"'Mid1 many things most new to ear and eye,
The pilgrim rested here his weary feet."
As Sir Henry Delme stepped from the hotel into the street, the sun's rays commenced to be oppressive, and, although it was only entering the month of May, served to remind him that he was in a warmer clime. The scene was already a bustling2 one. The shopkeepers were throwing water on the hot flag stones, and erecting3 canvas awnings4 in front of their doors. In the various cafes might be seen the subservient5 waiters, handing round the small gilded6 cup, which contained thick Turkish coffee, or carrying to some old smoker7 the little pipkin, whence he was to light his genial8 cigar. In front of one of these cafes, some English officers were collected, sipping9 ices, and criticising the relieving of the guard. Turning a corner of the principal street, a group of half black and three-parts naked children assaulted our traveller, and vociferously10 invoked11 carita. They accompanied this demand by the corrupted12 cry of "nix munjay"--nothing to eat,--which they enforced by most expressive13 gestures, extending their mouths, and exhibiting rows of ravenous-looking teeth. The caleche drivers, too, were on the alert, and respectfully taking off their turbans, proffered14 their services to convey the Signore to Floriana. Delme declined their offers, and, passing a draw-bridge which divides Valletta from the country, made his way through an embrasure, and descending15 some half worn stone steps--during which operation he was again surrounded by beggars--he found himself within sight of the barracks. Acme16 and George were ready to receive him. The latter's eye lit, as it was wont17 to do, on seeing his brother, whilst the young Greek appeared in doubt, whether to rejoice at what gave him pleasure, or to stand in awe18 of a relation, whose influence over George might shake her own. This did not, however, prevent her offering Delme her hand, with an air of great frankness and grace. Nor was he less struck with her peculiar19 beauty than he had been on the night previous. Her dress was well adapted to exhibit her charms to the greatest advantage. Her hair was parted in front, and smoothly20 combed over her neck and shoulders, descending to her waist. Over her bosom21, and fastened by a chased silver clasp, was one of the saffron handkerchiefs worn by the Parganot women. A jacket of purple velvet22, embroidered23 with gold, fitted closely to her figure. Round her waist was a crimson24 girdle, fastened by another enormous broach25, or rather embossed plate of silver. A Maltese gold rose chain of exquisite26 workmanship was flung round her neck, to which depended a locket, one side of which held, encased in glass, George's hair braided with her own; the other had a cameo, representing the death of the patriot27 Marco Bozzaris.
"Giorgio tells me," said she, "that you speak Italian, at which I am very glad; for his efforts to teach me English have quite failed. Do you know you quite alarmed me last night, and I really think it was too bad of George introducing you when he did;" and she placed her hand on her lover's shoulder, and looked in his face confidingly28. In spite of the substance of her speech, and the circumstances under which Delme saw her, he could not avoid feeling an involuntary prepossession in her favour. Her manner had little of the polish of art, but much of nature's witching simplicity29; and Sir Henry felt surprised at the ease and animation30 of the whole party. Acme presided at the breakfast table, with a grace which many a modern lady of fashion might envy; and during the meal, her conversation, far from being dull or listless, showed that she had much talent, and that to a quick perception of nature's charms, she united great enthusiasm in their pursuit. The meal was over, when the surgeon of the regiment31 was announced, and introduced by George to Sir Henry. After making a few inquiries32 as to the invalid's state of health, he proposed to Delme, taking a turn in the botanical garden, which was immediately in front of their windows.
Sir Henry eagerly grasped at the proposition; anxious, as he felt himself, to ascertain33 the real circumstances connected with his brother's indisposition. They strolled through the garden, which was almost deserted--for none but dogs and Englishmen, to use the expression of the natives, court the Maltese noon-day sun,--and the surgeon at once entered into George's history. He was a man of most refined manners, and a cultivated intellect, and his professional familiarity with horrors, had not diminished his natural delicacy34 of feeling. His narrative35 was briefly36 thus:--
George Delme's bosom companion had been an officer of his own age and standing37 in the service, with whom he had embarked38 when leaving England. Their intercourse39 had ripened40 into the closest friendship. George had met Acme, although the surgeon knew not the particulars of the rencontre,--had confided41 to his friend the acquaintance he had made--and had himself introduced Delancey at the house where Acme resided. Whether her charms really tempted42 the friend to endeavour to supplant43 George, or whether he considered the latter's attentions to the young Greek to be without definite object, and undertaken in a spirit of indifference44, the narrator could not explain; but it was not long before Delancey considered himself as a principal in the transaction. Acme, whose knowledge of the world was slight, and whose previous seclusion45 from society, had rendered her timidity excessive, considered that her best mode of avoiding importunities she disliked, and attentions that were painful to her, would be to speak to George himself on the subject.
By this time, the latter, quite fascinated by her beauty and simplicity, and deeming, as was indeed the fact, that his love was returned, needed not other inquietudes than those his attachment46 gave him. The pride of ancestry47 and station on the one hand--on the other, a deep affection, and a wish to act nobly by Acme--caused an internal struggle which made him open to any excitement, nervously48 alive to any wrong. He sought his friend, and used reproaches, which rendered it imperative49 that they should meet as foes50. Delancey was wounded; and as he thought--and it was long doubtful whether it were so--mortally. He beckoned51 George Delme to his bedside--begged him to forgive him--told him that his friendship had been the greatest source of delight to him--a friendship which in his dying moments he begged to renew--that far from feeling pain at his approaching dissolution, he conceived that he had merited all, and only waited his full and entire forgiveness to die happy. George Delme wrung52 his hands in the bitterness of despair--prayed him to live for his sake--told him, that did he not, his own life hereafter would be one of the deepest misery,--that the horrors of remorse53 would weigh him down to his grave. The surgeon was the first to terminate a scene, which he assured Delme was one of the most painful it had ever been his lot to witness. This meeting, though of so agitating54 a nature, seemed to have a beneficial effect on the wounded man. He sunk into a sweet sleep; and on awaking, his pulse was lower, and his symptoms less critical. He improved gradually, and was now convalescent. But it was otherwise with George Delme. He sought the solitude55 of his chamber56, a prey57 to the agonies of a self-reproaching spirit. He considered himself instrumental in taking the life of his best friend--of one, richly endowed with the loftiest feelings humanity can boast. His nerves previously58 had been unstrung; body and mind sank under the picture his imagination had conjured59 up. His servant was alarmed by startling screams, entered his room, and found his master in fearful convulsions. A fever ensued, during which George's life hung by a thread. To this succeeded a long state of unconsciousness, occasionally broken by wild delirium60.
During his illness, there was one who never left him--who smoothed his pillow--who supported his head on her breast--who watched him as a mother watches her first-born. It was the youthful Greek, Acme Frascati. The instant she heard of his danger, she left her home to tend him. No entreaties61 could influence her, no arguments persuade. She would sit by his bedside for hours, his feverish62 hand locked in hers, and implore63 him to recover, to bless one who loved him so dearly. They could not part them; for George, even in his delirious64 state, seemed to be conscious that some one was near him, and, did she leave his side, would rise in his bed, and look around him as if missing some accustomed object. In his wilder flights, he would call passionately65 upon her, and beg her to save his friend, who was lying so dead and still.
For a length of time, neither care nor professional skill availed. Fearful was the struggle, between his disease, and a naturally hardy66 constitution. Reason at last resumed her dominion67. "I know not," said the surgeon, "the particulars of the first dawning of consciousness. It appears that Acme was alone with him, and that it was at night. I found him on my professional visit one morning, clear and collected, and his mistress sobbing68 her thanks. I need perhaps hardly inform you," said the narrator, "that George's gratitude69 to Acme was vividly70 expressed. It was in vain I urged on her the propriety71 of now leaving her lover. This was met on both sides by an equal disinclination, and indeed obstinate72 refusal; and I feared the responsibility I should incur73, by enforcing a separation which might have proved of dangerous consequence to my patient. Alas74! for human nature, Sir Henry! need it surprise you that the consequences were what they are? Loving him with the fervency75 of one born under an eastern sun--with the warm devotion of woman's first love--with slender ideas of Christian76 morality--and with a mind accustomed to obey its every impulse--need it, I say, surprise you, that the one fell, and that remorse visited the other? To that remorse, do I attribute what my previous communication may not have sufficiently77 prepared you for; namely, the little dependence78 to be placed on the tone of the invalid's mind. Reason is but as a glimmering79 in a socket80; and painful as my professional opinion may be to you, it is my duty to avow81 it; and I frankly82 confess, that I entertain serious apprehensions83, as to the stability of his mind's restoration. It is on this account, that I have felt so anxious that one of his relations should be near him. Change of scene is absolutely necessary, as soon as change of scene can be safely adopted. Every distracting thought must be avoided, and the utmost care taken that no agitating topic is discussed in his presence. These precautions may do much; but should they have no effect, which I think possible; as a medical man, I should then recommend, what as a member of his family may startle you. My advice would be, that if it be ultimately found, that his feelings as regard this young girl, are such as are likely to prevent or impede84 his mind's recovery; why I would then at once allow him to make her any reparation he may think just.
"To what do you allude85?" enquired86 Sir Henry.
"Why," continued the surgeon, "that if his feelings appear deeply enlisted87 on that side of the question, and all our other modes have failed in obtaining their object; that he should be permitted to marry her as soon as he pleases. I see you look grave. I am not surprised you should do so; but life is worth preserving, and Acme, if not entirely88 to our notions, is a good, a very good girl--warm-hearted and affectionate; and it is not fair to judge her by our English standard. You will however have time and scope, to watch yourself the progress and extent of his disorder89. I fear this is more serious than you are at present aware of; but from your own observations, would I recommend and wish your future line of conduct to be formed. May I trust my frankness has not offended you?"
Sir Henry assured him, that far from this being the case, he owed him many thanks for being thus explicit90. Shaking him by the hand, he returned to George's room with a clouded brow; perplexed91 how to act, or how best discuss with his brother, the points connected with his history.
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mid
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| adj.中央的，中间的 | |
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bustling
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| adj.喧闹的 | |
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erecting
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| v.使直立，竖起( erect的现在分词 )；建立 | |
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awnings
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| 篷帐布 | |
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subservient
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| adj.卑屈的，阿谀的 | |
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gilded
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| a.镀金的，富有的 | |
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smoker
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| n.吸烟者，吸烟车厢，吸烟室 | |
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genial
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| adj.亲切的，和蔼的，愉快的，脾气好的 | |
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sipping
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| v.小口喝，呷，抿( sip的现在分词 ) | |
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vociferously
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| adv.喊叫地，吵闹地 | |
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invoked
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| v.援引( invoke的过去式和过去分词 )；行使（权利等）；祈求救助；恳求 | |
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corrupted
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| （使）败坏( corrupt的过去式和过去分词 )； （使）腐化； 引起（计算机文件等的）错误； 破坏 | |
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expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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proffered
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| v.提供，贡献，提出( proffer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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acme
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| n.顶点，极点 | |
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wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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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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peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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smoothly
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| adv.平滑地，顺利地，流利地，流畅地 | |
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bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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embroidered
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| adj．绣花的 | |
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crimson
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| n./adj.深(绯)红色(的)；vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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broach
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| v.开瓶，提出(题目) | |
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exquisite
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| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
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patriot
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| n.爱国者，爱国主义者 | |
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confidingly
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| adv.信任地 | |
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simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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animation
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| n.活泼，兴奋，卡通片／动画片的制作 | |
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regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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inquiries
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| n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听 | |
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ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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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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embarked
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| 乘船( embark的过去式和过去分词 )； 装载； 从事 | |
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intercourse
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| n.性交；交流，交往，交际 | |
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ripened
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| v.成熟，使熟( ripen的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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confided
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| v.吐露（秘密，心事等）( confide的过去式和过去分词 )；（向某人）吐露（隐私、秘密等） | |
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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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supplant
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| vt.排挤；取代 | |
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indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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seclusion
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| n.隐遁，隔离 | |
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attachment
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| n.附属物，附件；依恋；依附 | |
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ancestry
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| n.祖先，家世 | |
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nervously
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| adv.神情激动地，不安地 | |
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imperative
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| n.命令，需要；规则；祈使语气；adj.强制的；紧急的 | |
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foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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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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wrung
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| 绞( wring的过去式和过去分词 )； 握紧（尤指别人的手）； 把（湿衣服）拧干； 绞掉（水） | |
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remorse
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| n.痛恨，悔恨，自责 | |
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agitating
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| 搅动( agitate的现在分词 )； 激怒； 使焦虑不安； （尤指为法律、社会状况的改变而）激烈争论 | |
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solitude
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| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
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chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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conjured
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| 用魔术变出( conjure的过去式和过去分词 )； 祈求，恳求； 变戏法； （变魔术般地） 使…出现 | |
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delirium
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| n. 神智昏迷,说胡话;极度兴奋 | |
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entreaties
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| n.恳求，乞求( entreaty的名词复数 ) | |
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feverish
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| adj.发烧的，狂热的，兴奋的 | |
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implore
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| vt.乞求，恳求，哀求 | |
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delirious
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| adj.不省人事的，神智昏迷的 | |
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passionately
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| ad.热烈地，激烈地 | |
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hardy
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| adj.勇敢的，果断的，吃苦的；耐寒的 | |
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dominion
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| n.统治，管辖，支配权；领土，版图 | |
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sobbing
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| <主方>Ⅰ adj.湿透的 | |
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gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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vividly
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| adv.清楚地，鲜明地，生动地 | |
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propriety
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| n.正当行为；正当；适当 | |
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obstinate
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| adj.顽固的，倔强的，不易屈服的，较难治愈的 | |
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incur
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| vt.招致，蒙受，遭遇 | |
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alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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fervency
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| n.热情的；强烈的；热烈 | |
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Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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dependence
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| n.依靠，依赖；信任，信赖；隶属 | |
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glimmering
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| n.微光，隐约的一瞥adj.薄弱地发光的v.发闪光，发微光( glimmer的现在分词 ) | |
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socket
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| n.窝，穴，孔，插座，插口 | |
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avow
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| v.承认，公开宣称 | |
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frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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apprehensions
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| 疑惧 | |
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impede
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| v.妨碍，阻碍，阻止 | |
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allude
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| v.提及，暗指 | |
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enquired
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| 打听( enquire的过去式和过去分词 )； 询问； 问问题； 查问 | |
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enlisted
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| adj.应募入伍的v.（使）入伍， （使）参军( enlist的过去式和过去分词 )；获得（帮助或支持） | |
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88
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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89
disorder
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| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
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90
explicit
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| adj.详述的，明确的；坦率的；显然的 | |
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91
perplexed
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| adj.不知所措的 | |
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