35 would dry,—and spirits would fail, though patience never.
Nan tugged37 on, growing hotter and wearier, more hurried and more hopeless, till at last the crisis came; for in one fell moment she tore her gown, burnt her hand, and smutched the collar she was preparing to finish in the most unexceptionable style. Then, if she had been a nervous woman, she would have scolded; being a gentle girl, she only "lifted up her voice and wept."
"Behold39, she watereth her linen36 with salt tears, and bewaileth herself because of much tribulation40. But, lo! Help cometh from afar: a strong man bringeth lettuce41 wherewith to stay her, plucketh berries to comfort her withal, and clasheth cymbals42 that she may dance for joy."
The voice came from the porch, and, with her hope fulfilled, Nan looked up to greet John Lord, the house-friend, who stood there with a basket on his arm; and as she saw his honest eyes, kind lips, and helpful hands, the girl thought this plain young man the comeliest43, most welcome sight she had beheld44 that day.
"How good of you, to come through all this heat, and not to laugh at my despair!" she said, looking up like a grateful child, as she led him in.
"I only obeyed orders, Nan; for a certain dear old lady had a motherly presentiment45 that you had got into a domestic whirlpool, and sent me as a sort of life-preserver. So I took the basket of consolation46, and came to fold my feet upon the carpet of contentment in the tent of friendship."
As he spoke, John gave his own gift in his mother's name, and bestowed47 himself in the wide window-seat, where morning-glories nodded at him, and the old butternut sent pleasant shadows dancing to and fro.
His advent48, like that of Orpheus in hades, seemed to soothe49 all unpropitious powers with a sudden spell. The Fire began to slacken, the kettles began to lull50, the meat began to cook, the irons began to cool, the clothes began to behave, the spirits began to rise, and the collar was finished off with most triumphant51 success. John watched the change, and, though a lord of creation, abased52 himself to take compassion53 on the weaker vessel54, and was seized with a great desire to lighten the homely55 tasks that tried her strength of body and soul. He took a comprehensive glance about the room; then, extracting a dish from he closet, proceeded to imbrue his hands in the strawberries' blood.
"Oh, John, you needn't do that; I shall have time when I've turned the meat, made the pudding and done these things. See, I'm getting on finely now:—you're a judge of such matters; isn't that nice?"
"Oh that I were a collar, to sit upon that hand!" sighed John,—adding, argumentatively,
"As to the berry question, I might answer it with a gem58 from Dr. Watts59, relative to 'Satan' and idle hands,' but will merely say, that, as a matter of public safety, you'd better leave me alone; for such is the destructiveness of my nature, that I shall certainly eat something hurtful, break something valuable, or sit upon something crushable, unless you let me concentrate my energies by knocking on these young fellows' hats, and preparing them for their doom60."
Looking at the matter in a charitable light, Nan consented, and went cheerfully on with her work, wondering how she could have thought ironing an infliction61, and been so ungrateful for the blessings62 of her lot.
"Where's Sally?" asked John, looking vainly for the functionary63 who usually pervaded64 that region like a domestic police-woman, a terror to cats, dogs, and men.
"She has gone to her cousin's funeral, and won't be back till Monday. There seems to be a great fatality65 among her relations; for one dies, or comes to grief in some way, about once a month. But I don't blame poor Sally for wanting to get away from this place now and then. I think I could find it in my heart to murder an imaginary friend or two, if I had to stay here long."
"Where's Di?" asked John, seized with a most unmasculine curiosity all at once.
"She is in Germany with 'Wilhelm Meister'; but, though 'lost to sight, to memory clear'; for I was just thinking, as I did her things, how clever she is to like all kinds of books that I don't understand at all, and to write things that make me cry with pride and delight. Yes, she's a talented dear, though she hardly knows a needle from a crowbar, and will make herself one great blot68 some of these days, when the 'divine afflatus69' descends70 upon her, I'm afraid."
"Where is Laura?" proceeded the inquisitor.
"Well, I might say that she was in Italy; for she is copying some fine thing of Raphael's or Michael Angelo's, or some great creatures or other; and she looks so picturesque in her pretty gown, sitting before her easel, that it's really a sight to behold, and I've peeped two or three times to see how she gets on."
And Nan bestirred herself to prepare the dish Wherewith her picturesque sister desired to prolong her artistic72 existence.
"Where is your father?" John asked again, checking off each answer with a nod and a little frown.
"He is down in the garden, deep in some plan about melons, the beginning of which seems to consist in stamping the first proposition in Euclid all over the bed, and then poking73 a few seeds into the middle of each. Why, bless the dear man! I forgot it was time for the cider. Wouldn't you like to take it to him, John? He'd love to consult you; and the lane is so cool, it does one's heart good to look at it."
John glanced from the steamy kitchen to the shadowy path, and answered with a sudden assumption of immense industry,—
"I couldn't possibly go, Nan,—I've so much on my hands. You'll have to do it yourself. 'Mr. Robert of Lincoln' has something for your private ear; and the lane is so cool, it will do one's heart good to see you in it. Give my regards to your father, and, in the words of 'Little Mabel's' mother, with slight variation,—
'Tell the dear old body
This day I cannot run,
For the pots are boiling over
And the mutton isn't done.'"
"I will; but please, John, go in to the girls and be comfortable; for I don't like to leave you here," said Nan.
"You insinuate74 that I should pick at the pudding or invade the cream, do you? Ungrateful girl, leave me!" And, with melodramatic sternness, John extinguished her in his broad-brimmed hat, and offered the glass like a poisoned goblet75.
Nan took it, and went smiling away. But the lane might have been the Desert of Sahara, for all she knew of it; and she would have passed her father as unconcernedly as if he had been an apple-tree, had he not called out,—
"Stand and deliver, little woman!"
She obeyed the venerable highwayman, and followed him to and fro, listening to his plans and directions with a mute attention that quite won his heart.
"That hop-pole is really an ornament76 now, Nan; this sage-bed needs weeding,—that's good work for you girls; and, now I think of it, you'd better water the lettuce in the cool of the evening, after I'm gone."
To all of which remarks Nan gave her assent77; the hop-pole took the likeness78 of a tall figure she had seen in the porch, the sage-bed, curiously79 enough, suggested a strawberry ditto, the lettuce vividly80 reminded her of certain vegetable productions a basket had brought, and the bobolink only sung in his cheeriest voice, "Go home, go home! he is there!"
She found John—he having made a free-mason of himself, by assuming her little apron81—meditating over the partially82 spread table, lost in amaze at its desolate83 appearance; one half its proper paraphernalia84 having been forgotten, and the other half put on awry85. Nan laughed till the tears ran over her cheeks, and John was gratified at the efficacy of his treatment; for her face had brought a whole harvest of sunshine from the garden, and all her cares seemed to have been lost in the windings86 of the lane.
"Nan, are you in hysterics?" cried Di, appearing, book in hand. "John, you absurd man, what are you doing?"
"I'm helpin' the maid of all work, please marm." And John dropped a curtsy with his limited apron.
Di looked ruffled87, for the merry words were a covert88 reproach; and with her usual energy of manner and freedom of speech she tossed "Wilhelm" out of the window, exclaiming, irefully.—
"That's always the way; I'm never where I ought to be, and never think of anything till it's too late; but it's all Goethe's fault. What does he write books full of smart 'Phillinas' and interesting 'Meisters' for? How can I be expected to remember that Sally's away, and people must eat, when I'm hearing the 'Harper' and little 'Mignon?' John, how dare you come here and do my work, instead of shaking me and telling me to do it myself? Take that toasted child away, and fan her like a Chinese mandarin89, while I dish up this dreadful dinner."
John and Nan fled like chaff90 before the wind, while Di, full of remorseful91 zeal, charged at the kettles, and wrenched92 off the potatoes' jackets, as if she were revengefully pulling her own hair. Laura had a vague intention of going to assist; but, getting lost among the lights and shadows of Minerva's helmet, forgot to appear till dinner had been evoked93 from chaos94 and peace was restored.
