On the other hand, my elation4 was tempered by the fact that another result of my chance meeting with His Excellency in the woods had been a sharp dashing of the hopes which had brought me to Washington. I refer to the matter of General Wilkinson's contemplated5 expedition to the West. Having reasons of my own for not wishing to apply to the Commander-in-Chief for the leadership of the expedition, I had come on to the Federal City in the fond hope of receiving the appointment from the Secretary of War. Fate had given me the opportunity of making my modest request direct to the source of all Federal patronage6, with the results which have been stated.
It was therefore without undue7 elation that, dressed in my small-clothes and new coat, my best shirt-frill, and highest pudding cravat8, I jogged north along the redoubtable9 avenue which, only three days before, had seen me ride south in my buckskins. My horse, feeling his oats after his days in stall, fretted10 at the sober pace I set him. A word or even a touch would have put him into full gallop11, for all the depth of the mire12. Yet, even had I not been in so grave a frame of mind, I had my silk stockings and fine buckled13 shoes to consider.
In due time we came to the grassy14 common about the Presidential mansion15, and entered the iron gate in the high rock wall built by Mr. Jefferson to enclose the noble building. On dismounting, my first surprise of the evening was that I should be ushered16 in by a white attendant. I had expected that Mr. Jefferson would be served by slaves from his great plantation17 at Monticello. Later I learned that he preferred to hire his entire corps18 of servants, some thirty or more, all of whom were white.
Upon giving my name as one of the dinner guests, I was shown into a pleasant, spacious19 room, which, from a remark dropped by the attendant, I understood to be the President's cabinet. My first glance took in a view of walls lined with well-filled bookcases, globes, charts, and maps; my second, a brighter picture of window recesses20 filled with roses and geraniums, in the midst of which was embowered a cage with a mocking-bird; my third glance followed down the long table in the centre of the room to where the tall, slender figure of my illustrious host was rising in courteous21 greeting.
My second surprise of the evening lay in my recognition of the handsome, dashing little man who sat regarding me, alert and keen-eyed, from the far corner of the table. I had seen that sanguine22, high-spirited face before, many a weary mile west of Washington.
The President met my advance with a benignant smile: "You are in very good season, Dr. Robinson. I am pleased that you did not forget my hasty invitation."
"One does not easily forget such an honor from Thomas Jefferson," I responded.
"Tut, tut!" he reproved, and turning to his companion, who rose with graceful23 ease and quickness, said, "Colonel Burr, I wish to introduce Dr. Robinson—Dr. John H. Robinson of New Orleans—"
"Now of St. Louis," I corrected.
"Of St. Louis."
Had I been the President himself, Colonel Burr's bow could not have been more considerate or his smile more winning.
"If I missed the pleasure of an introduction to Dr. Robinson in New Orleans, it was not due to lack of desire on my part," he said. "Governor Claiborne and Mr. Daniel Clark alike spoke24 highly of your merits, sir."
"That Colonel Burr should remember such chance remarks concerning an unknown young doctor is indeed a compliment," I replied. "You were pointed25 out to me, sir, at the dinner given you by Governor Claiborne. An urgent professional call compelled me to leave before I could obtain an introduction. But my misfortune in missing the honor of meeting you, alike in New Orleans and upon your subsequent visit to St. Louis, will now, I trust, be offset26 by the pleasure of your company as a fellow guest."
"I had in mind that you would count yourself among the Western well-wishers of Colonel Burr," remarked Mr. Jefferson, eying me as I thought with a certain sharpness. "My idea for this dinner was a party whose members would share a common interest in Louisiana affairs."
As he finished speaking, the President stepped past me toward the door by which I had entered. Colonel Burr promptly27 took his place, still smiling suavely28, but keen-eyed as a hawk29.
"Sir," he asked, in a low and eager voice, "may I indeed count you among my Western friends?"
It may have been the magnetism30 of the man, or possibly only the suddenness of the question, but I found myself answering without thought, "We are all your well-wishers, sir."
He smiled and gave me a significant glance which I did not half understand and liked still less. The words were on my tongue's tip to correct his evident misconception of my hasty answer, when he, in turn, stepped past me, bowing and smiling. I turned about, and received my third surprise. The President and Mr. Burr were exchanging bows with my Spanish don of the mired31 carriage!
Great as was my astonishment32, I intercepted33 and unconsciously made mental note of the look of understanding which as I turned was passing between the don and Colonel Burr.
The former flashed a glance of inquiry34 from myself to the President, who met it with his ungraceful but ready courtesy—"Don Pedro Vallois, Dr. John H. Robinson."
"And my good friend, señor!" added Mr. Burr, with a warmth of tone that astonished me.
Señor Vallois responded to my bow with one as punctiliously35 polite as it was haughty36. There was no sign of recognition in his cold eyes. The opportunity was too tempting37 to forgo38.
"I trust, señor, that you were not again stalled, and have not been required to inhabit the centre of the avenue these past three days," I remarked.
At this he gazed at me with more interest. No doubt my voice jogged his memory, for in a moment his eye kindled39, and he grasped my hand with the heartiness40 of an Englishman.
"Por Dios! It is our caballero of the mire!"
"The same, señor. It is good fortune which brings us together as guests of His Excellency the President," I replied, thinking to divert the conversation. It was in vain.
"How?—What is this, señor? You know Dr. Robinson?" questioned Colonel Burr, his eyes sparkling not altogether pleasantly, and his lips tightening41 beneath their smile.
Señor Vallois waved his hand for attention and proceeded, with much detail and elaboration, to recount my simple feat42 with the fence rails. In the midst entered the Honorable Henry Dearborn, the Secretary of War, to whom I had been introduced on the day of my arrival by Senator Adair. His curt43 nod of recognition forestalled44 an introduction by Mr. Jefferson, and the señor's account proceeded to the end without interruption.
Mr. Jefferson and Colonel Burr were alike pleased to give the señor close attention. The former was first to make his comment,—"A friendly deed, and one seldom met with nowadays."
"Friendly!" he exclaimed, "friendly! Gallant46 is the word, sir! We read of Raleigh spreading his cloak for a queen. Here is an American gentleman who plunges47 into the mire to pry48 out a lady's coach, an act by far the more gallant!" He faced about to give me a knowing smile. "You saw the lady beckoning49 from the carriage window, and, of course, beauty in distress—"
"Santisima Virgen! My niece beckon50 to a stranger in the highway!" protested Señor Vallois, in a tone that would have compelled a far duller man than Colonel Burr to realize his mistake.
"Your pardon, señor!" he hastened to explain. "A mere51 figure of speech. I infer that the lady looked out, and Dr. Robinson, chancing to see her—"
"No, no, Colonel!" I broke in. "I cannot lay claim to the gallantry with which you would credit me. It was the needless lashing52 of the horses which prompted me to the action."
"The more credit to your kindliness53, sir," remarked Mr. Jefferson, with a heartiness which added to my embarrassment54. The nod of assent55 and warm glance of General Dearborn in part consoled me for the stress of the situation.
Whether the grave look of Señor Vallois indicated approval or disapproval56 of my disclaimer of gallantry I could not tell. But Colonel Burr was open in his protest.
"What! what!" he cried. "Is this the manner of the coming generation? Have romance and gallantry fled with the peruke?"
"Youth will have its day," said General Dearborn, offering him his snuff-box. Mr. Burr took a pinch with the affected59 elegance60 of a beau. The dose was of such strength that the sneeze which followed flapped the Colonel's queue and lifted a cloud of powder from his hair. The President, Señor Vallois, and myself having in turn declined the box, General Dearborn complemented61 the Colonel with a sneeze that stirred his own thin queue and powder.
Mr. Jefferson made some remark commending the growing simplicity62 of fashion with regard to the dressing63 of the hair. He was interrupted by the entrance of a small, stoutish64 gentleman in black broadcloth, who bowed familiarly to the President and General Dearborn, and formally to Colonel Burr. I learned without delay that the newcomer was no less a personage than the Secretary of State, for Mr. Jefferson at once presented to him first the señor and then myself.
The introduction brought me to a full realization65 of the honor which had been conferred upon me. That such notable men as my fellow guests should be dining with the President was a matter of course, but that I should be present as a member of so distinguished66 a party was, I flattered myself, a most signal honor for an unknown young doctor.
The situation was in part explained by the President, who, as Mr. Madison met my bow with a penetrating67 glance of his mild blue eyes, remarked, in his easy, informal manner: "My secretary had a fall while riding to the hounds, and Dr. Robinson has been so good as to take his place with us this evening. Dr. Robinson is conversant68 with matters pertaining69 to Louisiana Territory."
A servant appeared at the door of the drawing-room, and Mr. Jefferson moved forward beside Señor Vallois, with a word of explanation: "We will join the ladies, gentlemen."
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
conceit
|
|
| n.自负，自高自大 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
etiquette
|
|
| n.礼仪，礼节；规矩 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
retirement
|
|
| n.退休，退职 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
elation
|
|
| n.兴高采烈，洋洋得意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
contemplated
|
|
| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
patronage
|
|
| n.赞助，支援，援助；光顾，捧场 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
undue
|
|
| adj.过分的；不适当的；未到期的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
cravat
|
|
| n.领巾，领结；v.使穿有领结的服装，使结领结 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
redoubtable
|
|
| adj.可敬的；可怕的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
fretted
|
|
| 焦躁的，附有弦马的，腐蚀的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
gallop
|
|
| v./n.(马或骑马等)飞奔；飞速发展 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
mire
|
|
| n.泥沼，泥泞；v.使...陷于泥泞，使...陷入困境 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
buckled
|
|
| a. 有带扣的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
grassy
|
|
| adj.盖满草的；长满草的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
mansion
|
|
| n.大厦，大楼；宅第 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
ushered
|
|
| v.引，领，陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
plantation
|
|
| n.种植园，大农场 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
corps
|
|
| n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
spacious
|
|
| adj.广阔的，宽敞的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
recesses
|
|
| n.壁凹( recess的名词复数 )；（工作或业务活动的）中止或暂停期间；学校的课间休息；某物内部的凹形空间v.把某物放在墙壁的凹处( recess的第三人称单数 )；将（墙）做成凹形，在（墙）上做壁龛；休息，休会，休庭 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
courteous
|
|
| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
sanguine
|
|
| adj.充满希望的，乐观的，血红色的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
graceful
|
|
| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
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： |
|
|
|
|
25
pointed
|
|
| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
offset
|
|
| n.分支，补偿；v.抵消，补偿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
promptly
|
|
| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
suavely
|
|
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
hawk
|
|
| n.鹰，骗子；鹰派成员 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
magnetism
|
|
| n.磁性，吸引力，磁学 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
mired
|
|
| abbr.microreciprocal degree 迈尔德（色温单位）v.深陷( mire的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
astonishment
|
|
| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
intercepted
|
|
| 拦截( intercept的过去式和过去分词 )； 截住； 截击； 拦阻 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
inquiry
|
|
| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
punctiliously
|
|
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
haughty
|
|
| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
tempting
|
|
| a.诱人的, 吸引人的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
forgo
|
|
| v.放弃，抛弃 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
kindled
|
|
| （使某物）燃烧，着火( kindle的过去式和过去分词 )； 激起（感情等）； 发亮，放光 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
heartiness
|
|
| 诚实，热心 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
tightening
|
|
| 上紧，固定，紧密 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
feat
|
|
| n.功绩；武艺，技艺；adj.灵巧的，漂亮的，合适的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
curt
|
|
| adj.简短的，草率的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
forestalled
|
|
| v.先发制人，预先阻止( forestall的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
modesty
|
|
| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
gallant
|
|
| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
plunges
|
|
| n.跳进，投入vt.使投入，使插入，使陷入vi.投入，跳进，陷入v.颠簸( plunge的第三人称单数 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
pry
|
|
| vi.窥(刺)探，打听；vt.撬动(开，起) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
beckoning
|
|
| adj.引诱人的，令人心动的v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
beckon
|
|
| v.(以点头或打手势)向...示意，召唤 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
mere
|
|
| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
lashing
|
|
| n.鞭打；痛斥；大量；许多v.鞭打( lash的现在分词 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
kindliness
|
|
| n.厚道，亲切，友好的行为 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
embarrassment
|
|
| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
assent
|
|
| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
disapproval
|
|
| n.反对，不赞成 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
costly
|
|
| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
wig
|
|
| n.假发 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
affected
|
|
| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
elegance
|
|
| n.优雅；优美，雅致；精致，巧妙 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
complemented
|
|
| 有补助物的，有余格的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
simplicity
|
|
| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
dressing
|
|
| n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
stoutish
|
|
| 略胖的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
realization
|
|
| n.实现；认识到，深刻了解 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
distinguished
|
|
| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
penetrating
|
|
| adj.（声音）响亮的，尖锐的adj.（气味）刺激的adj.（思想）敏锐的，有洞察力的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
conversant
|
|
| adj.亲近的，有交情的，熟悉的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
pertaining
|
|
| 与…有关系的，附属…的，为…固有的(to) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |