CHAPTER XXXV. ON THE TRAPEZE.

 Kit¹ was on pleasant relations with his fellow performers. Indeed, he was a general favorite, owing to his obliging disposition² and pleasant manners. He took an interest in their acts as well as his own, and in particular had cultivated an intimacy³ with Louise Lefroy, the trapeze performer. He had practiced on the trapeze in the gymnasium, and had acquired additional skill under the tuition of Mlle. Lefroy.

 

"Some time you will make an engagement as a trapeze performer, Christopher," said the lady to him one day.

 

"No," answered Kit, shaking his head.

 

"You wouldn't be afraid?"

 

"No; I think I would make a very respectable performer; but I don't mean to travel with the circus after this season, unless I am obliged to."

 

"Why should you be obliged to?"

 

"Because I have my living to earn."[Pg 173]

 

"It is a pity," said Mlle. Lefroy. "You seem cut out for a circus performer."

 

"Do you like it, Mlle. Lefroy?"

 

The lady looked thoughtful.

 

"I have to like it," she said. "Besides, there is an excitement about it, and I crave⁴ excitement."

 

"But wouldn't you rather have a home of your own?"

 

"Listen! I had a home of my own, but my husband was intemperate⁵, and in fits of intoxication⁶ would illtreat me and my boy."

 

"Then you have a boy?" said Kit, surprised.

 

"Yes; and I support him at a boarding school out of my professional earnings⁷, which are large."

 

"I am going to ask you another question, but you may not like to answer it."

 

"Speak plainly."

 

"Your husband is living, is he not?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Does he know that you are a circus performer?"

 

"No; and I would not have him know for worlds."

 

"Would he feel sensitive about it?"

 

Mlle. Lefroy laughed bitterly.

 

"You don't know him, or you would not ask that question," she said. "He would want to appropriate my salary. That is why I do not care to have him know how I am earning the living which he ought to provide for me."

 

"I sympathize with you," said Kit, gently.

 

"Then you don't think any the worse of me because I am a trapeze performer."

 

"Why should I? Am I not a circus performer also?"

 

"Yes; but it is different with you, being a man. You would not like to think of your mother or sister in my position."[Pg 174]

 

"No; I would not, yet I can imagine circumstances that would justify⁸ it."

 

From this time Kit was disposed to look with different eyes upon Mlle. Lefroy. He did not think of her as a daring actor, but rather as an injured wife and devoted⁹ mother, who every day risked her life for the sake of one who was dear to her.

 

"Did you never fear that your husband might be present when you are performing?" asked Kit.

 

"It is my constant dread," answered Mlle. Lefroy. "When I come out in my costume, and look over the sea of heads, I am always afraid I shall see his face."

 

"But you never have yet?"

 

"Never yet. I do not think if I should see that man I could go through my part. It requires nerve, as you know, and my nerves would be so shaken that my life would be in peril¹⁰. If you ever hear of my meeting with an accident, you may guess the probable cause."

 

"Then, if ever you recognize your husband among the spectators, it would be prudent¹¹ to omit your performance."

 

"That is what I propose to do."

 

Kit little imagined how soon the contingency¹² which his friend feared would arrive.

 

Two evenings later Harry¹³ Thorne brought him a little note. He opened it and read as follows:

 

Come and see me at once.   Louise Lefroy.

 

Kit ascertained¹⁴ where Mlle. Lefroy was to be found, and obeyed the summons immediately.

 

He found the lady in great agitation¹⁵.

 

"Are you not well?" he asked.[Pg 175]

 

"Well in health, but not in mind," she answered.

 

"Has anything happened?"

 

"Yes; what I dreaded¹⁶ has come to pass."

 

"Have you seen your husband?" asked Kit quickly.

 

"Yes; I was taking a walk, and saw him on the opposite side of the street."

 

"Did he see you?"

 

"No; but I ascertained that he is staying at the hotel. Now he is likely to follow the crowd, and attend the circus to-night."

 

"That is probable. Then you will not appear."

 

"I should not dare to. But it will be a great disappointment to the management. The trapeze act is always a popular one, especially in a country town like this. Now I am going to ask a favor of you."

 

Kit's face flushed with excitement. He foresaw what it would be.

 

"What is it?" he asked.

 

"I want you to appear in my place this evening."

 

"Do you think I am competent?"

 

"You cannot do my act, but you can do enough to satisfy the public. But, my dear friend, I don't want to subject you to any risk. If you are at all nervous or afraid, don't attempt it."

 

"I am not afraid," said Kit confidently. "I will appear!"

 

In the evening the tent was full. Very few knew of the change in the programme. Mr. Barlow had consented to the substitution with some reluctance¹⁷, for he feared that Kit might be undertaking¹⁸ something beyond his power to perform. Even the Vincenti brothers, Kit's associates, were surprised when the manager came forward and said:

 

"Ladies and gentlemen, Mlle. Lefroy is indisposed,[Pg 176] and will be unable to perform her act this evening. Unwilling¹⁹ to disappoint the public, we have substituted one of our youngest and most daring performers, who will appear in her place."

 

When Kit came out, his young face glowing with excitement, and made his bow, the crowd of spectators greeted him with enthusiastic applause. His fellow actors joined in the ovation²⁰. They feared he had overrated his ability, but were ready to applaud his pluck.

 

Now was the time, if any, for Kit to grow nervous, and show stage fright. But he felt none. The sight of the eager faces around him only stimulated²¹ him. He caught the rope which hung down from the trapeze, and quickly climbing up poised²² himself on his elevated perch²³.

 

He did not allow himself to look down, but strove to shut out the sight of the hundreds of upturned faces, and proceeded to perform his act as coolly as if he were in a gymnasium, only six feet from the ground instead of thirty.

 

It is not to be supposed that Kit, who was a comparative novice²⁴, could equal Mlle. Louise Lefroy, who had been cultivating her specialty²⁵ for ten years. He went through several feats²⁶, however, hanging from the trapeze with his head down, then quickly recovering himself and swinging by his hands. The public was disposed to be pleased, and, when the act was finished, gave him a round of applause.

 

Later in the evening a small man, with a very dark complexion²⁷, and keen, black eyes, approached him as he was standing²⁸ near the lion's cage.

 

"Is this Luigi Vincenti?" he asked.

 

This was Kit's circus name. He passed for a brother, of Alonzo and Antonio Vincenti.[Pg 177]

 

"Yes, sir," answered Kit.

 

"I saw your trapeze act this evening," he went on. "It was very good."

 

"Thank you, sir. You know, perhaps, that I am not a trapeze performer. I only appeared in place of Mlle. Lefroy, who is indisposed."

 

"So I understand; but you do very well for a boy. My name is Signor Oponto. I am at the head of a large circus in Havana. My visit to the United States is partly to secure additional talent. How long are you engaged to Mr. Barlow?"

 

"For no definite time. I suppose I shall remain till the end of the season."

 

"You have no engagements beyond?"

 

"No, sir; this is my first season with any circus."

 

"Then I will make you an offer. I don't want to take you from Mr. Barlow, but when the season is over I shall be ready to arrange for your appearance in Havana under my personal management."

 

Though Kit was modest he was human. He did feel flattered to find himself rated so high. It even occurred to him that he might like to be considered a star in circus circles, to be the admiration²⁹ of circus audiences, and to be regarded with wondering awe³⁰ by boys of his own age throughout the country. But Kit was also a sensible boy. After all, this pre?minence was only of a physical character. A great acrobat³¹ or trapeze artist has no recognized place in society, and his ambition is of a low character. While these reflections were presenting themselves to his mind, Signor Oponto stood by in silence, waiting for his answer. He thought that Kit's hesitation³² was due to pecuniary³³ considerations.

 

"What salary does Mr. Barlow pay you?" he asked, in a businesslike tone.[Pg 178]

 

"Twenty-five dollars a week."

 

"I will give you fifty, and engage you for a year."

 

He regarded Kit intently to see how this proposal struck him.

 

"You are very liberal, Signor Oponto," Kit began, but the manager interrupted him.

 

"I will also pay your board," he added; "and of course defray your expenses to Havana. Is that satisfactory?"

 

"It would be very much so but for one thing."

 

"What is that?"

 

"I doubt whether I shall remain in the business after this season."

 

"Why not? Don't you like it?"

 

"Yes, very well; but I prefer to follow some profession of a literary character. I am nearly prepared for college, and I may decide to continue my studies."

 

"But even your college students devote most of their time to base ball and rowing, I hear."

 

"Not quite so bad as that," answered Kit, with a smile.

 

"You don't refuse definitely, I hope."

 

"No; it may be that I may feel obliged to remain in the business. In that case I will give you the preference."

 

"That is all I can expect. Here is my card. Whenever you are ready, write to me, and your communication will receive instant attention."

 

"Thank you, sir."

 

The next day Mlle. Lefroy resumed her work, the danger of meeting her husband having passed. She expressed her gratitude³⁴ to Kit for serving as her substitute, and wished to make him a present of ten dollars, but he refused to accept it.

 

"I was glad of the chance to see what I could do[Pg 179] on the trapeze," he said. "I never expect to follow it up, but I have already received an offer of an engagement in that line."

 

"So I heard. And you don't care to accept it?"

 

"No; I do not mean to be a circus performer permanently³⁵."

 

"You are right. It leads to nothing, and before middle life you are liable to find yourself unfitted for it."

 

1 kit   

n.用具包，成套工具；随身携带物

参考例句：

• The kit consisted of about twenty cosmetic items.整套工具包括大约20种化妆用品。
• The captain wants to inspect your kit.船长想检查你的行装。

2 disposition   

n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署

参考例句：

• He has made a good disposition of his property.他已对财产作了妥善处理。
• He has a cheerful disposition.他性情开朗。

3 intimacy   

n.熟悉，亲密，密切关系，亲昵的言行

参考例句：

• His claims to an intimacy with the President are somewhat exaggerated.他声称自己与总统关系密切，这有点言过其实。
• I wish there were a rule book for intimacy.我希望能有个关于亲密的规则。

4 crave   

vt.渴望得到，迫切需要，恳求，请求

参考例句：

• Many young children crave attention.许多小孩子渴望得到关心。
• You may be craving for some fresh air.你可能很想呼吸呼吸新鲜空气。

5 intemperate   

adj.无节制的，放纵的

参考例句：

• Many people felt threatened by Arther's forceful,sometimes intemperate style.很多人都觉得阿瑟的强硬的、有时过激的作风咄咄逼人。
• The style was hurried,the tone intemperate.匆促的笔调，放纵的语气。

6 intoxication   

n.wild excitement;drunkenness；poisoning

参考例句：

• He began to drink, drank himself to intoxication, till he slept obliterated. 他一直喝，喝到他快要迷糊地睡着了。
• Predator: Intoxication-Damage over time effect will now stack with other allies. Predator:Intoxication,持续性伤害的效果将会与队友相加。

7 earnings   

n.工资收人；利润，利益，所得

参考例句：

• That old man lives on the earnings of his daughter.那个老人靠他女儿的收入维持生活。
• Last year there was a 20% decrease in his earnings.去年他的收入减少了20%。

8 justify   

vt.证明…正当(或有理)，为…辩护

参考例句：

• He tried to justify his absence with lame excuses.他想用站不住脚的借口为自己的缺席辩解。
• Can you justify your rude behavior to me?你能向我证明你的粗野行为是有道理的吗？

9 devoted   

adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的

参考例句：

• He devoted his life to the educational cause of the motherland.他为祖国的教育事业贡献了一生。
• We devoted a lengthy and full discussion to this topic.我们对这个题目进行了长时间的充分讨论。

10 peril   

n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物

参考例句：

• The refugees were in peril of death from hunger.难民有饿死的危险。
• The embankment is in great peril.河堤岌岌可危。

11 prudent   

adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的

参考例句：

• A prudent traveller never disparages his own country.聪明的旅行者从不贬低自己的国家。
• You must school yourself to be modest and prudent.你要学会谦虚谨慎。

12 contingency   

n.意外事件，可能性

参考例句：

• We should be prepared for any contingency.我们应该对任何应急情况有所准备。
• A fire in our warehouse was a contingency that we had not expected.库房的一场大火是我们始料未及的。

13 harry   

vt.掠夺，蹂躏，使苦恼

参考例句：

• Today,people feel more hurried and harried.今天，人们感到更加忙碌和苦恼。
• Obama harried business by Healthcare Reform plan.奥巴马用医改掠夺了商界。

14 ascertained   

v.弄清，确定，查明( ascertain的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• The previously unidentified objects have now been definitely ascertained as being satellites. 原来所说的不明飞行物现在已证实是卫星。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• I ascertained that she was dead. 我断定她已经死了。 来自《简明英汉词典》

15 agitation   

n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动

参考例句：

• Small shopkeepers carried on a long agitation against the big department stores.小店主们长期以来一直在煽动人们反对大型百货商店。
• These materials require constant agitation to keep them in suspension.这些药剂要经常搅动以保持悬浮状态。

16 dreaded   

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)

参考例句：

• The dreaded moment had finally arrived. 可怕的时刻终于来到了。
• He dreaded having to spend Christmas in hospital. 他害怕非得在医院过圣诞节不可。 来自《用法词典》

17 reluctance   

n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿

参考例句：

• The police released Andrew with reluctance.警方勉强把安德鲁放走了。
• He showed the greatest reluctance to make a reply.他表示很不愿意答复。

18 undertaking   

n.保证，许诺，事业

参考例句：

• He gave her an undertaking that he would pay the money back with in a year.他向她做了一年内还钱的保证。
• He is too timid to venture upon an undertaking.他太胆小，不敢从事任何事业。

19 unwilling   

adj.不情愿的

参考例句：

• The natives were unwilling to be bent by colonial power.土著居民不愿受殖民势力的摆布。
• His tightfisted employer was unwilling to give him a raise.他那吝啬的雇主不肯给他加薪。

20 ovation   

n.欢呼，热烈欢迎，热烈鼓掌

参考例句：

• The hero received a great ovation from the crowd. 那位英雄受到人群的热烈欢迎。
• The show won a standing ovation. 这场演出赢得全场起立鼓掌。

21 stimulated   

a.刺激的

参考例句：

• The exhibition has stimulated interest in her work. 展览增进了人们对她作品的兴趣。
• The award has stimulated her into working still harder. 奖金促使她更加努力地工作。

22 poised   

a.摆好姿势不动的

参考例句：

• The hawk poised in mid-air ready to swoop. 老鹰在半空中盘旋，准备俯冲。
• Tina was tense, her hand poised over the telephone. 蒂娜心情紧张，手悬在电话机上。

23 perch   

n.栖木，高位，杆；v.栖息，就位，位于

参考例句：

• The bird took its perch.鸟停歇在栖木上。
• Little birds perch themselves on the branches.小鸟儿栖歇在树枝上。

24 novice   

adj.新手的，生手的

参考例句：

• As a novice writer,this is something I'm interested in.作为初涉写作的人，我对此很感兴趣。
• She realized that she was a novice.她知道自己初出茅庐。

25 specialty   

n.(speciality)特性，特质；专业，专长

参考例句：

• Shell carvings are a specialty of the town.贝雕是该城的特产。
• His specialty is English literature.他的专业是英国文学。

26 feats   

功绩，伟业，技艺( feat的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• He used to astound his friends with feats of physical endurance. 过去，他表现出来的惊人耐力常让朋友们大吃一惊。
• His heroic feats made him a legend in his own time. 他的英雄业绩使他成了他那个时代的传奇人物。

27 complexion   

n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格

参考例句：

• Red does not suit with her complexion.红色与她的肤色不协调。
• Her resignation puts a different complexion on things.她一辞职局面就全变了。

28 standing   

n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的

参考例句：

• After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.地震过后只有几幢房屋还立着。
• They're standing out against any change in the law.他们坚决反对对法律做任何修改。

29 admiration   

n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕

参考例句：

• He was lost in admiration of the beauty of the scene.他对风景之美赞不绝口。
• We have a great admiration for the gold medalists.我们对金牌获得者极为敬佩。

30 awe   

n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧

参考例句：

• The sight filled us with awe.这景色使我们大为惊叹。
• The approaching tornado struck awe in our hearts.正在逼近的龙卷风使我们惊恐万分。

31 acrobat   

n.特技演员，杂技演员

参考例句：

• The acrobat balanced a long pole on his left shoulder.杂技演员让一根长杆在他的左肩上保持平衡。
• The acrobat could bend himself into a hoop.这个杂技演员可以把身体蜷曲成圆形。

32 hesitation   

n.犹豫，踌躇

参考例句：

• After a long hesitation, he told the truth at last.踌躇了半天，他终于直说了。
• There was a certain hesitation in her manner.她的态度有些犹豫不决。

33 pecuniary   

adj.金钱的；金钱上的

参考例句：

• She denies obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception.她否认通过欺骗手段获得经济利益。
• She is so independent that she refused all pecuniary aid.她很独立，所以拒绝一切金钱上的资助。

34 gratitude   

adj.感激，感谢

参考例句：

• I have expressed the depth of my gratitude to him.我向他表示了深切的谢意。
• She could not help her tears of gratitude rolling down her face.她感激的泪珠禁不住沿着面颊流了下来。

35 permanently   

adv.永恒地，永久地，固定不变地

参考例句：

• The accident left him permanently scarred.那次事故给他留下了永久的伤疤。
• The ship is now permanently moored on the Thames in London.该船现在永久地停泊在伦敦泰晤士河边。