Elder Pemberton Praiseworthy Changes His Business
LET us beg the reader's indulgence for a few moments, while we say that Mr. Scranton belonged to that large class of servile flatterers who too often come from the New England States-men, who, having no direct interest in slaves, make no scruple1 of sacrificing their independence that they may appear true to the south and slavery. Such men not unfrequently do the political vampirism of the south without receiving its thanks, but look for the respect of political factions2 for being loudest supporters of inconsistency. They never receive the thanks of the southerner; frequently and deservedly do they sink into contempt!
A few days after the visit to the plantation3 we have described in the foregoing chapter, Elder Pemberton Praiseworthy, divested4 of his pastoral occupation, and seriously anxious to keep up his friendly associations with those who had taken a part in furthering the cause of humanity, calls on his old acquaintance, Mrs. Rosebrook. He has always found a welcome under her hospitable5 roof,--a good meal, over which he could discourse6 the benefits he bestowed7, through his spiritual mission, upon a fallen race; never leaving without kindly8 asking permission to offer up a prayer, in which he invoked9 the mercy of the Supreme10 Ruler over all things. In this instance he seems somewhat downcast, forlorn; he has changed his business; his brown, lean face, small peering eyes, and low forehead, with bristly black hair standing11 erect12, give his features a careworn13 air. He apologises for the unceremonious call, and says he always forgets etiquette14 in his fervour to do good; to serve his fellow-creatures, to be a Christian15 among the living, and serve the dying and the dead-if such have wants--is his motto. And that his motives17 may not be misconstrued he has come to report the peculiar18 phases of the business he found it actually necessary to turn his hand to. That he will gain a complete mastery over the devil he has not the fraction of a doubt; and as he has always--deeming him less harmless than many citizens of the south--had strong prejudices against that gentleman, he now has strong expectations of carrying his point against him. Elder Praiseworthy once heard a great statesman--who said singular things as well in as out of Congress--say that he did'nt believe the devil was a bad fellow after all; and that with a little more schooling19 he might make a very useful gentleman to prevent duelling--in a word, that there was no knowing how we'd get along at the south without such an all-important personage. He has had several spells of deep thinking on this point, which, though he cannot exactly agree with it, he holds firmly to the belief that, so far as it affects duelling, the devil should be one of the principals, and he, being specially21 ordained22, the great antagonist23 to demolish24 him with his chosen weapon--humanity.
"They tell me you have gone back into the world," says Mrs. Rosebrook, as the waiter hands Elder Pemberton Praiseworthy a chair. "It's only the duty of love, of Christian goodness, he humbly25 replies, and takes his seat as Mrs. Rosebrook says-"pray be seated!"
"I'm somewhat fatigued27; but it's the fatigue26 of loving to do good," he says, rubbing his hands very piously28, and giving a look of great ministerial seriousness at the good lady. We will omit several minor30 portions of the Elder's cautious introduction of his humane31 occupation, commencing where he sets forth32 the kind reasons for such a virtuous33 policy. "You honestly think you are serving the Lord, do you?" enquires34 the lady, as she takes her seat.
The Elder evinces surprise at such a question. Hath he moved among Christians35 so many years, ministering to spiritual wants, and yet the purity of his motives be questioned? "Good madam! we must have faith to believe. All that is meant well should be accepted in the greatness of the intention. You will observe, I am neither a lawyer nor a politician; I would'nt be for the world! We must always be doing something for the good of others; and we must not forget, whilst we are doing it, to serve the Allwise one; and while we are effecting the good of one we are serving the designs of the other." Thus emphatically spoke36 the Elder, fingering a book that lay on the table. "I buy sick people, I save the dying, and I instruct them in the ways of the Lord as soon as they are cured, and-" And here the Elder suddenly stops.
"Add, Mr. Praiseworthy, that when you have cured them, and instructed them in the way of the Lord, you sell them!" interrupts the lady, watching the sudden changes that pass over his craven features.
"I always get them good masters; I never fail in that. Nor do I stand upon the profit-it's the humanity I takes into the balance." He conceives good under the motley garb37 of his new mission.
