“But the señora's toilette is not finished; the sandals, the gloves, the garland yet remain.”
The pretty Creole obeyed; and careless of Dolores' work, Pauline sank into the deep chair with a listless mien2, turned the pages for a little, then lost herself in thoughts that seemed to bring no rest.
Silently the young husband entered and, pausing, regarded his wife with mingled3 pain and pleasure—pain to see her so spiritless, pleasure to see her so fair. She seemed unconscious of his presence till the fragrance4 of his floral burden betrayed him, and looking up to smile a welcome she met a glance that changed the sad dreamer into an excited actor, for it told her that the object of her search was found. Springing erect5, she asked eagerly, “Manuel, is he here?”
“Yes.”
“Alone?”
“His wife is with him.”
“Is she beautiful?”
“And he?”
“Unchanged: the same imposing7 figure and treacherous8 face, the same restless eye and satanic mouth. Pauline, let me insult him!”
“Not yet. Were they together?”
“Yes. He seemed anxious to leave her, but she called him back imperiously, and he came like one who dared not disobey.”
“Did he see you?”
“The wife's name? Did you learn it?”
“Barbara St. Just.”
“Ah! I knew her once and will again. Manuel, am I beautiful tonight?”
“How can you be otherwise to me?”
“That is not enough. I must look my fairest to others, brilliant and blithe10, a happy-hearted bride whose honeymoon11 is not yet over.”
“For his sake, Pauline?”
“For yours. I want him to envy you your youth, your comeliness12, your content; to see the man he once sneered13 at the husband of the woman he once loved; to recall impotent regret. I know his nature, and can stir him to his heart's core with a look, revenge myself with a word, and read the secrets of his life with a skill he cannot fathom14.”
“And when you have done all this, shall you be happier, Pauline?”
“Infinitely15; our three weeks' search is ended, and the real interest of the plot begins. I have played the lover for your sake, now play the man of the world for mine. This is the moment we have waited for. Help me to make it successful. Come! Crown me with your garland, give me the bracelets16 that were your wedding gift—none can be too brilliant for tonight. Now the gloves and fan. Stay, my sandals—you shall play Dolores and tie them on.”
With an air of smiling coquetry he had never seen before, Pauline stretched out a truly Spanish foot and offered him its dainty covering. Won by the animation19 of her manner, Manuel forgot his misgivings20 and played his part with boyish spirit, hovering21 about his stately wife as no assiduous maid had ever done; for every flower was fastened with a word sweeter than itself, the white arms kissed as the ornaments23 went on, and when the silken knots were deftly24 accomplished25, the lighthearted bridegroom performed a little dance of triumph about his idol27, till she arrested him, beckoning28 as she spoke29.
“Manuel, I am waiting to assume the last best ornament22 you have given me, my handsome husband.” Then, as he came to her laughing with frank pleasure at her praise, she added, “You, too, must look your best and bravest now, and remember you must enact30 the man tonight. Before Gilbert wear your stateliest aspect, your tenderest to me, your courtliest to his wife. You possess dramatic skill. Use it for my sake, and come for your reward when this night's work is done.”
The great hotel was swarming31 with life, ablaze32 with light, resonant33 with the tread of feet, the hum of voices, the musical din18 of the band, and full of the sights and sounds which fill such human hives at a fashionable watering place in the height of the season. As Manuel led his wife along the grand hall thronged35 with promenaders, his quick ear caught the whispered comments of the passers-by, and the fragmentary rumors36 concerning themselves amused him infinitely.
“Mon ami! There are five bridal couples here tonight, and there is the handsomest, richest, and most enchanting37 of them all. The groom26 is not yet twenty, they tell me, and the bride still younger. Behold38 them!”
Manuel looked down at Pauline with a mirthful glance, but she had not heard.
“See, Belle39! Cubans; own half the island between them. Splendid, aren't they? Look at the diamonds on her lovely arms, and his ravishing moustache. Isn't he your ideal of Prince Djalma, in The Wandering Jew?”
A pretty girl, forgetting propriety40 in interest, pointed41 as they passed. Manuel half-bowed to the audible compliment, and the blushing damsel vanished, but Pauline had not seen.
“Jack, there's the owner of the black span you fell into raptures42 over. My lord and lady look as highbred as their stud. We'll patronize them!”
Manuel muttered a disdainful “Impertinente!” between his teeth as he surveyed a brace17 of dandies with an air that augured43 ill for the patronage44 of Young America, but Pauline was unconscious of both criticism and reproof45. A countercurrent held them stationary46 for a moment, and close behind them sounded a voice saying, confidentially47, to some silent listener, “The Redmonds are here tonight, and I am curious to see how he bears his disappointment. You know he married for money, and was outwitted in the bargain; for his wife's fortune not only proves to be much less than he was led to believe, but is so tied up that he is entirely48 dependent upon her, and the bachelor debts he sold himself to liquidate49 still harass50 him, with a wife's reproaches to augment51 the affliction. To be ruled by a spoiled child's whims52 is a fit punishment for a man whom neither pride nor principle could curb53 before. Let us go and look at the unfortunate.”
