Here began their adventures, properly speaking. They were obliged to drive fourteen miles[Pg 25] to Dinan in a ram-shackle carriage drawn7 by three fierce little horses, with their tails done up in braided chignons, and driven by a humpback. This elegant equipage was likewise occupied by a sleepy old priest, who smoked his pipe without stopping the whole way; also by a large, loquacious8, beery man, who talked incessantly9, informing the company that he was a friend of Victor Hugo, a child of nature aged10 sixty, and obliged to drink much ale because it went to his head and gave him commercial ideas.
If it had given him no others it would have done well; but, after each draught11, and he took many, this child of nature became so friendly that even the free and easy Americans were abashed12. Matilda quailed13 before the languishing14 glances he gave her, and tied her head up like a bundle in a thick veil. The[Pg 26] scandalised Lavinia, informing him that she did not understand French, assumed the demeanour of a griffin, and glared stonily16 into space, when she was not dislocating her neck trying to see if the top-heavy luggage had not tumbled off behind.
Poor Amanda was thus left a prey17 to the beery one; for, having at first courteously18 responded to his paternal20 remarks and expressed an interest in the state of France, she could not drop the conversation all at once, even when the friend of Victor Hugo became so disagreeable that it is to be hoped the poet has not many such. He recited poems, he sung songs, he made tender confidences, and finished by pressing the hand of Mademoiselle to his lips. On being told that such demonstrations22 were not permitted to strangers in America, he beat his breast and cried out,[Pg 27] 'My God, so beautiful and so cold! You do not comprehend that I am but a child. Pardon, and smile again I conjure23 you.'
But Mademoiselle would not smile; and, folding her hands in her cloak, appeared to slumber24. Whereat the gray-headed infant groaned25 pathetically, cast his eyes heavenward, and drank more ale, muttering to himself, and shaking his head as if his emotions could not be entirely26 suppressed.
These proceedings27 caused Lavinia to keep her eye on him, being prepared for any outbreak, from a bullet all round to proposals to both her charges at once.
With this smouldering bomb-shell inside, and the firm conviction that one if not all the trunks were lying in the dust some miles behind, it may be inferred that duenna Livy did not enjoy that break-neck drive, lurching[Pg 28] and bumping up hill and down, with nothing between them and destruction apparently30 but the little humpback, who drove recklessly.
In this style they rattled31 up to the Porte de Brest, feeling that they had reached Dinan 'only by the grace of God,' as the beery man expressed it, when he bowed and vanished, still oppressed with the gloomy discovery that American women did not appreciate him.
While Amanda made inquiries32 at an office, and Matilda had raptures34 over the massive archway crowned with yellow flowers, Lavinia was edified35 by a new example of woman's right to labour.
Close by was a clean, rosy36 old woman, whose unusual occupation attracted our spinster's attention. Whisking off the wheels of a diligence, the old lady greased them one by one, and put them on again with the skill and speed[Pg 29] of a regular blacksmith, and then began to pile many parcels into a char28 apparently waiting for them.
She was a brisk, cheery old soul, with the colour of a winter-apple in her face, plenty of fire in her quick black eyes, and a mouthful of fine teeth, though she must have been sixty. She was dressed in the costume of the place: a linen37 cap with several sharp gables to it, a gay kerchief over her shoulders, a blue woollen gown short enough to display a pair of sturdy feet and legs in neat shoes with bunches of ribbons on the instep and black hose. A gray apron38, with pockets and a bib, finished her off; making a very sensible as well as picturesque39 costume.
She was still hard at it when a big boy appeared, and began to heave the trunks into another char; but gave out at the second,[Pg 30] which was large. Instantly the brisk old woman put him aside, hoisted40 in the big boxes without help, and, catching41 up the shafts42 of the heavily laden43 cart, trotted44 away with it at a pace which caused the Americans (who prided themselves on their muscle) to stare after her in blank amazement46.
When next seen she was toiling47 up a steep street, still ahead of the lazy boy, who slowly followed with the lighter48 load. It did not suit Lavinia's ideas of the fitness of things to have an old woman trundle three heavy trunks while she herself carried nothing but a parasol, and she would certainly have lent a hand if the vigorous creature had not gone at such a pace that it was impossible to overtake her till she backed her cart up before a door in most scientific style, and with a bow, a smile, and a courteous19 wave of the hand,[Pg 31] informed them that 'here the ladies would behold49 the excellent Madame C.'
They did behold and also receive a most cordial welcome from the good lady, who not only embraced them with effusion, but turned her house upside down for their accommodation, merely because they came recommended to her hospitality by a former lodger50 who had won her kind old heart.
While she purred over them, the luggage was being bumped upstairs, the old woman shouldering trunk after trunk, and trudging51 up two steep flights in the most marvellous way. But best of all was her surprise and gratitude52 on receiving a larger fee than usual, for the ladies were much interested in this dear old Hercules in a cap of seven gables.
When she had blessed them all round, and trotted briskly away with her carts, Madame C.[Pg 32] informed the new-comers that the worthy53 soul was a widow with many children, whom she brought up excellently, supporting them by acting54 as porter at the hotel. Her strength was wonderful, and she was very proud of it—finding no work too hard, yet always neat, cheery, and active; asking no help, and literally55 earning her daily bread by the sweat of her brow. The ladies often saw her afterward56, always trotting57 and tugging58, smiling and content, as if some unseen hands kept well greased the wheels of her own diligence, which carried such a heavy load and never broke down.
Miss Lavinia being interested in Woman's Rights and Wrongs, was much impressed by the new revelations of the capabilities59 of her sex, and soon ceased to be surprised at any demonstration21 of feminine strength, skill, and[Pg 33] independence, for everywhere the women took the lead.
They not only kept house, reared children, and knit every imaginable garment the human frame can wear, but kept the shops and the markets, tilled the gardens, cleaned the streets, and bought and sold cattle, leaving the men free to enjoy the only pursuits they seemed inclined to follow—breaking horses, mending roads, and getting drunk.
The markets seemed entirely in the hands of the women, and lively scenes they presented to unaccustomed eyes, especially the pig-market, held every week, in the square before Madame C.'s house. At dawn the squealing60 began, and was kept up till sunset. The carts came in from all the neighbouring hamlets, with tubs full of infant pigs, over which the women watched with maternal61 care till they[Pg 34] were safely deposited among the rows of tubs that stood along the walk facing Anne of Bretaigne's grey old tower, and the pleasant promenade62 which was once the fosse about the city walls.
Here Madame would seat herself and knit briskly till a purchaser applied63, when she would drop her work, dive among the pink innocents, and hold one up by its unhappy leg, undisturbed by its doleful cries, while she settled its price with a blue-gowned, white-capped neighbour as sharp-witted and shrill64-tongued as herself. If the bargain was struck, they slapped their hands together in a peculiar65 way, and the new owner clapped her purchase into a meal-bag, slung66 it over her shoulder, and departed with her squirming, squealing treasure as calmly as a Boston lady with a satchel67 full of ribbons and gloves.
More mature pigs came to market on their[Pg 35] own legs, and very long, feeble legs they were, for a more unsightly beast than a Breton pig was never seen out of a toy Noah's ark. Tall, thin, high-backed, and sharp-nosed, these porcine victims tottered68 to their doom69, with dismal70 wailings, and not a vestige71 of spirit till the trials and excitement of the day goaded72 them to rebellion, when their antics furnished fun for the public. Miss Livy observed that the women could manage the pigs when men failed entirely. The latter hustled73, lugged74, or lashed75, unmercifully and unsuccessfully; the former, with that fine tact76 which helps them to lead nobler animals than pigs, would soothe77, sympathise, coax78, and gently beguile79 the poor beasts, or devise ways of mitigating80 their bewilderment and woe81, which did honour to the sex, and triumphantly82 illustrated84 the power of moral suasion.
[Pg 36]
One amiable85 lady, who had purchased two small pigs and a coop full of fowls86, attempted to carry them all on one donkey. But the piggies rebelled lustily in the bags, the ducks remonstrated87 against their unquiet neighbours, and the donkey indignantly refused to stir a step till the unseemly uproar88 was calmed. But the Bretonne was equal to the occasion; for, after a pause of meditation89, she solved the problem by tying the bags round the necks of the pigs, so that they could enjoy the prospect90. This appeased91 them at once, and produced a general lull92; for when the pigs stopped squealing, the ducks stopped quacking93, the donkey ceased his bray94, and the party moved on in dignified95 silence, with the youthful pigs, one black, one white, serenely96 regarding life from their bags.
Another time, a woman leading a [Pg 37]newly-bought cow came through the square, where the noise alarmed the beast so much that she became unruly, and pranced97 in a most dangerous manner. Miss Livy hung out of the window, breathless with interest, and ready to fly with brandy and bandages at a minute's notice, for it seemed inevitable98 that the woman would be tossed up among the lindens before the cow was conquered. The few men who were lounging about stood with their hands in their pockets, watching the struggle without offering to help, till the cow scooped99 the lady up on her horns, ready for a toss. Livy shrieked100, but Madame just held on, kicking so vigorously that the cow was glad to set her down, when, instead of fainting, she coolly informed the men, who, seeing her danger, had approached, that she 'could arrange her cow for herself, and did not want any help,' which she proved by tying a big[Pg 38] blue handkerchief over the animal's eyes, producing instant docility101, and then she was led away by her flushed but triumphant83 mistress, who calmly settled her cap, and took a pinch of snuff to refresh herself, after a scuffle which would have annihilated102 most women.
