THREE young men stood together on a wharf1 one bright October day awaiting the arrival of an ocean steamer with an impatience2 which found a vent3 in lively skirmishes with a small lad, who pervaded4 the premises5 like a will-o'-the-wisp and afforded much amusement to the other groups assembled there.
"They are the Campbells, waiting for their cousin, who has been abroad several years with her uncle, the doctor," whispered one lady to another as the handsomest of the young men touched his hat to her as he passed, lugging6 the boy, whom he had just rescued from a little expedition down among the piles.
"Which is that?" asked the stranger.
"Prince Charlie, as he's called a fine fellow, the most promising7 of the seven, but a little fast, people say," answered the first speaker with a shake of the head.
"Are the others his brothers?"
"No, cousins. The elder is Archie, a most exemplary young man. He has just gone into business with the merchant uncle and bids fair to be an honor to his family. The other, with the eyeglasses and no gloves, is Mac, the odd one, just out of college."
"And the boy?"
"Oh, he is Jamie, the youngest brother of Archibald, and the pet of the whole family. Mercy on us he'll be in if they don't hold on to him!"
The ladies' chat came to a sudden end just there, for by the time Jamie had been fished out of a hogshead, the steamer hove in sight and everything else was forgotten. As it swung slowly around to enter the dock, a boyish voice shouted, "There she is! I see her and Uncle and Phebe! Hooray for Cousin Rose!" And three small cheers were given with a will by Jamie as he stood on a post waving his arms like a windmill while his brother held onto the tail of his jacket.
Yes, there they were Uncle Alec swinging his hat like a boy, with Phebe smiling and nodding on one side and Rose kissing both hands delightedly on the other as she recognized familiar faces and heard familiar voices welcoming her home.
"Bless her dear heart, she's bonnier than ever! Looks like a Madonna doesn't she? with that blue cloak round her, and her bright hair flying in the wind!" said Charlie excitedly as they watched the group upon the deck with eager eyes.
"Madonnas don't wear hats like that. Rose hasn't changed much, but Phebe has. Why, she's a regular beauty!" answered Archie, staring with all his might at the dark-eyed young woman with the brilliant color and glossy10 black braids shining in the sun.
"Dear old Uncle! Doesn't it seem good to have him back?" was all Mac said, but he was not looking at "dear old uncle" as he made the fervent11 remark, for he saw only the slender blond girl nearby and stretched out his hands to meet hers, forgetful of the green water tumbling between them.
During the confusion that reigned12 for a moment as the steamer settled to her moorings, Rose looked down into the four faces upturned to hers and seemed to read in them something that both pleased and pained her. It was only a glance, and her own eyes were full, but through the mist of happy tears she received the impression that Archie was about the same, that Mac had decidedly improved, and that something was amiss with Charlie. There was no time for observation, however, for in a moment the shoreward rush began, and before she could grasp her traveling bag, Jamie was clinging to her like an ecstatic young bear. She was with difficulty released from his embrace to fall into the gentler ones of the elder cousins, who took advantage of the general excitement to welcome both blooming girls with affectionate impartiality14. Then the wanderers were borne ashore15 in a triumphal procession, while Jamie danced rapturous jigs16 before them even on the gangway.
Archie remained to help his uncle get the luggage through the Custom House, and the others escorted the damsels home. No sooner were they shut up in a carriage, however, than a new and curious constraint17 seemed to fall upon the young people, for they realized, all at once, that their former playmates were men and women now. Fortunately, Jamie was quite free from this feeling of restraint and, sitting bodkinwise between the ladies, took all sorts of liberties with them and their belongings18.
"Well, my mannikin, what do you think of us?" asked Rose, to break an awkward pause.
"You've both grown so pretty, I can't decide which I like best. Phebe is the biggest and brightest-looking, and I was always fond of Phebe, but somehow you are so kind of sweet and precious, I really think I must hug you again," and the small youth did it tempestuously19.
"If you love me best, I shall not mind a bit about your thinking Phebe the handsomest, because she is. Isn't she, boys?" asked Rose, with a mischievous20 look at the gentlemen opposite, whose faces expressed a respectful admiration21 which much amused her.
"I'm so dazzled by the brilliancy and beauty that has suddenly burst upon me, I have no words to express my emotions," answered Charlie, gallantly22 dodging23 the dangerous question.
"I can't say yet, for I have not had time to look at anyone. I will now, if you don't mind." And, to the great amusement of the rest, Mac gravely adjusted his eyeglasses and took an observation.
"Well?" said Phebe, smiling and blushing under his honest stare, yet seeming not to resent it as she did the lordly sort of approval which made her answer the glance of Charlie's audacious blue eyes with a flash of her black ones.
"I think if you were my sister, I should be very proud of you, because your face shows what I admire more than its beauty truth and courage, Phebe," answered Mac with a little bow full of such genuine respect that surprise and pleasure brought a sudden dew to quench24 the fire of the girl's eyes and soothe25 the sensitive pride of the girl's heart.
Rose clapped her hands just as she used to do when anything delighted her, and beamed at Mac approvingly as she said:
"Now that's a criticism worth having, and we are much obliged. I was sure you'd admire my Phebe when you knew her, but I didn't believe you would be wise enough to see it at once, and you have gone up many pegs26 in my estimation, I assure you."
"I was always fond of mineralogy you remember, and I've been tapping round a good deal lately, so I've learned to know precious metals when I see them," Mac said with his shrewd smile.
"That is the latest hobby, then? Your letters have amused us immensely, for each one had a new theory or experiment, and the latest was always the best. I thought Uncle would have died of laughter over the vegetarian27 mania28 it was so funny to imagine you living on bread and milk, baked apples, and potatoes roasted in your own fire," continued Rose, changing the subject again.
"This old chap was the laughingstock of his class. They called him Don Quixote, and the way he went at windmills of all sorts was a sight to see," put in Charlie, evidently feeling that Mac had been patted on the head quite as much as was good for him.
"But in spite of that the Don got through college with all the honors. Oh, wasn't I proud when Aunt Jane wrote to us about it and didn't she rejoice that her boy kept at the head of his class and won the medal!" cried Rose, shaking Mac by both hands in a way that caused Charlie to wish "the old chap" had been left behind with Dr. Alec.
"Oh, come, that's all Mother's nonsense. I began earlier than the other fellows and liked it better, so I don't deserve any praise. Prince is right, though. I did make a regular jack9 of myself, but on the whole I'm not sure that my wild oats weren't better than some I've seen sowed. Anyway, they didn't cost much, and I'm none the worse for them," said Mac placidly29.
"I know what 'wild oats' means. I heard Uncle Mac say Charlie was sowing 'em too fast, and I asked Mama, so she told me. And I know that he was suspelled or expended30, I don't remember which, but it was something bad, and Aunt Clara cried," added Jamie all in one breath, for he possessed31 a fatal gift of making malapropos remarks, which caused him to be a terror to his family.
"Do you want to go on the box again?" demanded Prince with a warning frown.
"No, I don't."
"Then hold your tongue."
"Well, Mac needn't kick me, for I was only..." began the culprit, innocently trying to make a bad matter worse.
"That will do," interrupted Charlie sternly, and James subsided32, a crushed boy, consoling himself with Rose's new watch for the indignities33 he suffered at the hands of the "old fellows" as he vengefully called his elders.
Mac and Charlie immediately began to talk as hard as their tongues could wag, bringing up all sorts of pleasant subjects so successfully that peals34 of laughter made passersby35 look after the merry load with sympathetic smiles.
An avalanche36 of aunts fell upon Rose as soon as she reached home, and for the rest of the day the old house buzzed like a beehive. Evening found the whole tribe collected in the drawing rooms, with the exception of Aunt Peace, whose place was empty now.
Naturally enough, the elders settled into one group after a while, and the young fellows clustered about the girls like butterflies around two attractive flowers. Dr. Alec was the central figure in one room and Rose in the other, for the little girl, whom they had all loved and petted, had bloomed into a woman, and two years of absence had wrought37 a curious change in the relative positions of the cousins, especially the three elder ones, who eyed her with a mixture of boyish affection and manly38 admiration that was both new and pleasant.
Something sweet yet spirited about her charmed them and piqued39 their curiosity, for she was not quite like other girls, and rather startled them now and then by some independent little speech or act which made them look at one another with a sly smile, as if reminded that Rose was "Uncle's girl."
Let us listen, as in duty bound, to what the elders are saying first, for they are already building castles in air for the boys and girls to inhabit.
"Dear child how nice it is to see her safely back, so well and happy and like her sweet little self!" said Aunt Plenty, folding her hands as if giving thanks for a great happiness.
"I shouldn't wonder if you found that you'd brought a firebrand into the family, Alec. Two, in fact, for Phebe is a fine girl, and the lads have found it out already if I'm not mistaken," added Uncle Mac, with a nod toward the other room.
All eyes followed his, and a highly suggestive tableau40 presented itself to the paternal41 and maternal42 audience in the back parlor43.
Rose and Phebe, sitting side by side on the sofa, had evidently assumed at once the places which they were destined44 to fill by right of youth, sex, and beauty, for Phebe had long since ceased to be the maid and become the friend, and Rose meant to have that fact established at once.
Jamie occupied the rug, on which Will and Geordie stood at ease, showing their uniforms to the best advantage, for they were now in a great school, where military drill was the delight of their souls. Steve posed gracefully45 in an armchair, with Mac lounging over the back of it, while Archie leaned on one corner of the low chimneypiece, looking down at Phebe as she listened to his chat with smiling lips and cheeks almost as rich in color as the carnations46 in her belt.
But Charlie was particularly effective, although he sat upon a music stool, that most trying position for any man not gifted with grace in the management of his legs. Fortunately Prince was, and had fallen into an easy attitude, with one arm over the back of the sofa, his handsome head bent47 a little, as he monopolized48 Rose, with a devoted49 air and a very becoming expression of contentment on his face.
Aunt Clara smiled as if well pleased; Aunt Jessie looked thoughtful; Aunt Jane's keen eyes went from dapper Steve to broad-shouldered Mac with an anxious glance; Mrs. Myra murmured something about her "blessed Caroline"; and Aunt Plenty said warmly,-
"Bless the dears! Anyone might be proud of such a bonny flock of bairns as that."
"I am all ready to play chaperon as soon as you please, Alec, for I suppose the dear girl will come out at once, as she did not before you went away. My services won't be wanted long, I fancy, for with her many advantages she will be carried off in her first season or I'm much mistaken," said Mrs. Clara, with significant nods and smiles.
"You must settle all those matters with Rose. I am no longer captain, only first mate now, you know," answered Dr. Alec, adding soberly, half to himself, half to his brother, "I wonder people are in such haste to 'bring out' their daughters, as it's called. To me there is something almost pathetic in the sight of a young girl standing50 on the threshold of the world, so innocent and hopeful, so ignorant of all that lies before her, and usually so ill prepared to meet the ups and downs of life. We do our duty better by the boys, but the poor little women are seldom provided with any armor worth having, and sooner or later they are sure to need it, for every one must fight her own battle, and only the brave and strong can win."
"You can't reproach yourself with neglect of that sort, Alec, for you have done your duty faithfully by George's girl, and I envy you the pride and happiness of having such a daughter, for she is that to you," answered old Mac, unexpectedly betraying the paternal sort of tenderness men seldom feel for their sons.
"I've tried, Mac, and I am both proud and happy, but with every year my anxiety seems to increase.
I've done my best to fit Rose for what may come, as far as I can foresee it, but now she must stand alone, and all my care is powerless to keep her heart from aching, her life from being saddened by mistakes, or thwarted51 by the acts of others. I can only stand ready to share her joy and sorrow and watch her shape her life."
"Why, Alec, what is the child going to do that you need look so solemn?" exclaimed Mrs. Clara, who seemed to have assumed a sort of right to Rose already.
"Hark! And let her tell you herself," answered Dr. Alec, as Rose's voice was heard saying very earnestly, "Now, you have all told your plans for the future, why don't you ask us ours?"
"Because we know that there is only one thing for a pretty girl to do break a dozen or so hearts before she finds one to suit, then marry and settle," answered Charlie, as if no other reply was possible.
"That may be the case with many, but not with us, for Phebe and I believe that it is as much a right and a duty for women to do something with their lives as for men, and we are not going to be satisfied with such frivolous52 parts as you give us," cried Rose with kindling53 eyes. "I mean what I say, and you cannot laugh me down. Would you be contented54 to be told to enjoy yourself for a little while, then marry and do nothing more till you die?" she added, turning to Archie.
"Of course not that is only a part of a man's life," he answered decidedly.
"A very precious and lovely part, but not all," continued Rose. "Neither should it be for a woman, for we've got minds and souls as well as hearts; ambition and talents as well as beauty and accomplishments55; and we want to live and learn as well as love and be loved. I'm sick of being told that is all a woman is fit for! I won't have anything to do with love till I prove that I am something besides a housekeeper56 and baby-tender!"
"Heaven preserve us! Here's woman's rights with a vengeance57!" cried Charlie, starting up with mock horror, while the others regarded Rose with mingled58 surprise and amusement, evidently fancying it all a girlish outbreak.
"Ah, you needn't pretend to be shocked you will be in earnest presently, for this is only the beginning of my strong-mindedness," continued Rose, nothing daunted59 by the smiles of good-natured incredulity or derision on the faces of her cousins. "I have made up my mind not to be cheated out of the real things that make one good and happy and, just because I'm a rich girl, fold my hands and drift as so many do. I haven't lived with Phebe all these years in vain. I know what courage and self-reliance can do for one, and I sometimes wish I hadn't a penny in the world so that I could go and earn my bread with her, and be as brave and independent as she will be pretty soon."
It was evident that Rose was in earnest now, for as she spoke60 she turned to her friend with such respect as well as love in her face that the look told better than any words how heartily61 the rich girl appreciated the virtues62 hard experience had given the poor girl, and how eagerly she desired to earn what all her fortune could not buy for her.
Something in the glance exchanged between the friends impressed the young men in spite of their prejudices, and it was in a perfectly63 serious tone that Archie said, "I fancy you'll find your hands full, Cousin, if you want work, for I've heard people say that wealth has its troubles and trials as well as poverty."
"I know it, and I'm going to try and fill my place well. I've got some capital little plans all made, and have begun to study my profession already," answered Rose with an energetic nod.
"Could I ask what it is to be?" inquired Charlie in a tone of awe64.
"Guess!" and Rose looked up at him with an expression half-earnest, half-merry.
"Well, I should say that you were fitted for a beauty and a belle65, but as that is evidently not to your taste, I am afraid you are going to study medicine and be a doctor. Won't your patients have a heavenly time though? It will be easy dying with an angel to poison them."
"Now, Charlie, that's base of you, when you know how well women have succeeded in this profession and what a comfort Dr. Mary Kirk was to dear Aunt Peace. I did want to study medicine, but Uncle thought it wouldn't do to have so many M.D.'s in one family, since Mac thinks of trying it. Besides, I seem to have other work put into my hands that I am better fitted for."
"You are fitted for anything that is generous and good, and I'll stand by you, no matter what you've chosen," cried Mac heartily, for this was a new style of talk from a girl's lips, and he liked it immensely.
"Philanthropy is a generous, good, and beautiful profession, and I've chosen it for mine because I have much to give. I'm only the steward66 of the fortune Papa left me, and I think, if I use it wisely for the happiness of others, it will be more blest than if I keep it all for myself."
Very sweetly and simply was this said, but it was curious to see how differently the various hearers received it.
Charlie shot a quick look at his mother, who exclaimed, as if in spite of herself,-
"Now, Alec, are you going to let that girl squander67 a fine fortune on all sorts of charitable nonsense and wild schemes for the prevention of pauperism68 and crime?"
" 'They who give to the poor lend to the Lord,' and practical Christianity is the kind He loves the best," was all Dr. Alec answered, but it silenced the aunts and caused even prudent69 Uncle Mac to think with sudden satisfaction of certain secret investments he had made which paid him no interest but the thanks of the poor.
Archie and Mac looked well pleased and promised their advice and assistance with the enthusiasm of generous young hearts. Steve shook his head, but said nothing, and the lads on the rug at once proposed founding a hospital for invalid70 dogs and horses, white mice, and wounded heroes.
"Don't you think that will be a better way for a woman to spend her life than in dancing, dressing71, and husband-hunting, Charlie?" asked Rose, observing his silence and anxious for his approval.
"Very pretty for a little while, and very effective too, for I don't know anything more captivating than a sweet girl in a meek72 little bonnet73 going on charitable errands and glorifying74 poor people's houses with a delightful75 mixture of beauty and benevolence76. Fortunately, the dear souls soon tire of it, but it's heavenly while it lasts."
Charlie spoke in a tone of mingled admiration and contempt, and smiled a superior sort of smile, as if he understood all the innocent delusions77 as well as the artful devices of the sex and expected nothing more from them. It both surprised and grieved Rose, for it did not sound like the Charlie she had left two years ago. But she only said, with a reproachful look and a proud little gesture of head and hand, as if she put the subject aside since it was not treated with respect,-
"I am sorry you have so low an opinion of women. There was a time when you believed in them sincerely."
"I do still, upon my word I do! They haven't a more devoted admirer and slave in the world than I am. Just try me and see," cried Charlie, gallantly kissing his hand to the sex in general.
But Rose was not appeased78, and gave a disdainful shrug79 as she answered with a look in her eyes that his lordship did not like, "Thank you. I don't want admirers or slaves, but friends and helpers. I've lived so long with a wise, good man that I am rather hard to suit, perhaps, but I don't intend to lower my standard, and anyone who cares for my regard must at least try to live up to it."
"Whew! Here's a wrathful dove! Come and smooth her ruffled80 plumage, Mac. I'll dodge81 before I do further mischief," and Charlie strolled away into the other room, privately82 lamenting83 that Uncle Alec had spoiled a fine girl by making her strong-minded.
He wished himself back again in five minutes, for Mac said something that produced a gale84 of laughter, and when he took a look over his shoulder the "wrathful dove" was cooing so peacefully and pleasantly he was sorely tempted85 to return and share the fun. But Charlie had been spoiled by too much indulgence, and it was hard for him to own himself in the wrong even when he knew it. He always got what he wanted sooner or later, and having long ago made up his mind that Rose and her fortune were to be his, he was secretly displeased86 at the new plans and beliefs of the young lady, but flattered himself that they would soon be changed when she saw how unfashionable and inconvenient87 they were.
Musing88 over the delightful future he had laid out, he made himself comfortable in the sofa corner near his mother till the appearance of a slight refection caused both groups to melt into one. Aunt Plenty believed in eating and drinking, so the slightest excuse for festivity delighted her hospitable89 soul, and on this joyful90 occasion she surpassed herself.
It was during this informal banquet that Rose, roaming about from one admiring relative to another, came upon the three younger lads, who were having a quiet little scuffle in a secluded91 corner.
"Come out here and let me have a look at you," she said enticingly92, for she predicted an explosion and public disgrace if peace was not speedily restored.
Hastily smoothing themselves down, the young gentlemen presented three flushed and merry countenances94 for inspection95, feeling highly honored by the command.
"Dear me, how you two have grown! You big things how dare you get head of me in this way!" she said, standing on tiptoe to pat the curly pates96 before her, for Will and Geordie had shot up like weeds, and now grinned cheerfully down upon her as she surveyed them in comic amazement97.
"The Campbells are all fine, tall fellows, and we mean to be the best of the lot. Shouldn't wonder if we were six-footers like Grandpa," observed Will proudly, looking so like a young Shanghai rooster, all legs and an insignificant98 head, that Rose kept her countenance93 with difficulty.
"We shall broaden out when we get our growth. We are taller than Steve now, a half a head, both of us," added Geordie, with his nose in the air.
Rose turned to look at Steve and, with a sudden smile, beckoned99 to him. He dropped his napkin and flew to obey the summons, for she was queen of the hour, and he had openly announced his deathless loyalty100.
"Tell the other boys to come here. I've a fancy to stand you all in a row and look you over, as you did me that dreadful day when you nearly frightened me out of my wits," she said, laughing at the memory of it as she spoke.
They came in a body and, standing shoulder to shoulder, made such an imposing101 array that the young commander was rather daunted for a moment. But she had seen too much of the world lately to be abashed102 by a trifle, and the desire to see a girlish test gave her courage to face the line of smiling cousins with dignity and spirit.
"Now, I'm going to stare at you as you stared at me. It is my revenge on you seven bad boys for entrapping103 one poor little girl and enjoying her alarm.
I'm not a bit afraid of you now, so tremble and beware!"
As she spoke, Rose looked up into Archie's face and nodded approvingly, for the steady gray eyes met hers fairly and softened104 as they did so a becoming change, for naturally they were rather keen than kind.
"A true Campbell, bless you!" she said, and shook his hand heartily as she passed on.
Charlie came next, and here she felt less satisfied, though scarcely conscious why, for, as she looked, there came a defiant105 sort of flash, changing suddenly to something warmer than anger, stronger than pride, making her shrink a little and say, hastily, "I don't find the Charlie I left, but the Prince is there still, I see."
Turning to Mac with a sense of relief, she gently took off his "winkers," as Jamie called them, and looked straight into the honest blue eyes that looked straight back at her, full of a frank and friendly affection that warmed her heart and made her own eyes brighten as she gave back the glasses, saying, with a look and tone of cordial satisfaction,-
"You are not changed, my dear old Mac, and I'm so glad of that!"
"Now say something extra sweet to me, because I'm the flower of the family," said Steve, twirling the blond moustache, which was evidently the pride of his life.
Rose saw at a glance that Dandy deserved his name more than ever, and promptly106 quenched107 his vanities by answering, with a provoking laugh, "Then the name of the flower of the family is Cockscomb."
"Ah, ha! who's got it now?" jeered108 Will.
"Let us off easy, please," whispered Geordie, mindful that their turn came next.
"You blessed beanstalks! I'm proud of you only don't grow quite out of sight, or even be ashamed to look a woman in the face," answered Rose, with a gentle pat on the cheek of either bashful young giant, for both were red as peonies, though their boyish eyes were as clear and calm as summer lakes.
"Now me!" and Jamie assumed his manliest109 air, feeling that he did not appear to advantage among his tall kinsmen110. But he went to the head of the class in everyone's opinion when Rose put her arms around him, saying, with a kiss, "You must be my boy now, for all the others are too old, and I want a faithful little page to do my errands for me."
"I will, I will I'll marry you too, if you'll just hold on till I grow up!" cried Jamie, rather losing his head at this sudden promotion111.
"Bless the baby, what is he talking about?" laughed Rose, looking down at her little knight112 as he clung about her with grateful ardor113.
"Oh, I heard the aunts say that you'd better marry one of us, and keep the property in the family, so I speak first, because you are very fond of me, and I do love curls."
Alas114 for Jamie! This awful speech had hardly left his innocent lips when Will and Geordie swept him out of the room like a whirlwind, and the howls of that hapless boy were heard from the torture hall, where being shut into the skeleton case was one of the mildest punishments inflicted115 upon him.
Dismay fell upon the unfortunates who remained, but their confusion was soon ended, for Rose, with a look which they had never seen upon her face before, dismissed them with the brief command, "Break ranks the review is over," and walked away to Phebe.
"Confound that boy! You ought to shut him up or gag him!" fumed116 Charlie irritably117.
"He shall be attended to," answered poor Archie, who was trying to bring up the little marplot with the success of most parents and guardians118.
"The whole thing was deuced disagreeable," growled119 Steve, who felt that he had not distinguished120 himself in the late engagement.
"Truth generally is," observed Mac dryly as he strolled away with his odd smile.
As if he suspected discord121 somewhere, Dr. Alec proposed music at this crisis, and the young people felt that it was a happy thought.
"I want you to hear both my birds, for they have improved immensely, and I am very proud of them," said the doctor, twirling up the stool and pulling out the old music books.
"I had better come first, for after you have heard the nightingale you won't care for the canary," added Rose, wishing to put Phebe at her ease, for she sat among them looking like a picture, but rather shy and silent, remembering the days when her place was in the kitchen.
"I'll give you some of the dear old songs you used to like so much. This was a favorite, I think," and sitting down she sang the first familiar air that came, and sang it well in a pleasant, but by no means finished, manner.
It chanced to be "The Birks of Aberfeldie," and vividly122 recalled the time when Mac was ill and she took care of him. The memory was sweet to her, and involuntarily her eye wandered in search of him. He was not far away, sitting just as he used to sit when she soothed123 his most despondent124 moods astride of a chair with his head down on his arms, as if the song suggested the attitude. Her heart quite softened to him as she looked, and she decided13 to forgive him if no one else, for she was sure that he had no mercenary plans about her tiresome125 money.
Charlie had assumed a pensive126 air and fixed127 his fine eyes upon her with an expression of tender admiration, which made her laugh in spite of all her efforts to seem unconscious of it. She was both amused and annoyed at his very evident desire to remind her of certain sentimental128 passages in the last year of their girl-and boy-hood, and to change what she had considered a childish joke into romantic earnest. Rose had very serious ideas of love and had no intention of being beguiled129 into even a flirtation130 with her handsome cousin.
So Charlie attitudinized unnoticed and was getting rather out of temper when Phebe began to sing, and he forgot all about himself in admiration of her. It took everyone by surprise, for two years of foreign training added to several at home had worked wonders, and the beautiful voice that used to warble cheerily over pots and kettles now rang out melodiously131 or melted to a mellow132 music that woke a sympathetic thrill in those who listened. Rose glowed with pride as she accompanied her friend, for Phebe was in her own world now a lovely world where no depressing memory of poorhouse or kitchen, ignorance or loneliness, came to trouble her, a happy world where she could be herself and rule others by the magic of her sweet gift.
Yes, Phebe was herself now, and showed it in the change that came over her at the first note of music. No longer shy and silent, no longer the image of a handsome girl but a blooming woman, alive and full of the eloquence133 her art gave her, as she laid her hands softly together, fixed her eye on the light, and just poured out her song as simply and joyfully134 as the lark135 does soaring toward the sun.
"My faith, Alec that's the sort of voice that wins a man's heart out of his breast!" exclaimed Uncle Mac, wiping his eyes after one of the plaintive136 ballads137 that never grow old.
"So it would!" answered Dr. Alec delightedly.
"So it has," added Archie to himself; and he was right, for just at that moment he fell in love with Phebe. He actually did, and could fix the time almost to a second, for at a quarter past nine, he merely thought her a very charming young person; at twenty minutes past, he considered her the loveliest woman he ever beheld138; at five and twenty minutes past, she was an angel singing his soul away; and at half after nine he was a lost man, floating over a delicious sea to that temporary heaven on earth where lovers usually land after the first rapturous plunge139.
If anyone had mentioned this astonishing fact, nobody would have believed it; nevertheless, it was quite true, and sober, businesslike Archie suddenly discovered a fund of romance at the bottom of his hitherto well-conducted heart that amazed him. He was not quite clear what had happened to him at first, and sat about in a dazed sort of way, seeing, hearing, knowing nothing but Phebe, while the unconscious idol140 found something wanting in the cordial praise so modestly received because Mr. Archie never said a word.
This was one of the remarkable141 things which occurred that evening. Another was that Mac paid Rose a compliment, which was such an unprecedented142 fact, it produced a great sensation, though only one person heard it.
Everybody had gone but Mac and his father, who was busy with the doctor. Aunt Plenty was counting the teaspoons143 in the dining room, and Phebe was helping144 her as of old. Mac and Rose were alone he apparently145 in a brown study, leaning his elbows on the chimneypiece, and she lying back in a low chair looking thoughtfully at the fire. She was tired, and the quiet was grateful to her, so she kept silence and Mac respectfully held his tongue. Presently, however, she became conscious that he was looking at her as intently as eyes and glasses could do it, and without stirring from her comfortable attitude, she said, smiling up at him, "He looks as wise as an owl8 I wonder what he's thinking about?"
"You, Cousin."
"Something good, I hope?"
"I was thinking Leigh Hunt was about right when he said, 'A girl is the sweetest thing God ever made.'
"Why, Mac!" and Rose sat bolt upright with an astonished face this was such an entirely146 unexpected sort of remark for the philosopher to make.
Evidently interested in the new discovery, Mac placidly continued, "Do you know, it seems as if I never really saw a girl before, or had any idea what agreeable creatures they could be. I fancy you are a remarkably147 good specimen148, Rose."
"No, indeed! I'm only hearty149 and happy, and being safe at home again may make me look better than usual perhaps, but I'm no beauty except to Uncle."
" 'Hearty and happy' that must be it," echoed Mac, soberly investigating the problem. "Most girls are sickly or silly, I think I have observed, and that is probably why I am so struck with you."
"Of all the queer boys you are the queerest! Do you really mean that you don't like or notice girls?" asked Rose, much amused at this new peculiarity150 of her studious cousin.
"Well, no, I am only conscious of two sorts noisy and quiet ones. I prefer the latter, but, as a general thing, I don't notice any of them much more than I do flies, unless they bother me, then I'd like to flap them away, but as that won't do, I hide."
Rose leaned back and laughed until her eyes were full. It was so comical to hear Mac sink his voice to a confidential151 whisper at the last words and see him smile with sinful satisfaction at the memory of the tormentors he had eluded153.
"You needn't laugh it's a fact, I assure you. Charlie likes the creatures, and they spoil him. Steve follows suit, of course. Archie is a respectful slave when he can't help himself. As for me, I don't often give them a chance, and when I get caught I talk science and dead languages till they run for their lives. Now and then I find a sensible one, and then we get on excellently."
"A sad prospect154 for Phebe and me," sighed Rose, trying to keep sober.
"Phebe is evidently a quiet one. I know she is sensible, or you wouldn't care for her. I can see that she is pleasant to look at, so I fancy I shall like her. As for you, I helped bring you up, therefore I am a little anxious to see how you turn out. I was afraid your foreign polish might spoil you, but I think it has not. In fact, I find you quite satisfactory so far, if you don't mind my saying it. I don't quite know what the charm is, though. Must be the power of inward graces, since you insist that you have no outer ones."
Mac was peering at her with a shrewd smile on his lips, but such a kindly155 look behind the glasses that she found both words and glance very pleasant and answered merrily, "I am glad you approve of me, and much obliged for your care of my early youth. I hope to be a credit to you and depend on your keeping me straight, for I'm afraid I shall be spoilt among you all."
"I'll keep my eye on you upon one condition," replied the youthful mentor152.
"Name it."
"If you are going to have a lot of lovers around, I wash my hands of you. If not, I'm your man."
"You must be sheep dog and help keep them away, for I don't want any yet awhile and, between ourselves, I don't believe I shall have any if it is known that I am strong-minded. That fact will scare most men away like a yellow flag," said Rose, for, thanks to Dr. Alec's guardianship156, she had wasted neither heart nor time in the foolish flirtations so many girls fritter away their youth upon.
"Hum! I rather doubt that," muttered Mac as he surveyed the damsel before him.
She certainly did not look unpleasantly strong-minded, and she was beautiful in spite of her modest denials. Beautiful with the truest sort of beauty, for nobility of character lent its subtle charm to the bloom of youth, the freshness of health, the innocence157 of a nature whose sweet maidenliness Mac felt but could not describe. Gentle yet full of spirit, and all aglow158 with the earnestness that suggests lovely possibilities and makes one hope that such human flowers may have heaven's purest air and warmest sunshine to blossom in.
"Wait and see," answered Rose; then, as her uncle's voice was heard in the hall, she held out her hand, adding pleasantly, "The old times are to begin again, so come soon and tell me all your doings and help me with mine just as you used to do."
"You really mean it?" And Mac looked much pleased.
"I really do. You are so little altered, except to grow big, that I don't feel at all strange with you and want to begin where we left off."
"That will be capital. Good night, Cousin," and to her great amazement, he gave her a hearty kiss.
"Oh, but that is not the old way at all!" cried Rose, stepping back in merry confusion while the audacious youth assumed an air of mild surprise as he innocently asked: "Didn't we always say good night in that way? I had an impression that we did and were to begin just as we left off."
"Of course not. No power on earth would have bribed159 you to do it, as you know well enough. I don't mind the first night, but we are too old for that sort of thing now."
"I'll remember. It was the force of habit, I suppose, for I'm sure I must have done it in former times, it seemed so natural. Coming, Father!" and Mac retired160, evidently convinced he was right.
"Dear old thing! He is as much a boy as ever, and that is such a comfort, for some of the others have grown up very fast," said Rose to herself, recalling Charlie's sentimental airs and Archie's beatified expression while Phebe sang.
收听单词发音 |
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wharf
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| n.码头，停泊处 | |
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impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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vent
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| n.通风口，排放口；开衩；vt.表达，发泄 | |
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pervaded
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| v.遍及，弥漫( pervade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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premises
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| n.建筑物，房屋 | |
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lugging
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| 超载运转能力 | |
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promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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owl
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| n.猫头鹰，枭 | |
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jack
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| n.插座，千斤顶，男人；v.抬起，提醒，扛举；n.（Jake）杰克 | |
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glossy
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| adj.平滑的；有光泽的 | |
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fervent
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| adj.热的，热烈的，热情的 | |
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reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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impartiality
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| n. 公平, 无私, 不偏 | |
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ashore
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| adv.在(向)岸上，上岸 | |
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jigs
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| n.快步舞（曲）极快地( jig的名词复数 )；夹具v.（使）上下急动( jig的第三人称单数 ) | |
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constraint
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| n.(on)约束，限制；限制(或约束)性的事物 | |
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belongings
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| n.私人物品，私人财物 | |
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tempestuously
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| adv.剧烈地，暴风雨似地 | |
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mischievous
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| adj.调皮的，恶作剧的，有害的，伤人的 | |
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admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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gallantly
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| adv. 漂亮地，勇敢地，献殷勤地 | |
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dodging
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| n.避开，闪过，音调改变v.闪躲( dodge的现在分词 )；回避 | |
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quench
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| vt.熄灭，扑灭；压制 | |
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soothe
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| v.安慰；使平静；使减轻；缓和；奉承 | |
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pegs
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| n.衣夹( peg的名词复数 )；挂钉；系帐篷的桩；弦钮v.用夹子或钉子固定( peg的第三人称单数 )；使固定在某水平 | |
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vegetarian
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| n.素食者；adj.素食的 | |
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mania
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| n.疯狂；躁狂症，狂热，癖好 | |
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placidly
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| adv.平稳地，平静地 | |
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expended
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| v.花费( expend的过去式和过去分词 )；使用（钱等）做某事；用光；耗尽 | |
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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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subsided
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| v.（土地）下陷（因在地下采矿）( subside的过去式和过去分词 )；减弱；下降至较低或正常水平；一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
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indignities
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| n.侮辱，轻蔑( indignity的名词复数 ) | |
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peals
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| n.（声音大而持续或重复的）洪亮的响声( peal的名词复数 )；隆隆声；洪亮的钟声；钟乐v.（使）（钟等）鸣响，（雷等）发出隆隆声( peal的第三人称单数 ) | |
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passersby
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| n. 过路人(行人,经过者) | |
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avalanche
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| n.雪崩，大量涌来 | |
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wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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piqued
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| v.伤害…的自尊心( pique的过去式和过去分词 )；激起（好奇心） | |
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tableau
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| n.画面，活人画（舞台上活人扮的静态画面） | |
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paternal
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| adj.父亲的，像父亲的，父系的，父方的 | |
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maternal
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| adj.母亲的，母亲般的，母系的，母方的 | |
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parlor
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| n.店铺，营业室；会客室，客厅 | |
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destined
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| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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gracefully
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| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
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carnations
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| n.麝香石竹，康乃馨( carnation的名词复数 ) | |
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bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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monopolized
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| v.垄断( monopolize的过去式和过去分词 )；独占；专卖；专营 | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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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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51
thwarted
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| 阻挠( thwart的过去式和过去分词 )； 使受挫折； 挫败； 横过 | |
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52
frivolous
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| adj.轻薄的；轻率的 | |
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53
kindling
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| n. 点火, 可燃物 动词kindle的现在分词形式 | |
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54
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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accomplishments
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| n.造诣；完成( accomplishment的名词复数 )；技能；成绩；成就 | |
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housekeeper
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| n.管理家务的主妇，女管家 | |
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vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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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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daunted
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| 使（某人）气馁，威吓( daunt的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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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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heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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belle
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| n.靓女 | |
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steward
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| n.乘务员，服务员；看管人；膳食管理员 | |
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squander
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| v.浪费，挥霍 | |
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pauperism
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| n.有被救济的资格，贫困 | |
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prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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invalid
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| n.病人，伤残人；adj.有病的，伤残的；无效的 | |
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dressing
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| n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料 | |
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meek
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| adj.温顺的，逆来顺受的 | |
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bonnet
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| n.无边女帽；童帽 | |
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glorifying
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| 赞美( glorify的现在分词 )； 颂扬； 美化； 使光荣 | |
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delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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benevolence
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| n.慈悲，捐助 | |
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delusions
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| n.欺骗( delusion的名词复数 )；谬见；错觉；妄想 | |
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appeased
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| 安抚，抚慰( appease的过去式和过去分词 )； 绥靖（满足另一国的要求以避免战争） | |
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shrug
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| v.耸肩(表示怀疑、冷漠、不知等) | |
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ruffled
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| adj. 有褶饰边的, 起皱的 动词ruffle的过去式和过去分词 | |
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dodge
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| v.闪开，躲开，避开；n.妙计，诡计 | |
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privately
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| adv.以私人的身份，悄悄地，私下地 | |
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lamenting
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| adj.悲伤的，悲哀的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的现在分词 ) | |
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gale
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| n.大风，强风，一阵闹声（尤指笑声等） | |
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tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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displeased
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| a.不快的 | |
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inconvenient
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| adj.不方便的，令人感到麻烦的 | |
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musing
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| n. 沉思，冥想 adj. 沉思的, 冥想的 动词muse的现在分词形式 | |
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hospitable
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| adj.好客的；宽容的；有利的，适宜的 | |
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joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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secluded
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| adj.与世隔绝的；隐退的；偏僻的v.使隔开，使隐退( seclude的过去式和过去分词) | |
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enticingly
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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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countenances
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| n.面容( countenance的名词复数 )；表情；镇静；道义支持 | |
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inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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pates
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| n.头顶，（尤指）秃顶，光顶( pate的名词复数 ) | |
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amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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insignificant
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| adj.无关紧要的，可忽略的，无意义的 | |
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beckoned
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| v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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loyalty
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| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
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101
imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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102
abashed
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| adj.窘迫的，尴尬的v.使羞愧，使局促，使窘迫( abash的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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103
entrapping
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| v.使陷入圈套，使入陷阱( entrap的现在分词 ) | |
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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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105
defiant
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| adj.无礼的，挑战的 | |
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106
promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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107
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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108
jeered
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| v.嘲笑( jeer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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manliest
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| manly（有男子气概的）的最高级形式 | |
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kinsmen
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| n.家属，亲属( kinsman的名词复数 ) | |
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111
promotion
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| n.提升，晋级；促销，宣传 | |
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112
knight
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| n.骑士，武士；爵士 | |
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113
ardor
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| n.热情，狂热 | |
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114
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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115
inflicted
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| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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fumed
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| 愤怒( fume的过去式和过去分词 )； 大怒； 发怒； 冒烟 | |
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117
irritably
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| ad.易生气地 | |
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118
guardians
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| 监护人( guardian的名词复数 )； 保护者，维护者 | |
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119
growled
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| 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 | |
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distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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discord
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| n.不和，意见不合，争论，（音乐）不和谐 | |
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122
vividly
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| adv.清楚地，鲜明地，生动地 | |
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123
soothed
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| v.安慰( soothe的过去式和过去分词 )；抚慰；使舒服；减轻痛苦 | |
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124
despondent
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| adj.失望的，沮丧的，泄气的 | |
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125
tiresome
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| adj.令人疲劳的，令人厌倦的 | |
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pensive
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| a.沉思的,哀思的,忧沉的 | |
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127
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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sentimental
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| adj.多愁善感的，感伤的 | |
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129
beguiled
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| v.欺骗( beguile的过去式和过去分词 )；使陶醉；使高兴；消磨（时间等） | |
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flirtation
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| n.调情，调戏，挑逗 | |
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131
melodiously
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mellow
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| adj.柔和的；熟透的；v.变柔和；(使)成熟 | |
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eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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joyfully
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| adv. 喜悦地, 高兴地 | |
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lark
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| n.云雀，百灵鸟；n.嬉戏，玩笑；vi.嬉戏 | |
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plaintive
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| adj.可怜的，伤心的 | |
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ballads
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| 民歌，民谣，特别指叙述故事的歌( ballad的名词复数 )； 讴 | |
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beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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139
plunge
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| v.跳入，(使)投入，(使)陷入；猛冲 | |
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idol
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| n.偶像，红人，宠儿 | |
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141
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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142
unprecedented
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| adj.无前例的，新奇的 | |
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143
teaspoons
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| n.茶匙( teaspoon的名词复数 )；一茶匙的量 | |
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helping
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| n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的 | |
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145
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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146
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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147
remarkably
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| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
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148
specimen
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| n.样本，标本 | |
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149
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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peculiarity
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| n.独特性，特色；特殊的东西；怪癖 | |
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confidential
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| adj.秘（机）密的，表示信任的，担任机密工作的 | |
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152
mentor
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| n.指导者，良师益友；v.指导 | |
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153
eluded
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| v.（尤指机敏地）避开( elude的过去式和过去分词 )；逃避；躲避；使达不到 | |
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154
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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155
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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156
guardianship
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| n. 监护, 保护, 守护 | |
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157
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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158
aglow
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| adj.发亮的；发红的；adv.发亮地 | |
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159
bribed
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| v.贿赂( bribe的过去式和过去分词 )；向（某人）行贿，贿赂 | |
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retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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