MR. POWER.
NEXT day Christie braved the lion in his den1, otherwise the flintyFlint, in her second-class boarding-house, and found that alarm andremorse had produced a softening2 effect upon her. She wasunfeignedly glad to see her lost lodger3 safe, and finding that thenew friends were likely to put her in the way of paying her debts,this much harassed4 matron permitted her to pack up her possessions,leaving one trunk as a sort of hostage. Then, with promises toredeem it as soon as possible, Christie said good-bye to the littleroom where she had hoped and suffered, lived and labored7 so long,and went joyfully8 back to the humble9 home she had found with thegood laundress.
All the following week Christie "chored round," as Mrs. Wilkinscalled the miscellaneous light work she let her do. Much washing,combing, and clean pinaforing of children fell to her share, and sheenjoyed it amazingly; then, when the elder ones were packed off toschool she lent a hand to any of the numberless tasks housewivesfind to do from morning till night. In the afternoon, when otherwork was done, and little Vic asleep or happy with her playthings,Christie clapped laces, sprinkled muslins, and picked out edgings atthe great table where Mrs. Wilkins stood ironing, fluting10, andcrimping till the kitchen bristled11 all over with immaculate frillsand flounces.
It was pretty delicate work, and Christie liked it, for Mrs. Wilkinswas an adept12 at her trade and took as much pride and pleasure in itas any French blanchis-seuse tripping through the streets of Pariswith a tree full of coquettish caps, capes13, and petticoats bornebefore her by a half invisible boy.
Being women, of course they talked as industriously14 as they worked;fingers flew and tongues clacked with equal profit and pleasure,and, by Saturday, Christie had made up her mind that Mrs. Wilkinswas the most sensible woman she ever knew. Her grammar was anoutrage upon the memory of Lindley Murray, but the goodness of herheart would have done honor to any saint in the calendar. She wasvery plain, and her manners were by no means elegant, but goodtemper made that homely15 face most lovable, and natural refinement16 ofsoul made mere17 external polish of small account. Her shrewd ideasand odd sayings amused Christie very much, while her good sense andbright way of looking at things did the younger woman a world ofgood.
Mr. Wilkins devoted18 himself to the making of shoes and theconsumption of food, with the silent regularity19 of a placid20 animal.
His one dissipation was tobacco, and in a fragrant21 cloud of smoke helived and moved and had his being so entirely22 that he might havebeen described as a pipe with a man somewhere behind it. Christieonce laughingly spoke23 of this habit and declared she would try itherself if she thought it would make her as quiet andundemonstrative as Mr. Wilkins, who, to tell the truth, made no moreimpression on her than a fly.
"I don't approve on't, but he might do wuss. We all have to have ourcomfort somehow, so I let Lisha smoke as much as he likes, and helets me gab24, so it's about fair, I reckon," answered Mrs. Wilkins,from the suds.
She laughed as she spoke, but something in her face made Christiesuspect that at some period of his life Lisha had done "wuss;" andsubsequent observations confirmed this suspicion and another onealso,--that his good wife had saved him, and was gently easing himback to self-control and self-respect. But, as old Fuller quaintlysays, "She so gently folded up his faults in silence that fewguessed them," and loyally paid him that respect which she desiredothers to bestow25. It was always "Lisha and me," "I'll ask myhusband" or "Lisha 'll know; he don't say much, but he's a dreadfulsmart man," and she kept up the fiction so dear to her wifely soulby endowing him with her own virtues26, and giving him the credit ofher own intelligence.
Christie loved her all the better for this devotion, and for hersake treated Mr. Wilkins as if he possessed27 the strength of Samsonand the wisdom of Solomon. He received her respect as if it was hisdue, and now and then graciously accorded her a few words beyond theusual scanty28 allowance of morning and evening greetings. At his shopall day, she only saw him at meals and sometimes of an evening, forMrs. Wilkins tried to keep him at home safe from temptation, andChristie helped her by reading, talking, and frolicking with thechildren, so that he might find home attractive. He loved his babiesand would even relinquish29 his precious pipe for a time to ride thelittle chaps on his foot, or amuse Vic with shadow rabbit's on thewall.
At such times the entire content in Mrs. Wilkins's face made tobaccofumes endurable, and the burden of a dull man's presence lessoppressive to Christie, who loved to pay her debts in somethingbesides money.
As they sat together finishing off some delicate laces that Saturdayafternoon, Mrs. Wilkins said, "Ef it's fair to-morrow I want you togo to my meetin' and hear my minister. It'll do you good.""Who is he?""Mr. Power."Christie looked rather startled, for she had heard of Thomas Poweras a rampant30 radical31 and infidel of the deepest dye, and been warnednever to visit that den of iniquity32 called his free church.