"Humanity-strange humanity, with self coiled beneath. Why, Mr. Praiseworthy!" the lady starts from her seat, and speaks with emphasis, "do you tell me that you have become a resurrection man, standing at the platform of death, interposing with it for a speculation38?"
"It's no uncommon39 business, Madam; hundreds follow it; some have got rich at it."
"Got rich at it!" Mrs. Rosebrook interrupts, as a sagacious looking cat bounds on the table, much to the discomfiture40 of the Elder, who jumps up in a great fright,--"What irresistible41 natures we have; may heaven save us from the cravings of avarice42!"
The Elder very methodically puts the interrupting cat upon the floor, and resumes his seat. "Why, bless us, good madam, we must have something to keep our consciences clear; there's nothing like living a straightforward43 life."
"What a horrible inconsistency! Buying the sick and the dying. May the dead not come in for a portion of your singular generosity44? If you can speculate in the dying why exclude the dead? the principle would serve the same faith in Christianity. The heart that can purchase the dying must be full of sad coldness, dragging the woes45 and pains of mortality down to a tortuous46 death. Save us from the feelings of speculation,--call them Christian, if you will,--that makes man look upon a dying mortal, valuing but the dollars and cents that are passing away with his life," she interrupts, giving vent20 to her pent-up feelings.
Mr. Praiseworthy suggests that the good lady does not comprehend the virtue47 lying beneath his motives; that it takes a philosophical48 mind to analyse the good that can be done to human nature, especially poor black human nature. And he asserts, with great sincerity49, that saving the lives of those about to die miserable50 deaths is a wonderful thing for the cause of humanity. Buying them saves their hopeless lives; and if that isn't praiseworthy nothing can be, and when the act is good the motive16 should not be questioned.
"Do you save their lives for a Christian purpose, or is it lucre51 you seek, Mr. Praiseworthy?" she enquires, giving the Elder a significant look, and waiting for a reply.
The Elder rises sedately52, and walks across the room, considering his reply. "The question's so kind of round about," he mutters, as she continues:--
"Sick when you purchase, your Christianity consists in the art of healing; but you sell them, and consequently save their lives for a profit. There is no cholera53 in our plantation, thank God! you cannot speculate on our sick. You outshine the London street Jews; they deal in old clothes, you deal in human oddities, tottering54 infirmity, sick negroes." Mrs. Rosebrook suggests that such a business in a great and happy country should be consigned55 to its grave-digger and executioner, or made to pay a killing56 income tax.
The humane Elder views his clothes; they have become somewhat threadbare since he entered upon his new profession. He, as may be supposed, feels the force of the lady's remarks, and yet cannot bring his mind to believe himself actuated by anything but a love to do good. Kindness, he contends, was always the most inherent thing in his nature: it is an insult to insinuate57 anything degrading connected with his calling. And, too, there is another consolation58 which soars above all,--it is legal, and there is a respectability connected with all legal callings.
"To be upright is my motto, madam," the Elder says, drawing his hand modestly over his mouth, and again adjusting the tie of his white neck-cloth. "I'm trying to save them, and a penny with them. You see-the Lord forgive him!-my dear madam, Marston didn't do the clean thing with me; and, the worst of all was, he made a preacher of that nigger of his. The principle is a very bad one for nigger property to contend for; and when their masters permit it, our profession is upset; for, whenever a nigger becomes a preacher, he's sure to be a profitable investment for his owner. There is where it injures us; and we have no redress59, because the nigger preacher is his master's property, and his master can make him preach, or do what he pleases with him," says Mr. Praiseworthy, becoming extremely serious.
"Ah! yes,--self pinches the principles; I see where it is, Elder," says the lady. "But you were indiscreet, given to taking at times; and the boy Harry60, proving himself quite as good at preaching, destroyed your practice. I wish every negro knew as much of the Bible as that boy Harry. There would be no fear of insurrections; it would be the greatest blessing61 that ever befell the South. It would make some of your Christians blush,--perhaps ashamed."
"Ashamed! ashamed! a thing little used the way times are," he mutters, fretting62 his fingers through his bristly hair, until it stands erect like quills63 on a porcupine's back. This done, he measuredly adjusts his glasses on the tip of his nose, giving his tawny64 visage an appearance at once strange and indicative of all the peculiarities65 of his peculiar character. "It wasn't that," he says, "Marston did'nt get dissatisfied with my spiritual conditions; it was the saving made by the negro's preaching. But, to my new business, which so touches your sensitive feelings. If you will honour me, my dear madam, with a visit at my hospital, I am certain your impressions will change, and you will do justice to my motives."
"Indeed!" interrupts the lady, quickly, "nothing would give me more gratification,--I esteem66 any person engaged in a laudable pursuit; but if philanthropy be expressed through the frailties67 of speculation,--especially where it is carried out in the buying and selling of afflicted68 men and women,--I am willing to admit the age of progress to have got ahead of me. However, Elder, I suppose you go upon the principle of what is not lost to sin being gained to the Lord: and if your sick property die pious29, the knowledge of it is a sufficient recompense for the loss." Thus saying, she readily accepted the Elder's kind invitation, and, ordering a basket of prepared nourishment69, which, together with the carriage, was soon ready, she accompanied him to his infirmary. They drove through narrow lanes and streets lined with small dilapidated cottages, and reached a wooden tenement70 near the suburb of the city of C--. It was surrounded by a lattice fence, the approach being through a gate, on which was inscribed71, "Mr. Praiseworthy's Infirmary;" and immediately below this, in small letters, was the significant notice, "Planters having the cholera and other prevailing72 diseases upon their plantations73 will please take notice that I am prepared to pay the highest price for the infirm and other negroes attacked with the disease. Offers will be made for the most doubtful cases!"
"Elder Praiseworthy!" ejaculates the lady, starting back, and stopping to read the strange sign. "'Offers will be made for the most doubtful cases!'" she mutters, turning towards him with a look of melancholy74. "What thoughts, feelings, sentiments! That means, that unto death you have a pecuniary75 interest in their bodies; and, for a price, you will interpose between their owners and death. The mind so grotesque76 as to conceive such a purpose should be restrained, lest it trifle with life unconsciously."
"You see," interrupts Mr. Praiseworthy, looking more serious than ever, "It's the life saved to the nigger; he's grateful for it; and if they ain't pious just then, it gives them time to consider, to prepare themselves. My little per centage is small-it's a mean commission; and if it were not for the satisfaction of knowing how much good I do, it wouldn't begin to pay a professional gentleman." As the Elder concludes his remarks, melancholy sounds are breaking forth in frightful77 discord78. From strange murmurings it rises into loud wailings and implorings. "Take me, good Lord, to a world of peace!" sounds in her ears, as they approach through a garden and enter a door that opens into a long room, a store-house of human infirmity, where moans, cries, and groans79 are made a medium of traffic. The room, about thirty feet long and twenty wide, is rough-boarded, contains three tiers of narrow berths80, one above the other, encircling its walls. Here and there on the floor are cots, which Mr. Praiseworthy informs us are for those whose cases he would not give much for. Black nurses are busily attending the sick property; some are carrying bowls of gruel82, others rubbing limbs and quieting the cries of the frantic83, and again supplying water to quench84 thirst. On a round table that stands in the centre of the room is a large medicine-chest, disclosing papers, pills, powders, phials, and plasters, strewn about in great disorder85. A bedlam86 of ghastly faces presents itself,--dark, haggard, and frantic with the pains of the malady87 preying88 upon the victims. One poor wretch89 springs from his couch, crying, "Oh, death! death! come soon!" and his features glare with terror. Again he utters a wild shriek90, and bounds round the room, looking madly at one and another, as if chased by some furious animal. The figure of a female, whose elongated91 body seems ready to sink under its disease, sits on a little box in the corner, humming a dolorous92 air, and looking with glassy eyes pensively93 around the room at those stretched in their berths. For a few seconds she is quiet; then, contorting her face into a deep scowl94, she gives vent to the most violent bursts of passion,--holds her long black hair above her head, assumes a tragic95 attitude, threatens to distort it from the scalp. "That one's lost her mind-she's fitty; but I think the devil has something to do with her fits. And, though you wouldn't think it, she's just as harmless as can be," Mr. Praiseworthy coolly remarks, looking at Mrs. Rosebrook, hoping she will say something encouraging in reply. The lady only replies by asking him if he purchased her from her owner?
