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CHAPTER X. THE ARCH CONSPIRATOR.
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 In the house on Madison Avenue, Curtis Waring was left in possession of the field. Through his machinations Florence had been driven from home and disinherited.
 
He was left sole heir to his uncle’s large property with the prospect1 of soon succeeding, for though only fifty-four, John Linden looked at least ten years older, and was as feeble as many men past seventy.
 
Yet, as Curtis seated himself at the breakfast table an hour after Florence had left the house, he looked far from happy or triumphant2.
 
One thing he had not succeeded in, the conquest of his cousin’s heart. Though he loved himself best, he was really in love with Florence, so far as he was capable of being in love with any one.
 
She was only half his age—scarcely that—but he persuaded himself that the match was in every way suitable.
 
He liked to fancy her at the head of his table, after the death of his uncle, which he anticipated in a few months at latest.
 
The more she appeared to dislike him, the more he determined3 to marry her, even against her will.
 
She was the only one likely to inherit John Linden’s wealth, and by marrying her he would make sure of it.
 
Yet she had been willing to leave the home of her youth, to renounce4 luxury for a life of poverty, rather than to marry him.
 
When he thought of this his face became set and its expression stern and determined.
 
“Florence shall yet be mine,” he declared, resolutely5. “I will yet be master of her fate, and bend her to my will. Foolish girl, how dare she match her puny7 strength against the resolute6 will of Curtis Waring?”
 
“Was there any one else whom she loved?” he asked himself, anxiously. No, he could think of none. On account of his uncle’s chronic8 invalidism9, they had neither gone into society, nor entertained visitors, and in the midst of a great city Florence and her uncle had practically led the lives of recluses10.
 
There had been no opportunity to meet young men who might have proved claimants for her hand.
 
“When did Miss Florence leave the house, Jane?” he inquired, as he seated himself at the table.
 
“Most an hour since,” the girl answered, coldly, for she disliked Curtis as much as she loved and admired Florence.
 
“It is sad, very sad that she should be so headstrong,” said Curtis, with hypocritical sorrow.
 
“It is sad for her to go away from her own uncle’s house,” returned Jane.
 
“And very—very foolish.”
 
“I don’t know about that, sir. She had her reasons,” said Jane, significantly.
 
Curtis coughed.
 
He had no doubt that Florence had talked over the matter with her hand-maiden.
 
“Did she say where she was going, Jane?” he asked.
 
“I don’t think the poor child knew herself, sir.”
 
“Did she go alone?”
 
“No, sir; the boy that was here last night called for her.”
 
“That ragamuffin!” said Curtis, scornfully. “She certainly shows extraordinary taste for a young lady of family.”
 
“The boy seems a very kind and respectable boy,” said Jane, who had been quite won by Dodger’s kindness to her young mistress.
 
“He may be respectable, though I am not so sure of that; but his position in life is very humble12. He is probably a bootblack; a singular person to select for the friend of a girl like Florence.”
 
“There’s them that stands higher that isn’t half so good,” retorted Jane, with more zeal13 than good grammar.
 
“Did Miss Florence take a cab?”
 
“No; she just walked.”
 
“But she took some clothing with her?”
 
“She took a handbag—that is all. She will send for her trunk.”
 
“If you find out where she is living, just let me know, Jane.”
 
“I will if she is willing to have me,” answered Jane, independently.
 
“Look here, Jane,” said Curtis, angrily, “don’t forget that you are not her servant, but my uncle’s. It is to him you look for wages, not to Miss Florence.”
 
“I don’t need to be told that, sir. I know that well enough.”
 
“Then you know that it is to him that your faithful services are due, not to Florence?”
 
“I’m faithful to both, Mr. Waring.”
 
“You are aware that my uncle is justly displeased14 with my cousin?”
 
“I know he’s displeased, but I am sure he has no good reason to be.”
 
Curtis Waring bit his lips. The girl, servant as she was, seemed to be openly defying him. His imperious temper could ill brook15 this.
 
“Take care!” he said, with a frown. “You seem to be lacking in respect to me. You don’t appear to understand my position in this house.”
 
“Oh, yes, I do. I know you have schemed to get my poor young mistress out of the house, and have succeeded.”
 
“I have a great mind to discharge you, girl,” said Curtis, with lowering brow.
 
“I am not your servant, sir. You have nothing to do with me.”
 
“You will see whether I have or not. I will let you remain for a time, as it is your attachment16 to Miss Florence that has made you forget yourself. You will find that it is for your interest to treat me respectfully.”
 
A feeble step was heard at the door, and John Linden entered the breakfast-room. His face was sad, and he heaved a sigh as he glanced mechanically at the head of the table, where Florence usually sat.
 
Curtis Waring sprang to his feet, and placing himself at his uncle’s side, led him to his seat.
 
“How do you feel this morning, uncle?” he asked, with feigned17 solicitude18.
 
“Ill, Curtis. I didn’t sleep well last night.”
 
“I don’t wonder, sir. You had much to try you.”
 
“Is—is Florence here?”
 
“No, sir,” answered Jane, promptly19. “She left the house an hour ago.”
 
A look of pain appeared on John Linden’s pale face.
 
“Did—did she leave a message for me?” he asked, slowly.
 
“She asked me to bid you good-by for her,” answered Jane, quickly.
 
“Uncle, don’t let yourself be disturbed now with painful thoughts. Eat your breakfast first, and then we will speak of Florence.”
 
John Linden ate a very light breakfast. He seemed to have lost his appetite and merely toyed with his food.
 
When he arose from the table, Curtis supported him to the library.
 
“It is very painful to me—this conduct of Florence’s, Curtis,” he said, as he sank into his armchair.
 
“I understand it fully11, uncle,” said Curtis. “When I think of it, it makes me very angry with the misguided girl.”
 
“Perhaps I have been too harsh—too stern!”
 
“You, uncle, too harsh! Why, you are the soul of gentleness. Florence has shown herself very ungrateful.”
 
“Yet, Curtis, I love that girl. Her mother seemed to live again in her. Have I not acted cruelly in requiring her to obey me or leave the house?”
 
“You have acted only for good. You are seeking her happiness.”
 
“You really think this, Curtis?”
 
“I am sure of it.”
 
“But how will it all end?” asked Linden, bending an anxious look upon his wily nephew.
 
“By Florence yielding.”
 
“You are sure of that?”
 
“Yes. Listen, uncle; Florence is only capricious, like most girls of her age. She foolishly desires to have her own way. It is nothing more serious, I can assure you.”
 
“But she has left the house. That seems to show that she is in earnest.”
 
“She thinks, uncle, that by doing so she can bend you to her wishes. She hasn’t the slightest idea of any permanent separation. She is merely experimenting upon your weakness. She expects you will recall her in a week, at the latest. That is all of it.”
 
Like most weak men, it made Mr. Linden angry to have his strength doubted.
 
“You think that?” he said.
 
“I have no doubt of it.”
 
“She shall find that I am resolute,” he said, irritably20. “I will not recall her.”
 
“Bravo, uncle! Only stick to that, and she will yield unconditionally21 within a fortnight. A little patience, and you will carry your point. Then all will be smooth sailing.”
 
“I hope so, Curtis. Your words have cheered me. I will be patient. But I hope I shan’t have to wait long. Where is the morning paper?”
 
“I shall have to humor and deceive him,” thought Curtis. “I shall have a difficult part to play, but I am sure to succeed at last.”

点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 prospect P01zn     
n.前景,前途;景色,视野
参考例句:
  • This state of things holds out a cheerful prospect.事态呈现出可喜的前景。
  • The prospect became more evident.前景变得更加明朗了。
2 triumphant JpQys     
adj.胜利的,成功的;狂欢的,喜悦的
参考例句:
  • The army made a triumphant entry into the enemy's capital.部队胜利地进入了敌方首都。
  • There was a positively triumphant note in her voice.她的声音里带有一种极为得意的语气。
3 determined duszmP     
adj.坚定的;有决心的
参考例句:
  • I have determined on going to Tibet after graduation.我已决定毕业后去西藏。
  • He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。
4 renounce 8BNzi     
v.放弃;拒绝承认,宣布与…断绝关系
参考例句:
  • She decided to renounce the world and enter a convent.她决定弃绝尘世去当修女。
  • It was painful for him to renounce his son.宣布与儿子脱离关系对他来说是很痛苦的。
5 resolutely WW2xh     
adj.坚决地,果断地
参考例句:
  • He resolutely adhered to what he had said at the meeting. 他坚持他在会上所说的话。
  • He grumbles at his lot instead of resolutely facing his difficulties. 他不是果敢地去面对困难,而是抱怨自己运气不佳。
6 resolute 2sCyu     
adj.坚决的,果敢的
参考例句:
  • He was resolute in carrying out his plan.他坚决地实行他的计划。
  • The Egyptians offered resolute resistance to the aggressors.埃及人对侵略者作出坚决的反抗。
7 puny Bt5y6     
adj.微不足道的,弱小的
参考例句:
  • The resources at the central banks' disposal are simply too puny.中央银行掌握的资金实在太少了。
  • Antonio was a puny lad,and not strong enough to work.安东尼奥是个瘦小的小家伙,身体还不壮,还不能干活。
8 chronic BO9zl     
adj.(疾病)长期未愈的,慢性的;极坏的
参考例句:
  • Famine differs from chronic malnutrition.饥荒不同于慢性营养不良。
  • Chronic poisoning may lead to death from inanition.慢性中毒也可能由虚弱导致死亡。
9 invalidism bef7e93d6f4f347e18f1c290e5eb8973     
病弱,病身; 伤残
参考例句:
10 recluses f9b88303528dc980dc01ab90df3f46a3     
n.隐居者,遁世者,隐士( recluse的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • Except for hermits and recluses, who shun company, most people are gregarious. 除规避人群的隐士及遁世者外,大部分人都是喜好群居的。 来自互联网
11 fully Gfuzd     
adv.完全地,全部地,彻底地;充分地
参考例句:
  • The doctor asked me to breathe in,then to breathe out fully.医生让我先吸气,然后全部呼出。
  • They soon became fully integrated into the local community.他们很快就完全融入了当地人的圈子。
12 humble ddjzU     
adj.谦卑的,恭顺的;地位低下的;v.降低,贬低
参考例句:
  • In my humble opinion,he will win the election.依我拙见,他将在选举中获胜。
  • Defeat and failure make people humble.挫折与失败会使人谦卑。
13 zeal mMqzR     
n.热心,热情,热忱
参考例句:
  • Revolutionary zeal caught them up,and they joined the army.革命热情激励他们,于是他们从军了。
  • They worked with great zeal to finish the project.他们热情高涨地工作,以期完成这个项目。
14 displeased 1uFz5L     
a.不快的
参考例句:
  • The old man was displeased and darted an angry look at me. 老人不高兴了,瞪了我一眼。
  • He was displeased about the whole affair. 他对整个事情感到很不高兴。
15 brook PSIyg     
n.小河,溪;v.忍受,容让
参考例句:
  • In our room we could hear the murmur of a distant brook.在我们房间能听到远处小溪汩汩的流水声。
  • The brook trickled through the valley.小溪涓涓流过峡谷。
16 attachment POpy1     
n.附属物,附件;依恋;依附
参考例句:
  • She has a great attachment to her sister.她十分依恋她的姐姐。
  • She's on attachment to the Ministry of Defense.她现在隶属于国防部。
17 feigned Kt4zMZ     
a.假装的,不真诚的
参考例句:
  • He feigned indifference to criticism of his work. 他假装毫不在意别人批评他的作品。
  • He accepted the invitation with feigned enthusiasm. 他假装热情地接受了邀请。
18 solicitude mFEza     
n.焦虑
参考例句:
  • Your solicitude was a great consolation to me.你对我的关怀给了我莫大的安慰。
  • He is full of tender solicitude towards my sister.他对我妹妹满心牵挂。
19 promptly LRMxm     
adv.及时地,敏捷地
参考例句:
  • He paid the money back promptly.他立即还了钱。
  • She promptly seized the opportunity his absence gave her.她立即抓住了因他不在场给她创造的机会。
20 irritably e3uxw     
ad.易生气地
参考例句:
  • He lost his temper and snapped irritably at the children. 他发火了,暴躁地斥责孩子们。
  • On this account the silence was irritably broken by a reproof. 为了这件事,他妻子大声斥责,令人恼火地打破了宁静。 来自英汉文学 - 嘉莉妹妹
21 unconditionally CfHzbp     
adv.无条件地
参考例句:
  • All foreign troops must be withdrawn immediately and unconditionally. 所有外国军队必须立即无条件地撤出。
  • It makes things very awkward to have your girls going back unconditionally just now! 你们现在是无条件上工,真糟糕! 来自子夜部分


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