Beside the honour and glory of being Massinger of Massinger, and inhabiting "The Court," the erstwhile residence of a royal princess, with its priceless heirlooms and memories!
Many a newly enriched proprietor8 would have given his eyes to have possessed9 them by hereditary10 right.
For, consider, what a place, what a possession, it was!
Thus, many a maid, many a matron of the town and county, had often reflected in appraising11 the matrimonial value of the eligible12 suitors of the neighbourhood.
[Pg 2]
Think of the grand hall, sixty feet in length, twenty-six in width, extending to the roof with its fine old oaken rafters and queer post trusses! Think of the floor of polished oak, the walls with their priceless oak panelling, with carved frieze13 and moulded cornice; the mullioned windows, with arched openings giving light to King Edward's corridor on the first floor, carried across one corner of the hall by the angle gallery!
Then—glory of glories!—the bay, ten feet wide and nine deep, with windows glazed14 in lead squares, and extending to the springing of the roof.
Here was a place to sit and dream, while gazing over the park, in the glowing yet tender light of an early summer morn, the while the chatelaine tripped down the broad oaken staircase at the opposite end of the hall, with its carved grotesque-headed newels.
Boudoir and billiard-room, dining and drawing-room, library and morning-room, were they not all there, admirably proportioned, in addition to a score of other needful, not to say luxurious15, apartments?
Thus much for the domestic demesne16, the suzerainty of which is dear to every woman's heart.
From a man's point of view—at Massinger Moor17 were the head keeper's lodge18 and kennels19; these last slated20, with iron caged runs, stone-paved, iron-doored, complete.
The river Teme is famed for excellent trout21-fishing. Salmon22 also are not unknown in the water. But, in this connection be it known, that for centuries past the lords of the manor23 have permitted the townspeople to fly-fish (for trout only) in that length of the river below the bridge.
[Pg 3]
"And then, her heritage, it goes Along the banks of Tame; In meadows deep the heifer lows, The falconer and woodsman knows Her thickets24 for the game."
As much as this might be said for the woods and coverts25 of "The Court," since that old time when "the forest laws were sharp and stern," and the Conqueror26 stood no nonsense where "the tall deer that he loved as his own children" were concerned.
The descendants of these well-beloved and interesting animals were by no means scarce in "The Chase," which was still jealously preserved for them as of old.
The North Herefordshire hounds met three days a week, the Milverton hounds two days, the Ledbury were only just across the boundary, while, for fear the squire28 and his visitors might feel a soup?on of ennui29 in the season, the South Boulton harriers are available, and, to fill up any conceivable chink, the Dunster otter-hounds were within easy reach.
Thus, man's every earthly need being provided for, his spiritual welfare was by no means forgotten.
In the parish church, as was befitting in days of old, before the doctrine30 of equality and the "flat burglary" of democracy were so much as named, was reserved for the lords of Massinger and their assigns, by sale or lease, the whole of the south aisle31 and chapel32. And as the church was within five minutes' walk of the Court, all pedestrian fatigue33, as well as the indecency of taking out carriages and horses on the Sabbath, was avoided.
Now, from an earthly paradise like this, why should the lawful34 owner, young, good-looking, cultured, [Pg 4] athletic35, think for one moment of fleeing to the desert, socially, and no doubt literally36, of a distant, almost unknown British colony?
Was there an angel with a flaming sword? If so, she was typified in the guise37 of Hypatia Tollemache. Was she mad?
Must be. He, of course, utterly38 moonstruck, inasmuch as there is well known to be throughout all England a sufficiency of marriageable damsels—even, as some have averred39, a redundancy of that desirable national product. If the county had been polled, they would have voted for a de lunatico inquirendo.
Was there a hidden reason? There could not be.
He was not rich, but Massinger had stood many an extravagant40 squire in the old days without losing the estate which had come down from father to son since the Conquest, and would again so continue to descend27, with a prudent41 marriage in aid of rent and relief of mortgages.
But there was a reason besides what lay on the surface, and the old family lawyer, Mr. Nourse, of Nourse and Lympett, knew it well. More than a hundred years ago there had been a sudden-appearing re-incarnation of one of the most reckless spendthrifts—and there had been more than one in the annals of the family—that had ever scandalized the county, frightened the villagers, and wasted like water the revenues which should have kept up the ancient traditions of the house.
Rainauld de Massinger had the misfortune to be a living anachronism. Born out of due time, he was at odds42 with the age and the circumstances amidst which his lot had been cast. Despising the unlettered [Pg 5] squirearchy of his day, and the nearly as uncongenial nobility of the county, he threw himself with ardour into the semi-scientific, wholly visionary studies which, under the name of astrology, amused the leisure of those personages who could not content themselves with the dull round of duties and coarse dissipations which the manners of the age prescribed. He constructed a laboratory in one of the turret43-rooms, which only he and his confidential44 servant, a grave, silent Italian, were suffered to enter. From time to time mysterious strangers of foreign habit and alien language arrived at Massinger, and were entertained with every mark of high respect. The villagers spoke45 with awe46 of midnight fires in the turret-room, of the strange sounds, the evil-smelling fumes47 thence proceeding48, with other innovations proper in their untutored fancies to the occupation of a sorcerer. Seldom did he visit the Court, and when at rare intervals49 his tall figure and dark saturnine50 face were remarked in the throng51 of nobles, they inspired dislike or distrust more than kindly52 sentiment. Not that such feelings were openly displayed. For he had brought back from his travels in the East, and the far countries in which he had spent his early manhood, a reputation for swordsmanship which caused even the reckless gallants of the day to pause ere they lightly aroused the ire of one who was known to hold so cheaply his own life and that of others.
It was known that he had fought as a volunteer in the long Roumanian war with the Turks, in which it was popularly reported that he bore a charmed life; such had been his almost incredible daring, such had been the miraculous53 escapes from captivity54 and torture. [Pg 6] And yet, all suddenly relinquishing56 a career which promised unusual brilliancy in court and camp, he had for years shut himself up in the old hall at Massinger, devoting himself to those unblessed studies which had excited the distrust of his neighbours, the displeasure of the Church, the cynical57 wonder of his peers.
Departing with his usual eccentricity58 from the course which he had apparently59 laid down for himself, he for a season quitted his lonely studies, once more mingled60 in the gaieties of the county, even consented to grace the revels61 of royalty62 with his presence. His manner at such times was gracious, courtly, and strongly interesting. Like many men of his character and reputation, he exercised an almost resistless fascination63 over the fairer sex when he chose to enter the lists. It was so in this instance. He succeeded, in despite of a host of rivals and the opposition64 of her parents, in winning the hand of the beautiful Elinor de Warrenne, the daughter of a neighbouring baronet of lands and honours hardly inferior to his own. For a year or more the gloom which rested on his spirit seemed to have passed away. Happy in the possession of an heir, his conduct after marriage put to shame the ominous65 predictions of friends and foes66. His wife was fondly attached to him. His stately manners had won sympathy for her, and the approval of the grandes dames67 of the county. He conciliated the tenantry; the ordinary duties of his station were not neglected. The happiest results were expected. He was even spoken of for the representation of the county; when, abruptly68 as he had emerged, he once more retreated into the seclusion69 of his laboratory, resisting all the efforts of his heart-broken wife and friendly wellwishers [Pg 7] to cause his return to the duties of his rank and station.
For more than a year he pursued in gloom and silence his self-appointed task, only taking exercise at night, and from time to time, as before, joining with sorcerers and necromancers (as the neighbourhood fully70 believed) in unblessed study, if not unholy rites71. On one eventful morn, suspicion being aroused, search was made for him, when the turret was found to be vacant, save of broken crucibles72, strange scrolls73, and other remnants of the so-called "black art." The seasons came and went, Massinger Chase grew fair in early spring and summer prime, the leaves of many autumns faded and fell, the heir grew from a rosy74 infant to a sturdy schoolboy—a tall stripling. Then the lady pined and withered75, after lingering sadly in hope of the return of him who never again crossed the threshold of his ancient hall.
She was laid to rest with the dames of her race. An authentic76 statement of the death of Sir Rainauld reached England from abroad, and his son, Sir Alured, reigned77 in his stead.
Meanwhile, it had been discovered after his departure that large sums had been disbursed78, and payments made to foreign personages. Warrants and vouchers79, legally witnessed, were in the hands of financiers whose demands could not be legally resisted. Sale had to be made, with the concurrence80 of Sir Alured when he came of age, of portions of the estate, which seriously curtailed81 its area and importance. Sir Alured, however, an easy-going, unambitious youth, had promised his mother, of whom he was passionately83 fond, to break the entail84. Contented85 with the field-sports and homely86 [Pg 8] pleasures which there was no present danger of his being forced to relinquish55, he cared little for the future. Notwithstanding the sacrifice of the goodly acres which (in addition to his portrait in the costume of a Roumanian heiduck, hanging in King Edward's corridor) gave Sir Rainauld's descendants something to remember him by, it had been found necessary to negotiate another loan upon the security of the estate. This was looked upon as an unimportant, easily released encumbrance87 at the time; but, like all the tentacles88 of the dire89 octopus90, Debt, it had a tendency to draw the debtor91 closer to that gaping92 maw, down which in all ages have gone the old and worn, the young and fair, the strong and brave, all sorts and conditions of men.
Sir Alured had no desire to pry93 into the arcana of science, nor did he show curiosity about the transmutation of metals. Indolent, if not self-indulgent, he was wholly averse94 to the examination of accounts. The interest on the mortgage, with occasional loans, increased the liability notably95 before his death; so that when our hero, Sir Roland (an ancestor had fought at Roncesvalles), came into the estate on attaining96 his majority, he was startled at the portentous97 amount for which he stood liable to the mortgagee.
Being, however, for his age, a sensible young person, he set himself to live quietly, to reduce expenses, and in a general way to pay off his liabilities by degrees. Just as he had formed these meritorious98 resolves, rents commenced to fall. Old tenants99, who had been punctual and regular of payment, began to decline from their proud position, asking for time, and, what was still worse, for abatement100 of rent. And with a [Pg 9] show of reason. What with the importation of cheap meat, butter, wheat, and oats—all manner of farm produce, indeed, produced in colonies and other countries—the English farmer found himself unable to continue to pay rents calculated on prices which seemed to have fled for ever. It was hoped that farm commodities would regain101 their value, but they receded102 for the two years which were to see a recovery. Finally, after consultations103 with Messrs. Nourse and Lympett, it was decided104 that, at Sir Roland's present scale of expenditure105, there needed to be no compulsory106 sale in his time. An heiress would set all right. Sir Roland must marry money. It was his duty to his family, his duty to the county, his duty to England.
Then Massinger Court could be restored to its former splendour, and the estate to its legitimate107 position in the county.
Sir Roland did not assent108 or otherwise to these propositions. He did not particularly want to marry—just yet, at all events. He was too happy and comfortable as he was. Even with his curtailed revenues, he found the position of a country gentleman pleasant and satisfactory. He was not expected to do much, whereas everybody, old and young, were most anxious to make themselves useful and agreeable to him. Of course a man must marry some day.
So much was clearly the duty of the heir of Massinger. The ancient house must not be suffered to become extinct.
Strangely enough, the succession had always gone in the direct line. But there was no hurry. He had not seen any one so far on whom he was passionately anxious to confer the title of Lady Massinger. So, [Pg 10] matters might be worse. In this philosophical109 frame of mind, he told himself that he was content to remain a bachelor for the next half-dozen years or so, during which period his pecuniary110 affairs might be expected to improve rather than otherwise.
At eight and twenty a man is young—very young indeed, as occasionally reflects the middle-aged111 viveur, looking regretfully back on the feats112 and feelings of his lost youth. Sir Roland was fairly well equipped, according to the society needs of the day. An Oxford113 degree taken creditably guaranteed all reasonable literary attainment114; at any rate, the means and method of further development. Fond of field-sports, he shot brilliantly and rode well. Vigorous and active, neither plain nor handsome, but having an air of distinction—that subtle but unmistakeable accompaniment of race—he yet presented few points of divergence115 from the tens of thousands of youthful Britons capable, in time of need, of calm heroism116 and Spartan117 endurance, but unaware118 of any pressing necessity for stepping out of the beaten track.
Though unostentatious by nature and habit, it was not to be supposed that the name of Sir Roland Massinger, of Massinger Court, was unfamiliar119 to matrons with marriageable daughters, as well in his own county, as in the Mayfair gatherings121 which he did not disdain122 during the season.
More than one of his fair partners would not have objected to bear his name and title embellished123, as his position could not fail to be, by the handsome settlements which her father's steadfast124 attention to trade would enable him to make.
But, so far, all appreciative125 reception of his ordinary [Pg 11] courtesies—the sudden glance, the winning smile, the interested attention to his unstudied talk, conservatory126 lounges, country-house visits—all the harmless catalogue of the boy-god's snares127 and springes, were wasted on this careless wayfarer128, protected by a lofty ideal and an untouched heart.
Though he had listened politely to the prudent counsel of his man of business as to the necessity of repairing his attenuated129 fortune by marriage, such an arrangement had never been seriously contemplated130 by him. He felt himself capable of a passionate82 attachment131 to the princess of his dreams, could Fate but lead him into her presence. Not as yet had he encountered her. That was beyond doubt. He would await the voice of the oracle132. In the meanwhile he was far from being ennuyé. There was a mildly pleasurable sensation in merely contemplating133 "the supreme134 psychological moment" from afar, and speculating as to situations not yet arisen. He awaited in resigned contentment the goddess-moulded maiden135. In the meanwhile he was not minded to worship at the shrines136 of the lesser137 divinities.
Was Fate, unsmiling, ironic138, even now listening to the too-presumptuous mortal?
It would appear so. For, shortly after making these prudential resolutions, he met at a military ball the beautiful Hypatia Tollemache, who decided the question of elective affinity139 once and for ever. One look, a brief study of her unrivalled graces, an introduction, an entrancing interchange of ideas after a deliriously140 thrilling dance—even a second waltz, perilously141 near the end of the evening—and the solemn chime from the ancient tower, found an echo [Pg 12] in his heart, which seemed to ring "forever, ever, ever, forever."
That there are moments like this in men's lives, fateful, irrevocable, who may doubt? Sir Roland did not, at any rate. All the forces of his nature were aroused, electrically stimulated142, magnified in power and volume. As they separated conventionally, and he delivered her into the care of her chaperon, the parting smile with which she favoured him seemed the invitation of an angelic visitant. He could have cast himself at her feet, had not the formalism of this too-artificial age forbidden such abasement143.
When he returned to the country house where he was staying, he examined himself closely as to his sensations.
How had he, the cool and indifferent Roland Massinger, come to be so affected144 by this—by any girl? He could almost believe in the philtre of the ancients. It wasn't the champagne145; he had forgotten all about it, besides being by habit abstemious146. Supper he had hardly touched. It could not even be a form of indigestion—here he laughed aloud. Surely his reason wasn't giving way? He had heard of abnormal brain-seizures. But he was not the sort of man. He had never worked hard, though steadily147 at college. And, when a man's appetite, sleep, and general health were faultless, what could have caused this dire mental disturbance148? He went to bed, but sleep was out of the question. Throwing open the window, he gazed over the hushed landscape. The moon, immemorial friend of lovers, came to his aid. Slowly and majestically149 she rose, silvering over the ruined abbey, the ghostly avenue, the far-seen riverpools, [Pg 13] as with calm, luminous150, resistless ascent151, she floated higher and yet higher through the cloud-world. Gradually his troubled spirit recognized the peaceful influence. His mind became composed, and betaking himself to bed, he sank into a slumber152 from which he was only aroused by the dressing-bell.
The cheerful converse153 of a country-house breakfast succeeding a prolonged shower-bath and a satisfactory toilette, restored him to a condition more nearly resembling his usual frame of mind. He was, however, rallied as to his sudden subjugation154, which had not escaped the keen critics of a ball-room. In defence, he went so far as to admit that Miss Tollemache was rather a nice girl, and so on, adding to the customary insincerities a doubt whether "she wasn't one of the too-clever division. Scientific, or something in that line, struck me?"
"That's all very well, Sir Roland," said a lively girl opposite to him. "You needn't try to back out of your too-evident admiration155 of the fair Hypatia—we all saw it. Why, you never took your eyes off her from the moment she came into the room, till you put her into the carriage. You forgot your dance with me. You never once asked Jennie Castanette; she used to be your favourite partner. A sudden attack of whatsyname at first sight, don't they call it?"
"You ought to know best," he replied; "but Miss Tollemache is certainly handsome, or, rather, distinguished-looking; seems clever too, above the average, though she avoided literary topics."
"Clever!" retorted his fair opponent. "I should think she is, though I defy you to do more than guess at it from her talk; she is so unpretending in her [Pg 14] manner, and has a horror of showing off. Do you know what she did last year? There wasn't a girl that came near her in the University examinations."
"So much the worse for her chances of happiness or that of the man that marries her—if she is not too 'cultured' to marry at all."
"How do you make that out?"
"There are three things that tend to spoil a woman's character in the estimation of all sensible men," he answered: "beauty, money, or pre-eminent intellect. The beauty is flattered into outrageous156 vanity and frivolity157. The heiress is besieged158 by suitors and toadies159 whose adulation fosters selfishness and arrogance160. The third is perhaps the least evil, as after it is demonstrated that its possessor cannot lay down the law in private life, as she is prone161 to do, she retains a reserve of resources within herself, and mostly makes a rational use of them. Depend upon it, the post of honour is a 'middle station.'"
"Indeed! I am delighted to hear it," replied Miss Branksome. "So we poor mediocrities who have neither poverty nor riches—certainly not the last—and who don't profess162 beauty, have a fair chance of happiness? I was not quite sure of it before. And now, having unburdened yourself of all this 'philosophy in a country house,' you will dash off in pursuit of Hypatia directly you find out what she is going to do today. What will you give me if I tell you? 'Have you seen my Sylvia pass this way?' and so on."
"Hasn't she gone back to Chesterfield?" he asked.
"So it was erroneously supposed. But Lady Roxburgh will tell you when she comes down that she brought off a picnic to the ruins of St. Wereburgh's [Pg 15] Abbey; that she has been invited from the Wensleydales, and all the house-party here are going. Unless, of course, you would prefer to stay behind and have a peaceful day in the library?"
Sir Roland's face betrayed him. No human countenance163, after such contending emotions as had almost "rent his heart in twain," could have retained its immobility.
"There now!" said Miss Branksome, scornfully. "'What a piece of work is man!' etc. I have been reading Shakespeare lately—on wet mornings."
"But are you certain as to the programme?"
"Clara Roxburgh is my authority. The arrangement was made at an early hour this morning. You are relied on to drive the drag conveying the ladies of this household, including my insignificant164 self—not without value, I trust, to some people, however we poor ordinary mortals may be overshadowed by 'sweet girl graduates.'"
"Then may I venture to ask you, with Lady Roxburgh's permission, to occupy the box seat?"
"That's very sweet of you; faute d'autre, of course. Her ladyship's nerves won't permit of her taking it herself. And now let me give you a little advice—'honest Injun,' I mean—in all good faith and friendship, though I know you men don't believe in our capacity for that. Don't be too devoted165. It's a mistake if you want to be successful; any girl could tell you. We are mostly annoyed if we're run after. There's nothing like indifference166; it piques167 us. Then, if we like a man, we run after him—in a quiet ladylike way, of course. Do you follow?"
"Oh yes; a thousand thanks. Pray go on."
[Pg 16]
"I have only one other bit of warning. You're a lot older than me, and I dare say you think you know best, as I'm not long out. But you don't. Some day you'll see it. In the meantime don't give away all your heart before you make sure of a fair return. She may lead you on—unconsciously, of course—which means she wouldn't be rude to you and all the rest of it. But my idea is, she doesn't know what she wants just now. She's the sort of girl that thinks she's got a career before her. She won't be satisfied with the regulation returned affection, matrimony business."
"But surely such a woman has no commonplace thoughts, no vulgar ideals. She is incapable168 of such paltry169 bargaining for wealth or position."
"You think so? I don't say she's worse than any other girl who's got such a pull in the way of looks, brains, family, and all the rest of it. But none of us like to go cheap, and the love in a cottage business, or even a man like yourself of good county family, but not rich, not distinguished—h'm—as yet, not a power socially or politically in the land, is scarcely a high bid for a first-class property in the marriage market like Hypatia Tollemache."
"My dear Miss Branksome, don't talk like that. It pains me, I assure you."
"Perhaps it does, but it will do you good in the long run. It's pretty true, as you'll find out in time. And now, as I hear Lady Roxburgh coming downstairs, and I've talked enough nonsense for one morning, I'll go and get ready for the drag party. You'll know soon that I have no personal interest in the matter, though I've liked you always, and don't wish to see your life spoiled by a sentimental170 mistake."
[Pg 17]
And so this very frank young woman departed, just in time to meet the hostess, who, coming forward, explained her late arrival at the breakfast table by saying that she had to send off messages about the picnic party and an impromptu171 dance for the evening. She verified Miss Branksome's information respecting the drag, and the responsible office of coachman which Sir Roland expressed himself most willing to accept. But all the time he was suitably attiring172 himself; and even during a visit of inspection173 to the stables for the purpose of interviewing the well-matched team, and having a word or two with the head groom174, a feeling of doubt would obtrude175 itself as he recalled the well-meant, unconventional warning of Miss Bessie Branksome.
"I suppose women know a good deal more about each other's ways than we do," he reflected. "But an average girl like Miss Branksome, good-hearted and well-intentioned, as she no doubt is, can no more enter into the motives176 of a woman like Miss Tollemache than a milkmaid could gauge177 the soul of a duchess. In any case, I must take my chance, and I shall have the satisfaction of taking my dismissal from her lips alone, for no other earthly authority will detach me from the pursuit. So that's settled."
And when Roland Massinger made use of that expression in soliloquy or otherwise, a certain line of action was definitely followed. Neither obstacles nor dissuasions had the smallest weight with him. In general, he took pains to work out his plans and to form his opinion before committing himself to them. This, however, he admitted, was an exception to his rule of life. Rule of life? It was his life—his soul, [Pg 18] mind, body—everything. "Whatever stirs this mortal frame"—of course. What did Byron say about love? "'Tis woman's whole existence." Byron didn't know: he had long since squandered178 the riches of the heart, the boundless179 wealth of the affections. He could write about love. But the real enthralling180, all-absorbing, reverential passion of a true man's honest love, he did not know, never could have known, and was incapable of feeling.
After this burst of blasphemy181 against the acknowledged high priest of "Venus Victrix," the great singer of "love, and love's sharp woe," Sir Roland felt relieved, if not comforted.
Then came the more mundane182 business of the day. The girls' chatter183, always more or less sweet in his ears, like the half-notes of thrushes in spring; the arranging of pairs, and the small difficulties in mounting to the high seats of the drag; the monosyllabic utterances184 of the swells185, civil and military, who helped to compose the party, at length came to an end.
Finally, when, with pretty, lively, amusing Miss Branksome on the box seat beside him, he started the well-matched team, and, rattling186 down the avenue, swept through the park gates, and turned into the road which led to St. Wereburgh's, he felt once more in comparative harmony with his surroundings.
"Now, Sir Roland, you look more like your old self—like the man we used to know. You take my tip, and back your opinion for all you're worth. If it comes off, well and good; if it's a boil-over, pay and look pleasant. If you knew as much about girls as I do, you'd know there are as good fish in the sea, etc., though you men won't believe it. Now, promise me [Pg 19] not to do the Knight187 of the Woeful Countenance any more, won't you?"
"As the day is so fine, for a wonder, and the horses are going well together, not to mention the charming company of Miss Branksome on the box seat, who would be perfect if she would drop the didactic business, I think I may promise."
So, shaking himself together by a strong effort of will, such as he remembered when acting188 in private theatricals189, he defied care and anxiety, enacting190 the gay worldling with pronounced success. So much so, that between his prowess as a whip and his cheery returns to the airy badinage191 usual on such occasions, he ran a close second to a cavalry192 officer on leave from India for the honourable193 distinction of "the life of the party."
Pleasant enough indeed was their progress through one of the most picturesque194 counties in England, but when they stopped within full view of the venerable ivy-clad ruin, of which a marvellous gateway195 and a noble arch still remained perfect, Sir Roland's gaze did not rest on those time-worn relics196 of ancient grandeur197.
"She's not here yet," said Miss Branksome, with a smile, after the descent from the drag and the regulation amount of handshaking, greeting, and "How are you?" and "How is your dear mother?" had been got through. "The Wensleydales have farther to come, and I doubt if their horses are as fast as ours. Oh yes! now I see them—just behind that waggon198 in the lane, near the bridge. Hypatia is on the box beside young Buckhurst. He can't drive a bit; that's a point in your favour, if you can get her to exchange with me going back. I'll suggest it, anyhow."
[Pg 20]
Sir Roland gave his guide, philosopher, and friend a look of such gratitude199 that she began to laugh; but, composing her countenance to an expression of the requisite200 propriety201, she advanced to the rival coach, and so timed her movements that he was enabled to help the fair Hypatia to the ground—a slight, but smile-compelling service, which repaid the giver a hundredfold.
Taking a mean advantage of Buckhurst, who was compelled for some reason to overlook the unharnessing of his horses, he thereupon walked away with the entrancing personage towards the assembled party, abandoning Miss Branksome, who discreetly202 preferred to busy herself in animated203 conversation with the newcomers.
After this fortunate commencement all went well. Smiling as the morn, pleased (and what woman is not?) with the marked attention of a "personage," Miss Tollemache confessed the exhilaration proper to that pleasantest of informal gatherings—a picnic to a spot of historic interest in an English county, with congenial intimates, and perhaps still more interesting strangers.
Her companion was well up in the provincial204 records, and thereby205 in a position of superiority to the rest of the company conversationally206.
They had pulled up for lunch in the meadow, deep-swarded and thick with the clovers white and purple, mingled with the tiny fodder207 plants which nestle around a ruin in green England. The party was full of exclamations208.
"What a darling old church!—thousands of years old it must be," said one of the Miss Wensleydales. [Pg 21] "Now, can any one tell me whether it is a Norman or a Saxon one?"
"Oh, Norman, surely!" was the verdict of several feminine voices, all at once.
"I am not quite certain," said Lady Roxburgh; "I always intended to look it up. What do you say, Miss Tollemache? You know more about these matters than we do."
"Oh, I don't pretend to any knowledge of architecture. A grand old ruin like this is such a thing of beauty that it seems a pity to pick it to pieces. That south door with its round arches looks rather Saxon. What does Sir Roland think? It's not far from Massinger, is it?"
"I used to know it well in my boyhood," replied that gentleman, who, truth to tell, had been waiting to be referred to. "Miss Tollemache is right; you will find its history in the Domesday Book. The manor was held by the secular209 canons of St. Wereburgh till the Conqueror gave it to Hugh Lupus, who granted it to the Benedictine monks210."
"And was it an abbey church?" asked Miss Branksome, who may or may not have divined Sir Roland's special knowledge of church history.
"Certainly," he replied; "all the authorities are distinct on the point. The manor was held under the abbots by a family of the same name, so it must have belonged to the original Saxon stock."
"And why did they not keep it?" asked Lady Roxburgh. "Really, this is most interesting."
"A lady in the case," answered Sir Roland. "Alice de Sotowiche conveyed it away by her marriage with Robert de Maurepas. What the Normans did not [Pg 22] get by the sword they seem to have acquired by matrimony. It did not go out of the family, though, till the time of Edward the First. These De Maurepases battled for their manorial211 rights, too, which included fishing in the Welland, always providing that sturgeon went to the overlord."
"I always knew it was a dear old place," said Lady Roxburgh, "but now it seems doubly interesting. I must get up this history business for future use, and Miss Branksome shall give a little lecture about it next time we have a picnic."
"Thanks awfully212, my dear Lady Roxburgh," said that young lady, "but I never could learn anything by heart in my life. I don't mind writing it down, though, from Sir Roland's notes, so that you can have it printed for private circulation at breakfast-time on picnic days."
"I think we might manage a county historical society," continued her ladyship. "It would be a grand idea for house-parties—only now it must be lunch-time. I see they have been unpacking213. We must verify these quatrefoils, chevrons214, and things afterwards."
They lunched under the mouldering215 walls, picturing a long-past day when, issuing forth216 from the courtyard of the neighbouring castle, had ridden knight and squire and lady fayre, attended by falconers and woodsmen, with hawk217 on wrist and hound in leash218.
"What glorious times they must have had of it!" said Miss Tollemache. "I should like to have lived then. Life was more direct and sincere than in these artificial days."
"If we could only have seen the people as they really were," he replied, "'in their habit as they lived,' [Pg 23] mental or otherwise, it would be such splendid opera business, would it not? But they must have been awfully dull between times. Hardly any books, no cigars till later on; war and the chase their only recreations."
"Noble occupations both," said Miss Tollemache, with an air of conviction; "they left little room for the frivolous219 indolence of these latter days."
"Perhaps so," assented220 her companion. "You had either to knock people on the head or undergo the operation yourself. Then, mark the opposite side of the shield. In that very castle—while the gay troop was riding out with pennons flying—the feudal221 enemy or 'misproud' retainer was probably lying in the dungeon222 (they had one there, Orme says) after an imprisonment223 of years."
The gathering120 was a pronounced success. The ruin provided subjects for unlimited224 conversation as well as occasions for heroic daring in the matter of climbing. The lunch was perfect in its way; the ensuing walks and talks all that could be wished.
And when, after, as one of the young people declared, the "truly excellent—really delicious day" came so near to its close that the horses were brought up, Miss Branksome playfully suggested that she and Miss Tollemache should change seats, as she wished to take a lesson from the opposition charioteer in driving, and when, after a moment's playful contest, the fair enslaver was placed on the seat beside him, Sir Roland's cup of happiness was full.
"Let Fate do her worst; There are moments of joy, Bright dreams of the past, Which she cannot destroy"—
[Pg 24]
must have been written by the poet, he felt assured, with that wondrous225 instinctive226 insight into the inmost soul of him, and all true lovers, which stamps the heaven-born singer.
Then the drive back to Roxburgh Hall, where they were to reassemble for the impromptu dance! The horses, home-returning, pulled just sufficiently227 to enable the box passenger to appreciate the strong arm and steady hand of her companion; and when, after an hour, the lamps were lit and the star-spangled night appeared odorous with the scents228 of early spring, the girl's low voice and musical laugh seemed the appropriate song-speech for which the star-clustered night formed fitting hour and circumstance.
Roland Massinger in that eve of delicious companionship abandoned himself to hope and fantasy. His fair companion had been so far acted upon by her environment, that she had permitted speculative229 allusions230 to the recondite231 problems of the day; to the deeper aims of life—subjects in which she evinced an interest truly exceptional in a girl of such acknowledged social distinction; while he, drawn232 on by the thought of possible companionship with so rarely-gifted a being, abandoned his usual practical and chiefly negative outlook upon the world, acknowledging the attraction of self-sacrifice and philanthropic crusade. His mental vision appeared to have received an illuminating233 expansion, and as those low, earnest, but melodious234 tones made music in his ear, emanating235 from the fair lips so closely inclined towards his own, he felt almost moved to devote his future energies, means, lands, and life to the amelioration of the race—to the grand aims of that altruistic236 federation237 of which, [Pg 25] it must be confessed, that he had been a formal, if not indifferent, professor. If only he might persuade this "one sweet spirit to be his minister"! Then, how cheerfully would he fare forth through whatever lands or seas she might appoint.
But that fatal if!
Why should he be privileged to appropriate this glorious creature, redolent of all the loveliness of earth's primal238 vigour239, and yet informed with the lore240 of the ages, heightening her attractions a hundred—yes, a thousand-fold? Almost he despaired when thinking of his superlative presumption241.
Fortunately for the safety of the passengers, who little knew what tremendous issues were oscillating in the brain of their pilot, he mechanically handled the reins242 in his usual skilled and efficient fashion. Nor, indeed, did the fair comrade, or she would scarcely have emphasized the conventional remark, "Oh, Sir Roland, what a delightful243 drive we have had! I feel so grateful to you!" as he swung his horses round, and, with practised accuracy, almost grazed the steps at the portico244 of Roxburgh Hall.
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
mansion
|
|
| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
untold
|
|
| adj.数不清的，无数的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
standing
|
|
| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
perches
|
|
| 栖息处( perch的名词复数 )； 栖枝； 高处； 鲈鱼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
nominal
|
|
| adj.名义上的；(金额、租金)微不足道的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
rental
|
|
| n.租赁，出租，出租业 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
verge
|
|
| n.边，边缘；v.接近，濒临 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
proprietor
|
|
| n.所有人；业主；经营者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
possessed
|
|
| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
hereditary
|
|
| adj.遗传的，遗传性的，可继承的，世袭的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
appraising
|
|
| v.估价( appraise的现在分词 )；估计；估量；评价 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
eligible
|
|
| adj.有条件被选中的；(尤指婚姻等)合适(意)的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
frieze
|
|
| n.(墙上的)横饰带，雕带 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
glazed
|
|
| adj.光滑的，像玻璃的；上过釉的；呆滞无神的v.装玻璃( glaze的过去式)；上釉于，上光；（目光）变得呆滞无神 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
luxurious
|
|
| adj.精美而昂贵的；豪华的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
demesne
|
|
| n.领域，私有土地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
moor
|
|
| n.荒野，沼泽；vt.(使)停泊；vi.停泊 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
lodge
|
|
| v.临时住宿，寄宿，寄存，容纳；n.传达室，小旅馆 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
kennels
|
|
| n.主人外出时的小动物寄养处，养狗场；狗窝( kennel的名词复数 )；养狗场 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
slated
|
|
| 用石板瓦盖( slate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
trout
|
|
| n.鳟鱼；鲑鱼(属) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
salmon
|
|
| n.鲑，大马哈鱼，橙红色的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
manor
|
|
| n.庄园，领地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
thickets
|
|
| n.灌木丛( thicket的名词复数 )；丛状物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
coverts
|
|
| n.隐蔽的，不公开的，秘密的( covert的名词复数 )；复羽 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
conqueror
|
|
| n.征服者，胜利者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
descend
|
|
| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
squire
|
|
| n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
ennui
|
|
| n.怠倦，无聊 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
doctrine
|
|
| n.教义；主义；学说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
aisle
|
|
| n.（教堂、教室、戏院等里的）过道，通道 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
chapel
|
|
| n.小教堂，殡仪馆 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
fatigue
|
|
| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
lawful
|
|
| adj.法律许可的，守法的，合法的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
athletic
|
|
| adj.擅长运动的，强健的；活跃的，体格健壮的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
literally
|
|
| adv.照字面意义，逐字地；确实 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
guise
|
|
| n.外表，伪装的姿态 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
utterly
|
|
| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
averred
|
|
| v.断言( aver的过去式和过去分词 )；证实；证明…属实；作为事实提出 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
extravagant
|
|
| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
prudent
|
|
| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
odds
|
|
| n.让步，机率，可能性，比率；胜败优劣之别 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
turret
|
|
| n.塔楼，角塔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
confidential
|
|
| adj.秘（机）密的，表示信任的，担任机密工作的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
spoke
|
|
| 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 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
awe
|
|
| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
fumes
|
|
| n.(强烈而刺激的)气味，气体 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
proceeding
|
|
| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
intervals
|
|
| 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 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
saturnine
|
|
| adj.忧郁的，沉默寡言的，阴沉的，感染铅毒的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
throng
|
|
| n.人群，群众；v.拥挤，群集 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
kindly
|
|
| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
miraculous
|
|
| adj.像奇迹一样的，不可思议的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
captivity
|
|
| n.囚禁；被俘；束缚 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
relinquish
|
|
| v.放弃，撤回，让与，放手 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
relinquishing
|
|
| 交出，让给( relinquish的现在分词 )； 放弃 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
cynical
|
|
| adj.(对人性或动机)怀疑的，不信世道向善的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
eccentricity
|
|
| n.古怪，反常，怪癖 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
apparently
|
|
| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
mingled
|
|
| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
revels
|
|
| n.作乐( revel的名词复数 )；狂欢；着迷；陶醉v.作乐( revel的第三人称单数 )；狂欢；着迷；陶醉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
royalty
|
|
| n.皇家，皇族 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
fascination
|
|
| n.令人着迷的事物，魅力，迷恋 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
opposition
|
|
| n.反对，敌对 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
ominous
|
|
| adj.不祥的，不吉的，预兆的，预示的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
foes
|
|
| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
dames
|
|
| 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 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
abruptly
|
|
| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
seclusion
|
|
| n.隐遁，隔离 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
fully
|
|
| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
rites
|
|
| 仪式，典礼( rite的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
crucibles
|
|
| n.坩埚，严酷的考验（ crucible的名词复数 ） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
scrolls
|
|
| n.（常用于录写正式文件的）纸卷( scroll的名词复数 )；卷轴；涡卷形（装饰）；卷形花纹v.（电脑屏幕上）从上到下移动（资料等），卷页( scroll的第三人称单数 )；（似卷轴般）卷起；（像展开卷轴般地）将文字显示于屏幕 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
rosy
|
|
| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
withered
|
|
| adj. 枯萎的，干瘪的，（人身体的部分器官）因病萎缩的或未发育良好的 动词wither的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
authentic
|
|
| a.真的，真正的；可靠的，可信的，有根据的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
reigned
|
|
| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
disbursed
|
|
| v.支出，付出( disburse的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
vouchers
|
|
| n.凭证( voucher的名词复数 )；证人；证件；收据 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
concurrence
|
|
| n.同意；并发 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
curtailed
|
|
| v.截断，缩短( curtail的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
passionate
|
|
| adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
passionately
|
|
| ad.热烈地，激烈地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
entail
|
|
| vt.使承担，使成为必要，需要 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
contented
|
|
| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
homely
|
|
| adj.家常的，简朴的；不漂亮的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
encumbrance
|
|
| n.妨碍物，累赘 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
tentacles
|
|
| n.触手( tentacle的名词复数 )；触角；触须；触毛 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
dire
|
|
| adj.可怕的，悲惨的，阴惨的，极端的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
octopus
|
|
| n.章鱼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
debtor
|
|
| n.借方，债务人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
gaping
|
|
| adj.口的；张口的；敞口的；多洞穴的v.目瞪口呆地凝视( gape的现在分词 )；张开，张大 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
pry
|
|
| vi.窥(刺)探，打听；vt.撬动(开，起) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
averse
|
|
| adj.厌恶的；反对的，不乐意的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
notably
|
|
| adv.值得注意地，显著地，尤其地，特别地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
attaining
|
|
| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的现在分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
portentous
|
|
| adj.不祥的，可怕的，装腔作势的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
meritorious
|
|
| adj.值得赞赏的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
tenants
|
|
| n.房客( tenant的名词复数 )；佃户；占用者；占有者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
abatement
|
|
| n.减(免)税，打折扣，冲销 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
regain
|
|
| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
receded
|
|
| v.逐渐远离( recede的过去式和过去分词 )；向后倾斜；自原处后退或避开别人的注视；尤指问题 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
consultations
|
|
| n.磋商（会议）( consultation的名词复数 )；商讨会；协商会；查找 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
decided
|
|
| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
expenditure
|
|
| n.(时间、劳力、金钱等)支出；使用，消耗 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
compulsory
|
|
| n.强制的，必修的；规定的，义务的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
legitimate
|
|
| adj.合法的，合理的，合乎逻辑的；v.使合法 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
assent
|
|
| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
philosophical
|
|
| adj.哲学家的，哲学上的，达观的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
pecuniary
|
|
| adj.金钱的；金钱上的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
middle-aged
|
|
| adj.中年的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
feats
|
|
| 功绩，伟业，技艺( feat的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
Oxford
|
|
| n.牛津（英国城市） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
attainment
|
|
| n.达到，到达；［常pl.］成就，造诣 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
divergence
|
|
| n.分歧，岔开 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
heroism
|
|
| n.大无畏精神，英勇 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
spartan
|
|
| adj.简朴的，刻苦的；n.斯巴达；斯巴达式的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
unaware
|
|
| a.不知道的，未意识到的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
unfamiliar
|
|
| adj.陌生的，不熟悉的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
gathering
|
|
| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
gatherings
|
|
| 聚集( gathering的名词复数 )； 收集； 采集； 搜集 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
disdain
|
|
| n.鄙视，轻视；v.轻视，鄙视，不屑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
embellished
|
|
| v.美化( embellish的过去式和过去分词 )；装饰；修饰；润色 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
steadfast
|
|
| adj.固定的，不变的，不动摇的；忠实的；坚贞不移的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
appreciative
|
|
| adj.有鉴赏力的，有眼力的；感激的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
conservatory
|
|
| n.温室，音乐学院；adj.保存性的，有保存力的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
snares
|
|
| n.陷阱( snare的名词复数 )；圈套；诱人遭受失败（丢脸、损失等）的东西；诱惑物v.用罗网捕捉，诱陷，陷害( snare的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
wayfarer
|
|
| n.旅人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
attenuated
|
|
| v.（使）变细( attenuate的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）变薄；（使）变小；减弱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
contemplated
|
|
| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
attachment
|
|
| n.附属物，附件；依恋；依附 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
132
oracle
|
|
| n.神谕，神谕处，预言 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
133
contemplating
|
|
| 深思，细想，仔细考虑( contemplate的现在分词 )； 注视，凝视； 考虑接受（发生某事的可能性）； 深思熟虑，沉思，苦思冥想 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
134
supreme
|
|
| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
135
maiden
|
|
| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
136
shrines
|
|
| 圣地，圣坛，神圣场所( shrine的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
137
lesser
|
|
| adj.次要的，较小的；adv.较小地，较少地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
138
ironic
|
|
| adj.讽刺的，有讽刺意味的，出乎意料的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
139
affinity
|
|
| n.亲和力，密切关系 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
140
deliriously
|
|
| adv.谵妄（性）；发狂；极度兴奋/亢奋；说胡话 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
141
perilously
|
|
| adv.充满危险地，危机四伏地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
142
stimulated
|
|
| a.刺激的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
143
abasement
|
|
| n.滥用 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
144
affected
|
|
| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
145
champagne
|
|
| n.香槟酒；微黄色 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
146
abstemious
|
|
| adj.有节制的，节俭的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
147
steadily
|
|
| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
148
disturbance
|
|
| n.动乱，骚动；打扰，干扰；(身心)失调 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
149
majestically
|
|
| 雄伟地； 庄重地； 威严地； 崇高地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
150
luminous
|
|
| adj.发光的，发亮的；光明的；明白易懂的；有启发的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
151
ascent
|
|
| n.(声望或地位)提高；上升，升高；登高 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
152
slumber
|
|
| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
153
converse
|
|
| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
154
subjugation
|
|
| n.镇压，平息，征服 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
155
admiration
|
|
| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
156
outrageous
|
|
| adj.无理的，令人不能容忍的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
157
frivolity
|
|
| n.轻松的乐事，兴高采烈；轻浮的举止 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
158
besieged
|
|
| 包围，围困，围攻( besiege的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
159
toadies
|
|
| n.谄媚者，马屁精( toady的名词复数 )v.拍马，谄媚( toady的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
160
arrogance
|
|
| n.傲慢，自大 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
161
prone
|
|
| adj.(to)易于…的，很可能…的；俯卧的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
162
profess
|
|
| v.声称，冒称，以...为业，正式接受入教，表明信仰 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
163
countenance
|
|
| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
164
insignificant
|
|
| adj.无关紧要的，可忽略的，无意义的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
165
devoted
|
|
| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
166
indifference
|
|
| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
167
piques
|
|
| v.伤害…的自尊心( pique的第三人称单数 )；激起（好奇心） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
168
incapable
|
|
| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
169
paltry
|
|
| adj.无价值的，微不足道的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
170
sentimental
|
|
| adj.多愁善感的，感伤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
171
impromptu
|
|
| adj.即席的，即兴的；adv.即兴的(地)，无准备的(地) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
172
attiring
|
|
| v.使穿上衣服，使穿上盛装( attire的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
173
inspection
|
|
| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
174
groom
|
|
| vt.给（马、狗等）梳毛，照料，使...整洁 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
175
obtrude
|
|
| v.闯入；侵入；打扰 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
176
motives
|
|
| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
177
gauge
|
|
| v.精确计量；估计；n.标准度量；计量器 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
178
squandered
|
|
| v.（指钱，财产等）浪费，乱花( squander的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
179
boundless
|
|
| adj.无限的；无边无际的；巨大的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
180
enthralling
|
|
| 迷人的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
181
blasphemy
|
|
| n.亵渎，渎神 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
182
mundane
|
|
| adj.平凡的；尘世的；宇宙的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
183
chatter
|
|
| vi.／n.喋喋不休；短促尖叫；(牙齿)打战 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
184
utterances
|
|
| n.发声( utterance的名词复数 )；说话方式；语调；言论 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
185
swells
|
|
| 增强( swell的第三人称单数 )； 肿胀； （使）凸出； 充满（激情） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
186
rattling
|
|
| 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 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
187
knight
|
|
| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
188
acting
|
|
| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
189
theatricals
|
|
| n.（业余性的）戏剧演出，舞台表演艺术；职业演员；戏剧的( theatrical的名词复数 )；剧场的；炫耀的；戏剧性的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
190
enacting
|
|
| 制定（法律），通过（法案）( enact的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
191
badinage
|
|
| n.开玩笑，打趣 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
192
cavalry
|
|
| n.骑兵；轻装甲部队 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
193
honourable
|
|
| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
194
picturesque
|
|
| adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
195
gateway
|
|
| n.大门口，出入口，途径，方法 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
196
relics
|
|
| [pl.］n.遗物，遗迹，遗产；遗体，尸骸 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
197
grandeur
|
|
| n.伟大，崇高，宏伟，庄严，豪华 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
198
waggon
|
|
| n.运货马车，运货车；敞篷车箱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
199
gratitude
|
|
| adj.感激，感谢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
200
requisite
|
|
| adj.需要的，必不可少的；n.必需品 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
201
propriety
|
|
| n.正当行为；正当；适当 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
202
discreetly
|
|
| ad.(言行)审慎地，慎重地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
203
animated
|
|
| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
204
provincial
|
|
| adj.省的，地方的；n．外省人，乡下人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
205
thereby
|
|
| adv.因此，从而 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
206
conversationally
|
|
| adv.会话地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
207
fodder
|
|
| n.草料；炮灰 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
208
exclamations
|
|
| n.呼喊( exclamation的名词复数 )；感叹；感叹语；感叹词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
209
secular
|
|
| n.牧师，凡人；adj.世俗的，现世的，不朽的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
210
monks
|
|
| n.修道士，僧侣( monk的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
211
manorial
|
|
| adj.庄园的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
212
awfully
|
|
| adv.可怕地，非常地，极端地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
213
unpacking
|
|
| n.取出货物，拆包[箱]v.从（包裹等）中取出（所装的东西），打开行李取出( unpack的现在分词 )；拆包；解除…的负担；吐露（心事等） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
214
chevrons
|
|
| n.（警察或士兵所佩带以示衔级的）∧形或∨形标志( chevron的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
215
mouldering
|
|
| v.腐朽( moulder的现在分词 )；腐烂，崩塌 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
216
forth
|
|
| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
217
hawk
|
|
| n.鹰，骗子；鹰派成员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
218
leash
|
|
| n.牵狗的皮带，束缚；v.用皮带系住 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
219
frivolous
|
|
| adj.轻薄的；轻率的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
220
assented
|
|
| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
221
feudal
|
|
| adj.封建的，封地的，领地的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
222
dungeon
|
|
| n.地牢，土牢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
223
imprisonment
|
|
| n.关押，监禁，坐牢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
224
unlimited
|
|
| adj.无限的，不受控制的，无条件的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
225
wondrous
|
|
| adj.令人惊奇的，奇妙的；adv.惊人地；异乎寻常地；令人惊叹地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
226
instinctive
|
|
| adj.(出于)本能的；直觉的；(出于)天性的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
227
sufficiently
|
|
| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
228
scents
|
|
| n.香水( scent的名词复数 )；气味；（动物的）臭迹；（尤指狗的）嗅觉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
229
speculative
|
|
| adj.思索性的，暝想性的，推理的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
230
allusions
|
|
| 暗指，间接提到( allusion的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
231
recondite
|
|
| adj.深奥的，难解的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
232
drawn
|
|
| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
233
illuminating
|
|
| a.富于启发性的，有助阐明的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
234
melodious
|
|
| adj.旋律美妙的，调子优美的，音乐性的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
235
emanating
|
|
| v.从…处传出，传出( emanate的现在分词 )；产生，表现，显示 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
236
altruistic
|
|
| adj.无私的，为他人着想的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
237
federation
|
|
| n.同盟，联邦，联合，联盟，联合会 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
238
primal
|
|
| adj.原始的；最重要的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
239
vigour
|
|
| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
240
lore
|
|
| n.传说；学问，经验，知识 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
241
presumption
|
|
| n.推测，可能性，冒昧，放肆，[法律]推定 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
242
reins
|
|
| 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 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
243
delightful
|
|
| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
244
portico
|
|
| n.柱廊，门廊 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |