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首页 » 经典英文小说 » 杰克与吉尔 Jack and Jill » Chapter 8
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Chapter 8
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Merry and MollyNow let us see how the other missionaries1 goton with their tasks.

  Farmer Grant was a thrifty2, well-to-do man, anxious to give hischildren greater advantages than he had enjoyed, and to improvethe fine place of which he was justly proud. Mrs. Grant was anotable housewife, as ambitious and industrious3 as her husband,but too busy to spend any time on the elegancics of life, thoughalways ready to help the poor and sick like a good neighbor andChristian woman. The three sons--Tom, Dick, and Harry5--were bigfellows of seventeen, nineteen, and twenty-one; the first two on thefarm, and the elder in a store just setting up for himself.

  Kind-hearted but rough-mannered youths, who loved Merry verymuch, but teased her sadly about her "fine lady airs," as they calledher dainty ways and love of beauty.

  Merry was a thoughtful girl, full of innocent fancies, refined tastes,and romantic dreams, in which no one sympathized at home,though she was the pet of the family. It did seem, to an outsider, asif the delicate little creature had got there by mistake, for shelooked very like a tea-rose in a field of clover and dandelions,whose highest aim in life was to feed cows and help make rootbeer.

  When the girls talked over the new society, it pleased Merry verymuch, and she decided6 not only to try and love work better, but toconvert her family to a liking7 for pretty things, as she called herown more cultivated tastes.

  "I will begin at once, and show them that I don't mean to shirk myduty, though I do want to be nice," thought she, as she sat at supperone night and looked about her, planning her first move.

  Not a very cheering prospect8 for a lover of the beautiful, certainly,for the big kitchen, though as neat as wax, had nothing lovely in it,except a red geranium blooming at the window. Nor were thepeople all that could be desired, in some respects, as they sat aboutthe table shovelling9 in pork and beans with their knives, drinkingtea from their saucers, and laughing out with a hearty10 "Haw, haw,"when anything amused them. Yet the boys were handsome, strongspecimens, the farmer a hale, benevolent-looking man, thehousewife a pleasant, sharp-eyed matron, who seemed to findcomfort in looking often at the bright face at her elbow, with thebroad forehead, clear eyes, sweet mouth, and quiet voice that camelike music in among the loud masculine ones, or the quick,nervous tones of a woman always in a hurry.

  Merry's face was so thoughtful that evening that her fatherobserved it, for, when at home, he watched her as one watches akitten, glad to see anything so pretty, young, and happy, at its play.

  "Little daughter has got something on her mind, I mistrust. Comeand tell father all about it," he said, with a sounding slap on hisbroad knee as he turned his chair from the table to the ugly stove,where three pairs of wet boots steamed underneath12, and a greatkettle of cider apple-sauce simmered above.

  "When I've helped clear up, I'll come and talk. Now, mother, yousit down and rest; Roxy and I can do everything," answered Merry,patting the old rocking-chair so invitingly13 that the tired womancould not resist, especially as watching the kettle gave her anexcuse for obeying.

  "Well, I don't care if I'd o, for I've been on my feet since fiveo'clock. Be sure you cover things up, and shut the buttery door, andput the cat down cellar, and sift14 your meal. I'll see to thebuckwheats last thing before I go to bed."Mrs. Grant subsided15 with her knitting, for her hands were neveridle; Tom tilted16 his chair back against the wall and picked his teethwith his pen-knife; Dick got out a little pot of grease, to make theboots water-tight; and Harry sat down at the small table to lookover his accounts, with an important air--for everyone occupiedthis room, and the work was done in the out-kitchen behind.

  Merry hated clearing up, but dutifully did every distasteful task,and kept her eye on careless Roxy till all was in order; then shegladly went to perch17 on her father's knee, seeing in all the facesabout her the silent welcome they always wore for the "little one.

  "Yes, I do want something, but I know you will say it is silly," shebegan, as her father pinched her blooming cheek, with the wishthat his peaches would ever look half as well.

  "Shouldn't wonder if it was a doll now"; and Mr. Grant stroked herhead with an indulgent smile, as if she was about six instead offifteen.

  "Why, father, you know I don't! I haven't played with dollies foryears and years. No; I want to fix up my room pretty, like Jill's. I'lldo it all myself, and only want a few things, for I don't expect it tolook as nice as hers."Indignation gave Merry courage to state her wishes boldly, thoughshe knew the boys would laugh. They did, and her mother said in atone18 of surprise,"Why, child, what more can you want? I'm sure your room isalways as neat as a new pin, thanks to your bringing up, and I toldyou to have a fire there whenever you wanted to.""Let me have some old things out of the garret, and I'll show youwhat I want. It is neat, but so bare and ugly I hate to be there. I doso love something pretty to look at!" and Merry gave a little shiverof disgust as she turned her eyes away from the large greasy20 bootDick was holding up to be sure it was well lubricated all round.

  "So do I, and that's a fact. I couldn't get on without my pretty girlhere, anyway. Why, she touches up the old place better than adozen flower-pots in full blow," said the farmer, as his eye wentfrom the scarlet21 geranium to the bright young face so near his own.

  "I wish I had a dozen in the sitting-room22 window. Mother says theyare not tidy, but I'd keep them neat, and I know you'd like it,"broke in Merrry, glad of the chance to get one of the long-desiredwishes of her heart fulfilled.

  "I'll fetch you some next time I go over to Ballad's. Tell me whatyou want, and we'll have a posy bed somewhere round, see if wedon't," said her father, dimly understanding what she wanted.

  "Now, if mother says I may fix my room, I shall be satisfied, andI'll do my chores without a bit of fuss, to show how grateful I am,"said the girl, thanking her father with a kiss, and smiling at hermother so wistfully that the good woman could not refuse.

  "You may have anything you like out of the blue chest. There's alot of things there that the moths23 got at after Grandma died, and Icouldn't bear to throw or give 'em away. Trim up your room as youlike, and mind you don't forget your part of the bargain," answeredMrs. Grant, seeing profit in the plan.

  "I won't; I'll work all the morning to-morrow, and in the afternoonI'll get ready to show you what I call a nice, pretty room,"answered Merry, looking so pleased it seemed as if another flowerhad blossomed in the large bare kitchen.

  She kept her word, and the very stormy afternoon when Jill gotinto trouble, Merry was working busily at her little bower24. In theblue chest she found a variety of treasures, and ignoring the mothholes, used them to the best advantage, trying to imitate the simplecomfort with a touch of elegance25 which prevailed in Mrs. Minot'sback bedroom.

  Three faded red-moreen curtains went up at the windows over thechilly paper shades, giving a pleasant glow to the bare walls. A redquilt with white stars, rather the worse for many washings, coveredthe bed, and a gay cloth the table, where a judicious26 arrangementof books and baskets concealed27 the spots. The little air-tight stovewas banished28, and a pair of ancient andirons shone in the fire-light.

  Grandma's last and largest braided rug lay on the hearth29, and herbrass candlesticks adorned31 the bureau, over the mirror of whichwas festooned a white muslin skirt, tied up with Merry's red sash.

  This piece of elegance gave the last touch to her room, shethought, and she was very proud of it, setting forth32 all her smallstore of trinkets in a large shell, with an empty scent33 bottle, and aclean tidy over the pincushion. On the walls she hung threeold-fashioned pictures, which she ventured to borrow from thegarret till better could be found. One a mourning piece, with avery tall lady weeping on an urn11 in a grove34 of willows35, and twosmall boys in knee breeches and funny little square tails to theircoats, looking like cherubs36 in large frills. The other was as good asa bonfire, being an eruption37 of Vesuvius, and very lurid38 indeed, forthe Bay of Naples was boiling like a pot, the red sky raining rocks,and a few distracted people lying flat upon the shore. The thirdwas a really pretty scene of children dancing round a May-pole, forthough nearly a hundred years old, the little maids smiled and theboys pranced39 as gayly as if the flowers they carried were still aliveand sweet.

  "Now I'll call them all to see, and say that it is pretty. Then I'llenjoy it, and come here when things look dismal40 and bareeverywhere else," said Merry, when at last it was done. She hadworked all the afternoon, and only finished at supper time, so thecandles had to be lighted that the toilette might look its best, andimpress the beholders with an idea of true elegance. Unfortunately,the fire smoked a little, and a window was set ajar to clear theroom; an evil disposed gust19 blew in, wafting41 the thin draperywithin reach of the light, and when Merry threw open the doorproudly thinking to display her success, she was horrified42 to findthe room in a blaze, and half her labor43 all in vain.

  The conflagration44 was over in a minute, however, for the boys toredown the muslin and stamped out the fire with much laughter,while Mrs. Grant bewailed the damage to her carpet, and poorMerry took refuge in her father's arms, refusing to be comforted inspite of his kind commendation of "Grandma's fixins."The third little missionary45 had the hardest time of all, and her firstefforts were not much more satisfactory nor successful than theothers. Her father was away from morning till night, and then hadhis paper to read, books to keep, or "a man to see down town," sothat, after a hasty word at tea, he saw no more of the children tillanother evening, as they were seldom up at his early breakfast. Hethought they were well taken care of, for Miss Bathsheba Daweswas an energetic, middle-aged46 spinster when she came into thefamily, and had been there fifteen years, so he did not observe,what a woman would have seen at once, that Miss Bat was gettingold and careless, and everything about the house was at sixes andsevens. She took good care of him, and thought she had done herduty if she got three comfortable meals, nursed the children whenthey were ill, and saw that the house did not burn up. So MariaLouisa and Napoleon Bonaparte got on as they could, without thetender cares of a mother. Molly had been a happy-go-lucky child,contented with her pets, her freedom, and little Boo to love; butnow she was just beginning to see that they were not like otherchildren, and to feel ashamed of it.

  "Papa is busy, but Miss Bat ought to see to us; she is paid for it,and goodness knows she has an easy time now, for if I ask her todo anything, she groans47 over her bones, and tells me young folksshould wait on themselves. I take all the care of Boo off her hands,but I can't wash my own things, and he hasn't a decent trouser tohis blessed little legs. I'd tell papa, but it wouldn't do any good;he'd only say, 'Yes, child, yes, I'll attend to it,' and never do athing."This used to be Molly's lament48, when some especially trying eventoccurred, and if the girls were not there to condole49 with her, shewould retire to the shed-chamber, call her nine cats about her, and,sitting in the old bushel basket, pull her hair about her ears, andscold all alone. The cats learned to understand this habit, andnobly did their best to dispel50 the gloom which now and thenobscured the sunshine of their little mistress. Some of them wouldcreep into her lap and purr till the comfortable sound soothed51 herirritation; the sedate52 elders sat at her feet blinking with such wiseand sympathetic faces, that she felt as if half a dozen Solomonswere giving her the sagest53 advice; while the kittens frisked about,cutting up their drollest capers54 till she laughed in spite of herself.

  When the laugh came, the worst of the fit was over, and she sooncheered up, dismissing the consolers with a pat all round, a feast ofgood things from Miss Bat's larder55, and the usual speech:

  "Well, dears, it's of no use to worry. I guess we shall get alongsomehow, if we don't fret56."With which wise resolution, Molly would leave her retreat andfreshen up her spirits by a row on the river or a romp57 with Boo,which always finished the case. Now, however, she was bound totry the new plan and do something toward reforming not only theboy's condition, but the disorder58 and discomfort59 of home.

  "I'll play it is Siam, and this the house of a native, and I'm come toshow the folks how to live nicely. Miss Bat won't know what tomake of it, and I can't tell her, so I shall get some fun out of it,anyway," thought Molly, as she surveyed the dining-room the dayher mission began.

  The prospect was not cheering; and, if the natives of Siam live insuch confusion, it is high time they were attended to. Thebreakfast-table still stood as it was left, with slops of coffee on thecloth; bits of bread, egg-shells, and potato-skins lay about, and onelonely sausage was cast away in the middle of a large platter. Thefurniture was dusty, stove untidy, and the carpet looked as ifcrumbs had been scattered60 to chickens who declined theirbreakfast. Boo was sitting on the sofa, with his arm through a holein the cover, hunting for some lost treasure put away there for safekeeping, like a little magpie61 as he was. Molly fancied she washedand dressed him well enough; but to-day she seemed to see moredearly, and sighed as she thought of the hard job in store for her ifshe gave him the thorough washing he needed, and combed outthat curly mop of hair.

  "I'll clear up first and do that by and by. I ought to have a nice littletub and good towels, like Mrs. Minot, and I will, too, if I buy themmyself," she said, piling up cups with an energy that threateneddestruction to handles.

  Miss Bat, who was trailing about the kitchen, with her head pinnedup in a little plaid shawl, was so surprised by the demand for a panof hot water and four clean towels, that she nearly dropped hersnuff-box, chief comfort of her lazy soul.

  "What new whimsey now? Generally, the dishes stand round till Ihave time to pick 'em up, and you are off coasting or careeringsomewhere. Well, this tidy fit won't last long, so I may as wellmake the most of it," said Miss Bat, as she handed out the requiredarticles, and then pushed her spectacles from the tip of her sharpnose to her sharper black eyes for a good look at the girl who stoodprimly before her, with a clean apron62 on and her hair braided upinstead of flying wildly about her shoulders.

  "Umph!" was all the comment that Miss Bat made on this unusualneatness, and she went on scraping her saucepans, while Mollyreturned to her work, very well pleased with the effect of her firststep, for she felt that the bewilderment of Miss Bat would be aconstant inspiration to fresh efforts.

  An hour of hard work produced an agreeable change in the abodeof the native, for the table was cleared, room swept and dusted,fire brightened, and the holes in the sofa-covering were pinned uptill time could be found to mend them. To be sure, rolls of lint63 layin corners, smears64 of ashes were on the stove hearth, and dust stilllurked on chair rounds and table legs. But too much must not beexpected of a new convert, so the young missionary sat down torest, well pleased and ready for another attempt as soon as shecould decide in what direction it should be made. She quailedbefore Boo as she looked at the unconscious innocent peacefullyplaying with the spotted65 dog, now bereft66 of his tail, and the lonesausage with which he was attempting to feed the hungry animal,whose red mouth always gaped67 for more.

  "It will be an awful job, and he is so happy I won't plague him yet.

  Guess I'll go and put my room to rights first, and pick up someclean clothes to put on him, if he is alive after I get through withhim," thought Molly, foreseeing a stormy passage for the boy, whohated a bath as much as some people hate a trip across theAtlantic.

  Up she went, and finding the fire out felt discouraged, thought shewould rest a little more, so retired68 under the blankets to read oneof the Christmas books. The dinner-bell rang while she was stillwandering happily in "Nelly's Silver Mine," and she ran down tofind that Boo had laid out a railroad all across her neat room, usingbits of coal for sleepers69 and books for rails, over which he wasdragging the yellow sled laden70 with a dismayed kitten, the taillessdog, and the remains71 of the sausage, evidently on its way to thetomb, for Boo took bites at it now and then, no other lunch beingoffered him.

  "Oh dear! why can't boys play without making such a mess,"sighed Molly, picking up the feathers from the duster with whichBoo had been trying to make a "cocky-doo" of the hapless dog. "I'llwash him right after dinner, and that will keep him out of mischieffor a while," she thought, as the young engineer unsuspiciouslyproceeded to ornament72 his already crocky countenance73 withsquash, cranberry74 sauce, and gravy75, till he looked more like a Fijichief in full war-paint than a Christian4 boy.

  "I want two pails of hot water, please, Miss Bat, and the big tub,"said Molly, as the ancient handmaid emptied her fourth cup of tea,for she dined with the family, and enjoyed her own good cookingin its prime.

  "What are you going to wash now?""Boo--I'm sure he needs it enough"; and Molly could not helplaughing as the victim added to his brilliant appearance bysmearing the colors all together with a rub of two grimy hands,making a fine Turner, of himself.

  "Now, Maria Louisa Bemis, you ain't going to cut up no caperswith that child! The idea of a hot bath in the middle of the day, andhim full of dinner, and croupy into the bargain~ Wet a corner of atowel at the kettle-spout and polish him off if you like, but youwon't risk his life in no bath-tubs this cold day."Miss Bat's word was law in some things, so Molly had to submit,and took Boo away, saying, loftily, as she left the room,"I shall ask father, and do it to-night, for I will not have my brotherlook like a pig.""My patience! how the Siamese do leave their things round," sheexclaimed, as she surveyed her room after making up the fire andpolishing off Boo. "I'll put things in order, and then mend up myrags, if I can find my thimble. Now, let me see"; and she went toexploring her closet, bureau, and table, finding such disordereverywhere that her courage nearly gave out.

  She had clothes enough, but all needed care; even her best dresshad two buttons off, and her Sunday hat but one string. Shoes,skirts, books, and toys lay about, and her drawers were a perfectchaos of soiled ruffles76, odd gloves, old ribbons, boot lacings, andbits of paper.

  "Oh, my heart, what a muddle77! Mrs. Minot wouldn't think much ofme if she could see that," said Molly, recalling how that lady oncesaid she could judge a good deal of a little girl's character andhabits by a peep at her top drawer, and went on, with greatsuccess, to guess how each of the school-mates kept her drawer.

  "Come, missionary, clear up, and don't let me find such a gloryholeagain, or I'll report you to the society," said Molly, tippingthe whole drawer-full out upon the bed, and beguiling78 the tiresomejob by keeping up the new play.

  Twilight came before it was done, and a great pile of thingsloomed up on her table, with no visible means of repair--forMolly's work-basket was full of nuts, and her thimble down a holein the shed-floor, where the cats had dropped it in their play.

  "I'll ask Bat for hooks and tape, and papa for some money to buyscissors and things, for I don't know where mine are. Glad I can'tdo any more now! Being neat is such hard work!" and Molly threwherself down on the rug beside the old wooden cradle in whichBoo was blissfully rocking, with a cargo79 of toys aboard.

  She watched her time, and as soon as her father had done supper,she hastened to say, before he got to his desk,"Please, papa, I want a dollar to get some brass30 buttons and thingsto fix Boo's clothes with. He wore a hole in his new trouserscoasting down the Kembles' steps. And can't I wash him? He needsit, and Miss Bat won't let me have a tub.""Certainly, child, certainly; do what you like, only don't keep me. Imust be off, or I shall miss Jackson, and he's the man I want"; and,throwing down two dollars instead of one, Mr. Bemis hurriedaway, with a vague impression that Boo had swallowed a dozenbrass buttons, and Miss Bat had been coasting somewhere in abath-pan; but catching80 Jackson was important, so he did not stop toinvestigate.

  Armed with the paternal81 permission, Molly carried her point, andoh, what a dreadful evening poor Boo spent! First, he was decoyedupstairs an hour too soon, then put in a tub by main force andsternly scrubbed, in spite of shrieks82 that brought Miss Bat to thelocked door to condole with the sufferer, scold the scrubber, anddepart, darkly prophesying83 croup before morning.

  "He always howls when he is washed; but I shall do it, since youwon't, and he must get used to it. I will not have people tell me he'sneglected, if I can help it," cried Molly, working away with tears inher eyes--for it was as hard for her as for Boo; but she meant to bethorough for once in her life, no matter what happened.

  When the worst was over, she coaxed84 him with candy and storiestill the long task of combing out the curls was safely done; then, inthe clean night-gown with a blue button newly sewed on, she laidhim in bed, worn out, but sweet as a rose.

  "Now, say your prayers, darling, and go to sleep with the nice redblanket all tucked round so you won't get cold," said Molly, ratherdoubtful of the effect of the wet head.

  "No, I won't! Going to sleep now!" and Boo shut his eyes wearily,feeling that his late trials had not left him in a prayerful mood.

  "Then you'll be a real little heathen, as Mrs. Pecq called you, and Idon't know what I shall do with you," said Molly, longing85 tocuddle rather than scold the little fellow, whose soul neededlooking after as well as his body.

  "No, no; I won't be a heevin! I don't want to be frowed to thetrockindiles. I will say my prayers! oh, I will!" and, rising in hisbed, Boo did so, with the devotion of an infant Samuel, for heremembered the talk when the society was formed.

  Molly thought her labors86 were over for that night, and soon went tobed, tired with her first attempts. But toward morning she waswakened by the hoarse87 breathing of the boy, and was forced topatter away to Miss Bat's room, humbly88 asking for the squills, andconfessing that the prophecy had come to pass.

  "I knew it! Bring the child to me, and don't fret. I'll see to him, andnext time you do as I say," was the consoling welcome shereceived as the old lady popped up a sleepy but anxious face in alarge flannel89 cap, and shook the bottle with the air of a generalwho had routed the foe90 before and meant to do it again.

  Leaving her little responsibility in Miss Bat's arms, Molly tired towet her pillow with a few remorseful91 tears, and to fall asleep,wondering if real missionaries ever killed their pupils in theprocess of conversion92.

  So the girls all failed in the beginning; but they did not give up,and succeeded better next time, as we shall see.


点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 missionaries 478afcff2b692239c9647b106f4631ba     
n.传教士( missionary的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • Some missionaries came from England in the Qing Dynasty. 清朝时,从英国来了一些传教士。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • The missionaries rebuked the natives for worshipping images. 传教士指责当地人崇拜偶像。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
2 thrifty NIgzT     
adj.节俭的;兴旺的;健壮的
参考例句:
  • Except for smoking and drinking,he is a thrifty man.除了抽烟、喝酒,他是个生活节俭的人。
  • She was a thrifty woman and managed to put aside some money every month.她是个很会持家的妇女,每月都设法存些钱。
3 industrious a7Axr     
adj.勤劳的,刻苦的,奋发的
参考例句:
  • If the tiller is industrious,the farmland is productive.人勤地不懒。
  • She was an industrious and willing worker.她是个勤劳肯干的员工。
4 Christian KVByl     
adj.基督教徒的;n.基督教徒
参考例句:
  • They always addressed each other by their Christian name.他们总是以教名互相称呼。
  • His mother is a sincere Christian.他母亲是个虔诚的基督教徒。
5 harry heBxS     
vt.掠夺,蹂躏,使苦恼
参考例句:
  • Today,people feel more hurried and harried.今天,人们感到更加忙碌和苦恼。
  • Obama harried business by Healthcare Reform plan.奥巴马用医改掠夺了商界。
6 decided lvqzZd     
adj.决定了的,坚决的;明显的,明确的
参考例句:
  • This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
  • There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。
7 liking mpXzQ5     
n.爱好;嗜好;喜欢
参考例句:
  • The word palate also means taste or liking.Palate这个词也有“口味”或“嗜好”的意思。
  • I must admit I have no liking for exaggeration.我必须承认我不喜欢夸大其词。
8 prospect P01zn     
n.前景,前途;景色,视野
参考例句:
  • This state of things holds out a cheerful prospect.事态呈现出可喜的前景。
  • The prospect became more evident.前景变得更加明朗了。
9 shovelling 17ef84f3c7eab07ae22ec2c76a2f801f     
v.铲子( shovel的现在分词 );锹;推土机、挖土机等的)铲;铲形部份
参考例句:
  • The workers are shovelling the sand. 工人们正在铲沙子。 来自辞典例句
  • They were shovelling coal up. 他们在铲煤。 来自辞典例句
10 hearty Od1zn     
adj.热情友好的;衷心的;尽情的,纵情的
参考例句:
  • After work they made a hearty meal in the worker's canteen.工作完了,他们在工人食堂饱餐了一顿。
  • We accorded him a hearty welcome.我们给他热忱的欢迎。
11 urn jHaya     
n.(有座脚的)瓮;坟墓;骨灰瓮
参考例句:
  • The urn was unearthed entire.这只瓮出土完整无缺。
  • She put the big hot coffee urn on the table and plugged it in.她将大咖啡壶放在桌子上,接上电源。
12 underneath VKRz2     
adj.在...下面,在...底下;adv.在下面
参考例句:
  • Working underneath the car is always a messy job.在汽车底下工作是件脏活。
  • She wore a coat with a dress underneath.她穿着一件大衣,里面套着一条连衣裙。
13 invitingly 83e809d5e50549c03786860d565c9824     
adv. 动人地
参考例句:
  • Her lips pouted invitingly. 她挑逗地撮起双唇。
  • The smooth road sloped invitingly before her. 平展的山路诱人地倾斜在她面前。
14 sift XEAza     
v.筛撒,纷落,详察
参考例句:
  • Sift out the wheat from the chaff.把小麦的壳筛出来。
  • Sift sugar on top of the cake.在蛋糕上面撒上糖。
15 subsided 1bda21cef31764468020a8c83598cc0d     
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
参考例句:
  • After the heavy rains part of the road subsided. 大雨过后,部分公路塌陷了。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • By evening the storm had subsided and all was quiet again. 傍晚, 暴风雨已经过去,四周开始沉寂下来。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
16 tilted 3gtzE5     
v. 倾斜的
参考例句:
  • Suddenly the boat tilted to one side. 小船突然倾向一侧。
  • She tilted her chin at him defiantly. 她向他翘起下巴表示挑衅。
17 perch 5u1yp     
n.栖木,高位,杆;v.栖息,就位,位于
参考例句:
  • The bird took its perch.鸟停歇在栖木上。
  • Little birds perch themselves on the branches.小鸟儿栖歇在树枝上。
18 atone EeKyT     
v.赎罪,补偿
参考例句:
  • He promised to atone for his crime.他承诺要赎自己的罪。
  • Blood must atone for blood.血债要用血来还。
19 gust q5Zyu     
n.阵风,突然一阵(雨、烟等),(感情的)迸发
参考例句:
  • A gust of wind blew the front door shut.一阵大风吹来,把前门关上了。
  • A gust of happiness swept through her.一股幸福的暖流流遍她的全身。
20 greasy a64yV     
adj. 多脂的,油脂的
参考例句:
  • He bought a heavy-duty cleanser to clean his greasy oven.昨天他买了强力清洁剂来清洗油污的炉子。
  • You loathe the smell of greasy food when you are seasick.当你晕船时,你会厌恶油腻的气味。
21 scarlet zD8zv     
n.深红色,绯红色,红衣;adj.绯红色的
参考例句:
  • The scarlet leaves of the maples contrast well with the dark green of the pines.深红的枫叶和暗绿的松树形成了明显的对比。
  • The glowing clouds are growing slowly pale,scarlet,bright red,and then light red.天空的霞光渐渐地淡下去了,深红的颜色变成了绯红,绯红又变为浅红。
22 sitting-room sitting-room     
n.(BrE)客厅,起居室
参考例句:
  • The sitting-room is clean.起居室很清洁。
  • Each villa has a separate sitting-room.每栋别墅都有一间独立的起居室。
23 moths de674306a310c87ab410232ea1555cbb     
n.蛾( moth的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • The moths have eaten holes in my wool coat. 蛀虫将我的羊毛衫蛀蚀了几个小洞。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • The moths tapped and blurred at the window screen. 飞蛾在窗帘上跳来跳去,弄上了许多污点。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
24 bower xRZyU     
n.凉亭,树荫下凉快之处;闺房;v.荫蔽
参考例句:
  • They sat under the leafy bower at the end of the garden and watched the sun set.他们坐在花园尽头由叶子搭成的凉棚下观看落日。
  • Mrs. Quilp was pining in her bower.奎尔普太太正在她的闺房里度着愁苦的岁月。
25 elegance QjPzj     
n.优雅;优美,雅致;精致,巧妙
参考例句:
  • The furnishings in the room imparted an air of elegance.这个房间的家具带给这房间一种优雅的气氛。
  • John has been known for his sartorial elegance.约翰因为衣着讲究而出名。
26 judicious V3LxE     
adj.明智的,明断的,能作出明智决定的
参考例句:
  • We should listen to the judicious opinion of that old man.我们应该听取那位老人明智的意见。
  • A judicious parent encourages his children to make their own decisions.贤明的父亲鼓励儿女自作抉择。
27 concealed 0v3zxG     
a.隐藏的,隐蔽的
参考例句:
  • The paintings were concealed beneath a thick layer of plaster. 那些画被隐藏在厚厚的灰泥层下面。
  • I think he had a gun concealed about his person. 我认为他当时身上藏有一支枪。
28 banished b779057f354f1ec8efd5dd1adee731df     
v.放逐,驱逐( banish的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • He was banished to Australia, where he died five years later. 他被流放到澳大利亚,五年后在那里去世。
  • He was banished to an uninhabited island for a year. 他被放逐到一个无人居住的荒岛一年。 来自《简明英汉词典》
29 hearth n5by9     
n.壁炉炉床,壁炉地面
参考例句:
  • She came and sat in a chair before the hearth.她走过来,在炉子前面的椅子上坐下。
  • She comes to the hearth,and switches on the electric light there.她走到壁炉那里,打开电灯。
30 brass DWbzI     
n.黄铜;黄铜器,铜管乐器
参考例句:
  • Many of the workers play in the factory's brass band.许多工人都在工厂铜管乐队中演奏。
  • Brass is formed by the fusion of copper and zinc.黄铜是通过铜和锌的熔合而成的。
31 adorned 1e50de930eb057fcf0ac85ca485114c8     
[计]被修饰的
参考例句:
  • The walls were adorned with paintings. 墙上装饰了绘画。
  • And his coat was adorned with a flamboyant bunch of flowers. 他的外套上面装饰着一束艳丽刺目的鲜花。
32 forth Hzdz2     
adv.向前;向外,往外
参考例句:
  • The wind moved the trees gently back and forth.风吹得树轻轻地来回摇晃。
  • He gave forth a series of works in rapid succession.他很快连续发表了一系列的作品。
33 scent WThzs     
n.气味,香味,香水,线索,嗅觉;v.嗅,发觉
参考例句:
  • The air was filled with the scent of lilac.空气中弥漫着丁香花的芬芳。
  • The flowers give off a heady scent at night.这些花晚上散发出醉人的芳香。
34 grove v5wyy     
n.林子,小树林,园林
参考例句:
  • On top of the hill was a grove of tall trees.山顶上一片高大的树林。
  • The scent of lemons filled the grove.柠檬香味充满了小树林。
35 willows 79355ee67d20ddbc021d3e9cb3acd236     
n.柳树( willow的名词复数 );柳木
参考例句:
  • The willows along the river bank look very beautiful. 河岸边的柳树很美。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • Willows are planted on both sides of the streets. 街道两侧种着柳树。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
36 cherubs 0ae22b0b84ddc11c4efec6a397edaf24     
小天使,胖娃娃( cherub的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • The high stern castle was a riot or carved gods, demons, knights, kings, warriors, mermaids, cherubs. 其尾部高耸的船楼上雕满了神仙、妖魔鬼怪、骑士、国王、勇士、美人鱼、天使。
  • Angels, Cherubs and Seraphs-Dignity, glory and honor. 天使、小天使、六翼天使-尊严、荣耀和名誉。
37 eruption UomxV     
n.火山爆发;(战争等)爆发;(疾病等)发作
参考例句:
  • The temple was destroyed in the violent eruption of 1470 BC.庙宇在公元前1470年猛烈的火山爆发中摧毁了。
  • The eruption of a volcano is spontaneous.火山的爆发是自发的。
38 lurid 9Atxh     
adj.可怕的;血红的;苍白的
参考例句:
  • The paper gave all the lurid details of the murder.这份报纸对这起凶杀案耸人听闻的细节描写得淋漓尽致。
  • The lurid sunset puts a red light on their faces.血红一般的夕阳映红了他们的脸。
39 pranced 7eeb4cd505dcda99671e87a66041b41d     
v.(马)腾跃( prance的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • Their horses pranced and whinnied. 他们的马奔腾着、嘶鸣着。 来自辞典例句
  • The little girl pranced about the room in her new clothes. 小女孩穿着新衣在屋里雀跃。 来自辞典例句
40 dismal wtwxa     
adj.阴沉的,凄凉的,令人忧郁的,差劲的
参考例句:
  • That is a rather dismal melody.那是一支相当忧郁的歌曲。
  • My prospects of returning to a suitable job are dismal.我重新找到一个合适的工作岗位的希望很渺茫。
41 wafting 9056ea794d326978fd72c00a33901c00     
v.吹送,飘送,(使)浮动( waft的现在分词 )
参考例句:
  • But that gentle fragrance was clearly wafting from the window. 但那股淡淡的香气,却分明是从母亲的窗户溢出的。 来自互联网
  • The picture-like XueGuo, wafting dense flavor of Japan, gives us a kind of artistic enjoyment. 画一般的雪国,飘溢着浓郁的日本风情,给人以美的享受。 来自互联网
42 horrified 8rUzZU     
a.(表现出)恐惧的
参考例句:
  • The whole country was horrified by the killings. 全国都对这些凶杀案感到大为震惊。
  • We were horrified at the conditions prevailing in local prisons. 地方监狱的普遍状况让我们震惊。
43 labor P9Tzs     
n.劳动,努力,工作,劳工;分娩;vi.劳动,努力,苦干;vt.详细分析;麻烦
参考例句:
  • We are never late in satisfying him for his labor.我们从不延误付给他劳动报酬。
  • He was completely spent after two weeks of hard labor.艰苦劳动两周后,他已经疲惫不堪了。
44 conflagration CnZyK     
n.建筑物或森林大火
参考例句:
  • A conflagration in 1947 reduced 90 percent of the houses to ashes.1947年的一场大火,使90%的房屋化为灰烬。
  • The light of that conflagration will fade away.这熊熊烈火会渐渐熄灭。
45 missionary ID8xX     
adj.教会的,传教(士)的;n.传教士
参考例句:
  • She taught in a missionary school for a couple of years.她在一所教会学校教了两年书。
  • I hope every member understands the value of missionary work. 我希望教友都了解传教工作的价值。
46 middle-aged UopzSS     
adj.中年的
参考例句:
  • I noticed two middle-aged passengers.我注意到两个中年乘客。
  • The new skin balm was welcome by middle-aged women.这种新护肤香膏受到了中年妇女的欢迎。
47 groans 41bd40c1aa6a00b4445e6420ff52b6ad     
n.呻吟,叹息( groan的名词复数 );呻吟般的声音v.呻吟( groan的第三人称单数 );发牢骚;抱怨;受苦
参考例句:
  • There were loud groans when he started to sing. 他刚开始歌唱时有人发出了很大的嘘声。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • It was a weird old house, full of creaks and groans. 这是所神秘而可怕的旧宅,到处嘎吱嘎吱作响。 来自《简明英汉词典》
48 lament u91zi     
n.悲叹,悔恨,恸哭;v.哀悼,悔恨,悲叹
参考例句:
  • Her face showed lament.她的脸上露出悲伤的样子。
  • We lament the dead.我们哀悼死者。
49 condole Rpxzo     
v.同情;慰问
参考例句:
  • We condole with him on his loss.我们对他的损失深表同情。
  • I condole with you.We have lost a most dear and valuable relation.我向你表示唁慰,我们失去了一位最可爱的、最可贵的亲人。
50 dispel XtQx0     
vt.驱走,驱散,消除
参考例句:
  • I tried in vain to dispel her misgivings.我试图消除她的疑虑,但没有成功。
  • We hope the programme will dispel certain misconceptions about the disease.我们希望这个节目能消除对这种疾病的一些误解。
51 soothed 509169542d21da19b0b0bd232848b963     
v.安慰( soothe的过去式和过去分词 );抚慰;使舒服;减轻痛苦
参考例句:
  • The music soothed her for a while. 音乐让她稍微安静了一会儿。
  • The soft modulation of her voice soothed the infant. 她柔和的声调使婴儿安静了。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
52 sedate dDfzH     
adj.沉着的,镇静的,安静的
参考例句:
  • After the accident,the doctor gave her some pills to sedate her.事故发生后,医生让她服了些药片使她镇静下来。
  • We spent a sedate evening at home.我们在家里过了一个恬静的夜晚。
53 sagest 06ef5211706e3b20491d4ca38fb0280b     
adj.贤明的,貌似聪明的( sage的最高级 )
参考例句:
54 capers 9b20f1771fa4f79c48a1bb65205dba5b     
n.开玩笑( caper的名词复数 );刺山柑v.跳跃,雀跃( caper的第三人称单数 )
参考例句:
  • I like to fly about and cut capers. 我喜欢跳跳蹦蹦闹着玩儿。 来自辞典例句
  • He always leads in pranks and capers. 他老是带头胡闹和开玩笑。 来自辞典例句
55 larder m9tzb     
n.食物贮藏室,食品橱
参考例句:
  • Please put the food into the larder.请将您地食物放进食物柜内。
  • They promised never to raid the larder again.他们答应不再随便开食橱拿东西吃了。
56 fret wftzl     
v.(使)烦恼;(使)焦急;(使)腐蚀,(使)磨损
参考例句:
  • Don't fret.We'll get there on time.别着急,我们能准时到那里。
  • She'll fret herself to death one of these days.她总有一天会愁死的.
57 romp ZCPzo     
n.欢闹;v.嬉闹玩笑
参考例句:
  • The child went for a romp in the forest.那个孩子去森林快活一把。
  • Dogs and little children romped happily in the garden.狗和小孩子们在花园里嬉戏。
58 disorder Et1x4     
n.紊乱,混乱;骚动,骚乱;疾病,失调
参考例句:
  • When returning back,he discovered the room to be in disorder.回家后,他发现屋子里乱七八糟。
  • It contained a vast number of letters in great disorder.里面七零八落地装着许多信件。
59 discomfort cuvxN     
n.不舒服,不安,难过,困难,不方便
参考例句:
  • One has to bear a little discomfort while travelling.旅行中总要忍受一点不便。
  • She turned red with discomfort when the teacher spoke.老师讲话时她不好意思地红着脸。
60 scattered 7jgzKF     
adj.分散的,稀疏的;散步的;疏疏落落的
参考例句:
  • Gathering up his scattered papers,he pushed them into his case.他把散乱的文件收拾起来,塞进文件夹里。
61 magpie oAqxF     
n.喜欢收藏物品的人,喜鹊,饶舌者
参考例句:
  • Now and then a magpie would call.不时有喜鹊的叫声。
  • This young man is really a magpie.这个年轻人真是饶舌。
62 apron Lvzzo     
n.围裙;工作裙
参考例句:
  • We were waited on by a pretty girl in a pink apron.招待我们的是一位穿粉红色围裙的漂亮姑娘。
  • She stitched a pocket on the new apron.她在新围裙上缝上一只口袋。
63 lint 58azy     
n.线头;绷带用麻布,皮棉
参考例句:
  • Flicked the lint off the coat.把大衣上的棉绒弹掉。
  • There are a few problems of air pollution by chemicals,lint,etc.,but these are minor.化学品、棉花等也造成一些空气污染问题,但这是次要的。
64 smears ff795c29bb653b3db2c08e7c1b20f633     
污迹( smear的名词复数 ); 污斑; (显微镜的)涂片; 诽谤
参考例句:
  • His evidence was a blend of smears, half truths and downright lies. 他的证词里掺杂着诽谤、部份的事实和彻头彻尾的谎言。
  • Anything written with a soft pencil smears easily. 用软铅笔写成的东西容易污成一片。
65 spotted 7FEyj     
adj.有斑点的,斑纹的,弄污了的
参考例句:
  • The milkman selected the spotted cows,from among a herd of two hundred.牛奶商从一群200头牛中选出有斑点的牛。
  • Sam's shop stocks short spotted socks.山姆的商店屯积了有斑点的短袜。
66 bereft ndjy9     
adj.被剥夺的
参考例句:
  • The place seemed to be utterly bereft of human life.这个地方似乎根本没有人烟。
  • She was bereft of happiness.她失去了幸福。
67 gaped 11328bb13d82388ec2c0b2bf7af6f272     
v.目瞪口呆地凝视( gape的过去式和过去分词 );张开,张大
参考例句:
  • A huge chasm gaped before them. 他们面前有个巨大的裂痕。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • The front door was missing. A hole gaped in the roof. 前门不翼而飞,屋顶豁开了一个洞。 来自辞典例句
68 retired Njhzyv     
adj.隐退的,退休的,退役的
参考例句:
  • The old man retired to the country for rest.这位老人下乡休息去了。
  • Many retired people take up gardening as a hobby.许多退休的人都以从事园艺为嗜好。
69 sleepers 1d076aa8d5bfd0daecb3ca5f5c17a425     
n.卧铺(通常以复数形式出现);卧车( sleeper的名词复数 );轨枕;睡觉(呈某种状态)的人;小耳环
参考例句:
  • He trod quietly so as not to disturb the sleepers. 他轻移脚步,以免吵醒睡着的人。 来自辞典例句
  • The nurse was out, and we two sleepers were alone. 保姆出去了,只剩下我们两个瞌睡虫。 来自辞典例句
70 laden P2gx5     
adj.装满了的;充满了的;负了重担的;苦恼的
参考例句:
  • He is laden with heavy responsibility.他肩负重任。
  • Dragging the fully laden boat across the sand dunes was no mean feat.将满载货物的船拖过沙丘是一件了不起的事。
71 remains 1kMzTy     
n.剩余物,残留物;遗体,遗迹
参考例句:
  • He ate the remains of food hungrily.他狼吞虎咽地吃剩余的食物。
  • The remains of the meal were fed to the dog.残羹剩饭喂狗了。
72 ornament u4czn     
v.装饰,美化;n.装饰,装饰物
参考例句:
  • The flowers were put on the table for ornament.花放在桌子上做装饰用。
  • She wears a crystal ornament on her chest.她的前胸戴了一个水晶饰品。
73 countenance iztxc     
n.脸色,面容;面部表情;vt.支持,赞同
参考例句:
  • At the sight of this photograph he changed his countenance.他一看见这张照片脸色就变了。
  • I made a fierce countenance as if I would eat him alive.我脸色恶狠狠地,仿佛要把他活生生地吞下去。
74 cranberry TvOz5U     
n.梅果
参考例句:
  • Turkey reminds me of cranberry sauce.火鸡让我想起梅果酱。
  • Actually I prefer canned cranberry sauce.事实上我更喜欢罐装的梅果酱。
75 gravy Przzt1     
n.肉汁;轻易得来的钱,外快
参考例句:
  • You have spilled gravy on the tablecloth.你把肉汁泼到台布上了。
  • The meat was swimming in gravy.肉泡在浓汁之中。
76 ruffles 1b1aebf8d10c4fbd1fd40ac2983c3a32     
褶裥花边( ruffle的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • You will need 12 yards of ribbon facing for the ruffles. 你将需要12码丝带为衣服镶边之用。
  • It is impossible to live without some daily ruffles to our composure. 我们日常的平静生活免不了会遇到一些波折。
77 muddle d6ezF     
n.困惑,混浊状态;vt.使混乱,使糊涂,使惊呆;vi.胡乱应付,混乱
参考例句:
  • Everything in the room was in a muddle.房间里每一件东西都是乱七八糟的。
  • Don't work in a rush and get into a muddle.克服忙乱现象。
78 beguiling xyzzKB     
adj.欺骗的,诱人的v.欺骗( beguile的现在分词 );使陶醉;使高兴;消磨(时间等)
参考例句:
  • Her beauty was beguiling. 她美得迷人。
  • His date was curvaceously beguiling. 他约会是用来欺骗女性的。 来自《简明英汉词典》
79 cargo 6TcyG     
n.(一只船或一架飞机运载的)货物
参考例句:
  • The ship has a cargo of about 200 ton.这条船大约有200吨的货物。
  • A lot of people discharged the cargo from a ship.许多人从船上卸下货物。
80 catching cwVztY     
adj.易传染的,有魅力的,迷人的,接住
参考例句:
  • There are those who think eczema is catching.有人就是认为湿疹会传染。
  • Enthusiasm is very catching.热情非常富有感染力。
81 paternal l33zv     
adj.父亲的,像父亲的,父系的,父方的
参考例句:
  • I was brought up by my paternal aunt.我是姑姑扶养大的。
  • My father wrote me a letter full of his paternal love for me.我父亲给我写了一封充满父爱的信。
82 shrieks e693aa502222a9efbbd76f900b6f5114     
n.尖叫声( shriek的名词复数 )v.尖叫( shriek的第三人称单数 )
参考例句:
  • shrieks of fiendish laughter 恶魔般的尖笑声
  • For years, from newspapers, broadcasts, the stages and at meetings, we had heard nothing but grandiloquent rhetoric delivered with shouts and shrieks that deafened the ears. 多少年来, 报纸上, 广播里, 舞台上, 会场上的声嘶力竭,装腔做态的高调搞得我们震耳欲聋。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
83 prophesying bbadbfaf04e1e9235da3433ed9881b86     
v.预告,预言( prophesy的现在分词 )
参考例句:
  • Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. 凡男人祷告或是讲道(道或作说预言下同)若蒙着头,就是羞辱自己的头。 来自互联网
  • Prophesying was the only human art that couldn't be improved by practice. 预言是唯一的一项无法经由练习而改善的人类技术。 来自互联网
84 coaxed dc0a6eeb597861b0ed72e34e52490cd1     
v.哄,用好话劝说( coax的过去式和过去分词 );巧言骗取;哄劝,劝诱
参考例句:
  • She coaxed the horse into coming a little closer. 她哄着那匹马让它再靠近了一点。
  • I coaxed my sister into taking me to the theatre. 我用好话哄姐姐带我去看戏。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
85 longing 98bzd     
n.(for)渴望
参考例句:
  • Hearing the tune again sent waves of longing through her.再次听到那首曲子使她胸中充满了渴望。
  • His heart burned with longing for revenge.他心中燃烧着急欲复仇的怒火。
86 labors 8e0b4ddc7de5679605be19f4398395e1     
v.努力争取(for)( labor的第三人称单数 );苦干;详细分析;(指引擎)缓慢而困难地运转
参考例句:
  • He was tiresome in contending for the value of his own labors. 他老为他自己劳动的价值而争强斗胜,令人生厌。 来自辞典例句
  • Farm labors used to hire themselves out for the summer. 农业劳动者夏季常去当雇工。 来自辞典例句
87 hoarse 5dqzA     
adj.嘶哑的,沙哑的
参考例句:
  • He asked me a question in a hoarse voice.他用嘶哑的声音问了我一个问题。
  • He was too excited and roared himself hoarse.他过于激动,嗓子都喊哑了。
88 humbly humbly     
adv. 恭顺地,谦卑地
参考例句:
  • We humbly beg Your Majesty to show mercy. 我们恳请陛下发发慈悲。
  • "You must be right, Sir,'said John humbly. “你一定是对的,先生,”约翰恭顺地说道。
89 flannel S7dyQ     
n.法兰绒;法兰绒衣服
参考例句:
  • She always wears a grey flannel trousers.她总是穿一条灰色法兰绒长裤。
  • She was looking luscious in a flannel shirt.她穿着法兰绒裙子,看上去楚楚动人。
90 foe ygczK     
n.敌人,仇敌
参考例句:
  • He knew that Karl could be an implacable foe.他明白卡尔可能会成为他的死敌。
  • A friend is a friend;a foe is a foe;one must be clearly distinguished from the other.敌是敌,友是友,必须分清界限。
91 remorseful IBBzo     
adj.悔恨的
参考例句:
  • He represented to the court that the accused was very remorseful.他代被告向法庭陈情说被告十分懊悔。
  • The minister well knew--subtle,but remorseful hypocrite that he was!牧师深知这一切——他是一个多么难以捉摸又懊悔不迭的伪君子啊!
92 conversion UZPyI     
n.转化,转换,转变
参考例句:
  • He underwent quite a conversion.他彻底变了。
  • Waste conversion is a part of the production process.废物处理是生产过程的一个组成部分。


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