At three o'clock, Di performed the coronation ceremony with her father's best hat; Laura retied his old-fashioned neckcloth, and arranged his white locks with an eye to saintly effect; Nan appeared with a beautifully written sermon, and suspicious ink-stains on the fingers that slipped it into his pocket; John attached himself to the bag; and the patriarch was escorted to the door of his tent with the triumphal procession which usually attended his out-goings and in-comings. Having kissed the female portion of his tribe, he ascended95 the venerable chariot, which received him with audible lamentation96, as its rheumatic joints97 swayed to and fro.
"Good-bye, my dears! I shall be back early on Monday morning; so take care of yourselves, and be sure you all go and hear Mr. Emerboy preach to-morrow. My regards to your mother. John. Come, Solon!"
But Solon merely cocked one ear, and remained a fixed98 fact; for long experience had induced the philosophic99 beast to take for his motto the Yankee maxim100, "Be sure you're right, then go ahead! He knew things were not right; therefore he did not go ahead.
"Oh, by the way, girls, don't forget to pay Tommy Mullein for bringing up the cow: he expects it to-night. And Di, don't sit up till daylight, nor let Laura stay out in the dew. Now, I believe I'm off. Come, Solon!"
But Solon only cocked the other ear, gently agitated101 his mortified102 tail, as premonitory symptoms of departure, and never stirred a hoof103, being well aware that it always took three "comes" to make a "go."
"Bless me! I've forgotten my spectacles. They are probably shut up in that volume of Herbert on my table. Very awkward to find myself without them ten miles away. Thank you, John. Don't neglect to water the lettuce, Nan, and don't overwork yourself, my little 'Martha.' Come—"
At this juncture104 Solon suddenly went off, like "Mrs. Gamp," in a sort of walking swoon, apparently105 deaf and blind to all mundane106 matters, except the refreshments107 awaiting him ten miles away; and the benign108 old pastor109 disappeared, humming "Hebron" to the creaking accompaniment of the bulgy110 chaise.
Laura retired111 to take her siesta112; Nan made a small carbonaro of herself by sharpening her sister's crayons, and Di, as a sort of penance113 for past sins, tried her patience over a piece of knitting, in which she soon originated a somewhat remarkable114 pattern, by dropping every third stitch, and seaming ad libitum. If John bad been a gentlemanly creature, with refined tastes, he would have elevated his feet and made a nuisance of himself by indulging in a "weed;" but being only an uncultivated youth, with a rustic116 regard for pure air and womankind in general, he kept his head uppermost, and talked like a man, instead of smoking like a chimney.
"It will probably be six months before I sit here again, tangling117 your threads and maltreating your needles, Nan. How glad you must feel to hear it!" he said, looking up from a thoughtful examination of the hard-working little citizens of the Industrial Community settled in Nan's work-basket.
"No, I'm very sorry; for I like to see you coming and going as you used to, years ago, and I miss you very much when you are gone, John," answered truthful118 Nan, whittling119 away in a sadly wasteful120 manner, as her thoughts flew back to the happy times when a little lad rode a little lass in a big wheelbarrow, and never spilt his load,—when two brown heads bobbed daily side by side to school, and the favorite play was "Babes in the Wood," with Di for a somewhat peckish robin121 to cover the small martyrs122 with any vegetable substance that lay at hand. Nan sighed, as she thought of these things, and John regarded the battered123 thimble on his finger-tip with increased benignity124 of aspect as he heard the sound.
"When are you going to make your fortune, John, and get out of that disagreeable hardware concern?" demanded Di, pausing after an exciting "round," and looking almost as much exhausted126 as if it had been a veritable pugilistic encounter.
"I intend to make it by plunging127 still deeper into 'that disagreeable hardware concern;' for, next year, if the world keeps rolling, and John Lord is alive, he will become a partner, and then—and then—"
The color sprang up into the young man's cheek, his eyes looked out with a sudden shine, and his hand seemed involuntarily to close, as if he saw and seized some invisible delight.