Mr. Praiseworthy responds in the affirmative, adding that she doesn't seem to like it much. He, however, has strong hopes of curing her mind, getting it "in fix" again, and making a good penny on her. "She's a'most white, and, unfortunately, took a liking96 to a young man down town. Marston owned her then, and, being a friend of hers, wouldn't allow it, and it took away her senses; he thought her malady incurable97, and sold her to me for a little or nothing," he continues, with great complacency.
This poor broken flower of misfortune holds down her head as the lady approaches, gives a look of melancholy expressive98 of shame and remorse99. "She's sensitive for a nigger, and the only one that has said anything about being put among men," Mr. Praiseworthy remarks, advancing a few steps, and then going from berth81 to berth, descanting on the prospects100 of his sick, explaining their various diseases, their improvements, and his doubts of the dying. The lady watches all his movements, as if more intently interested in Mr. Praiseworthy's strange character. "And here's one," he says, "I fear I shall lose; and if I do, there's fifty dollars gone, slap!" and he points to an emaciated101 yellow man, whose body is literally102 a crust of sores, and whose painful implorings for water and nourishment are deep and touching103.
"Poor wretch!" Mr. Praiseworthy exclaims, "I wish I'd never bought him-it's pained my feelings so; but I did it to save his life when he was most dead with the rheumatics, and was drawn104 up as crooked105 as branch cord-wood. And then, after I had got the cinques out of him- after nearly getting him straight for a 'prime fellow' (good care did the thing), he took the water on the chest, and is grown out like that." He points coolly to the sufferer's breast, which is fearfully distended107 with disease; saying that, "as if that wasn't enough, he took the lepors, and it's a squeak108 if they don't end him." He pities the "crittur," but has done all he can for him, which he would have done if he hadn't expected a copper109 for selling him when cured. "So you see, madam," he reiterates110, "it isn't all profit. I paid a good price for the poor skeleton, have had all ny trouble, and shall have no gain-except the recompense of feeling. There was a time when I might have shared one hundred and fifty dollars by him, but I felt humane towards him; didn't want him to slide until he was a No. 1." Thus the Elder sets forth his own goodness of heart.
"Pray, what do you pay a head for them, Mr. Praiseworthy?" enquires the lady, smoothing her hand over the feverish111 head of the poor victim, as the carnatic of her cheek changed to pallid112 languor113. Pursuing her object with calmness, she determined114 not to display her emotions until fully106 satisfied how far the Elder would go.
"That, madam, depends on cases; cripples are not worth much. But, now and then, we get a legless fellow what's sound in body, can get round sprightly115, and such like; and, seeing how we can make him answer a sight of purposes, he'll bring something," he sedately replies, with muscles unmoved. "Cases what doctors give up as 'done gone,' we gets for ten and twenty dollars; cases not hanging under other diseases, we give from thirty to fifty-and so on! Remember, however, you must deduct116 thirty per cent. for death. At times, where you would make two or three hundred dollars by curing one, and saving his life, you lose three, sometimes half-a-dozen head." The Elder consoles his feelings with the fact that it is not all profit, looks highly gratified, puts a large cut of tobacco in his mouth, thanks God that the common school-bill didn't pass in the legislature, and that his business is more humane than people generally admit.
"How many have you in all?"
"The number of head, I suppose? Well, there's about thirty sick, and ten well ones what I sent to market last week. Did-n-'t-make-a-good market, though," he drawls out.
"You are alone in the business?"
"Well, no; I've a partner-Jones; there's a good many phases in the business, you see, and one can't get along. Jones was a nigger-broker, and Jones and me went into partnership117 to do the thing smooth up, on joint118 account. I does the curing, and he does the selling, and we both turns a dollar or two-"
"Oh, horrors!" interrupts the lady, looking at Mr. Praiseworthy sarcastically119. "Murder will out, men's sentiments will betray them, selfishness will get above them all; ornament120 them as you will, their ornaments121 will drop,--naked self will uncover herself and be the deceiver."
"Not at all!" the Elder exclaims, in his confidence. "The Lord's will is in everything; without it we could not battle with the devil; we relieve suffering humanity, and the end justifies122 the means."
"You should have left out the means: it is only the end you aim at."
"That's like accusing Deacon Seabury of impious motives, because he shaves notes at an illegal interest. It's worse-because what the law makes legal the church should not make sinful." This is Praiseworthy's philosophy, which he proclaims while forgetting the existence of a law of conscience having higher claims than the technicalities of statutes123. We must look to that to modify our selfishness, to strengthen our love for human laws when founded in justice.
"And who is this poor girl?" enquires Mrs. Rosebrook, stepping softly forward, and taking her by the hand.
"Marston's once; some Indian in her, they say. She's right fair looks when she's herself. Marston's in trouble now, and the cholera has made sad havoc124 of his niggers," Mr. Praiseworthy replies, placing a chair, and motioning his hand for the lady to be seated. The lady seats herself beside the girl,--takes her hand.
"Yes, missus; God bless good missus. Ye don't know me now," mutters the poor girl, raising her wild glassy eyes, as she parts the long black hair from her forehead: "you don't know me; I'm changed so!"
"My child, who has made you this wretch?" says the good lady, pressing her tawny hand.
My child!" she exclaims, with emphasis: "My child Nicholas,--my child! Missus, save Nicholas; he is my child. Oh! do save him!" and, as if terrified, she grasps tighter the lady's hand, while her emotions swell125 into a frantic outburst of grief. "Nicholas, my child!" she shrieks126.
"She will come to, soon: it's only one of her strange fits of aberration127. Sometimes I fling cold water over her; and, if it's very cold, she soon comes to," Mr. Praiseworthy remarks, as he stands unmoved, probably contemplating128 the goodness of a forgiving God. What magic simplicity129 lies concealed130 in his nature; and yet it is his trade, sanctioned by the law of a generous state. Let us bless the land that has given us power to discover the depths to which human nature can reduce itself, and what man can make himself when human flesh and blood become mere131 things of traffic.
"That gal's name is Ellen. I wish I knew all that has turned up at Marston's," remarks the Elder.
"Ellen!" ejaculates the lady, looking at her more intently, placing her left hand under her chin. "Not Ellen Juvarna?"
"Yes, good missus-the lady has distributed her nourishment among the sick-that's my name," she says, raising her eyes with a look of melancholy that tells the tale of her troubles. Again her feelings subside132 into quiet; she seems in meditation133. "I knowed you once, good missus, but you don't know me now, I'm changed so!" she whispers, the good lady holding her hand, as a tear courses down her cheek-"I'm changed so!" she whispers, shaking her head.
收听单词发音 |
1
scruple
|
|
| n./v.顾忌，迟疑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
factions
|
|
| 组织中的小派别，派系( faction的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
plantation
|
|
| n.种植园，大农场 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
divested
|
|
| v.剥夺( divest的过去式和过去分词 )；脱去（衣服）；2。从…取去…；1。（给某人）脱衣服 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
hospitable
|
|
| adj.好客的；宽容的；有利的，适宜的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
discourse
|
|
| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
bestowed
|
|
| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
kindly
|
|
| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
invoked
|
|
| v.援引( invoke的过去式和过去分词 )；行使（权利等）；祈求救助；恳求 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
supreme
|
|
| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
standing
|
|
| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
erect
|
|
| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
careworn
|
|
| adj.疲倦的，饱经忧患的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
etiquette
|
|
| n.礼仪，礼节；规矩 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
Christian
|
|
| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
motive
|
|
| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
motives
|
|
| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
peculiar
|
|
| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
schooling
|
|
| n.教育；正规学校教育 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
vent
|
|
| n.通风口，排放口；开衩；vt.表达，发泄 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
specially
|
|
| adv.特定地；特殊地；明确地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
ordained
|
|
| v.任命（某人）为牧师( ordain的过去式和过去分词 )；授予（某人）圣职；（上帝、法律等）命令；判定 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
antagonist
|
|
| n.敌人，对抗者，对手 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
demolish
|
|
| v.拆毁(建筑物等)，推翻(计划、制度等) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
humbly
|
|
| adv. 恭顺地，谦卑地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
fatigue
|
|
| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
fatigued
|
|
| adj. 疲乏的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
piously
|
|
| adv.虔诚地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
pious
|
|
| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
minor
|
|
| adj.较小(少)的，较次要的；n.辅修学科；vi.辅修 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
humane
|
|
| adj.人道的，富有同情心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
forth
|
|
| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
virtuous
|
|
| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
enquires
|
|
| 打听( enquire的第三人称单数 )； 询问； 问问题； 查问 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
Christians
|
|
| n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
spoke
|
|
| 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 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
garb
|
|
| n.服装，装束 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
speculation
|
|
| n.思索，沉思；猜测；投机 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
uncommon
|
|
| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
discomfiture
|
|
| n.崩溃；大败；挫败；困惑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
irresistible
|
|
| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
avarice
|
|
| n.贪婪；贪心 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
straightforward
|
|
| adj.正直的，坦率的；易懂的，简单的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
generosity
|
|
| n.大度，慷慨，慷慨的行为 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
woes
|
|
| 困境( woe的名词复数 )； 悲伤； 我好苦哇； 某人就要倒霉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
tortuous
|
|
| adj.弯弯曲曲的，蜿蜒的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
virtue
|
|
| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
philosophical
|
|
| adj.哲学家的，哲学上的，达观的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
sincerity
|
|
| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
miserable
|
|
| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
lucre
|
|
| n.金钱，财富 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
sedately
|
|
| adv.镇静地，安详地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
cholera
|
|
| n.霍乱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
tottering
|
|
| adj.蹒跚的，动摇的v.走得或动得不稳( totter的现在分词 )；踉跄；蹒跚；摇摇欲坠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
consigned
|
|
| v.把…置于（令人不快的境地）( consign的过去式和过去分词 )；把…托付给；把…托人代售；丟弃 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
killing
|
|
| n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
insinuate
|
|
| vt.含沙射影地说，暗示 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
consolation
|
|
| n.安慰，慰问 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
redress
|
|
| n.赔偿，救济，矫正；v.纠正，匡正，革除 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
harry
|
|
| vt.掠夺，蹂躏，使苦恼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
blessing
|
|
| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
fretting
|
|
| n. 微振磨损 adj. 烦躁的, 焦虑的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
quills
|
|
| n.（刺猬或豪猪的）刺( quill的名词复数 )；羽毛管；翮；纡管 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
tawny
|
|
| adj.茶色的，黄褐色的；n.黄褐色 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
peculiarities
|
|
| n. 特质, 特性, 怪癖, 古怪 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
esteem
|
|
| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
frailties
|
|
| n.脆弱( frailty的名词复数 )；虚弱；（性格或行为上的）弱点；缺点 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
afflicted
|
|
| 使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
nourishment
|
|
| n.食物，营养品；营养情况 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
tenement
|
|
| n.公寓；房屋 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
inscribed
|
|
| v.写，刻( inscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；内接 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
prevailing
|
|
| adj.盛行的；占优势的；主要的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
plantations
|
|
| n.种植园，大农场( plantation的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
melancholy
|
|
| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
pecuniary
|
|
| adj.金钱的；金钱上的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
grotesque
|
|
| adj.怪诞的，丑陋的；n.怪诞的图案，怪人（物） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
frightful
|
|
| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
discord
|
|
| n.不和，意见不合，争论，（音乐）不和谐 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
groans
|
|
| 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： |
|
|
|
|
80
berths
|
|
| n.（船、列车等的）卧铺( berth的名词复数 )；（船舶的）停泊位或锚位；差事；船台vt.v.停泊( berth的第三人称单数 )；占铺位 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
berth
|
|
| n.卧铺，停泊地，锚位；v.使停泊 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
gruel
|
|
| n.稀饭，粥 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
frantic
|
|
| adj.狂乱的，错乱的，激昂的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
quench
|
|
| vt.熄灭，扑灭；压制 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
disorder
|
|
| n.紊乱，混乱；骚动，骚乱；疾病，失调 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
bedlam
|
|
| n.混乱，骚乱；疯人院 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
malady
|
|
| n.病，疾病(通常做比喻) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
preying
|
|
| v.掠食( prey的现在分词 )；掠食；折磨；（人）靠欺诈为生 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
wretch
|
|
| n.可怜的人，不幸的人；卑鄙的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
shriek
|
|
| v./n.尖叫，叫喊 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
elongated
|
|
| v.延长，加长( elongate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
dolorous
|
|
| adj.悲伤的；忧愁的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
pensively
|
|
| adv.沉思地，焦虑地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
scowl
|
|
| vi.(at)生气地皱眉，沉下脸，怒视；n.怒容 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
tragic
|
|
| adj.悲剧的，悲剧性的，悲惨的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
liking
|
|
| n.爱好；嗜好；喜欢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
incurable
|
|
| adj.不能医治的，不能矫正的，无救的；n.不治的病人，无救的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
expressive
|
|
| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
remorse
|
|
| n.痛恨，悔恨，自责 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
prospects
|
|
| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
emaciated
|
|
| adj.衰弱的，消瘦的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
literally
|
|
| adv.照字面意义，逐字地；确实 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
touching
|
|
| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
drawn
|
|
| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
crooked
|
|
| adj.弯曲的；不诚实的，狡猾的，不正当的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
fully
|
|
| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
distended
|
|
| v.（使）膨胀，肿胀( distend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
squeak
|
|
| n.吱吱声，逃脱；v.（发出）吱吱叫，侥幸通过；（俚）告密 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
copper
|
|
| n.铜；铜币；铜器；adj.铜(制)的；(紫)铜色的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
reiterates
|
|
| 反复地说，重申( reiterate的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
feverish
|
|
| adj.发烧的，狂热的，兴奋的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
pallid
|
|
| adj.苍白的，呆板的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
languor
|
|
| n.无精力，倦怠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
determined
|
|
| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
sprightly
|
|
| adj.愉快的，活泼的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
deduct
|
|
| vt.扣除，减去 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
partnership
|
|
| n.合作关系，伙伴关系 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
joint
|
|
| adj.联合的，共同的；n.关节，接合处；v.连接，贴合 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
sarcastically
|
|
| adv.挖苦地，讽刺地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
ornament
|
|
| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
ornaments
|
|
| n.装饰( ornament的名词复数 )；点缀；装饰品；首饰v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
justifies
|
|
| 证明…有理( justify的第三人称单数 )； 为…辩护； 对…作出解释； 为…辩解（或辩护） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
statutes
|
|
| 成文法( statute的名词复数 )； 法令； 法规； 章程 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
havoc
|
|
| n.大破坏，浩劫，大混乱，大杂乱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
swell
|
|
| vi.膨胀，肿胀；增长，增强 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
shrieks
|
|
| 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： |
|
|
|
|
127
aberration
|
|
| n.离开正路，脱离常规，色差 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
contemplating
|
|
| 深思，细想，仔细考虑( contemplate的现在分词 )； 注视，凝视； 考虑接受（发生某事的可能性）； 深思熟虑，沉思，苦思冥想 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
simplicity
|
|
| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
concealed
|
|
| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
mere
|
|
| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
132
subside
|
|
| vi.平静，平息；下沉，塌陷，沉降 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
133
meditation
|
|
| n.熟虑，（尤指宗教的）默想，沉思，（pl.）冥想录 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |