He had come over from the States as the agent of a dry-goods firm, and, travelling all through the Australasian colonies, soon saw the enormous capabilities5 of wealth that lay before him. Gifted with a ready tongue and a persuasive7 manner, he interested several opulent Victorians in a scheme for floating a Life Insurance Company. A prospectus8 was drawn9 up, which promised incalculable wealth to those who would take shares, and, by means of Mr. Fenton's brilliant command of words, and skilful10 manipulation of figures, The Never-say-die Insurance Company soon became an accomplished11 fact. A handsome suite12 of offices was taken in Collins' Street, a large staff of clerks engaged, a genial4 medical man, whose smile itself was a recommendation, remained on the premises13 to examine intending policy-holders, and the emissaries of the company went to the four quarters of the globe to trumpet14 forth15 the praises of the affair, and persuade people to insure their lives. The company prospered16, a handsome dividend17 was soon declared, and, thanks to his Yankee sharpness, Mr. Fenton now found himself occupying the enviable position of manager with a large salary.
He was a handsome man in a bold, sensual way, with a certain dash and swagger about him which impressed strangers favourably18, but a physiognomist would have mistrusted his too ready tongue and the keen glance of his eye. There is no greater mistake than to suppose a villain19 cannot meet an honest eye, for, as a matter of fact, a successful villain having his nerves under admirable control can stare any one out of countenance20, and the keen, rapid glance can take in at once the weak points of a stranger.
Mr. Fenton occupied pleasant apartments, went into society a great deal, and altogether was a very popular man. Cold, calculating, and far-seeing as he was, he had yet a weak spot in his character, and this was extreme partiality for the female sex. Any woman, provided she was pretty, could twist him round her finger; and as Kitty Marchurst now had him in her toils21, she took full advantage of his infatuation. There was a certain amount of notoriety in being the lover of the now famous Caprice; but Fenton had to pay pretty dearly for his position. Kitty spent his money like water, and when he ventured to remonstrate22, laughed in his face, and told him he could go if he liked, an intimation which only made him resolve to stick closer to her. Nevertheless, about this time relations were rather strained between them, and any one knowing the facts of the case would have seen that the end was not far off.
As to Evan Malton, he was Fenton's assistant manager, and was the moon to the astute23 American's sun. Weak, irresolute24, and foolish, he was, nevertheless, by some strange contradiction, a capital business man. This arose from his long training in office work; he could do nothing by himself, but guided by Fenton, he made an admirable subordinate, and was amenable25 to his superior in every way. He admired Fenton greatly, copied him in his dress and mannerisms, affected26 a rakish demeanour towards his friend's mistress, and thoroughly27 neglected his poor wife, a neglect of which Fenton tried to take advantage. Had Malton known this, it would doubtless have changed his feelings towards the American, for though he thought he was justified28 in leading a fast life, he strongly objected to his wife showing any liking29 for any one but himself. Fenton, however, believing in no woman's virtue30, did not despair, but protected Kitty openly, to delude31 Malton into a false security, and made love to Mrs. Malton sub rosa.
It was quite warm out of doors in spite of the season, and out on Kitty's lawn were a group of people laughing and talking together. Kitty, in a comfortable chair, was chatting to Keith and Ezra, who had just arrived, and there were several other ladies present, including Milly Maxwell, who was the second lady at the Bon-Bon--dark-browed, majestic32, and passionate33; Dora Avenant, who looked like a doll and had the brains of one; and Mrs. Wadby, who wrote scandal and dresses for The Penny Whistle under the nom de plume34 of "Baby."
As to the gentlemen, there were present Ted6 Mortimer, bland35 and smiling; Slingsby, the parliamentary reporter; Delp, the theatrical36 critic; Toltby, the low comedian37 at the Bon-Bon, and about half-a-dozen others, who were more or less connected with the stage and the press. The men were smoking, chatting, or drinking, according to their various tastes, whilst the ladies were sipping38 their afternoon tea; and, of course, the conversation was mostly about theatrical matters.
In the drawing-room, however, close to the window, sat Meg, buried in a big armchair, reading a fairy tale, and a pretty picture she made with her little loose white dress, and her glorious hair falling about her pale face.
"And the beautiful Princess," read Meg in ecstasy39, "fell asleep in the Magic Castle for one hundred years--oh!" breaking off suddenly, "how hungry she must have been when she woke up."
Meg shook her head over this problem and resumed the story.
"And a great forest grew round the castle, which could not be got through till the handsome Prince arrived." Here the drawing-room door opened, and Meg looked up, half expecting to see the handsome prince.
It was only Fenton, however, and he disliked Meg intensely, a dislike which that young person was by no means backward in returning, so she went calmly on reading her book.
"Well, where's mother?" asked Fenton, in his slightly nasal voice, looking at the little figure with a frown.
"Mumsey's in the garden," replied Meg with great dignity, flinging back her curls.
"Just where you ought to be," said Fenton ill-naturedly, "getting fresh air."
"I'm reading a fairy tale," explained Meg, closing her book; "mumsey said I could do what I liked."
"Your mother don't rear you well," retorted the American, and he walked away, when a peal40 of laughter made him turn round.
"What funny faces you make," said the child; "I feel quite laughy."
"I'd like to spank41 you," observed Fenton, with no very amiable42 expression of countenance.
"You're a bad man," said Meg indignantly; "I don't know a badder--not a bit like my Mr. Keith."
"Oh," sneered43 Fenton, "and who is Mr. Keith?"
"He is a very nice gentleman," replied Meg, pursing up her lips; "he stopped the wheels going over me."
"I wish he hadn't," muttered Fenton vindictively45. "Meg, go and tell mother I want her right away."
"I sha'n't," retorted Meg obstinately46; "you're a rude man."
"I'll make you smart," said Fenton, catching47 her arm.
"Oh, mumsey," cried the child, in a tone of relief, and Fenton turned just to see Kitty looking at him like an enraged48 tigress.
"You lay a finger on my child," she said viciously, "and I'll kill you!"
The American released his hold on Meg with an awkward laugh, and took a seat.
"Why don't you teach her manners," he growled49.
"That's my business," flashed out Kitty haughtily50. "And now you are here, I wish to speak with you. Meg, my treasure, run out and say mumsey won't be long."
"Mumsey's going to be cross with you now," said Meg consolingly to Fenton, and then ran out laughing, the man looking angrily after her.
Left alone, Kitty sat down near Fenton and began to talk.
"I asked you for five hundred," she said coldly.
"Yes--and I refused," sulkily.
"So I saw by your letter. What is your reason?"
"That's my business."
"Mine also. Why did you refuse?" she reiterated51.
"I'm sick of your extravagance."
Caprice laughed in a sneering52 way that brought the blush to his cheek.
"Do you think I'm dependent on you for money?" she said, with scorn. "I know fifty better men than you who would give me the money if I asked them."
"Then go and ask them," he returned brutally53.
Kitty sprang to her feet.
"Of course I will; that means your dismissal."
Fenton caught at her dress in genuine alarm.
"No, no! don't go; you know I love you--"
"So well," she interrupted, "that you refuse me a paltry54 five hundred pounds."
"I would give it to you, but I haven't got it."
"Then get it," she said coolly.
"I'm nearly ruined," he cried desperately55.
"Then retire, and make room for better men."
"You're a devil!" hissed56 Fenton.
"No doubt. I told you what to expect when I first met you."
"Do you mean to say you will throw me over because I've no money left?" he said fiercely, grasping her wrist.
"Like an old glove," she retorted.
"I'll kill you first."
"Bah! you are melodramatic."
"Oh, Kitty, Kitty!" with a sudden change to tenderness.
"Don't call me by that name," said the woman, in a low, harsh voice. "Kitty Marchurst is dead; she died when she went on the stage, and all womanly pity died with her. You are speaking to Caprice, the most notorious woman in Melbourne."
Fenton sat sullenly57 silent, glancing every now and then at her beautiful, scornful face.
"If you won't give me money," she said at length, mindful of her promise to Mrs. Malton, "you can do something else."
"What's that?" eagerly.
"Mrs. Malton was here--"
"Mrs. Malton!" he interrupted, springing to his feet. "What did she say?"
"Several unpleasant things about your love for her," said Kitty coolly.
"It's a lie," he began, but Kitty shrugged58 her shoulders.
"Bah! I'm not jealous; I only care for your money, not for you. But about this visit; her husband has embezzled59 money in your office."
Fenton turned a little pale, and looked steadily60 at her.
"Embezzled money, the scoundrel!" he said furiously.
"Yes, isn't he?" said Kitty derisively61. "Not a noble, upright gentleman like Hiram Fenton."
He turned from her with an oath.
"I've been a good friend to him right along," he said in an angry tone. "He was fixed62 up for life, if he'd only behaved himself; now I'll put him in prison."
"So that you can make love to his wife," retorted Kitty coolly.
"I don't care two straws about his wife," replied Fenton, with a scowl63. "You are the only woman I love."
"Then promise me to help this unhappy man?"
"Certainly not; you are asking me to compound a felony."
"I'm not a lawyer," she said coldly, "and don't understand legal terms. I am only asking you to save him from gaol64 for his wife's sake."
"You don't love him?" jealously.
"Bah! do I love any one except myself?"
"And your child," with a sneer44.
"Let my child be. Will you help Evan Malton?"
"No; the law must take its course."
"Then I'll help him myself."
"But how?"
"That's my business--the money must be replaced--find out how much is missing, and let me know."
"What's the good? you've not got the cash."
"Do what I ask!"
"Very well!" sulkily. "I can't pay the money myself; but I'll give him time to repay it."
"You will?"
"Yes; and Kitty," shamefacedly, "I'll let you have that five hundred.'
"Good boy," said Kitty approvingly, and laughed. She had gained both her points, so could afford to do so. At this moment Meg entered the room from the garden, followed by Keith, on seeing whom Fenton's face darkened.
"Mumsey!" said Meg, bounding up to Kitty, "I've given him the knife, and he says it's lovely--don't you," turning to Keith.
