"There is no battle in prospect," he said; "our country does not want us to fight for it. No foe2 or tyrant7 is questioning or threatening our liberty. There is nothing to be done. We are only taking a walk. Keep your hand on the reins8, captain, and slack the fire of that spirit. It is not wanted, the more's the pity."
"Take your own advice, doctor," was Shirley's response. To Caroline she murmured, "I'll borrow of imagination what reality will not give me. We are not soldiers—bloodshed is not my desire—or if we are, we are soldiers of the Cross. Time has rolled back some hundreds of years, and we are bound on a pilgrimage to Palestine. But no; that is too visionary. I need a sterner dream. We are Lowlanders of Scotland, following a Covenanting10 captain up into the hills to hold a meeting out of the reach of persecuting11 troopers. We know that battle may follow prayer; and as we believe that in the worst issue of battle heaven must be our reward, we are ready and willing to redden the peat-moss with our blood. That music stirs my soul; it wakens all my life; it makes my heart beat—not with its temperate12 daily pulse, but with a new, thrilling vigour13. I almost long for danger—for a faith, a land, or at least a lover to defend."
"Look, Shirley!" interrupted Caroline. "What is that red speck14 above Stilbro' Brow? You have keener sight than I. Just turn your eagle eye to it."
Miss Keeldar looked. "I see," she said; then added265 presently, "there is a line of red. They are soldiers—cavalry soldiers," she subjoined quickly. "They ride fast. There are six of them. They will pass us. No; they have turned off to the right. They saw our procession, and avoid it by making a circuit. Where are they going?"
"Perhaps they are only exercising their horses."
"Perhaps so. We see them no more now."
"We shall pass through Royd Lane, to reach Nunnely Common by a short cut," said he.
And into the straits of Royd Lane they accordingly defiled16. It was very narrow—so narrow that only two could walk abreast17 without falling into the ditch which ran along each side. They had gained the middle of it, when excitement became obvious in the clerical commanders. Boultby's spectacles and Helstone's Rehoboam were agitated18; the curates nudged each other; Mr. Hall turned to the ladies and smiled.
"What is the matter?" was the demand.
He pointed19 with his staff to the end of the lane before them. Lo and behold20! another, an opposition21, procession was there entering, headed also by men in black, and followed also, as they could now hear, by music.
"If you wanted a battle, you are likely to get one—at least of looks," whispered Caroline, laughing.
"They shall not pass us!" cried the curates unanimously; "we'll not give way!"
"Give way!" retorted Helstone sternly, turning round; "who talks of giving way? You, boys, mind what you are about. The ladies, I know, will be firm. I can trust them. There is not a churchwoman here but will stand her ground against these folks, for the honour of the Establishment.—What does Miss Keeldar say?"
"She asks what is it."
"The Dissenting23 and Methodist schools, the Baptists, Independents, and Wesleyans, joined in unholy alliance, and turning purposely into this lane with the intention of obstructing24 our march and driving us back."
"Bad manners!" said Shirley, "and I hate bad manners. Of course, they must have a lesson."
"A lesson in politeness," suggested Mr. Hall, who was ever for peace; "not an example of rudeness."
266Old Helstone moved on. Quickening his step, he marched some yards in advance of his company. He had nearly reached the other sable25 leaders, when he who appeared to act as the hostile commander-in-chief—a large, greasy26 man, with black hair combed flat on his forehead—called a halt. The procession paused. He drew forth27 a hymn28 book, gave out a verse, set a tune5, and they all struck up the most dolorous29 of canticles.
Helstone signed to his bands. They clashed out with all the power of brass30. He desired them to play "Rule, Britannia!" and ordered the children to join in vocally31, which they did with enthusiastic spirit. The enemy was sung and stormed down, his psalm32 quelled33. As far as noise went, he was conquered.
"Now, follow me!" exclaimed Helstone; "not at a run, but at a firm, smart pace. Be steady, every child and woman of you. Keep together. Hold on by each other's skirts, if necessary."
And he strode on with such a determined34 and deliberate gait, and was, besides, so well seconded by his scholars and teachers, who did exactly as he told them, neither running nor faltering35, but marching with cool, solid impetus—the curates, too, being compelled to do the same, as they were between two fires, Helstone and Miss Keeldar, both of whom watched any deviation36 with lynx-eyed vigilance, and were ready, the one with his cane37, the other with her parasol, to rebuke38 the slightest breach39 of orders, the least independent or irregular demonstration—that the body of Dissenters40 were first amazed, then alarmed, then borne down and pressed back, and at last forced to turn tail and leave the outlet42 from Royd Lane free. Boultby suffered in the onslaught, but Helstone and Malone, between them, held him up, and brought him through the business, whole in limb, though sorely tried in wind.