When Madame C.'s wood was put in, the new-comers were interested in watching the job, for it was done in a truly Bretonesque manner. It arrived in several odd carts, each drawn by four great horses, with two men to each team; and as the carts were clumsy, the horses wild, and the men stupid, the square presented a lively spectacle. At one time there were three carts, twelve horses, and six men, all in a snarl103, while a dozen women stood at their doors and gave advice. One was washing a lettuce105, another dressing106 her baby, a third twirling her distaff, and a fourth with her little bowl of soup, which[Pg 39] she ate in public while gesticulating so frantically107 that her sabots clattered108 on the stones.
The horses had a free fight, and the men swore and shouted in vain, till the lady with the baby suddenly went to the rescue. Planting the naked cherub109 on the door-step, this energetic matron charged in among the rampant110 animals, and by some magic touch untangled the teams, quieted the most fractious, a big grey brute111, prancing112 like a mad elephant; then returned to her baby, who was placidly114 eating dirt, and with a polite 'Voilà, messieurs!' she whipped little Jean into his shirt, while the men sat down to smoke.
It took two deliberate men nearly a week to split the gnarled logs, and one brisk woman carried them into the cellar and piled them neatly115. The men stopped about once an hour to smoke, drink cider, or rest. The woman[Pg 40] worked steadily116 from morning till night, only pausing at noon for a bit of bread and the soup good Coste sent out to her. The men got two francs a day, the woman half a franc; and as nothing was taken out of it for wine or tobacco, her ten cents probably went further than their forty.
This same capable lady used to come to market with a baby on one arm, a basket of fruit on the other, leading a pig, driving a donkey, and surrounded by sheep, while her head bore a pannier of vegetables, and her hands spun117 busily with a distaff. How she ever got on with these trifling118 incumbrances was a mystery; but there she was, busy, placid113, and smiling, in the midst of the crowd, and at night went home with her shopping well content.
The washerwomen were among the happiest[Pg 41] of these happy souls, and nowhere were seen prettier pictures than they made, clustered round the fountains or tanks by the way, scrubbing, slapping, singing, and gossiping, as they washed or spread their linen on the green hedges and daisied grass in the bright spring weather. One envied the cheery faces under the queer caps, the stout119 arms that scrubbed all day, and were not too tired to carry home some chubby121 Jean or little Marie when night came; and, most of all, the contented122 hearts in the broad bosoms123 under the white kerchiefs, for no complaint did one hear from these hard-working, happy women. The same brave spirit seems to possess them now as that which carried them heroically to their fate in the Revolution, when hundreds of mothers and children were shot at Nantes and died without a murmur125.
But of all the friends the strangers made[Pg 42] among them they liked old Mère Oudon best—a shrivelled leaf of a woman, who at ninety-two still supported her old husband of ninety-eight. He was nearly helpless, and lay in bed most of the time, smoking, while she peeled willows126 at a sou a day, trudged127 up and down with herbs, cresses, or any little thing she could find to sell. Very proud was she of her 'master,' his great age, his senses still quite perfect, and most of all his strength, for now and then the old tyrant129 left his bed to beat her, which token of conjugal130 regard she seemed to enjoy as a relic131 of early days, and a proof that he would long be spared to her.
She kept him exquisitely132 neat, and if anyone gave her a plate of food, a little snuff, or any small comfort for her patient old age, she took it straight to the 'master,' and found a double happiness in giving and seeing him enjoy it.
[Pg 43]
She had but one eye, her amiable husband having put out the other once on a time as she was leading him home tipsy from market. The kind soul bore no malice133, and always made light of it when forced to tell how the affliction befell her.
'My Yvon was so gay in his young days, truly, yes, a fine man, and now most beautiful to see in his clean bed, with the new pipe that Mademoiselle sent him. Come, then, and behold him, my superb master, who at ninety-eight has still this strength so wonderful.'
The ladies never cared to see him more than once, but often met the truly beautiful old wife as she toiled134 to and fro, finding her faithful love more wonderful than his strength, and feeling sure that when she lies at last on her 'clean bed,' some good angel will repay these ninety-two hard years with the youth[Pg 44] and beauty, happiness and rest, which nothing can destroy.
Not only did the women manage the affairs of this world, but had more influence than men with the good powers of heaven. A long drought parched135 France that year, and even fertile Brittany suffered. More than once processions of women, led by priests, poured through the gates to go to the Croix du Saint Esprit and pray for rain.
'Why don't the men go also?' Miss Livy asked.
She certainly seemed to do so, for gracious showers soon fell, and the little gardens bloomed freshly where the mothers' hard hands had planted cabbages, onions, and potatoes to feed the children through the long winter.
[Pg 45]
Nor were these the only tasks the women did. The good ladies had a hospital, and a neater, cheerier place was never seen; few invalids137, but many old people sitting in the sunny gardens, or at work in the clean rooms. La Garaye is in ruins now, but the memory of its gentle lady still lives, and is preserved in this benevolent138 institution for the sick, the old, and poor.
A school for girls was kept by the good nuns139, and the streets at certain hours were full of little damsels, with round caps on their braided hair, queer long gowns of blue, white aprons140 and handkerchiefs, who went clattering141 by in their wooden shoes, bobbing little curtsies to their friends, and readily answering any questions inquisitive142 strangers asked them. They learned to read, write, sew, and say the catechism. Also to sing; for, often as the[Pg 46] ladies passed the little chapel143 of Our Lady, a chorus of sweet young voices came to us, making the flowery garden behind the church of St. Sauveur a favourite resting-place.
In endeavouring to account for the freedom of the women here, it was decided144 that it was owing to Anne of Brittany, the 'gentle and generous Duchesse,' to whom her husband Louis XII. allowed the uncontrolled government of the duchy. Relics145 of the 'fière Bretonne,' as Louis called her, are still treasured everywhere, and it was pleasant to know not only that she was an accomplished146 woman, writing tender letters in Latin verse to her husband, but also a wise and just Princess to her people, 'showing herself by spirit and independence to be the most worthy of all her race to wear the ducal crown.' So three[Pg 47] cheers for good Duchesse Anne, and long life to the hardy147, happy women of Brittany!
While Miss Lavinia was making these observations and moralizing upon them, the younger ladies were enjoying discoveries and experiences more to their tastes.
They had not been in the house half a day before Madame C. informed them that 'Mademoiselle, the so charming miss whom they beheld148 at dinner, was to be married very soon; and they should have the rapture33 of witnessing a wedding the most beautiful.'
They welcomed the prospect with pleasure, for Dinan is not a whirl of gaiety at the best of times: and that spring the drought, rumours149 of war, and fears of small-pox, cast a shadow upon the sunny little town. So they surveyed Mademoiselle Pelagie with interest, and longed[Pg 48] to behold the happy man who was to be blessed with the hand of this little, yellow-faced girl, with red eyes, dirty hands, and a frizzled crop, so like a wig150 they never could make up their minds that it was not.
Madame, the mamma, a buxom151, comely152 widow, who breakfasted in black moire, with a diadem153 of glossy154 braids on her sleek155 head, and many jet ornaments156 rattling157 and glistening158 about her person, informed them, with voluble affability, of the whole affair.
'My brother, M. le Président, had arranged the marriage. Pelagie was twenty, and beautiful, as you behold. It was time to establish her. Mon Dieu! yes; though my heart is lacerated to lose my angel, I consent. I conduct her to a ball, that she may be seen by the young man whose parents desire that he should espouse159 my infant. He beholds160 her. He says:[Pg 49] "Great heavens, I adore her! My father, I consent." He is presented to me; we converse161. She regards him with the angelic modesty162 of a young girl, but speaks not. I approve, the parents meet, it is arranged, and Jules is betrothed163 to my Pelagie. They have not met since; but next week he comes for the marriage, and he will be permitted to address her in my presence. Ah, yes! your customs are not as ours, and to us seem of a deplorable freedom. Pardon that I say it.'
On inquiring how Pelagie regarded her future lord, they found that she thought very little about him, but was absorbed in her trousseau, which she proudly displayed. To those accustomed to see and hear of American outfits165, with their lavish166 profusion167 and extravagant168 elegance169, poor little Pelagie's modest stores were not at all imposing170. Half a dozen pretty[Pg 50] dresses from Paris; several amazing hats, all rosebuds171, lace, and blue ribbon; a good deal of embroidery172; and a few prophetic caps,—completed the outfit164.
One treasure, however, she was never tired of displaying,—a gift from Jules,—a camels'-hair shawl, in a black walnut173 case, on which was carved the Clomadoc arms. A set of pearls were also from the bridegroom; but the shawl was her pride, for married women alone could wear such, and she seemed to think this right of more importance than any the wedding-ring could confer upon her.
To the young ladies, both of whom had known many of the romantic experiences which befall comely American girls, the idea of marrying a man whom they had only seen twice seemed horrible; and to have but one week of courtship, and that in Mamma's [Pg 51]presence, was simply an insult and a wrong which they would not bear to think of.