Pauline heard now. Manuel felt her start, saw her flush and pale, then her eye lit, and the dark expression he dreaded55 to see settled on her face as she whispered, like a satanic echo, “Let us also go and look at this unfortunate.”
“I only pity what I respect. Rest content, my husband.”
Steadily59 her eyes met his, and the hand whose only ornament was a wedding ring went to meet the one folded on his arm with a confiding60 gesture that made the action a caress61.
“I will try to be, yet mine is a hard part,” Manuel answered with a sigh, then silently they both paced on.
Gilbert Redmond lounged behind his wife's chair, looking intensely bored.
“Have you had enough of this folly, Babie?”
“No, we have but just come. Let us dance.”
“Too late; they have begun.”
“It is too warm to walk in all that crowd, child.”
“You are so indolent! Tell me who people are as they pass. I know no one here.”
“Nor I.”
But his act belied63 the words, for as they passed his lips he rose erect, with a smothered64 exclamation65 and startled face, as if a ghost had suddenly confronted him. The throng34 had thinned, and as his wife followed the direction of his glance, she saw no uncanny apparition66 to cause such evident dismay, but a woman fair-haired, violet-eyed, blooming and serene67, sweeping68 down the long hall with noiseless grace. An air of sumptuous69 life pervaded70 her, the shimmer71 of bridal snow surrounded her, bridal gifts shone on neck and arms, and bridal happiness seemed to touch her with its tender charm as she looked up at her companion, as if there were but one human being in the world to her. This companion, a man slender and tall, with a face delicately dark as a fine bronze, looked back at her with eyes as eloquent72 as her own, while both spoke rapidly and low in the melodious73 language which seems made for lover's lips.
“Gilbert, who are they?”
There was no answer, and before she could repeat the question the approaching pair paused before her, and the beautiful woman offered her hand, saying, with inquiring smiles, “Barbara, have you forgotten your early friend, Pauline?”
Recognition came with the familiar name, and Mrs. Redmond welcomed the newcomer with a delight as unrestrained as if she were still the schoolgirl, Babie. Then, recovering herself, she said, with a pretty attempt at dignity, “Let me present my husband. Gilbert, come and welcome my friend Pauline Valary.”
Scarlet75 with shame, dumb with conflicting emotions, and utterly76 deserted77 by self-possession, Redmond stood with downcast eyes and agitated78 mien, suffering a year's remorse79 condensed into a moment. A mute gesture was all the greeting he could offer. Pauline slightly bent80 her haughty81 head as she answered, in a voice frostily sweet, “Your wife mistakes. Pauline Valary died three weeks ago, and Pauline Laroche rose from her ashes. Manuel, my schoolmate, Mrs. Redmond; Gilbert you already know.”
With the manly82 presence he could easily assume and which was henceforth to be his role in public, Manuel bowed courteously83 to the lady, coldly to the gentleman, and looked only at his wife. Mrs. Redmond, though childish, was observant; she glanced from face to face, divined a mystery, and spoke out at once.
“Then you have met before? Gilbert, you have never told me this.”
“It was long ago—in Cuba. I believed they had forgotten me.”
“I never forget.” And Pauline's eye turned on him with a look he dared not meet.
Unsilenced by her husband's frown, Mrs. Redmond, intent on pleasing herself, drew her friend to the seat beside her as she said petulantly85, “Gilbert tells me nothing, and I am constantly discovering things which might have given me pleasure had he only chosen to be frank. I've spoken of you often, yet he never betrayed the least knowledge of you, and I take it very ill of him, because I am sure he has not forgotten you. Sit here, Pauline, and let me tease you with questions, as I used to do so long ago. You were always patient with me, and though far more beautiful, your face is still the same kind one that comforted the little child at school. Gilbert, enjoy your friend, and leave us to ourselves until the dance is over.”
Pauline obeyed; but as she chatted, skillfully leading the young wife's conversation to her own affairs, she listened to the two voices behind her, watched the two figures reflected in the mirror before her, and felt a secret pride in Manuel's address, for it was evident that the former positions were renewed.
The timid boy who had feared the sarcastic86 tongue of his guardian's guest, and shrunk from his presence to conceal87 the jealousy88 that was his jest, now stood beside his formal rival, serene and self-possessed89, by far the manliest90 man of the two, for no shame daunted91 him, no fear oppressed him, no dishonorable deed left him at the mercy of another's tongue.
Gilbert Redmond felt this keenly, and cursed the falsehood which had placed him in such an unenviable position. It was vain to assume the old superiority that was forfeited92; but too much a man of the world to be long discomforted by any contretemps like this, he rapidly regained93 his habitual94 ease of manner, and avoiding the perilous95 past clung to the safer present, hoping, by some unguarded look or word, to fathom the purpose of his adversary97, for such he knew the husband of Pauline must be at heart. But Manuel schooled his features, curbed98 his tongue, and when his hot blood tempted99 him to point his smooth speech with a taunt100, or offer a silent insult with the eye, he remembered Pauline, looked down on the graceful101 head below, and forgot all other passions in that of love.
“Gilbert, my shawl. The sea air chills me.”
“I forgot it, Babie.”
“Allow me to supply the want.”
Mindful of his wife's commands, Manuel seized this opportunity to win a glance of commendation from her. And taking the downy mantle102 that hung upon his arm, he wrapped the frail103 girl in it with a care that made the act as cordial as courteous84. Mrs. Redmond felt the charm of his manner with the quickness of a woman, and sent a reproachful glance at Gilbert as she said plaintively104, “Ah! It is evident that my honeymoon is over, and the assiduous lover replaced by the negligent105 husband. Enjoy your midsummer night's dream while you may, Pauline, and be ready for the awakening106 that must come.”
“Not to her, madame, for our honeymoon shall last till the golden wedding day comes round. Shall it not, cariña?”
“There is no sign of waning107 yet, Manuel,” and Pauline looked up into her husband's face with a genuine affection which made her own more beautiful and filled his with a visible content. Gilbert read the glance, and in that instant suffered the first pang of regret that Pauline had foretold108. He spoke abruptly109, longing110 to be away.
“Babie, we may dance now, if you will.”
“I am going, but not with you—so give me my fan, and entertain Pauline till my return.”
He unclosed his hand, but the delicately carved fan fell at his feet in a shower of ivory shreds—he had crushed it as he watched his first love with the bitter thought “It might have been!”
“Forgive me, Babie, it was too frail for use; you should choose a stronger.”
“I will next time, and a gentler hand to hold it. Now, Monsieur Laroche, I am ready.”
Mrs. Redmond rose in a small bustle111 of satisfaction, shook out her flounces, glanced at the mirror, then Manuel led her away; and the other pair were left alone. Both felt a secret agitation112 quicken their breath and thrill along their nerves, but the woman concealed113 it best. Gilbert's eye wandered restlessly to and fro, while Pauline fixed114 her own on his as quietly as if he were the statue in the niche115 behind him. For a moment he tried to seem unconscious of it, then essayed to meet and conquer it, but failed signally and, driven to his last resources by that steady gaze, resolved to speak out and have all over before his wife's return. Assuming the seat beside her, he said, impetuously, “Pauline, take off your mask as I do mine—we are alone now, and may see each other as we are.”
Leaning deep into the crimson116 curve of the couch, with the indolent grace habitual to her, yet in strong contrast to the vigilant117 gleam of her eye, she swept her hand across her face as if obeying him, yet no change followed, as she said with a cold smile, “It is off; what next?”
“Let me understand you. Did my letter reach your hands?”
“A week before my marriage.”
He drew a long breath of relief, yet a frown gathered as he asked, like one loath118 and eager to be satisfied, “Your love died a natural death, then, and its murder does not lie at my door?”
Pointing to the shattered toy upon the ground, she only echoed his own words. “It was too frail for use—I chose a stronger.”
It wounded, as she meant it should; and the evil spirit to whose guidance she had yielded herself exulted119 to see his self-love bleed, and pride vainly struggle to conceal the stab. He caught the expression in her averted120 glance, bent suddenly a fixed and scrutinizing121 gaze upon her, asking, below his breath, “Then why are you here to tempt74 me with the face that tempted me a year ago?”
“I came to see the woman to whom you sold yourself. I have seen her, and am satisfied.”
Such quiet contempt iced her tones, such pitiless satisfaction shone through the long lashes122 that swept slowly down, after her eye had met and caused his own to fall again, that Gilbert's cheek burned as if the words had been a blow, and mingled shame and anger trembled in his voice.
“Ah, you are quick to read our secret, for you possess the key. Have you no fear that I may read your own, and tell the world you sold your beauty for a name and fortune? Your bargain is a better one than mine, but I know you too well, though your fetters123 are diamonds and your master a fond boy.”
She had been prepared for this, and knew she had a shield in the real regard she bore her husband, for though sisterly, it was sincere. She felt its value now, for it gave her courage to confront the spirit of retaliation124 she had roused, and calmness to answer the whispered taunt with an unruffled mien, as lifting her white arm she let its single decoration drop glittering to her lap.
“You see my 'fetters' are as loose as they are light, and nothing binds125 me but my will. Read my heart, if you can. You will find there contempt for a love so poor that it feared poverty; pity for a man who dared not face the world and conquer it, as a girl had done before him, and gratitude126 that I have found my 'master' in a truehearted boy, not a falsehearted man. If I am a slave, I never know it. Can you say as much?”
Her woman's tongue avenged127 her, and Gilbert owned his defeat. Pain quenched128 the ire of his glance, remorse subdued129 his pride, self-condemnation compelled him to ask, imploringly130, “Pauline, when may I hope for pardon?”
“Never.”
The stern utterance131 of the word dismayed him, and, like one shut out from hope, he rose, as if to leave her, but paused irresolutely132, looked back, then sank down again, as if constrained133 against his will by a longing past control. If she had doubted her power this action set the doubt at rest, as the haughtiest134 nature she had known confessed it by a bittersweet complaint. Eyeing her wistfully, tenderly, Gilbert murmured, in the voice of long ago, “Why do I stay to wound and to be wounded by the hand that once caressed135 me? Why do I find more pleasure in your contempt than in another woman's praise, and feel myself transported into the delights of that irrecoverable past, now grown the sweetest, saddest memory of my life? Send me away, Pauline, before the old charm asserts its power, and I forget that I am not the happy lover of a year ago.”
“Leave me then, Gilbert. Good night.”
Half unconsciously, the former softness stole into her voice as it lingered on his name. The familiar gesture accompanied the words, the old charm did assert itself, and for an instant changed the cold woman into the ardent136 girl again. Gilbert did not go but, with a hasty glance down the deserted hall behind him, captured and kissed the hand he had lost, passionately137 whispering, “Pauline, I love you still, and that look assures me that you have forgiven, forgotten, and kept a place for me in that deep heart of yours. It is too late to deny it. I have seen the tender eyes again, and the sight has made me the proudest, happiest man that walks the world tonight, slave though I am.”
Over cheek and forehead rushed the treacherous blood as the violet eyes filled and fell before his own, and in the glow of mingled pain and fear that stirred her blood, Pauline, for the first time, owned the peril96 of the task she had set herself, saw the dangerous power she possessed, and felt the buried passion faintly moving in its grave. Indignant at her own weakness, she took refuge in the memory of her wrong, controlled the rebel color, steeled the front she showed him, and with feminine skill mutely conveyed the rebuke138 she would not trust herself to utter, by stripping the glove from the hand he had touched and dropping it disdainfully as if unworthy of its place. Gilbert had not looked for such an answer, and while it baffled him it excited his man's spirit to rebel against her silent denial. With a bitter laugh he snatched up the glove.
“I read a defiance139 in your eye as you flung this down. I accept the challenge, and will keep gage140 until I prove myself the victor. I have asked for pardon. You refuse it. I have confessed my love. You scorn it. I have possessed myself of your secret, yet you deny it. Now we will try our strength together, and leave those children to their play.”
“We are the children, and we play with edge tools. There has been enough of this, there must be no more.” Pauline rose with her haughtiest mien, and the brief command, “Take me to Manuel.”
Silently Gilbert offered his arm, and silently she rejected it.
“Will you accept nothing from me?”
“Nothing.”
Side by side they passed through the returning throng till Mrs. Redmond joined them, looking blithe and bland141 with the exhilaration of gallantry and motion. Manuel's first glance was at Pauline, his second at her companion; there was a shadow upon the face of each, which seemed instantly to fall upon his own as he claimed his wife with a masterful satisfaction as novel as becoming, and which prompted her to whisper, “You enact your role to the life, and shall enjoy a foretaste of your reward at once. I want excitement; let us show these graceless, frozen people the true art of dancing, and electrify142 them with the life and fire of a Cuban valse.”
Manuel kindled143 at once, and Pauline smiled stealthily as she glanced over her shoulder from the threshold of the dancing hall, for her slightest act, look, and word had their part to play in that night's drama.
“Gilbert, if you are tired I will go now.”
“Thank you, I begin to find it interesting. Let us watch the dancers.”
Mrs. Redmond accepted the tardy144 favor, wondering at his unwonted animation, for never had she seen such eagerness in his countenance145, such energy in his manner as he pressed through the crowd and won a place where they could freely witness one of those exhibitions of fashionable figurante which are nightly to be seen at such resorts. Many couples were whirling around the white hall, but among them one pair circled with slowly increasing speed, in perfect time to the inspiring melody of trumpet146, flute147, and horn, that seemed to sound for them alone. Many paused to watch them, for they gave to the graceful pastime the enchantment148 which few have skill enough to lend it, and made it a spectacle of life-enjoying youth, to be remembered long after the music ceased and the agile149 feet were still.
Gilbert's arm was about his little wife to shield her from the pressure of the crowd, and as they stood his hold unconsciously tightened150, till, marveling at this unwonted care, she looked up to thank him with a happy glance and discovered that his eye rested on a single pair, kindling151 as they approached, keenly scanning every gesture as they floated by, following them with untiring vigilance through the many-colored mazes152 they threaded with such winged steps, while his breath quickened, his hand kept time, and every sense seemed to own the intoxication153 of the scene. Sorrowfully she too watched this pair, saw their grace, admired their beauty, envied their happiness; for, short as her wedded154 life had been, the thorns already pierced her through the roses, and with each airy revolution of those figures, dark and bright, her discontent increased, her wonder deepened, her scrutiny155 grew keener, for she knew no common interest held her husband there, fascinated, flushed, and excited as if his heart beat responsive to the rhythmic156 rise and fall of that booted foot and satin slipper157. The music ended with a crash, the crowd surged across the floor, and the spell was broken. Like one but half disenchanted, Gilbert stood a moment, then remembered his wife, and looking down met brown eyes, full of tears, fastened on his face.
“Tired so soon, Babie? Or in a pet because I cannot change myself into a thistledown and float about with you, like Manuel and Pauline?”
“Neither; I was only wishing that you loved me as he loves her, and hoping he would never tire of her, they are so fond and charming now. How long have you known them—and where?”
“I shall have no peace until I tell you. I passed a single summer with them in a tropical paradise, where we swung half the day in hammocks, under tamarind and almond trees; danced half the night to music, of which this seems but a faint echo; and led a life of luxurious159 delight in an enchanted158 climate, where all is so beautiful and brilliant that its memory haunts a life as pressed flowers sweeten the leaves of a dull book.”
“Why did you leave it then?”
“To marry you, child.”
“That was a regretful sigh, as if I were not worth the sacrifice. Let us go back and enjoy it together.”
“If you were dying for it, I would not take you to Cuba. It would be purgatory160, not paradise, now.”
“How stern you look, how strangely you speak. Would you not go to save your own life, Gilbert?”
“I would not cross the room to do that, much less the sea.”
“Because the bitterest blunder of my life was committed there—a blunder that I never can repair in this world, and may be damned for in the next. Rest satisfied with this, Babie, lest you prove like Bluebeard's wife, and make another skeleton in my closet, which has enough already.”
Strange regret was in his voice, strange gloom fell upon his face; but though rendered doubly curious by the change, Mrs. Redmond dared not question further and, standing161 silent, furtively162 scanned the troubled countenance beside her. Gilbert spoke first, waking out of his sorrowful reverie with a start.
“Pauline is coming. Say adieu, not au revoir, for tomorrow we must leave this place.”
His words were a command, his aspect one of stern resolve, though the intensest longing mingled with the dark look he cast on the approaching pair. The tone, the glance displeased163 his willful wife, who loved to use her power and exact obedience164 where she had failed to win affection, often ruling imperiously when a tender word would have made her happy to submit.
“Gilbert, you take no thought for my pleasures though you pursue your own at my expense. Your neglect forces me to find solace165 and satisfaction where I can, and you have forfeited your right to command or complain. I love Pauline, I am happy with her, therefore I shall stay until we tire of one another. I am a burden to you; go if you will.”
“You know I cannot without you, Babie. I ask it as a favor. For my sake, for your own, I implore166 you to come away.”
“Gilbert, do you love her?”
She seized his arm and forced an answer by the energy of her sharply whispered question. He saw that it was vain to dissemble, yet replied with averted head, “I did and still remember it.”
“And she? Did she return your love?”
“I believed so; but she forgot me when I went. She married Manuel and is happy. Babie, let me go!”
“No! you shall stay and feel a little of the pain I feel when I look into your heart and find I have no place there. It is this which has stood between us and made all my efforts vain. I see it now and despise you for the falsehood you have shown me, vowing167 you loved no one but me until I married you, then letting me so soon discover that I was only an encumbrance168 to your enjoyment169 of the fortune I possessed. You treat me like a child, but I suffer like a woman, and you shall share my suffering, because you might have spared me, and you did not. Gilbert, you shall stay.”
“Be it so, but remember I have warned you.”
An exultant170 expression broke through the gloom of her husband's face as he answered with the grim satisfaction of one who gave restraint to the mind, and stood ready to follow whatever impulse should sway him next. His wife trembled inwardly at what she had done, but was too proud to recall her words and felt a certain bitter pleasure in the excitement of the new position she had taken, the new interest given to her listless life.
Pauline and Manuel found them standing silently together, for a moment had done the work of years and raised a barrier between them never to be swept away.
Mrs. Redmond spoke first, and with an air half resentful, half triumphant171:
“Pauline, this morose172 husband of mine says we must leave tomorrow. But in some things I rule; this is one of them. Therefore we remain and go with you to the mountains when we are tired of the gay life here. So smile and submit, Gilbert, else these friends will count your society no favor. Would you not fancy, from the aspect he thinks proper to assume, that I had sentenced him to a punishment, not a pleasure?”
“Perhaps you have unwittingly, Babie. Marriage is said to cancel the follies173 of the past, but not those of the future, I believe; and, as there are many temptations to an idle man in a place like this, doubtless your husband is wise enough to own that he dares not stay but finds discretion174 the better part of valor175.”
Nothing could be softer than the tone in which these words were uttered, nothing sharper than the hidden taunt conveyed, but Gilbert only laughed a scornful laugh as he fixed his keen eyes full upon her and took her bouquet176 with the air of one assuming former rights.
“My dear Pauline, discretion is the last virtue177 I should expect to be accused of by you; but if valor consists in daring all things, I may lay claim to it without its 'better part,' for temptation is my delight—the stronger the better. Have no fears for me, my friend. I gladly accept Babie's decree and, ignoring the last ten years, intend to begin life anew, having discovered a sauce piquante which will give the stalest pleasures a redoubled zest178. I am unfortunate tonight, and here is a second wreck179; this I can rebuild happily. Allow me to do so, for I remember you once praised my skill in floral architecture.”
With an air of eager gallantry in strange contrast to the malign180 expression of his countenance, Gilbert knelt to regather the flowers which a careless gesture of his own had scattered181 from their jeweled holder182. His wife turned to speak to Manuel, and, yielding to the unconquerable anxiety his reckless manner awoke, Pauline whispered below her breath as she bent as if to watch the work, “Gilbert, follow your first impulse, and go tomorrow.”
“Nothing shall induce me to.”
“I warn you harm will come of it.” “Let it come; I am past fear now.”
“Shun me for Babie's sake, if not for your own.”
“Too late for that; she is headstrong—let her suffer.”
“Have you no power, Gilbert?”
“None over her, much over you.”
“We will prove that!”
“We will!” Rapidly as words could shape them, these questions and answers fell, and with their utterance the last generous feeling died in Pauline's breast; for as she received the flowers, now changed from a love token to a battle gage, she saw the torn glove still crushed in Gilbert's hand, and silently accepted his challenge to the tournament so often held between man and woman—a tournament where the keen tongue is the lance, pride the shield, passion the fiery183 steed, and the hardest heart the winner of the prize, which seldom fails to prove a barren honor, ending in remorse.
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1
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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2
mien
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| n.风采；态度 | |
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3
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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4
fragrance
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| n.芬芳，香味，香气 | |
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5
erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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6
petulant
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| adj.性急的，暴躁的 | |
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7
imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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8
treacherous
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| adj.不可靠的，有暗藏的危险的；adj.背叛的，背信弃义的 | |
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9
dense
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| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
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10
blithe
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| adj.快乐的，无忧无虑的 | |
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11
honeymoon
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| n.蜜月（假期）；vi.度蜜月 | |
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12
comeliness
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| n. 清秀, 美丽, 合宜 | |
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13
sneered
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| 讥笑，冷笑( sneer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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14
fathom
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| v.领悟，彻底了解 | |
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15
infinitely
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| adv.无限地，无穷地 | |
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16
bracelets
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| n.手镯，臂镯( bracelet的名词复数 ) | |
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17
brace
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| n. 支柱,曲柄,大括号; v. 绷紧,顶住,(为困难或坏事)做准备 | |
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18
din
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| n.喧闹声，嘈杂声 | |
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19
animation
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| n.活泼，兴奋，卡通片／动画片的制作 | |
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20
misgivings
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| n.疑虑，担忧，害怕；疑虑，担心，恐惧( misgiving的名词复数 )；疑惧 | |
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21
hovering
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| 鸟( hover的现在分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫 | |
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22
ornament
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| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
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23
ornaments
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| n.装饰( ornament的名词复数 )；点缀；装饰品；首饰v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的第三人称单数 ) | |
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24
deftly
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| adv.灵巧地，熟练地，敏捷地 | |
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25
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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26
groom
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| vt.给（马、狗等）梳毛，照料，使...整洁 | |
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27
idol
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| n.偶像，红人，宠儿 | |
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28
beckoning
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| adj.引诱人的，令人心动的v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的现在分词 ) | |
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29
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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30
enact
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| vt.制定(法律)；上演，扮演 | |
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31
swarming
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| 密集( swarm的现在分词 )； 云集； 成群地移动； 蜜蜂或其他飞行昆虫成群地飞来飞去 | |
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32
ablaze
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| adj.着火的，燃烧的；闪耀的，灯火辉煌的 | |
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33
resonant
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| adj.(声音)洪亮的，共鸣的 | |
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34
throng
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| n.人群，群众；v.拥挤，群集 | |
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35
thronged
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| v.成群，挤满( throng的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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36
rumors
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| n.传闻( rumor的名词复数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷v.传闻( rumor的第三人称单数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷 | |
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37
enchanting
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| a.讨人喜欢的 | |
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38
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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39
belle
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| n.靓女 | |
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40
propriety
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| n.正当行为；正当；适当 | |
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41
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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42
raptures
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| 极度欢喜( rapture的名词复数 ) | |
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43
augured
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| v.预示，预兆，预言( augur的过去式和过去分词 )；成为预兆；占卜 | |
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44
patronage
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| n.赞助，支援，援助；光顾，捧场 | |
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45
reproof
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| n.斥责，责备 | |
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46
stationary
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| adj.固定的，静止不动的 | |
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47
confidentially
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| ad.秘密地，悄悄地 | |
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48
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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49
liquidate
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| v.偿付，清算，扫除；整理，破产 | |
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50
harass
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| vt.使烦恼，折磨，骚扰 | |
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51
augment
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| vt.(使)增大，增加，增长，扩张 | |
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52
WHIMS
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| 虚妄，禅病 | |
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53
curb
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| n.场外证券市场，场外交易；vt.制止，抑制 | |
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54
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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55
dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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56
pang
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| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
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57
smote
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| v.猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去式 ) | |
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58
akin
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| adj.同族的，类似的 | |
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59
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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60
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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61
caress
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| vt./n.爱抚，抚摸 | |
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62
tiresome
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| adj.令人疲劳的，令人厌倦的 | |
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63
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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64
smothered
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| （使）窒息， （使）透不过气( smother的过去式和过去分词 )； 覆盖； 忍住； 抑制 | |
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65
exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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66
apparition
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| n.幽灵，神奇的现象 | |
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67
serene
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| adj. 安详的，宁静的，平静的 | |
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68
sweeping
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| adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的 | |
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69
sumptuous
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| adj.豪华的，奢侈的，华丽的 | |
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70
pervaded
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| v.遍及，弥漫( pervade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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71
shimmer
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| v./n.发微光，发闪光；微光 | |
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72
eloquent
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| adj.雄辩的，口才流利的；明白显示出的 | |
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73
melodious
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| adj.旋律美妙的，调子优美的，音乐性的 | |
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74
tempt
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| vt.引诱，勾引，吸引，引起…的兴趣 | |
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75
scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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76
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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77
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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78
agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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79
remorse
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| n.痛恨，悔恨，自责 | |
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80
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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81
haughty
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| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
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82
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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83
courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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84
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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85
petulantly
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86
sarcastic
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|
| adj.讥讽的，讽刺的，嘲弄的 | |
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87
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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88
jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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89
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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90
manliest
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| manly（有男子气概的）的最高级形式 | |
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91
daunted
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| 使（某人）气馁，威吓( daunt的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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92
forfeited
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| （因违反协议、犯规、受罚等）丧失，失去( forfeit的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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93
regained
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| 复得( regain的过去式和过去分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
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94
habitual
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|
| adj.习惯性的；通常的，惯常的 | |
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95
perilous
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| adj.危险的，冒险的 | |
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96
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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97
adversary
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| adj.敌手，对手 | |
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98
curbed
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| v.限制，克制，抑制( curb的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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99
tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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100
taunt
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| n.辱骂，嘲弄；v.嘲弄 | |
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101
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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102
mantle
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| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
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103
frail
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| adj.身体虚弱的；易损坏的 | |
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104
plaintively
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| adv.悲哀地，哀怨地 | |
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105
negligent
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| adj.疏忽的；玩忽的；粗心大意的 | |
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106
awakening
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| n.觉醒，醒悟 adj.觉醒中的；唤醒的 | |
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107
waning
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| adj.（月亮）渐亏的，逐渐减弱或变小的n.月亏v.衰落( wane的现在分词 )；（月）亏；变小；变暗淡 | |
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108
foretold
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| v.预言，预示( foretell的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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109
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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110
longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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111
bustle
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| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
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112
agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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113
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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114
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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115
niche
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| n.壁龛；合适的职务(环境、位置等) | |
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116
crimson
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| n./adj.深(绯)红色(的)；vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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117
vigilant
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| adj.警觉的，警戒的，警惕的 | |
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118
loath
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| adj.不愿意的；勉强的 | |
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119
exulted
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| 狂喜，欢跃( exult的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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120
averted
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| 防止，避免( avert的过去式和过去分词 )； 转移 | |
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121
scrutinizing
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| v.仔细检查，详审( scrutinize的现在分词 ) | |
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122
lashes
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| n.鞭挞( lash的名词复数 )；鞭子；突然猛烈的一击；急速挥动v.鞭打( lash的第三人称单数 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
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123
fetters
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| n.脚镣( fetter的名词复数 )；束缚v.给…上脚镣，束缚( fetter的第三人称单数 ) | |
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124
retaliation
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| n.报复，反击 | |
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125
binds
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| v.约束( bind的第三人称单数 )；装订；捆绑；（用长布条）缠绕 | |
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126
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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127
avenged
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| v.为…复仇，报…之仇( avenge的过去式和过去分词 )；为…报复 | |
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128
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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129
subdued
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| adj. 屈服的，柔和的，减弱的 动词subdue的过去式和过去分词 | |
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130
imploringly
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| adv. 恳求地, 哀求地 | |
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131
utterance
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| n.用言语表达，话语，言语 | |
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132
irresolutely
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| adv.优柔寡断地 | |
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133
constrained
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| adj.束缚的,节制的 | |
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134
haughtiest
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| haughty（傲慢的，骄傲的）的最高级形式 | |
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135
caressed
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| 爱抚或抚摸…( caress的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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136
ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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137
passionately
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| ad.热烈地，激烈地 | |
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138
rebuke
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| v.指责，非难，斥责 [反]praise | |
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139
defiance
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| n.挑战，挑衅，蔑视，违抗 | |
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140
gage
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| n.标准尺寸，规格；量规，量表 [=gauge] | |
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141
bland
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| adj.淡而无味的，温和的，无刺激性的 | |
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142
electrify
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| v.使充电；使电气化；使触电；使震惊；使兴奋 | |
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143
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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144
tardy
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| adj.缓慢的，迟缓的 | |
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145
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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146
trumpet
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| n.喇叭，喇叭声；v.吹喇叭，吹嘘 | |
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147
flute
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| n.长笛；v.吹笛 | |
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148
enchantment
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| n.迷惑，妖术，魅力 | |
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149
agile
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| adj.敏捷的，灵活的 | |
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150
tightened
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| 收紧( tighten的过去式和过去分词 )； （使）变紧； （使）绷紧； 加紧 | |
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151
kindling
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| n. 点火, 可燃物 动词kindle的现在分词形式 | |
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152
mazes
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| 迷宫( maze的名词复数 )； 纷繁复杂的规则； 复杂难懂的细节； 迷宫图 | |
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153
intoxication
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| n.wild excitement;drunkenness；poisoning | |
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154
wedded
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| adj.正式结婚的；渴望…的，执著于…的v.嫁，娶，（与…）结婚( wed的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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155
scrutiny
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| n.详细检查，仔细观察 | |
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156
rhythmic
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| adj.有节奏的，有韵律的 | |
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157
slipper
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| n.拖鞋 | |
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158
enchanted
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| adj. 被施魔法的，陶醉的，入迷的 动词enchant的过去式和过去分词 | |
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159
luxurious
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| adj.精美而昂贵的；豪华的 | |
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160
purgatory
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| n.炼狱；苦难；adj.净化的，清洗的 | |
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161
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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162
furtively
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| adv. 偷偷地, 暗中地 | |
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163
displeased
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| a.不快的 | |
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164
obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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165
solace
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| n.安慰；v.使快乐；vt.安慰(物)，缓和 | |
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166
implore
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| vt.乞求，恳求，哀求 | |
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167
vowing
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| 起誓，发誓（vow的现在分词形式） | |
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168
encumbrance
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| n.妨碍物，累赘 | |
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169
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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170
exultant
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| adj.欢腾的，狂欢的，大喜的 | |
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171
triumphant
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| adj.胜利的，成功的；狂欢的，喜悦的 | |
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172
morose
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| adj.脾气坏的，不高兴的 | |
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173
follies
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| 罪恶，时事讽刺剧； 愚蠢，蠢笨，愚蠢的行为、思想或做法( folly的名词复数 ) | |
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174
discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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175
valor
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| n.勇气，英勇 | |
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176
bouquet
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| n.花束，酒香 | |
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177
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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178
zest
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| n.乐趣；滋味，风味；兴趣 | |
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179
wreck
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| n.失事，遇难；沉船；vt.(船等)失事，遇难 | |
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180
malign
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| adj.有害的；恶性的；恶意的；v.诽谤，诬蔑 | |
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181
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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182
holder
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| n.持有者，占有者；(台，架等)支持物 | |
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183
fiery
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| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
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