Hitherto they had been a most decorous crew, but the next morning something in the air seemed to cause a general overflow1 of spirits, and they went up the river like a party of children on a merry-making. Sylvia decorated herself with garlands till she looked like a mermaid3; Mark, as skipper, issued his orders with the true Marblehead twang; Moor4 kept up a fire of pun-provoking raillery; Warwick sung like a jovial5 giant; while the Kelpie danced over the water as if inspired with the universal gayety, and the very ripples7 seemed to laugh as they hurried by.
"Mark, there is a boat coming up behind us with three gentlemen in it, who evidently intend to pass us with a great display of skill. Of course you won't let it," said Sylvia, welcoming the prospect8 of a race.
Her brother looked over his shoulder, took a critical survey, and nodded approvingly.
"They are worth a lesson, and shall have it. Easy, now, till they pass; then hard all, and give them a specimen9 of high art."
A sudden lull10 ensued on board the Kelpie while the blue shirts approached, caught, and passed with a great display of science, as Sylvia had prophesied12, and as good an imitation of the demeanor13 of experienced watermen as could be assumed by a trio of studious youths not yet out of their teens. As the foam14 of their wake broke against the other boat's side, Mark hailed them--
"Good morning, gentlemen! We'll wait for you above there, at the bend."
"All serene," returned the rival helmsman, with a bow in honor of Sylvia, while the other two caused a perceptible increase in the speed of the "Juanita," whose sentimental15 name was not at all in keeping with its rakish appearance.
"Short-sighted infants, to waste their wind in that style; but they pull well for their years," observed Mark, paternally17, as he waited till the others had gained sufficient advantage to make the race a more equal one. "Now, then!" he whispered a moment after; and, as if suddenly endowed with life, the Kelpie shot away with the smooth speed given by strength and skill. Sylvia watched both boats, yearning18 to take an oar11 herself, yet full of admiration19 for the well-trained rowers, whose swift strokes set the river in a foam and made the moment one of pleasure and excitement. The blue shirts did their best against competitors who had rowed in many crafts and many waters. They kept the advantage till near the bend, then Mark's crew lent their reserved strength to a final effort, and bending to their oars20 with a will, gained steadily21, till, with a triumphant22 stroke, they swept far ahead, and with oars at rest waited in magnanimous silence till the Juanita came up, gracefully23 confessing her defeat by a good-humored cheer from her panting crew.
For a moment the two boats floated side by side, while the young men interchanged compliments and jokes, for a river is a highway where all travellers may salute25 each other, and college boys are "Hail fellow! well met" with all the world.
Sylvia sat watching the lads, and one among them struck her fancy. The helmsman who had bowed to her was slight and swarthy, with Southern eyes, vivacious26 manners, and a singularly melodious27 voice. A Spaniard, she thought, and pleased herself with this picturesque28 figure till a traitorous29 smile about the young man's mouth betrayed that he was not unconscious of her regard. She colored as she met the glance of mingled30 mirth and admiration that he gave her, and hastily began to pull off the weedy decorations which she had forgotten. But she paused presently, for she heard a surprised voice exclaim--
"Why, Warwick! is that you or your ghost?"
Looking up Sylvia saw Adam lift the hat he had pulled over his brows, and take a slender brown hand extended over the boat-side with something like reluctance31, as he answered the question in Spanish. A short conversation ensued, in which the dark stranger seemed to ask innumerable questions, Warwick to give curt32 replies, and the names Gabriel and Ottila to occur with familiar frequency. Sylvia knew nothing of the language, but received an impression that Warwick was not overjoyed at the meeting; that the youth was both pleased and perplexed33 by finding him there; and that neither parted with much regret as the distance slowly widened between the boats, and with a farewell salute parted company, each taking a different branch of the river, which divided just there.
For the first time Warwick allowed Mark to take his place at the oar, and sat looking into the clear depths below as if some scene lay there which other eyes could not discover.
"Who was the olive-colored party with the fine eyes and foreign accent?" asked Mark, lazily rowing.
"Gabriel Andre."
"Is he an Italian?"
"No; a Cuban."
"I forgot you had tried that mixture of Spain and Alabama. How was it?"
"As such climates always are to me,--intoxicating to-day, enervating35 to-morrow."
"How long were you there?"
"Three months."
"I feel tropically inclined, so tell us about it."
"There is nothing to tell."
"I'll prove that by a catechism. Where did you stay?"
"In Havana."
"Of course, but with whom?"
"Gabriel Andre."
"The father of the saffron youth?"
"Yes."
"Of whom did the family consist?"
"Four persons."
"Mark, leave Mr. Warwick alone."
"As long as he answers I shall question. Name the four persons, Adam."
"Gabriel, sen., Dolores his wife, Gabriel, jun., Catalina, his sister."
"More so."
"You adored her, of course?"
"I loved her."
"Great heavens! what discoveries we make. He likes it, I know by the satirical glimmer37 in his eye; therefore I continue. She adored you, of course?"
"She loved me."
"You will return and marry her?"
"No."
"Did I volunteer its discovery?"
"I demand it now. You left this girl believing that you adored her?"
"She knew I was fond of her."
"The parting was tender?"
"On her part."
"And gave me an orange."
"You cherished it, of course?"
"I ate it immediately."
"What want of sentiment! You promised to return?"
"Yes."
"But will never keep the promise?"
"I never break one."
"Yet will not marry her?"
"By no means."
"Ask how old the lady was, Mark?"
"Age, Warwick?"
"Seven."
Mark caught a crab41 of the largest size at this reply, and remained where he fell, among the ruins of the castle in Spain, which he had erected42 with the scanty44 materials vouchsafed45 to him, while Warwick went back to his meditations46.
A drop of rain roused Sylvia from the contemplation of an imaginary portrait of the little Cuban girl, and looking skyward she saw that the frolicsome47 wind had prepared a practical joke for them in the shape of a thunder-shower. A consultation48 was held, and it was decided49 to row on till a house appeared, in which they would take refuge till the storm was over. On they went, but the rain was in greater haste than they, and a summary drenching50 was effected before the toot of a dinner-horn guided them to shelter. Landing they marched over the fields, a moist and mirthful company, toward a red farm-house standing51 under venerable elms, with a patriarchal air which promised hospitable52 treatment and good cheer. A promise speedily fulfilled by the lively old woman, who appeared with an energetic "Shoo!" for the speckled hens congregated53 in the porch, and a hearty54 welcome for the weather-beaten strangers.
"Sakes alive!" she exclaimed; "you be in a mess, ain't you? Come right in and make yourselves to home. Abel, take the men folks up chamber55, and fit 'em out with anything dry you kin2 lay hands on. Phebe, see to this poor little creeter, and bring her down lookin' less like a drownded kitten. Nat, clear up your wittlin's, so's't they kin toast their feet when they come down; and, Cinthy, don't dish up dinner jest yet."
These directions were given with such vigorous illustration, and the old face shone with such friendly zeal57, that the four submitted at once, sure that the kind soul was pleasing herself in serving them, and finding something very attractive in the place, the people, and their own position. Abel, a staid farmer of forty, obeyed his mother's order regarding the "men folks;" and Phebe, a buxom58 girl of sixteen, led Sylvia to her own room, eagerly offering her best.
As she dried and redressed59 herself Sylvia made sundry60 discoveries, which added to the romance and the enjoyment61 of the adventure. A smart gown lay on the bed in the low chamber, also various decorations upon chair and table, suggesting that some festival was afloat; and a few questions elicited63 the facts. Grandpa had seven sons and three daughters, all living, all married, and all blessed with flocks of children. Grandpa's birthday was always celebrated64 by a family gathering65; but to-day, being the fiftieth anniversary of his wedding, the various households had resolved to keep it with unusual pomp; and all were coming for a supper, a dance, and a "sing" at the end. Upon receipt of which intelligence Sylvia proposed an immediate40 departure; but the grandmother and daughter cried out at this, pointed66 to the still falling rain, the lowering sky, the wet heap on the floor, and insisted on the strangers all remaining to enjoy the festival, and give an added interest by their presence.
Half promising67 what she wholly desired, Sylvia put on Phebe's second best blue gingham gown for the preservation68 of which she added a white apron69, and completing the whole with a pair of capacious shoes, went down to find her party and reveal the state of affairs. They were bestowed70 in the prim71, best parlor72, and greeted her with a peal73 of laughter, for all were _en costume_. Abel was a stout74 man, and his garments hung upon Moor with a melancholy75 air; Mark had disdained76 them, and with an eye to effect laid hands on an old uniform, in which he looked like a volunteer of 1812; while Warwick's superior height placed Abel's wardrobe out of the question; and grandpa, taller than any of his seven goodly sons, supplied him with a sober suit,--roomy, square-flapped, and venerable,--which became him, and with his beard produced the curious effect of a youthful patriarch. To Sylvia's relief it was unanimously decided to remain, trusting to their own penetration78 to discover the most agreeable method of returning the favor; and regarding the adventure as a welcome change, after two days' solitude79, all went out to dinner prepared to enact80 their parts with spirit.
The meal being despatched, Mark and Warwick went to help Abel with some out-door arrangements; and begging grandma to consider him one of her own boys, Moor tied on an apron and fell to work with Sylvia, laying the long table which was to receive the coming stores. True breeding is often as soon felt by the uncultivated as by the cultivated; and the zeal with which the strangers threw themselves into the business of the hour won the family, and placed them all in friendly relations at once. The old lady let them do what they would, admiring everything, and declaring over and over again that her new assistants "beat her boys and girls to nothin' with their tastiness and smartness." Sylvia trimmed the table with common flowers till it was an inviting81 sight before a viand appeared upon it, and hung green boughs82 about the room, with candles here and there to lend a festal light. Moor trundled a great cheese in from the dairy, brought milk-pans without mishap83, disposed dishes, and caused Nat to cleave84 to him by the administration of surreptitious titbits and jocular suggestions; while Phebe tumbled about in every one's way, quite wild with excitement; and grandma stood in her pantry like a culinary general, swaying a big knife for a baton85, as she issued orders and marshalled her forces, the busiest and merriest of them all.
When the last touch was given, Moor discarded his apron and went to join Mark. Sylvia presided over Phebe's toilet, and then sat herself down to support Nat through the trying half hour before, as he expressed it, "the party came in." The twelve years' boy was a cripple, one of those household blessings86 which, in the guise87 of an affliction, keep many hearts tenderly united by a common love and pity. A cheerful creature, always chirping88 like a cricket on the hearth89 as he sat carving90 or turning bits of wood into useful or ornamental92 shapes for such as cared to buy them of him, and hoarding93 up the proceeds like a little miser94 for one more helpless than himself.
"What are these, Nat?" asked Sylvia, with the interest that always won small people, because their quick instincts felt that it was sincere.
"Them are spoons--'postle spoons, they call 'em. You see I've got a cousin what reads a sight, and one day he says to me, 'Nat, in a book I see somethin' about a set of spoons with a 'postle's head on each of 'em; you make some and they'll sell, I bet.' So I got gramper's Bible, found the picters of the 'postles, and worked and worked till I got the faces good; and now it's fun, for they do sell, and I'm savin' up a lot. It ain't for me, you know, but mother, 'cause she's wuss'n I be."
"Is she sick, Nat?"
