WHEN Christie opened the eyes that had closed so wearily, afternoonsunshine streamed across the room, and seemed the herald1 of happierdays. Refreshed by sleep, and comforted by grateful recollections ofher kindly2 welcome, she lay tranquilly3 enjoying the friendlyatmosphere about her, with so strong a feeling that a skilful5 handhad taken the rudder, that she felt very little anxiety or curiosityabout the haven6 which was to receive her boat after this narrowescape from shipwreck7.
Her eye wandered to and fro, and brightened as it went; for though apoor, plain room it was as neat as hands could make it, and soglorified with sunshine that she thought it a lovely place, in spiteof the yellow paper with green cabbage roses on it, the gorgeousplaster statuary on the mantel-piece, and the fragrance8 ofdough-nuts which pervaded9 the air. Every thing suggested home life,humble10 but happy, and Christie's solitary11 heart warmed at the sightsand sounds about her.
A half open closet-door gave her glimpses of little frocks andjackets, stubby little shoes, and go-to-meeting hats all in a row.
From below came up the sound of childish voices chattering12, childishfeet trotting13 to and fro, and childish laughter sounding sweetlythrough the Sabbath stillness of the place. From a room near by,came the soothing14 creak of a rocking-chair, the rustle15 of anewspaper, and now and then a scrap16 of conversation common-placeenough, but pleasant to hear, because so full of domestic love andconfidence; and, as she listened, Christie pictured Mrs. Wilkins andher husband taking their rest together after the week's hard workwas done.
"I wish I could stay here; it's so comfortable and home-like. Iwonder if they wouldn't let me have this room, and help me to findsome better work than sewing? I'll get up and ask them," thoughtChristie, feeling an irresistible18 desire to stay, and strongrepugnance to returning to the room she had left, for, as Racheltruly said, it was haunted for her.
When she opened the door to go down, Mrs. Wilkins bounced out of herrocking-chair and hurried to meet her with a smiling face, sayingall in one breath:
"Good mornin', dear! Rested well, I hope? I'm proper glad to hearit. Now come right down and have your dinner. I kep it hot, for Icouldn't bear to wake you up, you was sleepin' so beautiful.""I was so worn out I slept like a baby, and feel like a newcreature. It was so kind of you to take me in, and I'm so grateful Idon't know how to show it," said Christie, warmly, as her hostessponderously descended20 the complaining stairs and ushered21 her intothe tidy kitchen from which tubs and flat-irons were banished22 oneday in the week.
"Lawful23 sakes, the' ain't nothing to be grateful for, child, andyou're heartily24 welcome to the little I done. We are country folksin our ways, though we be livin' in the city, and we have a reg'larcountry dinner Sundays. Hope you'll relish25 it; my vittles is cleanef they ain't rich."As she spoke26, Mrs. Wilkins dished up baked beans, Indian-pudding,and brown bread enough for half a dozen. Christie was hungry now,and ate with an appetite that delighted the good lady who vibratedbetween her guest and her children, shut up in the "settin'-room.""Now please let me tell you all about myself, for I am afraid youthink me something better than I am. If I ask help from you, it isright that you should know whom you are helping," said Christie,when the table was cleared and her hostess came and sat down besideher.
"Yes, my dear, free your mind, and then we'll fix things up rightsmart. Nothin' I like better, and Lisha says I have considerable ofa knack27 that way," replied Mrs. Wilkins, with a smile, a nod, and anair of interest most reassuring28.
So Christie told her story, won to entire confidence by thesympathetic face opposite, and the motherly pats so gently given bythe big, rough hand that often met her own. When all was told,Christie said very earnestly:
"I am ready to go to work to-morrow, and will do any thing I canfind, but I should love to stay here a little while, if I could; Ido so dread29 to be alone. Is it possible? I mean to pay my board ofcourse, and help you besides if you'll let me."Mrs. Wilkins glowed with pleasure at this compliment, and leaningtoward Christie, looked into her face a moment in silence, as if totest the sincerity30 of the wish. In that moment Christie saw whatsteady, sagacious eyes the woman had; so clear, so honest that shelooked through them into the great, warm heart below, and lookingforgot the fuzzy, red hair, the paucity31 of teeth, the faded gown,and felt only the attraction of a nature genuine and genial32 as thesunshine dancing on the kitchen floor.
Beautiful souls often get put into plain bodies, but they cannot behidden, and have a power all their own, the greater for theunconsciousness or the humility33 which gives it grace. Christie sawand felt this then, and when the homely34 woman spoke, listened to herwith implicit35 confidence.
"My dear, I'd no more send you away now than I would my Adelaide,for you need looking after for a spell, most as much as she doos.
You've been thinkin' and broodin' too much, and sewin' yourself todeath. We'll stop all that, and keep you so busy there won't be notime for the hypo. You're one of them that can't live alone withoutstarvin' somehow, so I'm jest goin' to turn you in among themchildren to paster, so to speak. That's wholesome36 and fillin' foryou, and goodness knows it will be a puffect charity to me, for I'mgoin' to be dreadful drove with gettin' up curtins and all manner ofthings, as spring comes on. So it ain't no favor on my part, and youcan take out your board in tendin' baby and putterin' over themlittle tykes.""I should like it so much! But I forgot my debt to Mrs. Flint;perhaps she won't let me go," said Christie, with an anxious cloudcoming over her brightening face.
"Merciful, suz! don't you be worried about her. I'll see to her, andef she acts ugly Lisha 'll fetch her round; men can always settlesuch things better'n we can, and he's a dreadful smart man Lisha is.
We'll go to-morrer and get your belongins, and then settle rightdown for a spell; and by-an'-by when you git a trifle more chipperwe'll find a nice place in the country some'rs. That's what youwant; nothin' like green grass and woodsy smells to right folks up.
When I was a gal19, ef I got low in my mind, or riled in my temper, Ijest went out and grubbed in the gardin, or made hay, or walked agood piece, and it fetched me round beautiful. Never failed; so Icome to see that good fresh dirt is fust rate physic for folk'sspirits as it is for wounds, as they tell on.""That sounds sensible and pleasant, and I like it. Oh, it is sobeautiful to feel that somebody cares for you a little bit, and youain't one too many in the world," sighed Christie.
"Don't you never feel that agin, my dear. What's the Lord for ef Heain't to hold on to in times of trouble. Faith ain't wuth much efit's only lively in fair weather; you've got to believe hearty37 andstan' by the Lord through thick and thin, and He'll stan' by you asno one else begins to. I remember of havin' this bore in upon me bysomethin' that happened to a man I knew. He got blowed up in apowder-mill, and when folks asked him what he thought when the bustcome, he said, real sober and impressive: 'Wal, it come through me,like a flash, that I'd served the Lord as faithful as I knew how fora number a years, and I guessed He'd fetch me through somehow, andHe did.' Sure enough the man warn't killed; I'm bound to confess hewas shook dreadful, but his faith warn't."Christie could not help smiling at the story, but she liked it, andsincerely wished she could imitate the hero of it in his piety39, nothis powder. She was about to say so when the sound of approachingsteps announced the advent40 of her host. She had been ratherimpressed with the "smartness" of Lisha by his wife's praises, butwhen a small, sallow, sickly looking man came in she changed hermind; for not even an immensely stiff collar, nor a pair of bootsthat seemed composed entirely41 of what the boys call "creak leather,"could inspire her with confidence.
Without a particle of expression in his yellow face, Mr. Wilkinsnodded to the stranger over the picket42 fence of his collar, lightedhis pipe, and clumped43 away to enjoy his afternoon promenade44 withoutcompromising himself by a single word.
His wife looked after him with an admiring gaze as she said:
"Them boots is as good as an advertisement, for he made every stitchon 'em himself;" then she added, laughing like a girl: "It'sredick'lus my bein' so proud of Lisha, but ef a woman ain't a rightto think wal of her own husband, I should like to know who has!"Christie was afraid that Mrs. Wilkins had seen her disappointment inher face, and tried, with wifely zeal45, to defend her lord from evena disparaging46 thought. Wishing to atone47 for this transgression48 shewas about to sing the praises of the wooden-faced Elisha, but wasspared any polite fibs by the appearance of a small girl whodelivered an urgent message to the effect, that "Mis Plumly was downsick and wanted Mis Wilkins to run over and set a spell."As the good lady hesitated with an involuntary glance at her guest,Christie said quickly:
"Don't mind me; I'll take care of the house for you if you want togo. You may be sure I won't run off with the children or steal thespoons.""I ain't a mite49 afraid of anybody wantin' to steal them littletoads; and as for spoons, I ain't got a silver one to bless myselfwith," laughed Mrs. Wilkins. "I guess I will go, then, ef you don'tmind, as it's only acrost the street. Like's not settin' quiet willbe better for you 'n talkin', for I'm a dreadful hand to gab50 when Igit started. Tell Mis Plumly I'm a comin'."Then, as the child ran off, the stout51 lady began to rummage52 in hercloset, saying, as she rattled53 and slammed:
"I'll jest take her a drawin' of tea and a couple of nut-cakes:
mebby she'll relish 'em, for I shouldn't wonder ef she hadn't had amouthful this blessed day. She's dreadful slack at the best oftimes, but no one can much wonder, seein' she's got nine children,and is jest up from a rheumatic fever. I'm sure I never grudge54 ameal of vittles or a hand's turn to such as she is, though she doesbeat all for dependin' on her neighbors. I'm a thousand timesobleeged. You needn't werry about the children, only don't let 'emgit lost, or burnt, or pitch out a winder; and when it's done give'em the patty-cake that's bakin' for 'em."With which maternal55 orders Mrs. Wilkins assumed a sky-blue bonnet56,and went beaming away with several dishes genteelly hidden under herpurple shawl.
Being irresistibly57 attracted toward the children Christie opened thedoor and took a survey of her responsibilities.
Six lively infants were congregated58 in the "settin'-room," and chaosseemed to have come again, for every sort of destructive amusementwas in full operation. George Washington, the eldest59 blossom, wasshearing a resigned kitten; Gusty60 and Ann Eliza were concocting61 mudpies in the ashes; Adelaide Victoria was studying the structure oflamp-wicks, while Daniel Webster and Andrew Jackson were draggingone another in a clothes-basket, to the great detriment62 of the oldcarpet and still older chariot.
Thinking that some employment more suited to the day might beintroduced, Christie soon made friends with these young persons,and, having rescued the kitten, banished the basket, lured63 the eldergirls from their mud-piety, and quenched64 the curiosity of thePickwickian Adelaide, she proposed teaching them some little hymns65.
The idea was graciously received, and the class decorously seated ina row. But before a single verse was given out, Gusty, being of ahouse-wifely turn of mind, suggested that the patty-cake might burn.
Instant alarm pervaded the party, and a precipitate68 rush was madefor the cooking-stove, where Christie proved by ocular demonstrationthat the cake showed no signs of baking, much less of burning. Thefamily pronounced themselves satisfied, after each member had pokeda grimy little finger into the doughy69 delicacy70, whereon one largeraisin reposed72 in proud pre-eminence over the vulgar herd73 ofcaraways.
Order being with difficulty restored, Christie taught her flock anappropriate hymn66, and was flattering herself that their youthfulminds were receiving a devotional bent74, when they volunteered asong, and incited75 thereunto by the irreverent Wash, burst forth76 witha gem77 from Mother Goose, closing with a smart skirmish of arms andlegs that set all law and order at defiance78. Hoping to quell79 theinsurrection Christie invited the breathless rioters to calmthemselves by looking at the pictures in the big Bible. But,unfortunately, her explanations were so vivid that her audience werefired with a desire to enact80 some of the scenes portrayed81, and nopersuasions could keep them from playing Ark on the spot. Theclothes-basket was elevated upon two chairs, and into it marched thebirds of the air and the beasts of the field, to judge by the noise,and all set sail, with Washington at the helm, Jackson and Websterplying the clothes and pudding-sticks for oars82, while the youngladies rescued their dolls from the flood, and waved their hands toimaginary friends who were not unmindful of the courtesies of lifeeven in the act of drowning.
MRS. WILKINS' SIX LIVELY INFANTS.
Finding her authority defied Christie left the rebels to their owndevices, and sitting in a corner, began to think about her ownaffairs. But before she had time to get anxious or perplexed83 thechildren diverted her mind, as if the little flibberty-gibbets knewthat their pranks84 and perils85 were far wholesomer for her just thenthan brooding.
The much-enduring kitten being sent forth as a dove upon the watersfailed to return with the olive-branch; of which peaceful emblemthere was soon great need, for mutiny broke out, and spread withdisastrous rapidity.
Ann Eliza slapped Gusty because she had the biggest bandbox; Andrewthreatened to "chuck" Daniel overboard if he continued to trample86 onthe fraternal toes, and in the midst of the fray87, by some unguardedmotion, Washington capsized the ship and precipitated88 thepatriarchal family into the bosom89 of the deep.
Christie flew to the rescue, and, hydropathically treated, theanguish of bumps and bruises90 was soon assuaged91. Then appeared theappropriate moment for a story, and gathering92 the dilapidated partyabout her she soon enraptured93 them by a recital94 of the immortalhistory of "Frank and the little dog Trusty." Charmed with hersuccess she was about to tell another moral tale, but no sooner hadshe announced the name, "The Three Cakes," when, like an electricflash a sudden recollection seized the young Wilkinses, and with onevoice they demanded their lawful prize, sure that now it must bedone.
Christie had forgotten all about it, and was harassed95 with secretmisgivings as she headed the investigating committee. With skippingof feet and clapping of hands the eager tribe surrounded the stove,and with fear and trembling Christie drew forth a melancholy96 cinder97,where, like Casablanca, the lofty raisin71 still remained, blackened,but undaunted, at its post.
Then were six little vials of wrath98 poured out upon her devotedhead, and sounds of lamentation99 filled the air, for the irateWilkinses refused to be comforted till the rash vow100 to present eachmember of the outraged101 family with a private cake produced a lull,during which the younger ones were decoyed into the back yard, andthe three elders solaced103 themselves with mischief104.
Mounted on mettlesome105 broomsticks Andrew and Daniel were ridingmerrily away to the Banbury Cross, of blessed memory, and little Viewas erecting106 a pagoda107 of oyster-shells, under Christie'ssuperintendence, when a shrill108 scream from within sent horsemen andarchitects flying to the rescue.
Gusty's pinafore was in a blaze; Ann Eliza was dancing franticallyabout her sister as if bent on making a suttee of herself, whileGeorge Washington hung out of window, roaring, "Fire!" "water!""engine!" "pa!" with a presence of mind worthy109 of his sex.
A speedy application of the hearth-rug quenched the conflagration,and when a minute burn had been enveloped110 in cotton-wool, like agem, a coroner sat upon the pinafore and investigated the case.
It appeared that the ladies were "only playing paper dolls," whenWash, sighing for the enlightenment of his race, proposed to make abonfire, and did so with an old book; but Gusty, with a firm beliefin future punishment, tried to save it, and fell a victim to herprinciples, as the virtuous111 are very apt to do.
The book was brought into court, and proved to be an ancient volumeof ballads112, cut, torn, and half consumed. Several peculiarlydeveloped paper dolls, branded here and there with large letters,like galley-slaves, were then produced by the accused, and the judgecould with difficulty preserve her gravity when she found "JohnGilpin" converted into a painted petticoat, "The Bay of Biscay, O,"situated in the crown of a hat, and "Chevy Chase" issuing from themouth of a triangular113 gentleman, who, like Dickens's cherub,probably sung it by ear, having no lungs to speak of.
It was further apparent from the agricultural appearance of the roomthat beans had been sowed broadcast by means of the apple-corer,which Wash had converted into a pop-gun with a mechanical ingenuityworthy of more general appreciation114. He felt this deeply, and whenChristie reproved him for leading his sisters astray, he resentedthe liberty she took, and retired115 in high dudgeon to the cellar,where he appeared to set up a menagerie,--for bears, lions, andunknown animals, endowed with great vocal116 powers, were heard tosolicit patronage117 from below.
Somewhat exhausted118 by her labors119, Christie rested, after clearing upthe room, while the children found a solace102 for all afflictions inthe consumption of relays of bread and molasses, which infantilerestorative occurred like an inspiration to the mind of theirguardian.
Peace reigned120 for fifteen minutes; then came a loud crash from thecellar, followed by a violent splashing, and wild cries of, "Oh, oh,oh, I've fell into the pork barrel! I'm drownin', I'm drownin'!"Down rushed Christie, and the sticky innocents ran screaming after,to behold121 their pickled brother fished up from the briny122 deep. Aspectacle well calculated to impress upon their infant minds theawful consequences of straying from the paths of virtue123.
At this crisis Mrs. Wilkins providentially appeared, breathless, butbrisk and beaming, and in no wise dismayed by the plight124 of herluckless son, for a ten years' acquaintance with Wash's dauntlessnature had inured125 his mother to "didoes" that would have appalledmost women.
"Go right up chamber126, and change every rag on you, and don't comedown agin till I rap on the ceilin'; you dreadful boy, disgracin'
your family by sech actions. I'm sorry I was kep' so long, but MisPlumly got tellin' her werryments, and 'peared to take so muchcomfort in it I couldn't bear to stop her. Then I jest run round toyour place and told that woman that you was safe and well, along'rfriends, and would call in to-morrer to get your things. She 'd benso scart by your not comin' home that she was as mild as milk, soyou won't have no trouble with her, I expect.""Thank you very much! How kind you are, and how tired you must be!
Sit down and let me take your things," cried Christie, more relievedthan she could express.
"Lor', no, I'm fond of walkin', but bein' ruther hefty it takes mybreath away some to hurry. I'm afraid these children have tuckeredyou out though. They are proper good gen'lly, but when they do taketo trainen they're a sight of care," said Mrs. Wilkins, as shesurveyed her imposing127 bonnet with calm satisfaction.
"I've enjoyed it very much, and it's done me good, for I haven'tlaughed so much for six months as I have this afternoon," answeredChristie, and it was quite true, for she had been too busy to thinkof herself or her woes128.
"Wal, I thought likely it would chirk you up some, or I shouldn'thave went," and Mrs. Wilkins put away a contented129 smile with hercherished bonnet, for Christie's face had grown so much brightersince she saw it last, that the good woman felt sure her treatmentwas the right one.
At supper Lisha reappeared, and while his wife and children talkedincessantly, he ate four slices of bread and butter, three pieces ofpie, five dough-nuts, and drank a small ocean of tea out of hissaucer. Then, evidently feeling that he had done his duty like aman, he gave Christie another nod, and disappeared again without aword.
When she had done up her dishes Mrs. Wilkins brought out a few booksand papers, and said to Christie, who sat apart by the window, withthe old shadow creeping over her face:
"Now don't feel lonesome, my dear, but jest lop right down on thesotfy and have a sociable130 kind of a time. Lisha's gone down streetfor the evenin'. I'll keep the children as quiet as one woman can,and you may read or rest, or talk, jest as you're a mind.""Thank you; I'll sit here and rock little Vie to sleep for you. Idon't care to read, but I'd like to have you talk to me, for itseems as if I'd known you a long time and it does me good," saidChristie, as she settled herself and baby on the old settee whichhad served as a cradle for six young Wilkinses, and now received thehonorable name of sofa in its old age.
Mrs. Wilkins looked gratified, as she settled her brood round thetable with a pile of pictorial131 papers to amuse them. Then havinglaid herself out to be agreeable, she sat thoughtfully rubbing thebridge of her nose, at a loss how to begin. Presently Christiehelped her by an involuntary sigh.
"What's the matter, dear? Is there any thing I can do to make youcomfortable?" asked the kind soul, alert at once, and ready to offersympathy.
"I'm very cosy132, thank you, and I don't know why I sighed. It's a wayI've got into when I think of my worries," explained Christie, inhaste.
"Wal, dear, I wouldn't ef I was you. Don't keep turnin' yourtroubles over. Git atop of 'em somehow, and stay there ef you can,"said Mrs. Wilkins, very earnestly.
"But that's just what I can't do. I've lost all my spirits andcourage, and got into a dismal133 state of mind. You seem to be verycheerful, and yet you must have a good deal to try you sometimes. Iwish you'd tell me how you do it;" and Christie looked wistfullyinto that other face, so plain, yet so placid134, wondering to see howlittle poverty, hard work, and many cares had soured or saddened it.
"Really I don't know, unless it's jest doin' whatever comes along,and doin' of it hearty, sure that things is all right, though veryoften I don't see it at fust.""Do you see it at last?""Gen'lly I do; and if I don't I take it on trust, same as childrendo what older folks tell 'em; and byme-by when I'm grown up inspiritual things I'll understan' as the dears do, when they git tobe men and women."That suited Christie, and she thought hopefully within herself:
"This woman has got the sort of religion I want, if it makes herwhat she is. Some day I'll get her to tell me where she found it."Then aloud she said:
"But it's so hard to be patient and contented when nothing happensas you want it to, and you don't get your share of happiness, nomatter how much you try to deserve it.""It ain't easy to bear, I know, but having tried my own way and madea dreadful mess on 't, I concluded that the Lord knows what's bestfor us, and things go better when He manages than when we goscratchin' round and can't wait.""Tried your own way? How do you mean?" asked Christie, curiously;for she liked to hear her hostess talk, and found something besidesamusement in the conversation, which seemed to possess a freshcountry flavor as well as country phrases.
Mrs. Wilkins smiled all over her plump face, as if she liked to tellher experience, and having hunched135 sleepy little Andy morecomfortably into her lap, and given a preparatory hem17 or two, shebegan with great good-will.
"It happened a number a years ago and ain't much of a story any way.
But you're welcome to it, as some of it is rather humorsome, thelaugh may do you good ef the story don't. We was livin' down to theeast'ard at the time. It was a real pretty place; the house stoodunder a couple of maples136 and a gret brook137 come foamin' down therayvine and away through the medders to the river. Dear sakes, seemsas ef I see it now, jest as I used to settin' on the doorsteps withthe lay-locks all in blow, the squirrels jabberin' on the wall, andthe saw-mill screekin' way off by the dam."Pausing a moment, Mrs. Wilkins looked musingly138 at the steam of thetea-kettle, as if through its silvery haze139 she saw her early homeagain. Wash promptly140 roused her from this reverie by tumbling offthe boiler141 with a crash. His mother picked him up and placidly142 wenton, falling more and more into the country dialect which city lifehad not yet polished.
"I oushter hev been the contentedest woman alive, but I warn't, foryou see I'd worked at millineryin' before I was married, and had aneasy time on't, Afterwards the children come along pretty fast,there was sights of work to do, and no time for pleasuring so I gotwore out, and used to hanker after old times in a dreadful wickedway.
