“That will do,” said she, when she had turned them over. “You must have a new one.”
She went out. She returned presently with a dressmaker. She had me measured. “I mean,” said she, “to follow my own taste, and to have my own way in this little matter.”
Two days after came home — a pink dress!
“That is not for me,” I said, hurriedly, feeling that I would almost as soon clothe myself in the costume of a Chinese lady of rank.
“We shall see whether it is for you or not,” rejoined my godmother, adding with her resistless decision: “Mark my words. You will wear it this very evening.”
I thought I should not; I thought no human force should avail to put me into it. A pink dress! I knew it not. It knew not me. I had not proved it.
My godmother went on to decree that I was to go with her and Graham to a concert that same night: which concert, she explained, was a grand affair to be held in the large salle, or hall, of the principal musical society. The most advanced of the pupils of the Conservatoire were to perform: it was to be followed by a lottery3 “au bénéfice des pauvres;” and to crown all, the King, Queen, and Prince of Labassecour were to be present. Graham, in sending tickets, had enjoined5 attention to costume as a compliment due to royalty6: he also recommended punctual readiness by seven o’clock.
About six, I was ushered7 upstairs. Without any force at all, I found myself led and influenced by another’s will, unconsulted, unpersuaded, quietly overruled. In short, the pink dress went on, softened8 by some drapery of black lace. I was pronounced to be en grande tenue, and requested to look in the glass. I did so with some fear and trembling; with more fear and trembling, I turned away. Seven o’clock struck; Dr. Bretton was come; my godmother and I went down. She was clad in brown velvet9; as I walked in her shadow, how I envied her those folds of grave, dark majesty10! Graham stood in the drawing-room doorway11.
“I do hope he will not think I have been decking myself out to draw attention,” was my uneasy aspiration12.
“Here, Lucy, are some flowers,” said he, giving me a bouquet13. He took no further notice of my dress than was conveyed in a kind smile and satisfied nod, which calmed at once my sense of shame and fear of ridicule14. For the rest; the dress was made with extreme simplicity15, guiltless of flounce or furbelow; it was but the light fabric16 and bright tint17 which scared me, and since Graham found in it nothing absurd, my own eye consented soon to become reconciled.
I suppose people who go every night to places of public amusement, can hardly enter into the fresh gala feeling with which an opera or a concert is enjoyed by those for whom it is a rarity: I am not sure that I expected great pleasure from the concert, having but a very vague notion of its nature, but I liked the drive there well. The snug18 comfort of the close carriage on a cold though fine night, the pleasure of setting out with companions so cheerful and friendly, the sight of the stars glinting fitfully through the trees as we rolled along the avenue; then the freer burst of the night-sky when we issued forth19 to the open chaussée, the passage through the city gates, the lights there burning, the guards there posted, the pretence20 of inspection21, to which we there submitted, and which amused us so much — all these small matters had for me, in their novelty, a peculiarly exhilarating charm. How much of it lay in the atmosphere of friendship diffused23 about me, I know not: Dr. John and his mother were both in their finest mood, contending animatedly24 with each other the whole way, and as frankly26 kind to me as if I had been of their kin4.
Our way lay through some of the best streets of Villette, streets brightly lit, and far more lively now than at high noon. How brilliant seemed the shops! How glad, gay, and abundant flowed the tide of life along the broad pavement! While I looked, the thought of the Rue27 Fossette came across me — of the walled-in garden and school-house, and of the dark, vast “classes,” where, as at this very hour, it was my wont28 to wander all solitary29, gazing at the stars through the high, blindless windows, and listening to the distant voice of the reader in the refectory, monotonously30 exercised upon the “lecture pieuse.” Thus must I soon again listen and wander; and this shadow of the future stole with timely sobriety across the radiant present.
By this time we had got into a current of carriages all tending in one direction, and soon the front of a great illuminated31 building blazed before us. Of what I should see within this building, I had, as before intimated, but an imperfect idea; for no place of public entertainment had it ever been my lot to enter yet.
We alighted under a portico32 where there was a great bustle33 and a great crowd, but I do not distinctly remember further details, until I found myself mounting a majestic34 staircase wide and easy of ascent35, deeply and softly carpeted with crimson36, leading up to great doors closed solemnly, and whose panels were also crimson-clothed.
I hardly noticed by what magic these doors were made to roll back — Dr. John managed these points; roll back they did, however, and within was disclosed a hall — grand, wide, and high, whose sweeping37 circular walls, and domed39 hollow ceiling, seemed to me all dead gold (thus with nice art was it stained), relieved by cornicing, fluting40, and garlandry, either bright, like gold burnished41, or snow-white, like alabaster42, or white and gold mingled43 in wreaths of gilded44 leaves and spotless lilies: wherever drapery hung, wherever carpets were spread, or cushions placed, the sole colour employed was deep crimson. Pendent from the dome38, flamed a mass that dazzled me — a mass, I thought, of rock-crystal, sparkling with facets45, streaming with drops, ablaze46 with stars, and gorgeously tinged47 with dews of gems48 dissolved, or fragments of rainbows shivered. It was only the chandelier, reader, but for me it seemed the work of eastern genii: I almost looked to see if a huge, dark, cloudy hand — that of the Slave of the Lamp — were not hovering49 in the lustrous50 and perfumed atmosphere of the cupola, guarding its wondrous51 treasure.
We moved on — I was not at all conscious whither — but at some turn we suddenly encountered another party approaching from the opposite direction. I just now see that group, as it flashed — upon me for one moment. A handsome middle-aged52 lady in dark velvet; a gentleman who might be her son — the best face, the finest figure, I thought, I had ever seen; a third person in a pink dress and black lace mantle53.
I noted54 them all — the third person as well as the other two — and for the fraction of a moment believed them all strangers, thus receiving an impartial55 impression of their appearance. But the impression was hardly felt and not fixed56, before the consciousness that I faced a great mirror, filling a compartment57 between two pillars, dispelled58 it: the party was our own party. Thus for the first, and perhaps only time in my life, I enjoyed the “giftie” of seeing myself as others see me. No need to dwell on the result. It brought a jar of discord59, a pang60 of regret; it was not flattering, yet, after all, I ought to be thankful; it might have been worse.
At last, we were seated in places commanding a good general view of that vast and dazzling, but warm and cheerful hall. Already it was filled, and filled with a splendid assemblage. I do not know that the women were very beautiful, but their dresses were so perfect; and foreigners, even such as are ungraceful in domestic privacy, seem to posses the art of appearing graceful61 in public: however blunt and boisterous62 those every-day and home movements connected with peignoir and papillotes, there is a slide, a bend, a carriage of the head and arms, a mien63 of the mouth and eyes, kept nicely in reserve for gala use — always brought out with the grande toilette, and duly put on with the “parure.”
Some fine forms there were here and there, models of a peculiar22 style of beauty; a style, I think, never seen in England; a solid, firm-set, sculptural style. These shapes have no angles: a caryatid in marble is almost as flexible; a Phidian goddess is not more perfect in a certain still and stately sort. They have such features as the Dutch painters give to their madonnas: low-country classic features, regular but round, straight but stolid64; and for their depth of expressionless calm, of passionless peace, a polar snow-field could alone offer a type. Women of this order need no ornament65, and they seldom wear any; the smooth hair, closely braided, supplies a sufficient contrast to the smoother cheek and brow; the dress cannot be too simple; the rounded arm and perfect neck require neither bracelet66 nor chain.
With one of these beauties I once had the honour and rapture67 to be perfectly68 acquainted: the inert69 force of the deep, settled love she bore herself, was wonderful; it could only be surpassed by her proud impotency to care for any other living thing. Of blood, her cool veins70 conducted no flow; placid71 lymph filled and almost obstructed72 her arteries73.
Such a Juno as I have described sat full in our view — a sort of mark for all eyes, and quite conscious that so she was, but proof to the magnetic influence of gaze or glance: cold, rounded, blonde, and beauteous as the white column, capitalled with gilding74, which rose at her side.
Observing that Dr. John’s attention was much drawn75 towards her, I entreated76 him in a low voice “for the love of heaven to shield well his heart. You need not fall in love with that lady,” I said, “because, I tell you beforehand, you might die at her feet, and she would not love you again.”
“Very well,” said he, “and how do you know that the spectacle of her grand insensibility might not with me be the strongest stimulus77 to homage78? The sting of desperation is, I think, a wonderful irritant to my emotions: but” (shrugging his shoulders) “you know nothing about these things; I’ll address myself to my mother. Mamma, I’m in a dangerous way.”
“As if that interested me!” said Mrs. Bretton.
“Alas! the cruelty of my lot!” responded her son. “Never man had a more unsentimental mother than mine: she never seems to think that such a calamity79 can befall her as a daughter-in-law.”
“If I don’t, it is not for want of having that same calamity held over my head: you have threatened me with it for the last ten years. ‘Mamma, I am going to be married soon!’ was the cry before you were well out of jackets.”
“But, mother, one of these days it will be realized. All of a sudden, when you think you are most secure, I shall go forth like Jacob or Esau, or any other patriarch, and take me a wife: perhaps of these which are of the daughters of the land.”
“At your peril80, John Graham! that is all.”
“This mother of mine means me to be an old bachelor. What a jealous old lady it is! But now just look at that splendid creature in the pale blue satin dress, and hair of paler brown, with ‘reflets satinés’ as those of her robe. Would you not feel proud, mamma, if I were to bring that goddess home some day, and introduce her to you as Mrs. Bretton, junior?”
“You will bring no goddess to La Terrasse: that little chateau81 will not contain two mistresses; especially if the second be of the height, bulk, and circumference82 of that mighty83 doll in wood and wax, and kid and satin.”
“Mamma, she would fill your blue chair so admirably!”
“Fill my chair? I defy the foreign usurper84! a rueful chair should it be for her: but hush85, John Graham! Hold your tongue, and use your eyes.”
During the above skirmish, the hall, which, I had thought, seemed full at the entrance, continued to admit party after party, until the semicircle before the stage presented one dense86 mass of heads, sloping from floor to ceiling. The stage, too, or rather the wide temporary platform, larger than any stage, desert half an hour since, was now overflowing87 with life; round two grand pianos, placed about the centre, a white flock of young girls, the pupils of the Conservatoire, had noiselessly poured. I had noticed their gathering88, while Graham and his mother were engaged in discussing the belle89 in blue satin, and had watched with interest the process of arraying and marshalling them. Two gentlemen, in each of whom I recognised an acquaintance, officered this virgin90 troop. One, an artistic-looking man, bearded, and with long hair, was a noted pianiste, and also the first music-teacher in Villette; he attended twice a week at Madame Beck’s pensionnat, to give lessons to the few pupils whose parents were rich enough to allow their daughters the privilege of his instructions; his name was M. Josef Emanuel, and he was half-brother to M. Paul: which potent91 personage was now visible in the person of the second gentleman.
M. Paul amused me; I smiled to myself as I watched him, he seemed so thoroughly92 in his element — standing93 conspicuous94 in presence of a wide and grand assemblage, arranging, restraining, over-aweing about one hundred young ladies. He was, too, so perfectly in earnest — so energetic, so intent, and, above all, so of the foreigners then resident in Villette. These took possession of the crimson benches; the ladies were seated; most of the men remained standing: their sable95 rank, lining96 the background, looked like a dark foil to the splendour displayed in front. Nor was this splendour without varying light and shade and gradation: the middle distance was filled with matrons in velvets and satins, in plumes97 and gems; the benches in the foreground, to the Queen’s right hand, seemed devoted98 exclusively to young girls, the flower — perhaps, I should rather say, the bud — of Villette aristocracy. Here were no jewels, no head-dresses, no velvet pile or silken sheen purity, simplicity, and a?rial grace reigned99 in that virgin band. Young heads simply braided, and fair forms (I was going to write sylph forms, but that would have been quite untrue: several of these “jeunes filles,” who had not numbered more than sixteen or seventeen years, boasted contours as robust100 and solid as those of a stout101 Englishwoman of five-and-twenty)— fair forms robed in white, or pale rose, or placid blue, suggested thoughts of heaven and angels. I knew a couple, at least, of these “rose et blanche” specimens102 of humanity. Here was a pair of Madame Beck’s late pupils — Mesdemoiselles Mathilde and Angélique: pupils who, during their last year at school, ought to have been in the first class, but whose brains never got them beyond the second division. In English, they had been under my own charge, and hard work it was to get them to translate rationally a page of The Vicar of Wakefield. Also during three months I had one of them for my vis-à-vis at table, and the quantity of household bread, butter, and stewed104 fruit, she would habitually105 consume at “second déjeuner” was a real world’s wonder — to be exceeded only by the fact of her actually pocketing slices she could not eat. Here be truths — wholesome106 truths, too.
I knew another of these seraphs — the prettiest, or, at any rate, the least demure107 and hypocritical looking of the lot: she was seated by the daughter of an English peer, also an honest, though haughty-looking girl: both had entered in the suite108 of the British embassy. She (i.e. my acquaintance) had a slight, pliant109 figure, not at all like the forms of the foreign damsels: her hair, too, was not close-braided, like a shell or a skull-cap of satin; it looked like hair, and waved from her head, long, curled, and flowing. She chatted away volubly, and seemed full of a light-headed sort of satisfaction with herself and her position. I did not look at Dr. Bretton; but I knew that he, too, saw Ginevra Fanshawe: he had become so quiet, he answered so briefly110 his mother’s remarks, he so often suppressed a sigh. Why should he sigh? He had confessed a taste for the pursuit of love under difficulties; here was full gratification for that taste. His lady-love beamed upon him from a sphere above his own: he could not come near her; he was not certain that he could win from her a look. I watched to see if she would so far favour him. Our seat was not far from the crimson benches; we must inevitably111 be seen thence, by eyes so quick and roving as Miss Fanshawe’s, and very soon those optics of hers were upon us: at least, upon Dr. and Mrs. Bretton. I kept rather in the shade and out of sight, not wishing to be immediately recognised: she looked quite steadily112 at Dr. John, and then she raised a glass to examine his mother; a minute or two afterwards she laughingly whispered her neighbour; upon the performance commencing, her rambling113 attention was attracted to the platform.
On the concert I need not dwell; the reader would not care to have my impressions thereanent: and, indeed, it would not be worth while to record them, as they were the impressions of an ignorance crasse. The young ladies of the Conservatoire, being very much frightened, made rather a tremulous exhibition on the two grand pianos. M. Josef Emanuel stood by them while they played; but he had not the tact114 or influence of his kinsman115, who, under similar circumstances, would certainly have compelled pupils of his to demean themselves with heroism116 and self-possession. M. Paul would have placed the hysteric débutantes between two fires — terror of the audience, and terror of himself — and would have inspired them with the courage of desperation, by making the latter terror incomparably the greater: M. Josef could not do this.
Following the white muslin pianistes, came a fine, full-grown, sulky lady in white satin. She sang. Her singing just affected117 me like the tricks of a conjuror118: I wondered how she did it — how she made her voice run up and down, and cut such marvellous capers119; but a simple Scotch120 melody, played by a rude street minstrel, has often moved me more deeply.
Afterwards stepped forth a gentleman, who, bending his body a good deal in the direction of the King and Queen, and frequently approaching his white-gloved hand to the region of his heart, vented121 a bitter outcry against a certain “fausse Isabelle.” I thought he seemed especially to solicit122 the Queen’s sympathy; but, unless I am egregiously123 mistaken, her Majesty lent her attention rather with the calm of courtesy than the earnestness of interest. This gentleman’s state of mind was very harrowing, and I was glad when he wound up his musical exposition of the same.
Some rousing choruses struck me as the best part of the evening’s entertainment. There were present deputies from all the best provincial124 choral societies; genuine, barrel-shaped, native Labassecouriens. These worthies125 gave voice without mincing126 the matter their hearty127 exertions128 had at least this good result — the ear drank thence a satisfying sense of power.
Through the whole performance — timid instrumental duets, conceited129 vocal130 solos, sonorous131, brass-lunged choruses — my attention gave but one eye and one ear to the stage, the other being permanently132 retained in the service of Dr. Bretton: I could not forget him, nor cease to question how he was feeling, what he was thinking, whether he was amused or the contrary. At last he spoke133.
“And how do you like it all, Lucy? You are very quiet,” he said, in his own cheerful tone.
“I am quiet,” I said, “because I am so very, very much interested: not merely with the music, but with everything about me.”
He then proceeded to make some further remarks, with so much equanimity135 and composure that I began to think he had really not seen what I had seen, and I whispered —“Miss Fanshawe is here: have you noticed her?”
“Oh, yes! and I observed that you noticed her too?”
“Is she come with Mrs. Cholmondeley, do you think?”
“Mrs. Cholmondeley is there with a very grand party. Yes; Ginevra was in her train; and Mrs. Cholmondeley was in Lady ——‘s train, who was in the Queen’s train. If this were not one of the compact little minor136 European courts, whose very formalities are little more imposing137 than familiarities, and whose gala grandeur138 is but homeliness139 in Sunday array, it would sound all very fine.”
“Ginevra saw you, I think?”
“So do I think so. I have had my eye on her several times since you withdrew yours; and I have had the honour of witnessing a little spectacle which you were spared.”
I did not ask what; I waited voluntary information, which was presently given.
“Miss Fanshawe,” he said, “has a companion with her — a lady of rank. I happen to know Lady Sara by sight; her noble mother has called me in professionally. She is a proud girl, but not in the least insolent140, and I doubt whether Ginevra will have gained ground in her estimation by making a butt103 of her neighbours.”
“What neighbours?”
“Merely myself and my mother. As to me it is all very natural: nothing, I suppose, can be fairer game than the young bourgeois141 doctor; but my mother! I never saw her ridiculed142 before. Do you know, the curling lip, and sarcastically143 levelled glass thus directed, gave me a most curious sensation?”
“Think nothing of it, Dr. John: it is not worth while. If Ginevra were in a giddy mood, as she is eminently144 to-night, she would make no scruple145 of laughing at that mild, pensive146 Queen, or that melancholy147 King. She is not actuated by malevolence148, but sheer, heedless folly149. To a feather-brained school-girl nothing is sacred.”
“But you forget: I have not been accustomed to look on Miss Fanshawe in the light of a feather-brained school-girl. Was she not my divinity — the angel of my career?”
“Hem! There was your mistake.”
“To speak the honest truth, without any false rant150 or assumed romance, there actually was a moment, six months ago, when I thought her divine. Do you remember our conversation about the presents? I was not quite open with you in discussing that subject: the warmth with which you took it up amused me. By way of having the full benefit of your lights, I allowed you to think me more in the dark than I really was. It was that test of the presents which first proved Ginevra mortal. Still her beauty retained its fascination151: three days — three hours ago, I was very much her slave. As she passed me to-night, triumphant152 in beauty, my emotions did her homage; but for one luckless sneer153, I should yet be the humblest of her servants. She might have scoffed154 at me, and, while wounding, she would not soon have alienated155 me: through myself, she could not in ten years have done what, in a moment, she has done through my mother.”
He held his peace awhile. Never before had I seen so much fire, and so little sunshine in Dr. John’s blue eye as just now.
“Lucy,” he recommenced, “look well at my mother, and say, without fear or favour, in what light she now appears to you.”
“As she always does — an English, middle-class gentlewoman; well, though gravely dressed, habitually independent of pretence, constitutionally composed and cheerful.”
“So she seems to me — bless her! The merry may laugh with mamma, but the weak only will laugh at her. She shall not be ridiculed, with my consent, at least; nor without my — my scorn — my antipathy156 — my —”
He stopped: and it was time — for he was getting excited — more it seemed than the occasion warranted. I did not then know that he had witnessed double cause for dissatisfaction with Miss Fanshawe. The glow of his complexion157, the expansion of his nostril158, the bold curve which disdain159 gave his well-cut under lip, showed him in a new and striking phase. Yet the rare passion of the constitutionally suave160 and serene161, is not a pleasant spectacle; nor did I like the sort of vindictive162 thrill which passed through his strong young frame.
“Do I frighten you, Lucy?” he asked.
“I cannot tell why you are so very angry.”
“For this reason,” he muttered in my ear. “Ginevra is neither a pure angel, nor a pure-minded woman.”
“Nonsense! you exaggerate: she has no great harm in her.”
“Too much for me. I can see where you are blind. Now dismiss the subject. Let me amuse myself by teasing mamma: I will assert that she is flagging. Mamma, pray rouse yourself.”
“John, I will certainly rouse you if you are not better conducted. Will you and Lucy be silent, that I may hear the singing?”
They were then thundering in a chorus, under cover of which all the previous dialogue had taken place.
“You hear the singing, mamma! Now, I will wager163 my studs, which are genuine, against your paste brooch —”
“My paste brooch, Graham? Profane164 boy! you know that it is a stone of value.”
“Oh! that is one of your superstitions165: you were cheated in the business.”
“I am cheated in fewer things than you imagine. How do you happen to be acquainted with young ladies of the court, John? I have observed two of them pay you no small attention during the last half-hour.”
“I wish you would not observe them.”
“Why not? Because one of them satirically levels her eyeglass at me? She is a pretty, silly girl: but are you apprehensive166 that her titter will discomfit167 the old lady?”
“The sensible, admirable old lady! Mother, you are better to me than ten wives yet.”
“Don’t be demonstrative, John, or I shall faint, and you will have to carry me out; and if that burden were laid upon you, you would reverse your last speech, and exclaim, ‘Mother, ten wives could hardly be worse to me than you are!’”
The concert over, the Lottery “au bénéfice des pauvres” came next: the interval168 between was one of general relaxation169, and the pleasantest imaginable stir and commotion170. The white flock was cleared from the platform; a busy throng171 of gentlemen crowded it instead, making arrangements for the drawing; and amongst these — the busiest of all — re-appeared that certain well-known form, not tall but active, alive with the energy and movement of three tall men. How M. Paul did work! How he issued directions, and, at the same time, set his own shoulder to the wheel! Half-a-dozen assistants were at his beck to remove the pianos, &c.; no matter, he must add to their strength his own. The redundancy of his alertness was half-vexing, half-ludicrous: in my mind I both disapproved172 and derided173 most of this fuss. Yet, in the midst of prejudice and annoyance174, I could not, while watching, avoid perceiving a certain not disagreeable na?veté in all he did and said; nor could I be blind to certain vigorous characteristics of his physiognomy, rendered conspicuous now by the contrast with a throng of tamer faces: the deep, intent keenness of his eye, the power of his forehead, pale, broad, and full — the mobility175 of his most flexible mouth. He lacked the calm of force, but its movement and its fire he signally possessed176.
Meantime the whole hall was in a stir; most people rose and remained standing, for a change; some walked about, all talked and laughed. The crimson compartment presented a peculiarly animated25 scene. The long cloud of gentlemen, breaking into fragments, mixed with the rainbow line of ladies; two or three officer-like men approached the King and conversed177 with him. The Queen, leaving her chair, glided178 along the rank of young ladies, who all stood up as she passed; and to each in turn I saw her vouchsafe179 some token of kindness — a gracious word, look or smile. To the two pretty English girls, Lady Sara and Ginevra Fanshawe, she addressed several sentences; as she left them, both, and especially the latter, seemed to glow all over with gratification. They were afterwards accosted180 by several ladies, and a little circle of gentlemen gathered round them; amongst these — the nearest to Ginevra — stood the Count de Hamal.
“This room is stiflingly181 hot,” said Dr. Bretton, rising with sudden impatience182. “Lucy — mother — will you come a moment to the fresh air?”
“Go with him, Lucy,” said Mrs. Bretton. “I would rather keep my seat.”
Willingly would I have kept mine also, but Graham’s desire must take precedence of my own; I accompanied him.
We found the night-air keen; or at least I did: he did not seem to feel it; but it was very still, and the star-sown sky spread cloudless. I was wrapped in a fur shawl. We took some turns on the pavement; in passing under a lamp, Graham encountered my eye.
“You look pensive, Lucy: is it on my account?”
“I was only fearing that you were grieved.”
“Not at all: so be of good cheer — as I am. Whenever I die, Lucy, my persuasion183 is that it will not be of heart-complaint. I may be stung, I may seem to droop184 for a time, but no pain or malady185 of sentiment has yet gone through my whole system. You have always seen me cheerful at home?”
“Generally.”
“I am glad she laughed at my mother. I would not give the old lady for a dozen beauties. That sneer did me all the good in the world. Thank you, Miss Fanshawe!” And he lifted his hat from his waved locks, and made a mock reverence186.
“Yes,” he said, “I thank her. She has made me feel that nine parts in ten of my heart have always been sound as a bell, and the tenth bled from a mere134 puncture187: a lancet-prick that will heal in a trice.”
“You are angry just now, heated and indignant; you will think and feel differently to-morrow.”
“I heated and indignant! You don’t know me. On the contrary, the heat is gone: I am as cool as the night — which, by the way, may be too cool for you. We will go back.”
“Dr. John, this is a sudden change.”
“Not it: or if it be, there are good reasons for it — two good reasons: I have told you one. But now let us re-enter.”
We did not easily regain188 our seats; the lottery was begun, and all was excited confusion; crowds blocked the sort of corridor along which we had to pass: it was necessary to pause for a time. Happening to glance round — indeed I half fancied I heard my name pronounced — I saw quite near, the ubiquitous, the inevitable189 M. Paul. He was looking at me gravely and intently: at me, or rather at my pink dress — sardonic190 comment on which gleamed in his eye. Now it was his habit to indulge in strictures on the dress, both of the teachers and pupils, at Madame Beck’s — a habit which the former, at least, held to be an offensive impertinence: as yet I had not suffered from it — my sombre daily attire191 not being calculated to attract notice. I was in no mood to permit any new encroachment192 to-night: rather than accept his banter193, I would ignore his presence, and accordingly steadily turned my face to the sleeve of Dr. John’s coat; finding in that same black sleeve a prospect194 more redolent of pleasure and comfort, more genial195, more friendly, I thought, than was offered by the dark little Professor’s unlovely visage. Dr. John seemed unconsciously to sanction the preference by looking down and saying in his kind voice, “Ay, keep close to my side, Lucy: these crowding burghers are no respecters of persons.”
I could not, however, be true to myself. Yielding to some influence, mesmeric or otherwise — an influence unwelcome, displeasing196, but effective — I again glanced round to see if M. Paul was gone. No, there he stood on the same spot, looking still, but with a changed eye; he had penetrated197 my thought, and read my wish to shun198 him. The mocking but not ill-humoured gaze was turned to a swarthy frown, and when I bowed, with a view to conciliation199, I got only the stiffest and sternest of nods in return.
“Whom have you made angry, Lucy?” whispered Dr. Bretton, smiling. “Who is that savage-looking friend of yours?”
“One of the professors at Madame Beck’s: a very cross little man.”
“He looks mighty cross just now: what have you done to him? What is it all about? Ah, Lucy, Lucy! tell me the meaning of this.”
“No mystery, I assure you. M. Emanuel is very exigeant, and because I looked at your coat-sleeve, instead of curtseying and dipping to him, he thinks I have failed in respect.”
“The little —” began Dr. John: I know not what more he would have added, for at that moment I was nearly thrown down amongst the feet of the crowd. M. Paul had rudely pushed past, and was elbowing his way with such utter disregard to the convenience and security of all around, that a very uncomfortable pressure was the consequence.
“I think he is what he himself would call ‘méchant,’” said Dr. Bretton. I thought so, too.
Slowly and with difficulty we made our way along the passage, and at last regained200 our seats. The drawing of the lottery lasted nearly an hour; it was an animating201 and amusing scene; and as we each held tickets, we shared in the alternations of hope and fear raised by each turn of the wheel. Two little girls, of five and six years old, drew the numbers: and the prizes were duly proclaimed from the platform. These prizes were numerous, though of small value. It so fell out that Dr. John and I each gained one: mine was a cigar-case, his a lady’s head-dress — a most airy sort of blue and silver turban, with a streamer of plumage on one side, like a snowy cloud. He was excessively anxious to make an exchange; but I could not be brought to hear reason, and to this day I keep my cigar-case: it serves, when I look at it, to remind me of old times, and one happy evening.
Dr. John, for his part, held his turban at arm’s length between his finger and thumb, and looked at it with a mixture of reverence and embarrassment202 highly provocative203 of laughter. The contemplation over, he was about coolly to deposit the delicate fabric on the ground between his feet; he seemed to have no shadow of an idea of the treatment or stowage it ought to receive: if his mother had not come to the rescue, I think he would finally have crushed it under his arm like an opera-hat; she restored it to the band-box whence it had issued.
Graham was quite cheerful all the evening, and his cheerfulness seemed natural and unforced. His demeanour, his look, is not easily described; there was something in it peculiar, and, in its way, original. I read in it no common mastery of the passions, and a fund of deep and healthy strength which, without any exhausting effort, bore down Disappointment and extracted her fang204. His manner, now, reminded me of qualities I had noticed in him when professionally engaged amongst the poor, the guilty, and the suffering, in the Basse-Ville: he looked at once determined205, enduring, and sweet-tempered. Who could help liking206 him? He betrayed no weakness which harassed207 all your feelings with considerations as to how its faltering208 must be propped209; from him broke no irritability210 which startled calm and quenched211 mirth; his lips let fall no caustic212 that burned to the bone; his eye shot no morose213 shafts214 that went cold, and rusty215, and venomed216 through your heart: beside him was rest and refuge — around him, fostering sunshine.
And yet he had neither forgiven nor forgotten Miss Fanshawe. Once angered, I doubt if Dr. Bretton were to be soon propitiated217 — once alienated, whether he were ever to be reclaimed218. He looked at her more than once; not stealthily or humbly219, but with a movement of hardy220, open observation. De Hamal was now a fixture221 beside her; Mrs. Cholmondeley sat near, and they and she were wholly absorbed in the discourse222, mirth, and excitement, with which the crimson seats were as much astir as any plebeian223 part of the hall. In the course of some apparently224 animated discussion, Ginevra once or twice lifted her hand and arm; a handsome bracelet gleamed upon the latter. I saw that its gleam flickered225 in Dr. John’s eye — quickening therein a derisive226, ireful sparkle; he laughed:——
“I think,” he said, “I will lay my turban on my wonted altar of offerings; there, at any rate, it would be certain to find favour: no grisette has a more facile faculty227 of acceptance. Strange! for after all, I know she is a girl of family.”
“But you don’t know her education, Dr. John,” said I. “Tossed about all her life from one foreign school to another, she may justly proffer228 the plea of ignorance in extenuation229 of most of her faults. And then, from what she says, I believe her father and mother were brought up much as she has been brought up.”
“I always understood she had no fortune; and once I had pleasure in the thought,” said he.
“She tells me,” I answered, “that they are poor at home; she always speaks quite candidly230 on such points: you never find her lying, as these foreigners will often lie. Her parents have a large family: they occupy such a station and possess such connections as, in their opinion, demand display; stringent231 necessity of circumstances and inherent thoughtlessness of disposition232 combined, have engendered233 reckless unscrupulousness as to how they obtain the means of sustaining a good appearance. This is the state of things, and the only state of things, she has seen from childhood upwards234.”
“I believe it — and I thought to mould her to something better: but, Lucy, to speak the plain truth, I have felt a new thing to-night, in looking at her and de Hamal. I felt it before noticing the impertinence directed at my mother. I saw a look interchanged between them immediately after their entrance, which threw a most unwelcome light on my mind.”
“How do you mean? You have been long aware of the flirtation235 they keep up?”
“Ay, flirtation! That might be an innocent girlish wile236 to lure237 on the true lover; but what I refer to was not flirtation: it was a look marking mutual238 and secret understanding — it was neither girlish nor innocent. No woman, were she as beautiful as Aphrodite, who could give or receive such a glance, shall ever be sought in marriage by me: I would rather wed2 a paysanne in a short petticoat and high cap — and be sure that she was honest.”
I could not help smiling. I felt sure he now exaggerated the case: Ginevra, I was certain, was honest enough, with all her giddiness. I told him so. He shook his head, and said he would not be the man to trust her with his honour.
“The only thing,” said I, “with which you may safely trust her. She would unscrupulously damage a husband’s purse and property, recklessly try his patience and temper: I don’t think she would breathe, or let another breathe, on his honour.”
“You are becoming her advocate,” said he. “Do you wish me to resume my old chains?”
“No: I am glad to see you free, and trust that free you will long remain. Yet be, at the same time, just.”
“I am so: just as Rhadamanthus, Lucy. When once I am thoroughly estranged239, I cannot help being severe. But look! the King and Queen are rising. I like that Queen: she has a sweet countenance240. Mamma, too, is excessively tired; we shall never get the old lady home if we stay longer.”
“I tired, John?” cried Mrs. Bretton, looking at least as animated and as wide-awake as her son. “I would undertake to sit you out yet: leave us both here till morning, and we should see which would look the most jaded241 by sunrise.”
“I should not like to try the experiment; for, in truth, mamma, you are the most unfading of evergreens242 and the freshest of matrons. It must then be on the plea of your son’s delicate nerves and fragile constitution that I found a petition for our speedy adjournment243.”
“Indolent young man! You wish you were in bed, no doubt; and I suppose you must be humoured. There is Lucy, too, looking quite done up. For shame, Lucy! At your age, a week of evenings-out would not have made me a shade paler. Come away, both of you; and you may laugh at the old lady as much as you please, but, for my part, I shall take charge of the bandbox and turban.”
Which she did accordingly. I offered to relieve her, but was shaken off with kindly244 contempt: my godmother opined that I had enough to do to take care of myself. Not standing on ceremony now, in the midst of the gay “confusion worse confounded” succeeding to the King and Queen’s departure, Mrs. Bretton preceded us, and promptly made us a lane through the crowd. Graham followed, apostrophizing his mother as the most flourishing grisette it had ever been his good fortune to see charged with carriage of a bandbox; he also desired me to mark her affection for the sky-blue turban, and announced his conviction that she intended one day to wear it.
The night was now very cold and very dark, but with little delay we found the carriage. Soon we were packed in it, as warm and as snug as at a fire-side; and the drive home was, I think, still pleasanter than the drive to the concert. Pleasant it was, even though the coachman — having spent in the shop of a “marchand de vin” a portion of the time we passed at the concert — drove us along the dark and solitary chaussée far past the turn leading down to La Terrasse; we, who were occupied in talking and laughing, not noticing the aberration245 till, at last, Mrs. Bretton intimated that, though she had always thought the chateau a retired246 spot, she did not know it was situated247 at the world’s end, as she declared seemed now to be the case, for she believed we had been an hour and a half en route, and had not yet taken the turn down the avenue.
Then Graham looked out, and perceiving only dim-spread fields, with unfamiliar248 rows of pollards and limes ranged along their else invisible sunk-fences, began to conjecture249 how matters were, and calling a halt and descending250, he mounted the box and took the reins251 himself. Thanks to him, we arrived safe at home about an hour and a half beyond our time.
Martha had not forgotten us; a cheerful fire was burning, and a neat supper spread in the dining-room: we were glad of both. The winter dawn was actually breaking before we gained our chambers252. I took off my pink dress and lace mantle with happier feelings than I had experienced in putting them on. Not all, perhaps, who had shone brightly arrayed at that concert could say the same; for not all had been satisfied with friendship — with its calm comfort and modest hope.
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1
promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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2
wed
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| v.娶，嫁，与…结婚 | |
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3
lottery
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| n.抽彩；碰运气的事，难于算计的事 | |
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4
kin
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| n.家族，亲属，血缘关系；adj.亲属关系的，同类的 | |
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enjoined
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| v.命令( enjoin的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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6
royalty
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| n.皇家，皇族 | |
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ushered
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| v.引，领，陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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8
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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9
velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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10
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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11
doorway
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| n.门口，(喻)入门；门路，途径 | |
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12
aspiration
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| n.志向，志趣抱负；渴望；(语)送气音；吸出 | |
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13
bouquet
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| n.花束，酒香 | |
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14
ridicule
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| v.讥讽，挖苦；n.嘲弄 | |
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15
simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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16
fabric
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| n.织物，织品，布；构造，结构，组织 | |
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17
tint
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| n.淡色，浅色；染发剂；vt.着以淡淡的颜色 | |
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18
snug
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| adj.温暖舒适的，合身的，安全的；v.使整洁干净，舒适地依靠，紧贴；n.（英）酒吧里的私房 | |
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19
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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20
pretence
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| n.假装，作假；借口，口实；虚伪；虚饰 | |
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21
inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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22
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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23
diffused
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| 散布的，普及的，扩散的 | |
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24
animatedly
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| adv.栩栩如生地，活跃地 | |
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25
animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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26
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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27
rue
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| n.懊悔，芸香，后悔；v.后悔，悲伤，懊悔 | |
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28
wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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29
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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30
monotonously
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| adv.单调地，无变化地 | |
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31
illuminated
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| adj.被照明的；受启迪的 | |
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32
portico
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| n.柱廊，门廊 | |
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33
bustle
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| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
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34
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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35
ascent
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| n.(声望或地位)提高；上升，升高；登高 | |
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36
crimson
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| n./adj.深(绯)红色(的)；vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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37
sweeping
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| adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的 | |
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38
dome
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| n.圆屋顶，拱顶 | |
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39
domed
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| adj. 圆屋顶的, 半球形的, 拱曲的 动词dome的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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40
fluting
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| 有沟槽的衣料； 吹笛子； 笛声； 刻凹槽 | |
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41
burnished
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| adj.抛光的，光亮的v.擦亮（金属等），磨光( burnish的过去式和过去分词 )；被擦亮，磨光 | |
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42
alabaster
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| adj.雪白的；n.雪花石膏；条纹大理石 | |
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43
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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44
gilded
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| a.镀金的，富有的 | |
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45
facets
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| n.（宝石或首饰的）小平面( facet的名词复数 )；（事物的）面；方面 | |
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46
ablaze
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| adj.着火的，燃烧的；闪耀的，灯火辉煌的 | |
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47
tinged
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| v.（使）发丁丁声( ting的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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48
gems
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| growth； economy； management； and customer satisfaction 增长 | |
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49
hovering
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| 鸟( hover的现在分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫 | |
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50
lustrous
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| adj.有光泽的；光辉的 | |
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51
wondrous
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| adj.令人惊奇的，奇妙的；adv.惊人地；异乎寻常地；令人惊叹地 | |
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52
middle-aged
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| adj.中年的 | |
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53
mantle
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| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
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54
noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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55
impartial
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| adj.(in,to)公正的，无偏见的 | |
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56
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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57
compartment
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| n.卧车包房，隔间；分隔的空间 | |
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58
dispelled
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| v.驱散，赶跑( dispel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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59
discord
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| n.不和，意见不合，争论，（音乐）不和谐 | |
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60
pang
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| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
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61
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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62
boisterous
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| adj.喧闹的，欢闹的 | |
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63
mien
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| n.风采；态度 | |
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64
stolid
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| adj.无动于衷的，感情麻木的 | |
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65
ornament
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| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
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66
bracelet
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| n.手镯，臂镯 | |
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67
rapture
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| n.狂喜；全神贯注；着迷；v.使狂喜 | |
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68
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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69
inert
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| adj.无活动能力的，惰性的；迟钝的 | |
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70
veins
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| n.纹理；矿脉( vein的名词复数 )；静脉；叶脉；纹理 | |
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71
placid
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| adj.安静的，平和的 | |
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72
obstructed
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| 阻塞( obstruct的过去式和过去分词 )； 堵塞； 阻碍； 阻止 | |
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73
arteries
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| n.动脉( artery的名词复数 )；干线，要道 | |
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74
gilding
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| n.贴金箔，镀金 | |
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75
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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76
entreated
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| 恳求，乞求( entreat的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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77
stimulus
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| n.刺激，刺激物，促进因素，引起兴奋的事物 | |
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78
homage
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| n.尊敬，敬意，崇敬 | |
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79
calamity
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| n.灾害，祸患，不幸事件 | |
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80
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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81
chateau
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| n.城堡，别墅 | |
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82
circumference
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| n.圆周，周长，圆周线 | |
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83
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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84
usurper
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| n. 篡夺者, 僭取者 | |
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85
hush
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| int.嘘，别出声；n.沉默，静寂；v.使安静 | |
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86
dense
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| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
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87
overflowing
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| n. 溢出物,溢流 adj. 充沛的，充满的 动词overflow的现在分词形式 | |
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88
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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89
belle
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| n.靓女 | |
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90
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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91
potent
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| adj.强有力的，有权势的；有效力的 | |
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92
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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93
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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94
conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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95
sable
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| n.黑貂；adj.黑色的 | |
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96
lining
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| n.衬里，衬料 | |
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97
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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98
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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99
reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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100
robust
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| adj.强壮的，强健的，粗野的，需要体力的，浓的 | |
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102
specimens
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| n.样品( specimen的名词复数 )；范例；（化验的）抽样；某种类型的人 | |
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103
butt
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| n.笑柄；烟蒂；枪托；臀部；v.用头撞或顶 | |
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104
stewed
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| adj.焦虑不安的，烂醉的v.炖( stew的过去式和过去分词 )；煨；思考；担忧 | |
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105
habitually
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| ad.习惯地，通常地 | |
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106
wholesome
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| adj.适合；卫生的；有益健康的；显示身心健康的 | |
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107
demure
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| adj.严肃的；端庄的 | |
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108
suite
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| n.一套(家具)；套房；随从人员 | |
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109
pliant
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| adj.顺从的；可弯曲的 | |
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110
briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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111
inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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112
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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113
rambling
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| adj.[建]凌乱的，杂乱的 | |
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114
tact
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| n.机敏，圆滑，得体 | |
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115
kinsman
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| n.男亲属 | |
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116
heroism
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| n.大无畏精神，英勇 | |
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117
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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118
conjuror
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| n.魔术师，变戏法者 | |
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119
capers
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| n.开玩笑( caper的名词复数 )；刺山柑v.跳跃，雀跃( caper的第三人称单数 ) | |
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120
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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121
vented
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| 表达，发泄（感情，尤指愤怒）( vent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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122
solicit
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| vi.勾引；乞求；vt.请求，乞求；招揽(生意) | |
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123
egregiously
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| adv.过份地，卓越地 | |
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124
provincial
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| adj.省的，地方的；n．外省人，乡下人 | |
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125
worthies
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| 应得某事物( worthy的名词复数 )； 值得做某事； 可尊敬的； 有（某人或事物）的典型特征 | |
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126
mincing
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| adj.矫饰的；v.切碎；切碎 | |
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127
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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128
exertions
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| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
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129
conceited
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| adj.自负的，骄傲自满的 | |
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130
vocal
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| adj.直言不讳的；嗓音的；n.[pl.]声乐节目 | |
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131
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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132
permanently
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| adv.永恒地，永久地，固定不变地 | |
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133
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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134
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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135
equanimity
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| n.沉着，镇定 | |
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136
minor
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| adj.较小(少)的，较次要的；n.辅修学科；vi.辅修 | |
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137
imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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138
grandeur
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| n.伟大，崇高，宏伟，庄严，豪华 | |
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139
homeliness
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| n.简朴，朴实；相貌平平 | |
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140
insolent
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| adj.傲慢的，无理的 | |
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141
bourgeois
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| adj./n.追求物质享受的(人)；中产阶级分子 | |
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142
ridiculed
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| v.嘲笑，嘲弄，奚落( ridicule的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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143
sarcastically
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| adv.挖苦地，讽刺地 | |
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144
eminently
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| adv.突出地；显著地；不寻常地 | |
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145
scruple
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| n./v.顾忌，迟疑 | |
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146
pensive
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| a.沉思的,哀思的,忧沉的 | |
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147
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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148
malevolence
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| n.恶意，狠毒 | |
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149
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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150
rant
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| v.咆哮；怒吼；n.大话；粗野的话 | |
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151
fascination
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| n.令人着迷的事物，魅力，迷恋 | |
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152
triumphant
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| adj.胜利的，成功的；狂欢的，喜悦的 | |
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153
sneer
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| v.轻蔑；嘲笑；n.嘲笑，讥讽的言语 | |
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154
scoffed
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| 嘲笑，嘲弄( scoff的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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155
alienated
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| adj.感到孤独的，不合群的v.使疏远( alienate的过去式和过去分词 )；使不友好；转让；让渡（财产等） | |
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156
antipathy
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| n.憎恶；反感，引起反感的人或事物 | |
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157
complexion
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| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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158
nostril
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| n.鼻孔 | |
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159
disdain
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| n.鄙视，轻视；v.轻视，鄙视，不屑 | |
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160
suave
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| adj.温和的；柔和的；文雅的 | |
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161
serene
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| adj. 安详的，宁静的，平静的 | |
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162
vindictive
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| adj.有报仇心的，怀恨的，惩罚的 | |
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163
wager
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| n.赌注；vt.押注，打赌 | |
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164
profane
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| adj.亵神的，亵渎的；vt.亵渎，玷污 | |
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165
superstitions
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| 迷信，迷信行为( superstition的名词复数 ) | |
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166
apprehensive
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| adj.担心的，恐惧的，善于领会的 | |
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167
discomfit
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| v.使困惑，使尴尬 | |
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168
interval
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| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
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169
relaxation
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| n.松弛，放松；休息；消遣；娱乐 | |
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170
commotion
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| n.骚动，动乱 | |
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171
throng
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| n.人群，群众；v.拥挤，群集 | |
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172
disapproved
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| v.不赞成( disapprove的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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173
derided
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| v.取笑，嘲笑( deride的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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174
annoyance
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| n.恼怒，生气，烦恼 | |
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175
mobility
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| n.可动性，变动性，情感不定 | |
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176
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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177
conversed
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的过去式 ) | |
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178
glided
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| v.滑动( glide的过去式和过去分词 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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179
vouchsafe
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| v.惠予，准许 | |
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180
accosted
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| v.走过去跟…讲话( accost的过去式和过去分词 )；跟…搭讪；（乞丐等）上前向…乞讨；（妓女等）勾搭 | |
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181
stiflingly
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| adv. 令人窒息地(气闷地，沉闷地) | |
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182
impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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183
persuasion
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| n.劝说；说服；持有某种信仰的宗派 | |
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184
droop
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| v.低垂，下垂；凋萎，萎靡 | |
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185
malady
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| n.病，疾病(通常做比喻) | |
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186
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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187
puncture
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| n.刺孔，穿孔；v.刺穿，刺破 | |
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188
regain
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| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
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189
inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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190
sardonic
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| adj.嘲笑的，冷笑的，讥讽的 | |
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191
attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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192
encroachment
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| n.侵入，蚕食 | |
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193
banter
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| n.嘲弄，戏谑；v.取笑，逗弄，开玩笑 | |
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194
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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195
genial
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| adj.亲切的，和蔼的，愉快的，脾气好的 | |
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196
displeasing
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| 不愉快的，令人发火的 | |
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197
penetrated
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| adj. 击穿的，鞭辟入里的 动词penetrate的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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198
shun
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| vt.避开，回避，避免 | |
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199
conciliation
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| n.调解，调停 | |
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200
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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201
animating
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| v.使有生气( animate的现在分词 )；驱动；使栩栩如生地动作；赋予…以生命 | |
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202
embarrassment
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| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
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203
provocative
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| adj.挑衅的，煽动的，刺激的，挑逗的 | |
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204
fang
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| n.尖牙，犬牙 | |
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205
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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206
liking
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| n.爱好；嗜好；喜欢 | |
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207
harassed
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| adj. 疲倦的，厌烦的 动词harass的过去式和过去分词 | |
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208
faltering
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| 犹豫的，支吾的，蹒跚的 | |
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209
propped
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| 支撑，支持，维持( prop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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210
irritability
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| n.易怒 | |
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211
quenched
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| 解（渴）( quench的过去式和过去分词 )； 终止（某事物）； （用水）扑灭（火焰等）； 将（热物体）放入水中急速冷却 | |
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212
caustic
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| adj.刻薄的，腐蚀性的 | |
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213
morose
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| adj.脾气坏的，不高兴的 | |
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214
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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215
rusty
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| adj.生锈的；锈色的；荒废了的 | |
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216
venomed
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| adj.恶毒的，含有恶意的 | |
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217
propitiated
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| v.劝解，抚慰，使息怒( propitiate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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218
reclaimed
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| adj.再生的；翻造的；收复的；回收的v.开拓( reclaim的过去式和过去分词 )；要求收回；从废料中回收（有用的材料）；挽救 | |
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humbly
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| adv. 恭顺地，谦卑地 | |
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hardy
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| adj.勇敢的，果断的，吃苦的；耐寒的 | |
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fixture
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| n.固定设备；预定日期；比赛时间；定期存款 | |
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discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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plebeian
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| adj.粗俗的；平民的；n.平民；庶民 | |
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apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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flickered
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| （通常指灯光）闪烁，摇曳( flicker的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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derisive
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| adj.嘲弄的 | |
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faculty
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| n.才能；学院，系；(学院或系的)全体教学人员 | |
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proffer
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| v.献出，赠送；n.提议，建议 | |
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extenuation
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| n.减轻罪孽的借口；酌情减轻；细 | |
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candidly
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| adv.坦率地，直率而诚恳地 | |
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stringent
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| adj.严厉的；令人信服的；银根紧的 | |
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disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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engendered
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| v.产生（某形势或状况），造成，引起( engender的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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flirtation
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| n.调情，调戏，挑逗 | |
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wile
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| v.诡计，引诱；n.欺骗，欺诈 | |
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lure
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| n.吸引人的东西，诱惑物；vt.引诱，吸引 | |
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mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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estranged
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| adj.疏远的，分离的 | |
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countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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jaded
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| adj.精疲力竭的；厌倦的；（因过饱或过多而）腻烦的；迟钝的 | |
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evergreens
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| n.常青树，常绿植物，万年青( evergreen的名词复数 ) | |
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adjournment
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| 休会； 延期； 休会期； 休庭期 | |
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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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aberration
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| n.离开正路，脱离常规，色差 | |
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retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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situated
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| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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unfamiliar
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| adj.陌生的，不熟悉的 | |
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conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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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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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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