"Oh, ain't she! Why she hasn't stood up this nine year. We was smashed in a wagon95 that tipped over when I was three years old. It done somethin' to my legs, but it broke her back, and made her no use, only jest to pet me, and keep us all kind of stiddy, you know. Ain't you seen her? Don't you want to?"
"Would she like it?"
"She admires to see folks, and asked about you at dinner; so I guess you'd better go see her. Look ahere, you like them spoons, and I'm agoin' to give you one; I'd give you all on 'em if they wasn't promised. I can make one more in time, so you jest take your pick, 'cause I like you, and want you not to forgit me."
Sylvia chose Saint John, because it resembled Moor, she thought; bespoke96 and paid for a whole set, and privately97 resolved to send tools and rare woods to the little artist that he might serve his mother in his own pretty way. Then Nat took up his crutches98 and hopped99 nimbly before her to the room, where a plain, serene-faced woman lay knitting, with her best cap on, her clean handkerchief and large green fan laid out upon the coverlet. This was evidently the best room of the house; and as Sylvia sat talking to the invalid100 her eye discovered many traces of that refinement101 which comes through the affections. Nothing seemed too good for "daughter Patience;" birds, books, flowers, and pictures were plentiful102 here though visible nowhere else. Two easy-chairs beside the bed showed where the old folks oftenest sat; Abel's home corner was there by the antique desk covered with farmers' literature and samples of seeds; Phebe's work-basket stood in the window; Nat's lathe103 in the sunniest corner; and from the speckless104 carpet to the canary's clear water-glass all was exquisitely105 neat, for love and labor106 were the handmaids who served the helpless woman and asked no wages but her comfort.
Sylvia amused her new friends mightily107, for finding that neither mother nor son had any complaints to make, any sympathy to ask, she exerted herself to give them what both needed, and kept them laughing by a lively recital108 of her voyage and its mishaps109.
"Ain't she prime, mother?" was Nat's candid110 commentary when the story ended, and he emerged red and shiny from the pillows where he had burrowed111 with boyish explosions of delight.
"She's very kind, dear, to amuse two stay-at-home folks like you and me, who seldom see what's going on outside four walls. You have a merry heart, miss, and I hope will keep it all your days, for it's a blessed thing to own."
"I think you have something better, a contented112 one," said Sylvia, as the woman regarded her with no sign of envy or regret.
"I ought to have; nine years on a body's back can teach a sight of things that are wuth knowin'. I've learnt patience pretty well I guess, and contentedness113 ain't fur away, for though it sometimes seems ruther long to look forward to, perhaps nine more years layin' here, I jest remember it might have been wuss, and if I don't do much now there's all eternity114 to come."
Something in the woman's manner struck Sylvia as she watched her softly beating some tune115 on the sheet with her quiet eyes turned toward the light. Many sermons had been less eloquent116 to the girl than the look, the tone, the cheerful resignation of that plain face. She stooped and kissed it, saying gently--
"I shall remember this."
"Hooray! There they be; I hear Ben!"
And away clattered117 Nat to be immediately absorbed into the embraces of a swarm118 of relatives who now began to arrive in a steady stream. Old and young, large and small, rich and poor, with overflowing119 hands or trifles humbly120 given, all were received alike, all hugged by grandpa, kissed by grandma, shaken half breathless by Uncle Abel, welcomed by Aunt Patience, and danced round by Phebe and Nat till the house seemed a great hive of hilarious121 and affectionate bees. At first the strangers stood apart, but Phebe spread their story with such complimentary122 additions of her own that the family circle opened wide and took them in at once.
Sylvia was enraptured123 with the wilderness124 of babies, and leaving the others to their own devices followed the matrons to "Patience's room," and gave herself up to the pleasant tyranny of the small potentates126, who swarmed127 over her as she sat on the floor, tugging128 at her hair, exploring her eyes, covering her with moist kisses, and keeping up a babble129 of little voices more delightful130 to her than the discourse131 of the flattered mammas who benignly132 surveyed her admiration and their offspring's prowess.
The young people went to romp133 in the barn; the men, armed with umbrellas, turned out _en masse_ to inspect the farm and stock, and compare notes over pig pens and garden gates. But Sylvia lingered where she was, enjoying a scene which filled her with a tender pain and pleasure, for each baby was laid on grandma's knee, its small virtues134, vices125, ailments135, and accomplishments136 rehearsed, its beauties examined, its strength tested, and the verdict of the family oracle137 pronounced upon it as it was cradled, kissed, and blessed on the kind old heart which had room for every care and joy of those who called her mother. It was a sight the girl never forgot, because just then she was ready to receive it. Her best lessons did not come from books, and she learned one then as she saw the fairest success of a woman's life while watching this happy grandmother with fresh faces framing her withered138 one, daughterly voices chorusing good wishes, and the harvest of half a century of wedded139 life beautifully garnered140 in her arms.
The fragrance141 of coffee and recollections of Cynthia's joyful142 aberrations143 at such periods caused a breaking up of the maternal144 conclave145. The babies were borne away to simmer between blankets until called for. The women unpacked146 baskets, brooded over teapots, and kept up an harmonious147 clack as the table was spread with pyramids of cake, regiments148 of pies, quagmires149 of jelly, snow-banks of bread, and gold mines of butter; every possible article of food, from baked beans to wedding cake, finding a place on that sacrificial altar.
Fearing to be in the way, Sylvia departed to the barn, where she found her party in a chaotic150 Babel; for the offshoots had been as fruitful as the parent tree, and some four dozen young immortals151 were in full riot. The bashful roosting with the hens on remote lofts152 and beams; the bold flirting153 or playing in the full light of day; the boys whooping154, the girls screaming, all effervescing155 as if their spirits had reached the explosive point and must find vent62 in noise. Mark was in his element, introducing all manner of new games, the liveliest of the old and keeping the revel156 at its height; for rosy157, bright-eyed girls were plenty, and the ancient uniform universally approved. Warwick had a flock of lads about him absorbed in the marvels158 he was producing with knife, stick, and string; and Moor a rival flock of little lasses breathless with interest in the tales he told. One on each knee, two at each side, four in a row on the hay at his feet, and the boldest of all with an arm about his neck and a curly head upon his shoulder, for Uncle Abel's clothes seemed to invest the wearer with a passport to their confidence at once. Sylvia joined this group and partook of a quiet entertainment with as childlike a relish159 as any of them, while the merry tumult160 went on about her.
The toot of the horn sent the whole barnful streaming into the house like a flock of hungry chickens, where, by some process known only to the mothers of large families, every one was wedged close about the table, and the feast began. This was none of your stand-up, wafery, bread and butter teas, but a thorough-going, sit-down supper, and all settled themselves with a smiling satisfaction, prophetic of great powers and an equal willingness to employ them. A detachment of half-grown girls was drawn161 up behind grandma, as waiters; Sylvia insisted on being one of them, and proved herself a neat-handed Phillis, though for a time slightly bewildered by the gastronomic162 performances she beheld163. Babies ate pickles164, small boys sequestered165 pie with a velocity166 that made her wink167, women swam in the tea, and the men, metaphorically168 speaking, swept over the table like a swarm of locusts169, while the host and hostess beamed upon one another and their robust170 descendants with an honest pride, which was beautiful to see.
"That Mr. Wackett ain't eat scursely nothin', he jest sets lookin' round kinder 'mazed171 like. Do go and make him fall to on somethin', or I shan't take a mite172 of comfort in my vittles," said grandma, as the girl came with an empty cup.
"He is enjoying it with all his heart and eyes, ma'am, for we don't see such fine spectacles every day. I'll take him something that he likes and make him eat it."
"Sakes alive! be you to be Mis' Wackett? I'd no idee of it, you look so young."
"Nor I; we are only friends, ma'am."
"Oh!" and the monosyllable was immensely expressive173, as the old lady confided174 a knowing nod to the teapot, into whose depths she was just then peering. Sylvia walked away wondering why persons were always thinking and saying such things.
As she paused behind Warwick's chair with a glass of cream and a round of brown bread, he looked up at her with his blandest175 expression, though a touch of something like regret was in his voice.
"This is a sight worth living eighty hard years to see, and I envy that old couple as I never envied any one before. To rear ten virtuous176 children, put ten useful men and women into the world, and give them health and courage to work out their own salvation177 as these honest souls will do, is a better job done for the Lord, than winning a battle, or ruling a State. Here is all honor to them. Drink it with me."
He put the glass to her lips, drank what she left, and rising, placed her in his seat with the decisive air which few resisted.
"You take no thought for yourself and are doing too much; sit here a little, and let me take a few steps where you have taken many."
He served her, and standing at her back, bent178 now and then to speak, still with that softened179 look upon the face so seldom stirred by the gentler emotions that lay far down in that deep heart of his; for never had he felt so solitary180.
All things must have an end, even a family feast, and by the time the last boy's buttons peremptorily181 announced, 'Thus far shalt thou go and no farther,' all professed182 themselves satisfied, and a general uprising took place. The surplus population were herded183 in parlor and chambers184, while a few energetic hands cleared away, and with much clattering185 of dishes and wafting186 of towels, left grandma's spandy clean premises187 as immaculate as ever. It was dark when all was done, so the kitchen was cleared, the candles lighted, Patience's door set open, and little Nat established in an impromptu188 orchestra, composed of a table and a chair, whence the first squeak189 of his fiddle190 proclaimed that the ball had begun.
Everybody danced; the babies stacked on Patience's bed, or penned behind chairs, sprawled191 and pranced192 in unsteady mimicry193 of their elders. Ungainly farmers, stiff with labor, recalled their early days and tramped briskly as they swung their wives about with a kindly194 pressure of the hard hands that had worked so long together. Little pairs toddled195 gravely through the figures, or frisked promiscuously196 in a grand conglomeration197 of arms and legs. Gallant198 cousins kissed pretty cousins at exciting periods, and were not rebuked199. Mark wrought200 several of these incipient201 lovers to a pitch of despair, by his devotion to the comeliest202 damsels, and the skill with which he executed unheard-of evolutions before their admiring eyes; Moor led out the poorest and the plainest with a respect that caused their homely203 faces to shine, and their scant43 skirts to be forgotten. Warwick skimmed his five years partner through the air in a way that rendered her speechless with delight; and Sylvia danced as she never danced before. With sticky-fingered boys, sleepy with repletion204, but bound to last it out; with rough-faced men who paid her paternal16 compliments; with smart youths who turned sheepish with that white lady's hand in their big brown ones, and one ambitious lad who confided to her his burning desire to work a sawmill, and marry a girl with black eyes and yellow hair. While, perched aloft, Nat bowed away till his pale face glowed, till all hearts warmed, all feet beat responsive to the good old tunes205 which have put so much health into human bodies, and so much happiness into human souls.
At the stroke of nine the last dance came. All down the long kitchen stretched two breathless rows; grandpa and grandma at the top, the youngest pair of grandchildren at the bottom, and all between fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts, and cousins, while such of the babies as were still extant, bobbed with unabated vigor56, as Nat struck up the Virginia Reel, and the sturdy old couple led off as gallantly206 as the young one who came tearing up to meet them. Away they went, grandpa's white hair flying in the wind, grandma's impressive cap awry207 with excitement, as they ambled208 down the middle, and finished with a kiss when their tuneful journey was done, amid immense applause from those who regarded this as the crowning event of the day.
When all had had their turn, and twirled till they were dizzy, a short lull took place, with refreshments209 for such as still possessed210 the power of enjoying them. Then Phebe appeared with an armful of books, and all settled themselves for the family "sing."
Sylvia had heard much fine music, but never any that touched her like this, for, though often discordant211, it was hearty, with that under-current of feeling which adds sweetness to the rudest lay, and is often more attractive than the most florid ornament91 or faultless execution. Every one sang as every one had danced, with all their might; shrill212 children, soft-voiced girls, lullaby-singing mothers, gruff boys, and strong-lunged men; the old pair quavered, and still a few indefatigable213 babies crowed behind their little coops. Songs, ballads214, comic airs, popular melodies, and hymns215, came in rapid succession. And when they ended with that song which should be classed with sacred music for association's sake, and standing hand in hand about the room with the golden bride and bridegroom in their midst, sang "Home," Sylvia leaned against her brother with dim eyes and a heart too full to sing.
Still standing thus when the last note had soared up and died, the old man folded his hands and began to pray. It was an old-fashioned prayer, such as the girl had never heard from the Bishop's lips; ungrammatical, inelegant, and long. A quiet talk with God, manly216 in its straightforward217 confession218 of short-comings, childlike in its appeal for guidance, fervent219 in its gratitude220 for all good gifts, and the crowning one of loving children. As if close intercourse221 had made the two familiar, this human father turned to the Divine, as these sons and daughters turned to him, as free to ask, as confident of a reply, as all afflictions, blessings, cares, and crosses, were laid down before him, and the work of eighty years submitted to his hand. There were no sounds in the room but the one voice often tremulous with emotion and with age, the coo of some dreaming baby, or the low sob77 of some mother whose arms were empty, as the old man stood there, rugged222 and white atop as the granite223 hills, with the old wife at his side, a circle of sons and daughters girdling them round, and in all hearts the thought that as the former wedding had been made for time, this golden one at eighty must be for eternity.
While Sylvia looked and listened a sense of genuine devotion stole over her; the beauty and the worth of prayer grew clear to her through the earnest speech of that unlettered man, and for the first time she fully24 felt the nearness and the dearness of the Universal Father, whom she had been taught to fear, yet longed to love.
"Now, my children, you must go before the little folks are tuckered out," said Grandpa, heartily224. "Mother and me can't say enough toe thank you for the presents you have fetched us, the dutiful wishes you have give us, the pride and comfort you have allers ben toe us. I ain't no hand at speeches, so I shan't make none, but jest say ef any 'fliction falls on any on you, remember mother's here toe help you bear it; ef any worldly loss comes toe you, remember father's house is yourn while it stans, and so the Lord bless and keep us all."
"Three cheers for gramper and grammer!" roared a six-foot scion225 as a safety valve for sundry unmasculine emotions, and three rousing hurras made the rafters ring, struck terror to the heart of the oldest inhabitant of the rat-haunted garret, and summarily woke all the babies.
Then the good-byes began, the flurry of wrong baskets, pails and bundles in wrong places; the sorting out of small folk too sleepy to know or care what became of them; the maternal cluckings, and paternal shouts for Kitty, Cy, Ben, Bill, or Mary Ann; the piling into vehicles with much ramping226 of indignant horses unused to such late hours; the last farewells, the roll of wheels, as one by one the happy loads departed, and peace fell upon the household for another year.
"I declare for't, I never had sech an out an out good time sense I was born intoe the world. Ab'ram, you are fit to drop, and so be I; now let's set and talk it over along of Patience fore34 we go toe bed."
The old couple got into their chairs, and as they sat there side by side, remembering that she had given no gift, Sylvia crept behind them, and lending the magic of her voice to the simple air, sang the fittest song for time and place--"John Anderson my Jo." It was too much for grandma, the old heart overflowed227, and reckless of the cherished cap she laid her head on her "John's" shoulder, exclaiming through her tears--
"That's the cap sheaf of the hull228, and I can't bear no more to-night. Ab'ram, lend me your hankchif, for I dunno where mine is, and my face is all of a drip."
Before the red bandana had gently performed its work in grandpa's hand, Sylvia beckoned229 her party from the room, and showing them the clear moonlight night which followed the storm, suggested that they should both save appearances and enjoy a novel pleasure by floating homeward instead of sleeping. The tide against which they had pulled in coming up would sweep them rapidly along, and make it easy to retrace230 in a few hours the way they had loitered over for three days.
The pleasant excitement of the evening had not yet subsided231, and all applauded the plan as a fit finale to their voyage. The old lady strongly objected, but the young people overruled her, and being re-equipped in their damaged garments they bade the friendly family a grateful adieu, left their more solid thanks under Nat's pillow, and re-embarked upon their shining road.
All night Sylvia lay under the canopy232 of boughs her brother made to shield her from the dew, listening to the soft sounds about her, the twitter of a restless bird, the bleat233 of some belated lamb, the ripple6 of a brook234 babbling235 like a baby in its sleep. All night she watched the changing shores, silvery green or dark with slumberous236 shadow, and followed the moon in its tranquil237 journey through the sky. When it set, she drew her cloak about her, and, pillowing her head upon her arm, exchanged the waking for a sleeping dream.
A thick mist encompassed238 her when she awoke. Above the sun shone dimly, below rose and fell the billows of the sea, before her sounded the city's fitful hum, and far behind her lay the green wilderness where she had lived and learned so much. Slowly the fog lifted, the sun came dazzling down upon the sea, and out into the open bay they sailed with the pennon streaming in the morning wind. But still with backward glance the girl watched the misty239 wall that rose between her and the charmed river, and still with yearning heart confessed how sweet that brief experience had been, for though she had not yet discovered it, like
"The fairy Lady of Shalott,
Had seen the water lilies bloom,
And had looked down to Camelot."
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1
overflow
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| v.(使)外溢，(使)溢出；溢出，流出，漫出 | |
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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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3
mermaid
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| n.美人鱼 | |
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4
moor
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| n.荒野，沼泽；vt.(使)停泊；vi.停泊 | |
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jovial
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| adj.快乐的，好交际的 | |
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6
ripple
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| n.涟波，涟漪，波纹，粗钢梳；vt.使...起涟漪，使起波纹； vi.呈波浪状，起伏前进 | |
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7
ripples
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| 逐渐扩散的感觉( ripple的名词复数 ) | |
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8
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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specimen
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| n.样本，标本 | |
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10
lull
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| v.使安静，使入睡，缓和，哄骗；n.暂停，间歇 | |
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11
oar
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| n.桨，橹，划手；v.划行 | |
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12
prophesied
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| v.预告，预言( prophesy的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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13
demeanor
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| n.行为；风度 | |
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14
foam
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| v./n.泡沫，起泡沫 | |
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15
sentimental
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| adj.多愁善感的，感伤的 | |
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16
paternal
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| adj.父亲的，像父亲的，父系的，父方的 | |
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17
paternally
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| adv.父亲似地；父亲一般地 | |
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18
yearning
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| a.渴望的；向往的；怀念的 | |
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19
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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20
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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21
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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22
triumphant
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| adj.胜利的，成功的；狂欢的，喜悦的 | |
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23
gracefully
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| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
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24
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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25
salute
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| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
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26
vivacious
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| adj.活泼的，快活的 | |
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27
melodious
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| adj.旋律美妙的，调子优美的，音乐性的 | |
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28
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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29
traitorous
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| adj. 叛国的, 不忠的, 背信弃义的 | |
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30
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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31
reluctance
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| n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿 | |
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32
curt
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| adj.简短的，草率的 | |
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33
perplexed
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| adj.不知所措的 | |
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34
fore
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| adv.在前面；adj.先前的；在前部的；n.前部 | |
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35
enervating
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| v.使衰弱，使失去活力( enervate的现在分词 ) | |
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36
comely
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| adj.漂亮的，合宜的 | |
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37
glimmer
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| v.发出闪烁的微光；n.微光，微弱的闪光 | |
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38
appalls
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| v.使惊骇，使充满恐惧( appall的第三人称单数 ) | |
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39
iceberg
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| n.冰山，流冰，冷冰冰的人 | |
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40
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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41
crab
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| n.螃蟹，偏航，脾气乖戾的人，酸苹果；vi.捕蟹，偏航，发牢骚；vt.使偏航，发脾气 | |
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42
ERECTED
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| adj. 直立的，竖立的，笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立，建立 | |
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43
scant
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| adj.不充分的，不足的；v.减缩，限制，忽略 | |
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44
scanty
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| adj.缺乏的，仅有的，节省的，狭小的，不够的 | |
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45
vouchsafed
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| v.给予，赐予( vouchsafe的过去式和过去分词 )；允诺 | |
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46
meditations
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| 默想( meditation的名词复数 )； 默念； 沉思； 冥想 | |
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47
frolicsome
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| adj.嬉戏的，闹着玩的 | |
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48
consultation
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| n.咨询；商量；商议；会议 | |
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49
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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50
drenching
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| n.湿透v.使湿透( drench的现在分词 )；在某人（某物）上大量使用（某液体） | |
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51
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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52
hospitable
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| adj.好客的；宽容的；有利的，适宜的 | |
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53
congregated
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| （使）集合，聚集( congregate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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54
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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55
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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56
vigor
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| n.活力，精力，元气 | |
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57
zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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58
buxom
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| adj.（妇女）丰满的，有健康美的 | |
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59
redressed
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| v.改正( redress的过去式和过去分词 )；重加权衡；恢复平衡 | |
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60
sundry
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| adj.各式各样的，种种的 | |
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61
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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62
vent
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| n.通风口，排放口；开衩；vt.表达，发泄 | |
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63
elicited
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| 引出，探出( elicit的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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64
celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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65
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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66
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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67
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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68
preservation
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| n.保护，维护，保存，保留，保持 | |
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69
apron
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| n.围裙；工作裙 | |
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70
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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71
prim
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| adj.拘泥形式的，一本正经的；n.循规蹈矩，整洁；adv.循规蹈矩地，整洁地 | |
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72
parlor
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| n.店铺，营业室；会客室，客厅 | |
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73
peal
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| n.钟声；v.鸣响 | |
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75
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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76
disdained
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| 鄙视( disdain的过去式和过去分词 )； 不屑于做，不愿意做 | |
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77
sob
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| n.空间轨道的轰炸机；呜咽，哭泣 | |
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78
penetration
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| n.穿透，穿人，渗透 | |
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79
solitude
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| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
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80
enact
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| vt.制定(法律)；上演，扮演 | |
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81
inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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82
boughs
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| 大树枝( bough的名词复数 ) | |
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83
mishap
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| n.不幸的事，不幸；灾祸 | |
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84
cleave
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| v．(clave；cleaved)粘着，粘住；坚持；依恋 | |
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85
baton
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| n.乐队用指挥杖 | |
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86
blessings
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| n.（上帝的）祝福( blessing的名词复数 )；好事；福分；因祸得福 | |
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87
guise
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| n.外表，伪装的姿态 | |
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88
chirping
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| 鸟叫，虫鸣( chirp的现在分词 ) | |
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89
hearth
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| n.壁炉炉床，壁炉地面 | |
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carving
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| n.雕刻品，雕花 | |
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91
ornament
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| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
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92
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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93
hoarding
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| n.贮藏；积蓄；临时围墙；囤积v.积蓄并储藏（某物）( hoard的现在分词 ) | |
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94
miser
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| n.守财奴，吝啬鬼 (adj.miserly) | |
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95
wagon
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| n.四轮马车，手推车，面包车；无盖运货列车 | |
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96
bespoke
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| adj.（产品）订做的；专做订货的v.预定( bespeak的过去式 )；订（货）；证明；预先请求 | |
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97
privately
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| adv.以私人的身份，悄悄地，私下地 | |
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98
crutches
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| n.拐杖, 支柱 v.支撑 | |
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99
hopped
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| 跳上[下]( hop的过去式和过去分词 )； 单足蹦跳； 齐足（或双足）跳行； 摘葎草花 | |
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100
invalid
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| n.病人，伤残人；adj.有病的，伤残的；无效的 | |
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101
refinement
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| n.文雅；高尚；精美；精制；精炼 | |
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102
plentiful
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| adj.富裕的，丰富的 | |
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103
lathe
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| n.车床，陶器，镟床 | |
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104
speckless
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| adj.无斑点的，无瑕疵的 | |
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105
exquisitely
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| adv.精致地；强烈地；剧烈地；异常地 | |
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106
labor
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| n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦 | |
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107
mightily
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| ad.强烈地；非常地 | |
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108
recital
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| n.朗诵，独奏会，独唱会 | |
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109
mishaps
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| n.轻微的事故，小的意外( mishap的名词复数 ) | |
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110
candid
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| adj.公正的，正直的；坦率的 | |
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111
burrowed
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| v.挖掘（洞穴），挖洞( burrow的过去式和过去分词 )；翻寻 | |
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112
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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113
contentedness
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114
eternity
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| n.不朽，来世；永恒，无穷 | |
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115
tune
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| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
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116
eloquent
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| adj.雄辩的，口才流利的；明白显示出的 | |
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117
clattered
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| 发出咔哒声（clatter的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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118
swarm
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| n.(昆虫)等一大群；vi.成群飞舞；蜂拥而入 | |
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119
overflowing
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| n. 溢出物,溢流 adj. 充沛的，充满的 动词overflow的现在分词形式 | |
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120
humbly
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| adv. 恭顺地，谦卑地 | |
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121
hilarious
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| adj.充满笑声的，欢闹的；[反]depressed | |
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122
complimentary
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| adj.赠送的，免费的，赞美的，恭维的 | |
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123
enraptured
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| v.使狂喜( enrapture的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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124
wilderness
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| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
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125
vices
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| 缺陷( vice的名词复数 )； 恶习； 不道德行为； 台钳 | |
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126
potentates
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| n.君主，统治者( potentate的名词复数 )；有权势的人 | |
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127
swarmed
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| 密集( swarm的过去式和过去分词 )； 云集； 成群地移动； 蜜蜂或其他飞行昆虫成群地飞来飞去 | |
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128
tugging
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| n.牵引感v.用力拉，使劲拉，猛扯( tug的现在分词 ) | |
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129
babble
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| v.含糊不清地说，胡言乱语地说，儿语 | |
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130
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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131
discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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132
benignly
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| adv.仁慈地，亲切地 | |
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133
romp
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| n.欢闹；v.嬉闹玩笑 | |
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134
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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135
ailments
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| 疾病（尤指慢性病），不适( ailment的名词复数 ) | |
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136
accomplishments
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| n.造诣；完成( accomplishment的名词复数 )；技能；成绩；成就 | |
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137
oracle
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| n.神谕，神谕处，预言 | |
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138
withered
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| 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 | |
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139
wedded
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| adj.正式结婚的；渴望…的，执著于…的v.嫁，娶，（与…）结婚( wed的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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140
garnered
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| v.收集并（通常）贮藏（某物），取得，获得( garner的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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141
fragrance
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| n.芬芳，香味，香气 | |
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142
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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143
aberrations
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| n.偏差( aberration的名词复数 )；差错；脱离常规；心理失常 | |
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144
maternal
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| adj.母亲的，母亲般的，母系的，母方的 | |
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145
conclave
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| n.秘密会议，红衣主教团 | |
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146
unpacked
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| v.从（包裹等）中取出（所装的东西），打开行李取出( unpack的过去式和过去分词 )；拆包；解除…的负担；吐露（心事等） | |
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147
harmonious
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| adj.和睦的，调和的，和谐的，协调的 | |
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148
regiments
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| （军队的）团( regiment的名词复数 )； 大量的人或物 | |
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149
quagmires
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| n.沼泽地，泥潭( quagmire的名词复数 ) | |
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150
chaotic
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| adj.混沌的，一片混乱的，一团糟的 | |
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151
immortals
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| 不朽的人物( immortal的名词复数 )； 永生不朽者 | |
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152
lofts
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| 阁楼( loft的名词复数 )； （由工厂等改建的）套房； 上层楼面； 房间的越层 | |
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153
flirting
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| v.调情，打情骂俏( flirt的现在分词 ) | |
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154
whooping
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| 发嗬嗬声的，发咳声的 | |
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155
effervescing
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| v.冒气泡，起泡沫( effervesce的现在分词 ) | |
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156
revel
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| vi.狂欢作乐，陶醉；n.作乐，狂欢 | |
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157
rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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158
marvels
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| n.奇迹( marvel的名词复数 )；令人惊奇的事物（或事例）；不平凡的成果；成就v.惊奇，对…感到惊奇( marvel的第三人称单数 ) | |
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159
relish
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| n.滋味，享受，爱好，调味品；vt.加调味料，享受，品味；vi.有滋味 | |
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160
tumult
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| n.喧哗；激动，混乱；吵闹 | |
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161
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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162
gastronomic
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| adj.美食（烹饪）法的，烹任学的 | |
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163
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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164
pickles
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| n.腌菜( pickle的名词复数 )；处于困境；遇到麻烦；菜酱 | |
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165
sequestered
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| adj.扣押的；隐退的；幽静的；偏僻的v.使隔绝，使隔离( sequester的过去式和过去分词 )；扣押 | |
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166
velocity
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| n.速度，速率 | |
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167
wink
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| n.眨眼，使眼色，瞬间；v.眨眼，使眼色，闪烁 | |
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168
metaphorically
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| adv. 用比喻地 | |
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169
locusts
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| n.蝗虫( locust的名词复数 )；贪吃的人；破坏者；槐树 | |
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170
robust
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| adj.强壮的，强健的，粗野的，需要体力的，浓的 | |
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171
mazed
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| 迷惘的，困惑的 | |
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172
mite
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| n.极小的东西；小铜币 | |
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173
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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174
confided
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| v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的过去式和过去分词 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
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175
blandest
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| adj.（食物）淡而无味的( bland的最高级 )；平和的；温和的；无动于衷的 | |
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176
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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177
salvation
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| n.（尤指基督）救世，超度，拯救，解困 | |
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178
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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179
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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180
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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181
peremptorily
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| adv.紧急地，不容分说地，专横地 | |
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182
professed
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| 公开声称的，伪称的，已立誓信教的 | |
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183
herded
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| 群集，纠结( herd的过去式和过去分词 )； 放牧； （使）向…移动 | |
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184
chambers
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| n.房间( chamber的名词复数 )；（议会的）议院；卧室；会议厅 | |
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185
clattering
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| 发出咔哒声（clatter的现在分词形式） | |
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186
wafting
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| v.吹送，飘送，（使）浮动( waft的现在分词 ) | |
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187
premises
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| n.建筑物，房屋 | |
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188
impromptu
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| adj.即席的，即兴的；adv.即兴的(地)，无准备的(地) | |
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189
squeak
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| n.吱吱声，逃脱；v.（发出）吱吱叫，侥幸通过；（俚）告密 | |
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190
fiddle
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| n.小提琴；vi.拉提琴；不停拨弄，乱动 | |
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191
sprawled
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| v.伸开四肢坐[躺]( sprawl的过去式和过去分词)；蔓延；杂乱无序地拓展；四肢伸展坐着（或躺着） | |
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192
pranced
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| v.（马）腾跃( prance的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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193
mimicry
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| n.（生物）拟态，模仿 | |
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194
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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195
toddled
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| v.（幼儿等）东倒西歪地走( toddle的过去式和过去分词 )；蹒跚行走；溜达；散步 | |
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196
promiscuously
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| adv.杂乱地，混杂地 | |
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197
conglomeration
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| n.团块，聚集，混合物 | |
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198
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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199
rebuked
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| 责难或指责( rebuke的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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200
wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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201
incipient
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| adj.起初的，发端的，初期的 | |
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202
comeliest
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| adj.英俊的，好看的( comely的最高级 ) | |
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203
homely
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| adj.家常的，简朴的；不漂亮的 | |
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204
repletion
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| n.充满，吃饱 | |
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205
tunes
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| n.曲调，曲子( tune的名词复数 )v.调音( tune的第三人称单数 )；调整；（给收音机、电视等）调谐；使协调 | |
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206
gallantly
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| adv. 漂亮地，勇敢地，献殷勤地 | |
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207
awry
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| adj.扭曲的，错的 | |
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208
ambled
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| v.（马）缓行( amble的过去式和过去分词 )；从容地走，漫步 | |
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209
refreshments
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| n.点心,便餐;(会议后的)简单茶点招 待 | |
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210
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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211
discordant
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| adj.不调和的 | |
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212
shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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213
indefatigable
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| adj.不知疲倦的，不屈不挠的 | |
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214
ballads
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| 民歌，民谣，特别指叙述故事的歌( ballad的名词复数 )； 讴 | |
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215
hymns
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| n.赞美诗，圣歌，颂歌( hymn的名词复数 ) | |
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216
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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217
straightforward
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| adj.正直的，坦率的；易懂的，简单的 | |
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218
confession
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| n.自白，供认，承认 | |
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219
fervent
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| adj.热的，热烈的，热情的 | |
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220
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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221
intercourse
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| n.性交；交流，交往，交际 | |
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222
rugged
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| adj.高低不平的，粗糙的，粗壮的，强健的 | |
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223
granite
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| adj.花岗岩，花岗石 | |
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224
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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225
scion
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| n.嫩芽，子孙 | |
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226
ramping
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| 土堤斜坡( ramp的现在分词 )； 斜道； 斜路； （装车或上下飞机的）活动梯 | |
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227
overflowed
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| 溢出的 | |
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228
hull
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| n.船身；(果、实等的)外壳；vt.去(谷物等)壳 | |
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229
beckoned
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| v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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230
retrace
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| v.折回；追溯，探源 | |
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231
subsided
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| 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 | |
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232
canopy
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| n.天篷，遮篷 | |
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233
bleat
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| v.咩咩叫，(讲)废话，哭诉；n.咩咩叫，废话，哭诉 | |
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234
brook
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| n.小河，溪；v.忍受，容让 | |
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235
babbling
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| n.胡说，婴儿发出的咿哑声adj.胡说的v.喋喋不休( babble的现在分词 )；作潺潺声（如流水）；含糊不清地说话；泄漏秘密 | |
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236
slumberous
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| a.昏昏欲睡的 | |
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237
tranquil
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| adj. 安静的, 宁静的, 稳定的, 不变的 | |
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238
encompassed
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| v.围绕( encompass的过去式和过去分词 )；包围；包含；包括 | |
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239
misty
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| adj.雾蒙蒙的，有雾的 | |
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240
loom
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| n.织布机，织机；v.隐现，(危险、忧虑等)迫近 | |
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241
plume
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| n.羽毛；v.整理羽毛，骚首弄姿，用羽毛装饰 | |
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