The fat Dissenter41 who had given out the hymn was left sitting in the ditch. He was a spirit merchant by trade, a leader of the Nonconformists, and, it was said, drank more water in that one afternoon than he had swallowed for a twelvemonth before. Mr. Hall had taken care of Caroline, and Caroline of him. He and Miss Ainley made their own quiet comments to each other afterwards on the incident. Miss Keeldar and Mr. Helstone shook hands heartily43 when they had fairly got the whole party through the lane. The curates began to exult44, but Mr. Helstone267 presently put the curb45 on their innocent spirits. He remarked that they never had sense to know what to say, and had better hold their tongues; and he reminded them that the business was none of their managing.
About half-past three the procession turned back, and at four once more regained46 the starting-place. Long lines of benches were arranged in the close-shorn fields round the school. There the children were seated, and huge baskets, covered up with white cloths, and great smoking tin vessels47 were brought out. Ere the distribution of good things commenced, a brief grace was pronounced by Mr. Hall and sung by the children. Their young voices sounded melodious48, even touching49, in the open air. Large currant buns and hot, well-sweetened tea were then administered in the proper spirit of liberality. No stinting50 was permitted on this day, at least; the rule for each child's allowance being that it was to have about twice as much as it could possibly eat, thus leaving a reserve to be carried home for such as age, sickness, or other impediment prevented from coming to the feast. Buns and beer circulated, meantime, amongst the musicians and church-singers; afterwards the benches were removed, and they were left to unbend their spirits in licensed51 play.
A bell summoned the teachers, patrons, and patronesses to the schoolroom. Miss Keeldar, Miss Helstone, and many other ladies were already there, glancing over the arrangement of their separate trays and tables. Most of the female servants of the neighbourhood, together with the clerks', the singers', and the musicians' wives, had been pressed into the service of the day as waiters. Each vied with the other in smartness and daintiness of dress, and many handsome forms were seen amongst the younger ones. About half a score were cutting bread and butter, another half-score supplying hot water, brought from the coppers52 of the rector's kitchen. The profusion53 of flowers and evergreens54 decorating the white walls, the show of silver teapots and bright porcelain55 on the tables, the active figures, blithe56 faces, gay dresses flitting about everywhere, formed altogether a refreshing57 and lively spectacle. Everybody talked, not very loudly, but merrily, and the canary birds sang shrill58 in their high-hung cages.
Caroline, as the rector's niece, took her place at one of the three first tables; Mrs. Boultby and Margaret Hall officiated at the others. At these tables the élite of the268 company were to be entertained, strict rules of equality not being more in fashion at Briarfield than elsewhere. Miss Helstone removed her bonnet59 and scarf, that she might be less oppressed with the heat. Her long curls, falling on her neck, served almost in place of a veil; and for the rest, her muslin dress was fashioned modestly as a nun's robe, enabling her thus to dispense60 with the encumbrance61 of a shawl.
The room was filling. Mr. Hall had taken his post beside Caroline, who now, as she rearranged the cups and spoons before her, whispered to him in a low voice remarks on the events of the day. He looked a little grave about what had taken place in Royd Lane, and she tried to smile him out of his seriousness. Miss Keeldar sat near—for a wonder, neither laughing nor talking; on the contrary, very still, and gazing round her vigilantly62. She seemed afraid lest some intruder should take a seat she apparently64 wished to reserve next her own. Ever and anon she spread her satin dress over an undue65 portion of the bench, or laid her gloves or her embroidered66 handkerchief upon it. Caroline noticed this manège at last, and asked her what friend she expected. Shirley bent towards her, almost touched her ear with her rosy67 lips, and whispered with a musical softness that often characterized her tones when what she said tended even remotely to stir some sweet secret source of feeling in her heart, "I expect Mr. Moore. I saw him last night, and I made him promise to come with his sister, and to sit at our table. He won't fail me, I feel certain; but I apprehend68 his coming too late, and being separated from us. Here is a fresh batch69 arriving; every place will be taken. Provoking!"
In fact, Mr. Wynne the magistrate70, his wife, his son, and his two daughters now entered in high state. They were Briarfield gentry71. Of course their place was at the first table, and being conducted thither72, they filled up the whole remaining space. For Miss Keeldar's comfort, Mr. Sam Wynne inducted himself into the very vacancy73 she had kept for Moore, planting himself solidly on her gown, her gloves, and her handkerchief. Mr. Sam was one of the objects of her aversion, and the more so because he showed serious symptoms of an aim at her hand. The old gentleman, too, had publicly declared that the Fieldhead estate and the De Walden estate were delightfully74 contagious—a malapropism75 which rumour76 had not failed to repeat to Shirley.
269Caroline's ears yet rung with that thrilling whisper, "I expect Mr. Moore," her heart yet beat and her cheek yet glowed with it, when a note from the organ pealed77 above the confused hum of the place. Dr. Boultby, Mr. Helstone, and Mr. Hall rose, so did all present, and grace was sung to the accompaniment of the music; and then tea began. She was kept too busy with her office for a while to have leisure for looking round, but the last cup being filled, she threw a restless glance over the room. There were some ladies and several gentlemen standing78 about yet unaccommodated with seats. Amidst a group she recognized her spinster friend, Miss Mann, whom the fine weather had tempted79, or some urgent friend had persuaded, to leave her drear solitude80 for one hour of social enjoyment81. Miss Mann looked tired of standing; a lady in a yellow bonnet brought her a chair. Caroline knew well that chapeau en satin jaune; she knew the black hair, and the kindly82 though rather opinionated and froward-looking face under it; she knew that robe de soie noire, she knew even that schall gris de lin; she knew, in short, Hortense Moore, and she wanted to jump up and run to her and kiss her—to give her one embrace for her own sake and two for her brother's. She half rose, indeed, with a smothered83 exclamation84, and perhaps—for the impulse was very strong—she would have run across the room and actually saluted85 her; but a hand replaced her in her seat, and a voice behind her whispered, "Wait till after tea, Lina, and then I'll bring her to you."
And when she could look up she did, and there was Robert himself close behind, smiling at her eagerness, looking better than she had ever seen him look—looking, indeed, to her partial eyes, so very handsome that she dared not trust herself to hazard a second glance; for his image struck on her vision with painful brightness, and pictured itself on her memory as vividly86 as if there daguerreotyped by a pencil of keen lightning.
He moved on, and spoke to Miss Keeldar. Shirley, irritated by some unwelcome attentions from Sam Wynne, and by the fact of that gentleman being still seated on her gloves and handkerchief—and probably, also, by Moore's want of punctuality—was by no means in good humour. She first shrugged87 her shoulders at him, and then she said a bitter word or two about his "insupportable tardiness88." Moore neither apologized nor retorted. He stood near her270 quietly, as if waiting to see whether she would recover her temper; which she did in little more than three minutes, indicating the change by offering him her hand. Moore took it with a smile, half-corrective, half-grateful. The slightest possible shake of the head delicately marked the former quality; it is probable a gentle pressure indicated the latter.
"You may sit where you can now, Mr. Moore," said Shirley, also smiling. "You see there is not an inch of room for you here; but I discern plenty of space at Mrs. Boultby's table, between Miss Armitage and Miss Birtwhistle. Go! John Sykes will be your vis-à-vis, and you will sit with your back towards us."
Moore, however, preferred lingering about where he was. He now and then took a turn down the long room, pausing in his walk to interchange greetings with other gentlemen in his own placeless predicament; but still he came back to the magnet, Shirley, bringing with him, each time he returned, observations it was necessary to whisper in her ear.
Meantime poor Sam Wynne looked far from comfortable. His fair neighbour, judging from her movements, appeared in a mood the most unquiet and unaccommodating. She would not sit still two seconds. She was hot; she fanned herself; complained of want of air and space. She remarked that, in her opinion, when people had finished their tea they ought to leave the tables, and announced distinctly that she expected to faint if the present state of things continued. Mr. Sam offered to accompany her into the open air; just the way to give her her death of cold, she alleged89. In short, his post became untenable; and having swallowed his quantum of tea, he judged it expedient90 to evacuate91.
Moore should have been at hand, whereas he was quite at the other extremity92 of the room, deep in conference with Christopher Sykes. A large corn-factor, Timothy Ramsden, Esq., happened to be nearer; and feeling himself tired of standing, he advanced to fill the vacant seat. Shirley's expedients93 did not fail her. A sweep of her scarf upset her teacup: its contents were shared between the bench and her own satin dress. Of course, it became necessary to call a waiter to remedy the mischief94. Mr. Ramsden, a stout95, puffy gentleman, as large in person as he was in property, held aloof96 from the consequent commotion97. Shirley, usually almost culpably98 indifferent to slight accidents affecting dress, etc., now made a commotion that might have become the most delicate and nervous of her271 sex. Mr. Ramsden opened his mouth, withdrew slowly, and, as Miss Keeldar again intimated her intention to "give way" and swoon on the spot, he turned on his heel, and beat a heavy retreat.
Moore at last returned. Calmly surveying the bustle99, and somewhat quizzically scanning Shirley's enigmatical-looking countenance100, he remarked that in truth this was the hottest end of the room, that he found a climate there calculated to agree with none but cool temperaments101 like his own; and putting the waiters, the napkins, the satin robe—the whole turmoil102, in short—to one side, he installed himself where destiny evidently decreed he should sit. Shirley subsided103; her features altered their lines; the raised knit brow and inexplicable104 curve of the mouth became straight again; wilfulness106 and roguery gave place to other expressions; and all the angular movements with which she had vexed107 the soul of Sam Wynne were conjured108 to rest as by a charm. Still no gracious glance was cast on Moore. On the contrary, he was accused of giving her a world of trouble, and roundly charged with being the cause of depriving her of the esteem109 of Mr. Ramsden and the invaluable110 friendship of Mr. Samuel Wynne.
"Wouldn't have offended either gentleman for the world," she averred111. "I have always been accustomed to treat both with the most respectful consideration, and there, owing to you, how they have been used! I shall not be happy till I have made it up. I never am happy till I am friends with my neighbours. So to-morrow I must make a pilgrimage to Royd corn-mill, soothe112 the miller113, and praise the grain; and next day I must call at De Walden—where I hate to go—and carry in my reticule half an oatcake to give to Mr. Sam's favourite pointers."
"You know the surest path to the heart of each swain, I doubt not," said Moore quietly. He looked very content to have at last secured his present place; but he made no fine speech expressive114 of gratification, and offered no apology for the trouble he had given. His phlegm became him wonderfully. It made him look handsomer, he was so composed; it made his vicinage pleasant, it was so peace-restoring. You would not have thought, to look at him, that he was a poor, struggling man seated beside a rich woman; the calm of equality stilled his aspect; perhaps that calm, too, reigned115 in his soul. Now and then, from the way in which he looked down on Miss Keeldar as he addressed272 her, you would have fancied his station towered above hers as much as his stature116 did. Almost stern lights sometimes crossed his brow and gleamed in his eyes. Their conversation had become animated117, though it was confined to a low key; she was urging him with questions—evidently he refused to her curiosity all the gratification it demanded. She sought his eye once with hers. You read, in its soft yet eager expression, that it solicited118 clearer replies. Moore smiled pleasantly, but his lips continued sealed. Then she was piqued119, and turned away; but he recalled her attention in two minutes. He seemed making promises, which he soothed120 her into accepting in lieu of information.
It appeared that the heat of the room did not suit Miss Helstone. She grew paler and paler as the process of tea-making was protracted121. The moment thanks were returned she quitted the table, and hastened to follow her cousin Hortense, who, with Miss Mann, had already sought the open air. Robert Moore had risen when she did—perhaps he meant to speak to her; but there was yet a parting word to exchange with Miss Keeldar, and while it was being uttered Caroline had vanished.
Hortense received her former pupil with a demeanour of more dignity than warmth. She had been seriously offended by Mr. Helstone's proceedings122, and had all along considered Caroline to blame in obeying her uncle too literally123.
"You are a very great stranger," she said austerely125, as her pupil held and pressed her hand. The pupil knew her too well to remonstrate126 or complain of coldness. She let the punctilious127 whim128 pass, sure that her natural bonté (I use this French word because it expresses just what I mean—neither goodness nor good-nature, but something between the two) would presently get the upper hand. It did. Hortense had no sooner examined her face well, and observed the change its somewhat wasted features betrayed, than her mien129 softened130. Kissing her on both cheeks, she asked anxiously after her health. Caroline answered gaily131. It would, however, have been her lot to undergo a long cross-examination, followed by an endless lecture on this head, had not Miss Mann called off the attention of the questioner by requesting to be conducted home. The poor invalid132 was already fatigued133. Her weariness made her cross—too cross almost to speak to Caroline; and besides, that young person's white dress and lively look were displeasing134 in the eyes of Miss Mann. The everyday garb273 of brown stuff or gray gingham, and the everyday air of melancholy135, suited the solitary136 spinster better; she would hardly know her young friend to-night, and quitted her with a cool nod. Hortense having promised to accompany her home, they departed together.
Caroline now looked round for Shirley. She saw the rainbow scarf and purple dress in the centre of a throng137 of ladies, all well known to herself, but all of the order whom she systematically138 avoided whenever avoidance was possible. Shyer at some moments than at others, she felt just now no courage at all to join this company. She could not, however, stand alone where all others went in pairs or parties; so she approached a group of her own scholars, great girls, or rather young women, who were standing watching some hundreds of the younger children playing at blind-man's buff.
Miss Helstone knew these girls liked her, yet she was shy even with them out of school. They were not more in awe139 of her than she of them. She drew near them now, rather to find protection in their company than to patronize them with her presence. By some instinct they knew her weakness, and with natural politeness they respected it. Her knowledge commanded their esteem when she taught them; her gentleness attracted their regard; and because she was what they considered wise and good when on duty, they kindly overlooked her evident timidity when off. They did not take advantage of it. Peasant girls as they were, they had too much of our own English sensibility to be guilty of the coarse error. They stood round her still, civil, friendly, receiving her slight smiles and rather hurried efforts to converse140 with a good feeling and good breeding—the last quality being the result of the first—which soon set her at her ease.
Mr. Sam Wynne coming up with great haste, to insist on the elder girls joining in the game as well as the younger ones, Caroline was again left alone. She was meditating141 a quiet retreat to the house, when Shirley, perceiving from afar her isolation142, hastened to her side.
"Let us go to the top of the fields," she said. "I know you don't like crowds, Caroline."
"But it will be depriving you of a pleasure, Shirley, to take you from all these fine people, who court your society so assiduously, and to whom you can, without art or effort, make yourself so pleasant."
"Not quite without effort; I am already tired of the exertion143. It is but insipid144, barren work, talking and laughing with the good gentlefolks of Briarfield. I have been looking out for your white dress for the last ten minutes. I like to watch those I love in a crowd, and to compare them with others. I have thus compared you. You resemble none of the rest, Lina. There are some prettier faces than yours here. You are not a model beauty like Harriet Sykes, for instance—beside her your person appears almost insignificant—but you look agreeable, you look reflective, you look what I call interesting."
"I don't wonder that your scholars like you."
"Nonsense, Shirley! Talk of something else."
"We will talk of Moore, then, and we will watch him. I see him even now."
"Where?" And as Caroline asked the question she looked not over the fields, but into Miss Keeldar's eyes, as was her wont146 whenever Shirley mentioned any object she descried147 afar. Her friend had quicker vision than herself, and Caroline seemed to think that the secret of her eagle acuteness might be read in her dark gray irides, or rather, perhaps, she only sought guidance by the direction of those discriminating148 and brilliant spheres.
"There is Moore," said Shirley, pointing right across the wide field where a thousand children were playing, and now nearly a thousand adult spectators walking about. "There—can you miss the tall stature and straight port? He looks amidst the set that surround him like Eliab amongst humbler shepherds—like Saul in a war-council; and a war-council it is, if I am not mistaken."
"Why so, Shirley?" asked Caroline, whose eye had at last caught the object it sought. "Robert is just now speaking to my uncle, and they are shaking hands. They are then reconciled."
"Reconciled not without good reason, depend on it—making common cause against some common foe. And why, think you, are Messrs. Wynne and Sykes, and Armitage and Ramsden, gathered in such a close circle round them? And why is Malone beckoned149 to join them? Where he is summoned, be sure a strong arm is needed."
Shirley, as she watched, grew restless; her eyes flashed.
"They won't trust me," she said. "That is always the way when it comes to the point."
"What about?"
"Cannot you feel? There is some mystery afloat; some event is expected; some preparation is to be made, I am certain. I saw it all in Mr. Moore's manner this evening. He was excited, yet hard."
"Hard to you, Shirley?"
"Yes, to me. He often is hard to me. We seldom converse tête-à-tête but I am made to feel that the basis of his character is not of eider down."
"Yet he seemed to talk to you softly."
"Did he not? Very gentle tones and quiet manner. Yet the man is peremptory150 and secret: his secrecy151 vexes152 me."
"Yes, Robert is secret."
"Which he has scarcely a right to be with me, especially as he commenced by giving me his confidence. Having done nothing to forfeit153 that confidence, it ought not to be withdrawn154; but I suppose I am not considered iron-souled enough to be trusted in a crisis."
"He fears, probably, to occasion you uneasiness."
"An unnecessary precaution. I am of elastic155 materials, not soon crushed. He ought to know that. But the man is proud. He has his faults, say what you will, Lina. Observe how engaged that group appear. They do not know we are watching them."
"If we keep on the alert, Shirley, we shall perhaps find the clue to their secret."
"There will be some unusual movements ere long—perhaps to-morrow, possibly to-night. But my eyes and ears are wide open. Mr. Moore, you shall be under surveillance. Be you vigilant63 also, Lina."
"I will. Robert is going; I saw him turn. I believe he noticed us. They are shaking hands."
"Shaking hands, with emphasis," added Shirley, "as if they were ratifying156 some solemn league and covenant9."
They saw Robert quit the group, pass through a gate, and disappear.
"And he has not bid us good-bye," murmured Caroline.
Scarcely had the words escaped her lips when she tried by a smile to deny the confession157 of disappointment they seemed to imply. An unbidden suffusion158 for one moment both softened and brightened her eyes.
"Oh, that is soon remedied!" exclaimed Shirley: "we'll make him bid us good-bye."
"Make him! That is not the same thing," was the answer.
"It shall be the same thing."
"But he is gone; you can't overtake him."
"But, Shirley, I would rather not go."
Caroline said this as Miss Keeldar seized her arm and hurried her down the fields. It was vain to contend. Nothing was so wilful105 as Shirley when she took a whim into her head. Caroline found herself out of sight of the crowd almost before she was aware, and ushered160 into a narrow shady spot, embowered above with hawthorns161, and enamelled under foot with daisies. She took no notice of the evening sun chequering the turf, nor was she sensible of the pure incense162 exhaling163 at this hour from tree and plant; she only heard the wicket opening at one end, and knew Robert was approaching. The long sprays of the hawthorns, shooting out before them, served as a screen. They saw him before he observed them. At a glance Caroline perceived that his social hilarity164 was gone; he had left it behind him in the joy-echoing fields round the school. What remained now was his dark, quiet, business countenance. As Shirley had said, a certain hardness characterized his air, while his eye was excited, but austere124. So much the worse timed was the present freak of Shirley's. If he had looked disposed for holiday mirth, it would not have mattered much; but now——
"I told you not to come," said Caroline, somewhat bitterly, to her friend. She seemed truly perturbed165. To be intruded166 on Robert thus, against her will and his expectation, and when he evidently would rather not be delayed, keenly annoyed her. It did not annoy Miss Keeldar in the least. She stepped forward and faced her tenant167, barring his way. "You omitted to bid us good-bye," she said.
"Omitted to bid you good-bye! Where did you come from? Are you fairies? I left two like you, one in purple and one in white, standing at the top of a bank, four fields off, but a minute ago."
"You left us there and find us here. We have been watching you, and shall watch you still. You must be questioned one day, but not now. At present all you have to do is to say good-night, and then pass."
Moore glanced from one to the other without unbending his aspect. "Days of fête have their privileges, and so have days of hazard," observed he gravely.
"Come, don't moralize. Say good-night, and pass," urged Shirley.
"Must I say good-night to you, Miss Keeldar?"
"Yes, and to Caroline likewise. It is nothing new, I hope. You have bid us both good-night before."
He took her hand, held it in one of his, and covered it with the other. He looked down at her gravely, kindly, yet commandingly. The heiress could not make this man her subject. In his gaze on her bright face there was no servility, hardly homage168; but there were interest and affection, heightened by another feeling. Something in his tone when he spoke, as well as in his words, marked that last sentiment to be gratitude169.
"And you, Mr. Moore—what are you going to do? What have you been saying to Mr. Helstone, with whom I saw you shake hands? Why did all those gentlemen gather round you? Put away reserve for once. Be frank with me."
"Who can resist you? I will be frank. To-morrow, if there is anything to relate, you shall hear it."
"Just now," pleaded Shirley; "don't procrastinate172."
"But I could only tell half a tale. And my time is limited; I have not a moment to spare. Hereafter I will make amends173 for delay by candour."
"But are you going home?"
"Yes."
"Not to leave it any more to-night?"
"Certainly not. At present, farewell to both of you."
He would have taken Caroline's hand and joined it in the same clasp in which he held Shirley's, but somehow it was not ready for him. She had withdrawn a few steps apart. Her answer to Moore's adieu was only a slight bend of the head and a gentle, serious smile. He sought no more cordial token. Again he said "Farewell," and quitted them both.
"There! it is over," said Shirley when he was gone. "We have made him bid us good-night, and yet not lost ground in his esteem, I think, Cary."
"I hope not," was the brief reply.
"I consider you very timid and undemonstrative," remarked Miss Keeldar. "Why did you not give Moore your hand when he offered you his? He is your cousin; you like him. Are you ashamed to let him perceive your affection?"
"He perceives all of it that interests him. No need to make a display of feeling."
"Love a crime! No, Shirley; love is a divine virtue175. But why drag that word into the conversation? It is singularly irrelevant176."
"Good!" pronounced Shirley.
The two girls paced the green lane in silence. Caroline first resumed.
"Obtrusiveness177 is a crime, forwardness is a crime, and both disgust; but love! no purest angel need blush to love. And when I see or hear either man or woman couple shame with love, I know their minds are coarse, their associations debased. Many who think themselves refined ladies and gentlemen, and on whose lips the word 'vulgarity' is for ever hovering178, cannot mention 'love' without betraying their own innate179 and imbecile degradation180. It is a low feeling in their estimation, connected only with low ideas for them."
"You describe three-fourths of the world, Caroline."
"They are cold—they are cowardly—they are stupid on the subject, Shirley! They never loved—they never were loved!"
"Thou art right, Lina. And in their dense181 ignorance they blaspheme living fire, seraph-brought from a divine altar."
"They confound it with sparks mounting from Tophet."
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| n.曲调，曲子( tune的名词复数 )v.调音( tune的第三人称单数 )；调整；（给收音机、电视等）调谐；使协调 | |
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5
tune
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| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
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6
longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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7
tyrant
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| n.暴君，专制的君主，残暴的人 | |
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8
reins
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| 感情，激情； 缰( rein的名词复数 )； 控制手段； 掌管； （成人带着幼儿走路以防其走失时用的）保护带 | |
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9
covenant
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| n.盟约，契约；v.订盟约 | |
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covenanting
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| v.立约，立誓( covenant的现在分词 ) | |
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persecuting
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| （尤指宗教或政治信仰的）迫害(~sb. for sth.)( persecute的现在分词 )； 烦扰，困扰或骚扰某人 | |
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12
temperate
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| adj.温和的，温带的，自我克制的，不过分的 | |
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13
vigour
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| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
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14
speck
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| n.微粒，小污点，小斑点 | |
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15
spoke
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| 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 | |
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16
defiled
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| v.玷污( defile的过去式和过去分词 )；污染；弄脏；纵列行进 | |
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17
abreast
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| adv.并排地；跟上(时代)的步伐，与…并进地 | |
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18
agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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19
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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20
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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21
opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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22
wraith
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| n.幽灵；骨瘦如柴的人 | |
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23
dissenting
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| adj.不同意的 | |
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24
obstructing
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| 阻塞( obstruct的现在分词 )； 堵塞； 阻碍； 阻止 | |
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25
sable
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| n.黑貂；adj.黑色的 | |
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26
greasy
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| adj. 多脂的，油脂的 | |
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27
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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28
hymn
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| n.赞美诗，圣歌，颂歌 | |
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29
dolorous
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| adj.悲伤的；忧愁的 | |
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30
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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31
vocally
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| adv. 用声音, 用口头, 藉著声音 | |
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32
psalm
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| n.赞美诗，圣诗 | |
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33
quelled
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| v.（用武力）制止，结束，镇压( quell的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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34
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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35
faltering
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| 犹豫的，支吾的，蹒跚的 | |
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36
deviation
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| n.背离，偏离；偏差，偏向；离题 | |
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37
cane
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| n.手杖，细长的茎，藤条；v.以杖击，以藤编制的 | |
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38
rebuke
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| v.指责，非难，斥责 [反]praise | |
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39
breach
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| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
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40
dissenters
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| n.持异议者，持不同意见者( dissenter的名词复数 ) | |
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41
dissenter
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| n.反对者 | |
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42
outlet
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| n.出口/路；销路；批发商店；通风口；发泄 | |
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43
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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44
exult
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| v.狂喜，欢腾；欢欣鼓舞 | |
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45
curb
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| n.场外证券市场，场外交易；vt.制止，抑制 | |
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46
regained
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| 复得( regain的过去式和过去分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
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47
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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48
melodious
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| adj.旋律美妙的，调子优美的，音乐性的 | |
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49
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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50
stinting
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| v.限制，节省（stint的现在分词形式） | |
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51
licensed
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| adj.得到许可的v.许可，颁发执照(license的过去式和过去分词) | |
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52
coppers
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| 铜( copper的名词复数 )； 铜币 | |
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53
profusion
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| n.挥霍；丰富 | |
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54
evergreens
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| n.常青树，常绿植物，万年青( evergreen的名词复数 ) | |
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55
porcelain
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| n.瓷；adj.瓷的，瓷制的 | |
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56
blithe
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| adj.快乐的，无忧无虑的 | |
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57
refreshing
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| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
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58
shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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59
bonnet
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| n.无边女帽；童帽 | |
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60
dispense
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| vt.分配，分发；配(药)，发(药)；实施 | |
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61
encumbrance
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| n.妨碍物，累赘 | |
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62
vigilantly
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| adv.警觉地，警惕地 | |
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63
vigilant
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| adj.警觉的，警戒的，警惕的 | |
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64
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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65
undue
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| adj.过分的；不适当的；未到期的 | |
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66
embroidered
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| adj．绣花的 | |
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67
rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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68
apprehend
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| vt.理解，领悟，逮捕，拘捕，忧虑 | |
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69
batch
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| n.一批(组，群)；一批生产量 | |
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70
magistrate
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| n.地方行政官，地方法官，治安官 | |
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71
gentry
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| n.绅士阶级，上层阶级 | |
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72
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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73
vacancy
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| n.（旅馆的）空位，空房，（职务的）空缺 | |
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74
delightfully
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| 大喜，欣然 | |
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75
malapropism
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| n.字的误用 | |
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76
rumour
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| n.谣言，谣传，传闻 | |
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77
pealed
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| v.（使）（钟等）鸣响，（雷等）发出隆隆声( peal的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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78
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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79
tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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80
solitude
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| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
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81
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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82
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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83
smothered
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| （使）窒息， （使）透不过气( smother的过去式和过去分词 )； 覆盖； 忍住； 抑制 | |
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84
exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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85
saluted
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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86
vividly
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| adv.清楚地，鲜明地，生动地 | |
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87
shrugged
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| vt.耸肩（shrug的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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88
tardiness
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| n.缓慢；迟延；拖拉 | |
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89
alleged
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| a.被指控的，嫌疑的 | |
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90
expedient
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| adj.有用的，有利的；n.紧急的办法，权宜之计 | |
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91
evacuate
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| v.遣送；搬空；抽出；排泄；大(小)便 | |
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92
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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93
expedients
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| n.应急有效的，权宜之计的( expedient的名词复数 ) | |
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94
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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96
aloof
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| adj.远离的；冷淡的，漠不关心的 | |
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97
commotion
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| n.骚动，动乱 | |
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98
culpably
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| adv.该罚地，可恶地 | |
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99
bustle
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| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
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100
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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101
temperaments
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| 性格( temperament的名词复数 )； （人或动物的）气质； 易冲动； （性情）暴躁 | |
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102
turmoil
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| n.骚乱，混乱，动乱 | |
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103
subsided
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| 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 | |
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104
inexplicable
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| adj.无法解释的，难理解的 | |
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105
wilful
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| adj.任性的，故意的 | |
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106
wilfulness
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| 任性；倔强 | |
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107
vexed
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| adj.争论不休的；（指问题等）棘手的；争论不休的问题；烦恼的v.使烦恼( vex的过去式和过去分词 )；使苦恼；使生气；详细讨论 | |
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108
conjured
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| 用魔术变出( conjure的过去式和过去分词 )； 祈求，恳求； 变戏法； （变魔术般地） 使…出现 | |
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109
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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110
invaluable
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| adj.无价的，非常宝贵的，极为贵重的 | |
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111
averred
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| v.断言( aver的过去式和过去分词 )；证实；证明…属实；作为事实提出 | |
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112
soothe
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| v.安慰；使平静；使减轻；缓和；奉承 | |
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113
miller
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| n.磨坊主 | |
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114
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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115
reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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116
stature
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| n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材 | |
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117
animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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118
solicited
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| v.恳求( solicit的过去式和过去分词 )；（指娼妇）拉客；索求；征求 | |
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119
piqued
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| v.伤害…的自尊心( pique的过去式和过去分词 )；激起（好奇心） | |
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120
soothed
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| v.安慰( soothe的过去式和过去分词 )；抚慰；使舒服；减轻痛苦 | |
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121
protracted
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| adj.拖延的；延长的v.拖延“protract”的过去式和过去分词 | |
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122
proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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123
literally
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| adv.照字面意义，逐字地；确实 | |
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124
austere
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| adj.艰苦的；朴素的，朴实无华的；严峻的 | |
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125
austerely
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| adv.严格地，朴质地 | |
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126
remonstrate
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| v.抗议，规劝 | |
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127
punctilious
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| adj.谨慎的，谨小慎微的 | |
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128
whim
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| n.一时的兴致，突然的念头；奇想，幻想 | |
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129
mien
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| n.风采；态度 | |
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130
softened
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| （使）变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
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131
gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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132
invalid
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| n.病人，伤残人；adj.有病的，伤残的；无效的 | |
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133
fatigued
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| adj. 疲乏的 | |
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134
displeasing
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| 不愉快的，令人发火的 | |
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135
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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136
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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137
throng
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| n.人群，群众；v.拥挤，群集 | |
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138
systematically
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| adv.有系统地 | |
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139
awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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141
meditating
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| a.沉思的，冥想的 | |
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142
isolation
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| n.隔离，孤立，分解，分离 | |
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143
exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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144
insipid
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| adj.无味的，枯燥乏味的，单调的 | |
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145
hush
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| int.嘘，别出声；n.沉默，静寂；v.使安静 | |
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146
wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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descried
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| adj.被注意到的，被发现的，被看到的 | |
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148
discriminating
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| a.有辨别能力的 | |
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149
beckoned
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| v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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150
peremptory
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| adj.紧急的，专横的，断然的 | |
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151
secrecy
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| n.秘密，保密，隐蔽 | |
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152
vexes
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| v.使烦恼( vex的第三人称单数 )；使苦恼；使生气；详细讨论 | |
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153
forfeit
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| vt.丧失；n.罚金，罚款，没收物 | |
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154
withdrawn
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| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
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155
elastic
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| n.橡皮圈，松紧带；adj.有弹性的；灵活的 | |
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156
ratifying
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| v.批准，签认（合约等）( ratify的现在分词 ) | |
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confession
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| n.自白，供认，承认 | |
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158
suffusion
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| n.充满 | |
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159
intercept
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| vt.拦截，截住，截击 | |
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160
ushered
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| v.引，领，陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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161
hawthorns
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| n.山楂树( hawthorn的名词复数 ) | |
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162
incense
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| v.激怒；n.香，焚香时的烟，香气 | |
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163
exhaling
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| v.呼出，发散出( exhale的现在分词 )；吐出（肺中的空气、烟等），呼气 | |
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164
hilarity
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| n.欢乐；热闹 | |
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165
perturbed
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| adj.烦燥不安的v.使（某人）烦恼，不安( perturb的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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166
intruded
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| n.侵入的，推进的v.侵入，侵扰，打扰( intrude的过去式和过去分词 )；把…强加于 | |
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167
tenant
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| n.承租人；房客；佃户；v.租借，租用 | |
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168
homage
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| n.尊敬，敬意，崇敬 | |
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169
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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170
debtor
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| n.借方，债务人 | |
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171
serenely
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| adv.安详地，宁静地，平静地 | |
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172
procrastinate
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| v.耽搁，拖延 | |
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173
amends
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| n. 赔偿 | |
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174
laconic
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| adj.简洁的；精练的 | |
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175
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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176
irrelevant
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| adj.不恰当的，无关系的，不相干的 | |
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177
obtrusiveness
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178
hovering
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| 鸟( hover的现在分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫 | |
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179
innate
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| adj.天生的，固有的，天赋的 | |
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180
degradation
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| n.降级；低落；退化；陵削；降解；衰变 | |
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181
dense
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| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
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182
joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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