"Finally I got acquainted with a Mis Bascum, and she done me a sightof harm. You see, havin' few pies of her own to bake, she was fondof puttin' her fingers into her neighborses, but she done it so neatthat no one mistrusted she was takin' all the sarce and leavin' allthe crust to them, as you may say. Wal, I told her my werryments andshe sympathized real hearty, and said I didn't ought to stan' it,but have things to suit me, and enjoy myself, as other folks did. Sowhen she put it into my head I thought it amazin' good advice, andjest went and done as she told me.
"Lisha was the kindest man you ever see, so when I up and said Iwarn't goin' to drudge143 round no more, but must hev a girl, he gotone, and goodness knows what a trial she was. After she came I gotdreadful slack, and left the house and the children to Hen'retta,and went pleasurin' frequent all in my best. I always was a dressywoman in them days, and Lisha give me his earnin's real lavish,bless his heart! and I went and spent 'em on my sinful gowns andbunnets."Here Mrs. Wilkins stopped to give a remorseful144 groan145 and stroke herfaded dress, as if she found great comfort in its dinginess146.
"It ain't no use tellin' all I done, but I had full swing, and atfust I thought luck was in my dish sure. But it warn't, seein' Ididn't deserve it, and I had to take my mess of trouble, which wasneedful and nourishin,' ef I'd had the grace to see it so.
"Lisha got into debt, and no wonder, with me a wastin' of hissubstance; Hen'retta went off suddin', with whatever she could layher hands on, and everything was at sixes and sevens. Lisha'spatience give out at last, for I was dreadful fractious, knowin' itwas all my fault. The children seemed to git out of sorts, too, andacted like time in the primer, with croup and pins, andwhoopin'-cough and temper. I declare I used to think the pots andkettles biled over to spite each other and me too in them days.
"All this was nuts to Mis Bascum, and she kep' advisin' andencouragin' of me, and I didn't see through her a mite, or guessthat settin' folks by the ears was as relishin' to her as bitters isto some. Merciful, suz! what a piece a work we did make betwixt us!
I scolded and moped 'cause I couldn't have my way; Lisha swore andthreatened to take to drinkin' ef I didn't make home morecomfortable; the children run wild, and the house was gittin' toohot to hold us, when we was brought up with a round turn, and I seethe148 redicklousness of my doin's in time.
"One day Lisha come home tired and cross, for bills was pressin',work slack, and folks talkin' about us as ef they 'd nothin' else todo. I was dishin' up dinner, feelin' as nervous as a witch, for awhole batch149 of bread had burnt to a cinder while I was trimmin' anew bunnet, Wash had scart me most to death swallerin' a cent, andthe steak had been on the floor more'n once, owin' to my havin'
babies, dogs, cats, or hens under my feet the whole blessed time.
"Lisha looked as black as thunder, throwed his hat into a corner,and came along to the sink where I was skinnin' pertaters. As hewashed his hands, I asked what the matter was; but he only mutteredand slopped, and I couldn't git nothin' out of him, for he ain'ttalkative at the best of times as you see, and when he's werriedcorkscrews wouldn't draw a word from him.
"Bein' riled myself didn't mend matters, and so we fell to hectorin'
one another right smart. He said somethin' that dreened my last dropof patience; I give a sharp answer, and fust thing I knew he up withhis hand and slapped me. It warn't a hard blow by no means, only akind of a wet spat147 side of the head; but I thought I should haveflew, and was as mad as ef I'd been knocked down. You never see aman look so 'shamed as Lisha did, and ef I'd been wise I should havemade up the quarrel then. But I was a fool. I jest flung fork, dish,pertaters and all into the pot, and says, as ferce as you please:
"'Lisha Wilkins, when you can treat me decent you may come and fetchme back; you won't see me till then, and so I tell you.'
"Then I made a bee-line for Mis Bascum's; told her the whole story,had a good cry, and was all ready to go home in half an hour, butLisha didn't come.
"Wal, that night passed, and what a long one it was to be sure! andme without a wink150 of sleep, thinkin' of Wash and the cent, myemptins and the baby. Next day come, but no Lisha, no message, nonuthin', and I began to think I'd got my match though I had a sightof grit151 in them days. I sewed, and Mis Bascum she clacked; but Ididn't say much, and jest worked like sixty to pay for my keep, forI warn't goin' to be beholden to her for nothin'.
"The day dragged on terrible slow, and at last I begged her to goand git me a clean dress, for I'd come off jest as I was, and folkskep' droppin' in, for the story was all round, thanks to MisBascum's long tongue.
"Wal, she went, and ef you'll believe me Lisha wouldn't let her in!
He handed my best things out a winder and told her to tell me theywere gittin' along fust rate with Florindy Walch to do the work. Hehoped I'd have a good time, and not expect him for a consider'blespell, for he liked a quiet house, and now he'd got it.
"When I heard that, I knew he must be provoked the wust kind, for heain't a hash man by nater. I could have crep' in at the winder ef hewouldn't open the door, I was so took down by that message. But MisBascum wouldn't hear of it, and kep' stirrin' of me up till I wasashamed to eat 'umble pie fust; so I waited to see how soon he'dcome round. But he had the best on't you see, for he'd got thebabies and lost a cross wife, while I'd lost every thing but MisBascum, who grew hatefuler to me every hour, for I begun to mistrustshe was a mischief-maker,--widders most always is,--seein' how shepampered up my pride and 'peared to like the quarrel.
"I thought I should have died more'n once, for sure as you live itwent on three mortal days, and of all miser'ble creeters I was themiser'blest. Then I see how wicked and ungrateful I'd been; how I'dshirked my bounden duty and scorned my best blessins. There warn't ahard job that ever I'd hated but what grew easy when I rememberedwho it was done for; there warn't a trouble or a care that Iwouldn't have welcomed hearty, nor one hour of them dear fractiousbabies that didn't seem precious when I'd gone and left 'em. I'd gottime to rest enough now, and might go pleasuring all day long; but Icouldn't do it, and would have given a dozin bunnets trimmed to killef I could only have been back moilin' in my old kitchen with thechildren hangin' round me and Lisha a comin' in cheerful from hiswork as he used to 'fore67 I spoilt his home for him. How sing'lar itis folks never do know when they are wal off!""I know it now," said Christie, rocking lazily to and fro, with aface almost as tranquil4 as little Vic's, lying half asleep in herlap.
"Glad to hear it, my dear. As I was goin' on to say, when Saturdaycome, a tremenjus storm set in, and it rained guns all day. I nevershall forgit it, for I was hankerin' after baby, and dreadfulworried about the others, all bein' croupy, and Florindy with nomore idee of nussin' than a baa lamb. The rain come down like areg'lar deluge152, but I didn't seem to have no ark to run to. As nightcome on things got wuss and wuss, for the wind blowed the roof offMis Bascum's barn and stove in the butt'ry window; the brook riz andwent ragin' every which way, and you never did see such a piece ofwork.
"My heart was most broke by that time, and I knew I should give in'fore Monday. But I set and sewed and listened to the tinkle153 tankleof the drops in the pans set round to ketch 'em, for the houseleaked like a sieve154. Mis Bascurn was down suller putterin' about,for every kag and sarce jar was afloat. Moses, her brother, waslookin' after his stock and tryin' to stop the damage. All of asudden he bust38 in lookin' kinder wild, and settin' down the lantern,he sez, sez he: 'You're ruthern an unfortinate woman to-night, MisWilkins.' 'How so?' sez I, as ef nuthin' was the matter already.
"'Why,' sez he, 'the spilins have give way up in the rayvine, andthe brook 's come down like a river, upsot your lean-to, washed themellion patch slap into the road, and while your husband was tryin'
to git the pig out of the pen, the water took a turn and swep himaway.'
"'Drownded?' sez I, with only breath enough for that one word.
'Shouldn't wonder,' sez Moses, 'nothin' ever did come up alive aftergoin' over them falls.'
"It come over me like a streak155 of lightenin'; every thin' kinderslewed round, and I dropped in the first faint I ever had in mylife. Next I knew Lisha was holdin' of me and cryin' fit to killhimself. I thought I was dreamin', and only had wits enough to givea sort of permiscuous grab at him and call out:
"'Oh, Lisha! ain't you drownded?' He give a gret start at that,swallered down his sobbin', and sez as lovin' as ever a man did inthis world:
"'Bless your dear heart, Cynthy, it warn't me it was the pig;' andthen fell to kissin' of me, till betwixt laughin' and cryin' I wasmost choked. Deary me, it all comes back so livin' real it kindertakes my breath away."And well it might, for the good soul entered so heartily into herstory that she unconsciously embellished156 it with dramaticillustrations. At the slapping episode she flung an invisible "fork,dish, and pertaters" into an imaginary kettle, and glared; when thecatastrophe arrived, she fell back upon her chair to expressfainting; gave Christie's arm the "permiscuous grab" at the propermoment, and uttered the repentant157 Lisha's explanation with anincoherent pathos158 that forbid a laugh at the sudden introduction ofthe porcine martyr159.
"What did you do then?" asked Christie in a most flattering state ofinterest.
"Oh, law! I went right home and hugged them children for a couple ofhours stiddy," answered Mrs; Wilkins, as if but one conclusion waspossible.
"Did all your troubles go down with the pig?" asked Christie,presently.
"Massy, no, we're all poor, feeble worms, and the best meanin' of usfails too often," sighed Mrs. Wilkins, as she tenderly adjusted thesleepy head of the young worm in her lap. "After that scrape I donemy best; Lisha was as meek160 as a whole flock of sheep, and we giveMis Bascum a wide berth161. Things went lovely for ever so long, andthough, after a spell, we had our ups and downs, as is but naturalto human creeters, we never come to such a pass agin. Both on ustried real hard; whenever I felt my temper risin' or discontentcomin' on I remembered them days and kep' a taut162 rein163; and as forLisha he never said a raspin' word, or got sulky, but what he'd bustout laughin' after it and say: 'Bless you, Cynthy, it warn't me, itwas the pig.'"Mrs. Wilkins' hearty laugh fired a long train of lesser164 ones, forthe children recognized a household word. Christie enjoyed the joke,and even the tea-kettle boiled over as if carried away by the fun.
"Tell some more, please," said Christie, when the merrimentsubsided, for she felt her spirits rising.
"There's nothin' more to tell, except one thing that prevented myever forgittin' the lesson I got then. My little Almiry took coldthat week and pined away rapid. She'd always been so ailin' I neverexpected to raise her, and more 'n once in them sinful tempers ofmine I'd thought it would be a mercy ef she was took out of herpain. But when I laid away that patient, sufferin' little creeter Ifound she was the dearest of 'em all. I most broke my heart to hevher back, and never, never forgive myself for leavin' her thattime." With trembling lips and full eyes Mrs. Wilkins stopped towipe her features generally on Andrew Jackson's pinafore, and heavea remorseful sigh.
"And this is how you came to be the cheerful, contented woman youare?" said Christie, hoping to divert the mother's mind from thattoo tender memory.
"Yes," she answered, thoughtfully, "I told you Lisha was a smartman; he give me a good lesson, and it set me to thinkin' serious.
'Pears to me trouble is a kind of mellerin' process, and ef you takeit kindly it doos you good, and you learn to be glad of it. I'm sureLisha and me is twice as fond of one another, twice as willin' towork, and twice as patient with our trials sense dear little Almirydied, and times was hard. I ain't what I ought to be, not by a longchalk, but I try to live up to my light, do my duty cheerful, lovemy neighbors, and fetch up my family in the fear of God. Ef I dothis the best way I know how, I'm sure I'll get my rest some day,and the good Lord won't forgit Cynthy Wilkins. He ain't so fur, forI keep my health wonderfle, Lisha is kind and stiddy, the childrenflourishin', and I'm a happy woman though I be a humly one."There she was mistaken, for as her eye roved round the narrow roomfrom the old hat on the wall to the curly heads bobbing here andthere, contentment, piety, and mother-love made her plain facebeautiful.
"That story has done me ever so much good, and I shall not forgetit. Now, good-night, for I must be up early to-morrow, and I don'twant to drive Mr. Wilkins away entirely," said Christie, after shehad helped put the little folk to bed, during which process she hadheard her host creaking about the kitchen as if afraid to enter thesitting-room.
She laughed as she spoke, and ran up stairs, wondering if she couldbe the same forlorn creature who had crept so wearily up only thenight before.
It was a very humble little sermon that Mrs. Wilkins had preached toher, but she took it to heart and profited by it; for she was apupil in the great charity school where the best teachers are oftenunknown, unhonored here, but who surely will receive commendationand reward from the head master when their long vacation comes.
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1
herald
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| vt.预示...的来临，预告，宣布，欢迎 | |
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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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tranquilly
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| adv. 宁静地 | |
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tranquil
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| adj. 安静的, 宁静的, 稳定的, 不变的 | |
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skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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haven
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| n.安全的地方，避难所，庇护所 | |
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shipwreck
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| n.船舶失事，海难 | |
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fragrance
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| n.芬芳，香味，香气 | |
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pervaded
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| v.遍及，弥漫( pervade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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chattering
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| n. （机器振动发出的）咔嗒声，(鸟等)鸣，啁啾 adj. 喋喋不休的，啾啾声的 动词chatter的现在分词形式 | |
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trotting
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| 小跑，急走( trot的现在分词 )； 匆匆忙忙地走 | |
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soothing
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| adj.慰藉的；使人宽心的；镇静的 | |
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rustle
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| v.沙沙作响；偷盗(牛、马等)；n.沙沙声声 | |
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scrap
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| n.碎片；废料；v.废弃，报废 | |
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hem
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| n.贴边，镶边；vt.缝贴边；(in)包围，限制 | |
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irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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gal
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| n.姑娘，少女 | |
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descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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ushered
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| v.引，领，陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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banished
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| v.放逐，驱逐( banish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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lawful
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| adj.法律许可的，守法的，合法的 | |
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heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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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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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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knack
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| n.诀窍，做事情的灵巧的，便利的方法 | |
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reassuring
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| a.使人消除恐惧和疑虑的，使人放心的 | |
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dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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paucity
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| n.小量，缺乏 | |
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genial
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| adj.亲切的，和蔼的，愉快的，脾气好的 | |
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humility
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| n.谦逊，谦恭 | |
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homely
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| adj.家常的，简朴的；不漂亮的 | |
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implicit
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| a.暗示的，含蓄的，不明晰的，绝对的 | |
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wholesome
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| adj.适合；卫生的；有益健康的；显示身心健康的 | |
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hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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bust
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| vt.打破；vi.爆裂；n.半身像；胸部 | |
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piety
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| n.虔诚，虔敬 | |
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advent
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| n.(重要事件等的)到来，来临 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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picket
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| n.纠察队；警戒哨；v.设置纠察线；布置警卫 | |
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43
clumped
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| adj.[医]成群的v.（树、灌木、植物等的）丛、簇( clump的过去式和过去分词 )；（土、泥等）团；块；笨重的脚步声 | |
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promenade
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| n./v.散步 | |
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zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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46
disparaging
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| adj.轻蔑的，毁谤的v.轻视( disparage的现在分词 )；贬低；批评；非难 | |
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47
atone
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| v.赎罪，补偿 | |
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48
transgression
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| n.违背；犯规；罪过 | |
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49
mite
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| n.极小的东西；小铜币 | |
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50
gab
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| v.空谈，唠叨，瞎扯；n.饶舌，多嘴，爱说话 | |
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52
rummage
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| v./n.翻寻，仔细检查 | |
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53
rattled
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| 慌乱的，恼火的 | |
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grudge
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| n.不满，怨恨，妒嫉；vt.勉强给，不情愿做 | |
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maternal
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| adj.母亲的，母亲般的，母系的，母方的 | |
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56
bonnet
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| n.无边女帽；童帽 | |
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57
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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58
congregated
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| （使）集合，聚集( congregate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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eldest
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| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
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gusty
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| adj.起大风的 | |
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61
concocting
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| v.将（尤指通常不相配合的）成分混合成某物( concoct的现在分词 )；调制；编造；捏造 | |
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detriment
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| n.损害；损害物，造成损害的根源 | |
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lured
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| 吸引，引诱（lure的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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quenched
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| 解（渴）( quench的过去式和过去分词 )； 终止（某事物）； （用水）扑灭（火焰等）； 将（热物体）放入水中急速冷却 | |
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hymns
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| n.赞美诗，圣歌，颂歌( hymn的名词复数 ) | |
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hymn
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| n.赞美诗，圣歌，颂歌 | |
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67
fore
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| adv.在前面；adj.先前的；在前部的；n.前部 | |
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precipitate
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| adj.突如其来的；vt.使突然发生；n.沉淀物 | |
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doughy
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| adj.面团的，苍白的，半熟的；软弱无力 | |
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delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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raisin
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| n.葡萄干 | |
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reposed
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| v.将（手臂等）靠在某人（某物）上( repose的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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herd
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| n.兽群，牧群；vt.使集中，把…赶在一起 | |
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bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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incited
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| 刺激，激励，煽动( incite的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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gem
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| n.宝石，珠宝；受爱戴的人 [同]jewel | |
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defiance
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| n.挑战，挑衅，蔑视，违抗 | |
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quell
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| v.压制，平息，减轻 | |
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enact
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| vt.制定(法律)；上演，扮演 | |
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portrayed
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| v.画像( portray的过去式和过去分词 )；描述；描绘；描画 | |
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82
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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perplexed
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| adj.不知所措的 | |
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pranks
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| n.玩笑，恶作剧( prank的名词复数 ) | |
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85
perils
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| 极大危险( peril的名词复数 )； 危险的事（或环境） | |
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86
trample
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| vt.踩，践踏；无视，伤害，侵犯 | |
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fray
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| v.争吵；打斗；磨损，磨破；n.吵架；打斗 | |
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88
precipitated
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| v.（突如其来地）使发生( precipitate的过去式和过去分词 )；促成；猛然摔下；使沉淀 | |
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89
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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90
bruises
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| n.瘀伤，伤痕，擦伤( bruise的名词复数 ) | |
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91
assuaged
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| v.减轻( assuage的过去式和过去分词 )；缓和；平息；使安静 | |
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92
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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93
enraptured
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| v.使狂喜( enrapture的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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94
recital
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| n.朗诵，独奏会，独唱会 | |
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95
harassed
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| adj. 疲倦的，厌烦的 动词harass的过去式和过去分词 | |
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96
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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97
cinder
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| n.余烬，矿渣 | |
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98
wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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99
lamentation
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| n.悲叹，哀悼 | |
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100
vow
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| n.誓(言)，誓约；v.起誓，立誓 | |
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101
outraged
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| a.震惊的，义愤填膺的 | |
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102
solace
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| n.安慰；v.使快乐；vt.安慰(物)，缓和 | |
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103
solaced
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| v.安慰，慰藉( solace的过去分词 ) | |
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104
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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105
mettlesome
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| adj.（通常指马等）精力充沛的，勇猛的 | |
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106
erecting
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| v.使直立，竖起( erect的现在分词 )；建立 | |
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107
pagoda
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| n.宝塔（尤指印度和远东的多层宝塔），（印度教或佛教的）塔式庙宇 | |
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108
shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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109
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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110
enveloped
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| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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111
virtuous
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| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
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112
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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113
triangular
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| adj.三角（形）的，三者间的 | |
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114
appreciation
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| n.评价；欣赏；感谢；领会，理解；价格上涨 | |
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115
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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116
vocal
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| adj.直言不讳的；嗓音的；n.[pl.]声乐节目 | |
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117
patronage
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| n.赞助，支援，援助；光顾，捧场 | |
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118
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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119
labors
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| v.努力争取(for)( labor的第三人称单数 )；苦干；详细分析；（指引擎）缓慢而困难地运转 | |
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120
reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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121
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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122
briny
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| adj.盐水的；很咸的；n.海洋 | |
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123
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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124
plight
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| n.困境，境况，誓约，艰难；vt.宣誓，保证，约定 | |
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125
inured
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| adj.坚强的，习惯的 | |
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126
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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127
imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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128
woes
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| 困境( woe的名词复数 )； 悲伤； 我好苦哇； 某人就要倒霉 | |
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129
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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130
sociable
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| adj.好交际的，友好的，合群的 | |
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131
pictorial
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| adj.绘画的；图片的；n．画报 | |
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132
cosy
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| adj.温暖而舒适的，安逸的 | |
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133
dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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134
placid
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| adj.安静的，平和的 | |
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135
hunched
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| （常指因寒冷、生病或愁苦）耸肩弓身的，伏首前倾的 | |
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136
maples
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| 槭树，枫树( maple的名词复数 )； 槭木 | |
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137
brook
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| n.小河，溪；v.忍受，容让 | |
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138
musingly
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| adv.沉思地，冥想地 | |
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139
haze
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| n.霾，烟雾；懵懂，迷糊；vi.(over)变模糊 | |
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140
promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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141
boiler
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| n.锅炉；煮器(壶，锅等) | |
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142
placidly
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| adv.平稳地，平静地 | |
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143
drudge
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| n.劳碌的人；v.做苦工，操劳 | |
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144
remorseful
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| adj.悔恨的 | |
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145
groan
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| vi./n.呻吟，抱怨；(发出)呻吟般的声音 | |
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146
dinginess
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| n.暗淡，肮脏 | |
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147
spat
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| n.口角，掌击；v.发出呼噜呼噜声 | |
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148
seethe
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| vi.拥挤，云集；发怒，激动，骚动 | |
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149
batch
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| n.一批(组，群)；一批生产量 | |
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150
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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151
grit
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| n.沙粒，决心，勇气；v.下定决心，咬紧牙关 | |
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152
deluge
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| n./vt.洪水，暴雨，使泛滥 | |
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153
tinkle
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| vi.叮当作响；n.叮当声 | |
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154
sieve
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| n.筛，滤器，漏勺 | |
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155
streak
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| n.条理，斑纹，倾向，少许，痕迹；v.加条纹，变成条纹，奔驰，快速移动 | |
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156
embellished
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| v.美化( embellish的过去式和过去分词 )；装饰；修饰；润色 | |
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157
repentant
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| adj.对…感到悔恨的 | |
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158
pathos
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| n.哀婉，悲怆 | |
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159
martyr
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| n.烈士，殉难者；vt.杀害，折磨，牺牲 | |
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160
meek
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| adj.温顺的，逆来顺受的 | |
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161
berth
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| n.卧铺，停泊地，锚位；v.使停泊 | |
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162
taut
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| adj.拉紧的，绷紧的，紧张的 | |
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163
rein
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| n.疆绳，统治，支配；vt.以僵绳控制，统治 | |
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164
lesser
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| adj.次要的，较小的；adv.较小地，较少地 | |
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