We Change With Fortune
BUT a few months have passed since the popularly called gallant2 M'Carstrow led the fair Franconia to the hymeneal altar; and, now that he has taken up his residence in the city, the excitement of the honeymoon4 is waning5, and he has betaken himself to his more congenial associations. The beautiful Franconia for him had but transient charms, which he now views as he would objects necessary to the gratifications of his coarse passions. His feelings have not been softened6 with those finer associations which make man the kind patron of domestic life; nor is his mind capable of appreciating that respect for a wife which makes her an ornament7 of her circle. Saloons, race-courses, and nameless places, have superior attractions for him: home is become but endurable.
In truth, Franconia, compelled to marry in deference8 to fortune, finds she is ensnared into misfortunes. M'Carstrow (Colonel by courtesy) had fifteen hundred dollars, cash down, to pay for Clotilda: this sad grievance9 excites his feelings, inasmuch as it was all owing to his wife's whims10, and the poverty of her relations. The verdict of the jury, recently rendered, was to his mind a strictly11 correct one; but he cannot forget the insane manner in which the responsibility was fastened upon him, and the hard cash-which might have made two handsome stakes on the turf-drawn from his pocket. His wife's poverty-stricken relations he now detests12, and can tolerate them best when farthest away from him. But Franconia does not forget that he is her husband; no, night after night she sits at the window until midnight, waiting his return. Feeble and weary with anxiety, she will despatch13 a negro on a hopeless errand of search; he, true to his charge, returns with the confidential14 intelligence of finding Mas'r in a place less reputable than it is proper to mention. Such is our southern society,--very hospitable15 in language, chivalrous16 in memory,--base in morals! Some- times the gallant colonel deems it necessary to remain until daylight, lest, in returning by night, the pavement may annoy his understanding. Of this, however, he felt the world knew but little. Now and then, merely to keep up the luxury of southern life, the colonel finds it gratifying to his feelings, on returning home at night, to order a bed to be made for him in one of the yard-houses, in such manner as to give the deepest pain to his Franconia. Coarse and dissolute, indifference19 follows, cold and cutting; she finds herself a mere18 instrument of baser purpose in the hands of one she knows only as a ruffian-she loathes20! Thus driven under the burden of trouble, she begins to express her unhappiness, to remonstrate21 against his associations, to plead with him against his course of life. He jeers22 at this, scouts23 such prudery, proclaims it far beneath the dignity of his standing17 as a southern gentleman.
The generous woman could have endured his dissipation-she might have tolerated his licentiousness24, but his arbitrary and very uncalled-for remarks upon the misfortunes of her family are more than she can bear. She has tried to respect him-love him she cannot-and yet her sensitive nature recoils25 at the thought of being attached to one whose feelings and associations are so at variance26 with her own. Her impulsive27 spirit quails28 under the bitterness of her lot; she sees the dreary29 waste of trouble before her only to envy the happiness of those days of rural life spent on the old plantation30. That she should become fretful and unhappy is a natural consequence.
We must invite the reader to go with us to M'Carstrow's residence, an old-fashioned wooden building, three stories high, with large basement windows and doors, on the south side of King Street. It is a wet, gloomy night, in the month of November,--the wind, fierce and chilling, has just set in from the north-east; a drenching31 rain begins to fall, the ships in the harbour ride ill at ease; the sudden gusts33 of wind, sweeping34 through the narrow streets of the city, lighted here and there by the sickly light of an old-fashioned lamp, bespread the scene with drear. At a second-story window, lighted by a taper35 burning on the sill, sits Franconia, alone, waiting the return of M'Carstrow. M'Carstrow is enjoying his night orgies! He cares neither for the pelting36 storm, the anxiety of his wife, nor the sweets of home.
A gust32 of wind shakes the house; the windows rattle37 their stormy music; the cricket answers to the wailings of the gale38 as it gushes39 through the crevices40; Franconia's cares are borne to her husband. Now the wind subsides,--a slow rap is heard at the hall door, in the basement: a female servant, expecting her master, hastens to open it. Her master is not there; the wind has extinguished the flaring41 light; and the storm, sweeping through the sombre arch, spreads noise and confusion. She runs to the kitchen, seizes the globular lamp, and soon returns, frightened at the sight presented in the door. Master is not there-it is the lean figure of a strange old "nigger," whose weather-worn face, snowy with beard and wrinkled with age, is lit up with gladness. He has a warm soul within him,--a soul not unacceptable to heaven! The servant shrinks back,--she is frightened at the strange sight of the strange old man. "Don' be feared, good child; Bob ain't bad nigger," says the figure, in a guttural whisper.
"An't da'h fo'h notin good; who is ye'?" returns the girl, holding the globular lamp before her shining black face. Cautiously she makes a step or two forward, squinting42 at the sombre figure of the old negro, as he stands trembling in the doorway43. "Is my good young Miss wid'n?" he enquires44, in the same whispering voice, holding his cap in his right hand.
"Reckon how ye bes be gwine out a dat afo'h Miss come. Yer miss don' lib in dis ouse." So saying, the girl is about to close the door in the old man's face, for he is ragged45 and dejected, and has the appearance of a "suspicious nigger without a master."
"Don' talk so, good gal1; ye don' know dis old man,--so hungry,--most starved. I lub Miss Franconia. Tell she I'ze here," he says, in a supplicating46 tone, as the girl, regaining48 confidence, scrutinises him from head to foot with the aid of her lamp.
The servant is about to request he will come inside that she may shut out the storm. "Frankone knows old Daddy Bob,--dat she do!" he reiterates49, working his cap in his fingers. The familiar words have caught Franconia's ear; she recognises the sound of the old man's voice; she springs to her feet, as her heart gladdens with joy. She bounds down the stairs, and to the door, grasps the old man's hand, as a fond child warmly grasps the hand of a parent, and welcomes him with the tenderness of a sister. "Poor-my poor old Daddy!" she says, looking in his face so sweetly, so earnestly, "where have you come from? who bought you? how did you escape?" she asks, in rapid succession. Holding his hand, she leads him along the passage, as he tells her. "Ah, missus, I sees hard times since old mas'r lef' de plantation. Him an't how he was ven you dah." He views her, curiously50, from head to foot; kisses her hand; laughs with joy, as he was wont51 to laugh on the old plantation.
"Faithful as ever, Daddy? You found me out, and came to see me, didn't you?" says Franconia, so kindly52, leading him into a small room on the left hand of the hall, where, after ordering some supper for him, she begs he will tell her all about his wayfaring53. It is some minutes before Bob can get an opportunity to tell Franconia that he is a fugitive54, having escaped the iron grasp of the law to stand true to old mas'r. At length he, in the enthusiastic boundings of his heart, commences his story.
"Nigger true, Miss Franconia"-he mumbles55 out-"on'e gib 'im chance to be. Ye sees, Bob warn't gwine t' lef' old mas'r, nohow; so I gin 'ein da slip when'e come t' takes 'em fo'h sell-"
"Then they didn't sell you, old Dad? That's good! that's good! And Daddy's cold and wet?" she interrupts, anxiously, telling the servant to get some dry clothes for him.
"I is dat, Miss Frankone. Han't ad nofin t' eat dis most two days," he returns, looking at her affectionately, with one of those simple smiles, so true, so expressive56.
A supper is soon ready for Daddy, to which he sits down as if he were about to renew all his former fondness and familiarity. "Seems like old times, don 'un, Miss Frankone? Wish old mas'r war here, too," says the old man, putting the bowl of coffee to his lips, and casting a side-look at the servant.
Franconia sits watching him intently, as if he were a child just rescued from some impending57 danger. "Don't mention my poor uncle, Daddy. He feels as much interest in you as I do; but the world don't look upon him now as it once did-"
"Neber mind: I gwine to work fo' old mas'r. It'll take dis old child to see old mas'r all right," replies the old man, forgetting that he is too old to take care of himself, properly. Bob finishes his supper, rests his elbow on the table and his head in his hand, and commences disclosing his troubles to Franconia. He tells her how he secreted58 himself in the pine-woods,--how he wandered through swamps, waded59 creeks60, slept on trunks of trees, crept stealthily to the old mansion61 at night, listened for mas'r's footsteps, and watched beneath the veranda62; and when he found he was not there, how he turned and left the spot, his poor heart regretting. How his heart beat as he passed the old familiar cabin, retracing63 his steps to seek a shelter in the swamp; how, when he learned her residence, famished64 with hunger, he wended his way into the city to seek her out, knowing she would relieve his wants.
"What vil da do wid me, spose da cotch me, Miss Frankone?" enquires the old man, simply, looking down at his encrusted feet, and again at his nether65 wardrobe, which he feels is not just the thing to appear in before young missus.
"They won't do anything cruel to you, Daddy. You are too old; your grey hairs will protect you. Why, Daddy, you would not fetch a bid if they found out who owned you, and put you up at auction66 to-morrow," she says, with seeming unconsciousness. She little knew how much the old man prided in his value,--how much he esteemed67 the amount of good work he could do for master. He shakes his head, looks doubtingly at her, as if questioning the sincerity68 of her remark.
"Just get Daddy Bob-he mutters-a badge, den3 'e show missus how much work in 'um."
Franconia promises to comply with his request, and, with the aid of a friend, will intercede69 for him, and procure70 for him a badge, that he may display his energies for the benefit of old mas'r. This done, she orders the servant to show him his bed in one of the "yard houses;" bids the old man an affectionate good night, retires to her room, and watches the return of her truant71 swain.
There, seated in an arm-chair, she waits, and waits, and waits, hope and anxiety recording72 time as it passes. The servant has seen Daddy safe in his room, and joins her missus, where, by the force of habit, she coils herself at her feet, and sleeps. She has not long remained in this position when loud singing breaks upon her ear; louder and louder it vibrates through the music of the storm, and approaches. Now she distinctly recognises the sharp voice of M'Carstrow, which is followed by loud rappings at the door of the basement hall. M'Carstrow, impatiently, demands entrance. The half-sleeping servant, startled at the noise, springs to her feet, rubs her eyes, bounds down the stairs, seizes the globular lamp, and proceeds to open the door. Franconia, a candle in her hand, waits at the top of the stairs. She swings back the door, and there, bespattered with mud, face bleeding and distorted, and eyes glassy, stands the chivalrous M'Carstrow. He presents a sorry picture; mutters, or half growls73, some sharp imprecations; makes a grasp at the girl, falls prostrate74 on the floor. Attempting to gain his perpendicular75, he staggers a few yards-the girl screaming with fright-and groans76 as his face again confronts the tiles. To make the matter still worse, three of his boon77 companions follow him, and, almost in succession, pay their penance78 to the floor, in an indescribable catacomb.
"I tell you what, Colonel! if that nigger gal a' yourn don't stand close with her blazer we'll get into an all-fired snarl," says one, endeavouring to extricate79 himself and regain47 his upright. After sundry80 ineffectual attempts, surging round the room in search of his hat, which is being very unceremoniously transformed into a muff beneath their entangled81 extremes, he turns over quietly, saying, "There's something very strange about the floor of this establishment,--it don't seem solid; 'pears how there's ups and downs in it." They wriggle82 and twist in a curious pile; endeavour to bring their knees out of "a fix"--to free themselves from the angles which they are most unmathematically working on the floor. Working and twisting,--now staggering, and again giving utterance83 to the coarsest language,--one of the gentry--they belong to the sporting world-calls loudly for the colonel's little 'oman. Regaining his feet, he makes indelicate advances towards the female servant, who, nearly pale with fright--a negro can look pale--runs to her mistress at the top of the stairs.
He misses the frightened maid, and seats himself on the lowest step of the stairs. Here he delivers a sort of half-musical soliloquy, like the following: "Gentlemen! this kind a' thing only happens at times, and isn't just the square thing when yer straight; but--seein' how southern life will be so--when a body get's crooked84 what's got a wife what don't look to matters and things, and never comes to take care on a body when he's done gone, he better shut up shop. Better be lookin' round to see what he can scare up!"
Franconia holds the flaring light over the stairs: pale and death-like, she trembles with fear, every moment expecting to see them ascend85.
"I see the colonel's 'oman! yander she is; she what was imposed on him to save the poverty of her folks. The M'Carstrows know a thing or two: her folks may crawl under the dignity of the name, but they don't shell under the dignity of the money-they don't!" says a stalwart companion, attempting to gain a position by the side of his fellow on the steps. He gives a leering wink86, contorts his face into a dozen grimaces87, stares vacantly round the hall (sliding himself along on his hands and knees), his glassy eyes inflamed88 like balls of fire. "It'll be all square soon," he growls out.
The poor affrighted servant again attempts-having descended89 the stairs-to relieve her master; but the crawling creature has regained90 his feet. He springs upon her like a fiend, utters a fierce yell, and, snatching the lamp from her hand, dashes it upon the tiles, spreading the fractured pieces about the hall. Wringing91 herself from his grasp, she leaves a portion of her dress in his bony hand, and seeks shelter in a distant part of the hall. Holding up the fragment as a trophy92, he staggers from place to place, making hieroglyphics93 on the wall with his fingers. His misty94 mind searches for some point of egress95. Confronting (rather uncomfortably) hat stands, tables, porcelains96, and other hall appurtenances, he at length shuffles97 his way back to the stairs, where, as if doubting his bleered optics, he stands some moments, swaying to and fro. His hat again falls from his head, and his body, following, lays its lumbering98 length on the stairs. Happy fraternity! how useful is that body! His companion, laying his muddled99 head upon it, says it will serve for a pillow. "E'ke-hum-spose 'tis so? I reckon how I'm some-ec! eke100!-somewhere or nowhere; aint we, Joe? It's a funny house, fellers," he continues to soliloquise, laying his arm affectionately over his companion's neck, and again yielding to the caprice of his nether limbs.
The gentlemen will now enjoy a little refreshing101 sleep; to further which enjoyment102, they very coolly and unceremoniously commence a pot-pourri of discordant103 snoring. This seems of grateful concord104 for their boon companions, who-forming an equanimity105 of good feeling on the floor-join in.
The servant is but a slave, subject to her owner's will; she dare not approach him while in such an uncertain condition. Franconia cannot intercede, lest his companions, strangers to her, and having the appearance of low-bred men, taking advantage of M'Carstrow's besotted condition, make rude advances. M'Carstrow, snoring high above his cares, will take his comfort upon the tiles.
The servant is supplied with another candle, which, at Franconia's bidding, she places in a niche106 of the hall. It will supply light to the grotesque107 sleepers108, whose lamp has gone out.
Franconia has not forgotten that M'Carstrow is her husband; she has not forgotten that she owes him a wife's debt of kindness. She descends109 the stairs gently, leans over his besotted body, smooths his feverish110 brow with her hand, and orders the servant to bring a soft cushion; which done, she raises his head and places it beneath-so gently, so carefully. Her loving heart seems swelling111 with grief, as compassionately112 she gazes upon him; then, drawing a cambric handkerchief from her bosom113, spreads it so kindly over his face. Woman! there is worth in that last little act. She leaves him to enjoy his follies114, but regrets their existence. Retiring to the drawing-room, agitated115 and sleepless116, she reclines on a lounge to await the light of morning. Again the faithful servant, endeavouring to appease117 her mistress's agitation118, crouches119 upon the carpet, resting her head on the ottoman at Franconia's feet.
The morning dawns bright and sunny: Franconia has not slept. She has passed the hours in watchfulness120; has watched the negro sleeping, while her thoughts were rivetted to the scene in the hall. She gets up, paces the room from the couch to the window, and sits down again undecided, unresolved. Taking Diana-such is the servant's name-by the hand, she wakes her, and sends her into the hall to ascertain121 the condition of the sleepers. The metamorphosed group, poisoning the air with their reeking122 breath, are still enjoying the morbid123 fruits of their bacchanalianism. Quietly, coolly, and promiscuously124, they lay as lovingly as fellows of the animal world could desire.
The servant returns, shaking her head. "Missus, da'h lays yander, so in all fixins dat no tellin' which most done gone. Mas'r seems done gone, sartin!" says the servant, her face glowing with apprehension125.
The significant phrase alarms Franconia. She repairs to the hall, and commences restoring the sleepers to consciousness. The gentlemen are doggedly126 obstinate127; they refuse to be disturbed. She recognises the face of one whose business it is to reduce men to the last stage of poverty. Her sensitive nature shudders128 at the sight, as she views him with a curl of contempt on her lip. "Oh, M'Carstrow,--M'Carstrow!" she whispers, and taking him by the hand, shakes it violently. M'Carstrow, with countenance129 ghastly and inflamed, begins to raise his sluggish130 head. He sees Franconia pensively131 gazing in his face; and yet he enquires who it is that disturbs the progress of his comforts. "Only me!" says the good woman, soliciting132 him to leave his companions and accompany her.
Oh, you, is it?" he replies, grumblingly133, rising on his right elbow, and rubbing his eyes with his left hand. Wildly and vacantly he stares round the hall, as if aroused from a trance, and made sensible of his condition.
"Yes, me-simply me, who, lost to your affections, is made most unhappy-" Franconia would proceed, but is interrupted by her muddling134 swain.
"Unhappy! unhappy!" says the man of southern chivalry135, making sundry irresistible136 nods. "Propagator of mischief137, of evil contentions138, of peace annihilators. Ah! ah! ah! Thinking about the lustre139 of them beggared relations. It always takes fools to make a fuss over small things: an angel wouldn't make a discontented woman happy." Franconia breaks out into a paroxysm of grief, so unfeeling is the tone in which he addresses her. He is a southern gentleman,--happily not of New England in his manners, not of New England in his affections, not of New England in his domestic associations. He thinks Franconia very silly, and scouts with derision the idea of marrying a southern gentleman who likes enjoyment, and then making a fuss about it. He thinks she had better shut up her whimpering,--learn to be a good wife upon southern principles.
"Husbands should be husbands, to claim a wife's respect; and they should never forget that kindness makes good wives. Take away the life springs of woman's love, and what is she? What is she with her happiness gone, her pride touched, her prospects140 blasted? What respect or love can she have for the man who degrades her to the level of his own loathsome141 companions?" Franconia points to those who lie upon the floor, repulsive142, and reeking with the fumes143 of dissipation. "There are your companions," she says.
"Companions?" he returns, enquiringly. He looks round upon them with surprise. "Who are those fellows you have got here?" he enquires, angrily.
"You brought them to your own home; that home you might make happy-"
"Not a bit of it! They are some of your d-d disreputable relations."
"My relations never violate the conduct of gentlemen." "No; but they sponge on me. These my companions!" looking at them inquisitively144. "Oh, no! Don't let us talk about such things; I'ze got fifteen hundred dollars and costs to pay for that nigger gal you were fool enough to get into a fit about when we were married. That's what I'ze got for my good-heartedness." M'Carstrow permits his very gentlemanly southern self to get into a rage. He springs to his feet suddenly, crosses and recrosses the hall like one frenzied145 with excitement. Franconia is frightened, runs up the stairs, and into her chamber146, where, secreting147 herself, she fastens the door. He looks wistfully after her, stamping his foot, but he will not follow. Too much of a polished gentleman, he will merely amuse himself by running over the gamut148 of his strongest imprecations. The noise creates general alarm among his companions, who, gaining their uprights, commence remonstrating149 with him on his rude conduct, as if they were much superior beings.
"Now, colonel, major,--or whatever they dubbed150 ye, in the way of a title," says one, putting his hand to his hat with a swaggering bow; "just stop that ar' sort a' nonsense, and pay over this 'ere little affair afore we gets into polite etiquette151 and such things. When, to make the expenses, ye comes into a place like ours, and runs up a credit score,--when ye gets so lofty that ye can't tell fifty from five, we puts a sealer on, so customers don't forget in the morning." The modest gentleman presents to M'Carstrow's astonished eyes a note for twenty-seven hundred dollars, with the genuine signature. M'Carstrow takes it in his hand, stares at it, turns it over and over. The signature is his; but he is undecided about the manner of its getting there, and begins to give expression to some doubt.
The gentleman watches M'Carstrow very cautiously. "Straight! colonel-he says-just turn out the shiners, or, to 'commodate, we'll let ye off with a sprinkling of niggers."
The colonel puts the fore-finger of his left hand to his lips, and, with serious countenance, walks twice or thrice across the hall, as if consulting his dignity: "Shell out the niggers first; we'll take the dignity part a'ter," he concludes.
"I demand to know how you came in my house," interrupts the colonel, impatiently. He finds himself in very bad company; company southern gentlemen never acknowledge by daylight.
"We brought you here! Anything else you'd like to know?" is the cool, sneering152 response. The gentleman will take a pinch of snuff; he draws his fancy box from his pocket, gives the cover a polite rap with his finger, invites the enraged153 M'Carstrow to "take." That gentleman shakes his head,--declines. He is turning the whole affair over in his head, seems taking it into serious consideration. Seriously, he accepted their accommodation, and now finds himself compelled to endure their painful presence.
"I, I, I-m, rather in doubt," stammers154 M'Carstrow, fingering the little obligation again, turning it over and over, rubbing his eyes, applying his glass. He sees nothing in the signature to dispute. "I must stop this kind of fishing," he says; "don't do. It 's just what friend Scranton would call very bad philosophy. Gentlemen, suppose you sit down; we'd better consider this matter a little. Han't got a dime155 in the bank, just now." M'Carstrow is becoming more quiet, takes a philosophical156 view of the matter, affects more suavity157. Calling loudly for the negro servant, that personage presents herself, and is ordered to bring chairs to provide accommodation for the gentlemen, in the hall.
"Might just as well settle the matter in the parlour, colonel; t'wont put you out a mite," the gambler suggests, with a laconic158 air. He will not trouble M'Carstrow by waiting for his reply. No; he leads the way, very coolly, asking no odds159 of etiquette; and, having entered the apartment, invites his comrades to take seats. The dignity and coolness with which the manouvre is executed takes "Boss" M'Carstrow by surprise; makes him feel that he is merely a dependent individual, whose presence there is not much need of. "I tell you what it is, gents, I'ze shaved my accounts at the bank down to the smallest figure, have! but there's an honourable160 consideration about this matter; and, honour's honour, and I want to discharge it somehow--niggers or cash!" The gentlemen's feelings have smoothed down amazingly. M'Carstrow is entirely161 serious, and willing to comply.
The gentlemen have seated themselves in a triangle, with the "done over" colonel in the centre.
"Well, niggers will do just as well, provided they are sound, prime, and put at prices so a feller can turn 'em into tin, quick," says the gentleman, who elects himself spokesman of the party.
"Keeps my property in tall condition, but won't shove it off under market quotations162, no how!" M'Carstrow interrupts, as the spokesman, affecting the nonchalance163 of a newly-elected alderman, places his feet upon the rich upholstery of a sofa close by. He would enjoy the extremes of southern comfort. "Colonel, I wish you had a more convenient place to spit," rejoins the gentleman. He will not trouble the maid, however-he let's fly the noxious164 mixture, promiscuously; it falls from his lips upon the soft hearth-rug. "It will add another flower to the expensive thing," he says, very coolly, elongating165 his figure a little more. He has relieved himself, wondrously166. M'Carstrow calls the servant, points to the additional wreath on the hearth-rug!
"All your nigger property as good-conditioned as that gal?" enquires the gentleman, the others laughing at the nicety of his humour. Rising from his seat very deliberately167, he approaches the servant, lays his hand upon her neck and shoulders.
"Not quite so fast, my friend: d-n it, gentlemen, don't be rude. That's coming the thing a little too familiar. There is a medium: please direct your moist appropriations168 and your improper169 remarks in their proper places." The girl, cringing170 beneath the ruffian's hand, places the necessary receptacle at his feet.
The gentleman is offended,--very much offended. He thinks it beneath the expansion of his mind-to be standing on aristocratic nonsense! "Spit boxes and nigger property ain't the thing to stand on about haristocrats; just put down the dimes171. Three bright niggers 'll do: turn 'em out."
"Three of my best niggers!" ejaculates the Colonel.
"Nothin' shorter, Colonel."
"Remember, gentlemen, the market price of such property. The demand for cotton has made niggers worth their weight in gold, for any purpose. Take the prosperity of our country into consideration, gentlemen; remember the worth of prime men. The tip men of the market are worth 1200 dollars."
"Might as well lay that kind a' financerin aside, Colonel. What's the use of living in a free country, where every man has a right to make a penny when he can, and talk so? Now, 'pears to me t'aint no use a' mincing172 the matter; we might a' leaked ye in for as many thousands as hundreds. Seein' how ye was a good customer, we saved ye on a small shot. Better put the niggers out: ownin' such a lot, ye won't feel it! Give us three prime chaps; none a' yer old sawbones what ye puts up at auction when ther' worked down to nothin'."
M'Carstrow's powers of reasoning are quite limited; and, finding himself in one of those strange situations southern gentlemen so often get into, and which not unfrequently prove as perplexing as the workings of the peculiar173 institution itself, he seeks relief by giving an order for three prime fellows. They will be delivered up, at the plantation, on the following day, when the merchandise will be duly made over, as per invoice174. Everything is according to style and honour; the gentlemen pledge their faith to be gentlemen, to leave no dishonourable loop-hole for creeping out. And now, having settled the little matter, they make M'Carstrow the very best of bows, desire to be remembered to his woman, bid him good morning, and leave. They will claim their property-three prime men-by the justice of a "free-born democracy."
M'Carstrow watches them from the house, moralising over his folly175. They have gone! He turns from the sight, ascends176 the stairs, and repairs to meet his Franconia.
收听单词发音 |
1
gal
|
|
| n.姑娘，少女 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
gallant
|
|
| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
den
|
|
| n.兽穴；秘密地方；安静的小房间，私室 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
honeymoon
|
|
| n.蜜月（假期）；vi.度蜜月 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
waning
|
|
| adj.（月亮）渐亏的，逐渐减弱或变小的n.月亏v.衰落( wane的现在分词 )；（月）亏；变小；变暗淡 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
softened
|
|
| （使）变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
ornament
|
|
| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
deference
|
|
| n.尊重，顺从；敬意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
grievance
|
|
| n.怨愤，气恼，委屈 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
WHIMS
|
|
| 虚妄，禅病 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
strictly
|
|
| adv.严厉地，严格地；严密地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
detests
|
|
| v.憎恶，嫌恶，痛恨( detest的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
despatch
|
|
| n./v.(dispatch)派遣；发送；n.急件；新闻报道 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
confidential
|
|
| adj.秘（机）密的，表示信任的，担任机密工作的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
hospitable
|
|
| adj.好客的；宽容的；有利的，适宜的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
chivalrous
|
|
| adj.武士精神的；对女人彬彬有礼的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
standing
|
|
| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
mere
|
|
| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
indifference
|
|
| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
loathes
|
|
| v.憎恨，厌恶( loathe的第三人称单数 )；极不喜欢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
remonstrate
|
|
| v.抗议，规劝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
jeers
|
|
| n.操纵帆桁下部（使其上下的）索具；嘲讽( jeer的名词复数 )v.嘲笑( jeer的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
scouts
|
|
| 侦察员[机，舰]( scout的名词复数 )； 童子军； 搜索； 童子军成员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
licentiousness
|
|
| n.放肆，无法无天 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
recoils
|
|
| n.（尤指枪炮的）反冲，后坐力( recoil的名词复数 )v.畏缩( recoil的第三人称单数 )；退缩；报应；返回 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
variance
|
|
| n.矛盾，不同 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
impulsive
|
|
| adj.冲动的，刺激的；有推动力的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
quails
|
|
| 鹌鹑( quail的名词复数 )； 鹌鹑肉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
dreary
|
|
| adj.令人沮丧的，沉闷的，单调乏味的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
plantation
|
|
| n.种植园，大农场 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
drenching
|
|
| n.湿透v.使湿透( drench的现在分词 )；在某人（某物）上大量使用（某液体） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
gust
|
|
| n.阵风，突然一阵（雨、烟等），（感情的）迸发 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
gusts
|
|
| 一阵强风( gust的名词复数 )； （怒、笑等的）爆发； （感情的）迸发； 发作 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
sweeping
|
|
| adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
taper
|
|
| n.小蜡烛，尖细，渐弱；adj.尖细的；v.逐渐变小 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
pelting
|
|
| 微不足道的，无价值的，盛怒的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
rattle
|
|
| v.飞奔，碰响；激怒；n.碰撞声；拨浪鼓 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
gale
|
|
| n.大风，强风，一阵闹声（尤指笑声等） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
gushes
|
|
| n.涌出，迸发( gush的名词复数 )v.喷，涌( gush的第三人称单数 )；滔滔不绝地说话 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
crevices
|
|
| n.（尤指岩石的）裂缝，缺口( crevice的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
flaring
|
|
| a.火焰摇曳的，过份艳丽的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
squinting
|
|
| 斜视( squint的现在分词 )； 眯着眼睛； 瞟； 从小孔或缝隙里看 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
doorway
|
|
| n.门口，(喻)入门；门路，途径 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
enquires
|
|
| 打听( enquire的第三人称单数 )； 询问； 问问题； 查问 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
ragged
|
|
| adj.衣衫褴褛的，粗糙的，刺耳的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
supplicating
|
|
| v.祈求，哀求，恳求( supplicate的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
regain
|
|
| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
regaining
|
|
| 复得( regain的现在分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
reiterates
|
|
| 反复地说，重申( reiterate的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
curiously
|
|
| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
wont
|
|
| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
kindly
|
|
| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
wayfaring
|
|
| adj.旅行的n.徒步旅行 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
fugitive
|
|
| adj.逃亡的，易逝的；n.逃犯，逃亡者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
mumbles
|
|
| 含糊的话或声音，咕哝( mumble的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
expressive
|
|
| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
impending
|
|
| a.imminent, about to come or happen | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
secreted
|
|
| v.（尤指动物或植物器官）分泌( secrete的过去式和过去分词 )；隐匿，隐藏 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
waded
|
|
| （从水、泥等）蹚，走过，跋( wade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
creeks
|
|
| n.小湾( creek的名词复数 )；小港；小河；小溪 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
mansion
|
|
| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
veranda
|
|
| n.走廊；阳台 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
retracing
|
|
| v.折回( retrace的现在分词 )；回忆；回顾；追溯 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
famished
|
|
| adj.饥饿的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
nether
|
|
| adj.下部的，下面的；n.阴间；下层社会 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
auction
|
|
| n.拍卖；拍卖会；vt.拍卖 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
esteemed
|
|
| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
sincerity
|
|
| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
intercede
|
|
| vi.仲裁，说情 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
procure
|
|
| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
truant
|
|
| n.懒惰鬼，旷课者；adj.偷懒的，旷课的，游荡的；v.偷懒，旷课 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
recording
|
|
| n.录音，记录 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
growls
|
|
| v.（动物）发狺狺声， （雷）作隆隆声( growl的第三人称单数 )；低声咆哮着说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
prostrate
|
|
| v.拜倒，平卧，衰竭；adj.拜倒的，平卧的，衰竭的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
perpendicular
|
|
| adj.垂直的，直立的；n.垂直线，垂直的位置 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
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： |
|
|
|
|
77
boon
|
|
| n.恩赐，恩物，恩惠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
penance
|
|
| n.（赎罪的）惩罪 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
extricate
|
|
| v.拯救，救出；解脱 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
sundry
|
|
| adj.各式各样的，种种的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
entangled
|
|
| adj.卷入的；陷入的；被缠住的；缠在一起的v.使某人（某物/自己）缠绕，纠缠于（某物中），使某人（自己）陷入（困难或复杂的环境中）( entangle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
wriggle
|
|
| v./n.蠕动，扭动；蜿蜒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
utterance
|
|
| n.用言语表达，话语，言语 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
crooked
|
|
| adj.弯曲的；不诚实的，狡猾的，不正当的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
ascend
|
|
| vi.渐渐上升，升高；vt.攀登，登上 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
wink
|
|
| n.眨眼，使眼色，瞬间；v.眨眼，使眼色，闪烁 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
grimaces
|
|
| n.（表蔑视、厌恶等）面部扭曲，鬼脸( grimace的名词复数 )v.扮鬼相，做鬼脸( grimace的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
inflamed
|
|
| adj.发炎的，红肿的v.（使）变红，发怒，过热( inflame的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
descended
|
|
| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
regained
|
|
| 复得( regain的过去式和过去分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
wringing
|
|
| 淋湿的，湿透的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
trophy
|
|
| n.优胜旗，奖品，奖杯，战胜品，纪念品 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
hieroglyphics
|
|
| n.pl.象形文字 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
misty
|
|
| adj.雾蒙蒙的，有雾的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
egress
|
|
| n.出去；出口 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
porcelains
|
|
| n.瓷，瓷器( porcelain的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
shuffles
|
|
| n.洗（纸牌）( shuffle的名词复数 )；拖着脚步走；粗心地做；摆脱尘世的烦恼v.洗（纸牌）( shuffle的第三人称单数 )；拖着脚步走；粗心地做；摆脱尘世的烦恼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
lumbering
|
|
| n.采伐林木 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
muddled
|
|
| adj.混乱的；糊涂的；头脑昏昏然的v.弄乱，弄糟( muddle的过去式)；使糊涂；对付，混日子 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
eke
|
|
| v.勉强度日，节约使用 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
refreshing
|
|
| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
enjoyment
|
|
| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
discordant
|
|
| adj.不调和的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
concord
|
|
| n.和谐；协调 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
equanimity
|
|
| n.沉着，镇定 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
niche
|
|
| n.壁龛；合适的职务(环境、位置等) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
grotesque
|
|
| adj.怪诞的，丑陋的；n.怪诞的图案，怪人（物） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
sleepers
|
|
| 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： |
|
|
|
|
109
descends
|
|
| v.下来( descend的第三人称单数 )；下去；下降；下斜 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
feverish
|
|
| adj.发烧的，狂热的，兴奋的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
swelling
|
|
| n.肿胀 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
compassionately
|
|
| adv.表示怜悯地，有同情心地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
bosom
|
|
| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
follies
|
|
| 罪恶，时事讽刺剧； 愚蠢，蠢笨，愚蠢的行为、思想或做法( folly的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
agitated
|
|
| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
sleepless
|
|
| adj.不睡眠的，睡不著的，不休息的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
appease
|
|
| v.安抚，缓和，平息，满足 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
agitation
|
|
| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
crouches
|
|
| n.蹲着的姿势( crouch的名词复数 )v.屈膝，蹲伏( crouch的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
watchfulness
|
|
| 警惕，留心； 警觉（性） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
ascertain
|
|
| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
reeking
|
|
| v.发出浓烈的臭气( reek的现在分词 )；散发臭气；发出难闻的气味 (of sth)；明显带有（令人不快或生疑的跡象） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
morbid
|
|
| adj.病的；致病的；病态的；可怕的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
promiscuously
|
|
| adv.杂乱地，混杂地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
apprehension
|
|
| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
doggedly
|
|
| adv.顽强地，固执地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
obstinate
|
|
| adj.顽固的，倔强的，不易屈服的，较难治愈的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
shudders
|
|
| n.颤动，打颤，战栗( shudder的名词复数 )v.战栗( shudder的第三人称单数 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
countenance
|
|
| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
sluggish
|
|
| adj.懒惰的，迟钝的，无精打采的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
pensively
|
|
| adv.沉思地，焦虑地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
132
soliciting
|
|
| v.恳求( solicit的现在分词 )；（指娼妇）拉客；索求；征求 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
133
grumblingly
|
|
| 喃喃报怨着，发牢骚着 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
134
muddling
|
|
| v.弄乱，弄糟( muddle的现在分词 )；使糊涂；对付，混日子 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
135
chivalry
|
|
| n.骑士气概，侠义；（男人）对女人彬彬有礼，献殷勤 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
136
irresistible
|
|
| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
137
mischief
|
|
| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
138
contentions
|
|
| n.竞争( contention的名词复数 )；争夺；争论；论点 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
139
lustre
|
|
| n.光亮，光泽；荣誉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
140
prospects
|
|
| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
141
loathsome
|
|
| adj.讨厌的，令人厌恶的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
142
repulsive
|
|
| adj.排斥的，使人反感的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
143
fumes
|
|
| n.(强烈而刺激的)气味，气体 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
144
inquisitively
|
|
| 过分好奇地； 好问地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
145
frenzied
|
|
| a.激怒的；疯狂的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
146
chamber
|
|
| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
147
secreting
|
|
| v.（尤指动物或植物器官）分泌( secrete的现在分词 )；隐匿，隐藏 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
148
gamut
|
|
| n.全音阶，(一领域的)全部知识 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
149
remonstrating
|
|
| v.抗议( remonstrate的现在分词 )；告诫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
150
dubbed
|
|
| v.给…起绰号( dub的过去式和过去分词 )；把…称为；配音；复制 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
151
etiquette
|
|
| n.礼仪，礼节；规矩 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
152
sneering
|
|
| 嘲笑的，轻蔑的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
153
enraged
|
|
| 使暴怒( enrage的过去式和过去分词 )； 歜； 激愤 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
154
stammers
|
|
| n.口吃，结巴( stammer的名词复数 )v.结巴地说出( stammer的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
155
dime
|
|
| n.（指美国、加拿大的钱币）一角 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
156
philosophical
|
|
| adj.哲学家的，哲学上的，达观的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
157
suavity
|
|
| n.温和；殷勤 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
158
laconic
|
|
| adj.简洁的；精练的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
159
odds
|
|
| n.让步，机率，可能性，比率；胜败优劣之别 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
160
honourable
|
|
| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
161
entirely
|
|
| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
162
quotations
|
|
| n.引用( quotation的名词复数 )；[商业]行情（报告）；（货物或股票的）市价；时价 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
163
nonchalance
|
|
| n.冷淡，漠不关心 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
164
noxious
|
|
| adj.有害的，有毒的；使道德败坏的，讨厌的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
165
elongating
|
|
| v.延长，加长( elongate的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
166
wondrously
|
|
| adv.惊奇地，非常，极其 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
167
deliberately
|
|
| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
168
appropriations
|
|
| n.挪用（appropriation的复数形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
169
improper
|
|
| adj.不适当的，不合适的，不正确的，不合礼仪的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
170
cringing
|
|
| adj.谄媚，奉承 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
171
dimes
|
|
| n.（美国、加拿大的）10分铸币( dime的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
172
mincing
|
|
| adj.矫饰的；v.切碎；切碎 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
173
peculiar
|
|
| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
174
invoice
|
|
| vt.开发票；n.发票，装货清单 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
175
folly
|
|
| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
176
ascends
|
|
| v.上升，攀登( ascend的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |