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Chapter 9 The Worm Turns
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 Two very superior bicycles went twinkling up the road to Plumfieldone September afternoon, bearing two brown and dusty riders evidentlyreturning from a successful run, for though their legs might be atrifle weary, their faces beamed as they surveyed the world fromtheir lofty perches1 with the air of calm content all wheelmen wearafter they have learned to ride; before that happy period anguish2 ofmind and body is the chief expression of the manly3 countenance4.

 
  'Go ahead and report, Tom; I'm due here. See you later,' said Demi,swinging himself down at the door of the Dovecote.
 
  'Don't peach, there's a good fellow. Let me have it out with MotherBhaer first,' returned Tom, wheeling in at the gate with a heavysigh.
 
  Demi laughed, and his comrade went slowly up the avenue, devoutlyhoping that the coast was clear; for he was the bearer of tidingswhich would, he thought, convulse the entire family with astonishmentand dismay.
 
  To his great joy Mrs Jo was discovered alone in a grove6 ofproof-sheets, which she dropped, to greet the returning wanderercordially. But after the first glance she saw that something was thematter, recent events having made her unusually sharp-eyed andsuspicious.
 
  'What is it now, Tom?' she asked, as he subsided7 into an easy-chairwith a curious expression of mingled8 fear, shame, amusement, anddistress in his brick-red countenance.
 
  'I'm in an awful scrape, ma'am.'
 
  'Of course; I'm always prepared for scrapes when you appear. What isit? Run over some old lady who is going to law about it?' asked MrsJo cheerfully.
 
  'Worse than that,' groaned9 Tom.
 
  'Not poisoned some trusting soul who asked you to prescribe, I hope?'
 
  'Worse than that.'
 
  'You haven't let Demi catch any horrid10 thing and left him behind,have you?'
 
  'Worse even than that.'
 
  'I give it up. Tell me quick; I hate to wait for bad news.'
 
  Having got his listener sufficiently11 excited, Tom launched histhunderbolt in one brief sentence, and fell back to watch the effect.
 
  'I'm engaged!'
 
  Mrs Jo's proof-sheets flew wildly about as she clasped her hands,exclaiming in dismay:
 
  'If Nan has yielded, I'll never forgive her!'
 
  'She hasn't; it's another girl.'
 
  Tom's face was so funny as he said the words, that it was impossibleto help laughing; for he looked both sheepish and pleased, besidesvery much perplexed13 and worried.
 
  'I'm glad, very glad indeed! Don't care who it is; and I hope you'llbe married soon. Now tell me all about it,' commanded Mrs Jo, so muchrelieved that she felt ready for anything.
 
  'What will Nan say?' demanded Tom, rather taken aback at this view ofhis predicament.
 
  'She will be rejoiced to get rid of the mosquito who has plagued herso long. Don't worry about Nan. Who is this "other girl"?'
 
  'Demi hasn't written about her?'
 
  'Only something about your upsetting a Miss West down at Quitno; Ithought that was scrape enough.'
 
  'That was only the beginning of a series of scrapes. Just my luck!
 
  Of course after sousing the poor girl I had to be attentive14 to her,hadn't I? Everyone seemed to think so, and I couldn't get away, andso I was lost before I knew it. It's all Demi's fault, he would staythere and fuss with his old photos, because the views were good andall the girls wanted to be taken. Look at these, will you, ma'am?
 
  That's the way we spent our time when we weren't playing tennis'; andTom pulled a handful of pictures from his pocket, displaying severalin which he was conspicuous15, either holding a sun-umbrella over avery pretty young lady on the rocks, reposing16 at her feet in thegrass, or perched on a piazza17 railing with other couples in seasidecostumes and effective attitudes.
 
  'This is she of course?' asked Mrs Jo, pointing to the much-ruffleddamsel with the jaunty19 hat, coquettish shoes, and racquet in herhand.
 
  'That's Dora. Isn't she lovely?' cried Tom, forgetting histribulations for a moment and speaking with lover-like ardour.
 
  'Very nice little person to look at. Hope she is not a Dickens Dora?
 
  That curly crop looks like it.'
 
  'Not a bit; she's very smart; can keep house, and sew, and do lots ofthings, I assure you, ma'am. All the girls like her, and she'ssweet-tempered and jolly, and sings like a bird, and dancesbeautifully, and loves books. Thinks yours are splendid, and made metalk about you no end.'
 
  'That last sentence is to flatter me and win my help to get you outof the scrape. Tell me first how you got in'; and Mrs Jo settledherself to listen with interest, never tired of boys' affairs.
 
  Tom gave his head a rousing rub all over to clear his wits, andplunged into his story with a will.
 
  'Well, we've met her before, but I didn't know she was there. Demiwanted to see a fellow, so we went, and finding it nice and coolrested over Sunday. Found some pleasant people and went out rowing; Ihad Dora, and came to grief on a confounded rock. She could swim, noharm done, only the scare and the spoilt gown. She took it well, andwe got friendly at once--couldn't help it, scrambling20 into that beastof a boat while the rest laughed at us. Of course we had to stayanother day to see that Dora was all right. Demi wanted to. AliceHeath is down there and two other girls from our college, so we sortof lingered along, and Demi kept taking pictures, and we danced, andgot into a tennis tournament; and that was as good exercise aswheeling, we thought. Fact is, tennis is a dangerous game, ma'am. Agreat deal of courting goes on in those courts, and we fellows findthat sort of "serving" mighty21 agreeable, don't you know?'
 
  'Not much tennis in my day, but I understand perfectly,' said Mrs Jo,enjoying it all as much as Tom did.
 
  'Upon my word, I hadn't the least idea of being serious,' hecontinued slowly, as if this part of his tale was hard to tell; 'buteveryone else spooned, so I did. Dora seemed to like it and expectit, and of course I was glad to be agreeable. She thought I amountedto something, though Nan does not, and it was pleasant to beappreciated after years of snubbing. Yes, it was right down jolly tohave a sweet girl smile at you all day, and blush prettily22 when yousaid a neat thing to her, and look glad when you came, sorry when youleft, and admire all you did, and make you feel like a man and actyour best. That's the sort of treatment a fellow enjoys and ought toget if he behaves himself; not frowns and cold shoulders year in andyear out, and made to look like a fool when he means well, and isfaithful, and has loved a girl ever since he was a boy. No, by Jove,it's not fair, and I won't stand it!'
 
  Tom waxed warm and eloquent23 as he thought over his wrongs, andbounced up to march about the room, wagging his head and trying tofeel aggrieved24 as usual, but surprised to find that his heart did notache a bit.
 
  'I wouldn't. Drop the old fancy, for it was nothing more, and take upthe new one, if it is genuine. But how came you to propose, Tom, asyou must have done to be engaged?' asked Mrs Jo, impatient for thecrisis of the tale.
 
  'Oh, that was an accident. I didn't mean it at all; the donkey didit, and I couldn't get out of the scrape without hurting Dora'sfeelings, you see,' began Tom, seeing that the fatal moment had come.
 
  'So there were two donkeys in it, were there?' said Mrs Jo,foreseeing fun of some sort.
 
  'Don't laugh! It sounds funny, I know; but it might have been awful,'
 
  answered Tom darkly, though a twinkle of the eye showed that his lovetrials did not quite blind him to the comic side of the adventure.
 
  'The girls admired our new wheels, and of course we liked to showoff. Took 'em to ride, and had larks25 generally. Well, one day, Dorawas on behind, and we were going nicely along a good bit of road,when a ridiculous old donkey got right across the way. I thought he'dmove, but he didn't, so I gave him a kick; he kicked back, and overwe went in a heap, donkey and all. Such a mess! I thought only ofDora, and she had hysterics; at least, she laughed till she cried,and that beast brayed26, and I lost my head. Any fellow would, with apoor girl gasping27 in the road, and he wiping her tears and beggingpardon, not knowing whether her bones were broken or not. I calledher my darling, and went on like a fool in my flurry, till she grewcalmer, and said, with such a look: "I forgive you, Tom. Pick me up,and let us go on again."'Wasn't that sweet now, after I'd upset her for the second time? Ittouched me to the heart; and I said I'd like to go on for ever withsuch an angel to steer28 for, and--well I don't know what I did say;but you might have knocked me down with a feather when she put herarm round my neck and whispered: "Tom, dear, with you I'm not afraidof any lions in the path." She might have said donkeys; but she wasin earnest, and she spared my feelings. Very nice of the dear girl;but there I am with two sweethearts on my hands, and in a deuce of ascrape.'
 
  Finding it impossible to contain herself another moment, Mrs Jolaughed till the tears ran down her cheeks at this characteristicepisode; and after one reproachful look, which only added to hermerriment, Tom burst into a jolly roar that made the room ring.
 
  'Tommy Bangs! Tommy Bangs! who but you could ever get into such acatastrophe?' said Mrs Jo, when she recovered her breath.
 
  'Isn't it a muddle29 all round, and won't everyone chaff30 me to deathabout it? I shall have to quit old Plum for a while,' answered Tom,as he mopped his face, trying to realize the full danger of hisposition.
 
  'No, indeed; I'll stand by you, for I think it the best joke of theseason. But tell me how things ended. Is it really serious, or only asummer flirtation31? I don't approve of them, but boys and girls willplay with edged tools and cut their fingers.'
 
  'Well, Dora considers herself engaged, and wrote to her people atonce. I couldn't say a word when she took it all in solemn earnestand seemed so happy. She's only seventeen, never liked anyone before,and is sure all will be all right; as her father knows mine, and weare both well off. I was so staggered that I said:
 
  '"Why, you can't love me really when we know so little of oneanother?" But she answered right out of her tender little heart:
 
  "Yes, I do, dearly, Tom; you are so gay and kind and honest, Icouldn't help it." Now, after that what could I do but go ahead andmake her happy while I stayed, and trust to luck to straighten thesnarl out afterwards?'
 
  'A truly Tomian way of taking things easy. I hope you told yourfather at once.'
 
  'Oh yes, I wrote off and broke it to him in three lines. I said:
 
  "Dear Father, I'm engaged to Dora West, and I hope she will suit thefamily. She suits me tip-top. Yours ever, Tom." He was all right,never liked Nan, you know; but Dora will suit him down to theground.' And Tom looked entirely32 satisfied with his own tact33 andtaste.
 
  'What did Demi say to this rapid and funny lovemaking? Wasn't hescandalized?' asked Mrs Jo, trying not to laugh again as she thoughtof the unromantic spectacle of donkey, bicycle, boy, and girl all inthe dust together.
 
  'Not a bit. He was immensely interested and very kind; talked to melike a father; said it was a good thing to steady a fellow, only Imust be honest with her and myself and not trifle a moment. Demi is aregular Solomon, especially when he is in the same boat,' answeredTom, looking wise.
 
  'You don't mean--?' gasped34 Mrs Jo, in sudden alarm at the bare ideaof more love-affairs just yet.
 
  'Yes, I do, please, ma'am; it's a regular sell all the way through,and I owe Demi one for taking me into temptation blindfold35. He saidhe went to Quitno to see Fred Wallace, but he never saw the fellow.
 
  How could he, when Wallace was off in his yacht all the time we werethere? Alice was the real attraction, and I was left to my fate,while they were maundering round with that old camera. There werethree donkeys in this affair, and I'm not the worst one, though Ishall have to bear the laugh. Demi will look innocent and sober, andno one will say a word to him.'
 
  'The midsummer madness has broken out, and no one knows who will bestricken next. Well, leave Demi to his mother, and let us see whatyou are going to do, Tom.'
 
  'I don't know exactly; it's awkward to be in love with two girls atonce. What do you advise?'
 
  'A common-sense view of the case, by all means. Dora loves you andthinks you love her. Nan does not care for you, and you only care forher as a friend, though you have tried to do more. It is my opinion,Tom, that you love Dora, or are on the way to it; for in all theseyears I've never seen you look or speak about Nan as you do aboutDora. Opposition36 has made you obstinately37 cling to her till accidenthas shown you a more attractive girl. Now, I think you had bettertake the old love for a friend, the new one for a sweetheart, and indue time, if the sentiment is genuine, marry her.'
 
  If Mrs Jo had any doubts about the matter, Tom's face would haveproved the truth of her opinion; for his eyes shone, his lips smiled,and in spite of dust and sunburn a new expression of happiness quiteglorified him as he stood silent for a moment, trying to understandthe beautiful miracle which real love works when it comes to a youngman's heart.
 
  'The fact is I meant to make Nan jealous, for she knows Dora, and Iwas sure would hear of our doings. I was tired of being walked on,and I thought I'd try to break away and not be a bore and alaughing-stock any more,' he said slowly, as if it relieved him topour out his doubts and woes38 and hopes and joys to his old friend.
 
  'I was regularly astonished to find it so easy and so pleasant. Ididn't mean to do any harm, but drifted along beautifully, and toldDemi to mention things in his letters to Daisy, so Nan might know.
 
  Then I forgot Nan altogether, and saw, heard, felt, cared for no onebut Dora, till the donkey--bless his old heart!--pitched her into myarms and I found she loved me. Upon my soul, I don't see why sheshould! I'm not half good enough.'
 
  'Every honest man feels that when an innocent girl puts her hand inhis. Make yourself worthy39 of her, for she isn't an angel, but a womanwith faults of her own for you to bear, and forgive, and you musthelp one another,' said Mrs Jo, trying to realize that this soberyouth was her scapegrace Tommy.
 
  'What troubles me is that I didn't mean it when I began, and wasgoing to use the dear girl as an instrument of torture for Nan. Itwasn't right, and I don't deserve to be so happy. If all my scrapesended as well as this, what a state of bliss40 I should be in!' and Tombeamed again at the rapturous prospect41.
 
  'My dear boy, it is not a scrape, but a very sweet experiencesuddenly dawning upon you,' answered Mrs Jo, speaking very soberly;for she saw he was in earnest. 'Enjoy it wisely and be worthy of it,for it is a serious thing to accept a girl's love and trust, and lether look up to you for tenderness and truth in return. Don't letlittle Dora look in vain, but be a man in all things for her sake,and make this affection a blessing42 to you both.'
 
  'I'll try. Yes, I do love her, only I can't believe it just yet. Wishyou knew her. Dear little soul, I long to see her already! She criedwhen we parted last night and I hated to go.' Tom's hand went to hischeek as if he still felt the rosy43 little seal Dora had set upon hispromise not to forget her, and for the first time in hishappy-go-lucky life Tommy Bangs understood the difference betweensentiment and sentimentality. The feeling recalled Nan, for he hadnever known that tender thrill when thinking of her, and the oldfriendship seemed rather a prosaic45 affair beside this delightfulmingling of romance, surprise, love, and fun. 'I declare, I feel asif a weight was off me, but what the dickens will Nan say when sheknows it!' he exclaimed with a chuckle46.
 
  'Knows what?' asked a clear voice that made both start and turn, forthere was Nan calmly surveying them from the doorway48.
 
  Anxious to put Tom out of suspense49 and see how Nan would take thenews, Mrs Jo answered quickly:
 
  'Tom's engagement to Dora West.'
 
  'Really?' and Nan looked so surprised that Mrs Jo was afraid shemight be fonder of her old playmate than she knew; but her next wordsset the fear at rest, and made everything comfortable and merry atonce.
 
  'I knew my prescription50 would work wonders if he only took it longenough. Dear old Tom, I'm so glad. Bless you! bless you!' And sheshook both his hands with hearty51 affection.
 
  'It was an accident, Nan. I didn't mean to, but I'm always gettinginto messes, and I couldn't seem to get out of this any other way.
 
  Mother Bhaer will tell you all about it. I must go and make myselftidy. Going to tea with Demi. See you later.'
 
  Stammering, blushing, and looking both sheepish and gratified, Tomsuddenly bolted, leaving the elder lady to enlighten the younger atlength, and have another laugh over this new sort of courtship, whichmight well be called accidental. Nan was deeply interested, for sheknew Dora, thought her a nice little thing, and predicted that intime she would make Tom an excellent wife, since she admired and'appreciated' him so much.
 
  'I shall miss him of course, but it will be a relief to me and betterfor him; dangling52 is so bad for a boy. Now he will go into businesswith his father and do well, and everyone be happy. I shall give Doraan elegant family medicine-chest for a wedding-present, and teach herhow to use it. Tom can't be trusted, and is no more fit for theprofession than Silas.'
 
  The latter part of this speech relieved Mrs Jo's mind, for Nan hadlooked about her as if she had lost something valuable when shebegan; but the medicine-chest seemed to cheer her, and the thought ofTom in a safe profession was evidently a great comfort.
 
  'The worm has turned at last, Nan, and your bond-man is free. Let himgo, and give your whole mind to your work; for you are fitted for theprofession, and will be an honour to it by and by,' she saidapprovingly.
 
  'I hope so. That reminds me--measles53 are in the village, and you hadbetter tell the girls not to call where there are children. It wouldbe bad to have a run of them just as term begins. Now I'm off toDaisy. Wonder what she will say to Tom. Isn't he great fun?' And Nandeparted, laughing over the joke with such genuine satisfaction thatit was evident no sentimental44 regrets disturbed her 'maidenmeditation, fancy-free'.
 
  'I shall have my eye on Demi, but won't say a word. Meg likes tomanage her children in her own way, and a very good way it is. Butthe dear Pelican55 will be somewhat ruffled18 if her boy has caught theepidemic which seems to have broken out among us this summer.'
 
  Mrs Jo did not mean the measles, but that more serious malady56 calledlove, which is apt to ravage57 communities, spring and autumn, whenwinter gaiety and summer idleness produce whole bouquets58 ofengagements, and set young people to pairing off like the birds.
 
  Franz began it, Nat was a chronic59 and Tom a sudden case; Demi seemedto have the symptoms; and worst of all, her own Ted12 had only the daybefore calmly said to her: 'Mum, I think I should be happier if I hada sweetheart, like the other boys.' If her cherished son had askedher for dynamite60 to play with, she would hardly have been morestartled, or have more decidedly refused the absurd request.
 
  'Well, Barry Morgan said I ought to have one and offered to pick meout a nice one among our set. I asked Josie first, and she hooted61 atthe idea, so I thought I'd let Barry look round. You say it steadiesa fellow, and I want to be steady,' explained Ted in a serious tone,which would have convulsed his parent at any other time.
 
  'Good lack! What are we coming to in this fast age when babes andboys make such demands and want to play with one of the most sacredthings in life?' exclaimed Mrs Jo, and having in a few words set thematter in its true light, sent her son away to wholesome62 baseball andOctoo for a safe sweetheart.
 
  Now, here was Tom's bomb-shell to explode in their midst, carryingwidespread destruction, perhaps; for though one swallow does not makea summer, one engagement is apt to make several, and her boys were,most of them, at the inflammable age when a spark ignites the flame,which soon flickers64 and dies out, or burns warm and clear for life.
 
  Nothing could be done about it but to help them make wise choices,and be worthy of good mates. But of all the lessons Mrs Jo had triedto teach her boys, this great one was the hardest; for love is apt tomake lunatics of even saints and sages65, so young people cannot beexpected to escape the delusions66, disappointments, and mistakes, aswell as the delights, of this sweet madness.
 
  'I suppose it is inevitable67, since we live in America, so I won'tborrow trouble, but hope that some of the new ideas of education willproduce a few hearty, happy, capable, and intelligent girls for mylads. Lucky for me that I haven't the whole twelve on my hands, Ishould lose my wits if I had, for I foresee complications andtroubles ahead worse than Tom's boats, bicycles, donkeys, and Doras,'
 
  meditated Mrs Jo, as she went back to her neglected proof-sheets.
 
  Tom was quite satisfied with the tremendous effect his engagementproduced in the little community at Plumfield.
 
  'It was paralysing,' as Demi said; and astonishment5 left most ofTom's mates little breath for chaff. That he, the faithful one,should turn from the idol68 to strange goddesses, was a shock to theromantic and a warning to the susceptible69. It was comical to see theairs our Thomas put on; for the most ludicrous parts of the affairwere kindly70 buried in oblivion by the few who knew them, and Tomburst forth47 as a full-blown hero who had rescued the maiden54 from awatery grave, and won her gratitude71 and love by his daring deed.
 
  Dora kept the secret, and enjoyed the fun when she came to see MotherBhaer and pay her respects to the family generally. Everyone likedher at once, for she was a gay and winning little soul; fresh, frank,and so happy, it was beautiful to see her innocent pride in Tom, whowas a new boy, or man rather; for with this change in his life agreat change took place in him. Jolly he would always be, andimpulsive, but he tried to become all that Dora believed him, and hisbest side came uppermost for everyday wear. It was surprising to seehow many good traits Tom had; and his efforts to preserve the manlydignity belonging to his proud position as an engaged man was verycomical. So was the entire change from his former abasement72 anddevotion to Nan to a somewhat lordly air with his little betrothed;for Dora made an idol of him, and resented the idea of a fault or aflaw in her Tom. This new state of things suited both, and the onceblighted being bloomed finely in the warm atmosphere of appreciation,love, and confidence. He was very fond of the dear girl, but meant tobe a slave no longer, and enjoyed his freedom immensely, quiteunconscious that the great tyrant73 of the world had got hold of himfor life.
 
  To his father's satisfaction he gave up his medical studies, andprepared to go into business with the old gentleman, who was aflourishing merchant, ready now to make the way smooth and smile uponhis marriage with Mr West's well-endowed daughter. The only thorn inTom's bed of roses was Nan's placid74 interest in his affairs, andevident relief at his disloyalty. He did not want her to suffer, buta decent amount of regret at the loss of such a lover would havegratified him; a slight melancholy75, a word of reproach, a glance ofenvy as he passed with adoring Dora on his arm, seemed but thefitting tribute to such years of faithful service and sincereaffection. But Nan regarded him with a maternal76 sort of air thatnettled him very much, and patted Dora's curly head with aworldlywise air worthy of the withered77 spinster, Julia Mills, inDavid Copperfield.
 
  It took some time to get the old and the new emotions comfortablyadjusted, but Mrs Jo helped him, and Mr Laurie gave him some wiseadvice upon the astonishing gymnastic feats78 the human heart canperform, and be all the better for it if it only held fast to thebalancing-pole of truth and common sense. At last our Tommy got hisbearings, and as autumn came on Plumfield saw but little of him; forhis new lode63 star was in the city, and business kept him hard atwork. He was evidently in his right place now, and soon throvefinely, to his father's great contentment; for his jovial79 presencepervaded the once quiet office like a gale80 of fresh wind, and hislively wits found managing men and affairs much more congenialemployment than studying disease, or playing unseemly pranks81 withskeletons.
 
  Here we will leave him for a time and turn to the more seriousadventures of his mates, though this engagement, so merrily made, wasthe anchor which kept our mercurial82 Tom happy, and made a man of him.

点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 perches a9e7f5ff4da2527810360c20ff65afca     
栖息处( perch的名词复数 ); 栖枝; 高处; 鲈鱼
参考例句:
  • Other protection can be obtained by providing wooden perches througout the orchards. 其它保护措施是可在种子园中到处设置木制的栖木。
  • The birds were hopping about on their perches and twittering. 鸟儿在栖木上跳来跳去,吱吱地叫着。
2 anguish awZz0     
n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦,烦恼
参考例句:
  • She cried out for anguish at parting.分手时,她由于痛苦而失声大哭。
  • The unspeakable anguish wrung his heart.难言的痛苦折磨着他的心。
3 manly fBexr     
adj.有男子气概的;adv.男子般地,果断地
参考例句:
  • The boy walked with a confident manly stride.这男孩以自信的男人步伐行走。
  • He set himself manly tasks and expected others to follow his example.他给自己定下了男子汉的任务,并希望别人效之。
4 countenance iztxc     
n.脸色,面容;面部表情;vt.支持,赞同
参考例句:
  • At the sight of this photograph he changed his countenance.他一看见这张照片脸色就变了。
  • I made a fierce countenance as if I would eat him alive.我脸色恶狠狠地,仿佛要把他活生生地吞下去。
5 astonishment VvjzR     
n.惊奇,惊异
参考例句:
  • They heard him give a loud shout of astonishment.他们听见他惊奇地大叫一声。
  • I was filled with astonishment at her strange action.我对她的奇怪举动不胜惊异。
6 grove v5wyy     
n.林子,小树林,园林
参考例句:
  • On top of the hill was a grove of tall trees.山顶上一片高大的树林。
  • The scent of lemons filled the grove.柠檬香味充满了小树林。
7 subsided 1bda21cef31764468020a8c83598cc0d     
v.(土地)下陷(因在地下采矿)( subside的过去式和过去分词 );减弱;下降至较低或正常水平;一下子坐在椅子等上
参考例句:
  • After the heavy rains part of the road subsided. 大雨过后,部分公路塌陷了。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • By evening the storm had subsided and all was quiet again. 傍晚, 暴风雨已经过去,四周开始沉寂下来。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
8 mingled fdf34efd22095ed7e00f43ccc823abdf     
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:
  • The sounds of laughter and singing mingled in the evening air. 笑声和歌声交织在夜空中。
  • The man and the woman mingled as everyone started to relax. 当大家开始放松的时候,这一男一女就开始交往了。
9 groaned 1a076da0ddbd778a674301b2b29dff71     
v.呻吟( groan的过去式和过去分词 );发牢骚;抱怨;受苦
参考例句:
  • He groaned in anguish. 他痛苦地呻吟。
  • The cart groaned under the weight of the piano. 大车在钢琴的重压下嘎吱作响。 来自《简明英汉词典》
10 horrid arozZj     
adj.可怕的;令人惊恐的;恐怖的;极讨厌的
参考例句:
  • I'm not going to the horrid dinner party.我不打算去参加这次讨厌的宴会。
  • The medicine is horrid and she couldn't get it down.这种药很难吃,她咽不下去。
11 sufficiently 0htzMB     
adv.足够地,充分地
参考例句:
  • It turned out he had not insured the house sufficiently.原来他没有给房屋投足保险。
  • The new policy was sufficiently elastic to accommodate both views.新政策充分灵活地适用两种观点。
12 ted 9gazhs     
vt.翻晒,撒,撒开
参考例句:
  • The invaders gut ted the village.侵略者把村中财物洗劫一空。
  • She often teds the corn when it's sunny.天好的时候她就翻晒玉米。
13 perplexed A3Rz0     
adj.不知所措的
参考例句:
  • The farmer felt the cow,went away,returned,sorely perplexed,always afraid of being cheated.那农民摸摸那头牛,走了又回来,犹豫不决,总怕上当受骗。
  • The child was perplexed by the intricate plot of the story.这孩子被那头绪纷繁的故事弄得迷惑不解。
14 attentive pOKyB     
adj.注意的,专心的;关心(别人)的,殷勤的
参考例句:
  • She was very attentive to her guests.她对客人招待得十分周到。
  • The speaker likes to have an attentive audience.演讲者喜欢注意力集中的听众。
15 conspicuous spszE     
adj.明眼的,惹人注目的;炫耀的,摆阔气的
参考例句:
  • It is conspicuous that smoking is harmful to health.很明显,抽烟对健康有害。
  • Its colouring makes it highly conspicuous.它的色彩使它非常惹人注目。
16 reposing e5aa6734f0fe688069b823ca11532d13     
v.将(手臂等)靠在某人(某物)上( repose的现在分词 )
参考例句:
  • His parents were now reposing in the local churchyard. 他的双亲现在长眠于本地教堂墓地。 来自辞典例句
  • The picture shows a nude reposing on a couch. 这幅画表现的是一个人赤身体躺在长沙发上。 来自辞典例句
17 piazza UNVx1     
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。
18 ruffled e4a3deb720feef0786be7d86b0004e86     
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:
  • She ruffled his hair affectionately. 她情意绵绵地拨弄着他的头发。
  • All this talk of a strike has clearly ruffled the management's feathers. 所有这些关于罢工的闲言碎语显然让管理层很不高兴。
19 jaunty x3kyn     
adj.愉快的,满足的;adv.心满意足地,洋洋得意地;n.心满意足;洋洋得意
参考例句:
  • She cocked her hat at a jaunty angle.她把帽子歪戴成俏皮的样子。
  • The happy boy walked with jaunty steps.这个快乐的孩子以轻快活泼的步子走着。
20 scrambling cfea7454c3a8813b07de2178a1025138     
v.快速爬行( scramble的现在分词 );攀登;争夺;(军事飞机)紧急起飞
参考例句:
  • Scrambling up her hair, she darted out of the house. 她匆忙扎起头发,冲出房去。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
  • She is scrambling eggs. 她正在炒蛋。 来自《简明英汉词典》
21 mighty YDWxl     
adj.强有力的;巨大的
参考例句:
  • A mighty force was about to break loose.一股巨大的力量即将迸发而出。
  • The mighty iceberg came into view.巨大的冰山出现在眼前。
22 prettily xQAxh     
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。
23 eloquent ymLyN     
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。
24 aggrieved mzyzc3     
adj.愤愤不平的,受委屈的;悲痛的;(在合法权利方面)受侵害的v.令委屈,令苦恼,侵害( aggrieve的过去式);令委屈,令苦恼,侵害( aggrieve的过去式和过去分词)
参考例句:
  • He felt aggrieved at not being chosen for the team. 他因没被选到队里感到愤愤不平。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • She is the aggrieved person whose fiance&1& did not show up for their wedding. 她很委屈,她的未婚夫未出现在他们的婚礼上。 来自《简明英汉词典》
25 larks 05e5fd42fbbb0fa8ae0d9a20b6f3efe1     
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
参考例句:
  • Maybe if she heard the larks sing she'd write. 玛丽听到云雀的歌声也许会写信的。 来自名作英译部分
  • But sure there are no larks in big cities. 可大城市里哪有云雀呢。” 来自名作英译部分
26 brayed 35244603a1b2c5aecb22adfa79460dd4     
v.发出驴叫似的声音( bray的过去式和过去分词 );发嘟嘟声;粗声粗气地讲话(或大笑);猛击
参考例句:
  • He brayed with laughter. 他刺耳地大笑。
  • His donkey threw up his head and brayed loudly. 他的驴扬起头大声叫。 来自《简明英汉词典》
27 gasping gasping     
adj. 气喘的, 痉挛的 动词gasp的现在分词
参考例句:
  • He was gasping for breath. 他在喘气。
  • "Did you need a drink?""Yes, I'm gasping!” “你要喝点什么吗?”“我巴不得能喝点!”
28 steer 5u5w3     
vt.驾驶,为…操舵;引导;vi.驾驶
参考例句:
  • If you push the car, I'll steer it.如果你来推车,我就来驾车。
  • It's no use trying to steer the boy into a course of action that suits you.想说服这孩子按你的方式行事是徒劳的。
29 muddle d6ezF     
n.困惑,混浊状态;vt.使混乱,使糊涂,使惊呆;vi.胡乱应付,混乱
参考例句:
  • Everything in the room was in a muddle.房间里每一件东西都是乱七八糟的。
  • Don't work in a rush and get into a muddle.克服忙乱现象。
30 chaff HUGy5     
v.取笑,嘲笑;n.谷壳
参考例句:
  • I didn't mind their chaff.我不在乎他们的玩笑。
  • Old birds are not caught with chaff.谷糠难诱老雀。
31 flirtation 2164535d978e5272e6ed1b033acfb7d9     
n.调情,调戏,挑逗
参考例句:
  • a brief and unsuccessful flirtation with the property market 对房地产市场一时兴起、并不成功的介入
  • At recess Tom continued his flirtation with Amy with jubilant self-satisfaction. 课间休息的时候,汤姆继续和艾美逗乐,一副得意洋洋、心满意足的样子。 来自英汉文学 - 汤姆历险
32 entirely entirely     
ad.全部地,完整地;完全地,彻底地
参考例句:
  • The fire was entirely caused by their neglect of duty. 那场火灾完全是由于他们失职而引起的。
  • His life was entirely given up to the educational work. 他的一生统统献给了教育工作。
33 tact vqgwc     
n.机敏,圆滑,得体
参考例句:
  • She showed great tact in dealing with a tricky situation.她处理棘手的局面表现得十分老练。
  • Tact is a valuable commodity.圆滑老练是很有用处的。
34 gasped e6af294d8a7477229d6749fa9e8f5b80     
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》
35 blindfold blindfold     
vt.蒙住…的眼睛;adj.盲目的;adv.盲目地;n.蒙眼的绷带[布等]; 障眼物,蒙蔽人的事物
参考例句:
  • They put a blindfold on a horse.他们给马蒙上遮眼布。
  • I can do it blindfold.我闭着眼睛都能做。
36 opposition eIUxU     
n.反对,敌对
参考例句:
  • The party leader is facing opposition in his own backyard.该党领袖在自己的党內遇到了反对。
  • The police tried to break down the prisoner's opposition.警察设法制住了那个囚犯的反抗。
37 obstinately imVzvU     
ad.固执地,顽固地
参考例句:
  • He obstinately asserted that he had done the right thing. 他硬说他做得对。
  • Unemployment figures are remaining obstinately high. 失业数字仍然顽固地居高不下。
38 woes 887656d87afcd3df018215107a0daaab     
困境( woe的名词复数 ); 悲伤; 我好苦哇; 某人就要倒霉
参考例句:
  • Thanks for listening to my woes. 谢谢您听我诉说不幸的遭遇。
  • She has cried the blues about its financial woes. 对于经济的困难她叫苦不迭。
39 worthy vftwB     
adj.(of)值得的,配得上的;有价值的
参考例句:
  • I did not esteem him to be worthy of trust.我认为他不值得信赖。
  • There occurred nothing that was worthy to be mentioned.没有值得一提的事发生。
40 bliss JtXz4     
n.狂喜,福佑,天赐的福
参考例句:
  • It's sheer bliss to be able to spend the day in bed.整天都可以躺在床上真是幸福。
  • He's in bliss that he's won the Nobel Prize.他非常高兴,因为获得了诺贝尔奖金。
41 prospect P01zn     
n.前景,前途;景色,视野
参考例句:
  • This state of things holds out a cheerful prospect.事态呈现出可喜的前景。
  • The prospect became more evident.前景变得更加明朗了。
42 blessing UxDztJ     
n.祈神赐福;祷告;祝福,祝愿
参考例句:
  • The blessing was said in Hebrew.祷告用了希伯来语。
  • A double blessing has descended upon the house.双喜临门。
43 rosy kDAy9     
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。
44 sentimental dDuzS     
adj.多愁善感的,感伤的
参考例句:
  • She's a sentimental woman who believes marriage comes by destiny.她是多愁善感的人,她相信姻缘命中注定。
  • We were deeply touched by the sentimental movie.我们深深被那感伤的电影所感动。
45 prosaic i0szo     
adj.单调的,无趣的
参考例句:
  • The truth is more prosaic.真相更加乏味。
  • It was a prosaic description of the scene.这是对场景没有想象力的一个描述。
46 chuckle Tr1zZ     
vi./n.轻声笑,咯咯笑
参考例句:
  • He shook his head with a soft chuckle.他轻轻地笑着摇了摇头。
  • I couldn't suppress a soft chuckle at the thought of it.想到这个,我忍不住轻轻地笑起来。
47 forth Hzdz2     
adv.向前;向外,往外
参考例句:
  • The wind moved the trees gently back and forth.风吹得树轻轻地来回摇晃。
  • He gave forth a series of works in rapid succession.他很快连续发表了一系列的作品。
48 doorway 2s0xK     
n.门口,(喻)入门;门路,途径
参考例句:
  • They huddled in the shop doorway to shelter from the rain.他们挤在商店门口躲雨。
  • Mary suddenly appeared in the doorway.玛丽突然出现在门口。
49 suspense 9rJw3     
n.(对可能发生的事)紧张感,担心,挂虑
参考例句:
  • The suspense was unbearable.这样提心吊胆的状况实在叫人受不了。
  • The director used ingenious devices to keep the audience in suspense.导演用巧妙手法引起观众的悬念。
50 prescription u1vzA     
n.处方,开药;指示,规定
参考例句:
  • The physician made a prescription against sea- sickness for him.医生给他开了个治晕船的药方。
  • The drug is available on prescription only.这种药只能凭处方购买。
51 hearty Od1zn     
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。
52 dangling 4930128e58930768b1c1c75026ebc649     
悬吊着( dangle的现在分词 ); 摆动不定; 用某事物诱惑…; 吊胃口
参考例句:
  • The tooth hung dangling by the bedpost, now. 结果,那颗牙就晃来晃去吊在床柱上了。
  • The children sat on the high wall,their legs dangling. 孩子们坐在一堵高墙上,摇晃着他们的双腿。
53 measles Bw8y9     
n.麻疹,风疹,包虫病,痧子
参考例句:
  • The doctor is quite definite about Tom having measles.医生十分肯定汤姆得了麻疹。
  • The doctor told her to watch out for symptoms of measles.医生叫她注意麻疹出现的症状。
54 maiden yRpz7     
n.少女,处女;adj.未婚的,纯洁的,无经验的
参考例句:
  • The prince fell in love with a fair young maiden.王子爱上了一位年轻美丽的少女。
  • The aircraft makes its maiden flight tomorrow.这架飞机明天首航。
55 pelican bAby7     
n.鹈鹕,伽蓝鸟
参考例句:
  • The pelican has a very useful beak.鹈鹕有一张非常有用的嘴。
  • This pelican is expected to fully recover.这只鹈鹕不久就能痊愈。
56 malady awjyo     
n.病,疾病(通常做比喻)
参考例句:
  • There is no specific remedy for the malady.没有医治这种病的特效药。
  • They are managing to control the malady into a small range.他们设法将疾病控制在小范围之内。
57 ravage iAYz9     
vt.使...荒废,破坏...;n.破坏,掠夺,荒废
参考例句:
  • Just in time to watch a plague ravage his village.恰好目睹了瘟疫毁灭了他的村庄。
  • For two decades the country has been ravaged by civil war and foreign intervention.20年来,这个国家一直被内战外侵所蹂躏。
58 bouquets 81022f355e60321845cbfc3c8963628f     
n.花束( bouquet的名词复数 );(酒的)芳香
参考例句:
  • The welcoming crowd waved their bouquets. 欢迎的群众摇动着花束。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
  • As the hero stepped off the platform, he was surrounded by several children with bouquets. 当英雄走下讲台时,已被几名手持花束的儿童围住了。 来自《简明英汉词典》
59 chronic BO9zl     
adj.(疾病)长期未愈的,慢性的;极坏的
参考例句:
  • Famine differs from chronic malnutrition.饥荒不同于慢性营养不良。
  • Chronic poisoning may lead to death from inanition.慢性中毒也可能由虚弱导致死亡。
60 dynamite rrPxB     
n./vt.(用)炸药(爆破)
参考例句:
  • The workmen detonated the dynamite.工人们把炸药引爆了。
  • The philosopher was still political dynamite.那位哲学家仍旧是政治上的爆炸性人物。
61 hooted 8df924a716d9d67e78a021e69df38ba5     
(使)作汽笛声响,作汽车喇叭声( hoot的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • An owl hooted nearby. 一只猫头鹰在附近啼叫。
  • The crowd hooted and jeered at the speaker. 群众向那演讲人发出轻蔑的叫嚣和嘲笑。
62 wholesome Uowyz     
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。
63 lode I8tzk     
n.矿脉
参考例句:
  • We discovered the rich lode bellied out.我们发现丰富的矿脉突然增大了。
  • A lode of gold was discovered。他们发现了一处黄金矿藏。
64 flickers b24574e519d9d4ee773189529fadd6d6     
电影制片业; (通常指灯光)闪烁,摇曳( flicker的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • The fire flickers low. 炉火颤动欲灭。
  • A strange idea flickers in my mind. 一种奇怪的思想又在我脑中燃烧了。
65 sages 444b76bf883a9abfd531f5b0f7d0a981     
n.圣人( sage的名词复数 );智者;哲人;鼠尾草(可用作调料)
参考例句:
  • Homage was paid to the great sages buried in the city. 向安葬在此城市的圣哲们表示敬意。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • Confucius is considered the greatest of the ancient Chinese sages. 孔子被认为是古代中国最伟大的圣人。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
66 delusions 2aa783957a753fb9191a38d959fe2c25     
n.欺骗( delusion的名词复数 );谬见;错觉;妄想
参考例句:
  • the delusions of the mentally ill 精神病患者的妄想
  • She wants to travel first-class: she must have delusions of grandeur. 她想坐头等舱旅行,她一定自以为很了不起。 来自辞典例句
67 inevitable 5xcyq     
adj.不可避免的,必然发生的
参考例句:
  • Mary was wearing her inevitable large hat.玛丽戴着她总是戴的那顶大帽子。
  • The defeat had inevitable consequences for British policy.战败对英国政策不可避免地产生了影响。
68 idol Z4zyo     
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。
69 susceptible 4rrw7     
adj.过敏的,敏感的;易动感情的,易受感动的
参考例句:
  • Children are more susceptible than adults.孩子比成人易受感动。
  • We are all susceptible to advertising.我们都易受广告的影响。
70 kindly tpUzhQ     
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。
71 gratitude p6wyS     
adj.感激,感谢
参考例句:
  • I have expressed the depth of my gratitude to him.我向他表示了深切的谢意。
  • She could not help her tears of gratitude rolling down her face.她感激的泪珠禁不住沿着面颊流了下来。
72 abasement YIvyc     
n.滥用
参考例句:
  • She despised herself when she remembered the utter self-abasement of the past. 当她回忆起过去的不折不扣的自卑时,她便瞧不起自己。
  • In our world there will be no emotions except fear, rage, triumph, and self-abasement. 在我们的世界里,除了恐惧、狂怒、得意、自贬以外,没有别的感情。 来自英汉文学
73 tyrant vK9z9     
n.暴君,专制的君主,残暴的人
参考例句:
  • The country was ruled by a despotic tyrant.该国处在一个专制暴君的统治之下。
  • The tyrant was deaf to the entreaties of the slaves.暴君听不到奴隶们的哀鸣。
74 placid 7A1yV     
adj.安静的,平和的
参考例句:
  • He had been leading a placid life for the past eight years.八年来他一直过着平静的生活。
  • You should be in a placid mood and have a heart-to- heart talk with her.你应该心平气和的好好和她谈谈心。
75 melancholy t7rz8     
n.忧郁,愁思;adj.令人感伤(沮丧)的,忧郁的
参考例句:
  • All at once he fell into a state of profound melancholy.他立即陷入无尽的忧思之中。
  • He felt melancholy after he failed the exam.这次考试没通过,他感到很郁闷。
76 maternal 57Azi     
adj.母亲的,母亲般的,母系的,母方的
参考例句:
  • He is my maternal uncle.他是我舅舅。
  • The sight of the hopeless little boy aroused her maternal instincts.那个绝望的小男孩的模样唤起了她的母性。
77 withered 342a99154d999c47f1fc69d900097df9     
adj. 枯萎的,干瘪的,(人身体的部分器官)因病萎缩的或未发育良好的 动词wither的过去式和过去分词形式
参考例句:
  • The grass had withered in the warm sun. 这些草在温暖的阳光下枯死了。
  • The leaves of this tree have become dry and withered. 这棵树下的叶子干枯了。
78 feats 8b538e09d25672d5e6ed5058f2318d51     
功绩,伟业,技艺( feat的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • He used to astound his friends with feats of physical endurance. 过去,他表现出来的惊人耐力常让朋友们大吃一惊。
  • His heroic feats made him a legend in his own time. 他的英雄业绩使他成了他那个时代的传奇人物。
79 jovial TabzG     
adj.快乐的,好交际的
参考例句:
  • He seemed jovial,but his eyes avoided ours.他显得很高兴,但他的眼光却避开了我们的眼光。
  • Grandma was plump and jovial.祖母身材圆胖,整天乐呵呵的。
80 gale Xf3zD     
n.大风,强风,一阵闹声(尤指笑声等)
参考例句:
  • We got our roof blown off in the gale last night.昨夜的大风把我们的房顶给掀掉了。
  • According to the weather forecast,there will be a gale tomorrow.据气象台预报,明天有大风。
81 pranks cba7670310bdd53033e32d6c01506817     
n.玩笑,恶作剧( prank的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • Frank's errancy consisted mostly of pranks. 法兰克错在老喜欢恶作剧。 来自辞典例句
  • He always leads in pranks and capers. 他老是带头胡闹和开玩笑。 来自辞典例句
82 mercurial yCnxD     
adj.善变的,活泼的
参考例句:
  • He was of a mercurial temperament and therefore unpredictable.他是个反复无常的人,因此对他的行为无法预言。
  • Our desires and aversions are mercurial rulers.我们的欲望与嫌恶是变化无常的统治者。


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