Sylvia sat sewing in the sunshine with an expression on her face half mirthful, half melancholy1, as she looked backward to the girlhood just ended, and forward to the womanhood just beginning, for on that midsummer day, she was eighteen. Voices roused her from her reverie, and, looking up, she saw her brother approaching with two friends, their neighbor Geoffrey Moor3 and his guest Adam Warwick. Her first impulse was to throw down her work and run to meet them, her second to remember her new dignity and sit still, awaiting them with well-bred composure, quite unconscious that the white figure among the vines added a picturesque4 finish to the quiet summer scene.
They came up warm and merry, with a brisk row across the bay, and Sylvia met them with a countenance5 that gave a heartier6 welcome than her words, as she greeted the neighbor cordially, the stranger courteously7, and began to gather up her work when they seated themselves in the bamboo chairs scattered8 about the wide piazza9.
"You need not disturb yourself," said Mark, "we are only making this a way-station, _en route_ for the studio. Can you tell me where my knapsack is to be found? after one of Prue's stowages, nothing short of a divining-rod will discover it, I'm afraid."
"I know where it is. Are you going away again so soon, Mark?"
"Only a two days' trip up the river with these mates of mine. No, Sylvia, it can't be done."
"I did not say anything."
"Not in words, but you looked a whole volley of 'Can't I goes?' and I answered it. No girl but you would dream of such a thing; you hate picnics, and as this will be a long and rough one, don't you see how absurd it would be for you to try it?"
"I don't quite see it, Mark, for this would not be an ordinary picnic; it would be like a little romance to me, and I had rather have it than any birthday present you could give me. We used to have such happy times together before we were grown up, I don't like to be so separated now. But if it is not best, I'm sorry that I even looked a wish."
Sylvia tried to keep both disappointment and desire out of her voice as she spoke11, though a most intense longing12 had taken possession of her when she heard of a projected pleasure so entirely13 after her own heart. But there was an unconscious reproach in her last words, a mute appeal in the wistful eyes that looked across the glittering bay to the green hills beyond. Now, Mark was both fond and proud of the young sister, who, while he was studying art abroad, had studied nature at home, till the wayward but winning child had bloomed into a most attractive girl. He remembered her devotion to him, his late neglect of her, and longed to make atonement. With elevated eyebrows14 and inquiring glances, he turned from one friend to another. Moor nodded and smiled, Warwick nodded, and sighed privately15, and having taken the sense of the meeting by a new style of vote, Mark suddenly announced--
"You can go if you like, Sylvia."
"What!" cried his sister, starting up with a characteristic impetuosity that sent her basket tumbling down the steps, and crowned her dozing16 cat with Prue's nightcap frills. "Do you mean it, Mark? Wouldn't it spoil your pleasure, Mr. Moor? Shouldn't I be a trouble, Mr. Warwick? Tell me frankly17, for if I can go I shall be happier than I can express."
The gentlemen smiled at her eagerness, but as they saw the altered face she turned toward them, each felt already repaid for any loss of freedom they might experience hereafter, and gave unanimous consent. Upon receipt of which Sylvia felt inclined to dance about the three and bless them audibly, but restrained herself, and beamed upon them in a state of wordless gratitude18 pleasant to behold19. Having given a rash consent, Mark now thought best to offer a few obstacles to enhance its value and try his sister's mettle20.
"Don't ascend21 into the air like a young balloon, child, but hear the conditions upon which you go, for if you fail to work three miracles it is all over with you. Firstly, the consent of the higher powers, for father will dread22 all sorts of dangers--you are such a freakish creature,--and Prue will be scandalized because trips like this are not the fashion for young ladies."
"Consider that point settled and go on to the next," said Sylvia, who, having ruled the house ever since she was born, had no fears of success with either father or sister.
"Secondly23, you must do yourself up in as compact a parcel as possible; for though you little women are very ornamental24 on land, you are not very convenient for transportation by water. Cambric gowns and French slippers25 are highly appropriate and agreeable at the present moment, but must be sacrificed to the stern necessities of the case. You must make a dowdy26 of yourself in some usefully short, scant27, dingy28 costume, which will try the nerves of all beholders, and triumphantly29 prove that women were never meant for such excursions."
"Wait five minutes and I'll triumphantly prove to the contrary," answered Sylvia, as she ran into the house.
Her five minutes was sufficiently30 elastic31 to cover fifteen, for she was ravaging32 her wardrobe to effect her purpose and convince her brother, whose artistic33 tastes she consulted, with a skill that did her good service in the end. Rapidly assuming a gray gown, with a jaunty34 jacket of the same, she kilted the skirt over one of green, the pedestrian length of which displayed boots of uncompromising thickness. Over her shoulder, by a broad ribbon, she slung35 a prettily36 wrought37 pouch38, and ornamented39 her hat pilgrim-wise with a cockle shell. Then taking her brother's alpen-stock she crept down, and standing40 in the door-way presented a little figure all in gray and green, like the earth she was going to wander over, and a face that blushed and smiled and shone as she asked demurely--
"Please, Mark, am I picturesque and convenient enough to go?"
He wheeled about and stared approvingly, forgetting cause in effect till Warwick began to laugh like a merry bass41 viol, and Moor joined him, saying--
"Come, Mark, own that you are conquered, and let us turn our commonplace voyage into a pleasure pilgrimage, with a lively lady to keep us knights42 and gentlemen wherever we are."
"I say no more; only remember, Sylvia, if you get burnt, drowned, or blown away, I'm not responsible for the damage, and shall have the satisfaction of saying, 'There, I told you so.'"
"That satisfaction may be mine when I come home quite safe and well," replied Sylvia, serenely44. "Now for the last condition."
Warwick looked with interest from the sister to the brother; for, being a solitary45 man, domestic scenes and relations possessed46 the charm of novelty to him.
"Thirdly, you are not to carry a boat-load of luggage, cloaks, pillows, silver forks, or a dozen napkins, but are to fare as we fare, sleeping in hammocks, barns, or on the bare ground, without shrieking47 at bats or bewailing the want of mosquito netting; eating when, where, and what is most convenient, and facing all kinds of weather regardless of complexion48, dishevelment, and fatigue49. If you can promise all this, be here loaded and ready to go off at six o'clock to-morrow morning."
After which cheerful picture of the joys to come, Mark marched away to his studio, taking his friends with him.
Sylvia worked the three miracles, and at half past five, A. M. was discovered sitting on the piazza, with her hammock rolled into a twine50 sausage at her feet, her hat firmly tied on, her scrip packed, and her staff in her hand. "Waiting till called for," she said, as her brother passed her, late and yawning as usual. As the clock struck six the carriage drove round, and Moor and Warwick came up the avenue in nautical51 array. Then arose a delightful52 clamor of voices, slamming of doors, hurrying of feet and frequent peals53 of laughter; for every one was in holiday spirits, and the morning seemed made for pleasuring.
Mr. Yule regarded the voyagers with an aspect as benign54 as the summer sky overhead; Prue ran to and fro pouring forth55 a stream of counsels, warnings, and predictions; men and maids gathered on the lawn or hung out of upper windows; and even old Hecate, the cat, was seen chasing imaginary rats and mice in the grass till her yellow eyes glared with excitement. "All in," was announced at last, and as the carriage rolled away its occupants looked at one another with faces of blithe56 satisfaction that their pilgrimage was so auspiciously57 begun.
A mile or more up the river the large, newly-painted boat awaited them. The embarkation58 was a speedy one, for the cargo59 was soon stowed in lockers60 and under seats, Sylvia forwarded to her place in the bow; Mark, as commander of the craft, took the helm; Moor and Warwick, as crew, sat waiting orders; and Hugh, the coachman, stood ready to push off at word of command. Presently it came, a strong hand sent them rustling61 through the flags, down dropped the uplifted oars62, and with a farewell cheer from a group upon the shore the Kelpie glided64 out into the stream.
Sylvia, too full of genuine content to talk, sat listening to the musical dip of well-pulled oars, watching the green banks on either side, dabbling65 her hands in the eddies66 as they rippled67 by, and singing to the wind, as cheerful and serene43 as the river that gave her back a smiling image of herself. What her companions talked of she neither heard nor cared to know, for she was looking at the great picture-book that always lies ready for the turning of the youngest or the oldest hands; was receiving the welcome of the playmates she best loved, and was silently yielding herself to the power which works all wonders with its benignant magic. Hour after hour she journeyed along that fluent road. Under bridges where early fishers lifted up their lines to let them through; past gardens tilled by unskilful townsmen who harvested an hour of strength to pay the daily tax the city levied68 on them; past honeymoon69 cottages where young wives walked with young husbands in the dew, or great houses shut against the morning. Lovers came floating down the stream with masterless rudder and trailing oars. College race-boats shot by with modern Greek choruses in full blast and the frankest criticisms from their scientific crews. Fathers went rowing to and fro with argosies of pretty children, who gave them gay good morrows. Sometimes they met fanciful nutshells manned by merry girls, who made for shore at sight of them with most erratic70 movements and novel commands included in their Art of Navigation. Now and then some poet or philosopher went musing71 by, fishing for facts or fictions, where other men catch pickerel or perch72.
All manner of sights and sounds greeted Sylvia, and she felt as if she were watching a Panorama73 painted in water colors by an artist who had breathed into his work the breath of life and given each figure power to play its part. Never had human faces looked so lovely to her eye, for morning beautified the plainest with its ruddy kiss; never had human voices sounded so musical to her ear, for daily cares had not yet brought discord74 to the instruments tuned75 by sleep and touched by sunshine into pleasant sound; never had the whole race seemed so near and dear to her, for she was unconsciously pledging all she met in that genuine Elixir76 Vitae which sets the coldest blood aglow77 and makes the whole world kin2; never had she felt so truly her happiest self, for of all the costlier78 pleasures she had known not one had been so congenial as this, as she rippled farther and farther up the stream and seemed to float into a world whose airs brought only health and peace. Her comrades wisely left her to her thoughts, a smiling Silence for their figure-head, and none among them but found the day fairer and felt himself fitter to enjoy it for the innocent companionship of maidenhood79 and a happy heart.
At noon they dropped anchor under a wide-spreading oak that stood on the river's edge, a green tent for wanderers like themselves; there they ate their first meal spread among white clovers, with a pair of squirrels staring at them as curiously80 as human spectators ever watched royalty81 at dinner, while several meek82 cows courteously left their guests the shade and went away to dine at a side-table spread in the sun. They spent an hour or two talking or drowsing luxuriously83 on the grass; then the springing up of a fresh breeze roused them all, and weighing anchor they set sail for another port.
Now Sylvia saw new pictures, for, leaving all traces of the city behind them, they went swiftly countryward. Sometimes by hayfields, each an idyl in itself, with white-sleeved mowers all arow; the pleasant sound of whetted84 scythes85; great loads rumbling86 up lanes, with brown-faced children shouting atop; rosy87 girls raising fragrant88 winrows or bringing water for thirsty sweethearts leaning on their rakes. Often they saw ancient farm-houses with mossy roofs, and long well-sweeps suggestive of fresh draughts89, and the drip of brimming pitchers90; orchards91 and cornfields rustling on either hand, and grandmotherly caps at the narrow windows, or stout92 matrons tending babies in the doorway93 as they watched smaller selves playing keep house under the "laylocks" by the wall. Villages, like white flocks, slept on the hillsides; martinbox schoolhouses appeared here and there, astir with busy voices, alive with wistful eyes; and more than once they came upon little mermen bathing, who dived with sudden splashes, like a squad94 of turtles tumbling off a sunny rock.
Then they went floating under vernal arches, where a murmurous95 rustle96 seemed to whisper, "Stay!" along shadowless sweeps, where the blue turned to gold and dazzled with its unsteady shimmer97; passed islands so full of birds they seemed green cages floating in the sun, or doubled capes98 that opened long vistas99 of light and shade, through which they sailed into the pleasant land where summer reigned100 supreme101. To Sylvia it seemed as if the inhabitants of these solitudes102 had flocked down to the shore to greet her as she came. Fleets of lilies unfurled their sails on either hand, and cardinal103 flowers waved their scarlet104 flags among the green. The sagittaria lifted its blue spears from arrowy leaves; wild roses smiled at her with blooming faces; meadow lilies rang their flame-colored bells; and clematis and ivy105 hung garlands everywhere, as if hers were a floral progress, and each came to do her honor.
Her neighbors kept up a flow of conversation as steady as the river's, and Sylvia listened now. Insensibly the changeful scenes before them recalled others, and in the friendly atmosphere that surrounded them these reminiscences found free expression. Each of the three had been fortunate in seeing much of foreign life; each had seen a different phase of it, and all were young enough to be still enthusiastic, accomplished106 enough to serve up their recollections with taste and skill, and give Sylvia glimpses of the world through spectacles sufficiently rose-colored to lend it the warmth which even Truth allows to her sister Romance.
The wind served them till sunset, then the sail was lowered and the rowers took to their oars. Sylvia demanded her turn, and wrestled107 with one big oar63 while Warwick sat behind and did the work. Having blistered108 her hands and given herself as fine a color as any on her brother's palette, she professed109 herself satisfied, and went back to her seat to watch the evening-red transfigure earth and sky, making the river and its banks a more royal pageant110 than splendor-loving Elizabeth ever saw along the Thames.
Anxious to reach a certain point, they rowed on into the twilight111, growing stiller and stiller as the deepening hush112 seemed to hint that Nature was at her prayers. Slowly the Kelpie floated along the shadowy way, and as the shores grew dim, the river dark with leaning hemlocks113 or an overhanging cliff, Sylvia felt as if she were making the last voyage across that fathomless114 stream where a pale boatman plies115 and many go lamenting116.
The long silence was broken first by Moor's voice, saying--
"Adam, sing."
If the influences of the hour had calmed Mark, touched Sylvia, and made Moor long for music, they had also softened117 Warwick. Leaning on his oar he lent the music of a mellow118 voice to the words of a German Volkslied, and launched a fleet of echoes such as any tuneful vintager might have sent floating down the Rhine. Sylvia was no weeper, but as she listened, all the day's happiness which had been pent up in her heart found vent119 in sudden tears, that streamed down noiseless and refreshing120 as a warm south rain. Why they came she could not tell, for neither song nor singer possessed the power to win so rare a tribute, and at another time, she would have restrained all visible expression of this indefinable yet sweet emotion. Mark and Moor had joined in the burden of the song, and when that was done took up another; but Sylvia only sat and let her tears flow while they would, singing at heart, though her eyes were full and her cheeks wet faster than the wind could kiss them dry.
After frequent peerings and tackings here and there, Mark at last discovered the haven121 he desired, and with much rattling122 of oars, clanking of chains, and splashing of impetuous boots, a landing was effected, and Sylvia found herself standing on a green bank with her hammock in her arms and much wonderment in her mind whether the nocturnal experiences in store for her would prove as agreeable as the daylight ones had been. Mark and Moor unloaded the boat and prospected123 for an eligible125 sleeping-place. Warwick, being an old campaigner, set about building a fire, and the girl began her sylvan126 housekeeping. The scene rapidly brightened into light and color as the blaze sprang up, showing the little kettle slung gipsywise on forked sticks, and the supper prettily set forth in a leafy table-service on a smooth, flat stone. Soon four pairs of wet feet surrounded the fire; an agreeable oblivion of _meum_ and _tuum_ concerning plates, knives, and cups did away with etiquette127, and every one was in a comfortable state of weariness, which rendered the thought of bed so pleasant that they deferred128 their enjoyment129 of the reality, as children keep the best bite till the last.
"What are you thinking of here all by yourself?" asked Mark, coming to lounge on his sister's plaid, which she had spread somewhat apart from the others, and where she sat watching the group before her with a dreamy aspect.
"I was watching your two friends. See what a fine study they make with the red flicker130 of the fire on their faces and the background of dark pines behind them."
They did make a fine study, for both were goodly men yet utterly131 unlike, one being of the heroic type, the other of the poetic132. Warwick was a head taller than his tall friend, broad-shouldered, strong-limbed, and bronzed by wind and weather. A massive head, covered with rings of ruddy brown hair, gray eyes, that seemed to pierce through all disguises, an eminent133 nose, and a beard like one of Mark's stout saints. Power, intellect, and courage were stamped on face and figure, making him the manliest134 man that Sylvia had ever seen. He leaned against the stone, yet nothing could have been less reposeful135 than his attitude, for the native unrest of the man asserted itself in spite of weariness or any soothing136 influence of time or place. Moor was much slighter, and betrayed in every gesture the unconscious grace of the gentleman born. A most attractive face, with its broad brow, serene eyes, and the cordial smile about the mouth. A sweet, strong nature, one would say, which, having used life well had learned the secret of a true success. Inward tranquillity137 seemed his, and it was plain to see that no wave of sound, no wandering breath, no glimpse of color, no hint of night or nature was without its charm and its significance for him.
"Tell me about that man, Mark. I have heard you speak of him since you came home, but supposing he was some blowzy artist, I never cared to ask about him. Now I've seen him, I want to know more," said Sylvia, as her brother laid himself down after an approving glance at the group opposite.
"I met him in Munich, when I first went abroad, and since then we have often come upon each other in our wanderings. He never writes, but goes and comes intent upon his own affairs; yet one never can forget him, and is always glad to feel the grip of his hand again, it seems to put such life and courage into one."
"Is he good?" asked Sylvia, womanlike, beginning with the morals.
"Violently virtuous138. He is a masterful soul, bent139 on living out his beliefs and aspirations140 at any cost. Much given to denunciation of wrong-doing everywhere, and eager to execute justice upon all offenders141 high or low. Yet he possesses great nobility of character, great audacity142 of mind, and leads a life of the sternest integrity."
"Is he rich?"
"In his own eyes, because he makes his wants so few."
"Is he married?"
"No; he has no family, and not many friends, for he says what he means in the bluntest English, and few stand the test his sincerity143 applies."
"What does he do in the world?"
"Studies it, as we do books; dives into everything, analyzes144 character, and builds up his own with materials which will last. If that's not genius it's something better."
"Then he will do much good and be famous, won't he?"
"Great good to many, but never will be famous, I fear. He is too fierce an iconoclast145 to suit the old party, too individual a reformer to join the new, and being born a century too soon must bide146 his time, or play out his part before stage and audience are ready for him."
"Is he learned?"
"Very, in uncommon147 sorts of wisdom; left college after a year of it, because it could not give him what he wanted, and taking the world for his university, life for his tutor, says he shall not graduate till his term ends with days."
"I know I shall like him very much."
"I hope so, for my sake. He is a grand man in the rough, and an excellent tonic148 for those who have courage to try him."
Sylvia was silent, thinking over all she had just heard and finding much to interest her in it, because, to her imaginative and enthusiastic nature, there was something irresistibly149 attractive in the strong, solitary, self-reliant man. Mark watched her for a moment, then asked with lazy curiosity--
"How do you like this other friend of mine?"
"He went away when I was such a child that since he came back I've had to begin again; but if I like him at the end of another month as much as I do now, I shall try to make your friend my friend, because I need such an one very much."
Mark laughed at the innocent frankness of his sister's speech but took it as she meant it, and answered soberly--
"Better leave Platonics till you're forty. Though Moor is twelve years older than yourself he is a young man still, and you are grown a very captivating little woman."
Sylvia looked both scornful and indignant.
"You need have no fears. There is such a thing as true and simple friendship between men and women, and if I can find no one of my own sex who can give me the help and happiness I want, why may I not look for it anywhere and accept it in whatever shape it comes?"
"You may, my dear, and I'll lend a hand with all my heart, but you must be willing to take the consequences in whatever shape _they_ come," said Mark, not ill pleased with the prospect124 his fancy conjured150 up.
"I will," replied Sylvia loftily, and fate took her at her word.
Presently some one suggested bed, and the proposition was unanimously accepted.
"Where are you going to hang me?" asked Sylvia, as she laid hold of her hammock and looked about her with nearly as much interest as if her suspension was to be of the perpendicular151 order.
"You are not to be swung up in a tree to-night but laid like a ghost, and requested not to walk till morning. There is an unused barn close by, so we shall have a roof over us for one night longer," answered Mark, playing chamberlain while the others remained to quench152 the fire and secure the larder153.
An early moon lighted Sylvia to bed, and when shown her half the barn, which, as she was a Marine154, was very properly the bay, Mark explained, she scouted155 the idea of being nervous or timid in such rude quarters, made herself a cosy156 nest and bade her brother a merry good night.
More weary than she would confess, Sylvia fell asleep at once, despite the novelty of her situation and the noises that fill a summer night with fitful rustlings and tones. How long she slept she did not know, but woke suddenly and sat erect157 with that curious thrill which sometimes startles one out of deepest slumber158, and is often the forerunner159 of some dread or danger. She felt this hot tingle160 through blood and nerves, and stared about her thinking of fire. But everything was dark and still, and after waiting a few moments she decided161 that her nest had been too warm, for her temples throbbed162 and her cheeks were feverish163 with the close air of the barn half filled with new-made hay.
Creeping up a fragrant slope she spread her plaid again and lay down where a cool breath flowed through wide chinks in the wall. Sleep was slowly returning when the rustle of footsteps scared it quite away and set her heart beating fast, for they came toward the new couch she had chosen. Holding her breath she listened. The quiet tread drew nearer and nearer till it paused within a yard of her, then some one seemed to throw themselves down, sigh heavily a few times and grow still as if falling asleep.
"It is Mark," thought Sylvia, and whispered his name, but no one answered, and from the other corner of the barn she heard her brother muttering in his sleep. Who was it, then? Mark had said there were no cattle near, she was sure neither of her comrades had left their bivouac, for there was her brother talking as usual in his dreams; some one seemed restless and turned often with decided motion, that was Warwick, she thought, while the quietest sleeper164 of the three betrayed his presence by laughing once with the low-toned merriment she recognized as Moor's. These discoveries left her a prey165 to visions of grimy strollers, maudlin166 farm-servants, and infectious emigrants167 in dismal168 array. A strong desire to cry out possessed her for a moment, but was checked; for with all her sensitiveness Sylvia had much common sense, and that spirit which hates to be conquered even by a natural fear. She remembered her scornful repudiation169 of the charge of timidity, and the endless jokes she would have to undergo if her mysterious neighbor should prove some harmless wanderer or an imaginary terror of her own, so she held her peace, thinking valiantly170 as the drops gathered on her forehead, and every sense grew painfully alert--
"I'll not call if my hair turns gray with fright, and I find myself an idiot to-morrow. I told them to try me, and I won't be found wanting at the first alarm. I'll be still, if the thing does not touch me till dawn, when I shall know how to act at once, and so save myself from ridicule171 at the cost of a wakeful night."
Holding fast to this resolve Sylvia lay motionless; listening to the cricket's chirp172 without, and taking uncomfortable notes of the state of things within, for the new comer stirred heavily, sighed long and deeply, and seemed to wake often, like one too sad or weary to rest. She would have been wise to have screamed her scream and had the rout10 over, for she tormented173 herself with the ingenuity174 of a lively fancy, and suffered more from her own terrors than at the discovery of a dozen vampires175. Every tale of _diablerie_ she had ever heard came most inopportunely to haunt her now, and though she felt their folly176 she could not free herself from their dominion177. She wondered till she could wonder no longer what the morning would show her. She tried to calculate in how many springs she could reach and fly over the low partition which separated her from her sleeping body-guard. She wished with all her heart that she had stayed in her nest which was nearer the door, and watched for dawn with eyes that ached to see the light.
In the midst of these distressful178 sensations the far-off crow of some vigilant179 chanticleer assured her that the short summer night was wearing away and relief was at hand. This comfortable conviction had so good an effect that she lapsed180 into what seemed a moment's oblivion, but was in fact an hour's restless sleep, for when her eyes unclosed again the first red streaks181 were visible in the east, and a dim light found its way into the barn through the great door which had been left ajar for air. An instant Sylvia lay collecting herself, then rose on her arm, looked resolutely182 behind her, stared with round eyes a moment, and dropped down again, laughing with a merriment, which coming on the heels of her long alarm was rather hysterical183. All she saw was a little soft-eyed Alderney, which lifted its stag-like head, and regarded her with a confiding184 aspect that won her pardon for its innocent offence.
Through the relief of both mind and body which she experienced in no small degree, the first thought that came was a thankful "what a mercy I didn't call Mark, for I should never have heard the last of this;" and having fought her fears alone she enjoyed her success alone, and girl-like resolved to say nothing of her first night's adventures. Gathering185 herself up she crept nearer and caressed186 her late terror, which stretched its neck toward her with a comfortable sound, and munched187 her shawl like a cosset188 lamb. But before this new friendship was many minutes old, Sylvia's heavy lids fell together, her head dropped lower and lower, her hand lay still on the dappled neck, and with a long sigh of weariness she dropped back upon the hay, leaving little Alderney to watch over her much more tranquilly189 than she had watched over it.
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1
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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2
kin
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| n.家族，亲属，血缘关系；adj.亲属关系的，同类的 | |
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moor
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| n.荒野，沼泽；vt.(使)停泊；vi.停泊 | |
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4
picturesque
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| adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的 | |
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5
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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6
heartier
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| 亲切的( hearty的比较级 )； 热诚的； 健壮的； 精神饱满的 | |
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7
courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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8
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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9
piazza
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| n.广场；走廊 | |
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rout
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| n.溃退，溃败；v.击溃，打垮 | |
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11
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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12
longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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13
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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14
eyebrows
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| 眉毛( eyebrow的名词复数 ) | |
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15
privately
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| adv.以私人的身份，悄悄地，私下地 | |
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16
dozing
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| v.打瞌睡,假寐 n.瞌睡 | |
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17
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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18
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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19
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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20
mettle
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| n.勇气，精神 | |
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21
ascend
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| vi.渐渐上升，升高；vt.攀登，登上 | |
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22
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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23
secondly
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| adv.第二，其次 | |
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24
ornamental
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| adj.装饰的；作装饰用的；n.装饰品；观赏植物 | |
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25
slippers
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| n. 拖鞋 | |
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26
dowdy
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| adj.不整洁的；过旧的 | |
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27
scant
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| adj.不充分的，不足的；v.减缩，限制，忽略 | |
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28
dingy
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| adj.昏暗的，肮脏的 | |
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29
triumphantly
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| ad.得意洋洋地；得胜地；成功地 | |
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30
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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31
elastic
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| n.橡皮圈，松紧带；adj.有弹性的；灵活的 | |
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32
ravaging
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| 毁坏( ravage的现在分词 )； 蹂躏； 劫掠； 抢劫 | |
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33
artistic
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| adj.艺术(家)的，美术(家)的；善于艺术创作的 | |
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34
jaunty
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| 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 | |
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35
slung
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| 抛( sling的过去式和过去分词 )； 吊挂； 遣送； 押往 | |
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36
prettily
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| adv.优美地；可爱地 | |
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37
wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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38
pouch
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| n.小袋，小包，囊状袋；vt.装...入袋中，用袋运输；vi.用袋送信件 | |
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39
ornamented
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| adj.花式字体的v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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40
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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41
bass
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| n.男低音(歌手)；低音乐器；低音大提琴 | |
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42
knights
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| 骑士； （中古时代的）武士( knight的名词复数 )； 骑士； 爵士； （国际象棋中）马 | |
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43
serene
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| adj. 安详的，宁静的，平静的 | |
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44
serenely
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| adv.安详地，宁静地，平静地 | |
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45
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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46
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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47
shrieking
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| v.尖叫( shriek的现在分词 ) | |
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48
complexion
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| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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49
fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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50
twine
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| v.搓，织，编饰；（使）缠绕 | |
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51
nautical
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|
| adj.海上的，航海的，船员的 | |
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52
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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53
peals
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| n.（声音大而持续或重复的）洪亮的响声( peal的名词复数 )；隆隆声；洪亮的钟声；钟乐v.（使）（钟等）鸣响，（雷等）发出隆隆声( peal的第三人称单数 ) | |
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54
benign
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| adj.善良的，慈祥的；良性的，无危险的 | |
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55
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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56
blithe
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| adj.快乐的，无忧无虑的 | |
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57
auspiciously
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| adv.吉利； 繁荣昌盛； 前途顺利； 吉祥 | |
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58
embarkation
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| n. 乘船, 搭机, 开船 | |
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59
cargo
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| n.(一只船或一架飞机运载的)货物 | |
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60
lockers
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| n.寄物柜( locker的名词复数 ) | |
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61
rustling
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| n. 瑟瑟声，沙沙声 adj. 发沙沙声的 | |
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62
oars
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| n.桨，橹( oar的名词复数 )；划手v.划（行）( oar的第三人称单数 ) | |
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63
oar
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| n.桨，橹，划手；v.划行 | |
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64
glided
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| v.滑动( glide的过去式和过去分词 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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65
dabbling
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| v.涉猎( dabble的现在分词 )；涉足；浅尝；少量投资 | |
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66
eddies
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| （水、烟等的）漩涡，涡流( eddy的名词复数 ) | |
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67
rippled
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| 使泛起涟漪（ripple的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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68
levied
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| 征（兵）( levy的过去式和过去分词 )； 索取； 发动（战争）； 征税 | |
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69
honeymoon
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|
| n.蜜月（假期）；vi.度蜜月 | |
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70
erratic
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| adj.古怪的，反复无常的，不稳定的 | |
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71
musing
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| n. 沉思，冥想 adj. 沉思的, 冥想的 动词muse的现在分词形式 | |
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72
perch
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| n.栖木，高位，杆；v.栖息，就位，位于 | |
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73
panorama
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| n.全景，全景画，全景摄影，全景照片[装置] | |
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74
discord
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| n.不和，意见不合，争论，（音乐）不和谐 | |
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75
tuned
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|
| adj.调谐的，已调谐的v.调音( tune的过去式和过去分词 )；调整；（给收音机、电视等）调谐；使协调 | |
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76
elixir
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|
| n.长生不老药，万能药 | |
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77
aglow
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|
| adj.发亮的；发红的；adv.发亮地 | |
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78
costlier
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|
| adj.昂贵的( costly的比较级 )；代价高的；引起困难的；造成损失的 | |
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79
maidenhood
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|
| n. 处女性, 处女时代 | |
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80
curiously
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|
| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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81
royalty
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|
| n.皇家，皇族 | |
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82
meek
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|
| adj.温顺的，逆来顺受的 | |
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83
luxuriously
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|
| adv.奢侈地，豪华地 | |
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84
whetted
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|
| v.（在石头上）磨（刀、斧等）( whet的过去式和过去分词 )；引起，刺激（食欲、欲望、兴趣等） | |
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85
scythes
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| n.（长柄）大镰刀( scythe的名词复数 )v.（长柄）大镰刀( scythe的第三人称单数 ) | |
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86
rumbling
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| n. 隆隆声, 辘辘声 adj. 隆隆响的 动词rumble的现在分词 | |
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87
rosy
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|
| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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88
fragrant
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|
| adj.芬香的，馥郁的，愉快的 | |
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89
draughts
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| n. <英>国际跳棋 | |
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90
pitchers
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| 大水罐( pitcher的名词复数 ) | |
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91
orchards
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| （通常指围起来的）果园( orchard的名词复数 ) | |
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93
doorway
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| n.门口，(喻)入门；门路，途径 | |
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94
squad
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| n.班，小队，小团体；vt.把…编成班或小组 | |
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95
murmurous
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| adj.低声的 | |
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96
rustle
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| v.沙沙作响；偷盗(牛、马等)；n.沙沙声声 | |
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97
shimmer
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| v./n.发微光，发闪光；微光 | |
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98
capes
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| 碎谷； 斗篷( cape的名词复数 )； 披肩； 海角； 岬 | |
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99
vistas
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| 长条形景色( vista的名词复数 )； 回顾； 展望； （未来可能发生的）一系列情景 | |
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100
reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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101
supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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102
solitudes
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| n.独居( solitude的名词复数 )；孤独；荒僻的地方；人迹罕至的地方 | |
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103
cardinal
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| n.(天主教的)红衣主教；adj.首要的，基本的 | |
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104
scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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105
ivy
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| n.常青藤，常春藤 | |
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106
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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107
wrestled
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| v.（与某人）搏斗( wrestle的过去式和过去分词 )；扭成一团；扭打；（与…）摔跤 | |
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108
blistered
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| adj.水疮状的，泡状的v.（使）起水泡( blister的过去式和过去分词 )；（使表皮等）涨破，爆裂 | |
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109
professed
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| 公开声称的，伪称的，已立誓信教的 | |
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110
pageant
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| n.壮观的游行；露天历史剧 | |
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111
twilight
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| n.暮光，黄昏；暮年，晚期，衰落时期 | |
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112
hush
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| int.嘘，别出声；n.沉默，静寂；v.使安静 | |
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113
hemlocks
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| 由毒芹提取的毒药( hemlock的名词复数 ) | |
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114
fathomless
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| a.深不可测的 | |
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115
plies
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| v.使用（工具）( ply的第三人称单数 )；经常供应（食物、饮料）；固定往来；经营生意 | |
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116
lamenting
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| adj.悲伤的，悲哀的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的现在分词 ) | |
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117
softened
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| （使）变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
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118
mellow
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| adj.柔和的；熟透的；v.变柔和；(使)成熟 | |
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119
vent
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| n.通风口，排放口；开衩；vt.表达，发泄 | |
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120
refreshing
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| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
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121
haven
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| n.安全的地方，避难所，庇护所 | |
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122
rattling
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| adj. 格格作响的, 活泼的, 很好的 adv. 极其, 很, 非常 动词rattle的现在分词 | |
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123
prospected
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| vi.勘探（prospect的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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124
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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125
eligible
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| adj.有条件被选中的；(尤指婚姻等)合适(意)的 | |
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126
sylvan
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| adj.森林的 | |
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127
etiquette
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| n.礼仪，礼节；规矩 | |
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128
deferred
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| adj.延期的，缓召的v.拖延，延缓，推迟( defer的过去式和过去分词 )；服从某人的意愿，遵从 | |
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129
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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130
flicker
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| vi./n.闪烁，摇曳，闪现 | |
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131
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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132
poetic
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| adj.富有诗意的，有诗人气质的，善于抒情的 | |
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133
eminent
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| adj.显赫的，杰出的，有名的，优良的 | |
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134
manliest
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| manly（有男子气概的）的最高级形式 | |
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135
reposeful
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| adj.平稳的，沉着的 | |
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136
soothing
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| adj.慰藉的；使人宽心的；镇静的 | |
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137
tranquillity
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| n. 平静, 安静 | |
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138
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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139
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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140
aspirations
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| 强烈的愿望( aspiration的名词复数 )； 志向； 发送气音； 发 h 音 | |
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141
offenders
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| n.冒犯者( offender的名词复数 )；犯规者；罪犯；妨害…的人（或事物） | |
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142
audacity
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| n.大胆，卤莽，无礼 | |
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143
sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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144
analyzes
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| v.分析( analyze的第三人称单数 )；分解；解释；对…进行心理分析 | |
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145
iconoclast
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| n.反对崇拜偶像者 | |
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146
bide
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| v.忍耐；等候；住 | |
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147
uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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148
tonic
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| n./adj.滋补品，补药，强身的，健体的 | |
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149
irresistibly
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| adv.无法抵抗地，不能自持地；极为诱惑人地 | |
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150
conjured
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| 用魔术变出( conjure的过去式和过去分词 )； 祈求，恳求； 变戏法； （变魔术般地） 使…出现 | |
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151
perpendicular
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| adj.垂直的，直立的；n.垂直线，垂直的位置 | |
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152
quench
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| vt.熄灭，扑灭；压制 | |
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153
larder
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| n.食物贮藏室，食品橱 | |
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154
marine
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| adj.海的；海生的；航海的；海事的；n.水兵 | |
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155
scouted
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| 寻找，侦察( scout的过去式和过去分词 )； 物色（优秀运动员、演员、音乐家等） | |
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156
cosy
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| adj.温暖而舒适的，安逸的 | |
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157
erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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158
slumber
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| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
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159
forerunner
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| n.前身，先驱（者），预兆，祖先 | |
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160
tingle
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| vi.感到刺痛，感到激动；n.刺痛，激动 | |
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161
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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162
throbbed
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| 抽痛( throb的过去式和过去分词 )； （心脏、脉搏等）跳动 | |
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163
feverish
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| adj.发烧的，狂热的，兴奋的 | |
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164
sleeper
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| n.睡眠者，卧车，卧铺 | |
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165
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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166
maudlin
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| adj.感情脆弱的，爱哭的 | |
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167
emigrants
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| n.（从本国移往他国的）移民( emigrant的名词复数 ) | |
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168
dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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169
repudiation
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| n.拒绝；否认；断绝关系；抛弃 | |
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170
valiantly
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| adv.勇敢地，英勇地；雄赳赳 | |
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171
ridicule
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| v.讥讽，挖苦；n.嘲弄 | |
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172
chirp
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| v.(尤指鸟)唧唧喳喳的叫 | |
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173
tormented
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| 饱受折磨的 | |
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174
ingenuity
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| n.别出心裁；善于发明创造 | |
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175
vampires
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| n.吸血鬼( vampire的名词复数 )；吸血蝠；高利贷者；（舞台上的）活板门 | |
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176
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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177
dominion
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| n.统治，管辖，支配权；领土，版图 | |
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178
distressful
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| adj.苦难重重的，不幸的，使苦恼的 | |
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179
vigilant
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| adj.警觉的，警戒的，警惕的 | |
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180
lapsed
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| adj.流失的，堕落的v.退步( lapse的过去式和过去分词 )；陷入；倒退；丧失 | |
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181
streaks
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| n.（与周围有所不同的）条纹( streak的名词复数 )；（通常指不好的）特征（倾向）；（不断经历成功或失败的）一段时期v.快速移动( streak的第三人称单数 )；使布满条纹 | |
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182
resolutely
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| adj.坚决地，果断地 | |
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183
hysterical
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| adj.情绪异常激动的，歇斯底里般的 | |
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184
confiding
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| adj.相信人的，易于相信的v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的现在分词 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
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185
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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186
caressed
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| 爱抚或抚摸…( caress的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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187
munched
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| v.用力咀嚼（某物），大嚼( munch的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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188
cosset
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| v.宠爱，溺爱 | |
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189
tranquilly
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| adv. 宁静地 | |
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