"What will happen then, John?" asked Nan, with a wondering glance.
"I'll tell you in a year, Nan, wait till then." and John's strong hand unclosed, as if the desired good were not to be his yet.
"I really thought you had a soul above pots and kettles, but I see you haven't; and I beg your pardon for the injustice129 I have done you."
Not a whit12 disturbed, John smiled, as if at some mighty130 pleasant fancy of his own, as he replied,—
"Thank you, Di; and as a further proof of the utter depravity of my nature, let me tell you that I have the greatest possible respect for those articles of ironmongery. Some of the happiest hours of my life have been spent in their society; some of my pleasantest associations are connected with them; some of my best lessons have come to me among them; and when my fortune is made, I intend to show my gratitude131 by taking three flat-irons rampant132 for my coat of arms."
Nan laughed merrily, as she looked at the burns on her hand; but Di elevated the most prominent feature of her brown countenance133, and sighed despondingly,—
"Dear, dear, what a disappointing world this is! I no sooner build a nice castle in Spain, and settle a smart young knight134 therein, than down it comes about my ears; and the ungrateful youth, who might fight dragons, if he chose, insists on quenching135 his energies in a saucepan, and making a Saint Lawrence of himself by wasting his life on a series of gridirons. Ah, if I were only a man, I would do something better than that, and prove that heroes are not all dead yet. But, instead of that, I'm only a woman, and must sit rasping my temper with absurdities136 like this." And Di wrestled137 with her knitting as if it were Fate, and she were paying off the grudge139 she owed it.
John leaned toward her, saying, with a look that made his plain face handsome,—
"Di, my father began the world as I begin it, and left it the richer for the useful years he spent here,—as I hope I may leave it some half-century hence. His memory makes that dingy140 shop a pleasant place to me; for there he made an honest name, led an honest life and bequeathed to me his reverence141 for honest work. That is a sort of hardware, Di, that no rust115 can corrupt142, and which will always prove a better fortune than any your knights143 can achieve with sword and shield. I think I am not quite a clod, or quite without some aspirations144 above money-getting; for I sincerely desire that courage that makes daily life heroic by self-denial and cheerfulness of heart; I am eager to conquer my own rebellious145 nature, and earn the confidence of innocent and upright souls; I have a great ambition to become as good a man and leave as good a memory behind me as old John Lord."
Di winked146 violently, and seamed five times in perfect silence; but quiet Nan had the gift of knowing when to speak, and by a timely word saved her sister from a thunder-shower and her stocking from destruction.
"John, have you seen Philip since you wrote about your last meeting with him?"
The question was for John, but the soothing147 tone was for Di, who gratefully accepted it, and perked148 up again with speed.
"Yes; and I meant to have told you about it," answered John, plunging into the subject at once.
"I saw him a few days before I came home, and found him more disconsolate149 than ever,—' just ready to go to the Devil,' as he forcibly expressed himself. I consoled the poor lad as well as I could, telling him his wisest plan was to defer150 his proposed expedition, and go on as steadily151 as he had begun,—thereby proving the injustice of your father's prediction concerning his want of perseverance152, and the sincerity153 of his affection. I told him the change in Laura's health and spirits was silently working in his favor, and that a few more months of persistent154 endeavor would conquer your father's prejudice against him, and make him a stronger man for the trial and the pain. I read him bits about Laura from your own and Di's letters, and he went away at last as patient as Jacob ready to serve another 'seven years' for his beloved Rachel."
"God bless you for it, John!" cried a fervent155 voice; and, looking up, they saw the cold, listless Laura transformed into a tender girl, all aglow156 with love and longing157, as she dropped her mask, and showed a living countenance eloquent158 with the first passion and softened159 by the first grief of her life.
John rose involuntarily in the presence of an innocent nature whose sorrow needed no interpreter to him. The girl read sympathy in his brotherly regard, and found comfort in the friendly voice that asked, half playfully, half seriously,—
"Shall I tell him that he is not forgotten, even for an Apollo? that Laura the artist has not conquered Laura the woman? and predict that the good daughter will yet prove the happy wife?"
With a gesture full of energy, Laura tore her Minerva from top to bottom, while two great tears rolled down the cheeks grown wan66 with hope deferred160.
"Tell him I believe all things, hope all things, and that I never can forget."
Nan went to her and held her fast, leaving the prints of two loving but grimy hands upon her shoulders; Di looked on approvingly, for, though stony-hearted regarding the cause, she fully15 appreciated the effect; and John, turning to the window, received the commendations of a robin swaying on an elm-bough with sunshine on its ruddy breast.
The clock struck five, and John declared that he must go; for, being an old-fashioned soul, he fancied that his mother had a better right to his last hour than any younger woman in the land,—always remembering that "she was a widow, and he her only son."
Nan ran away to wash her hands, and came back with the appearance of one who had washed her face also: and so she had; but there was a difference in the water.
"Play I'm your father, girls, and remember that it will be six months before 'that John' will trouble you again."
With which preface the young man kissed his former playfellows as heartily161 as the boy had been wont162 to do, when stern parents banished163 him to distant schools, and three little maids bemoaned164 his fate. But times were changed now; for Di grew alarmingly rigid165 during the ceremony; Laura received the salute166 like a graceful14 queen; and Nan returned it with heart and eyes and tender lips, making such an improvement on the childish fashion of the thing that John was moved to support his paternal167 character by softly echoing her father's words,—"Take care of yourself, my little 'Martha.'"
Then they all streamed after him along the garden-path, with the endless messages and warnings girls are so prone168 to give; and the young man, with a great softness at his heart, went away, as many another John has gone, feeling better for the companionship of innocent maidenhood169, and stronger to wrestle138 with temptation, to wait and hope and work.
"Let's throw a shoe after him for luck, as dear old 'Mrs. Gummage' did after 'David' and the 'willin' Barkis!' Quick, Nan! you always have old shoes on; toss one, and shout, 'Good luck!'" cried Di, with one of her eccentric inspirations.
Nan tore off her shoe, and threw it far along the dusty road, with a sudden longing to become that auspicious170 article of apparel, that the omen38 might not fail.
Looking backward from the hill-top, John answered the meek shout cheerily, and took in the group with a lingering glance: Laura in the shadow of the elms, Di perched on the fence, and Nan leaning far over the gate with her hand above her eyes and the sunshine touching172 her brown hair with gold. He waved his hat and turned away; but the music seemed to die out of the blackbird's song, and in all the summer landscape his eyes saw nothing but the little figure at the gate.
"Bless and save us! here's a flock of people coming; my hair is in a toss, and Nan's without her shoe; run! fly, girls! or the Philistines173 will be upon us!" cried Di, tumbling off her perch171 in sudden alarm.
Three agitated young ladies, with flying draperies and countenances174 of mingled175 mirth and dismay, might have been seen precipitating176 themselves into a respectable mansion177 with unbecoming haste; but the squirrels were the only witnesses of this "vision of sudden flight," and, being used to ground-and-lofty tumbling, didn't mind it.
When the pedestrians178 passed, the door was decorously closed, and no one visible but a young man, who snatched something out of the road, and marched away again, whistling with more vigor179 of tone than accuracy of tune125, "Only that, and nothing more."
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
quaintly
|
|
| adv.古怪离奇地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
picturesque
|
|
| adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
brook
|
|
| n.小河，溪；v.忍受，容让 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
babbling
|
|
| n.胡说，婴儿发出的咿哑声adj.胡说的v.喋喋不休( babble的现在分词 )；作潺潺声（如流水）；含糊不清地说话；泄漏秘密 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
orchard
|
|
| n.果园，果园里的全部果树，(美俚)棒球场 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
encompassed
|
|
| v.围绕( encompass的过去式和过去分词 )；包围；包含；包括 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
humble
|
|
| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
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： |
|
|
|
|
9
thumped
|
|
| v.重击， （指心脏）急速跳动( thump的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
cormorant
|
|
| n.鸬鹚，贪婪的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
confessions
|
|
| n.承认( confession的名词复数 )；自首；声明；（向神父的）忏悔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
whit
|
|
| n.一点，丝毫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
gracefully
|
|
| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
graceful
|
|
| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
fully
|
|
| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
eyebrow
|
|
| n.眉毛，眉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
purgatory
|
|
| n.炼狱；苦难；adj.净化的，清洗的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
varied
|
|
| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
incense
|
|
| v.激怒；n.香，焚香时的烟，香气 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
appease
|
|
| v.安抚，缓和，平息，满足 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
dire
|
|
| adj.可怕的，悲惨的，阴惨的，极端的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
wrath
|
|
| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
woe
|
|
| n.悲哀，苦痛，不幸，困难；int.用来表达悲伤或惊慌 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
toil
|
|
| vi.辛劳工作，艰难地行动；n.苦工，难事 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
dwindled
|
|
| v.逐渐变少或变小( dwindle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
labor
|
|
| n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
blithe
|
|
| adj.快乐的，无忧无虑的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
meek
|
|
| adj.温顺的，逆来顺受的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
humbly
|
|
| adv. 恭顺地，谦卑地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
conscientious
|
|
| adj.审慎正直的，认真的，本着良心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
diligent
|
|
| adj.勤勉的，勤奋的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
malignant
|
|
| adj.恶性的，致命的；恶意的，恶毒的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
alacrity
|
|
| n.敏捷，轻快，乐意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
fiery
|
|
| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
linens
|
|
| n.亚麻布( linen的名词复数 )；家庭日用织品 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
linen
|
|
| n.亚麻布，亚麻线，亚麻制品；adj.亚麻布制的，亚麻的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
tugged
|
|
| v.用力拉，使劲拉，猛扯( tug的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
omen
|
|
| n.征兆，预兆；vt.预示 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
behold
|
|
| v.看，注视，看到 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
tribulation
|
|
| n.苦难，灾难 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
lettuce
|
|
| n.莴苣；生菜 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
cymbals
|
|
| pl.铙钹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
comeliest
|
|
| adj.英俊的，好看的( comely的最高级 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
44
beheld
|
|
| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
presentiment
|
|
| n.预感，预觉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
consolation
|
|
| n.安慰，慰问 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
bestowed
|
|
| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
advent
|
|
| n.(重要事件等的)到来，来临 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
soothe
|
|
| v.安慰；使平静；使减轻；缓和；奉承 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
lull
|
|
| v.使安静，使入睡，缓和，哄骗；n.暂停，间歇 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
triumphant
|
|
| adj.胜利的，成功的；狂欢的，喜悦的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
abased
|
|
| 使谦卑( abase的过去式和过去分词 )； 使感到羞耻； 使降低（地位、身份等）； 降下 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
compassion
|
|
| n.同情，怜悯 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
vessel
|
|
| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
homely
|
|
| adj.家常的，简朴的；不漂亮的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
absurdity
|
|
| n.荒谬，愚蠢；谬论 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
inspection
|
|
| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
gem
|
|
| n.宝石，珠宝；受爱戴的人 [同]jewel | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
watts
|
|
| （电力计量单位）瓦，瓦特( watt的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
doom
|
|
| n.厄运，劫数；v.注定，命定 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
infliction
|
|
| n.（强加于人身的）痛苦，刑罚 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
blessings
|
|
| n.（上帝的）祝福( blessing的名词复数 )；好事；福分；因祸得福 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
functionary
|
|
| n.官员；公职人员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
pervaded
|
|
| v.遍及，弥漫( pervade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
fatality
|
|
| n.不幸，灾祸，天命 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
wan
|
|
| (wide area network)广域网 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
blithely
|
|
| adv.欢乐地，快活地，无挂虑地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
blot
|
|
| vt.弄脏（用吸墨纸）吸干；n.污点，污渍 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
afflatus
|
|
| n.灵感，神感 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
descends
|
|
| v.下来( descend的第三人称单数 )；下去；下降；下斜 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
zeal
|
|
| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
artistic
|
|
| adj.艺术(家)的，美术(家)的；善于艺术创作的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
poking
|
|
| n. 刺，戳，袋 vt. 拨开，刺，戳 vi. 戳，刺，捅，搜索，伸出，行动散慢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
insinuate
|
|
| vt.含沙射影地说，暗示 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
goblet
|
|
| n.高脚酒杯 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
ornament
|
|
| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
assent
|
|
| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
likeness
|
|
| n.相像，相似（之处） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
curiously
|
|
| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
vividly
|
|
| adv.清楚地，鲜明地，生动地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
apron
|
|
| n.围裙；工作裙 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
partially
|
|
| adv.部分地，从某些方面讲 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
desolate
|
|
| adj.荒凉的，荒芜的；孤独的，凄凉的；v.使荒芜，使孤寂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
paraphernalia
|
|
| n.装备；随身用品 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
awry
|
|
| adj.扭曲的，错的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
windings
|
|
| （道路、河流等）蜿蜒的，弯曲的( winding的名词复数 )； 缠绕( wind的现在分词 )； 卷绕； 转动（把手） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
ruffled
|
|
| adj. 有褶饰边的, 起皱的 动词ruffle的过去式和过去分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
covert
|
|
| adj.隐藏的；暗地里的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
Mandarin
|
|
| n.中国官话，国语，满清官吏；adj.华丽辞藻的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
chaff
|
|
| v.取笑，嘲笑；n.谷壳 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
remorseful
|
|
| adj.悔恨的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
wrenched
|
|
| v.（猛力地）扭( wrench的过去式和过去分词 )；扭伤；使感到痛苦；使悲痛 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
evoked
|
|
| [医]诱发的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
chaos
|
|
| n.混乱，无秩序 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
ascended
|
|
| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
lamentation
|
|
| n.悲叹，哀悼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
joints
|
|
| 接头( joint的名词复数 )； 关节； 公共场所（尤指价格低廉的饮食和娱乐场所） （非正式）； 一块烤肉 （英式英语） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
fixed
|
|
| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
philosophic
|
|
| adj.哲学的，贤明的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
maxim
|
|
| n.格言，箴言 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
agitated
|
|
| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
mortified
|
|
| v.使受辱( mortify的过去式和过去分词 )；伤害（人的感情）；克制；抑制（肉体、情感等） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
hoof
|
|
| n.(马，牛等的)蹄 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
juncture
|
|
| n.时刻，关键时刻，紧要关头 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
apparently
|
|
| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
mundane
|
|
| adj.平凡的；尘世的；宇宙的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
refreshments
|
|
| n.点心,便餐;(会议后的)简单茶点招 待 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
benign
|
|
| adj.善良的，慈祥的；良性的，无危险的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
pastor
|
|
| n.牧师，牧人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
bulgy
|
|
| a.膨胀的；凸出的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
retired
|
|
| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
siesta
|
|
| n.午睡 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
penance
|
|
| n.（赎罪的）惩罪 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
remarkable
|
|
| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
rust
|
|
| n.锈；v.生锈；(脑子)衰退 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
rustic
|
|
| adj.乡村的，有乡村特色的；n.乡下人，乡巴佬 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
tangling
|
|
| （使）缠结， （使）乱作一团( tangle的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
truthful
|
|
| adj.真实的，说实话的，诚实的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
whittling
|
|
| v.切，削（木头），使逐渐变小( whittle的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
wasteful
|
|
| adj.（造成）浪费的，挥霍的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
robin
|
|
| n.知更鸟，红襟鸟 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
martyrs
|
|
| n.martyr的复数形式；烈士( martyr的名词复数 )；殉道者；殉教者；乞怜者（向人诉苦以博取同情） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
battered
|
|
| adj.磨损的；v.连续猛击；磨损 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
benignity
|
|
| n.仁慈 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
tune
|
|
| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
exhausted
|
|
| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
plunging
|
|
| adj.跳进的，突进的v.颠簸( plunge的现在分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
sarcastic
|
|
| adj.讥讽的，讽刺的，嘲弄的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
injustice
|
|
| n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
mighty
|
|
| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
gratitude
|
|
| adj.感激，感谢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
132
rampant
|
|
| adj.(植物)蔓生的；狂暴的，无约束的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
133
countenance
|
|
| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
134
knight
|
|
| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
135
quenching
|
|
| 淬火，熄 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
136
absurdities
|
|
| n.极端无理性( absurdity的名词复数 )；荒谬；谬论；荒谬的行为 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
137
wrestled
|
|
| v.（与某人）搏斗( wrestle的过去式和过去分词 )；扭成一团；扭打；（与…）摔跤 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
138
wrestle
|
|
| vi.摔跤，角力；搏斗；全力对付 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
139
grudge
|
|
| n.不满，怨恨，妒嫉；vt.勉强给，不情愿做 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
140
dingy
|
|
| adj.昏暗的，肮脏的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
141
reverence
|
|
| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
142
corrupt
|
|
| v.贿赂，收买；adj.腐败的，贪污的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
143
knights
|
|
| 骑士； （中古时代的）武士( knight的名词复数 )； 骑士； 爵士； （国际象棋中）马 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
144
aspirations
|
|
| 强烈的愿望( aspiration的名词复数 )； 志向； 发送气音； 发 h 音 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
145
rebellious
|
|
| adj.造反的，反抗的，难控制的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
146
winked
|
|
| v.使眼色( wink的过去式和过去分词 )；递眼色（表示友好或高兴等）；（指光）闪烁；闪亮 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
147
soothing
|
|
| adj.慰藉的；使人宽心的；镇静的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
148
perked
|
|
| （使）活跃( perk的过去式和过去分词 )； （使）增值； 使更有趣 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
149
disconsolate
|
|
| adj.忧郁的，不快的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
150
defer
|
|
| vt.推迟，拖延；vi.(to)遵从，听从，服从 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
151
steadily
|
|
| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
152
perseverance
|
|
| n.坚持不懈，不屈不挠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
153
sincerity
|
|
| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
154
persistent
|
|
| adj.坚持不懈的，执意的；持续的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
155
fervent
|
|
| adj.热的，热烈的，热情的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
156
aglow
|
|
| adj.发亮的；发红的；adv.发亮地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
157
longing
|
|
| n.（for）渴望 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
158
eloquent
|
|
| adj.雄辩的，口才流利的；明白显示出的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
159
softened
|
|
| （使）变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
160
deferred
|
|
| adj.延期的，缓召的v.拖延，延缓，推迟( defer的过去式和过去分词 )；服从某人的意愿，遵从 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
161
heartily
|
|
| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
162
wont
|
|
| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
163
banished
|
|
| v.放逐，驱逐( banish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
164
bemoaned
|
|
| v.为（某人或某事）抱怨( bemoan的过去式和过去分词 )；悲悼；为…恸哭；哀叹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
165
rigid
|
|
| adj.严格的，死板的；刚硬的，僵硬的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
166
salute
|
|
| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
167
paternal
|
|
| adj.父亲的，像父亲的，父系的，父方的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
168
prone
|
|
| adj.(to)易于…的，很可能…的；俯卧的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
169
maidenhood
|
|
| n. 处女性, 处女时代 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
170
auspicious
|
|
| adj.吉利的；幸运的，吉兆的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
171
perch
|
|
| n.栖木，高位，杆；v.栖息，就位，位于 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
172
touching
|
|
| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
173
philistines
|
|
| n.市侩，庸人( philistine的名词复数 )；庸夫俗子 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
174
countenances
|
|
| n.面容( countenance的名词复数 )；表情；镇静；道义支持 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
175
mingled
|
|
| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
176
precipitating
|
|
| adj.急落的，猛冲的v.（突如其来地）使发生( precipitate的现在分词 )；促成；猛然摔下；使沉淀 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
177
mansion
|
|
| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
178
pedestrians
|
|
| n.步行者( pedestrian的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
179
vigor
|
|
| n.活力，精力，元气 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |