It was well named; and the Muses1 seemed to be at home that day, foras the newcomers went up the slope appropriate sights and soundsgreeted them. Passing an open window, they looked in upon a librarypresided over by Clio, Calliope, and Urania; Melpomene and Thaliawere disporting3 themselves in the hall, where some young people weredancing and rehearsing a play; Erato was walking in the garden withher lover, and in the music-room Phoebus himself was drilling atuneful choir4.
A mature Apollo was our old friend Laurie, but comely5 and genial6 asever; for time had ripened7 the freakish boy into a noble man. Careand sorrow, as well as ease and happiness, had done much for him; andthe responsibility of carrying out his grandfather's wishes had beena duty most faithfully performed. Prosperity suits some people, andthey blossom best in a glow of sunshine; others need the shade, andare the sweeter for a touch of frost. Laurie was one of the formersort, and Amy was another; so life had been a kind of poem to themsince they married--not only harmonious8 and happy, but earnest,useful, and rich in the beautiful benevolence9 which can do so muchwhen wealth and wisdom go hand in hand with charity. Their house wasfull of unostentatious beauty and comfort, and here the art-lovinghost and hostess attracted and entertained artists of all kinds.
Laurie had music enough now, and was a generous patron to the classhe most liked to help. Amy had her proteges among ambitious youngpainters and sculptors10, and found her own art double dear as herdaughter grew old enough to share its labours and delights with her;for she was one of those who prove that women can be faithful wivesand mothers without sacrificing the special gift bestowed11 upon themfor their own development and the good of others.
Her sisters knew where to find her, and Jo went at once to thestudio, where mother and daughter worked together. Bess was busy withthe bust12 of a little child, while her mother added the last touchesto a fine head of her husband. Time seemed to have stood still withAmy, for happiness had kept her young and prosperity given her theculture she needed. A stately, graceful13 woman, who showed how elegantsimplicity could be made by the taste with which she chose her dressand the grace with which she wore it. As someone said: 'I never knowwhat Mrs Laurence has on, but I always receive the impression thatshe is the best-dressed lady in the room.'
It was evident that she adored her daughter, and well she might; forthe beauty she had longed for seemed, to her fond eyes at least, tobe impersonated in this younger self. Bess inherited her mother'sDiana-like figure, blue eyes, fair skin, and golden hair, tied up inthe same classic knot of curls. Also--ah! never-ending source of joyto Amy--she had her father's handsome nose and mouth, cast in afeminine mould. The severe simplicity14 of a long linen15 pinafore suitedher; and she worked away with the entire absorption of the trueartist, unconscious of the loving eyes upon her, till Aunt Jo came inexclaiming eagerly:
'My dear girls, stop your mud-pies and hear the news!'
Both artists dropped their tools and greeted the irrepressible womancordially, though genius had been burning splendidly and her comingspoilt a precious hour. They were in the full tide of gossip whenLaurie, who had been summoned by Meg, arrived, and sitting downbetween the sisters, with no barricade17 anywhere, listened withinterest to the news of Franz and Emil.
'The epidemic18 has broke out, and now it will rage and ravage19 yourflock. Be prepared for every sort of romance and rashness for thenext ten years, Jo. Your boys are growing up and will plunge20 headlonginto a sea of worse scrapes than any you have had yet,' said Laurie,enjoying her look of mingled21 delight and despair.
'I know it, and I hope I shall be able to pull them through and landthem safely; but it's an awful responsibility, for they will come tome and insist that I can make their poor little loves run smoothly22. Ilike it, though, and Meg is such a mush of sentiment she revels24 inthe prospect,' answered Jo, feeling pretty easy about her own boys,whose youth made them safe for the present.
'I'm afraid she won't revel23 when our Nat begins to buzz too near herDaisy. Of course you see what all that means? As musical director Iam also his confidante, and would like to know what advice to give,'
said Laurie soberly. 'Hush25! you forget that child,' began Jo, noddingtowards Bess, who was at work again.
'Bless you! she's in Athens, and doesn't hear a word. She ought toleave off, though, and go out. My darling, put the baby to sleep, andgo for a run. Aunt Meg is in the parlour; go and show her the newpictures till we come,' added Laurie, looking at his tall girl asPygmalion might have looked at Galatea; for he considered her thefinest statue in the house.
