While the young Bhaers were having serious experiences at home, Josiewas enjoying herself immensely at Rocky Nook; for the Laurences knewhow to make summer idleness both charming and wholesome1. Bess wasvery fond of her little cousin; Mrs Amy felt that whether her niecewas an actress or not she must be a gentlewoman, and gave her thesocial training which marks the well-bred woman everywhere; whileUncle Laurie was never happier than when rowing, riding, playing, orlounging with two gay girls beside him. Josie bloomed like a wildflower in this free life, Bess grew rosy2, brisk, and merry, and bothwere great favourites with the neighbours, whose villas3 were by theshore or perched on the cliffs along the pretty bay.
One
crumpled4 rose-leaf disturbed Josie's peace, one baffled wishfilled her with a
longing5 which became a
mania6, and kept her asrestless and
watchful7 as a detective with a case to 'work up'. MissCameron, the great actress, had hired one of the villas and retiredthither to rest and 'create' a new part for next season. She saw noone but a friend or two, had a private beach, and was invisibleexcept during her daily drive, or when the opera-glasses of curiousgazers were
fixed8 on a blue figure
disporting9 itself in the sea. TheLaurences knew her, but respected her privacy, and after a call lefther in peace till she expressed a wish for society--a courtesy whichshe remembered and repaid later, as we shall see.
But Josie was like a thirsty fly buzzing about a sealed honey-pot,for this nearness to her
idol10 was both
delightful11 and maddening. Shepined to see, hear, talk with, and study this great and happy womanwho could thrill thousands by her art, and win friends by her virtue,benevolence, and beauty. This was the sort of actress the girl meantto be, and few could object if the gift was really hers; for thestage needs just such women to purify and elevate the professionwhich should teach as well as amuse. If
kindly13 Miss Cameron had knownwhat
passionate14 love and longing burned in the
bosom15 of the littlegirl whom she idly observed skipping over the rocks, splashing aboutthe beach, or
galloping16 past her gate on a Shetland
pony17, she wouldhave made her happy by a look or a word. But being tired with herwinter's work and busy with her new part, the lady took no morenotice of this young neighbour than of the sea-gulls in the bay orthe daisies dancing in the fields. Nosegays left on her doorstep,serenades under her garden-wall, and the fixed stare of admiring eyeswere such familiar things that she scarcely minded them; and Josiegrew desperate when all her little attempts failed.
'I might climb that pine-tree and tumble off on her
piazza18 roof, orget Sheltie to throw me just at her gate and be taken in fainting.
It's no use to try to drown myself when she is bathing. I can't sink,and she'd only send a man to pull me out. What can I do? I will seeher and tell her my hopes and make her say I can act some day. Mammawould believe her; and if--oh, if she only would let me study withher, what perfect joy that would be!'
Josie made these remarks one afternoon as she and Bess prepared for aswim, a fishing party having prevented their morning bathe.
'You must
bide19 your time, dear, and not be so impatient. Papapromised to give you a chance before the season is over, and healways manages things nicely. That will be better than any queerprank of yours,' answered Bess, tying her pretty hair in a white netto match her suit, while Josie made a little
lobster20 of herself inscarlet.
'I hate to wait; but I suppose I must. Hope she will bathe thisafternoon, though it is low tide. She told Uncle she should have togo in then because in the morning people stared so and went on herbeach. Come and have a good dive from the big rock. No one round butnurses and babies, so we can
romp21 and splash as much as we like.'
Away they went to have a fine time; for the little bay was free fromother bathers, and the babies greatly admired their aquaticgymnastics, both being expert swimmers.
As they sat dripping on the big rock Josie suddenly gave a clutchthat nearly sent Bess overboard, as she cried excitedly:
'There she is! Look! coming to bathe. How splendid! Oh, if she onlywould drown a little and let me save her! or even get her toe nippedby a
crab22; anything so I could go and speak!'
'Don't seem to look; she comes to be quiet and enjoy herself.
Pretend we don't see her, that's only civil,' answered Bess,affecting to be absorbed in a white-winged yacht going by.
'Let's carelessly float that way as if going for seaweed on therocks. She can't mind if we are flat on our backs, with only ournoses out. Then when we can't help seeing her, we'll swim back as ifanxious to retire. That will impress her, and she may call to thankthe very polite young ladies who respect her wishes,' proposed Josie,whose lively fancy was always planning dramatic situations.
Just as they were going to slip from their rock, as if Fate relentedat last, Miss Cameron was seen to
beckon23 wildly as she stoodwaist-deep in the water, looking down. She called to her maid, whoseemed searching along the beach for something, and not finding whatshe sought, waved a towel towards the girls as if summoning them tohelp her.
'Run, fly! she wants us, she wants us!' cried Josie, tumbling intothe water like a very energetic turtle, and swimming away in her beststyle towards this long desired
haven24 of joy. Bess followed moreslowly, and both came panting and smiling up to Miss Cameron, whonever lifted her eyes, but said in that wonderful voice of hers:
'I've dropped a
bracelet25. I see it, but can't get it. Will the littleboy find me a long stick? I'll keep my eye on it, so the water shallnot wash it away.'
'I'll dive for it with pleasure; but I'm not a boy,' answered Josie,laughing as she shook the curly head which at a distance had deceivedthe lady.
'I beg your pardon. Dive away, child; the sand is covering it fast. Ivalue it very much. Never forgot to take it off before.'
'I'll get it!' and down went Josie, to come up with a handful ofpebbles, but no bracelet.
'It's gone; never mind--my fault,' said Miss Cameron, disappointed,but amused at the girl's dismay as she shook the water out of hereyes and
gasped26 bravely:
'No, it isn't. I'll have it, if I stay down all night!' and with onelong breath Josie dived again, leaving nothing but a pair of agitatedfeet to be seen.
'I'm afraid she will hurt herself,' said Miss Cameron, looking atBess, whom she recognized by her
likeness27 to her mother.
'Oh, no; Josie is a little fish. She likes it'; and Bess smiledhappily at this wonderful granting of her cousin's desire.
'You are Mr Laurence's daughter, I think? How d'ye do, dear? Tellpapa I'm coming to see him soon. Too tired before. Quite
savage29.
Better now. Ah! here's our pearl of
divers30. What luck?' she asked, asthe heels went down and a dripping head came up.
Josie could only choke and splutter at first, being half strangled;but though her hands had failed again, her courage had not; and witha
resolute31 shake of her wet hair, a bright look at the tall lady, anda series of
puffs32 to fill her lungs, she said calmly:
'"Never give up" is my motto. I'm going to get it, if I go toLiverpool for it! Now, then!' and down went the
mermaid33 quite out ofsight this time, groping like a real lobster at the bottom of thesea.
'Plucky little girl! I like that. Who is she?' asked the lady,sitting down on a half-covered stone to watch her diver, since thebracelet was lost sight of.
Bess told her, adding, with the
persuasive34 smile of her father:
'Josie longs to be an actress, and has waited for a month to see you.
This is a great happiness for her.'
'Bless the child! why didn't she come and call? I'd have let her in;though usually I avoid stage-struck girls as I do reporters,' laughedMiss Cameron.
There was no time for more; a brown hand, grasping the bracelet, roseout of the sea, followed by a purple face as Josie came up so blindand dizzy she could only cling to Bess, half drowned but
triumphant35.
Miss Cameron drew her to the rock where she sat, and pushing the hairout of her eyes, revived her with a
hearty36 'Bravo! bravo!' whichassured the girl that her first act was a hit. Josie had oftenimagined her meeting with the great actress--the dignity and gracewith which she would enter and tell her ambitious hopes, theeffective dress she would wear, the
witty37 things she would say, thedeep impression her budding genius would make. But never in herwildest moments had she imagined an interview like this; scarlet,sandy, streaming, and speechless she leaned against the illustriousshoulder, looking like a beautiful seal as she blinked and wheezedtill she could smile
joyfully38 and exclaim proudly:
'I did get it! I'm so glad!'
'Now get your breath, my dear; then I shall be glad also. It was verynice of you to take all that trouble for me. How shall I thank you?'
asked the lady, looking at her with the beautiful eyes that could sayso many things without words.
Josie clasped her hands with a wet
spat40 which rather destroyed theeffect of the gesture, and answered in a
beseeching41 tone that wouldhave
softened42 a far harder heart than Miss Cameron's:
'Let me come and see you once--only once! I want you to tell me if Ican act; you will know. I'll
abide43 by what you say; and if you thinkI can--by and by, when I've studied very hard--I shall be thehappiest girl in the world. May I?'
'Yes; come tomorrow at eleven. We'll have a good talk; you shall showme what you can do, and I'll give you my opinion. But you won't likeit.'
'I will, no matter if you tell me I'm a fool. I want it settled; sodoes mamma. I'll take it bravely if you say no; and if you say yes,I'll never give up till I've done my best--as you did.'
'Ah, my child, it's a weary road, and there are plenty of thornsamong the roses when you've won them. I think you have the courage,and this proves that you have
perseverance44. Perhaps you'll do. Come,and we'll see.'
Miss Cameron touched the bracelet as she
spoke45, and smiled so kindlythat impetuous Josie wanted to kiss her; but wisely refrained, thoughher eyes were wet with softer water than any in the sea as shethanked her.
'We are keeping Miss Cameron from her bath, and the tide is goingout. Come, Josie,' said thoughtful Bess, fearing to outstay theirwelcome.
'Run over the beach and get warm. Thank you very much, littlemermaid. Tell papa to bring his daughter to see me any time.
Good-bye'; and with a wave of her hand the tragedy queen dismissedher court, but remained on her weedy throne watching the two lithefigures race over the sand with twinkling feet till they were out ofsight. Then, as she calmly bobbed up and down in the water, she saidto herself: 'The child has a good stage face, vivid, mobile; fineeyes, abandon, pluck, will. Perhaps she'll do. Good stock--talent inthe family. We shall see.'
Of course Josie never slept a
wink46, and was in a fever of joyfulexcitement next day. Uncle Laurie enjoyed the episode very much, andAunt Amy looked out her most becoming white dress for the grandoccasion; Bess lent her most
artistic47 hat, and Josie ranged the woodand
marsh48 for a
bouquet49 of wild roses, sweet white azalea, ferns, andgraceful grasses, as the offering of a very grateful heart.
At ten she solemnly arrayed herself, and then sat looking at her neatgloves and
buckled50 shoes till it was time to go, growing pale andsober with the thought that her fate was soon to be
decided52; for,like all young people she was sure that her whole life could besettled by one human creature, quite forgetting how wonderfullyProvidence trains us by disappointment, surprises us with unexpectedsuccess, and turns our seeming trials into
blessings53.
'I will go alone: we shall be freer so. Oh, Bess, pray that she maytell me rightly! So much depends on that! Don't laugh, uncle! It is avery serious moment for me. Miss Cameron knows that, and will tellyou so. Kiss me, Aunt Amy, since mamma isn't here. If you say I looknice, I'm quite satisfied. Good-bye.' And with a wave of the hand asmuch like her model's as she could make it, Josie departed, lookingvery pretty and feeling very
tragical54.
Sure now of admittance, she boldly rang at the door which excluded somany, and being
ushered55 into a shady parlour, feasted her eyes uponseveral fine portraits of great actors while she waited. She had readabout most of them, and knew their trials and triumphs so well thatshe soon forgot herself, and tried to imitate Mrs Siddons as LadyMacbeth, looking up at the
engraving56 as she held her nosegay like thecandle in the sleep-walking scene, and knit her youthful browsdistressfully while murmuring the speech of the haunted queen. Sobusy was she that Miss Cameron watched her for several minutesunseen, then startled her by suddenly
sweeping57 in with the words uponher lips, the look upon her face, which made that one of her greatestscenes.
'I never can do it like that; but I'll keep trying, if you say Imay,' cried Josie, forgetting her manners in the intense interest ofthe moment.
'Show me what you can do,' answered the actress, wisely
plunging58 intothe middle of things at once, well knowing that no common chat wouldsatisfy this very earnest little person.
'First let me give you these. I thought you'd like wild things betterthan hot-house flowers; and I loved to bring them, as I'd no otherway to thank you for your great kindness to me,' said Josie, offeringher nosegay with a simple warmth that was very sweet.
'I do love them best, and keep my room full of the posies some goodfairy hangs on my gate. Upon my word, I think I've found the fairyout--these are so like,' she added quickly, as her eye went from theflowers in her hand to others that stood near by, arranged with thesame taste.
Josie's blush and smile betrayed her before she said, with a lookfull of girlish
adoration59 and
humility60: 'I couldn't help it; I admireyou so much. I know it was a liberty; but as I couldn't get inmyself, I loved to think my posies pleased you.'
Something about the child and her little offering touched the woman,and, drawing Josie to her, she said, with no trace of actress in faceor voice:
'They did please me, dear, and so do you. I'm tired of praise; andlove is very sweet, when it is simple and sincere like this.'
Josie remembered to have heard, among many other stories, that MissCameron lost her lover years ago, and since had lived only for art.
Now she felt that this might have been true; and pity for thesplendid, lonely life made her face very
eloquent61, as well asgrateful. Then, as if anxious to forget the past, her new friendsaid, in the commanding way that seemed natural to her:
'Let me see what you can do. Juliet, of course. All begin with that.
Poor soul, how she is murdered!'
Now, Josie had intended to begin with Romeo's much-enduringsweetheart, and follow her up with Bianca, Pauline, and several ofthe favourite
idols62 of stage-struck girls; but being a shrewd littleperson, she suddenly saw the wisdom of Uncle Laurie's advice, andresolved to follow it. So instead of the
rant28 Miss Cameron expected,Josie gave poor Ophelia's mad scene, and gave it very well, havingbeen trained by the college professor of elocution and done it manytimes. She was too young, of course, but the white gown, the loosehair, the real flowers she
scattered63 over the imaginary grave, addedto the illusion; and she sung the songs sweetly, dropped her patheticcurtsies, and vanished behind the curtain that divided the rooms witha backward look that surprised her critical
auditor64 into a quickgesture of applause. Cheered by that welcome sound, Josie ran back asa little
hoyden65 in one of the
farces66 she had often acted, telling astory full of fun and naughtiness at first, but ending with a
sob51 ofrepentance and an earnest prayer for pardon.
'Very good! Try again. Better than I expected,' called the voice ofthe
oracle67.
Josie tried Portia's speech, and recited very well, giving dueemphasis to each fine sentence. Then, unable to refrain from what sheconsidered her greatest effort, she burst into Juliet's balconyscene, ending with the poison and the tomb. She felt sure that shesurpassed herself, and waited for applause. A ringing laugh made hertingle with indignation and disappointment, as she went to standbefore Miss Cameron, saying in a tone of polite surprise:
'I have been told that I did it very well. I'm sorry you don't thinkso.'
'My dear, it's very bad. How can it help being so? What can a childlike you know of love and fear and death? Don't try it yet. Leavetragedy alone till you are ready for it.'
'But you clapped Ophelia.'
'Yes, that was very pretty. Any clever girl can do it effectively.
But the real meaning of Shakespeare is far above you yet, child. Thecomedy bit was best. There you showed real talent. It was both comicand pathetic. That's art. Don't lose it. The Portia was gooddeclamation. Go on with that sort of thing; it trains the voice--teaches shades of expression. You've a good voice and naturalgrace--great helps both, hard to acquire.'
'Well, I'm glad I've got something,' sighed Josie, sitting
meekly68 ona stool, much
crestfallen69, but not
daunted70 yet, and bound to have hersay out.
'My dear little girl, I told you that you would not like what Ishould say to you; yet I must be honest if I would really help you.
I've had to do it for many like you; and most of them have neverforgiven me, though my words have proved true, and they are what Iadvised them to be--good wives and happy mothers in quiet homes. Afew have kept on, and done fairly well. One you will hear of soon, Ithink; for she has talent, indomitable patience, and mind as well asbeauty. You are too young to show to which class you belong. Geniusesare very rare, and even at fifteen seldom give much promise of futurepower.'
'Oh, I don't think I'm a genius!' cried Josie, growing calm and soberas she listened to the
melodious71 voice and looked into the expressiveface that filled her with confidence, so strong, sincere, and kindlywas it. 'I only want to find out if I have talent enough to go on,and after years of study to be able to act well in any of the goodplays people never tire of seeing. I don't expect to be a Mrs Siddonsor a Miss Cameron, much as I long to be; but it does seem as if I hadsomething in me which can't come out in any way but this. When I actI'm
perfectly73 happy. I seem to live, to be in my own world, and eachnew part is a new friend. I love Shakespeare, and am never tired ofhis splendid people. Of course, I don't understand it all; but it'slike being alone at night with the mountains and the stars, solemnand grand, and I try to imagine how it will look when the sun comesup, and all is glorious and clear to me. I can't see, but I feel thebeauty, and long to express it.'
As she spoke with the most perfect self-forgetfulness Josie was palewith excitement, her eyes shone, her lips trembled, and all herlittle soul seemed trying to put into words the emotions that filledit to
overflowing74. Miss Cameron understood, felt that this wassomething more than a girlish
whim75; and when she answered there was anew tone of sympathy in her voice, a new interest in her face, thoughshe wisely refrained from saying all she thought, well knowing whatsplendid dreams young people build upon a word, and how bitter is thepain when the bright bubbles burst.
'If you feel this, I can give you no better advice than to go onloving and studying our great master,' she said slowly; but Josiecaught the changed tone, and felt, with a thrill of joy, that her newfriend was speaking to her now as to a comrade. 'It is an educationin itself, and a lifetime is not long enough to teach you all hissecret. But there is much to do before you can hope to echo hiswords. Have you the patience, courage, strength, to begin at thebeginning, and slowly, painfully, lay the foundation for future work?
Fame is a pearl many dive for and only a few bring up. Even when theydo, it is not perfect, and they sigh for more, and lose better thingsin struggling for them.'
The last words seemed spoken more to herself than to her hearer, butJosie answered quickly, with a smile and an
expressive72 gesture:
'I got the bracelet in spite of all the bitter water in my eyes.'
'You did! I don't forget it. A good
omen12. We will accept it.'
Miss Cameron answered the smile with one that was like sunshine tothe girl, and stretched her white hands as if taking some invisiblegift. Then added in a different tone, watching the effect of herwords on the expressive face before her:
'Now you will be disappointed, for instead of telling you to come andstudy with me, or go and act in some second-rate theatre at once, Iadvise you to go back to school and finish your education. That isthe first step, for all
accomplishments76 are needed, and a singletalent makes a very imperfect character. Cultivate mind and body,heart and soul, and make yourself an intelligent, graceful,beautiful, and healthy girl. Then, at eighteen or twenty, go intotraining and try your powers. Better start for the battle with yourarms in order, and save the hard lesson which comes when we rush ontoo soon. Now and then genius carries all before it, but not often.
We have to climb slowly, with many slips and falls. Can you wait aswell as work?'
'I will!'
'We shall see. It would be pleasant to me to know that when I quitthe stage I leave behind me a well-trained, faithful, gifted comradeto more than fill my place, and carry on what I have much at heart--the purification of the stage. Perhaps you are she; but remember,mere beauty and rich costumes do not make an actress, nor are theefforts of a clever little girl to play great characters real art. Itis all dazzle and
sham77, and a disgrace and disappointment now. Whywill the public be satisfied with opera bouffe, or the trash calledsociety plays when a world of truth and beauty, poetry and pathoslies waiting to be interpreted and enjoyed?'
Miss Cameron had forgotten to whom she spoke, and walked to and fro,full of the noble regret all cultivated people feel at the low stateof the stage nowadays.
'That's what Uncle Laurie says; and he and Aunt Jo try to plan playsabout true and lovely things--simple domestic scenes that touchpeople's hearts, and make them laugh and cry and feel better. Unclesays that sort is my style, and I must not think of tragedy. Butit's so much nicer to sweep about in crowns and
velvet78 trains than towear everyday clothes, and just be myself, though it is so easy.'
'Yet that is high art, child, and what we need for a time till we areready for the masters. Cultivate that talent of yours. It is aspecial gift, this power to bring tears and smiles, and a sweetertask to touch the heart than to freeze the blood or fire theimagination. Tell your uncle he is right, and ask your aunt to try aplay for you. I'll come and see it when you are ready.'
'Will you? Oh! will you? We are going to have some at Christmas, witha nice part for me. A simple little thing, but I can do it, andshould be so proud, so happy to have you there.'
Josie rose as she spoke, for a glance at the clock showed her thather call was a long one; and hard as it was to end this momentousinterview, she felt that she must go.
Catching79 up her hat she went toMiss Cameron, who stood looking at her so keenly that she felt astransparent as a
pane80 of glass, and coloured
prettily81 as she lookedup, saying, with a grateful little
tremor82 in her voice:
'I can never thank you for this hour and all you have told me. Ishall do just what you advise, and mamma will be very glad to see mesettled at my books again. I can study now with all my heart, becauseit is to help me on; and I won't hope too much, but work and wait,and try to please you, as the only way to pay my debt.'
'That reminds me that I have not paid mine. Little friend, wear thisfor my sake. It is fit for a mermaid, and will remind you of yourfirst dive. May the next bring up a better jewel, and leave no bitterwater on your lips!'
As she spoke, Miss Cameron took from the lace at her throat a prettypin of aquamarine, and fastened it like an order on Josie's proudbosom; then lifting the happy little face, she kissed it verytenderly, and watched it go smiling away with eyes that seemed to seeinto a future full of the trials and the triumphs which she knew sowell.
Bess expected to see Josie come flying in, all
raptures83 andexcitement, or drowned in tears of disappointment, but was surprisedat the expression of calm content and resolution which she wore.
Pride and satisfaction, and a new feeling of responsibility bothsobered and sustained her, and she felt that any amount of dry studyand long waiting would be bearable, if in the glorious future shecould be an honour to her profession and a comrade to the new friendwhom she already adored with girlish ardour.
She told her little story to a deeply interested audience, and allfelt that Miss Cameron's advice was good. Mrs Amy was relieved at theprospect of delay; for she did not want her niece to be an actressand hoped the fancy would die out.
Uncle Laurie was full of charming plans and prophecies and wrote oneof his most delightful notes to thank their neighbour for herkindness; while Bess, who loved art of all kinds,
fully39 sympathizedwith her cousin's ambitious hopes, only wondering why she preferredto act out her visions rather than
embody84 them in marble.
That first interview was not the last; for Miss Cameron was reallyinterested, and had several
memorable85 conversations with theLaurences, while the girls sat by, drinking in every word with thedelight all artists feel in their own beautiful world, and learningto see how sacred good gifts are, how powerful, and how faithfullythey should be used for high ends, each in its own place
helping86 toeducate, refine, and refresh.
Josie wrote reams to her mother; and when the visit ended rejoicedher heart by bringing her a somewhat changed little daughter, whofell to work at the once-detested books with a patient energy whichsurprised and pleased everyone. The right string had been touched,and even French exercises and piano practice became endurable, sinceaccomplishments would be useful by and by; dress, manners, and habitswere all interesting now, because 'mind and body, heart and soul,must be cultivated', and while training to become an 'intelligent,graceful, healthy girl', little Josie was unconsciously fittingherself to play her part well on whatever stage the great Managermight prepare for her.
点击
收听单词发音
1
wholesome
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adj.适合;卫生的;有益健康的;显示身心健康的 |
参考例句: |
- In actual fact the things I like doing are mostly wholesome.实际上我喜欢做的事大都是有助于增进身体健康的。
- It is not wholesome to eat without washing your hands.不洗手吃饭是不卫生的。
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2
rosy
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adj.美好的,乐观的,玫瑰色的 |
参考例句: |
- She got a new job and her life looks rosy.她找到一份新工作,生活看上去很美好。
- She always takes a rosy view of life.她总是对生活持乐观态度。
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3
villas
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别墅,公馆( villa的名词复数 ); (城郊)住宅 |
参考例句: |
- Magnificent villas are found throughout Italy. 在意大利到处可看到豪华的别墅。
- Rich men came down from wealthy Rome to build sea-side villas. 有钱人从富有的罗马来到这儿建造海滨别墅。
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4
crumpled
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adj. 弯扭的, 变皱的
动词crumple的过去式和过去分词形式 |
参考例句: |
- She crumpled the letter up into a ball and threw it on the fire. 她把那封信揉成一团扔进了火里。
- She flattened out the crumpled letter on the desk. 她在写字台上把皱巴巴的信展平。
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5
longing
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n.(for)渴望 |
参考例句: |
- Hearing the tune again sent waves of longing through her.再次听到那首曲子使她胸中充满了渴望。
- His heart burned with longing for revenge.他心中燃烧着急欲复仇的怒火。
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6
mania
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n.疯狂;躁狂症,狂热,癖好 |
参考例句: |
- Football mania is sweeping the country.足球热正风靡全国。
- Collecting small items can easily become a mania.收藏零星物品往往容易变成一种癖好。
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7
watchful
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adj.注意的,警惕的 |
参考例句: |
- The children played under the watchful eye of their father.孩子们在父亲的小心照看下玩耍。
- It is important that health organizations remain watchful.卫生组织保持警惕是极为重要的。
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8
fixed
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adj.固定的,不变的,准备好的;(计算机)固定的 |
参考例句: |
- Have you two fixed on a date for the wedding yet?你们俩选定婚期了吗?
- Once the aim is fixed,we should not change it arbitrarily.目标一旦确定,我们就不应该随意改变。
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9
disporting
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v.嬉戏,玩乐,自娱( disport的现在分词 ) |
参考例句: |
- The bears were disporting themselves in the water. 那些熊在水中嬉戏。 来自辞典例句
- A crowd of children disporting are running about around grow-ups, which caused grow-ups' scold. 一群嬉戏玩耍的孩子,始终围着大人们追来跑去,短不了惹得人们骂上几句。 来自互联网
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10
idol
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n.偶像,红人,宠儿 |
参考例句: |
- As an only child he was the idol of his parents.作为独子,他是父母的宠儿。
- Blind worship of this idol must be ended.对这个偶像的盲目崇拜应该结束了。
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11
delightful
|
|
adj.令人高兴的,使人快乐的 |
参考例句: |
- We had a delightful time by the seashore last Sunday.上星期天我们在海滨玩得真痛快。
- Peter played a delightful melody on his flute.彼得用笛子吹奏了一支欢快的曲子。
|
12
omen
|
|
n.征兆,预兆;vt.预示 |
参考例句: |
- The superstitious regard it as a bad omen.迷信的人认为那是一种恶兆。
- Could this at last be a good omen for peace?这是否终于可以视作和平的吉兆了?
|
13
kindly
|
|
adj.和蔼的,温和的,爽快的;adv.温和地,亲切地 |
参考例句: |
- Her neighbours spoke of her as kindly and hospitable.她的邻居都说她和蔼可亲、热情好客。
- A shadow passed over the kindly face of the old woman.一道阴影掠过老太太慈祥的面孔。
|
14
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: |
- He is said to be the most passionate man.据说他是最有激情的人。
- He is very passionate about the project.他对那个项目非常热心。
|
15
bosom
|
|
n.胸,胸部;胸怀;内心;adj.亲密的 |
参考例句: |
- She drew a little book from her bosom.她从怀里取出一本小册子。
- A dark jealousy stirred in his bosom.他内心生出一阵恶毒的嫉妒。
|
16
galloping
|
|
adj. 飞驰的, 急性的
动词gallop的现在分词形式 |
参考例句: |
- The horse started galloping the moment I gave it a good dig. 我猛戳了马一下,它就奔驰起来了。
- Japan is galloping ahead in the race to develop new technology. 日本在发展新技术的竞争中进展迅速,日新月异。
|
17
pony
|
|
adj.小型的;n.小马 |
参考例句: |
- His father gave him a pony as a Christmas present.他父亲给了他一匹小马驹作为圣诞礼物。
- They made him pony up the money he owed.他们逼他还债。
|
18
piazza
|
|
n.广场;走廊 |
参考例句: |
- Siena's main piazza was one of the sights of Italy.锡耶纳的主要广场是意大利的名胜之一。
- They walked out of the cafeteria,and across the piazzadj.他们走出自助餐厅,穿过广场。
|
19
bide
|
|
v.忍耐;等候;住 |
参考例句: |
- We'll have to bide our time until the rain stops.我们必须等到雨停。
- Bide here for a while. 请在这儿等一会儿。
|
20
lobster
|
|
n.龙虾,龙虾肉 |
参考例句: |
- The lobster is a shellfish.龙虾是水生贝壳动物。
- I like lobster but it does not like me.我喜欢吃龙虾,但它不适宜于我的健康。
|
21
romp
|
|
n.欢闹;v.嬉闹玩笑 |
参考例句: |
- The child went for a romp in the forest.那个孩子去森林快活一把。
- Dogs and little children romped happily in the garden.狗和小孩子们在花园里嬉戏。
|
22
crab
|
|
n.螃蟹,偏航,脾气乖戾的人,酸苹果;vi.捕蟹,偏航,发牢骚;vt.使偏航,发脾气 |
参考例句: |
- I can't remember when I last had crab.我不记得上次吃蟹是什么时候了。
- The skin on my face felt as hard as a crab's back.我脸上的皮仿佛僵硬了,就象螃蟹的壳似的。
|
23
beckon
|
|
v.(以点头或打手势)向...示意,召唤 |
参考例句: |
- She crooked her finger to beckon him.她勾勾手指向他示意。
- The wave for Hawaii beckon surfers from all around the world.夏威夷的海浪吸引着世界各地的冲浪者前来。
|
24
haven
|
|
n.安全的地方,避难所,庇护所 |
参考例句: |
- It's a real haven at the end of a busy working day.忙碌了一整天后,这真是一个安乐窝。
- The school library is a little haven of peace and quiet.学校的图书馆是一个和平且安静的小避风港。
|
25
bracelet
|
|
n.手镯,臂镯 |
参考例句: |
- The jeweler charges lots of money to set diamonds in a bracelet.珠宝匠要很多钱才肯把钻石镶在手镯上。
- She left her gold bracelet as a pledge.她留下她的金手镯作抵押品。
|
26
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: |
- She gasped at the wonderful view. 如此美景使她惊讶得屏住了呼吸。
- People gasped with admiration at the superb skill of the gymnasts. 体操运动员的高超技艺令人赞叹。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
|
27
likeness
|
|
n.相像,相似(之处) |
参考例句: |
- I think the painter has produced a very true likeness.我认为这位画家画得非常逼真。
- She treasured the painted likeness of her son.她珍藏她儿子的画像。
|
28
rant
|
|
v.咆哮;怒吼;n.大话;粗野的话 |
参考例句: |
- You can rant and rave at the fine,but you'll still have to pay it.你闹也好,骂也好,罚金还是得交。
- If we rant on the net,the world is our audience.如果我们在网络上大声嚷嚷,全世界都是我们的听众。
|
29
savage
|
|
adj.野蛮的;凶恶的,残暴的;n.未开化的人 |
参考例句: |
- The poor man received a savage beating from the thugs.那可怜的人遭到暴徒的痛打。
- He has a savage temper.他脾气粗暴。
|
30
divers
|
|
adj.不同的;种种的 |
参考例句: |
- He chose divers of them,who were asked to accompany him.他选择他们当中的几个人,要他们和他作伴。
- Two divers work together while a standby diver remains on the surface.两名潜水员协同工作,同时有一名候补潜水员留在水面上。
|
31
resolute
|
|
adj.坚决的,果敢的 |
参考例句: |
- He was resolute in carrying out his plan.他坚决地实行他的计划。
- The Egyptians offered resolute resistance to the aggressors.埃及人对侵略者作出坚决的反抗。
|
32
puffs
|
|
n.吸( puff的名词复数 );(烟斗或香烟的)一吸;一缕(烟、蒸汽等);(呼吸或风的)呼v.使喷出( puff的第三人称单数 );喷着汽(或烟)移动;吹嘘;吹捧 |
参考例句: |
- We sat exchanging puffs from that wild pipe of his. 我们坐在那里,轮番抽着他那支野里野气的烟斗。 来自辞典例句
- Puffs of steam and smoke came from the engine. 一股股蒸汽和烟雾从那火车头里冒出来。 来自辞典例句
|
33
mermaid
|
|
n.美人鱼 |
参考例句: |
- How popular would that girl be with the only mermaid mom!和人鱼妈妈在一起,那个女孩会有多受欢迎!
- The little mermaid wasn't happy because she didn't want to wait.小美人鱼不太高兴,因为她等不及了。
|
34
persuasive
|
|
adj.有说服力的,能说得使人相信的 |
参考例句: |
- His arguments in favour of a new school are very persuasive.他赞成办一座新学校的理由很有说服力。
- The evidence was not really persuasive enough.证据并不是太有说服力。
|
35
triumphant
|
|
adj.胜利的,成功的;狂欢的,喜悦的 |
参考例句: |
- The army made a triumphant entry into the enemy's capital.部队胜利地进入了敌方首都。
- There was a positively triumphant note in her voice.她的声音里带有一种极为得意的语气。
|
36
hearty
|
|
adj.热情友好的;衷心的;尽情的,纵情的 |
参考例句: |
- After work they made a hearty meal in the worker's canteen.工作完了,他们在工人食堂饱餐了一顿。
- We accorded him a hearty welcome.我们给他热忱的欢迎。
|
37
witty
|
|
adj.机智的,风趣的 |
参考例句: |
- Her witty remarks added a little salt to the conversation.她的妙语使谈话增添了一些风趣。
- He scored a bull's-eye in their argument with that witty retort.在他们的辩论中他那一句机智的反驳击中了要害。
|
38
joyfully
|
|
adv. 喜悦地, 高兴地 |
参考例句: |
- She tripped along joyfully as if treading on air. 她高兴地走着,脚底下轻飘飘的。
- During these first weeks she slaved joyfully. 在最初的几周里,她干得很高兴。
|
39
fully
|
|
adv.完全地,全部地,彻底地;充分地 |
参考例句: |
- The doctor asked me to breathe in,then to breathe out fully.医生让我先吸气,然后全部呼出。
- They soon became fully integrated into the local community.他们很快就完全融入了当地人的圈子。
|
40
spat
|
|
n.口角,掌击;v.发出呼噜呼噜声 |
参考例句: |
- Her parents always have spats.她的父母经常有些小的口角。
- There is only a spat between the brother and sister.那只是兄妹间的小吵小闹。
|
41
beseeching
|
|
adj.恳求似的v.恳求,乞求(某事物)( beseech的现在分词 ) |
参考例句: |
- She clung to her father, beseeching him for consent. 她紧紧挨着父亲,恳求他答应。 来自辞典例句
- He casts a beseeching glance at his son. 他用恳求的眼光望着儿子。 来自辞典例句
|
42
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: |
- His smile softened slightly. 他的微笑稍柔和了些。
- The ice cream softened and began to melt. 冰淇淋开始变软并开始融化。
|
43
abide
|
|
vi.遵守;坚持;vt.忍受 |
参考例句: |
- You must abide by the results of your mistakes.你必须承担你的错误所造成的后果。
- If you join the club,you have to abide by its rules.如果你参加俱乐部,你就得遵守它的规章。
|
44
perseverance
|
|
n.坚持不懈,不屈不挠 |
参考例句: |
- It may take some perseverance to find the right people.要找到合适的人也许需要有点锲而不舍的精神。
- Perseverance leads to success.有恒心就能胜利。
|
45
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: |
- They sourced the spoke nuts from our company.他们的轮辐螺帽是从我们公司获得的。
- The spokes of a wheel are the bars that connect the outer ring to the centre.辐条是轮子上连接外圈与中心的条棒。
|
46
wink
|
|
n.眨眼,使眼色,瞬间;v.眨眼,使眼色,闪烁 |
参考例句: |
- He tipped me the wink not to buy at that price.他眨眼暗示我按那个价格就不要买。
- The satellite disappeared in a wink.瞬息之间,那颗卫星就消失了。
|
47
artistic
|
|
adj.艺术(家)的,美术(家)的;善于艺术创作的 |
参考例句: |
- The picture on this screen is a good artistic work.这屏风上的画是件很好的艺术品。
- These artistic handicrafts are very popular with foreign friends.外国朋友很喜欢这些美术工艺品。
|
48
marsh
|
|
n.沼泽,湿地 |
参考例句: |
- There are a lot of frogs in the marsh.沼泽里有许多青蛙。
- I made my way slowly out of the marsh.我缓慢地走出这片沼泽地。
|
49
bouquet
|
|
n.花束,酒香 |
参考例句: |
- This wine has a rich bouquet.这种葡萄酒有浓郁的香气。
- Her wedding bouquet consisted of roses and ivy.她的婚礼花篮包括玫瑰和长春藤。
|
50
buckled
|
|
a. 有带扣的 |
参考例句: |
- She buckled her belt. 她扣上了腰带。
- The accident buckled the wheel of my bicycle. 我自行车的轮子在事故中弄弯了。
|
51
sob
|
|
n.空间轨道的轰炸机;呜咽,哭泣 |
参考例句: |
- The child started to sob when he couldn't find his mother.孩子因找不到他妈妈哭了起来。
- The girl didn't answer,but continued to sob with her head on the table.那个女孩不回答,也不抬起头来。她只顾低声哭着。
|
52
decided
|
|
adj.决定了的,坚决的;明显的,明确的 |
参考例句: |
- This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
- There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。
|
53
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: |
- Afflictions are sometimes blessings in disguise. 塞翁失马,焉知非福。 来自《简明英汉词典》
- We don't rely on blessings from Heaven. 我们不靠老天保佑。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
|
54
tragical
|
|
adj. 悲剧的, 悲剧性的 |
参考例句: |
- One day she was pink and flawless; another pale and tragical. 有的时候,她就娇妍、完美;另有的时候,她就灰白戚楚。
- Even Mr. Clare began to feel tragical at the dairyman's desperation. 连克莱先生看到牛奶商这样无计奈何的样子,都觉得凄惨起来。
|
55
ushered
|
|
v.引,领,陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 ) |
参考例句: |
- The secretary ushered me into his office. 秘书把我领进他的办公室。
- A round of parties ushered in the New Year. 一系列的晚会迎来了新年。 来自《简明英汉词典》
|
56
engraving
|
|
n.版画;雕刻(作品);雕刻艺术;镌版术v.在(硬物)上雕刻(字,画等)( engrave的现在分词 );将某事物深深印在(记忆或头脑中) |
参考例句: |
- He collected an old engraving of London Bridge. 他收藏了一张古老的伦敦桥版画。 来自辞典例句
- Some writing has the precision of a steel engraving. 有的字体严谨如同钢刻。 来自辞典例句
|
57
sweeping
|
|
adj.范围广大的,一扫无遗的 |
参考例句: |
- The citizens voted for sweeping reforms.公民投票支持全面的改革。
- Can you hear the wind sweeping through the branches?你能听到风掠过树枝的声音吗?
|
58
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: |
- War broke out again, plunging the people into misery and suffering. 战祸复发,生灵涂炭。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
- He is plunging into an abyss of despair. 他陷入了绝望的深渊。 来自《简明英汉词典》
|
59
adoration
|
|
n.爱慕,崇拜 |
参考例句: |
- He gazed at her with pure adoration.他一往情深地注视着她。
- The old lady fell down in adoration before Buddhist images.那老太太在佛像面前顶礼膜拜。
|
60
humility
|
|
n.谦逊,谦恭 |
参考例句: |
- Humility often gains more than pride.谦逊往往比骄傲收益更多。
- His voice was still soft and filled with specious humility.他的声音还是那么温和,甚至有点谦卑。
|
61
eloquent
|
|
adj.雄辩的,口才流利的;明白显示出的 |
参考例句: |
- He was so eloquent that he cut down the finest orator.他能言善辩,胜过最好的演说家。
- These ruins are an eloquent reminder of the horrors of war.这些废墟形象地提醒人们不要忘记战争的恐怖。
|
62
idols
|
|
偶像( idol的名词复数 ); 受崇拜的人或物; 受到热爱和崇拜的人或物; 神像 |
参考例句: |
- The genii will give evidence against those who have worshipped idols. 魔怪将提供证据来反对那些崇拜偶像的人。 来自英汉非文学 - 文明史
- Teenagers are very sequacious and they often emulate the behavior of their idols. 青少年非常盲从,经常模仿他们的偶像的行为。
|
63
scattered
|
|
adj.分散的,稀疏的;散步的;疏疏落落的 |
参考例句: |
- Gathering up his scattered papers,he pushed them into his case.他把散乱的文件收拾起来,塞进文件夹里。
|
64
auditor
|
|
n.审计员,旁听着 |
参考例句: |
- The auditor was required to produce his working papers.那个审计员被要求提供其工作底稿。
- The auditor examines the accounts of all county officers and departments.审计员查对所有县官员及各部门的帐目。
|
65
hoyden
|
|
n.野丫头,淘气姑娘 |
参考例句: |
- Don't put out your tongue at me,you cheeky hoyden!不要向我伸舌头,你这个没规矩的野丫头!
- It was rather imprudent of the hoydento interrupt our conversation like that.这丫头,打断我们的谈话,没轻没重的。
|
66
farces
|
|
n.笑剧( farce的名词复数 );闹剧;笑剧剧目;作假的可笑场面 |
参考例句: |
- Its repertoire includes historical plays, comedies, tragedies and farces. 京剧的曲目包括历史剧、喜剧、悲剧和笑剧。 来自互联网
- He likes to watch farces at weekends to relax himself. 他喜欢在周末看滑稽剧来放松自己。 来自互联网
|
67
oracle
|
|
n.神谕,神谕处,预言 |
参考例句: |
- In times of difficulty,she pray for an oracle to guide her.在困难的时候,她祈祷神谕来指引她。
- It is a kind of oracle that often foretells things most important.它是一种内生性神谕,常常能预言最重要的事情。
|
68
meekly
|
|
adv.温顺地,逆来顺受地 |
参考例句: |
- He stood aside meekly when the new policy was proposed. 当有人提出新政策时,他唯唯诺诺地站 来自《简明英汉词典》
- He meekly accepted the rebuke. 他顺从地接受了批评。 来自《简明英汉词典》
|
69
crestfallen
|
|
adj. 挫败的,失望的,沮丧的 |
参考例句: |
- He gathered himself up and sneaked off,crushed and crestfallen.他爬起来,偷偷地溜了,一副垂头丧气、被斗败的样子。
- The youth looked exceedingly crestfallen.那青年看上去垂头丧气极了。
|
70
daunted
|
|
使(某人)气馁,威吓( daunt的过去式和过去分词 ) |
参考例句: |
- She was a brave woman but she felt daunted by the task ahead. 她是一个勇敢的女人,但对面前的任务却感到信心不足。
- He was daunted by the high quality of work they expected. 他被他们对工作的高品质的要求吓倒了。
|
71
melodious
|
|
adj.旋律美妙的,调子优美的,音乐性的 |
参考例句: |
- She spoke in a quietly melodious voice.她说话轻声细语,嗓音甜美。
- Everybody was attracted by her melodious voice.大家都被她悦耳的声音吸引住了。
|
72
expressive
|
|
adj.表现的,表达…的,富于表情的 |
参考例句: |
- Black English can be more expressive than standard English.黑人所使用的英语可能比正式英语更有表现力。
- He had a mobile,expressive,animated face.他有一张多变的,富于表情的,生动活泼的脸。
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73
perfectly
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adv.完美地,无可非议地,彻底地 |
参考例句: |
- The witnesses were each perfectly certain of what they said.证人们个个对自己所说的话十分肯定。
- Everything that we're doing is all perfectly above board.我们做的每件事情都是光明正大的。
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74
overflowing
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n. 溢出物,溢流
adj. 充沛的,充满的
动词overflow的现在分词形式 |
参考例句: |
- The stands were overflowing with farm and sideline products. 集市上农副产品非常丰富。
- The milk is overflowing. 牛奶溢出来了。
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75
whim
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n.一时的兴致,突然的念头;奇想,幻想 |
参考例句: |
- I bought the encyclopedia on a whim.我凭一时的兴致买了这本百科全书。
- He had a sudden whim to go sailing today.今天他突然想要去航海。
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76
accomplishments
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n.造诣;完成( accomplishment的名词复数 );技能;成绩;成就 |
参考例句: |
- It was one of the President's greatest accomplishments. 那是总统最伟大的成就之一。
- Among her accomplishments were sewing,cooking,playing the piano and dancing. 她的才能包括缝纫、烹调、弹钢琴和跳舞。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
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77
sham
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n./adj.假冒(的),虚伪(的) |
参考例句: |
- They cunningly played the game of sham peace.他们狡滑地玩弄假和平的把戏。
- His love was a mere sham.他的爱情是虚假的。
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78
velvet
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n.丝绒,天鹅绒;adj.丝绒制的,柔软的 |
参考例句: |
- This material feels like velvet.这料子摸起来像丝绒。
- The new settlers wore the finest silk and velvet clothing.新来的移民穿着最华丽的丝绸和天鹅绒衣服。
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79
catching
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adj.易传染的,有魅力的,迷人的,接住 |
参考例句: |
- There are those who think eczema is catching.有人就是认为湿疹会传染。
- Enthusiasm is very catching.热情非常富有感染力。
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80
pane
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n.窗格玻璃,长方块 |
参考例句: |
- He broke this pane of glass.他打破了这块窗玻璃。
- Their breath bloomed the frosty pane.他们呼出的水气,在冰冷的窗玻璃上形成一层雾。
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81
prettily
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adv.优美地;可爱地 |
参考例句: |
- It was prettily engraved with flowers on the back.此件雕刻精美,背面有花饰图案。
- She pouted prettily at him.她冲他撅着嘴,样子很可爱。
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82
tremor
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n.震动,颤动,战栗,兴奋,地震 |
参考例句: |
- There was a slight tremor in his voice.他的声音有点颤抖。
- A slight earth tremor was felt in California.加利福尼亚发生了轻微的地震。
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83
raptures
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极度欢喜( rapture的名词复数 ) |
参考例句: |
- Her heart melted away in secret raptures. 她暗自高兴得心花怒放。
- The mere thought of his bride moves Pinkerton to raptures. 一想起新娘,平克顿不禁心花怒放。
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84
embody
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vt.具体表达,使具体化;包含,收录 |
参考例句: |
- The latest locomotives embody many new features. 这些最新的机车具有许多新的特色。
- Hemingway's characters plainly embody his own values and view of life.海明威笔下的角色明确反映出他自己的价值观与人生观。
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85
memorable
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adj.值得回忆的,难忘的,特别的,显著的 |
参考例句: |
- This was indeed the most memorable day of my life.这的确是我一生中最值得怀念的日子。
- The veteran soldier has fought many memorable battles.这个老兵参加过许多难忘的战斗。
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86
helping
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n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的,辅助的 |
参考例句: |
- The poor children regularly pony up for a second helping of my hamburger. 那些可怜的孩子们总是要求我把我的汉堡包再给他们一份。
- By doing this, they may at times be helping to restore competition. 这样一来, 他在某些时候,有助于竞争的加强。
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