"Why, Mrs. Wilkins, you don't mean it!" she said, leaving her laceto dry at the most critical stage.
"Yee, I do!" answered Mrs. Wilkins, setting down her flat-iron withemphasis, and evidently preparing to fight valiantly33 for herminister, as most women will.
"I beg your pardon; I was a little surprised, for I'd heard allsorts of things about him," Christie hastened to say.
"Did you ever hear him, or read any of his writins?" demanded Mrs.
Wilkins, with a calmer air.
"Never.""Then don't judge. You go hear and see that blessed man, and ef youdon't say he's the shadder of a great rock in a desert land, I'llgive up," cried the good woman, waxing poetical34 in her warmth.
"I will to please you, if nothing else. I did go once just because Iwas told not to; but he did not preach that day and every thing wasso peculiar35, I didn't know whether to like it or be shocked.""It is kind of sing'lar at fust, I'm free to confess, and not aschurchy as some folks like. But there ain't no place but that bigenough to hold the crowds that want to go, for the more he's abusedthe more folks flock to see him. They git their money's wuth I dobelieve, for though there ain't no pulpits and pews, there's a sightof brotherly love round in them seats, and pious36 practice, as wellas powerful preaching, in that shabby desk. He don't need nocommandments painted up behind him to read on Sunday, for he keeps'em in his heart and life all the week as honest as man can."There Mrs. Wilkins paused, flushed and breathless with her defence,and Christie said, candidly37: "I did like the freedom and good-willthere, for people sat where they liked, and no one frowned over shutpew-doors, at me a stranger. An old black woman sat next me, andsaid 'Amen' when she liked what she heard, and a very shabby youngman was on the other, listening as if his soul was as hungry as hisbody. People read books, laughed and cried, clapped when pleased,and hissed38 when angry; that I did not like.""No more does Mr. Power; he don't mind the cryin' and the smilin' asit's nat'ral, but noise and disrespect of no kind ain't pleasin' tohim. His own folks behave becomin', but strangers go and act as theylike, thinkin' that there ain't no bounds to the word free. Then weare picked at for their doin's, and Mr. Power has to carry otherfolkses' sins on his shoulders. But, dear suz, it ain't much matterafter all, ef the souls is well-meanin'. Children always make anoise a strivin' after what they want most, and I shouldn't wonderef the Lord forgive all our short-comin's of that sort, sense we arehankerin' and reachin' for the truth.""I wish I had heard Mr. Power that day, for I was striving afterpeace with all my heart, and he might have given it to me," saidChristie, interested and impressed with what she heard.
"Wal, no, dear, I guess not. Peace ain't give to no one all of asuddin, it gen'lly comes through much tribulation39, and the sort thatcomes hardest is best wuth havin'. Mr. Power would a' ploughed andharrered you, so to speak, and sowed good seed liberal; then ef youwarn't barren ground things would have throve, and the Lord give youa harvest accordin' to your labor6. Who did you hear?" asked Mrs.
"A very young man who seemed to be airing his ideas and beliefs inthe frankest manner. He belabored41 everybody and every thing, upsetchurch and state, called names, arranged heaven and earth to suithimself, and evidently meant every word he said. Much of it wouldhave been ridiculous if the boy had not been so thoroughly42 inearnest; sincerity43 always commands respect, and though peoplesmiled, they liked his courage, and seemed to think he would make aman when his spiritual wild oats were sown.""I ain't a doubt on't. We often have such, and they ain't all emptytalk, nuther; some of 'em are surprisingly bright, and all mean sowell I don't never reluct to hear 'em. They must blow off theirsteam somewheres, else they'd bust44 with the big idees a swellin' in'em; Mr. Power knows it and gives 'em the chance they can't findnowheres else. 'Pears to me," added Mrs. Wilkins, ironing rapidly asshe spoke, "that folks is very like clothes, and a sight has to bedone to keep 'em clean and whole. All on us has to lend a hand inthis dreadful mixed-up wash, and each do our part, same as you andme is now. There's scrubbin' and bilin', wrenchin' and bluein',dryin' and foldin', ironin' and polishin', before any of us is fitfor wear a Sunday mornin'.""What part does Mr. Power do?" asked Christie, much amused at thispeculiarly appropriate simile45.
"The scrubbin' and the bilin'; that's always the hardest and thehottest part. He starts the dirt and gits the stains out, and leaves'em ready for other folks to finish off. It ain't such pleasant workas hangin' out, or such pretty work as doin' up, but some one's gotto do it, and them that's strongest does it best, though they don'tgit half so much credit as them as polishes and crimps. That's showywork, but it wouldn't be no use ef the things warn't well washedfust," and Mrs. Wilkins thoughtfully surveyed the snowy muslin cap,with its border fluted46 like the petals47 of a prim48 white daisy, thathung on her hand.
"I'd like to be a washerwoman of that sort; but as I'm not one ofthe strong, I'll be a laundress, and try to make purity asattractive as you do," said Christie, soberly.
"Ah, my dear, it's warm and wearin' work I do assure you, and hardto give satisfaction, try as you may. Crowns of glory ain't wore inthis world, but it's my 'pinion49 that them that does the hard jobshere will stand a good chance of havin' extra bright ones when theygit through.""I know you will," said Christie, warmly.
"Land alive, child! I warn't thinking of Cynthy Wilkins, but Mr.
Power. I'll be satisfied ef I can set low down somewheres and seehim git the meddle50. He won't in this world, but I know there'srewards savin' up for him byme-by.""I'll go to-morrow if it pours!" said Christie, with decision.
"Do, and I'll lend you my bunnit," cried Mrs. Wilkins, passing, withcomical rapidity, from crowns of glory to her own cherishedhead-gear.
"Thank you, but I can't wear blue, I look as yellow as a dandelionin it. Mrs. Flint let me have my best things though I offered toleave them, so I shall be respectable and by-and-by blossom out."On the morrow Christie went early, got a good seat, and for half anhour watched the gathering51 of the motley congregation that filledthe great hall. Some came in timidly, as if doubtful of theirwelcome; some noisily, as if, as Mrs. Wilkins said, they had notlearned the wide difference between liberty and license52; many as ifeager and curious; and a large number with the look of childrengathering round a family table ready to be fed, and sure thatwholesome food would be bountifully provided for them.
Christie was struck by the large proportion of young people in theplace, of all classes, both sexes, and strongly contrasting faces.
Delicate girls looking with the sweet wistfulness of maidenly53 heartsfor something strong to lean upon and love; sad-eyed women turningto heaven for the consolations54 or the satisfactions earth could notgive them; anxious mothers perplexed55 with many cares, trying to findlight and strength; young men with ardent56 faces, restless, aspiring,and impetuous, longing57 to do and dare; tired-looking students, withperplexed wrinkles on their foreheads, evidently come to see if thisman had discovered the great secrets they were delving58 after; andsoul-sick people trying this new, and perhaps dangerous medicine,when others failed to cure. Many earnest, thoughtful men and womenwere there, some on the anxious seat, and some already at peace,having found the clew that leads safely through the labyrinth59 oflife. Here and there a white head, a placid old face, or one ofthose fine countenances60 that tell, unconsciously, the beautifulstory of a victorious61 soul.
Some read, some talked, some had flowers in their hands, and all satat ease, rich and poor, black and white, young and old, waiting forthe coming of the man who had power to attract and hold so many ofhis kind. Christie was so intent on watching those about her thatshe did not see him enter, and only knew it by the silence whichbegan just in front of her, and seemed to flow backward like a wave,leaving a sea of expectant faces turning to one point. That pointwas a gray head, just visible above the little desk which stood inthe middle of a great platform. A vase of lovely flowers was on thelittle shelf at one side, a great Bible reposed62 on the other, and amanuscript lay on the red slope between.
In a moment Christie forgot every thing else, and waited with acurious anxiety to see what manner of man this was. Presently he gotup with an open book in his hand, saying, in a strong, cheerfulvoice: "Let us sing," and having read a hymn63 as if he had composedit, he sat down again.
Then everybody did sing; not harmoniously64, but heartily65, led by anorgan, which the voices followed at their own sweet will. At first,Christie wanted to smile, for some shouted and some hummed, some satsilent, and others sung sweetly; but before the hymn ended she likedit, and thought that the natural praise of each individual soul wasperhaps more grateful to the ear of God than masses by greatmasters, or psalms66 warbled tunefully by hired opera singers.
Then Mr. Power rose again, and laying his hands together, with apeculiarly soft and reverent67 gesture, lifted up his face and prayed.
Christie had never heard a prayer like that before; so devout68, socomprehensive, and so brief. A quiet talk with God, asking nothingbut more love and duty toward Him and our fellow-men; thanking Himfor many mercies, and confiding69 all things trustfully to the "dearfather and mother of souls."The sermon which followed was as peculiar as the prayer, and aseffective. "One of Power's judgment-day sermons," as she heard oneman say to another, when it was over. Christie certainly felt atfirst as if kingdoms and thrones were going down, and each man beingsent to his own place. A powerful and popular wrong was arrested,tried, and sentenced then and there, with a courage and fidelitythat made plain words eloquent70, and stern justice beautiful. He didnot take David of old for his text, but the strong, sinful, splendidDavids of our day, who had not fulfilled the promise of their youth,and whose seeming success was a delusion71 and a snare72 to themselvesand others, sure to be followed by sorrowful abandonment, defeat,and shame. The ashes of the ancient hypocrites and Pharisees wasleft in peace, but those now living were heartily denounced; modernmoney-changers scourged73 out of the temple, and the everlasting74 truthset up therein.
As he spoke, not loudly nor vehemently75, but with the indescribableeffect of inward force and true inspiration, a curious stir wentthrough the crowd at times, as a great wind sweeps over a cornfield, lifting the broad leaves to the light and testing thestrength of root and stem. People looked at one another with aroused expression; eyes kindled76, heads nodded involuntary approval,and an emphatic77, "that's so!" dropped from the lips of men who sawtheir own vague instincts and silent opinions strongly confirmed andnobly uttered. Consciences seemed to have been pricked78 to duty, eyescleared to see that their golden idols79 had feet of clay, andwavering wills strengthened by the salutary courage and integrity ofone indomitable man. Another hymn, and a benediction81 that seemedlike a fit grace after meat, and then the crowd poured out; notyawning, thinking of best clothes, or longing for dinner, but wakedup, full of talk, and eager to do something to redeem5 the countryand the world.
Christie went rapidly home because she could not help it, and burstin upon Mrs. Wilkins with a face full of enthusiasm, exclaiming,while she cast off her bonnet82 as if her head had outgrown83 it sinceshe left:
"It was splendid! I never heard such a sermon before, and I'll nevergo to church anywhere else.""I knew it! ain't it fillin'? don't it give you a kind of spiritnlh'ist, and make things wuth more somehow?" cried Mrs. Wilkins,gesticulating with the pepper-pot in a way which did not improve thesteak she was cooking, and caused great anguish84 to the noses of heroffspring, who were watching the operation.
Quite deaf to the chorus of sneezes which accompanied her words,Christie answered, brushing back her hair, as if to get a betterout-look at creation generally:
"Oh, yes, indeed! At first it was rather terrible, and yet so true Iwouldn't change a word of it. But I don't wonder he ismisunderstood, belied85, and abused. He tells the truth so plainly,and lets in the light so clearly, that hypocrites and sinners mustfear and hate him. I think he was a little hard and unsparing,sometimes, though I don't know enough to judge the men and measureshe condemned86. I admire him very much, but I should be afraid of himif I ever saw him nearer.""No, you wouldn't; not a grain. You hear him preach agin and you'llfind him as gentle as a lamb. Strong folks is apt to be ruther ha'shat times; they can't help it no more than this stove can helpscorchin' the vittles when it gits red hot. Dinner's ready, so setright up and tell me all about it," said Mrs. Wilkins, slapping thesteak on to the platter, and beginning to deal out fried potatoesall round with absent-minded lavishness87.
Christie talked, and the good soul enjoyed that far more than herdinner, for she meant to ask Mr. Power to help her find the rightsort of home for the stranger whose unfitness for her present placewas every day made more apparent to the mind of her hostess.
"What took you there first?" asked Christie, still wondering at Mrs.
Wilkins's choice of a minister.
"The Lord, my dear," answered the good woman, in a tone of calmconviction. "I'd heard of him, and I always have a leanin' towardsthem that's reviled88; so one Sabbath I felt to go, and did. 'That'sthe gospel for me,' says I, 'my old church ain't big enough now, andI ain't goin' to set and nod there any longer,' and I didn't.""Hadn't you any doubts about it, any fears of going wrong or beingsorry afterwards?" asked Christie, who believed, as many do, thatreligion could not be attained89 without much tribulation of somekind.
"In some things folks is led; I be frequent, and when them leadin'scorne I don't ask no questions but jest foller, and it always turnsout right.""I wish I could be led.""You be, my dear, every day of your life only you don't see it. Whenyou are doubtful, set still till the call conies, then git up andwalk whichever way it says, and you won't fall. You've had bread andwater long enough, now you want meat and wine a spell; take it, andwhen it's time for milk and honey some one will fetch 'em ef youkeep your table ready. The Lord feeds us right; it's we that quarrelwith our vittles.""I will," said Christie, and began at once to prepare her littleboard for the solid food of which she had had a taste that day.
That afternoon Mrs. Wilkins took her turn at church-going, saw Mr.
Power, told Christie's story in her best style, and ended by saying:
"She's true grit80, I do assure you, sir. Willin' to work, but she'sseen the hard side of things and got kind of discouraged. Soul andbody both wants tinkerin' up, and I don't know anybody who can dothe job better 'n you can.""Very well, I'll come and see her," answered Mr. Power, and Mrs.
Wilkins went home well satisfied.
He kept his word, and about the middle of the week came walking inupon them as they were at work.
"Don't let the irons cool," he said, and sitting down in the kitchenbegan to talk as comfortably as if in the best parlor90; more so,perhaps, for best parlors91 are apt to have a depressing effect uponthe spirits, while the mere sight of labor is exhilarating toenergetic minds.
Wilkins on various charitable matters, for he was a minister atlarge, and she one of his almoners. Christie could really see himnow, for when he preached she forgot the man in the sermon, andthought of him only as a visible conscience.
A sturdy man of fifty, with a keen, brave face, penetrating93 eyes,and mouth a little grim; but a voice so resonant94 and sweet itreminded one of silver trumpets95, and stirred and won the hearer withirresistible power. Rough gray hair, and all the features ratherrugged, as if the Great Sculptor96 had blocked out a grand statue, andleft the man's own soul to finish it.
Had Christie known that he came to see her she would have been illat ease; but Mrs. Wilkins had kept her own counsel, so when Mr.
Power turned to Christie, saying:
"My friend here tells me you want something to do. Would you like tohelp a Quaker lady with her housework, just out of town?"She answered readily: "Yes, sir, any thing that is honest.""Not as a servant, exactly, but companion and helper. Mrs. Sterlingis a dear old lady, and the place a pleasant little nest. It is goodto be there, and I think you'll say so if you go.""It sounds pleasant. When shall I go?"Mr. Power smiled at her alacrity98, but the longing look in her eyesexplained it, for he saw at a glance that her place was not here.
"I will write at once and let you know how matters are settled. Thenyou shall try it, and if it is not what you want, we will find yousomething else. There's plenty to do, and nothing pleasanter than toput the right pair of hands to the right task. Good-by; come and seeme if the spirit moves, and don't let go of Mrs. Wilkins till youlay hold of a better friend, if you can find one."Then he shook hands cordially, and went walking out again into thewild March weather as if he liked it.
"Were you afraid of him?" asked Mrs. Wilkins.
"I forgot all about it: he looked so kind and friendly. But Ishouldn't like to have those piercing eyes of his fixed99 on me longif I had any secret on my conscience," answered Christie.
"You ain't nothin' to fear. He liked your way of speakin' fust rate,I see that, and you'll be all right now he's took hold.""Do you know Mrs. Sterling97?""Only by sight, but she's a sweet appearin' woman, and I wouldn'task nothin' better 'n to see more of her," said Mrs. Wilkins,warmly, fearing Christie's heart might misgive100 her.
But it did not, and when a note came saying Mrs. Sterling would beready for her the next week, she seemed quite content with everything, for though the wages were not high she felt that country airand quiet were worth more to her just then than money, and thatWilkinses were better taken homceopathically.
The spirit did move her to go and see Mr. Power, but she could notmake up her mind to pass that invisible barrier which stands betweenso many who could give one another genuine help if they only daredto ask it. But when Sunday came she went to church, eager for more,and thankful that she knew where to go for it.
This was a very different sermon from the other, and Christie feltas if he preached it for her alone. "Keep innocency101 and take heed102 tothe thing that is right, for this will bring a man peace at thelast," might have been the text, and Mr. Power treated it as if hehad known all the trials and temptations that made it hard to liveup to.
Justice and righteous wrath103 possessed him before, now mercy andtenderest sympathy for those who faltered104 in well-doing, and thestern judge seemed changed to a pitiful father. But better than thepity was the wise counsel, the cheering words, and the devoutsurrender of the soul to its best instincts; its close communionwith its Maker105, unchilled by fear, untrammelled by the narrowness ofsect or superstition106, but full and free and natural as the breath oflife.
As she listened Christie felt as if she was climbing up from asolitary valley, through mist and shadow toward a mountain top,where, though the way might be rough and strong winds blow, shewould get a wider outlook over the broad earth, and be nearer theserene blue sky. For the first time in her life religion seemed avisible and vital thing; a power that she could grasp and feel, takeinto her life and make her daily bread. Not a vague, vast ideafloating before her, now beautiful, now terrible, always undefinedand far away.
She was strangely and powerfully moved that day, for the ploughinghad begun; and when the rest stood up for the last hymn, Christiecould only bow her head and let the uncontrollable tears flow downlike summer rain, while her heart sang with new aspiration107:
"Nearer, my God, to thee,E'en though a cross it beThat raiseth me,Still all my song shall be,Nearer, my God, to thee.
Nearer to thee!"Sitting with her hand before her eyes, she never stirred till thesound of many feet told her that service was done. Then she wipedher eyes, dropped her veil, and was about to rise when she saw alittle bunch of flowers between the leaves of the hymn book lyingopen in her lap. Only a knot of violets set in their own broadleaves, but blue as friendly eyes looking into hers, and sweet askind words whispered in her ear. She looked about her hoping todetect and thank the giver; but all faces were turned the other way,and all feet departing rapidly.
Christie followed with a very grateful thought in her heart for thislittle kindness from some unknown friend; and, anxious to recoverherself entirely before she faced Mrs. Wilkins, she took a turn inthe park.
The snow was gone, high winds had dried the walk, and a clear skyoverhead made one forget sodden108 turf and chilly109 air. March was goingout like a lamb, and Christie enjoyed an occasional vernal whifffrom far-off fields and wakening woods, as she walked down the broadmall watching the buds on the boughs110, and listening to the twitterof the sparrows, evidently discussing the passers-by as they sat atthe doors of their little mansions111.
Presently she turned to walk back again and saw Mr. Power comingtoward her. She was glad, for all her fear had vanished now, and shewanted to thank him for the sermon that had moved her so deeply. Heshook hands in his cordial way, and, turning, walked with her,beginning at once to talk of her affairs as if interested in them.
"Are you ready for the new experiment?" he asked.
"Quite ready, sir; very glad to go, and very much obliged to you foryour kindness in providing for me.""That is what we were put into the world for, to help one another.
You can pass on the kindness by serving my good friends who, inreturn, will do their best for you.""That's so pleasant! I always knew there were plenty of good,friendly people in the world, only I did not seem to find themoften, or be able to keep them long when I did. Is Mr. Sterling anagreeable old man?""Very agreeable, but not old. David is about thirty-one or two, Ithink. He is the son of my friend, the husband died some years ago.
I thought I mentioned it.""You said in your note that Mr. Sterling was a florist112, and mightlike me to help in the green-house, if I was willing. It must belovely work, and I should like it very much.""Yes, David devotes himself to his flowers, and leads a very quietlife. You may think him rather grave and blunt at first, but you'llsoon find him out and get on comfortably, for he is a trulyexcellent fellow, and my right-hand man in good works."A curious little change had passed over Christie's face during theselast questions and answers, unconscious, but quite observable tokeen eyes like Mr. Power's. Surprise and interest appeared first,then a shadow of reserve as if the young woman dropped a thin veilbetween herself and the young man, and at the last words a halfsmile and a slight raising of the brows seemed to express the queermixture of pity and indifference113 with which we are all apt to regard"excellent fellows" and "amiable114 girls." Mr. Power understood thelook, and went on more confidentially115 than he had at first intended,for he did not want Christie to go off with a prejudice in her mindwhich might do both David and herself injustice116.
"People sometimes misjudge him, for he is rather old-fashioned inmanner and plain in speech, and may seem unsocial, because he doesnot seek society. But those who know the cause of this forgive anylittle short-comings for the sake of the genuine goodness of theman. David had a great trouble some years ago and suffered much. Heis learning to bear it bravely, and is the better for it, though thememory of it is still bitter, and the cross hard to bear even withpride to help him hide it, and principle to keep him from despair."Mr. Power glanced at Christie as he paused, and was satisfied withthe effect of his words, for interest, pity, and respect shone inher face, and proved that he had touched the right string. Sheseemed to feel that this little confidence was given for a purpose,and showed that she accepted it as a sort of gage117 for her ownfidelity to her new employers.
"Thank you, sir, I shall remember," she said, with her frank eyeslifted gravely to his own. "I like to work for people whom I canrespect," she added, "and will bear with any peculiarities118 of Mr.
Sterling's without a thought of complaint. When a man has sufferedthrough one woman, all women should be kind and patient with him,and try to atone119 for the wrong which lessens120 his respect and faithin them.""There you are right; and in this case all women should be kind, forDavid pities and protects womankind as the only retaliation121 for thelife-long grief one woman brought upon him. That's not a commonrevenge, is it?""It's beautiful!" cried Christie, and instantly David was a hero.
"At one time it was an even chance whether that trouble sent Davidto 'the devil,' as he expressed it, or made a man of him. Thatlittle saint of a mother kept him safe till the first desperationwas over, and now he lives for her, as he ought. Not so romantic anending as a pistol or Byronic scorn for the world in general andwomen in particular, but dutiful and brave, since it often takesmore courage to live than to die.""Yes, sir," said Christie, heartily, though her eyes fell,remembering how she had failed with far less cause for despair thanDavid.
They were at the gate now, and Mr. Power left her, saying, with avigorous hand-shake:
"Best wishes for a happy summer. I shall come sometimes to see howyou prosper122; and remember, if you tire of it and want to change, letme know, for I take great satisfaction in putting the right peoplein the right places. Good-by, and God be with you."
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den
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| n.兽穴；秘密地方；安静的小房间，私室 | |
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softening
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lodger
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| n.寄宿人，房客 | |
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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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redeem
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| v.买回，赎回，挽回，恢复，履行（诺言等） | |
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6
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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labored
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| adj.吃力的，谨慎的v.努力争取(for)( labor的过去式和过去分词 )；苦干；详细分析；（指引擎）缓慢而困难地运转 | |
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joyfully
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| adv. 喜悦地, 高兴地 | |
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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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fluting
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| 有沟槽的衣料； 吹笛子； 笛声； 刻凹槽 | |
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bristled
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| adj. 直立的，多刺毛的 动词bristle的过去式和过去分词 | |
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adept
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| adj.老练的，精通的 | |
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capes
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| 碎谷； 斗篷( cape的名词复数 )； 披肩； 海角； 岬 | |
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industriously
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homely
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| adj.家常的，简朴的；不漂亮的 | |
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16
refinement
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| n.文雅；高尚；精美；精制；精炼 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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18
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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19
regularity
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| n.规律性，规则性；匀称，整齐 | |
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20
placid
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| adj.安静的，平和的 | |
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21
fragrant
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| adj.芬香的，馥郁的，愉快的 | |
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22
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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23
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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24
gab
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| v.空谈，唠叨，瞎扯；n.饶舌，多嘴，爱说话 | |
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25
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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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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29
relinquish
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| v.放弃，撤回，让与，放手 | |
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rampant
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| adj.(植物)蔓生的；狂暴的，无约束的 | |
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radical
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| n.激进份子，原子团，根号；adj.根本的，激进的，彻底的 | |
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32
iniquity
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| n.邪恶；不公正 | |
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valiantly
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| adv.勇敢地，英勇地；雄赳赳 | |
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34
poetical
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| adj.似诗人的；诗一般的；韵文的；富有诗意的 | |
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peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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36
pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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37
candidly
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| adv.坦率地，直率而诚恳地 | |
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38
hissed
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| 发嘶嘶声( hiss的过去式和过去分词 )； 发嘘声表示反对 | |
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39
tribulation
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| n.苦难，灾难 | |
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40
starch
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| n.淀粉；vt.给...上浆 | |
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41
belabored
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| v.毒打一顿( belabor的过去式和过去分词 )；责骂；就…作过度的说明；向…唠叨 | |
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42
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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43
sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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44
bust
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| vt.打破；vi.爆裂；n.半身像；胸部 | |
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45
simile
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| n.直喻，明喻 | |
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46
fluted
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| a.有凹槽的 | |
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47
petals
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| n.花瓣( petal的名词复数 ) | |
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48
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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49
pinion
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| v.束缚；n.小齿轮 | |
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50
meddle
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| v.干预，干涉，插手 | |
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51
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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52
license
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| n.执照，许可证，特许；v.许可，特许 | |
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53
maidenly
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| adj. 像处女的, 谨慎的, 稳静的 | |
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54
consolations
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| n.安慰，慰问( consolation的名词复数 )；起安慰作用的人（或事物） | |
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55
perplexed
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| adj.不知所措的 | |
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56
ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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57
longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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58
delving
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| v.深入探究，钻研( delve的现在分词 ) | |
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59
labyrinth
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| n.迷宫；难解的事物；迷路 | |
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60
countenances
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| n.面容( countenance的名词复数 )；表情；镇静；道义支持 | |
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61
victorious
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| adj.胜利的，得胜的 | |
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62
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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63
hymn
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| n.赞美诗，圣歌，颂歌 | |
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64
harmoniously
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| 和谐地，调和地 | |
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65
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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66
psalms
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| n.赞美诗( psalm的名词复数 )；圣诗；圣歌；(中的) | |
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67
reverent
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| adj.恭敬的，虔诚的 | |
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68
devout
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| adj.虔诚的，虔敬的，衷心的 (n.devoutness) | |
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69
confiding
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| adj.相信人的，易于相信的v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的现在分词 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
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70
eloquent
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| adj.雄辩的，口才流利的；明白显示出的 | |
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71
delusion
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| n.谬见，欺骗，幻觉，迷惑 | |
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72
snare
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| n.陷阱，诱惑，圈套；（去除息肉或者肿瘤的）勒除器；响弦，小军鼓；vt.以陷阱捕获，诱惑 | |
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73
scourged
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| 鞭打( scourge的过去式和过去分词 )； 惩罚，压迫 | |
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74
everlasting
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| adj.永恒的，持久的，无止境的 | |
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75
vehemently
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| adv. 热烈地 | |
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76
kindled
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| （使某物）燃烧，着火( kindle的过去式和过去分词 )； 激起（感情等）； 发亮，放光 | |
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77
emphatic
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| adj.强调的，着重的；无可置疑的，明显的 | |
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78
pricked
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| 刺，扎，戳( prick的过去式和过去分词 )； 刺伤； 刺痛； 使剧痛 | |
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79
idols
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| 偶像( idol的名词复数 )； 受崇拜的人或物； 受到热爱和崇拜的人或物； 神像 | |
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80
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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81
benediction
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| n.祝福；恩赐 | |
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82
bonnet
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| n.无边女帽；童帽 | |
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83
outgrown
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| 长[发展] 得超过（某物）的范围( outgrow的过去分词 )； 长[发展]得不能再要（某物）； 长得比…快； 生长速度超过 | |
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84
anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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85
belied
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| v.掩饰( belie的过去式和过去分词 )；证明（或显示）…为虚假；辜负；就…扯谎 | |
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86
condemned
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| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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87
lavishness
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| n.浪费，过度 | |
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88
reviled
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| v.辱骂，痛斥( revile的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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89
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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90
parlor
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| n.店铺，营业室；会客室，客厅 | |
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91
parlors
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| 客厅( parlor的名词复数 )； 起居室； （旅馆中的）休息室； （通常用来构成合成词）店 | |
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92
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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93
penetrating
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| adj.（声音）响亮的，尖锐的adj.（气味）刺激的adj.（思想）敏锐的，有洞察力的 | |
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94
resonant
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| adj.(声音)洪亮的，共鸣的 | |
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95
trumpets
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| 喇叭( trumpet的名词复数 )； 小号； 喇叭形物； （尤指）绽开的水仙花 | |
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96
sculptor
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| n.雕刻家，雕刻家 | |
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97
sterling
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| adj.英币的(纯粹的，货真价实的)；n.英国货币(英镑) | |
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98
alacrity
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| n.敏捷，轻快，乐意 | |
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99
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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100
misgive
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| v.使担心 | |
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101
innocency
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| 无罪，洁白 | |
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102
heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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103
wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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104
faltered
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| （嗓音）颤抖( falter的过去式和过去分词 )； 支吾其词； 蹒跚； 摇晃 | |
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105
maker
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| n.制造者，制造商 | |
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106
superstition
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| n.迷信，迷信行为 | |
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107
aspiration
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| n.志向，志趣抱负；渴望；(语)送气音；吸出 | |
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108
sodden
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| adj.浑身湿透的；v.使浸透；使呆头呆脑 | |
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109
chilly
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| adj.凉快的，寒冷的 | |
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110
boughs
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| 大树枝( bough的名词复数 ) | |
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111
mansions
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| n.宅第，公馆，大厦( mansion的名词复数 ) | |
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112
florist
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| n.花商；种花者 | |
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113
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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114
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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115
confidentially
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| ad.秘密地，悄悄地 | |
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116
injustice
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| n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利 | |
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117
gage
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| n.标准尺寸，规格；量规，量表 [=gauge] | |
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118
peculiarities
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| n. 特质, 特性, 怪癖, 古怪 | |
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119
atone
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| v.赎罪，补偿 | |
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120
lessens
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| 变少( lessen的第三人称单数 )； 减少（某事物） | |
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121
retaliation
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| n.报复，反击 | |
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122
prosper
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| v.成功，兴隆，昌盛；使成功，使昌隆，繁荣 | |
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