'Yes, papa; but please tell me if it is good'; and Bess obedientlyput down her tools, with a lingering glance at the bust.
'My cherished daughter, truth compels me to confess that one cheek isplumper than the other; and the curls upon its infant brow are rathertoo much like horns for perfect grace; otherwise it rivals Raphael'sChanting Cherubs26, and I'm proud of it.'
Laurie was laughing as he spoke27; for these first attempts were solike Amy's early ones, it was impossible to regard them as soberly asthe enthusiastic mamma did.
'You can't see beauty in anything but music,' answered Bess, shakingthe golden head that made the one bright spot in the cool northlights of the great studio.
'Well, I see beauty in you, dear. And if you are not art, what is? Iwish to put a little more nature into you, and get you away from thiscold clay and marble into the sunshine, to dance and laugh as theothers do. I want a flesh-and-blood girl, not a sweet statue in agrey pinafore, who forgets everything but her work.' As he spoke, twodusty hands came round his neck, and Bess said earnestly, punctuatingher words with soft touches of her lips:
'I never forget you, papa; but I do want to do something beautifulthat you may be proud of me by and by. Mamma often tells me to stop;but when we get in here we forget there is any world outside, we areso busy and so happy. Now I'll go and run and sing, and be a girl toplease you.' And throwing away the apron28, Bess vanished from theroom, seeming to take all the light with her.
'I'm glad you said that. The dear child is too much absorbed in herartistic dreams for one so young. It is my fault; but I sympathize sodeeply in it all, I forget to be wise,' sighed Amy, carefullycovering the baby with a wet towel.
'I think this power of living in our children is one of the sweetestthings in the world; but I try to remember what Marmee once said toMeg--that fathers should have their share in the education of bothgirls and boys; so I leave Ted2 to his father all I can, and Fritzlends me Rob, whose quiet ways are as restful and good for me asTed's tempests are for his father. Now I advise you, Amy, to let Bessdrop the mud-pies for a time, and take up music with Laurie; then shewon't be one-sided, and he won't be jealous.'
'Hear, hear! A Daniel--a very Daniel!' cried Laurie, well pleased. 'Ithought you'd lend a hand, Jo, and say a word for me. I am a littlejealous of Amy, and want more of a share in my girl. Come, my lady,let me have her this summer, and next year, when we go to Rome, I'llgive her up to you and high art. Isn't that a fair bargain?'
'I agree; but in trying your hobby, nature, with music thrown in,don't forget that, though only fifteen, our Bess is older than mostgirls of that age, and cannot be treated like a child. She is so veryprecious to me, I feel as if I wanted to keep her always as pure andbeautiful as the marble she loves so well.'
Amy spoke regretfully as she looked about the lovely room where shehad spent so many happy hours with this dear child of hers.
'"Turn and turn about is fair play", as we used to say when we allwanted to ride on Ellen Tree or wear the russet boots,' said Jobriskly; 'so you must share your girl between you, and see who willdo the most for her.'
'We will,' answered the fond parents, laughing at the recollectionsJo's proverb brought up to them.
'How I did use to enjoy bouncing on the limbs of that old apple-tree!
No real horse ever gave me half the pleasure or the exercise,' saidAmy, looking out of the high window as if she saw the dear oldorchard again and the little girls at play there.
'And what fun I had with those blessed boots!' laughed Jo. 'I've gotthe relics29 now. The boys reduced them to rags; but I love them still,and would enjoy a good theatrical30 stalk in them if it were possible.'
What larks32 we had! And how long ago it seems!' said Laurie, staringat the two women before him as if he found it hard to realize thatthey ever had been little Amy and riotous33 Jo.
'Don't suggest that we are growing old, my Lord. We have onlybloomed; and a very nice bouquet34 we make with our buds about us,'
answered Mrs Amy, shaking out the folds of her rosy35 muslin with muchthe air of dainty satisfaction the girl used to show in a new dress.
'Not to mention our thorns and dead leaves,' added Jo, with a sigh;for life had never been very easy to her, and even now she had hertroubles both within and without.
'Come and have a dish of tea, old dear, and see what the young folksare about. You are tired, and want to be "stayed with flagons andcomforted with apples",' said Laurie, offering an arm to each sister,and leading them away to afternoon tea, which flowed as freely onParnassus as the nectar of old.
They found Meg in the summer-parlour, an airy and delightful36 room,full now of afternoon sunshine and the rustle37 of trees; for the threelong windows opened on the garden. The great music-room was at oneend, and at the other, in a deep alcove38 hung with purple curtains, alittle household shrine39 had been made. Three portraits hung there,two marble busts40 stood in the corners, and a couch, an oval table,with its urn16 of flowers, were the only articles of furniture the nookcontained. The busts were John Brooke and Beth--Amy's work--bothexcellent likenesses, and both full of the placid41 beauty which alwaysrecalls the saying, that 'Clay represents life; plaster, death;marble, immortality43'. On the right, as became the founder44 of thehouse, hung the portrait of Mr Laurence, with its expression ofmingled pride and benevolence, as fresh and attractive as when hecaught the girl Jo admiring it. Opposite was Aunt March--a legacy45 toAmy--in an imposing46 turban, immense sleeves, and long mittensdecorously crossed on the front of her plum-coloured satin gown. Timehad mellowed47 the severity of her aspect; and the fixed48 regard of thehandsome old gentleman opposite seemed to account for the amiablesimper on lips that had not uttered a sharp word for years.
In the place of honour, with the sunshine warm upon it, and a greengarland always round it, was Marmee's beloved face, painted withgrateful skill by a great artist whom she had befriended when poorand unknown. So beautifully lifelike was it that it seemed to smiledown upon her daughters, saying cheerfully:
'Be happy; I am with you still.'
The three sisters stood a moment looking up at the beloved picturewith eyes full of tender reverence50 and the longing51 that never leftthem; for this noble mother had been so much to them that no onecould ever fill her place. Only two years since she had gone away tolive and love anew, leaving such a sweet memory behind her that itwas both an inspiration and a comforter to all the household. Theyfelt this as they drew closer to one another, and Laurie put it intowords as he said earnestly:
'I can ask nothing better for my child than that she may be a womanlike our mother. Please God, she shall be, if I can do it; for I owethe best I have to this dear saint.'
Just then a fresh voice began to sing 'Ave Maria' in the music-room,and Bess unconsciously echoed her father's prayer for her as shedutifully obeyed his wishes. The soft sound of the air Marmee used tosing led the listeners back into the world again from that momentaryreaching after the loved and lost, and they sat down together nearthe open windows enjoying the music, while Laurie brought them tea,making the little service pleasant by the tender care he gave to it.
Nat came in with Demi, soon followed by Ted and Josie, the Professorand his faithful Rob, all anxious to hear more about 'the boys'. Therattle of cups and tongues grew brisk, and the setting sun saw acheerful company resting in the bright room after the varied52 laboursof the day.
Professor Bhaer was grey now, but robust53 and genial as ever; for hehad the work he loved, and did it so heartily54 that the whole collegefelt his beautiful influence. Rob was as much like him as it waspossible for a boy to be, and was already called the 'youngProfessor', he so adored study and closely imitated his honouredfather in all ways.
'Well, heart's dearest, we go to have our boys again, all two, andmay rejoice greatly,' said Mr Bhaer, seating himself beside Jo with abeaming face and a handshake of congratulation.
'Oh, Fritz, I'm so delighted about Emil, and if you approve aboutFranz also. Did you know Ludmilla? Is it a wise match?' asked Mrs Jo,handing him her cup of tea and drawing closer, as if she welcomed herrefuge in joy as well as sorrow.
'It all goes well. I saw the Madchen when I went over to place Franz.
A child then, but most sweet and charming. Blumenthal is satisfied, Ithink, and the boy will be happy. He is too German to be content awayfrom Vaterland, so we shall have him as a link between the new andthe old, and that pleases me much.'
'And Emil, he is to be second mate next voyage; isn't that fine? I'mso happy that both your boys have done well; you gave up so much forthem and their mother. You make light of it, dear, but I never forgetit,' said Jo, with her hand in his as sentimentally55 as if she was agirl again and her Fritz had come a-wooing.
He laughed his cheery laugh, and whispered behind her fan: 'If I hadnot come to America for the poor lads, I never should have found myJo. The hard times are very sweet now, and I bless Gott for all Iseemed to lose, because I gained the blessing56 of my life.'
'Spooning! spooning! Here's an awful flirtation57 on the sly,' criedTeddy, peering over the fan just at that interesting moment, much tohis mother's confusion and his father's amusement; for the Professornever was ashamed of the fact that he still considered his wife thedearest woman in the world. Rob promptly58 ejected his brother from onewindow, to see him skip in at the other, while Mrs Jo shut her fanand held it ready to rap her unruly boy's knuckles59 if he came nearher again.
Nat approached in answer to Mr Bhaer's beckoning60 teaspoon61, and stoodbefore them with a face full of the respectful affection he felt forthe excellent man who had done so much for him.
'I have the letters ready for thee, my son. They are two old friendsof mine in Leipzig, who will befriend thee in that new life. It iswell to have them, for thou wilt63 be heartbroken with Heimweh at thefirst, Nat, and need comforting,' said the Professor, giving himseveral letters.
'Thanks, sir. Yes, I expect to be pretty lonely till I get started,then my music and the hope of getting on will cheer me up,' answeredNat, who both longed and dreaded64 to leave all these friends behindhim and make new ones.
He was a man now; but the blue eyes were as honest as ever, the mouthstill a little weak, in spite of the carefully cherished moustacheover it, and the broad forehead more plainly than ever betrayed themusic-loving nature of the youth. Modest, affectionate, and dutiful,Nat was considered a pleasant though not a brilliant success by MrsJo. She loved and trusted him, and was sure he would do his best, butdid not expect that he would be great in any way, unless the stimulusof foreign training and self-dependence made him a better artist anda stronger man than now seemed likely.
'I've marked all your things--or rather, Daisy did--and as soon asyour books are collected, we can see about the packing,' said Mrs Jo,who was so used to fitting boys off for all quarters of the globethat a trip to the North Pole would not have been too much for her.
Nat grew red at mention of that name--or was it the last glow ofsunset on his rather pale cheek?--and his heart beat happily at thethought of the dear girl working Ns and Bs on his humble65 socks andhandkerchiefs; for Nat adored Daisy, and the cherished dream of hislife was to earn a place for himself as a musician and win this angelfor his wife. This hope did more for him than the Professor'scounsels, Mrs Jo's care, or Mr Laurie's generous help. For her sakehe worked, waited, and hoped, finding courage and patience in thedream of that happy future when Daisy should make a little home forhim and he fiddle66 a fortune into her lap. Mrs Jo knew this; andthough he was not exactly the man she would have chosen for herniece, she felt that Nat would always need just the wise and lovingcare Daisy could give him, and that without it there was danger ofhis being one of the amiable49 and aimless men who fail for want of theright pilot to steer67 them safely through the world. Mrs Meg decidedlyfrowned upon the poor boy's love, and would not hear of giving herdear girl to any but the best man to be found on the face of theearth. She was very kind, but as firm as such gentle souls can be;and Nat fled for comfort to Mrs Jo, who always espoused68 the interestsof her boys heartily. A new set of anxieties was beginning now thatthe aforesaid boys were growing up, and she foresaw no end of worryas well as amusement in the love-affairs already budding in herflock. Mrs Meg was usually her best ally and adviser69, for she lovedromances as well now as when a blooming girl herself. But in thiscase she hardened her heart, and would not hear a word of entreaty70.
'Nat was not man enough, never would be, no one knew his family, amusician's life was a hard one; Daisy was too young, five or sixyears hence when time had proved both perhaps. Let us see whatabsence will do for him.' And that was the end of it, for when thematernal Pelican71 was roused she could be very firm, though for herprecious children she would have plucked her last feather and giventhe last drop of her blood.
Mrs Jo was thinking of this as she looked at Nat while he talked withher husband about Leipzig, and she resolved to have a clearunderstanding with him before he went; for she was used toconfidences, and talked freely with her boys about the trials andtemptations that beset72 all lives in the beginning, and so often marthem, for want of the right word at the right moment.
This is the first duty of parents, and no false delicacy73 should keepthem from the watchful74 care, the gentle warning, which makesself-knowledge and self-control the compass and pilot of the young asthey leave the safe harbour of home.
'Plato and his disciples75 approach,' announced irreverent Teddy, as MrMarch came in with several young men and women about him; for thewise old man was universally beloved, and ministered so beautifullyto his flock that many of them thanked him all their lives for thehelp given to both hearts and souls.
Bess went to him at once; for since Marmee died, Grandpapa was herspecial care, and it was sweet to see the golden head bend over thesilver one as she rolled out his easy-chair and waited on him withtender alacrity76.
'Aesthetic tea always on tap here, sir; will you have a flowing bowlor a bit of ambrosia77?' asked Laurie, who was wandering about with asugar-basin in one hand and a plate of cake in the other; forsweetening cups and feeding the hungry was work he loved.
'Neither, thanks; this child has taken care of me'; and Mr Marchturned to Bess, who sat on one arm of his chair, holding a glass offresh milk.
'Long may she live to do it, sir, and I be here to see this prettycontradiction of the song that "youth and age cannot live together"!'
answered Laurie, smiling at the pair. '"Crabbed age", papa; thatmakes all the difference in the world,' said Bess quickly; for sheloved poetry, and read the best.
'Wouldst thou see fresh roses growIn a reverend bed of snow?'
quoted Mr March, as Josie came and perched on the other arm, lookinglike a very thorny78 little rose; for she had been having a hotdiscussion with Ted, and had got the worst of it.
'Grandpa, must women always obey men and say they are the wisest,just because they are the strongest?' she cried, looking fiercely ather cousin, who came stalking up with a provoking smile on the boyishface that was always very comical atop of that tall figure.
'Well, my dear, that is the old-fashioned belief, and it will takesome time to change it. But I think the woman's hour has struck; andit looks to me as if the boys must do their best, for the girls areabreast now, and may reach the goal first,' answered Mr March,surveying with paternal79 satisfaction the bright faces of the youngwomen, who were among the best students in the college.
'The poor little Atalantas are sadly distracted and delayed by theobstacles thrown in their way--not golden apples, by any means -- butI think they will stand a fair chance when they have learned to runbetter,' laughed Uncle Laurie, stroking Josie's breezy hair, whichstood up like the fur of an angry kitten.
'Whole barrels of apples won't stop me when I start, and a dozen Tedswon't trip me up, though they may try. I'll show him that a woman canact as well, if not better, than a man. It has been done, and will beagain; and I'll never own that my brain isn't as good as his, thoughit may be smaller,' cried the excited young person.
'If you shake your head in that violent way you'll addle80 what brainsyou have got; and I'd take care of 'em, if I were you,' began teasingTed.
'What started this civil war?' asked Grandpapa, with a gentleemphasis on the adjective, which caused the combatants to calm theirardour a little.
'Why, we were pegging81 away at the Iliad and came to where Zeus tellsJuno not to inquire into his plans or he'll whip her, and Jo wasdisgusted because Juno meekly82 hushed up. I said it was all right, andagreed with the old fellow that women didn't know much and ought toobey men,' explained Ted, to the great amusement of his hearers.
'Goddesses may do as they like, but those Greek and Trojan women werepoor-spirited things if they minded men who couldn't fight their ownbattles and had to be hustled83 off by Pallas, and Venus, and Juno,when they were going to get beaten. The idea of two armies stoppingand sitting down while a pair of heroes flung stones at one another!
I don't think much of your old Homer. Give me Napoleon or Grant formy hero.'
Josie's scorn was as funny as if a humming-bird scolded at anostrich, and everyone laughed as she sniffed84 at the immortal42 poet andcriticized the gods.
'Napoleon's Juno had a nice time; didn't she? That's just the waygirls argue--first one way and then the other,' jeered85 Ted.
'Like Johnson's young lady, who was "not categorical, but allwiggle-waggle",' added Uncle Laurie, enjoying the battle immensely.
'I was only speaking of them as soldiers. But if you come to thewoman side of it, wasn't Grant a kind husband and Mrs Grant a happywoman? He didn't threaten to whip her if she asked a naturalquestion; and if Napoleon did do wrong about Josephine, he couldfight, and didn't want any Minerva to come fussing over him. Theywere a stupid set, from dandified Paris to Achilles sulking in hisships, and I won't change my opinion for all the Hectors andAgamemnons in Greece,' said Josie, still unconquered.
'You can fight like a Trojan, that's evident; and we will be the twoobedient armies looking on while you and Ted have it out,' beganUncle Laurie, assuming the attitude of a warrior86 leaning on hisspear.
'I fear we must give it up, for Pallas is about to descend87 and carryoff our Hector,' said Mr March, smiling, as Jo came to remind her sonthat suppertime was near.
'We will fight it out later when there are no goddesses tointerfere,' said Teddy, as he turned away with unusual alacrity,remembering the treat in store.
'Conquered by a muffin, by Jove!' called Josie after him, exulting88 inan opportunity to use the classical exclamation89 forbidden to her sex.
But Ted shot a Parthian arrow as he retired90 in good order byreplying, with a highly virtuous91 expression:
'Obedience is a soldier's first duty.'
Bent on her woman's privilege of having the last word, Josie ranafter him, but never uttered the scathing92 speech upon her lips, for avery brown young man in a blue suit came leaping up the steps with acheery 'Ahoy! ahoy! where is everybody?'
'Emil! Emil!' cried Josie, and in a moment Ted was upon him, and thelate enemies ended their fray93 in a joyful94 welcome to the newcomer.
Muffins were forgotten, and towing their cousin like two fussy95 littletugs with a fine merchantman, the children returned to the parlour,where Emil kissed all the women and shook hands with all the menexcept his uncle; him he embraced in the good old German style, tothe great delight of the observers.
'Didn't think I could get off today, but found I could, and steeredstraight for old Plum. Not a soul there, so I luffed and bore awayfor Parnassus, and here is every man Jack96 of you. Bless your hearts,how glad I am to see you all!' exclaimed the sailor boy, beaming atthem, as he stood with his legs apart as if he still felt the rockingdeck under his feet.
'You ought to "shiver your timbers", not "bless our hearts", Emil;it's not nautical97 at all. Oh, how nice and shippy and tarry you dosmell!' said Josie, sniffing98 at him with great enjoyment99 of the freshsea odours he brought with him. This was her favourite cousin, andshe was his pet; so she knew that the bulging100 pockets of the bluejacket contained treasures for her at least.
laughed Emil, understanding her affectionate caresses102, and holdingher off with one hand while with the other he rummaged103 out sundryforeign little boxes and parcels marked with different names, andhanded them round with appropriate remarks, which caused muchlaughter; for Emil was a wag.
'There's a hawser104 that will hold our little cock-boat still aboutfive minutes,' he said, throwing a necklace of pretty pink coral overJosie's head; 'and here's something the mermaids105 sent to Undine,' headded, handing Bess a string of pearly shells on a silver chain.
I thought Daisy would like a fiddle, and Nat can find her a beau,'
continued the sailor, with a laugh, as he undid106 a dainty filigreebrooch in the shape of a violin.
'I know she will, and I'll take it to her,' answered Nat, as hevanished, glad of an errand, and sure that he could find Daisy thoughEmil had missed her.
Emil chuckled107, and handed out a quaintly108 carved bear whose headopened, showing a capacious ink-stand. This he presented, with ascrape, to Aunt Jo.
'Knowing your fondness for these fine animals, I brought this one toyour pen.'
'Very good, Commodore! Try again,' said Mrs Jo, much pleased with hergift, which caused the Professor to prophesy109 'works of Shakespeare'
from its depths, so great would be the inspiration of the belovedbruin.
'As Aunt Meg will wear caps, in spite of her youth, I got Ludmilla toget me some bits of lace. Hope you'll like 'em'; and out of a softpaper came some filmy things, one of which soon lay like a net ofsnowflakes on Mrs Meg's pretty hair.
'I couldn't find anything swell62 enough for Aunt Amy, because she haseverything she wants, so I brought a little picture that always makesme think of her when Bess was a baby'; and he handed her an ovalivory locket, on which was painted a goldenhaired Madonna, with arosy child folded in her blue mantle110.
'How lovely!' cried everyone; and Aunt Amy at once hung it about herneck on the blue ribbon from Bess's hair, charmed with her gift; forit recalled the happiest year of her life.
'Now, I flatter myself I've got just the thing for Nan, neat but notgaudy, a sort of sign you see, and very appropriate for a doctor,'
'Horrid!' And Bess, who hated ugly things, turned her eyes to her ownpretty shells.
'She won't wear earrings,' said Josie.
'Well, she'll enjoy punching your ears then. She's never so happy aswhen she's overhauling114 her fellow creatures and going for 'em with aknife,' answered Emil, undisturbed. 'I've got a lot of plunder115 foryou fellows in my chest, but I knew I should have no peace till mycargo for the girls was unloaded. Now tell me all the news.' And,seated on Amy's best marbletopped table, the sailor swung his legsand talked at the rate of ten knots an hour, till Aunt Jo carriedthem all off to a grand family tea in honour of the Commodore.
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muses
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| v.沉思，冥想( muse的第三人称单数 )；沉思自语说（某事） | |
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ted
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| vt.翻晒，撒，撒开 | |
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disporting
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| v.嬉戏，玩乐，自娱( disport的现在分词 ) | |
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choir
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| n.唱诗班，唱诗班的席位，合唱团，舞蹈团；v.合唱 | |
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comely
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| adj.漂亮的，合宜的 | |
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genial
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| adj.亲切的，和蔼的，愉快的，脾气好的 | |
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ripened
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| v.成熟，使熟( ripen的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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harmonious
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| adj.和睦的，调和的，和谐的，协调的 | |
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benevolence
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| n.慈悲，捐助 | |
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sculptors
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| 雕刻家，雕塑家( sculptor的名词复数 )； [天]玉夫座 | |
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bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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bust
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| vt.打破；vi.爆裂；n.半身像；胸部 | |
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graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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14
simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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15
linen
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| n.亚麻布，亚麻线，亚麻制品；adj.亚麻布制的，亚麻的 | |
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urn
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| n.（有座脚的）瓮；坟墓；骨灰瓮 | |
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17
barricade
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| n.路障，栅栏，障碍；vt.设路障挡住 | |
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epidemic
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| n.流行病；盛行；adj.流行性的，流传极广的 | |
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19
ravage
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| vt.使...荒废，破坏...；n.破坏，掠夺，荒废 | |
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20
plunge
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| v.跳入，(使)投入，(使)陷入；猛冲 | |
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21
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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22
smoothly
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| adv.平滑地，顺利地，流利地，流畅地 | |
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23
revel
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| vi.狂欢作乐，陶醉；n.作乐，狂欢 | |
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24
revels
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| n.作乐( revel的名词复数 )；狂欢；着迷；陶醉v.作乐( revel的第三人称单数 )；狂欢；着迷；陶醉 | |
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25
hush
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| int.嘘，别出声；n.沉默，静寂；v.使安静 | |
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26
cherubs
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| 小天使，胖娃娃( cherub的名词复数 ) | |
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27
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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28
apron
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| n.围裙；工作裙 | |
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29
relics
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| [pl.］n.遗物，遗迹，遗产；遗体，尸骸 | |
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30
theatrical
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| adj.剧场的，演戏的；做戏似的，做作的 | |
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31
twine
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| v.搓，织，编饰；（使）缠绕 | |
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32
larks
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| n.百灵科鸟（尤指云雀）( lark的名词复数 )；一大早就起床；鸡鸣即起；（因太费力而不想干时说）算了v.百灵科鸟（尤指云雀）( lark的第三人称单数 )；一大早就起床；鸡鸣即起；（因太费力而不想干时说）算了 | |
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33
riotous
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| adj.骚乱的；狂欢的 | |
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34
bouquet
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| n.花束，酒香 | |
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35
rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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36
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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37
rustle
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| v.沙沙作响；偷盗(牛、马等)；n.沙沙声声 | |
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38
alcove
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| n.凹室 | |
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39
shrine
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| n.圣地，神龛，庙；v.将...置于神龛内，把...奉为神圣 | |
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40
busts
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| 半身雕塑像( bust的名词复数 )； 妇女的胸部； 胸围； 突击搜捕 | |
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41
placid
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| adj.安静的，平和的 | |
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42
immortal
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| adj.不朽的；永生的，不死的；神的 | |
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43
immortality
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| n.不死，不朽 | |
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44
Founder
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| n.创始者，缔造者 | |
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45
legacy
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| n.遗产，遗赠；先人(或过去)留下的东西 | |
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imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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47
mellowed
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| （使）成熟( mellow的过去式和过去分词 )； 使色彩更加柔和，使酒更加醇香 | |
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48
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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49
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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50
reverence
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| 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 | |
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51
longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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52
varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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53
robust
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| adj.强壮的，强健的，粗野的，需要体力的，浓的 | |
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54
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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55
sentimentally
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| adv.富情感地 | |
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56
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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57
flirtation
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| n.调情，调戏，挑逗 | |
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58
promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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59
knuckles
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| n.（指人）指关节( knuckle的名词复数 )；（指动物）膝关节，踝v.（指人）指关节( knuckle的第三人称单数 )；（指动物）膝关节，踝 | |
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60
beckoning
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| adj.引诱人的，令人心动的v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的现在分词 ) | |
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61
teaspoon
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| n.茶匙 | |
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62
swell
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| vi.膨胀，肿胀；增长，增强 | |
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63
wilt
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| v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎；(指人)疲倦，衰弱 | |
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64
dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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65
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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66
fiddle
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| n.小提琴；vi.拉提琴；不停拨弄，乱动 | |
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67
steer
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| vt.驾驶，为…操舵；引导；vi.驾驶 | |
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68
espoused
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| v.（决定）支持，拥护（目标、主张等）( espouse的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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69
adviser
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| n.劝告者，顾问 | |
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70
entreaty
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| n.恳求，哀求 | |
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71
pelican
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| n.鹈鹕，伽蓝鸟 | |
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72
beset
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| v.镶嵌；困扰，包围 | |
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73
delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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74
watchful
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| adj.注意的，警惕的 | |
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75
disciples
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| n.信徒( disciple的名词复数 )；门徒；耶稣的信徒；（尤指）耶稣十二门徒之一 | |
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76
alacrity
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| n.敏捷，轻快，乐意 | |
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77
ambrosia
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| n.神的食物；蜂食 | |
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78
thorny
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| adj.多刺的，棘手的 | |
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79
paternal
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| adj.父亲的，像父亲的，父系的，父方的 | |
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80
addle
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| v.使腐坏，使昏乱 | |
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81
pegging
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| n.外汇钉住，固定证券价格v.用夹子或钉子固定( peg的现在分词 )；使固定在某水平 | |
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82
meekly
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| adv.温顺地，逆来顺受地 | |
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83
hustled
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| 催促（hustle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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84
sniffed
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| v.以鼻吸气，嗅，闻( sniff的过去式和过去分词 )；抽鼻子（尤指哭泣、患感冒等时出声地用鼻子吸气）；抱怨，不以为然地说 | |
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85
jeered
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| v.嘲笑( jeer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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86
warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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87
descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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88
exulting
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| vi. 欢欣鼓舞，狂喜 | |
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89
exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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90
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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91
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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92
scathing
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| adj.（言词、文章）严厉的，尖刻的；不留情的adv.严厉地，尖刻地v.伤害，损害（尤指使之枯萎）( scathe的现在分词) | |
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93
fray
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| v.争吵；打斗；磨损，磨破；n.吵架；打斗 | |
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94
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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95
fussy
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| adj.为琐事担忧的，过分装饰的，爱挑剔的 | |
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96
jack
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| n.插座，千斤顶，男人；v.抬起，提醒，扛举；n.（Jake）杰克 | |
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97
nautical
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| adj.海上的，航海的，船员的 | |
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98
sniffing
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| n.探查法v.以鼻吸气，嗅，闻( sniff的现在分词 )；抽鼻子（尤指哭泣、患感冒等时出声地用鼻子吸气）；抱怨，不以为然地说 | |
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99
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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100
bulging
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| 膨胀； 凸出（部）； 打气； 折皱 | |
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101
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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102
caresses
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| 爱抚，抚摸( caress的名词复数 ) | |
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103
rummaged
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| 翻找，搜寻( rummage的过去式和过去分词 )； 已经海关检查 | |
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104
hawser
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| n.大缆；大索 | |
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105
mermaids
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| n.（传说中的）美人鱼( mermaid的名词复数 ) | |
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106
Undid
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| v. 解开, 复原 | |
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107
chuckled
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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108
quaintly
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| adv.古怪离奇地 | |
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109
prophesy
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| v.预言；预示 | |
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110
mantle
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| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
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111
lava
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| n.熔岩，火山岩 | |
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112
earrings
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| n.耳环( earring的名词复数 )；耳坠子 | |
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113
skulls
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| 颅骨( skull的名词复数 )； 脑袋； 脑子； 脑瓜 | |
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114
overhauling
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| n.大修；拆修；卸修；翻修v.彻底检查( overhaul的现在分词 )；大修；赶上；超越 | |
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115
plunder
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| vt.劫掠财物，掠夺；n.劫掠物，赃物；劫掠 | |
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