Part 5 The Second Wedding Chapter 4

But the days succeeded one another without result. She still dressedherself every day, and with a joyful¹ look, went down to the harbour togossip with the other wives. She said that this delay was but natural;was it not the same event every year? These were such safe boats, andhad such capital sailors.

　　But when at home alone, at night, a nervous, anxious shiver of anguishwould run through her whole frame.

　　Was it right to be frightened already? Was there even a single reasonto be so? But she began to tremble at the mere² idea of grounds forbeing afraid.

1 joyful   

adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的

参考例句：

• She was joyful of her good result of the scientific experiments.她为自己的科学实验取得好成果而高兴。
• They were singing and dancing to celebrate this joyful occasion.他们唱着、跳着庆祝这令人欢乐的时刻。

2 mere   

adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过

参考例句：

• That is a mere repetition of what you said before.那不过是重复了你以前讲的话。
• It's a mere waste of time waiting any longer.再等下去纯粹是浪费时间。