But Pelagie seemed quite content, and brooded over her finery like a true Frenchwoman, showing very little interest in her Jules, and only anxious for the time to come when she could wear her shawl and be addressed as Madame.
While waiting for the grand event, the girls amused themselves with Gaston, the brother of the bride-elect. He was a languid, good-looking youth of three-and-twenty, who assumed blasé airs and attitudinized for their benefit. Sometimes he was lost in fits of Byronic gloom, when he frowned over his coffee, sighed gustily175, and clutched his brow, regardless of the curls, usually in ambrosial176 order. The damsels, instead of being impressed by this display of inward agony, only laughed at him, and soon[Pg 52] rallied him out of his heroics. Then he would try another plan, and become all devotion, presenting green tulips, ancient coins, early fruit, or sketches177 of his own, so very small that the design was quite obscure. If these delicate attentions failed to touch the stony178 hearts of the blonde Americans, he would air his entire wardrobe, appearing before them one day in full Breton costume of white cloth, embroidered179 in gay silks, buckled180 shoes, and hat adorned181 with streaming ribbons and flowers. Quite Arcadian was Gaston in this attire182; and very effective on the croquet ground, where sundry183 English families disported184 themselves on certain afternoons. Another time he would get himself up like a Parisian dandy bound for a ride in the Bois de Boulogne; and, mounting with much difficulty a rampant horse, he would caracole about the Place St. Louis, to the great delight of the natives.
[Pg 53]
But this proved a failure; for one of the fair but cruel strangers donned hat and habit, and entirely eclipsed his glories by galloping185 about the country like an Amazon. The only time Gaston played escort she was nearly the death of him, for he seldom did more than amble186 a mile or two, and a hard trot45 of some six or eight miles reduced our Adonis to such a state of exhaustion187 that he fell into his mother's arms on dismounting, and was borne away to bed with much lamentation188.
After that he contented himself with coming to show himself in full dress whenever he went to a party; and, as that was nearly every other evening, they soon got accustomed to hearing a tap at their door, and beholding189 the comely youth in all the bravery of glossy broadcloth, a lavish shirt-bosom124, miraculous190 tie, primrose191 gloves, varnished192 shoes, and curls and moustache anointed and perfumed in the most [Pg 54]exquisite style. He would bow and say 'Bon soir,' then stand to be admired, with the artless satisfaction of a child; after which he would smile complacently194, wave his crush hat, and depart with a flourish.
Dear, dandified, vain Gaston! His great desire was to go to Paris, and when the war came he had his wish; but found sterner work to do than to dress and dance and languish15 at the feet of ladies. I hope it made a man of him, and fancy it did; for the French fight well and suffer bravely for the country they love in their melodramatic fashion.
As the day approached for the advent6 of the bridegroom, great excitement prevailed in the quiet household. Madame C. and her handmaid, dear old Marie, cackled and bustled195 like a pair of important hens. Madame F., the widow, lived at the milliner's, so to speak, and[Pg 55] had several dress rehearsals196 for her own satisfaction. Gaston mounted guard over his sister, lest some enamoured man should rend5 her from them ere her Jules could secure the prize. And Pelagie placidly ate and slept, kept her hair in crimping-pins from morning till night, wore out her old clothes, and whiled away the time munching197 bonbons198 and displaying her shawl.
'Mercy on us! I should feel like a lamb being fattened199 for the sacrifice if I were in her place,' cried one of the freeborn American citizenesses, with an air of unmitigated scorn for French ways of conducting this interesting ceremony.
'I should feel like a galley-slave,' said the other. 'For she can't go anywhere without Gaston or Mamma at her elbow. Only yesterday she went into a shop alone, while Gaston waited at the door. And when she told it at[Pg 56] home as a great exploit all the ladies shrieked with horror at the idea, and Mamma said, wringing200 her hands: "Mon Dieu! but they will think thou art a married woman, for it is inconceivable that any girl should do so bold a thing." And Pelagie wept, and implored201 them not to tell Jules, lest he should discard her.'
Here the Americans all groaned over the pathetic absurdity202 of the whole affair, and wondered with unrighteous glee what the decorous ladies below would say to some of their pranks203 at home. But, fearing that M. le Président might feel it his duty to eject them from the town as dangerous persons, they shrouded204 their past sins in the most discreet205 silence, and assumed their primmest206 demeanour in public.
'He has come! Look quick, girls!' cried Lavinia, as a carriage stopped at the door, and a rushing sound, as of many agitated207 skirts, was[Pg 57] heard in the hall. Three heads peeped from the window of the blue parlour, and three pairs of curious eyes were rewarded by a sight of the bridegroom, as he alighted.
Such a little man! Such a fierce moustache! Such a dignified strut208! And such an imposing uniform as he wore! For Jules Gustave Adolphe Marie Clomadoc was a colonel in some regiment209 stationed at Boulogne. Out he skipped; in he marched; and, peeping over the banisters, they saw him salute210 Madame F. with a stately kiss on the hand, then escort her up to her salon211, bowing loftily, and twisting his tawny212 moustache with an air that gave him the effect of being six feet in height, and broad in proportion.
How he greeted his fiancée they knew not, but the murmur of voices came from the room in steady flow for hours, and Gaston flew in and out with an air of immense importance.
[Pg 58]
At dinner the strangers were proudly presented to M. le Colonel, and received affable bows from the little man, who flattered himself that he could talk English, and insisted on speaking an unknown tongue, evidently wondering at their stupidity in not understanding their own language.
He escorted Madame down, sat between her and Pelagie, but talked only to her; while the girl sat silent and ate her dinner with an appetite which no emotion could diminish. It was very funny to see the small warrior213 do his wooing of the daughter through the mother; and the buxom widow played her part so well that an unenlightened observer would have said she was the bride-elect. She smiled, she sighed, she discoursed214, she coquetted, and now and then plucked out her handkerchief and wept at the thought of losing the angel, who was[Pg 59] placidly gnawing215 bones and wiping up the gravy216 on her plate with bits of bread.
Jules responded with spirit, talked, jested, quoted poetry, paid compliments right and left, and now and then passed the salt, filled a glass, or offered a napkin to his fiancée with a French shrug217 and a tender glance.
After dinner Madame F. begged him to recite one of his poems; for it appeared this all-accomplished man was beloved of the muse174, and twanged the lyre as well as wielded218 the sword. With much persuasion219 and many modest apologies, Jules at length consented, took his place upon the rug, thrust one hand into his bosom, turned up his eyes, and, in a tremendous voice, declaimed a pensive220 poem of some twenty stanzas221, called 'Adieu to my past.'
The poet's friends listened with rapt [Pg 60]countenances and frequent bursts of emotion or applause; but the Americans suffered agonies, for the whole thing was so absurdly melodramatic that it was with great difficulty they kept themselves from explosions of laughter. When the little man dropped his voice to a hoarse223 whisper, in bidding adieu to the lost loves of his youth, tender-hearted old C. sobbed224 in her napkin; while Livy only saved herself from hysterics by drinking a glass of water, and Pelagie ate sugar, with her round eyes fixed225 on her lover's face, without the slightest expression whatever.
When the poet mourned his blighted226 hopes, and asked wildly of all the elements if he should live or die, Gaston cast reproachful glances at the alien charmer who had nipped his passion in the bud; and when Jules gave a sudden start, slapped his brow, and declared that[Pg 61] he would live for his country, old Marie choked in her coffee, while Madame F. clapped her fat hands, and cried: 'It is sublime227!'
The poem closed there, and the providential appearance of their donkeys gave the ladies an excuse for retiring to their room, where they laughed till they could laugh no more.
Each meal was as good as a play, and every glimpse they had of the little pair gave fresh food for mirth. Everything was so formal and polite, so utterly228 unlike the free-and-easy customs of their native land, that they were kept in alternate states of indignation and amusement the whole time. Jules never was alone with his Pelagie for an instant; such a breach229 of etiquette230 would have shocked the entire town. In the walks and drives which the family took together, Madame was always at the Colonel's side; while Gaston escorted[Pg 62] his sister, looking as if he was fast reaching a state of mind when he would give her away without a pang231. Many guests came and went, much kissing and bowing, prancing and rustling232, went on, up and down stairs. Stately old gentlemen called, papers were signed, fortunes discussed, and gifts displayed. Pelagie went much to mass; also to the barber's and the bath. Agitated milliners flew in and out. A great load of trunks arrived from Nantes, where Madame formerly233 lived; and the day before the wedding a whole carriage full of Clomadocs appeared, and Babel seemed to have come again.
A great supper was given that evening, and the Three were banished234 to their own rooms; where, however, they fared sumptuously235, for Madame C. and good old Marie ate with them, having no place left them but the kitchen.[Pg 63] Madame C. was much hurt that she had not been asked to the wedding. It seemed the least Madame F. could do after taking possession of the house, and turning its rightful owner out of every room but the attic236. Madame C. was a gentlewoman; and though a meek237 old soul, this rudeness hurt her very much. She said nothing; but Marie fumed193 and scolded fiercely, and proposed that the neglected ones should all go away on the wedding-day, and make a fête for themselves somewhere. So they decided to drive to Dinare, enjoy the fine views of the sea and St. Malo, dine, and return at dusk, leaving the house free for the wedding festivities.
The day was fine, and the ladies were graciously invited to behold the bride before she left for church. She looked as much like a fashion-plate as it was possible for a living[Pg 64] girl to look; and they dutifully kissed her on both cheeks, paid their compliments and retired238, thanking their stars that they were not in her place.
Mamma was gorgeous to behold, in royal purple and black lace. Gaston was so glossy and beruffled and begemmed, that they gazed with awe239 upon the French Adonis. But the bridegroom was a sight for gods and men. In full regimentals with a big sword, so many orders that there was hardly room for them on his little breast, and a cocked hat, with a forest of feathers, in which he extinguished himself at intervals240. How his tiny boots shone, his tawny moustache bristled241 with importance, and his golden epaulets glittered as he shrugged242 and pranced! His honoured papa and mamma were both tall, portly people, beside whom the manikin looked like a child. Livy quite longed to see Madame Clomadoc take little Jules on her[Pg 65] knee, and amuse him with bonbons when he got impatient at the delay of the carriage.
The Three peeped out of windows, and over the banisters, and got fine glimpses of the splendours below. Flocks of elegant ladies went sailing up the narrow stairs. Gentlemen with orders, dandies wonderful to behold, and a few children (to play with the bridegroom, as Livy wickedly said), adorned the hall and salon. Every one talked at the top of his or her voice. Shrieks243 of rapture, groans244 of despair, greeted a fine toilette or a torn glove. Peals245 of laughter from the gentlemen, and shrill cries from the infants, echoed through the once peaceful halls. As Françoise said 'It was truly divine.'
At eleven, every one trooped into the carriages again. How they ever got so many full-dressed people into one carriage is a [Pg 66]mystery to this day. But in they piled, regardless of trains, corpulency, or height; and coach after coach lumbered246 away to the church.
The bride's carriage could not be got very near the door. So she tripped out to it, leaning on her uncle's arm, while the devoted247 Gaston bore her train. Mamma sailed after in a purple cloud; and when two young damsels, in arsenic248 green, were packed in, away they went, leaving the bridegroom to follow.
Then came the catastrophe249! Stout papa and mamma were safely in; a friend of Jules, some six feet high, shut himself up like a jack-knife; and with a farewell wave of the cocked hat, the small bridegroom skipped in after them. The coachman cracked his whip, intending to dash under the arched gateway250 in fine style. But alas251! the harness was old, the big horses clumsy, and the road half paved.[Pg 67] The traces gave way, the beasts reared, the big coach lurched, and dismal wails252 arose. Out burst the fierce little hero of the day, and the tall friend followed by instalments.
Great was the excitement as the natives gathered about the carriage with offers of help, murmurs253 of sympathy, and unseemly mirth on the part of the boys. Jules did the swearing; and never were heard such big oaths as fell from the lips of this irate254 little man. It really seemed as if he would explode with wrath255. He dashed the impressive cocked hat upon the stones, laid his hand upon his sword, tore his hair, and clutched his moustache in paroxysms of despair.
His bride was gone, waiting in agitated suspense256 for him. No other coach could be had, as the resources of the town had been exhausted257. The harness was in a desperate[Pg 68] state, the men at their wit's end how to mend it, and time flying fast. Maire and priest were waiting, the whole effect of the wedding was being ruined by this delay, and 'ten thousand devils' seemed to possess the awkward coachman.
During the flurry, Papa Clomadoc appeared to slumber tranquilly258 in the recesses259 of the carriage. Mamma endeavoured to soothe her boy with cries of 'Tranquillize yourself, my cherished son. It is nothing.' 'Come, then, and reassure260 papa.' 'Inhale261 the odour of my vinaigrette. It will compose your lacerated nerves, my angel.'
But the angel wouldn't come, and continued to dance and swear, and slap his hat about until the damages were repaired, when he flung himself, exhausted, into the carriage, and was borne away to his bride.
[Pg 69]
'A lively prospect for poor Pelagie.' 'What a little fiend he is!' 'Spinsters for ever!'
With these remarks, the ladies ordered their own equipage, an infant omnibus, much in vogue262 in Dinan, where retired army officers, English or Scotch263, drive about with their little families of eighteen or twenty. One Colonel Newcome, a grave-looking man, used to come to church in a bus of this sort, with nine daughters and four sons, like a patriarch. The strangers thought it was a boarding-school, till he presented the entire flock, with paternal pride, as 'my treasures.'
Madame C., in a large Leghorn bonnet264, trembling with yellow bows, led the way with an air of lofty indifference265 as to what became of her house that day. Marie bore a big basket, full of cold fowls, salad, and wines; she also was in a new spring hat of purple, which made her[Pg 70] rosy old face look like a china aster128. Lavinia reposed266 upon the other seat; and the infants insisted on sharing the driver's seat, up aloft, that they might enjoy the prospect, which freak caused Flabeau's boy to beam and blush till his youthful countenance222 was a deep scarlet267.
They had a pleasant day; for good old Madame soon recovered her temper, and beguiled268 the time with lively tales of her mother's trials during the Revolution.
Marie concocted269 spiced drinks, salad that was a thing to dream of, not to tell, and produced such edible270 treasures that her big basket seemed bottomless.
The frisky271 damsels explored ruins, ran races on the hard beach, sniffed272 the salt breezes, and astonished the natives by swarming273 up and down 'precipices,' as they called the rocks.
That was a fatal day for Flabeau's boy (they[Pg 71] never knew his name); for, as if the wedding had flown to his head, he lost his youthful heart to one of the lively damsels who invaded his perch274. Such tender glances as his China-blue eyes cast upon her; such grins of joy as he gave when she spoke275 to him; such feats277 of agility278 as he performed, leaping down to gather flowers, or hurling279 himself over thorny280 hedges, to point out a dolmen or a menhir (they never could remember which was which). Alas, alas! for Flabeau's boy! Deeply was he wounded that day by the unconscious charmer, who would as soon have thought of inspiring love in the bosom of the broken-nosed saint by the wayside as in the heart that beat under the blue blouse.
I regret to say that 'the infants,' as Madame C. always called Miss Livy's charges, behaved themselves with less decorum than could have been wished. But the proud consciousness that[Pg 72] they never could be disposed of as Pelagie had been had such an exhilarating effect upon them that they frisked like the lambs in the field.
One drove the bus in a retired spot and astonished the stout horses by the way in which she bowled them along the fine, hard road. The other sang college songs, to the intense delight of the old ladies, who admired the 'chants Amériques so gay,' and to the horror of their duenna, who knew what they meant. A shower came up, and they would remain outside; so the boy put up a leathern hood281, and they sat inside in such a merry mood that the silent youth suddenly caught the infection, and burst forth282 into a Breton melody, which he continued to drone till they got home.
The house was a blaze of light when they arrived, and Françoise, the maid, came flying out to report sundry breakages and mishaps283.[Pg 73] How the salad had precipitated284 itself downstairs, dish and all. How Monsieur Gaston was so gay, so inconceivably gay, that he could hardly stand, and insisted on kissing her clandestinely285. That Mademoiselle Pelagie had wept much because her veil was torn; and Madame F. had made a fresh toilette, ravishing to behold. Would the dear ladies survey the party, still at table? Regard them from the little window in the garden, and see if it is not truly a spectacle the most superb!
They did regard them, and saw the bride at the head of the table, eating steadily through the dessert; the bridegroom reciting poems with tremendous effect; Gaston almost invisible behind a barricade286 of bottles; and Madame F., in violet velvet287, diamonds, plumes288, and lace, more sleek and buxom than ever. The ladies all talked at once, and the gentlemen drank healths[Pg 74] every five minutes. A very French and festive289 scene it was; for the room was small, and twenty mortals were stowed therein. One fat lady sat in the fireplace, Papa Clomadoc leaned his heavy head upon the sideboard, and the plump shoulders of Madame F. were half out of the front window. 'But it was genteel. Oh! I assure you, yes,' as Françoise said.
How long they kept it up the weary trio did not wait to see, but retired to their beds, and slumbered290 peacefully, waking only when Gaston was borne up to his room, chanting the 'Marseillaise' at the top of his voice.
Next day M. and Madame Clomadoc, Jr., made calls, and Pelagie had the joy of wearing her shawl. For three days she astonished the natives by promenading291 with her lord in a fresh toilette each day. On the fourth they all piled into a big carriage, and went away to make a[Pg 75] round of visits, before the young people settled down at Boulogne.
The Americans never thought to hear any more of Pelagie; but, as dear old Madame C. wrote to them several times after they left, the little story may be finished here, though the sequel did not actually come till a year later.
Many were the sage292 predictions of the Three as to the success of this marriage—Amanda approving of that style of thing, Matilda objecting fiercely to the entire affair, and Lavinia firmly believing in the good old doctrine293 of love as your only firm basis for so solemn a bargain.
Wagers294 were laid that the fiery295 little Colonel would shoot some one in a jealous fit, or that Pelagie would elope, or both charcoal296 themselves to death, as the best way out of the[Pg 76] predicament. But none of them guessed how tragically297 it would really end.
Late in the following spring came a letter from Madame C., telling them that Jules had gone to the war, and been shot in his first battle; that Pelagie was with her mother again, comforting herself for her loss with a still smaller Jules, who never saw his father, and, it is to be hoped, did not resemble him. So little Pelagie's brief romance ended; and one would fancy that the experiences of that year would make her quite content to remain under mamma's wing, with no lord and master but the little son, to whom she was a very tender mother.
Pleasant days those were in quaint298 old Dinan; for spring's soft magic glorified299 earth and sky, and a delicious sense of rest and freedom gave a charm to that quiet life. Legends of romance[Pg 77] and chivalry300 hung about the ruins of castle and château, as green and golden as the ivy29 and bright wall-flowers that tapestried301 the crumbling302 walls, and waved like banners from the turret303 tops. Lovely walks into woods, starred with pale primroses304, and fragrant305 with wild hyacinths; down green lanes, leading to quaint cottages, or over wide meadows full of pink-tipped daisies and dear familiar buttercups, the same all the world over.
Sometimes they took gay donkey-drives to visit a solemn dolmen in a gloomy pine-wood, with mistletoe hanging from the trees, and the ghosts of ancient Druids haunting the spot. The cavalcade306 on such occasions was an imposing spectacle. Matilda being fond of horses likewise affected307 donkeys (or thought she did, till she tried to drive one), and usually went first in a small vehicle like a chair on wheels,[Pg 78] drawn by an animal who looked about the size of a mouse, when the stately Mat in full array, yellow parasol, long whip, camp-stool, and sketch-book, sat bolt upright on her perch, driving in the most approved manner.
The small beast, after much whipping, would break into a trot, and go pattering over the hard, white road, with his long ears wagging, and his tiny hoofs308 raising a great dust for the benefit of the other turnout just behind.
In a double chair sat Lavinia, bundled up as usual, and the amiable Amanda, both flushed with constant pokings and thrashings of their steed. A venerable ass2, so like an old whity-brown hair trunk as to his body, and Nick Bottom's mask as to his head, that he was a constant source of mirth to the ladies. Mild and venerable as he looked, however, he was a most incorrigible309 beast, and it took two immortal[Pg 79] souls, and four arms, to get the ancient donkey along.
Vain all the appeals to his conscience, pity, or pride: nothing but a sharp poke276 among his ribs310, a steady shower of blows on his fuzzy old back, and frequent 'yanks' of the reins311 produced any effect. It was impossible to turn out for anything, and the ladies resigned themselves to the ignominy of sitting still, in the middle of the road, and letting other carriages drive over or round them.
On rare occasions the beast would bolt into the ditch as a vehicle drew near; but usually he paused abruptly312, put his head down, and apparently went to sleep.
Matilda got on better, because little Bernard Du Guesclin, as she named her mouse, was so very small, that she could take him up, and turn him round bodily, when other means failed,[Pg 80] or pull him half into the chair if danger threatened in front. He was a sprightly313 little fellow, and had not yet lost all the ardour of youth, or developed the fiendish obstinacy314 of his kind; so he frequently ran little races—now and then pranced, and was not quite dead to the emotion of gratitude in return for bits of bread.
Truly, yes; the fair Mat with her five feet seven inches, and little Bernard, whose longest ear, when most erect315, did not reach much above her waist, were a sweet pair of friends, and caused her mates great amusement.
'I must have some one to play with, for I can't improve my mind all the time as 'Mandy does, or cuddle and doze104 like Livy. I've had experience with young donkeys of all sorts, and I give you my word little Bernie is much better fun than some I've known with shorter ears and fewer legs.'
[Pg 81]
Thus Matilda, regardless of the jeers316 of her friends, when they proposed having the small beast into the salon to beguile the tedium317 of a rainy day.
As the summer came on, picnics were introduced, and gay parties would pile into and on to Flabeau's small omnibus, and drive off to Hunandaye, Coétquën, La Bellière, Guingamp, or some other unpronounceable but most charming spot, for a day of sunshine and merrymaking.
The hospitable318 English came out strong on these occasions, with ''ampers of 'am-sandwiches, bottled porter and so on, don't you know?' all in fine style. Even the stout doctor donned his knickerbockers and grey hose, unfurled his Japanese umbrella, and, with a pretty niece on either arm, disported himself like a boy.
But pleasantest of all were the daily strolls[Pg 82] through the little town and its environs, getting glimpses of Breton manners and customs.
The houses were usually composed of one room, where, near the open fire, and fixed against the wall, stands the bedstead or lit clos, of old oak, shut in by carved sliding panels, often bearing an inscription319 or some sacred symbol. The mattresses320 and feather-beds are so piled up, that there is hardly room to creep in. Before it is the big chest containing the family wardrobe, answering the double purpose of a seat and a step by which to ascend321 the lofty bed. Cupboards on each side often have wide shelves, where the children sleep. Settles and a long table complete the furniture; the latter often has little wells hollowed out in the top to hold the soup instead of plates. Over the table, suspended by pulleys, are two indispensable articles in a Breton house,—a large round[Pg 83] basket to cover the bread, and a wooden frame to hold the spoons. Festoons of sausages, hams, candles, onions, horse-shoes, harness, and tools, all hang from the ceiling. The floor is of beaten earth. One narrow window lets in the light. There are no out-houses, and pigs and poultry322 mingle323 freely with the family.
The gardens are well kept, and produce quantities of fruit and vegetables. The chief food of the poorer class is bread or porridge of buckwheat, with cabbage soup, made by pouring hot water over cabbage leaves and adding a bit of butter.
They are a home-loving people, and pine like the Swiss, if forced to leave their native land. They are brave soldiers and good sailors. 'Their vices,' as a Breton writer says, 'are avarice324, contempt for women, and drunkenness; their virtues325, love of home and country, [Pg 84]resignation to the will of God, loyalty326 to each other, and hospitality.' Their motto is, 'En tout120 chemin loyauté.'
They are very superstitious327, and some of their customs are curious. At New Year pieces of bread and butter are thrown into the fountains, and from the way in which they swim the future is foretold328. If the buttered side turns under, it forebodes death; if two pieces adhere together, it is a sign of sickness; and if a piece floats properly, it is an assurance of long life and prosperity.
Girls throw pins into the fountain of Saloun to tell, by their manner of sinking, when they will be married. If the pin goes down head-foremost, there is little hope; but, if the point goes first, it is a sure sign of being married that year.
Their veneration329 for healing-springs is very[Pg 85] great, and, though at times forbidden by the Church, is still felt. Pounded snails, worn in a bag on the neck, is believed to be a cure for fever; and a certain holy bell rung over the head, a cure for head-ache. 'If we believe in that last remedy, what a ceaseless tingling330 that bell would keep up in America!' said Lavinia, when these facts were mentioned to her.
In some towns they have, in the cemetery331, a bone-house or reliquary. It is the custom, after a certain time, to dig up the bones of the dead, and preserve the skulls332 in little square boxes like bird-houses, with a heart-shaped opening, to show the relic within. The names and dates of the deceased are inscribed333 outside.
Saint Ives or Yves is a favourite saint, and images of him are in all churches and over many doors. He was one of the remarkable334 [Pg 86]characters of the thirteenth century. He studied law in Paris, and devoted his talents to defending the poor; hence, he was called 'the poor man's advocate:' and so great is the confidence placed in his justice, that, even now, when a debtor335 falsely denies his debt, a peasant will pay twenty sous for a mass to St. Ives, sure that the Saint will cause the faithless creditor336 to die within the year or pay up.
His truthfulness337 was such that he was called 'St. Yves de vérité.' He was the special patron of lawyers, but he does not seem to be their model.
The early monks338 taught the people to work, and their motto was 'The Cross and the plough, labour and prayer.' They introduced apples, now the principal fruit of Brittany. Much cider is made and drank; and in old times they got their wine from France in exchange for wax and[Pg 87] honey, as they were famous bee-keepers. Great fields of buck-wheat still afford food for the 'yellow-breeched philosophers,' and in many cottage gardens a row of queerly shaped hives stand in sunny nooks.
These monks were the model farmers of those days, and their abbeys were fine farms. One had twenty piggeries, of three hundred pigs each, in its forests. The monks also reared sheep and horses, and bred fish in their ponds.
Many were also brewers, weavers339, carpenters, and so on. Evidently they lived up to their motto and laboured quite as much as they prayed, and doubtless were saved by works as well as by faith.
The little Place Du Guesclin, with a stumpy statue of the famous knight340 in the middle and chestnut341 trees all around, was a favourite resting-place of the ladies—especially when the[Pg 88] weekly fair was held and booths of all sorts were raised at one end. Here Amanda bought a remarkable jack-knife, which would cut nothing but her fingers: Matilda speculated in curious kinds of cake; one sort being made into gigantic jumbles342 so light that they did excellently for grace-hoops; another sort being used by these vandals as catch-alls, so deep and tough were they. Lavinia examined the various fabrics343, and got bits of linen as samples, also queer earthen pots and pans impossible to carry away.
The church of St. Sauveur, a dim and ancient little place with Du Guesclin's heart buried by the side of his wife, was another haunt. The castle, now a prison, contained the arm-chair in which Duchess Anne sat, and the dungeons344 where were crammed345 two thousand English prisoners of war in the last century. The view[Pg 89] from the platform of the keep was magnificent, extending to Mont Dol and the distant sea.
The sunny promenade on the fosse, that goes half round the town, was very charming, with the old grey walls on one side, and, on the other, the green valley with its luxuriant gardens, and leafy lanes, winding346 up to the ruined château, or the undulating hills with picturesque windmills whirling on the heights.
On the other side of the town, from the high gardens of the church, one looked down into the deeper valley of the Rance, with the airy viaduct striding from hill to hill, and the old part of the town nestling at its base.
Soft and summery, fertile and reposeful347, was the scene; and the busy peasants at their work added to the charm. Pretty English children with Breton nurses, each in the costume of her native town, played under the lindens all abloom[Pg 90] with odorous flowers and alive with bees. Workmen came to these green places to eat the black bread and drink the thin wine that was all their dinner. Invalids strolled here after their baths at the little house in the rose-garden below. Pretty girls walked there in the twilight348 with long-haired lovers in knee breeches and round hats. Nuns in their grey gowns went to and fro from hospital and the insane asylum349 or charity school; and the beautiful old priest sometimes went feebly by, smiling paternally350 on his flock, who rose and uncovered reverently351 as he passed.
Flowers were everywhere,—in the gardens of the rich, at the windows of the poor. The stalls in the market were gay with plumy lilacs, splendid tulips, roses of every shade, and hyacinths heavy with odour. All along the borders of the river waved the blossoming grass; every green bank about the mills at Lehon was yellow[Pg 91] with dandelions, and the sunny heads of little children welcoming the flower of the poor. Even the neglected churchyard of the ruined abbey, where the tombs of the stately Beaumanoirs still stand, was bright with cheerful daisies and blue-eyed forget-me-nots.
The willows in the valley were covered with fragrant tassels352, and the old women and children sat all day on door-stones and by the wayside stripping the long, white wands for basket-making. Flax fields were blooming in the meadows, and acres of buckwheat, with its rosy stems and snowy blossoms, whitened the uplands with a fair prophecy of bread for all.
So, garlanded about with early flowers and painted in spring's softest, freshest colours, Brittany remains353 for ever a pleasant picture in the memory of those who have been welcomed to its hospitable homes, and found friends among its brave and loyal people.
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1
snails
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| n.蜗牛；迟钝的人；蜗牛( snail的名词复数 ) | |
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ass
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| n.驴；傻瓜，蠢笨的人 | |
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incessant
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| adj.不停的，连续的 | |
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clatter
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| v./n.(使)发出连续而清脆的撞击声 | |
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rend
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| vt.把…撕开，割裂；把…揪下来，强行夺取 | |
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advent
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| n.(重要事件等的)到来，来临 | |
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drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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loquacious
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| adj.多嘴的，饶舌的 | |
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incessantly
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| ad.不停地 | |
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aged
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| adj.年老的，陈年的 | |
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draught
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| n.拉，牵引，拖；一网（饮，吸，阵)；顿服药量，通风；v.起草，设计 | |
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12
abashed
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| adj.窘迫的，尴尬的v.使羞愧，使局促，使窘迫( abash的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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quailed
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| 害怕，发抖，畏缩( quail的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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languishing
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| a. 衰弱下去的 | |
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languish
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| vi.变得衰弱无力，失去活力，（植物等）凋萎 | |
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stonily
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| 石头地，冷酷地 | |
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prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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paternal
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| adj.父亲的，像父亲的，父系的，父方的 | |
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demonstration
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| n.表明，示范，论证，示威 | |
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demonstrations
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| 证明( demonstration的名词复数 )； 表明； 表达； 游行示威 | |
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conjure
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| v.恳求，祈求；变魔术，变戏法 | |
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slumber
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| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
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groaned
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| v.呻吟( groan的过去式和过去分词 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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char
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| v.烧焦；使...燃烧成焦炭 | |
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ivy
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| n.常青藤，常春藤 | |
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apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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rattled
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| 慌乱的，恼火的 | |
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inquiries
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| n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听 | |
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rapture
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| n.狂喜；全神贯注；着迷；v.使狂喜 | |
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34
raptures
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| 极度欢喜( rapture的名词复数 ) | |
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35
edified
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| v.开导，启发( edify的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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36
rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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37
linen
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| n.亚麻布，亚麻线，亚麻制品；adj.亚麻布制的，亚麻的 | |
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38
apron
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| n.围裙；工作裙 | |
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39
picturesque
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| adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的 | |
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40
hoisted
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| 把…吊起，升起( hoist的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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41
catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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42
shafts
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| n.轴( shaft的名词复数 )；（箭、高尔夫球棒等的）杆；通风井；一阵（疼痛、害怕等） | |
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43
laden
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| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
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44
trotted
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| 小跑，急走( trot的过去分词 )； 匆匆忙忙地走 | |
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45
trot
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| n.疾走，慢跑；n.老太婆；现成译本；(复数）trots:腹泻（与the 连用）；v.小跑，快步走，赶紧 | |
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46
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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47
toiling
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| 长时间或辛苦地工作( toil的现在分词 )； 艰难缓慢地移动，跋涉 | |
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48
lighter
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| n.打火机，点火器；驳船；v.用驳船运送；light的比较级 | |
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49
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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50
lodger
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| n.寄宿人，房客 | |
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51
trudging
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| vt.& vi.跋涉，吃力地走（trudge的现在分词形式） | |
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52
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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53
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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54
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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55
literally
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| adv.照字面意义，逐字地；确实 | |
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56
afterward
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| adv.后来；以后 | |
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57
trotting
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| 小跑，急走( trot的现在分词 )； 匆匆忙忙地走 | |
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58
tugging
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| n.牵引感v.用力拉，使劲拉，猛扯( tug的现在分词 ) | |
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59
capabilities
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| n.能力( capability的名词复数 )；可能；容量；[复数]潜在能力 | |
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60
squealing
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| v.长声尖叫，用长而尖锐的声音说( squeal的现在分词 ) | |
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61
maternal
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| adj.母亲的，母亲般的，母系的，母方的 | |
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62
promenade
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| n./v.散步 | |
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63
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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64
shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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65
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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66
slung
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| 抛( sling的过去式和过去分词 )； 吊挂； 遣送； 押往 | |
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67
satchel
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| n.(皮或帆布的)书包 | |
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68
tottered
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| v.走得或动得不稳( totter的过去式和过去分词 )；踉跄；蹒跚；摇摇欲坠 | |
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69
doom
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| n.厄运，劫数；v.注定，命定 | |
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70
dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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71
vestige
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| n.痕迹，遗迹，残余 | |
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72
goaded
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| v.刺激( goad的过去式和过去分词 )；激励；（用尖棒）驱赶；驱使（或怂恿、刺激）某人 | |
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73
hustled
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| 催促（hustle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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74
lugged
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| vt.用力拖拉（lug的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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75
lashed
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| adj.具睫毛的v.鞭打( lash的过去式和过去分词 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
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76
tact
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| n.机敏，圆滑，得体 | |
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77
soothe
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| v.安慰；使平静；使减轻；缓和；奉承 | |
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78
coax
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| v.哄诱，劝诱，用诱哄得到，诱取 | |
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79
beguile
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| vt.欺骗，消遣 | |
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80
mitigating
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| v.减轻，缓和( mitigate的现在分词 ) | |
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81
woe
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| n.悲哀，苦痛，不幸，困难；int.用来表达悲伤或惊慌 | |
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82
triumphantly
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| ad.得意洋洋地；得胜地；成功地 | |
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83
triumphant
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| adj.胜利的，成功的；狂欢的，喜悦的 | |
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84
illustrated
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| adj. 有插图的，列举的 动词illustrate的过去式和过去分词 | |
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85
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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86
fowls
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| 鸟( fowl的名词复数 )； 禽肉； 既不是这； 非驴非马 | |
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87
remonstrated
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| v.抗议( remonstrate的过去式和过去分词 )；告诫 | |
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88
uproar
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| n.骚动，喧嚣，鼎沸 | |
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89
meditation
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| n.熟虑，（尤指宗教的）默想，沉思，（pl.）冥想录 | |
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90
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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91
appeased
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| 安抚，抚慰( appease的过去式和过去分词 )； 绥靖（满足另一国的要求以避免战争） | |
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92
lull
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| v.使安静，使入睡，缓和，哄骗；n.暂停，间歇 | |
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93
quacking
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| v.（鸭子）发出嘎嘎声( quack的现在分词 ) | |
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94
bray
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| n.驴叫声, 喇叭声；v.驴叫 | |
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95
dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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96
serenely
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| adv.安详地，宁静地，平静地 | |
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97
pranced
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| v.（马）腾跃( prance的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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98
inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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99
scooped
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| v.抢先报道( scoop的过去式和过去分词 )；（敏捷地）抱起；抢先获得；用铲[勺]等挖（洞等） | |
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100
shrieked
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| v.尖叫( shriek的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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101
docility
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| n.容易教，易驾驶，驯服 | |
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102
annihilated
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| v.（彻底）消灭( annihilate的过去式和过去分词 )；使无效；废止；彻底击溃 | |
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103
snarl
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| v.吼叫，怒骂，纠缠，混乱；n.混乱，缠结，咆哮 | |
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104
doze
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| v.打瞌睡；n.打盹，假寐 | |
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105
lettuce
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| n.莴苣；生菜 | |
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106
dressing
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| n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料 | |
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107
frantically
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| ad.发狂地, 发疯地 | |
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108
clattered
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| 发出咔哒声（clatter的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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109
cherub
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| n.小天使，胖娃娃 | |
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110
rampant
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| adj.(植物)蔓生的；狂暴的，无约束的 | |
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111
brute
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| n.野兽，兽性 | |
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112
prancing
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| v.（马）腾跃( prance的现在分词 ) | |
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113
placid
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| adj.安静的，平和的 | |
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114
placidly
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| adv.平稳地，平静地 | |
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115
neatly
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| adv.整洁地，干净地，灵巧地，熟练地 | |
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116
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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117
spun
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| v.纺，杜撰，急转身 | |
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118
trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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120
tout
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| v.推销，招徕；兜售；吹捧，劝诱 | |
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121
chubby
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| adj.丰满的，圆胖的 | |
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122
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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123
bosoms
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| 胸部( bosom的名词复数 )； 胸怀； 女衣胸部（或胸襟）； 和爱护自己的人在一起的情形 | |
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124
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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125
murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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126
willows
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| n.柳树( willow的名词复数 )；柳木 | |
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127
trudged
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| vt.& vi.跋涉，吃力地走（trudge的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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128
aster
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| n.紫菀属植物 | |
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129
tyrant
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| n.暴君，专制的君主，残暴的人 | |
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130
conjugal
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| adj.婚姻的，婚姻性的 | |
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131
relic
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| n.神圣的遗物，遗迹，纪念物 | |
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132
exquisitely
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| adv.精致地；强烈地；剧烈地；异常地 | |
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133
malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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134
toiled
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| 长时间或辛苦地工作( toil的过去式和过去分词 )； 艰难缓慢地移动，跋涉 | |
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135
parched
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| adj.焦干的；极渴的；v.（使）焦干 | |
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136
virgin
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| n.处女，未婚女子；adj.未经使用的；未经开发的 | |
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137
invalids
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| 病人，残疾者( invalid的名词复数 ) | |
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138
benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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139
nuns
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| n.（通常指基督教的）修女， （佛教的）尼姑( nun的名词复数 ) | |
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140
aprons
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| 围裙( apron的名词复数 )； 停机坪，台口（舞台幕前的部份） | |
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141
clattering
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| 发出咔哒声（clatter的现在分词形式） | |
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142
inquisitive
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| adj.求知欲强的，好奇的，好寻根究底的 | |
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143
chapel
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| n.小教堂，殡仪馆 | |
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144
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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145
relics
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| [pl.］n.遗物，遗迹，遗产；遗体，尸骸 | |
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146
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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147
hardy
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| adj.勇敢的，果断的，吃苦的；耐寒的 | |
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148
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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149
rumours
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| n.传闻( rumour的名词复数 )；风闻；谣言；谣传 | |
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150
wig
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| n.假发 | |
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151
buxom
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| adj.（妇女）丰满的，有健康美的 | |
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152
comely
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| adj.漂亮的，合宜的 | |
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153
diadem
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| n.王冠，冕 | |
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154
glossy
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| adj.平滑的；有光泽的 | |
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155
sleek
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| adj.光滑的，井然有序的；v.使光滑，梳拢 | |
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156
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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157
rattling
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| adj. 格格作响的, 活泼的, 很好的 adv. 极其, 很, 非常 动词rattle的现在分词 | |
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158
glistening
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| adj.闪耀的，反光的v.湿物闪耀，闪亮( glisten的现在分词 ) | |
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159
espouse
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| v.支持，赞成，嫁娶 | |
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160
beholds
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| v.看，注视( behold的第三人称单数 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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161
converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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162
modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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163
betrothed
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| n. 已订婚者 动词betroth的过去式和过去分词 | |
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164
outfit
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| n.（为特殊用途的）全套装备，全套服装 | |
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165
outfits
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| n.全套装备( outfit的名词复数 )；一套服装；集体；组织v.装备，配置设备，供给服装( outfit的第三人称单数 ) | |
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166
lavish
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| adj.无节制的；浪费的；vt.慷慨地给予，挥霍 | |
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167
profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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168
extravagant
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| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
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169
elegance
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| n.优雅；优美，雅致；精致，巧妙 | |
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170
imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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171
rosebuds
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| 蔷薇花蕾，妙龄少女，初入社交界的少女( rosebud的名词复数 ) | |
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172
embroidery
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| n.绣花，刺绣；绣制品 | |
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173
walnut
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| n.胡桃，胡桃木，胡桃色，茶色 | |
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174
muse
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| n.缪斯（希腊神话中的女神），创作灵感 | |
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175
gustily
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| adv.暴风地，狂风地 | |
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176
ambrosial
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| adj.美味的 | |
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177
sketches
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| n.草图( sketch的名词复数 )；素描；速写；梗概 | |
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178
stony
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| adj.石头的，多石头的，冷酷的，无情的 | |
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179
embroidered
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| adj．绣花的 | |
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180
buckled
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| a. 有带扣的 | |
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181
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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182
attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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183
sundry
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| adj.各式各样的，种种的 | |
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184
disported
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| v.嬉戏，玩乐，自娱( disport的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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185
galloping
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| adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式 | |
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186
amble
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| vi.缓行，漫步 | |
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187
exhaustion
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| n.耗尽枯竭，疲惫，筋疲力尽，竭尽，详尽无遗的论述 | |
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188
lamentation
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| n.悲叹，哀悼 | |
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189
beholding
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| v.看，注视( behold的现在分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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190
miraculous
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| adj.像奇迹一样的，不可思议的 | |
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191
primrose
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| n.樱草，最佳部分， | |
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192
varnished
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| 浸渍过的，涂漆的 | |
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193
fumed
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| 愤怒( fume的过去式和过去分词 )； 大怒； 发怒； 冒烟 | |
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194
complacently
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| adv. 满足地, 自满地, 沾沾自喜地 | |
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195
bustled
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| 闹哄哄地忙乱，奔忙( bustle的过去式和过去分词 )； 催促 | |
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196
rehearsals
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| n.练习( rehearsal的名词复数 )；排练；复述；重复 | |
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197
munching
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| v.用力咀嚼（某物），大嚼( munch的现在分词 ) | |
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198
bonbons
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| n.小糖果( bonbon的名词复数 ) | |
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199
fattened
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| v.喂肥( fatten的过去式和过去分词 )；养肥（牲畜）；使（钱）增多；使（公司）升值 | |
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200
wringing
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| 淋湿的，湿透的 | |
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201
implored
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| 恳求或乞求（某人）( implore的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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202
absurdity
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| n.荒谬，愚蠢；谬论 | |
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203
pranks
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| n.玩笑，恶作剧( prank的名词复数 ) | |
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204
shrouded
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| v.隐瞒( shroud的过去式和过去分词 )；保密 | |
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205
discreet
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| adj.(言行)谨慎的；慎重的；有判断力的 | |
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206
primmest
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| adj.循规蹈矩的( prim的最高级 )；整洁的；（人）一本正经 | |
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207
agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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208
strut
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| v.肿胀，鼓起；大摇大摆地走；炫耀；支撑；撑开；n.高视阔步；支柱，撑杆 | |
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209
regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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210
salute
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| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
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211
salon
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| n.[法]沙龙；客厅；营业性的高级服务室 | |
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212
tawny
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| adj.茶色的，黄褐色的；n.黄褐色 | |
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213
warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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214
discoursed
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| 演说（discourse的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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215
gnawing
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| a.痛苦的，折磨人的 | |
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216
gravy
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| n.肉汁；轻易得来的钱，外快 | |
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217
shrug
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| v.耸肩(表示怀疑、冷漠、不知等) | |
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218
wielded
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| 手持着使用（武器、工具等）( wield的过去式和过去分词 )； 具有； 运用（权力）； 施加（影响） | |
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219
persuasion
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| n.劝说；说服；持有某种信仰的宗派 | |
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220
pensive
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| a.沉思的,哀思的,忧沉的 | |
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221
stanzas
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| 节，段( stanza的名词复数 ) | |
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222
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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223
hoarse
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| adj.嘶哑的，沙哑的 | |
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224
sobbed
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| 哭泣，啜泣( sob的过去式和过去分词 )； 哭诉，呜咽地说 | |
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225
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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226
blighted
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| adj.枯萎的，摧毁的 | |
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227
sublime
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| adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的 | |
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228
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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229
breach
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| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
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230
etiquette
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| n.礼仪，礼节；规矩 | |
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231
pang
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| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
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232
rustling
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| n. 瑟瑟声，沙沙声 adj. 发沙沙声的 | |
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233
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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234
banished
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| v.放逐，驱逐( banish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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235
sumptuously
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| 奢侈地，豪华地 | |
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236
attic
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| n.顶楼，屋顶室 | |
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237
meek
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| adj.温顺的，逆来顺受的 | |
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238
retired
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|
| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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239
awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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240
intervals
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| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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241
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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242
shrugged
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| vt.耸肩（shrug的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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243
shrieks
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| n.尖叫声( shriek的名词复数 )v.尖叫( shriek的第三人称单数 ) | |
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244
groans
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| n.呻吟，叹息( groan的名词复数 )；呻吟般的声音v.呻吟( groan的第三人称单数 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
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245
peals
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| n.（声音大而持续或重复的）洪亮的响声( peal的名词复数 )；隆隆声；洪亮的钟声；钟乐v.（使）（钟等）鸣响，（雷等）发出隆隆声( peal的第三人称单数 ) | |
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246
lumbered
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| 砍伐（lumber的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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247
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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248
arsenic
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| n.砒霜，砷；adj.砷的 | |
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249
catastrophe
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| n.大灾难，大祸 | |
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250
gateway
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| n.大门口，出入口，途径，方法 | |
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251
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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252
wails
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| 痛哭，哭声( wail的名词复数 ) | |
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253
murmurs
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| n.低沉、连续而不清的声音( murmur的名词复数 )；低语声；怨言；嘀咕 | |
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254
irate
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| adj.发怒的，生气 | |
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255
wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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256
suspense
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| n.（对可能发生的事）紧张感，担心，挂虑 | |
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257
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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258
tranquilly
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| adv. 宁静地 | |
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259
recesses
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| n.壁凹( recess的名词复数 )；（工作或业务活动的）中止或暂停期间；学校的课间休息；某物内部的凹形空间v.把某物放在墙壁的凹处( recess的第三人称单数 )；将（墙）做成凹形，在（墙）上做壁龛；休息，休会，休庭 | |
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260
reassure
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| v.使放心，使消除疑虑 | |
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261
inhale
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| v.吸入(气体等)，吸(烟) | |
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262
Vogue
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| n.时髦，时尚；adj.流行的 | |
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263
scotch
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| n.伤口，刻痕；苏格兰威士忌酒；v.粉碎，消灭，阻止；adj.苏格兰(人)的 | |
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264
bonnet
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| n.无边女帽；童帽 | |
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265
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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266
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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267
scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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268
beguiled
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| v.欺骗( beguile的过去式和过去分词 )；使陶醉；使高兴；消磨（时间等） | |
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269
concocted
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| v.将（尤指通常不相配合的）成分混合成某物( concoct的过去式和过去分词 )；调制；编造；捏造 | |
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270
edible
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| n.食品，食物；adj.可食用的 | |
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271
frisky
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| adj.活泼的，欢闹的；n.活泼，闹着玩；adv.活泼地，闹着玩地 | |
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272
sniffed
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| v.以鼻吸气，嗅，闻( sniff的过去式和过去分词 )；抽鼻子（尤指哭泣、患感冒等时出声地用鼻子吸气）；抱怨，不以为然地说 | |
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273
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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274
perch
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| n.栖木，高位，杆；v.栖息，就位，位于 | |
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275
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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276
poke
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| n.刺，戳，袋；vt.拨开，刺，戳；vi.戳，刺，捅，搜索，伸出，行动散慢 | |
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277
feats
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| 功绩，伟业，技艺( feat的名词复数 ) | |
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278
agility
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| n.敏捷，活泼 | |
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279
hurling
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| n.爱尔兰式曲棍球v.猛投，用力掷( hurl的现在分词 )；大声叫骂 | |
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280
thorny
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| adj.多刺的，棘手的 | |
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281
hood
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| n.头巾，兜帽，覆盖；v.罩上，以头巾覆盖 | |
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282
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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283
mishaps
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| n.轻微的事故，小的意外( mishap的名词复数 ) | |
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284
precipitated
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| v.（突如其来地）使发生( precipitate的过去式和过去分词 )；促成；猛然摔下；使沉淀 | |
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285
clandestinely
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| adv.秘密地，暗中地 | |
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286
barricade
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| n.路障，栅栏，障碍；vt.设路障挡住 | |
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287
velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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288
plumes
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| 羽毛( plume的名词复数 )； 羽毛饰； 羽毛状物； 升上空中的羽状物 | |
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289
festive
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| adj.欢宴的，节日的 | |
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290
slumbered
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| 微睡，睡眠（slumber的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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291
promenading
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| v.兜风( promenade的现在分词 ) | |
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292
sage
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| n.圣人，哲人；adj.贤明的，明智的 | |
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293
doctrine
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| n.教义；主义；学说 | |
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294
wagers
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| n.赌注，用钱打赌( wager的名词复数 )v.在（某物）上赌钱，打赌( wager的第三人称单数 )；保证，担保 | |
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295
fiery
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| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
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296
charcoal
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| n.炭，木炭，生物炭 | |
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297
tragically
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| adv. 悲剧地，悲惨地 | |
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298
quaint
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| adj.古雅的，离奇有趣的，奇怪的 | |
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299
glorified
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| 美其名的，变荣耀的 | |
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300
chivalry
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| n.骑士气概，侠义；（男人）对女人彬彬有礼，献殷勤 | |
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301
tapestried
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| adj.饰挂绣帷的，织在绣帷上的v.用挂毯（或绣帷）装饰( tapestry的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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302
crumbling
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| adj.摇摇欲坠的 | |
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303
turret
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| n.塔楼，角塔 | |
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304
primroses
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| n.报春花( primrose的名词复数 )；淡黄色；追求享乐（招至恶果） | |
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305
fragrant
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| adj.芬香的，馥郁的，愉快的 | |
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306
cavalcade
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| n.车队等的行列 | |
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307
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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308
hoofs
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| n.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的名词复数 )v.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的第三人称单数 ) | |
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309
incorrigible
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| adj.难以纠正的，屡教不改的 | |
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310
ribs
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| n.肋骨( rib的名词复数 )；（船或屋顶等的）肋拱；肋骨状的东西；（织物的）凸条花纹 | |
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311
reins
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| 感情，激情； 缰( rein的名词复数 )； 控制手段； 掌管； （成人带着幼儿走路以防其走失时用的）保护带 | |
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312
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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313
sprightly
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| adj.愉快的，活泼的 | |
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314
obstinacy
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| n.顽固；（病痛等）难治 | |
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315
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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316
jeers
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| n.操纵帆桁下部（使其上下的）索具；嘲讽( jeer的名词复数 )v.嘲笑( jeer的第三人称单数 ) | |
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317
tedium
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| n.单调；烦闷 | |
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318
hospitable
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| adj.好客的；宽容的；有利的，适宜的 | |
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319
inscription
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| n.（尤指石块上的）刻印文字，铭文，碑文 | |
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320
mattresses
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| 褥垫，床垫( mattress的名词复数 ) | |
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321
ascend
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| vi.渐渐上升，升高；vt.攀登，登上 | |
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322
poultry
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| n.家禽，禽肉 | |
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323
mingle
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| vt.使混合，使相混；vi.混合起来；相交往 | |
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324
avarice
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| n.贪婪；贪心 | |
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325
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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326
loyalty
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| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
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327
superstitious
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| adj.迷信的 | |
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328
foretold
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| v.预言，预示( foretell的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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329
veneration
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| n.尊敬，崇拜 | |
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330
tingling
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| v.有刺痛感( tingle的现在分词 ) | |
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331
cemetery
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| n.坟墓，墓地，坟场 | |
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332
skulls
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| 颅骨( skull的名词复数 )； 脑袋； 脑子； 脑瓜 | |
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333
inscribed
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| v.写，刻( inscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；内接 | |
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334
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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335
debtor
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| n.借方，债务人 | |
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336
creditor
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| n.债仅人，债主，贷方 | |
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337
truthfulness
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| n. 符合实际 | |
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338
monks
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| n.修道士，僧侣( monk的名词复数 ) | |
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339
weavers
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| 织工，编织者( weaver的名词复数 ) | |
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340
knight
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| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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341
chestnut
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| n.栗树，栗子 | |
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342
jumbles
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| 混杂( jumble的名词复数 )； （使）混乱； 使混乱； 使杂乱 | |
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343
fabrics
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| 织物( fabric的名词复数 )； 布； 构造； （建筑物的）结构（如墙、地面、屋顶）：质地 | |
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344
dungeons
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| n.地牢( dungeon的名词复数 ) | |
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345
crammed
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| adj.塞满的，挤满的；大口地吃；快速贪婪地吃v.把…塞满；填入；临时抱佛脚( cram的过去式) | |
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346
winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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347
reposeful
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| adj.平稳的，沉着的 | |
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348
twilight
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| n.暮光，黄昏；暮年，晚期，衰落时期 | |
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349
asylum
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| n.避难所，庇护所，避难 | |
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350
paternally
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| adv.父亲似地；父亲一般地 | |
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351
reverently
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| adv.虔诚地 | |
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352
tassels
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| n.穗( tassel的名词复数 )；流苏状物；（植物的）穗；玉蜀黍的穗状雄花v.抽穗， （玉米）长穗须( tassel的第三人称单数 )；使抽穗， （为了使作物茁壮生长）摘去穗状雄花；用流苏装饰 | |
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353
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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