A WEEK passed, and no news arrived of Mr. Rochester: ten days,and still he did not come. Mrs. Fairfax said she should not be surprised if he were to go straight from the Leas to London, and thence to the Continent, and not show his face again at Thornfield for a year to come; he had not unfrequently quitted it in a manner quite as abrupt2 and unexpected. When I heard this, I was beginning to feel a strange chill and failing at the heart. I was actually permitting myself to experience a sickening sense of disappointment; but rallying my wits, and recollecting3 my principles, I at once called my sensations to order; and it was wonderful how I got over the temporary blunder- how I cleared up the mistake of supposing Mr. Rochester's movements a matter in which I had any cause to take a vital interest. Not that I humbled4 myself by a slavish notion of inferiority: on the contrary, I just said-
'You have nothing to do with the master of Thornfield, further than to receive the salary he gives you for teaching his protegee, and to be grateful for such respectful and kind treatment as, if you do your duty, you have a right to expect at his hands. Be sure that is the only tie he seriously acknowledges between you and him; so don't make him the object of your fine feelings, your raptures6, agonies, and so forth7. He is not of your order: keep to your caste, and be too self-respecting to lavish5 the love of the whole heart, soul, and strength, where such a gift is not wanted and would be despised.'
I went on with my day's business tranquilly8; but ever and anon vague suggestions kept wandering across my brain of reasons why I should quit Thornfield; and I kept involuntarily framing advertisements and pondering conjectures9 about new situations: these thoughts I did not think it necessary to check; they might germinate10 and bear fruit if they could.
Mr. Rochester had been absent upwards11 of a fortnight, when the post brought Mrs. Fairfax a letter.
'It is from the master,' said she, as she looked at the direction. 'Now I suppose we shall know whether we are to expect his return or not.'
And while she broke the seal and perused13 the document, I went on taking my coffee (we were at breakfast): it was hot, and I attributed to that circumstance a fiery15 glow which suddenly rose to my face. Why my hand shook, and why I involuntarily spilt half the contents of my cup into my saucer, I did not choose to consider.
'Well, I sometimes think we are too quiet; but we run a chance of being busy enough now: for a little while at least,' said Mrs.
Fairfax, still holding the note before her spectacles.
Ere I permitted myself to request an explanation, I tied the string of Adele's pinafore, which happened to be loose: having helped her also to another bun and refilled her mug with milk, I said nonchalantly-
'Mr. Rochester is not likely to return soon, I suppose?'
'Indeed he is- in three days, he says: that will be next Thursday; and not alone either. I don't know how many of the fine people at the Leas are coming with him: he sends directions for all the best bedrooms to be prepared; and the library and drawing-rooms are to be cleaned out; and I am to get more kitchen hands from the George Inn, at Millcote, and from wherever else I can; and the ladies will bring their maids and the gentlemen their valets: so we shall have a full house of it.' And Mrs. Fairfax swallowed her breakfast and hastened away to commence operations.
The three days were, as she had foretold16, busy enough. I had thought all the rooms at Thornfield beautifully clean and well arranged; but it appears I was mistaken. Three women were got to help; and such scrubbing, such brushing, such washing of paint and beating of carpets, such taking down and putting up of pictures, such polishing of mirrors and lustres, such lighting18 of fires in bedrooms, such airing of sheets and feather-beds on hearths20, I never beheld21, either before or since. Adele ran quite wild in the midst of it: the preparations for company and the prospect22 of their arrival, seemed to throw her into ecstasies23. She would have Sophie to look over all her 'toilettes,' as she called frocks; to furbish up any that were 'passees,' and to air and arrange the new. For herself, she did nothing but caper24 about in the front chambers25, jump on and off the bedsteads, and lie on the mattresses27 and piled-up bolsters28 and pillows before the enormous fires roaring in the chimneys. From school duties she was exonerated29: Mrs. Fairfax had pressed me into her service, and I was all day in the storeroom, helping30 (or hindering) her and the cook; learning to make custards and cheese-cakes and French pastry31, to truss game and garnish32 dessert-dishes.
The party were expected to arrive on Thursday afternoon, in time for dinner at six. During the intervening period I had no time to nurse chimeras33; and I believe I was as active and gay as anybody- Adele excepted. Still, now and then, I received a damping check to my cheerfulness; and was, in spite of myself, thrown back on the region of doubts and portents34, and dark conjectures. This was when I chanced to see the third-storey staircase door (which of late had always been kept locked) open slowly, and give passage to the form of Grace Poole, in prim35 cap, white apron36, and handkerchief; when I watched her glide37 along the gallery, her quiet tread muffled38 in a list slipper39; when I saw her look into the bustling41, topsy-turvy bedrooms,- just say a word, perhaps, to the charwoman about the proper way to polish a grate, or clean a marble mantelpiece, or take stains from papered walls, and then pass on. She would thus descend42 to the kitchen once a day, eat her dinner, smoke a moderate pipe on the hearth19, and go back, carrying her pot of porter with her, for her private solace43, in her own gloomy, upper haunt. Only one hour in the twenty-four did she pass with her fellow-servants below; all the rest of her time was spent in some low-ceiled, oaken chamber26 of the second storey: there she sat and sewed- and probably laughed drearily44 to herself,- as companionless as a prisoner in his dungeon45.
The strangest thing of all was, that not a soul in the house, except me, noticed her habits, or seemed to marvel46 at them: no one discussed her position or employment; no one pitied her solitude47 or isolation48. I once, indeed, overheard part of a dialogue between Leah and one of the charwomen, of which Grace formed the subject. Leah had been saying something I had not caught, and the charwoman remarked-
'She gets good wages, I guess?'
'Yes,' said Leah; 'I wish I had as good; not that mine are to complain of,- there's no stinginess at Thornfield; but they're not one fifth of the sum Mrs. Poole receives. And she is laying by: she goes every quarter to the bank at Millcote. I should not wonder but she has saved enough to keep her independent if she liked to leave; but I suppose she's got used to the place; and then she's not forty yet, and strong and able for anything. It is too soon for her to give up business.'
'She is a good hand, I daresay,' said the charwoman.
'Ah!- she understands what she has to do,- nobody better,' rejoined Leah significantly; 'and it is not every one could fill her shoes- not for all the money she gets.'
'That it is not!' was the reply. 'I wonder whether the master-'
The charwoman was going on; but here Leah turned and perceived me, and she instantly gave her companion a nudge.
'Doesn't she know?' I heard the woman whisper.
Leah shook her head, and the conversation was of course dropped.
All I had gathered from it amounted to this,- that there was a mystery at Thornfield; and that from participation50 in that mystery I was purposely excluded.
Thursday came: all work had been completed the previous evening; carpets were laid down, bed-hangings festooned, radiant white counterpanes spread, toilet tables arranged, furniture rubbed, flowers piled in vases: both chambers and saloons looked as fresh and bright as hands could make them. The hall, too, was scoured51; and the great carved clock, as well as the steps and banisters of the staircase, were polished to the brightness of glass; in the dining-room, the sideboard flashed resplendent with plate; in the drawing-room and boudoir, vases of exotics bloomed on all sides.
Afternoon arrived: Mrs. Fairfax assumed her best black satin gown, her gloves, and her gold watch; for it was her part to receive the company,- to conduct the ladies to their rooms, etc. Adele, too, would be dressed: though I thought she had little chance of being introduced to the party that day at least. However, to please her, I allowed Sophie to apparel her in one of her short, full muslin frocks.
For myself, I had no need to make any change; I should not be called upon to quit my sanctum of the schoolroom; for a sanctum it was now become to me,- 'a very pleasant refuge in time of trouble.'
It had been a mild, serene53 spring day- one of those days which, towards the end of March or the beginning of April, rise shining over the earth as heralds54 of summer. It was drawing to an end now; but the evening was even warm, and I sat at work in the schoolroom with the window open.
'It gets late,' said Mrs. Fairfax, entering in rustling55 state. 'I am glad I ordered dinner an hour after the time Mr. Rochester mentioned; for it is past six now. I have sent John down to the gates to see if there is anything on the road: one can see a long way from thence in the direction of Millcote.' She went to the window.
'Here he is!' said she. 'Well, John' (leaning out), 'any news?'
'They're coming, ma'am,' was the answer. 'They'll be here in ten minutes.'
Adele flew to the window. I followed, taking care to stand on one side, so that, screened by the curtain, I could see without being seen.
The ten minutes John had given seemed very long, but at last wheels were heard; four equestrians56 galloped58 up the drive, and after them came two open carriages. Fluttering veils and waving plumes60 filled the vehicles; two of the cavaliers were young, dashing-looking gentlemen; the third was Mr. Rochester, on his black horse, Mesrour, Pilot bounding before him; at his side rode a lady, and he and she were the first of the party. Her purple riding-habit almost swept the, ground, her veil streamed long on the breeze; mingling61 with its transparent62 folds, and gleaming through them, shone rich raven63 ringlets.
'Miss Ingram!' exclaimed Mrs. Fairfax, and away she hurried to her post below.
The cavalcade64, following the sweep of the drive, quickly turned the angle of the house, and I lost sight of it. Adele now petitioned to go down; but I took her on my knee, and gave her to understand that she must not on any account think of venturing in sight of the ladies, either now or at any other time, unless expressly sent for: that Mr. Rochester would be very angry, etc. 'Some natural tears she shed' on being told this; but as I began to look very grave, she consented at last to wipe them.
A joyous65 stir was now audible in the hall: gentlemen's deep tones and ladies' silvery accents blent harmoniously66 together, and distinguishable above all, though not loud, was the sonorous67 voice of the master of Thornfield Hall, welcoming his fair and gallant68 guests under its roof. Then light steps ascended69 the stairs; and there was a tripping through the gallery, and soft cheerful laughs, and opening and closing doors, and, for a time, a hush70.
'Elles changent de toilettes,' said Adele; who, listening attentively71, had followed every movement; and she sighed.
'Chez maman,' said she, 'quand il y avait du monde, je le suivais partout, au salon72 et a leurs chambres; souvent je regardais les femmes de chambre coiffer et habiller les dames73, et c'etait si amusant: comme cela on apprend.'
'Don't you feel hungry, Adele?'
'Mais oui, mademoiselle: voila cinq ou six heures que nous n'avons pas mange.'
'Well now, while the ladies are in their rooms, I will venture down and get you something to eat.'
And issuing from my asylum75 with precaution, I sought a backstairs which conducted directly to the kitchen. All in that region was fire and commotion76; the soup and fish were in the last stage of projection77, and the cook hung over her crucibles78 in a frame of mind and body threatening spontaneous combustion79. In the servants' hall two coachmen and three gentlemen's gentlemen stood or sat round the fire; the abigails, I suppose, were upstairs with their mistresses; the new servants, that had been hired from Millcote, were bustling about everywhere. Threading this chaos80, I at last reached the larder81; there I took possession of a cold chicken, a roll of bread, some tarts82, a plate or two and a knife and fork: with this booty I made a hasty retreat. I had regained83 the gallery, and was just shutting the back-door behind me, when an accelerated hum warned me that the ladies were about to issue from their chambers. I could not proceed to the schoolroom without passing some of their doors, and running the risk of being surprised with my cargo84 of victualage; so I stood still at this end, which, being windowless, was dark: quite dark now, for the sun was set and twilight85 gathering86.
Presently the chambers gave up their fair tenants87 one after another: each came out gaily88 and airily, with dress that gleamed lustrous89 through the dusk. For a moment they stood grouped together at the other extremity90 of the gallery, conversing91 in a key of sweet subdued92 vivacity93: they then descended94 the staircase almost as noiselessly as a bright mist rolls down a hill. Their collective appearance had left on me an impression of high-born elegance95, such as I had never before received.
I found Adele peeping through the schoolroom door, which she held ajar. 'What beautiful ladies!' cried she in English. 'Oh, I wish I might go to them! Do you think Mr. Rochester will send for us by and by, after dinner?'
'No, indeed, I don't; Mr. Rochester has something else to think about. Never mind the ladies to-night; perhaps you will see them to-morrow: here is your dinner.'
She was really hungry, so the chicken and tarts served to divert her attention for a time. It was well I secured this forage96, or both she, I, and Sophie, to whom I conveyed a share of our repast, would have run a chance of getting no dinner at all: every one downstairs was too much engaged to think of us. The dessert was not carried out till after nine, and at ten footmen were still running to and fro with trays and coffee-cups. I allowed Adele to sit up much later than usual; for she declared she could not possibly go to sleep while the doors kept opening and shutting below, and people bustling about.
Besides, she added, a message might possibly come from Mr. Rochester when she was undressed; 'et alors quel dommage!'
I told her stories as long as she would listen to them; and then for a change I took her out into the gallery. The hall lamp was now lit, and it amused her to look over the balustrade and watch the servants passing backwards97 and forwards. When the evening was far advanced, a sound of music issued from the drawing-room, whither the piano had been removed; Adele and I sat down on the top step of the stairs to listen. Presently a voice blent with the rich tones of the instrument; it was a lady who sang, and very sweet her notes were. The solo over, a duet followed, and then a glee: a joyous conversational98 murmur99 filled up the intervals100. I listened long: suddenly I discovered that my ear was wholly intent on analysing the mingled101 sounds, and trying to discriminate102 amidst the confusion of accents those of Mr. Rochester; and when it caught them, which it soon did, it found a further task in framing the tones, rendered by distance inarticulate, into words.
The clock struck eleven. I looked at Adele, whose head leant against my shoulder; her eyes were waxing heavy, so I took her up in my arms and carried her off to bed. It was near one before the gentlemen and ladies sought their chambers.
The next day was as fine as its predecessor103: it was devoted104 by the party to an excursion to some site in the neighbourhood. They set out early in the forenoon, some on horseback, the rest in carriages; I witnessed both the departure and the return. Miss Ingram, as before, was the only lady equestrian57; and, as before, Mr. Rochester galloped at her side; the two rode a little apart from the rest. I pointed105 out this circumstance to Mrs. Fairfax, who was standing106 at the window with me-
'You said it was not likely they should think of being married,'
said I, 'but you see Mr. Rochester evidently prefers her to any of the other ladies.'
'Yes, I daresay: no doubt he admires her.'
'And she him,' I added; 'look how she leans her head towards him as if she were conversing confidentially107; I wish I could see her face; I have never had a glimpse of it yet.'
'You will see her this evening,' answered Mrs. Fairfax. 'I happened to remark to Mr. Rochester how much Adele wished to be introduced to the ladies, and he said: "Oh! let her come into the drawing-room after dinner; and request Miss Eyre to accompany her."'
'Yes; he said that from mere108 politeness: I need not go, I am sure,' I answered.
'Well, I observed to him that as you were unused to company, I did not think you would like appearing before so gay a party- all strangers; and he replied, in his quick way- "Nonsense! If she objects, tell her it is my particular wish; and if she resists, say I shall come and fetch her in case of contumacy."'
'I will not give him that trouble,' I answered. 'I will go, if no better may be; but I don't like it. Shall you be there, Mrs. Fairfax?'
'No; I pleaded off, and he admitted my plea. I'll tell you how to manage so as to avoid the embarrassment109 of making a formal entrance, which is the most disagreeable part of the business. You must go into the drawing-room while it is empty, before the ladies leave the dinner-table; choose your seat in any quiet nook you like; you need not stay long after the gentlemen come in, unless you please: just let Mr. Rochester see you are there and then slip away- nobody will notice you.'
'Will these people remain long, do you think?'
'Perhaps two or three weeks, certainly not more. After the Easter recess110, Sir George Lynn, who was lately elected member for Millcote, will have to go up to town and take his seat; I daresay Mr. Rochester will accompany him: it surprises me that he has already made so protracted111 a stay at Thornfield.'
It was with some trepidation112 that I perceived the hour approach when I was to repair with my charge to the drawing-room. Adele had been in a state of ecstasy113 all day, after hearing she was to be presented to the ladies in the evening; and it was not till Sophie commenced the operation of dressing114 her that she sobered down. Then the importance of the process quickly steadied her, and by the time she had her curls arranged in well-smoothed, drooping115 clusters, her pink satin frock put on, her long sash tied, and her lace mittens116 adjusted, she looked as grave as any judge. No need to warn her not to disarrange her attire117: when she was dressed, she sat demurely118 down in her little chair, taking care previously119 to lift up the satin skirt for fear she should crease120 it, and assured me she would not stir thence till I was ready. This I quickly was: my best dress (the silver-grey one, purchased for Miss Temple's wedding, and never worn since) was soon put on; my hair was soon smoothed; my sole ornament121, the pearl brooch, soon assumed. We descended.
Fortunately there was another entrance to the drawing-room than that through the saloon where they were all seated at dinner. We found the apartment vacant; a large fire burning silently on the marble hearth, and wax candles shining in bright solitude, amid the exquisite122 flowers with which the tables were adorned123. The crimson124 curtain hung before the arch: slight as was the separation this drapery formed from the party in the adjoining saloon, they spoke125 in so low a key that nothing of their conversation could be distinguished126 beyond a soothing127 murmur.
Adele, who appeared to be still under the influence of a most solemnising impression, sat down, without a word, on the footstool I pointed out to her. I retired128 to a window-seat, and taking a book from a table near, endeavoured to read. Adele brought her stool to my feet; ere long she touched my knee.
'What is it, Adele?'
'Est-ce que je ne puis pas prendre une seule de ces fleurs magnifiques, mademoiselle? Seulement pour completer ma toilette.'
'You think too much of your "toilette," Adele: but you may have a flower.' And I took a rose from a vase and fastened it in her sash.
She sighed a sigh of ineffable129 satisfaction, as if her cup of happiness were now full. I turned my face away to conceal130 a smile I could not suppress: there was something ludicrous as well as painful in the little Parisienne's earnest and innate131 devotion to matters of dress.
A soft sound of rising now became audible; the curtain was swept back from the arch; through it appeared the dining-room, with its lit lustre17 pouring down light on the silver and glass of a magnificent dessert-service covering a long table; a band of ladies stood in the opening; they entered, and the curtain fell behind them.
There were but eight; yet, somehow, as they flocked in, they gave the impression of a much larger number. Some of them were very tall; many were dressed in white; and all had a sweeping132 amplitude133 of array that seemed to magnify their persons as a mist magnifies the moon. I rose and curtseyed to them: one or two bent134 their heads in return, the others only stared at me.
They dispersed135 about the room, reminding me, by the lightness and buoyancy of their movements, of a flock of white plumy birds. Some of them threw themselves in half-reclining positions on the sofas and ottomans: some bent over the tables and examined the flowers and books: the rest gathered in a group round the fire: all talked in a low but clear tone which seemed habitual136 to them. I knew their names afterwards, and may as well mention them now.
First, there was Mrs. Eshton and two of her daughters. She had evidently been a handsome woman, and was well preserved still. Of her daughters, the eldest137, Amy, was rather little: naive138, and child-like in face and manner, and piquant139 in form; her white muslin dress and blue sash became her well. The second, Louisa, was taller and more elegant in figure; with a very pretty face, of that order the French term minois chiffone: both sisters were fair as lilies.
Lady Lynn was a large and stout141 personage of about forty, very erect142, very haughty143-looking, richly dressed in a satin robe of changeful sheen: her dark hair shone glossily144 under the shade of an azure145 plume59, and within the circlet of a band of gems146.
Mrs. Colonel Dent49 was less showy; but, I thought, more lady-like.
She had a slight figure, a pale, gentle face, and fair hair. Her black satin dress, her scarf of rich foreign lace, and her pearl ornaments147, pleased me better than the rainbow radiance of the titled dame74.
But the three most distinguished- partly, perhaps, because the tallest figures of the band- were the Dowager Lady Ingram and her daughters, Blanche and Mary. They were all three of the loftiest stature148 of women. The Dowager might be between forty and fifty: her shape was still fine; her hair (by candlelight at least) still black; her teeth, too, were still apparently149 perfect. Most people would have termed her a splendid woman of her age: and so she was, no doubt, physically150 speaking; but then there was an expression of almost insupportable haughtiness151 in her bearing and countenance152. She had Roman features and a double chin, disappearing into a throat like a pillar: these features appeared to me not only inflated153 and darkened, but even furrowed154 with pride; and the chin was sustained by the same principle, in a position of almost preternatural erectness155. She had, likewise, a fierce and a hard eye: it reminded me of Mrs. Reed's; she mouthed her words in speaking; her voice was deep, its inflections very pompous156, very dogmatical,- very intolerable, in short. A crimson velvet157 robe, and a shawl turban of some gold-wrought158 Indian fabric159, invested her (I suppose she thought) with a truly imperial dignity.
Blanche and Mary were of equal stature,- straight and tall as poplars. Mary was too slim for her height, but Blanche was moulded like a Dian. I regarded her, of course, with special interest.
First, I wished to see whether her appearance accorded with Mrs. Fairfax's description; secondly160, whether it at all resembled the fancy miniature I had painted of her; and thirdly- it will out!- whether it were such as I should fancy likely to suit Mr. Rochester's taste.
As far as person went, she answered point for point, both to my picture and Mrs. Fairfax's description. The noble bust40, the sloping shoulders, the graceful161 neck, the dark eyes and black ringlets were all there;- but her face? Her face was like her mother's; a youthful unfurrowed likeness162: the same low brow, the same high features, the same pride. It was not, however, so saturnine163 a pride! she laughed continually; her laugh was satirical, and so was the habitual expression of her arched and haughty lip.
Genius is said to be self-conscious. I cannot tell whether Miss Ingram was a genius, but she was self-conscious- remarkably164 self-conscious indeed. She entered into a discourse165 on botany with the gentle Mrs. Dent. It seemed Mrs. Dent had not studied that science: though, as she said, she liked flowers, 'especially wild ones'; Miss Ingram had, and she ran over its vocabulary with an air. I presently perceived she was (what is vernacularly166 termed) trailing Mrs. Dent; that is, playing on her ignorance: her trail might be clever, but it was decidedly not good-natured. She played: her execution was brilliant; she sang, her voice was fine; she talked French apart to her mama; and she talked it well, with fluency167 and with a good accent.
Mary had a milder and more open countenance than Blanche; softer features too, and a skin some shades fairer (Miss Ingram was dark as a Spaniard)- but Mary was deficient168 in life: her face lacked expression, her eye lustre; she had nothing to say, and having once taken her seat, remained fixed169 like a statue in its niche170. The sisters were both attired171 in spotless white.
And did I now think Miss Ingram such a choice as Mr. Rochester would be likely to make? I could not tell- I did not know his taste in female beauty. If he liked the majestic172, she was the very type of majesty173: then she was accomplished174, sprightly175. Most gentlemen would admire her, I thought; and that he did admire her, I already seemed to have obtained proof: to remove the last shade of doubt, it remained but to see them together.
You are not to suppose, reader, that Adele has all this time been sitting motionless on the stool at my feet: no; when the ladies entered, she rose, advanced to meet them, made a stately reverence176, and said with gravity-
'Bon jour, mesdames.'
And Miss Ingram had looked down at her with a mocking air, and exclaimed, 'Oh, what a little puppet!'
Lady Lynn had remarked, 'It is Mr. Rochester's ward12, I suppose- the little French girl he was speaking of.'
Mrs. Dent had kindly177 taken her hand, and given her a kiss. Amy and Louisa Eshton had cried out simultaneously-
'What a love of a child!'
And then they had called her to a sofa, where she now sat, ensconced between them, chattering178 alternately in French and broken English; absorbing not only the young ladies' attention, but that of Mrs. Eshton and Lady Lynn, and getting spoilt to her heart's content.
At last coffee is brought in, and the gentlemen are summoned. I sit in the shade- if any shade there be in this brilliantly-lit apartment; the window-curtain half hides me. Again the arch yawns; they come. The collective appearance of the gentlemen, like that of the ladies, is very imposing179: they are all costumed in black; most of them are tall, some young. Henry and Frederick Lynn are very dashing sparks indeed; and Colonel Dent is a fine soldierly man. Mr. Eshton, the magistrate180 of the district, is gentleman-like: his hair is quite white, his eyebrows181 and whiskers still dark, which gives him something of the appearance of a 'pere noble de theatre.' Lord Ingram, like his sisters, is very tall; like them, also, he is handsome; but he shares Mary's apathetic182 and listless look: he seems to have more length of limb than vivacity of blood or vigour183 of brain.
And where is Mr. Rochester?
He comes in last: I am not looking at the arch, yet I see him enter. I try to concentrate my attention on those netting-needles, on the meshes184 of the purse I am forming- I wish to think only of the work I have in my hands, to see only the silver beads185 and silk threads that lie in my lap; whereas, I distinctly behold187 his figure, and I inevitably188 recall the moment when I last saw it; just after I had rendered him, what he deemed, an essential service, and he, holding my hand, and looking down on my face, surveyed me with eyes that revealed a heart full and eager to overflow189; in whose emotions I had a part.
How near had I approached him at that moment! What had occurred since, calculated to change his and my relative positions? Yet now, how distant, how far estranged190 we were! So far estranged, that I did not expect him to come and speak to me. I did not wonder, when, without looking at me, he took a seat at the other side of the room, and began conversing with some of the ladies.
No sooner did I see that his attention was riveted191 on them, and that I might gaze without being observed, than my eyes were drawn192 involuntarily to his face; I could not keep their lids under control: they would rise, and the irids would fix on him. I looked, and had an acute pleasure in looking,- a precious yet poignant193 pleasure; pure gold, with a steely point of agony: a pleasure like what the thirst-perishing man might feel who knows the well to which he has crept is poisoned, yet stoops and drinks divine draughts194 nevertheless.
Most true is it that 'beauty is in the eye of the gazer.' My master's colourless, olive face, square, massive brow, broad and jetty eyebrows, deep eyes, strong features, firm, grim mouth,- all energy, decision, will,- were not beautiful, according to rule; but they were more than beautiful to me; they were full of an interest, an influence that quite mastered me,- that took my feelings from my own power and fettered195 them in his. I had not intended to love him; the reader knows I had wrought hard to extirpate196 from my soul the germs of love there detected; and now, at the first renewed view of him, they spontaneously arrived, green and strong! He made me love him without looking at me.
I compared him with his guests. What was the gallant grace of the Lynns, the languid elegance of Lord Ingram,- even the military distinction of Colonel Dent, contrasted with his look of native pith and genuine power? I had no sympathy in their appearance, their expression: yet I could imagine that most observers would call them attractive, handsome, imposing; while they would pronounce Mr. Rochester at once harsh-featured and melancholy-looking. I saw them smile, laugh- it was nothing; the light of the candles had as much soul in it as their smile; the tinkle197 of the bell as much significance as their laugh. I saw Mr. Rochester smile:- his stern features softened198; his eye grew both brilliant and gentle, its ray both searching and sweet. He was talking, at the moment, to Louisa and Amy Eshton. I wondered to see them receive with calm that look which seemed to me so penetrating199: I expected their eyes to fall, their colour to rise under it; yet I was glad when I found they were in no sense moved. 'He is not to them what he is to me,' I thought: 'he is not of their kind. I believe he is of mine;- I am sure he is- I feel akin14 to him- I understand the language of his countenance and movements: though rank and wealth sever200 us widely, I have something in my brain and heart, in my blood and nerves, that assimilates me mentally to him. Did I say, a few days since, that I had nothing to do with him but to receive my salary at his hands? Did I forbid myself to think of him in any other light than as a paymaster? Blasphemy201 against nature! Every good, true, vigorous feeling I have gathers impulsively202 round him. I know I must conceal my sentiments: I must smother203 hope; I must remember that he cannot care much for me. For when I say that I am of his kind, I do not mean that I have his force to influence, and his spell to attract; I mean only that I have certain tastes and feelings in common with him. I must, then, repeat continually that we are for ever sundered:- and yet, while I breathe and think, I must love him.'
Coffee is handed. The ladies, since the gentlemen entered, have become lively as larks204; conversation waxes brisk and merry. Colonel Dent and Mr. Eshton argue on politics; their wives listen. The two proud dowagers, Lady Lynn and Lady Ingram, confabulate together. Sir George- whom, by the bye, I have forgotten to describe,- a very big, and very fresh-looking country gentleman, stands before their sofa, coffee-cup in hand, and occasionally puts in a word. Mr. Frederick Lynn has taken a seat beside Mary Ingram, and is showing her the engravings of a splendid volume: she looks, smiles now and then, but apparently says little. The tall and phlegmatic206 Lord Ingram leans with folded arms on the chair-back of the little and lively Amy Eshton; she glances up at him, and chatters207 like a wren208: she likes him better than she does Mr. Rochester. Henry Lynn has taken possession of an ottoman at the feet of Louisa: Adele shares it with him: he is trying to talk French with her, and Louisa laughs at his blunders.
With whom will Blanche Ingram pair? She is standing alone at the table, bending gracefully209 over an album. She seems waiting to be sought; but she will not wait too long: she herself selects a mate.
Mr. Rochester, having quitted the Eshtons, stands on the hearth as solitary210 as she stands by the table: she confronts him, taking her station on the opposite side of the mantelpiece.
'Mr. Rochester, I thought you were not fond of children?'
'Nor am I.'
'Then, what induced you to take charge of such a little doll as that?' (pointing to Adele). 'Where did you pick her up?'
'I did not pick her up; she was left on my hands.'
'You should have sent her to school.'
'I could not afford it: schools are so dear.'
'Why, I suppose you have a governess for her: I saw a person with her just now- is she gone? Oh, no! there she is still, behind the window-curtain. You pay her, of course; I should think it quite as expensive,- more so; for you have them both to keep in addition.'
I feared- or should I say, hoped?- the allusion211 to me would make Mr. Rochester glance my way; and I involuntarily shrank farther into the shade: but he never turned his eyes.
'I have not considered the subject,' said he indifferently, looking straight before him.
'No, you men never do consider economy and common sense. You should hear mama on the chapter of governesses: Mary and I have had, I should think, a dozen at least in our day; half of them detestable and the rest ridiculous, and all incubi- were they not, mama?'
'Did you speak, my own?'
The young lady thus claimed as the dowager's special property, reiterated212 her question with an explanation.
'My dearest, don't mention governesses; the word makes me nervous. I have suffered a martyrdom from their incompetency213 and caprice. I thank Heaven I have now done with them!'
Mrs. Dent here bent over to the pious214 lady, and whispered something in her car; I suppose, from the answer elicited215, it was a reminder216 that one of the anathematised race was present.
'Tant pis!' said her ladyship, 'I hope it may do her good!' Then, in a lower tone, but still loud enough for me to hear, 'I noticed her; I am a judge of physiognomy, and in hers I see all the faults of her class.'
'What are they, madam?' inquired Mr. Rochester aloud.
'I will tell you in your private ear,' replied she, wagging her turban three times with portentous217 significancy.
'But my curiosity will be past its appetite; it craves218 food now.'
'Ask Blanche; she is nearer you than I.'
'Oh, don't refer him to me, mama! I have just one word to say of the whole tribe; they are a nuisance. Not that I ever suffered much from them; I took care to turn the tables. What tricks Theodore and I used to play on our Miss Wilsons, and Mrs. Greys, and Madame Jouberts! Mary was always too sleepy to join in a plot with spirit.
The best fun was with Madame Joubert: Miss Wilson was a poor sickly thing, lachrymose219 and low-spirited, not worth the trouble of vanquishing220, in short; and Mrs. Grey was coarse and insensible; no blow took effect on her. But poor Madame Joubert! I see her yet in her raging passions, when we had driven her to extremities- spilt our tea, crumbled221 our bread and butter, tossed our books up to the ceiling, and played a charivari with the ruler and desk, the fender and fire-irons.
Theodore, do you remember those merry days?'
'Yaas, to be sure I do,' drawled Lord Ingram; 'and the poor old stick used to cry out "Oh you villains222 childs!"- and then we sermonised her on the presumption223 of attempting to teach such clever blades as we were, when she was herself so ignorant.'
'We did; and, Tedo, you know, I helped you in prosecuting224 (or persecuting) your tutor, whey-faced Mr. Vining- the parson in the pip, as we used to call him. He and Miss Wilson took the liberty of falling in love with each other- at least Tedo and I thought so; we surprised sundry225 tender glances and sighs which we interpreted as tokens of "la belle226 passion," and I promise you the public soon had the benefit of our discovery; we employed it as a sort of lever to hoist227 our dead-weights from the house. Dear mama, there, as soon as she got an inkling of the business, found out that it was of an immoral228 tendency. Did you not, my lady-mother?'
'Certainly, my best. And I was quite right: depend on that: there are a thousand reasons why liaisons229 between governesses and tutors should never be tolerated a moment in any well-regulated house; firstly-'
'Oh, gracious, mama! Spare us the enumeration230! Au reste, we all know them: danger of bad example to innocence231 of childhood; distractions232 and consequent neglect of duty on the part of the attached- mutual233 alliance and reliance; confidence thence resulting- insolence234 accompanying- mutiny and general blowup. Am I right, Baroness235 Ingram, of Ingram Park?'
'My lily-flower, you are right now, as always.'
'Then no more need be said: change the subject.'
Amy Eshton, not hearing or not heeding236 this dictum, joined in with her soft, infantine tone: 'Louisa and I used to quiz our governess too; but she was such a good creature, she would bear anything: nothing put her out. She was never cross with us; was she, Louisa?'
'No, never: we might do what we pleased; ransack237 her desk and her workbox, and turn her drawers inside out; and she was so good-natured, she would give us anything we asked for.'
'I suppose, now,' said Miss Ingram, curling her lip sarcastically238, 'we shall have an abstract of the memoirs239 of all the governesses extant: in order to avert240 such a visitation, I again move the introduction of a new topic. Mr. Rochester, do you second my motion?'
'Madam, I support you on this point, as on every other.'
'Then on me be the onus241 of bringing it forward. Signior Eduardo, are you in voice to-night?'
'Donna Bianca, if you command it, I will be.'
'Then, signior, I lay on you my sovereign behest to furbish up your lungs and other vocal242 organs, as they will be wanted on my royal service.'
'Who would not be the Rizzio of so divine a Mary?'
'A fig140 for Rizzio!' cried she, tossing her head with all its curls, as she moved to the piano. 'It is my opinion the fiddler David must have been an insipid243 sort of fellow; I like black Bothwell better: to my mind a man is nothing without a spice of the devil in him; and history may say what it will of James Hepburn, but I have a notion, he was just the sort of wild, fierce, bandit hero whom I could have consented to gift with my hand.'
'Gentlemen, you hear! Now which of you most resembles Bothwell?' cried Mr. Rochester.
'I should say the preference lies with you,' responded Colonel Dent.
'On my honour, I am much obliged to you,' was the reply.
Miss Ingram, who had now seated herself with proud grace at the piano, spreading out her snowy robes in queenly amplitude, commenced a brilliant prelude244; talking meantime. She appeared to be on her high horse to-night; both her words and her air seemed intended to excite not only the admiration245, but the amazement246 of her auditors247: she was evidently bent on striking them as something very dashing and daring indeed.
'Oh, I am so sick of the young men of the present day!' exclaimed she, rattling248 away at the instrument. 'Poor, puny249 things, not fit to stir a step beyond papa's park gates: nor to go even so far without mama's permission and guardianship250! Creatures so absorbed in care about their pretty faces, and their white hands, and their small feet; as if a man had anything to do with beauty! As if loveliness were not the special prerogative251 of woman- her legitimate252 appanage and heritage! I grant an ugly woman is a blot253 on the fair face of creation; but as to the gentlemen, let them be solicitous254 to possess only strength and valour: let their motto be:- Hunt, shoot, and fight: the rest is not worth a fillip. Such should be my device, were I a man.'
'Whenever I marry,' she continued after a pause which none interrupted, 'I am resolved my husband shall not be a rival, but a foil to me. I will suffer no competitor near the throne; I shall exact an undivided homage255: his devotions shall not be shared between me and the shape he sees in his mirror. Mr. Rochester, now sing, and I will play for you.'
'I am all obedience,' was the response.
'Here then is a Corsair-song. Know that I doat on Corsairs; and for that reason, sing it con1 spirito.'
'Commands from Miss Ingram's lips would put spirit into a mug of milk and water.'
'Take care, then: if you don't please me, I will shame you by showing how such things should be done.'
'That is offering a premium256 on incapacity: I shall now endeavour to fail.'
'Gardez-vous en bien! If you err205 wilfully257, I shall devise a proportionate punishment.'
'Miss Ingram ought to be clement258, for she has it in her power to inflict259 a chastisement260 beyond mortal endurance.'
'Ha! explain!' commanded the lady.
'Pardon me, madam: no need of explanation; your own fine sense must inform you that one of your frowns would be a sufficient substitute for capital punishment.'
'Sing!' said she, and again touching261 the piano, she commenced an accompaniment in spirited style.
'Now is my time to slip away,' thought I: but the tones that then severed262 the air arrested me. Mrs. Fairfax had said Mr. Rochester possessed263 a fine voice: he did- a mellow264, powerful bass265, into which he threw his own feeling, his own force: finding a way through the ear to the heart, and there waking sensation strangely. I waited till the last deep and full vibration266 had expired- till the tide of talk, checked an instant, had resumed its flow; I then quitted my sheltered corner and made my exit by the side-door, which was fortunately near. Thence a narrow passage led into the hall: in crossing it, I perceived my sandal was loose; I stopped to tie it, kneeling down for that purpose on the mat at the foot of the staircase. I heard the dining-room door unclose; a gentleman came out; rising hastily, I stood face to face with him: it was Mr. Rochester.
'How do you do?' he asked.
'I am very well, sir.'
'Why did you not come and speak to me in the room?'
I thought I might have retorted the question on him who put it: but I would not take that freedom. I answered-
'I did not wish to disturb you, as you seemed engaged, sir.'
'What have you been doing during my absence?'
'Nothing particular; teaching Adele as usual.'
'And getting a good deal paler than you were- as I saw at first sight. What is the matter?'
'Nothing at all, sir.'
'Did you take any cold that night you half drowned me?'
'Not the least.'
'Return to the drawing-room: you are deserting too early.'
'I am tired, sir.'
He looked at me for a minute.
'And a little depressed267,' he said. 'What about? Tell me.'
'Nothing- nothing, sir. I am not depressed.'
'But I affirm that you are: so much depressed that a few more words would bring tears to your eyes- indeed, they are there now, shining and swimming; and a bead186 has slipped from the lash52 and fallen on to the flag. If I had time, and was not in mortal dread268 of some prating269 prig of a servant passing, I would know what all this means. Well, to-night I excuse you; but understand that so long as my visitors stay, I expect you to appear in the drawing-room every evening; it is my wish; don't neglect it. Now go, and send Sophie for Adele.
Good-night, my-' He stopped, bit his lip, and abruptly270 left me.
一个星期过去了，却不见罗切斯特先生的消息，十天过去了，他仍旧没有来。费尔法克斯太太说，要是他直接从里斯去伦敦，并从那儿转道去欧洲大陆，一年内不再在桑菲尔德露面，她也不会感到惊奇，因为他常常出乎意料地说走就走，听她这么一说，我心里冷飕飕沉甸甸的，实际上我在任凭自己陷入一种令人厌恶的失落感，不过我调动了智慧，重建了原则，立刻使自己的感觉恢复了正常，说来也让人惊奇，我终于纠正了一时的过错，清除了认
为有理由为罗切斯特先生的行动操心的错误想法。我并没有低声下气，怀着奴性十足的自卑
感，相反，我只说：
“你同桑菲尔德的主人无关，无非是拿了他给的工资，去教他的被保护人而已，你感激他体面友好的款待。不过你尽了职，得到这样的款待是理所应当的。这是你与他之间他唯一严肃承认的关系。所以不要把你的柔情、你的狂喜、你的痛苦等等系在他身上。他不属于你的阶层。记住你自己的社会地位吧，要充分自尊，免得把全身心的爱，徒然浪费在不需要甚至瞧不起这份礼物的地方。”
我平静地干着一天的工作。不过脑海中时时隐约闪过我要离开桑菲尔德的理由，我不由自主地设计起广告，预测起新的工作来。这些想法，我没有必要去制止，它们也许会生根发芽，还可能结出果子来。
罗切斯特先生离家已经两周多了，这时候邮差送来了一封给费尔法克斯太太的信。
“是老爷写来的，”她后了看姓名地址说，“现在我想可以知道能不能盼他回来了。”
她在拆开封口仔细看信时，我继续喝我的咖啡（我们在吃早饭）。咖啡很热，我把脸上突然泛起的红晕看作是它的缘故。不过，我的手为什么抖个不停，为什么我情不自禁地把半杯咖啡溢到了碟子上，我就不想去考虑了。
“嗨，有时候我总认为太冷清，现在可有机会够我们忙了，至少得忙一会儿”费尔法克斯太太说，仍然把信纸举着放在眼镜前面。
我没有立即提出要求解释，而是系好了阿黛勒碰巧松开的围涎，哄她又吃了个小面包，把她的杯子再倒满牛奶，随后淡然问道：
“我猜想罗切斯特先生不会马上回来吧？”
“说真的，他要回来了——他说三天以后到，也就是下星期四，而且不光是他一个人。我不知道在里斯的贵人们有多少位同他一起来。他吩咐准备好最好的卧室，图书室与客厅都要清扫干净。我还要从米尔科特的乔治旅店和能弄到人的随便什么地方，再叫些厨工来。而且女士们都带女仆，男士们都带随从。这样我们满屋子都是人了。”费尔法克斯太太匆匆咽下早饭，急急忙忙去做准备工作了。
果然被她说中了，这三天确实够忙的。我本以为桑菲尔德的所有房子都纤尘不染，收拾得很好。但看来我错了，他们雇了三个女人来帮忙。擦呀，刷呀，冲洗漆具呀，敲打地毯呀，把画拿下又挂上呀，擦拭镜子和枝形挂灯呀，在卧室生火呀，把床单和羽绒褥垫晾在炉边呀，这种情景无论是从前还是以后，我都没有见过。在一片忙乱之中，阿黛勒发了疯。准备接客，盼着他们到来，似乎使她欣喜若狂。她会让索菲娅把她称之为外衣的所有“toiettes”都查看一下，把那些“passess”都翻新，把新的晾一晾放好。她自己呢，什么也不干，只不过在前房跳来奔去，在床架上窜上窜下，躺到床垫上和叠起的枕垫、枕头上，面对着熊熊炉火在烟窗里哗剥作响。她的功课已全给免掉，因为费尔法克斯太太拉我做了帮手。我整天呆在贮藏室，给她和厨师帮忙（或者说增添麻烦），学做牛奶蛋糊、乳酪饼和法国糕点，捆扎野味，装饰甜点心。
这批客人预计星期四下午到达，赶上六点钟吃晚饭。在等待期间我没有工夫去胡思乱想了。我想我跟其他人一样卖力、一样高兴——阿黛勒除外。不过我时时会感到扫兴，情不自禁地回想起那些疑惑、凶兆和不祥的猜测。那就是当我偶尔看到三楼楼梯的门慢悠悠地打开（近来常常锁着），格雷斯.普尔戴着整洁的帽子，系着围裙，揣着手帕，从那里经过时。我瞧着她溜过走廊，穿着布拖鞋，脚步声减低到很轻很轻。我看见她往闹哄哄乱糟糟的卧房里瞧了一瞧，只不过说一两句话，也许是给打杂女工们交代恰当的清扫方法：如何擦炉栅，如何清理大理石壁炉架，要不如何从糊了墙纸的墙上把缎子取下。说完便又往前走了。她一天下楼到厨房里走一次，来吃饭，在炉边有节制地吸一烟斗烟，随后就返回，带上一罐黑啤酒，在楼上阴暗的巢穴里独自消遣。一天二十四小时中，她只有一小时同楼下别的佣人呆在一起，其余时间是在三层楼上某个橡木卧室低矮的天花板下度过的。她坐在那里做着针线活——也许还兀自凄楚地大笑起来——像监狱里的犯人一样无人作伴。
最奇怪的是，除了我，房子里没有人注意到她的习惯，或者似乎为此感到诧异。没有人谈论过她的地位或工作，没有人可怜她的孤独冷清。说真的我一次偶尔听到了莉娅和一个打杂女工之间关于格雷斯的一段对话，莉娅先是说了什么话，我没听清楚，而打杂女工回答道：
“估计她的薪金很高。”
“是呀，”莉娅说，“但愿我的薪金也这么高。并不是说我的值得抱怨——在桑菲尔德谈不上吝啬，不过我拿的薪金才是普尔太太的五分之一。她还在存钱呢，一季度要去一次米尔科特的银行。我一点不怀疑她要是想走的话，积下的钱能够她自立了。不过我想她在这儿已经呆惯了，更何况她还不到四十岁，身强力壮，干什么都还行，放弃差事是太早些了。”
“我猜想她是个干活的好手，”打杂女工说。
“呵，——她明白自己该干什么——没有人比得过她”莉娅意味深长地回答说，“不是谁都干得了她活的，就是给了同她一样多的钱也干不了。”
“的确干不了！”对方回答。“不知道老爷——”
打杂女工还想往下说，但这时莉娅回过头来，看到了我，便立即用肘子顶了顶她伙伴。
“她知道了吗？”我听见那女人悄悄说。
莉娅摇了摇头，于是谈话嘎然而止。我从这里所能猜测到的就是这么回事：在桑菲尔德有一个秘密，而我被故意排除在这个秘密之外了。
星期四到了，一切准备工作都已在前一个晚上完成。地毯铺开了，床幅挂上了彩条，白得眩目的床罩铺好了，梳妆台已经安排停当，家具都擦拭得干干净净，花瓶里插满了鲜花。卧室和客厅都已尽人工所能，拾掇得焕然一新；大厅也已经擦洗过，巨大的木雕钟，楼梯的台阶和栏杆都已擦得像玻璃一般闪闪发光。在餐室里，餐具柜里的盘子光亮夺目；在客厅和起居室内，一瓶瓶异国鲜花，在四周灿然开放。
到了下午，费尔法克斯太太穿上了她最好的黑缎袍子，戴了手套和金表，因为要由她来接待客人——把女士们领到各自的房间里去等等。阿黛勒也要打扮一番，尽管至少在那天，我想不大会有机会让她见客。但为了使她高兴，我让索菲娅给她穿上了一件宽松的麻纱短上衣。至于我自己，是没有必要换装的，不会把我从作为我私室的读书室里叫出去，这私室现在已经属于我，成了“患难时愉快的避难所。”
这是个温煦宁静的春日，三月末四月初的那种日子，骄阳当空，预示着夏天就要到来。这时已近日暮，但黄昏时更加暖和，我坐在读书室里工作，敞开着窗子。
“时候不早了，”费尔法克斯太太浑身叮当作响，进了房间说，“幸亏我订的饭菜比罗切斯特先生说的时间晚一个小时，现在已经过了六点了。我已派约翰到大门口去，看看路上有没有动静。从那儿往米尔科特的方向望去，可以看得很远。”她朝窗子走去。“他来了！”她说。“嗨，约翰”（探出身子）“有消息吗？”
“他们来了，夫人，”对方回答道。“十分钟后就到。”
阿黛勒朝窗子飞奔过去。我跟在后面，小心地靠一边站立，让窗帘遮掩着，使我可以看得清清楚楚，却不被人看见。约翰所说的那十分钟似乎很长。不过终于听到了车轮声。四位骑手策马驰上了小道，两辆敞开的马车尾随其后。车内面纱飘拂，羽毛起伏。两位年轻骑手，精神抖擞，一付绅士派头；第三位是罗切斯特先生，骑着他的黑马梅斯罗，派洛特跳跃着奔跑在他前面。与他并驾齐驱的是一位女士，这批人中，他们俩一马当先。她那紫色的骑装差不多己扫到了地面，她的面纱长长地在微风中飘动，她那乌黑浓密的卷发，同它透明的折裥绕在一起，透过面纱闪动着光芒。
“英格拉姆小姐，”费尔法克斯太太大叫一声，急冲冲下楼去履行她的职务了。
这队人马顺着车道的弯势很快转过屋角，在我视线中消失了。这时阿黛勒要求下楼。我把她搂在膝头上，让她明白无论是此刻，还是以后什么时候，除非明确要她去，绝不可以随意闯到女士们跟前去，要不罗切斯特先生会生气的等等。听了这番话，“她淌下了自然的眼泪”不过见我神情严肃，她也终于同意把眼泪抹掉了。
这时大厅里人声鼎沸，笑语纷纭。男士们深沉的语调，女士们银铃似的嗓音交融在一起。其中最清晰可辨的是桑菲尔德主人那洪亮而声音不大的嗓门，欢迎男女宾客来到府上。随后，这些人脚步轻盈地上了楼梯，轻快地穿过走廊。于是响起了柔和欢快的笑声和开门关门声。一会儿后，便寂然无声了。
“Elles changent de toilettes,”阿黛勒说。她细听着，跟踪着每一个动静，并叹息着。 “Chez maman,”她说，“quand il y avait du monde, je le ssuivais partout au salon et a leurs chambres; souvent je regardais les femmes de chambre coiffer et habiller les dames, et c'etait si amusant: comme cela on apprend。”
“你觉得饿了吗，阿黛勒？”
“Mais oui, mademoiselle: voila cinq ou six heures que nous n'avons pas mange.”
“好吧，就穿戴好了。我立即穿上了自己最好的衣服（银灰色的那一件，专为参加坦普尔小姐的婚礼购置的，后来一直没有穿过），把头发梳得平平伏伏，并戴上了我仅有的饰品，那枚珍珠胸针。随后我们下了楼。
幸亏还有另外一扇门通客厅，不必经过他们都坐着吃饭的餐厅。我们看到房间里空无一人，大理石砌成的壁炉中，一堆旺火静静地燃烧着；桌上装饰着精致的花朵，烛光在花朵中间孤寂地闪亮，平添了几分欢快。拱门前悬挂着大红门帘，虽然我们与毗连的餐室中的客人之间，仅一层之隔，但他们话说得那么轻，除份战利品急忙撤退，重新登上走廊，正要随手关上后门时，一阵越来越响的嗡嗡声提醒我，女士们要从房间里走出来了。要上读书室我非得经过几间房门口不可，非得要冒端着一大堆食品被她们撞见的危险。于是我一动不动地站在这一头。这里没有窗子，光线很暗。此刻天色已黑，因为太阳已经下山，暮色越来越浓了。
一会儿工夫，房间里的女房客们一个接一个出来了，个个心情欢快，步履轻盈，身上的衣装在昏黄的暮色中闪闪发光。她们聚集在走廊的另一头，站了片刻，用压低了的轻快动听的语调交谈着。随后走下楼梯，几乎没有声响，仿佛一团明亮的雾从山上降落下来。她们的外表总体上给我留下了这样的印象：这些人具有一种我前所未见的名门望族的典雅。
我看见阿黛勒扶着半掩的读书室门，往外偷看着。“多漂亮的小姐!”她用英语叫道。“哎呀我真想上她们那儿去！你认为晚饭后罗切斯特先生会派人来叫我们去吗？”
“不，说实在，我不这样想。罗切斯特先生有别的事情要考虑。今天晚上就别去想那些小姐们了，也许明天你会见到她们的。这是你的晚饭。”
她真的饿坏了，因此鸡和馅饼可以暂时分散一下她的注意力。幸亏我弄到了这份食品，不然她和我，还有同我们分享这顿晚餐的索菲娅，都很可能根本吃不上晚饭，楼下的人谁都快忙得顾不上我们了。九点以后才送上甜食。到了十点钟，男仆们还端着托盘和咖啡杯子，来回奔波。我允许阿黛勒呆得比往常晚得多才上床，因为她说楼下的门不断地开呀关呀，人来人往，忙忙碌碌，弄得她没法睡觉。此外，她还说也许她解衣时，罗切斯特先生会让人捎来口信，“etalorsqueldommage！”
我给她讲故事，她愿意听多久就讲多久。随后我带她到走廊上解解闷。这时大厅的灯已经点上，阿黛勒觉得从栏杆上往下看，瞧着仆人们来往穿梭，十分有趣。夜深了，客厅里传来音乐之声，一架钢琴已经搬到了那里。阿黛勒和我坐在楼梯的顶端台阶上倾听着。刹那之间响起了一个声音，与钢琴低沉的调子相交融。那是一位小姐在唱，歌喉十分动听。独唱过后，二重唱跟上，随后是三重唱，歌唱间歇响起了一阵嗡嗡的谈话声。我久久地听着，突然发现自己的耳朵聚精会神地分析那混杂的声音，竭力要从混沌交融的音调中，分辨出罗切斯特先生的嗓音。我很快将它捕捉住以后，便进而从由于距离太远而变得模糊不清的音调中，猜想出歌词来。
时钟敲了十一点。我瞧了一眼阿黛勒，她的头已倚在我肩上，眼皮己越来越沉重。我便把她抱在怀里，送她去睡觉。将近一点钟，男女宾客们才各自回房去。
第二天跟第一天一样，是个晴朗的日子，客人们乘机到临近的某个地方去远足。他们上午很早就出发了，有的骑马，有的坐马车。我亲眼看着他们出发，看着他们归来。像以前一样，英格拉姆小姐是唯一一位女骑手。罗切斯特先生同她并驾齐驱。他们两人骑着马同其余的客人拉开了一段距离。费尔法克斯太太正与我一起站在窗前，我向她指出了这一点：
“你说他们不可能想到结婚，”我说，“可是你瞧，比起其他女人来，罗切斯特先生明显更喜欢她。”
“是呀，我猜想他毫无疑问爱慕她。”
“而且她也爱慕他，”我补充说“瞧她的头凑近他，仿佛在说什么知心话呢！但愿能见到她的脸，我还从来没见过一眼呢！”
“今天晚上你会见到她的，”费尔法克斯太太回答说；“我偶然向罗切斯特先生提起，阿黛勒多么希望能见一见小姐们。他说：‘呵，那就让她饭后上客厅里来吧，请爱小姐陪她来。’”
“噢，他不过是出于礼貌才那么说的，我不必去了，肯定的。”我回答。
“瞧，我对他说，你不习惯交往，所以我想你不会喜欢在一批轻松愉快而又都互不相识的宾客前露面，他还是那么急躁地回答说，‘胡说八道！要是她不愿来，就告诉她这是我个人的意愿。如果她拒绝，你就说，她这么倔强，我要亲自来叫了。’”
“我不愿给他添那么多麻烦”，我回答。“要是没有更好的办法了，我就去。不过我并不喜欢。你去吗，费尔法克斯太太？”
“不，我请求免了，他同意了。一本正经入场是最不好受的，我来告诉你怎样避免这种尴尬，你得在女士们离席之前，客厅里还没有人的时候就进去，找个僻静的角落坐下。男宾们进来之后，你不必呆得很久，除非你高兴这么做。你不过是让罗切斯特先生看到你在那里，随后你就溜走——没有人会注意到你。”
“你认为这批客人会呆得很久吗？”
“也许两三个星期，肯定不会再久了。过了复活节假期，乔治.林恩爵士由于新近当上了米尔科特市议员，得去城里就职。我猜想罗切斯特先生会同他一起去。我觉得很奇怪，这回他在桑菲尔德呆了那么长时间。”
眼看我带着照管的孩子进客厅的时刻就要到来，我心里惴惴不安。阿黛勒听说晚上要去见女士们，便整天处于极度兴奋状态，直到索菲娅开始给她打扮，才安静下来。随后更衣的重要过程很快稳定了她的情绪。待到她卷发梳得溜光，一束束垂着，穿上了粉红色的缎子罩衣，系好长长的腰带，戴上了网眼无指手套，她看上去已是像任何一位法官那么严肃了。这时已没有必要提醒她别弄乱自己的服装，她穿戴停当后，便安静地坐在小椅子上，急忙小心地把缎子裙提起来，唯恐弄皱了。还向我保证，她会一动不动坐在那里，直到我准备好为止。我很快就穿戴好了。我立即穿上了自己最好的衣服（银灰色的那一件，专为参加坦普尔小姐的婚礼购置的，后来一直没有穿过），把头发梳得平平伏伏，并戴上了我仅有的饰品，那枚珍珠胸针。随后我们下了楼。
幸亏还有另外一扇门通客厅，不必经过他们都坐着吃饭的餐厅。我们看到房间里空无一人，大理石砌成的壁炉中，一堆旺火静静地燃烧着；桌上装饰着精致的花朵，烛光在花朵中间孤寂地闪亮，平添了几分欢快。拱门前悬挂着大红门帘，虽然我们与毗连的餐室中的客人之间，仅一层之隔，但他们话说得那么轻，除了柔和的嗡嗡声，彼此之间的交谈一点都听不清楚。
阿黛勒似乎仍受着严肃气氛的震慑，一声不吭地坐在我指给她的小凳上。我退缩在一个靠窗的位置上，随手从临近的台子上取了本书，竭力读下去。阿黛勒把她的小凳子搬到我脚边，不久便
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1
con
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| n.反对的观点，反对者，反对票，肺病；vt.精读，学习，默记；adv.反对地，从反面；adj.欺诈的 | |
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abrupt
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| adj.突然的，意外的；唐突的，鲁莽的 | |
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recollecting
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| v.记起，想起( recollect的现在分词 ) | |
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humbled
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| adj. 卑下的，谦逊的，粗陋的 vt. 使 ... 卑下，贬低 | |
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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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raptures
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| 极度欢喜( rapture的名词复数 ) | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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tranquilly
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| adv. 宁静地 | |
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conjectures
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| 推测，猜想( conjecture的名词复数 ) | |
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germinate
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| v.发芽；发生；发展 | |
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upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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ward
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| n.守卫，监护，病房，行政区，由监护人或法院保护的人（尤指儿童）；vt.守护，躲开 | |
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perused
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| v.读（某篇文字）( peruse的过去式和过去分词 )；（尤指）细阅；审阅；匆匆读或心不在焉地浏览（某篇文字） | |
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akin
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| adj.同族的，类似的 | |
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fiery
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| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
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foretold
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| v.预言，预示( foretell的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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lustre
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| n.光亮，光泽；荣誉 | |
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lighting
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| n.照明，光线的明暗，舞台灯光 | |
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hearth
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| n.壁炉炉床，壁炉地面 | |
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hearths
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| 壁炉前的地板，炉床，壁炉边( hearth的名词复数 ) | |
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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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prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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ecstasies
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| 狂喜( ecstasy的名词复数 )； 出神； 入迷； 迷幻药 | |
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caper
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| v.雀跃，欢蹦；n.雀跃，跳跃；续随子，刺山柑花蕾；嬉戏 | |
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chambers
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| n.房间( chamber的名词复数 )；（议会的）议院；卧室；会议厅 | |
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chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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mattresses
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| 褥垫，床垫( mattress的名词复数 ) | |
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bolsters
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| n.长枕( bolster的名词复数 )；垫子；衬垫；支持物v.支持( bolster的第三人称单数 )；支撑；给予必要的支持；援助 | |
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exonerated
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| v.使免罪，免除( exonerate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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helping
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| n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的 | |
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pastry
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| n.油酥面团，酥皮糕点 | |
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garnish
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| n.装饰，添饰，配菜 | |
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chimeras
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| n.（由几种动物的各部分构成的）假想的怪兽( chimera的名词复数 )；不可能实现的想法；幻想；妄想 | |
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portents
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| n.预兆( portent的名词复数 )；征兆；怪事；奇物 | |
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prim
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| adj.拘泥形式的，一本正经的；n.循规蹈矩，整洁；adv.循规蹈矩地，整洁地 | |
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apron
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| n.围裙；工作裙 | |
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glide
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| n./v.溜，滑行；(时间)消逝 | |
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muffled
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| adj.（声音）被隔的；听不太清的；（衣服）裹严的；蒙住的v.压抑，捂住( muffle的过去式和过去分词 )；用厚厚的衣帽包着（自己） | |
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slipper
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| n.拖鞋 | |
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bust
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| vt.打破；vi.爆裂；n.半身像；胸部 | |
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bustling
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| adj.喧闹的 | |
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descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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solace
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| n.安慰；v.使快乐；vt.安慰(物)，缓和 | |
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drearily
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| 沉寂地，厌倦地，可怕地 | |
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dungeon
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| n.地牢，土牢 | |
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marvel
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| vi.(at)惊叹vt.感到惊异；n.令人惊异的事 | |
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solitude
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| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
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48
isolation
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| n.隔离，孤立，分解，分离 | |
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49
dent
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| n.凹痕，凹坑；初步进展 | |
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50
participation
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| n.参与，参加，分享 | |
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51
scoured
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| 走遍（某地）搜寻（人或物）( scour的过去式和过去分词 )； （用力）刷； 擦净； 擦亮 | |
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52
lash
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| v.系牢；鞭打；猛烈抨击；n.鞭打；眼睫毛 | |
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53
serene
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| adj. 安详的，宁静的，平静的 | |
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54
heralds
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| n.使者( herald的名词复数 )；预报者；预兆；传令官v.预示( herald的第三人称单数 )；宣布（好或重要） | |
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55
rustling
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| n. 瑟瑟声，沙沙声 adj. 发沙沙声的 | |
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56
equestrians
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| n.骑手（equestrian的复数形式） | |
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57
equestrian
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| adj.骑马的；n.马术 | |
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58
galloped
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| （使马）飞奔，奔驰( gallop的过去式和过去分词 )； 快速做[说]某事 | |
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59
plume
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| n.羽毛；v.整理羽毛，骚首弄姿，用羽毛装饰 | |
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60
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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61
mingling
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| adj.混合的 | |
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62
transparent
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| adj.明显的，无疑的；透明的 | |
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63
raven
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| n.渡鸟，乌鸦；adj.乌亮的 | |
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64
cavalcade
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| n.车队等的行列 | |
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65
joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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66
harmoniously
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| 和谐地，调和地 | |
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67
sonorous
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| adj.响亮的，回响的；adv.圆润低沉地；感人地；n.感人，堂皇 | |
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68
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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69
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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70
hush
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| int.嘘，别出声；n.沉默，静寂；v.使安静 | |
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71
attentively
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| adv.聚精会神地；周到地；谛；凝神 | |
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72
salon
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| n.[法]沙龙；客厅；营业性的高级服务室 | |
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73
dames
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| n.（在英国）夫人（一种封号），夫人（爵士妻子的称号）( dame的名词复数 )；女人 | |
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74
dame
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| n.女士 | |
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75
asylum
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| n.避难所，庇护所，避难 | |
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76
commotion
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| n.骚动，动乱 | |
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77
projection
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| n.发射，计划，突出部分 | |
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78
crucibles
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| n.坩埚，严酷的考验（ crucible的名词复数 ） | |
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79
combustion
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| n.燃烧；氧化；骚动 | |
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80
chaos
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| n.混乱，无秩序 | |
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81
larder
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| n.食物贮藏室，食品橱 | |
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82
tarts
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| n.果馅饼( tart的名词复数 )；轻佻的女人；妓女；小妞 | |
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83
regained
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| 复得( regain的过去式和过去分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
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84
cargo
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| n.(一只船或一架飞机运载的)货物 | |
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85
twilight
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| n.暮光，黄昏；暮年，晚期，衰落时期 | |
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86
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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87
tenants
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| n.房客( tenant的名词复数 )；佃户；占用者；占有者 | |
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88
gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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89
lustrous
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| adj.有光泽的；光辉的 | |
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90
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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91
conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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92
subdued
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| adj. 屈服的，柔和的，减弱的 动词subdue的过去式和过去分词 | |
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93
vivacity
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| n.快活，活泼，精神充沛 | |
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94
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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95
elegance
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| n.优雅；优美，雅致；精致，巧妙 | |
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96
forage
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| n.(牛马的)饲料，粮草；v.搜寻，翻寻 | |
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97
backwards
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| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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98
conversational
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| adj.对话的，会话的 | |
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99
murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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100
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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101
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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102
discriminate
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| v.区别，辨别，区分；有区别地对待 | |
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103
predecessor
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| n.前辈，前任 | |
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104
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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105
pointed
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|
| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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106
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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107
confidentially
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| ad.秘密地，悄悄地 | |
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108
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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109
embarrassment
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| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
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110
recess
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| n.短期休息，壁凹（墙上装架子，柜子等凹处） | |
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111
protracted
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|
| adj.拖延的；延长的v.拖延“protract”的过去式和过去分词 | |
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112
trepidation
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| n.惊恐，惶恐 | |
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113
ecstasy
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| n.狂喜，心醉神怡，入迷 | |
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114
dressing
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| n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料 | |
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115
drooping
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| adj. 下垂的，无力的 动词droop的现在分词 | |
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116
mittens
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| 不分指手套 | |
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117
attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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118
demurely
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| adv.装成端庄地，认真地 | |
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119
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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120
crease
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| n.折缝，褶痕，皱褶；v.(使)起皱 | |
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121
ornament
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| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
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122
exquisite
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| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
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123
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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124
crimson
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| n./adj.深(绯)红色(的)；vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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125
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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126
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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127
soothing
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| adj.慰藉的；使人宽心的；镇静的 | |
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128
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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129
ineffable
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| adj.无法表达的，不可言喻的 | |
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130
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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131
innate
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| adj.天生的，固有的，天赋的 | |
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132
sweeping
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| adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的 | |
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133
amplitude
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| n.广大；充足；振幅 | |
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134
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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135
dispersed
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| adj. 被驱散的, 被分散的, 散布的 | |
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136
habitual
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| adj.习惯性的；通常的，惯常的 | |
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137
eldest
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| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
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138
naive
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| adj.幼稚的，轻信的；天真的 | |
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139
piquant
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| adj.辛辣的，开胃的，令人兴奋的 | |
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140
fig
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| n.无花果(树) | |
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142
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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143
haughty
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| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
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144
glossily
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| 光滑地 | |
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145
azure
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| adj.天蓝色的，蔚蓝色的 | |
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146
gems
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| growth； economy； management； and customer satisfaction 增长 | |
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147
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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148
stature
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| n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材 | |
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149
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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150
physically
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| adj.物质上，体格上，身体上，按自然规律 | |
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151
haughtiness
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| n.傲慢；傲气 | |
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152
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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153
inflated
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| adj.（价格）飞涨的；（通货）膨胀的；言过其实的；充了气的v.使充气（于轮胎、气球等）( inflate的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）膨胀；（使）通货膨胀；物价上涨 | |
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154
furrowed
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| v.犁田，开沟( furrow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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155
erectness
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| n.直立 | |
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156
pompous
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| adj.傲慢的，自大的；夸大的；豪华的 | |
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157
velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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158
wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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159
fabric
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| n.织物，织品，布；构造，结构，组织 | |
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160
secondly
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| adv.第二，其次 | |
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161
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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162
likeness
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| n.相像，相似（之处） | |
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163
saturnine
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| adj.忧郁的，沉默寡言的，阴沉的，感染铅毒的 | |
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164
remarkably
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| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
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165
discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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166
vernacularly
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| n.白话；行话；本国语；动植物的俗名adj.本国语的；白话的；方言的；本国的 | |
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167
fluency
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| n.流畅，雄辩，善辩 | |
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168
deficient
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| adj.不足的，不充份的，有缺陷的 | |
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169
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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170
niche
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| n.壁龛；合适的职务(环境、位置等) | |
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171
attired
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| adj.穿着整齐的v.使穿上衣服，使穿上盛装( attire的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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172
majestic
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| adj.雄伟的，壮丽的，庄严的，威严的，崇高的 | |
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173
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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174
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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175
sprightly
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| adj.愉快的，活泼的 | |
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176
reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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177
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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178
chattering
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| n. （机器振动发出的）咔嗒声，(鸟等)鸣，啁啾 adj. 喋喋不休的，啾啾声的 动词chatter的现在分词形式 | |
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179
imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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180
magistrate
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| n.地方行政官，地方法官，治安官 | |
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181
eyebrows
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| 眉毛( eyebrow的名词复数 ) | |
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182
apathetic
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| adj.冷漠的，无动于衷的 | |
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183
vigour
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| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
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184
meshes
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| 网孔( mesh的名词复数 )； 网状物； 陷阱； 困境 | |
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185
beads
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| n.（空心）小珠子( bead的名词复数 )；水珠；珠子项链 | |
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186
bead
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| n.念珠；(pl.)珠子项链；水珠 | |
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187
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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188
inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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189
overflow
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| v.(使)外溢，(使)溢出；溢出，流出，漫出 | |
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190
estranged
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| adj.疏远的，分离的 | |
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191
riveted
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| 铆接( rivet的过去式和过去分词 )； 把…固定住； 吸引； 引起某人的注意 | |
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192
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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193
poignant
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| adj.令人痛苦的，辛酸的，惨痛的 | |
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194
draughts
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| n. <英>国际跳棋 | |
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195
fettered
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| v.给…上脚镣，束缚( fetter的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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196
extirpate
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| v.除尽，灭绝 | |
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197
tinkle
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| vi.叮当作响；n.叮当声 | |
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198
softened
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| （使）变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
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199
penetrating
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| adj.（声音）响亮的，尖锐的adj.（气味）刺激的adj.（思想）敏锐的，有洞察力的 | |
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200
sever
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| v.切开，割开；断绝，中断 | |
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201
blasphemy
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| n.亵渎，渎神 | |
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202
impulsively
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| adv.冲动地 | |
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203
smother
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| vt./vi.使窒息；抑制；闷死；n.浓烟；窒息 | |
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204
larks
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| n.百灵科鸟（尤指云雀）( lark的名词复数 )；一大早就起床；鸡鸣即起；（因太费力而不想干时说）算了v.百灵科鸟（尤指云雀）( lark的第三人称单数 )；一大早就起床；鸡鸣即起；（因太费力而不想干时说）算了 | |
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205
err
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| vi.犯错误，出差错 | |
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206
phlegmatic
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| adj.冷静的，冷淡的，冷漠的，无活力的 | |
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207
chatters
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| （人）喋喋不休( chatter的第三人称单数 )； 唠叨； （牙齿）打战； （机器）震颤 | |
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208
wren
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| n.鹪鹩；英国皇家海军女子服务队成员 | |
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209
gracefully
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| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
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210
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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211
allusion
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| n.暗示，间接提示 | |
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212
reiterated
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| 反复地说，重申( reiterate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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213
incompetency
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| n.无能力，不适当 | |
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214
pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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215
elicited
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| 引出，探出( elicit的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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216
reminder
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| n.提醒物，纪念品；暗示，提示 | |
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217
portentous
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| adj.不祥的，可怕的，装腔作势的 | |
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218
craves
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| 渴望，热望( crave的第三人称单数 )； 恳求，请求 | |
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219
lachrymose
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| adj.好流泪的，引人落泪的；adv.眼泪地，哭泣地 | |
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220
vanquishing
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| v.征服( vanquish的现在分词 )；战胜；克服；抑制 | |
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221
crumbled
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| （把…）弄碎， （使）碎成细屑( crumble的过去式和过去分词 )； 衰落； 坍塌； 损坏 | |
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222
villains
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| n.恶棍( villain的名词复数 )；罪犯；（小说、戏剧等中的）反面人物；淘气鬼 | |
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223
presumption
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| n.推测，可能性，冒昧，放肆，[法律]推定 | |
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224
prosecuting
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| 检举、告发某人( prosecute的现在分词 )； 对某人提起公诉； 继续从事（某事物）； 担任控方律师 | |
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225
sundry
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| adj.各式各样的，种种的 | |
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226
belle
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| n.靓女 | |
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227
hoist
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| n.升高，起重机，推动；v.升起，升高，举起 | |
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228
immoral
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| adj.不道德的，淫荡的，荒淫的，有伤风化的 | |
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229
liaisons
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| n.联络( liaison的名词复数 )；联络人；（尤指一方或双方已婚的）私通；组织单位间的交流与合作 | |
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230
enumeration
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| n.计数，列举；细目；详表；点查 | |
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231
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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232
distractions
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| n.使人分心的事[人]( distraction的名词复数 )；娱乐，消遣；心烦意乱；精神错乱 | |
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233
mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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234
insolence
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| n.傲慢；无礼；厚颜；傲慢的态度 | |
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235
baroness
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| n.男爵夫人，女男爵 | |
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236
heeding
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| v.听某人的劝告，听从( heed的现在分词 ) | |
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237
ransack
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| v.彻底搜索，洗劫 | |
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238
sarcastically
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| adv.挖苦地，讽刺地 | |
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239
memoirs
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| n.回忆录；回忆录传( mem,自oir的名词复数) | |
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240
avert
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| v.防止，避免；转移(目光、注意力等) | |
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241
onus
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| n.负担；责任 | |
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242
vocal
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| adj.直言不讳的；嗓音的；n.[pl.]声乐节目 | |
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243
insipid
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| adj.无味的，枯燥乏味的，单调的 | |
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244
prelude
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| n.序言，前兆，序曲 | |
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245
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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246
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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247
auditors
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| n.审计员，稽核员( auditor的名词复数 )；（大学课程的）旁听生 | |
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248
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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249
puny
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| adj.微不足道的，弱小的 | |
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250
guardianship
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| n. 监护, 保护, 守护 | |
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251
prerogative
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| n.特权 | |
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252
legitimate
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| adj.合法的，合理的，合乎逻辑的；v.使合法 | |
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253
blot
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| vt.弄脏（用吸墨纸）吸干；n.污点，污渍 | |
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254
solicitous
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| adj.热切的，挂念的 | |
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255
homage
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| n.尊敬，敬意，崇敬 | |
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256
premium
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| n.加付款；赠品；adj.高级的；售价高的 | |
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257
wilfully
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| adv.任性固执地；蓄意地 | |
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258
clement
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| adj.仁慈的；温和的 | |
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259
inflict
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| vt.(on)把…强加给，使遭受，使承担 | |
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260
chastisement
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| n.惩罚 | |
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261
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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262
severed
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| v.切断，断绝( sever的过去式和过去分词 )；断，裂 | |
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263
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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264
mellow
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| adj.柔和的；熟透的；v.变柔和；(使)成熟 | |
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265
bass
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| n.男低音(歌手)；低音乐器；低音大提琴 | |
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266
vibration
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| n.颤动，振动；摆动 | |
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267
depressed
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| adj.沮丧的，抑郁的，不景气的，萧条的 | |
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268
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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269
prating
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| v.（古时用语）唠叨，啰唆( prate的现在分词 ) | |
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270
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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