"Words fail me to express my appreciation," said Stewart, with a smile, looking at the large--very large ivory-handled knife, "and it's got an inscription65, 'From Meg,'--beautiful."
"It will cut love, Mr. Stewart," said Kitty, with a laugh.
"Oh, no," interposed Meg, "he's given me a lucky sixpence. He says we're engaged now, and when I grow up, mumsey, I'm going to marry him."
"Is this true?" asks Kitty gaily66. "Are you going to rob me of my daughter? This is dreadful! What do you say, Mr. Fenton?"
Mr. Fenton smiled in a ghastly manner, then hurried away muttering under his breath.
"It's bad temper," observed Stewart, looking after him.
"No, my dear," said Kitty airily, "it's jealousy67."
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
leaven
|
|
| v.使发酵；n.酵母；影响 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
metropolis
|
|
| n.首府；大城市 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
speculative
|
|
| adj.思索性的，暝想性的，推理的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
genial
|
|
| adj.亲切的，和蔼的，愉快的，脾气好的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
capabilities
|
|
| n.能力( capability的名词复数 )；可能；容量；[复数]潜在能力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
ted
|
|
| vt.翻晒，撒，撒开 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
persuasive
|
|
| adj.有说服力的，能说得使人相信的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
prospectus
|
|
| n.计划书；说明书；慕股书 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
drawn
|
|
| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
skilful
|
|
| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
accomplished
|
|
| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
suite
|
|
| n.一套(家具)；套房；随从人员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
premises
|
|
| n.建筑物，房屋 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
trumpet
|
|
| n.喇叭，喇叭声；v.吹喇叭，吹嘘 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
forth
|
|
| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
prospered
|
|
| 成功，兴旺( prosper的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
dividend
|
|
| n.红利，股息；回报，效益 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
favourably
|
|
| adv. 善意地，赞成地 =favorably | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
villain
|
|
| n.反派演员，反面人物；恶棍；问题的起因 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
countenance
|
|
| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
toils
|
|
| 网 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
remonstrate
|
|
| v.抗议，规劝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
astute
|
|
| adj.机敏的，精明的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
irresolute
|
|
| adj.无决断的，优柔寡断的，踌躇不定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
amenable
|
|
| adj.经得起检验的；顺从的；对负有义务的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
affected
|
|
| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
thoroughly
|
|
| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
justified
|
|
| a.正当的，有理的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
liking
|
|
| n.爱好；嗜好；喜欢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
virtue
|
|
| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
delude
|
|
| vt.欺骗；哄骗 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
majestic
|
|
| adj.雄伟的，壮丽的，庄严的，威严的，崇高的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
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： |
|
|
|
|
34
plume
|
|
| n.羽毛；v.整理羽毛，骚首弄姿，用羽毛装饰 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
bland
|
|
| adj.淡而无味的，温和的，无刺激性的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
theatrical
|
|
| adj.剧场的，演戏的；做戏似的，做作的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
comedian
|
|
| n.喜剧演员；滑稽演员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
sipping
|
|
| v.小口喝，呷，抿( sip的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
ecstasy
|
|
| n.狂喜，心醉神怡，入迷 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
peal
|
|
| n.钟声；v.鸣响 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
spank
|
|
| v.打，拍打(在屁股上) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
amiable
|
|
| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
sneered
|
|
| 讥笑，冷笑( sneer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
sneer
|
|
| v.轻蔑；嘲笑；n.嘲笑，讥讽的言语 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
vindictively
|
|
| adv.恶毒地；报复地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
obstinately
|
|
| ad.固执地，顽固地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
catching
|
|
| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
enraged
|
|
| 使暴怒( enrage的过去式和过去分词 )； 歜； 激愤 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
growled
|
|
| v.（动物）发狺狺声， （雷）作隆隆声( growl的过去式和过去分词 )；低声咆哮着说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
haughtily
|
|
| adv. 傲慢地, 高傲地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
reiterated
|
|
| 反复地说，重申( reiterate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
sneering
|
|
| 嘲笑的，轻蔑的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
brutally
|
|
| adv.残忍地，野蛮地，冷酷无情地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
paltry
|
|
| adj.无价值的，微不足道的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
desperately
|
|
| adv.极度渴望地，绝望地，孤注一掷地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
hissed
|
|
| 发嘶嘶声( hiss的过去式和过去分词 )； 发嘘声表示反对 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
sullenly
|
|
| 不高兴地，绷着脸，忧郁地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
shrugged
|
|
| vt.耸肩（shrug的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
embezzled
|
|
| v.贪污，盗用（公款）( embezzle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
steadily
|
|
| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
derisively
|
|
| adv. 嘲笑地，嘲弄地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
fixed
|
|
| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
scowl
|
|
| vi.(at)生气地皱眉，沉下脸，怒视；n.怒容 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
gaol
|
|
| n.(jail)监狱；(不加冠词)监禁；vt.使…坐牢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
inscription
|
|
| n.（尤指石块上的）刻印文字，铭文，碑文 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
gaily
|
|
| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
jealousy
|
|
| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |