Perfect health was Shirley's enviable portion. Though warm-hearted and sympathetic, she was not nervous; powerful emotions could rouse and sway without exhausting her spirit. The tempest troubled and shook her while it lasted, but it left her elasticity2 unbent, and her freshness quite unblighted. As every day brought her stimulating4 emotion, so every night yielded her recreating rest. Caroline now watched her sleeping, and read the serenity5 of her mind in the beauty of her happy countenance6.
For herself, being of a different temperament7, she could not sleep. The commonplace excitement of the tea-drinking and school-gathering would alone have sufficed to make her restless all night; the effect of the terrible drama which had just been enacted8 before her eyes was not likely to quit her for days. It was vain even to try to retain a recumbent posture9; she sat up by Shirley's side, counting the slow minutes, and watching the June sun mount the heavens.
Life wastes fast in such vigils as Caroline had of late but too often kept—vigils during which the mind, having no pleasant food to nourish it, no manna of hope, no hived-honey of joyous10 memories, tries to live on the meagre diet of wishes, and failing to derive11 thence either delight or support, and feeling itself ready to perish with craving12 want, turns to philosophy, to resolution, to resignation;307 calls on all these gods for aid, calls vainly—is unheard, unhelped, and languishes13.
Caroline was a Christian14; therefore in trouble she framed many a prayer after the Christian creed15, preferred it with deep earnestness, begged for patience, strength, relief. This world, however, we all know, is the scene of trial and probation16; and, for any favourable17 result her petitions had yet wrought18, it seemed to her that they were unheard and unaccepted. She believed, sometimes, that God had turned His face from her. At moments she was a Calvinist, and, sinking into the gulf19 of religious despair, she saw darkening over her the doom20 of reprobation21.
Most people have had a period or periods in their lives when they have felt thus forsaken—when, having long hoped against hope, and still seen the day of fruition deferred22, their hearts have truly sickened within them. This is a terrible hour, but it is often that darkest point which precedes the rise of day—that turn of the year when the icy January wind carries over the waste at once the dirge23 of departing winter and the prophecy of coming spring. The perishing birds, however, cannot thus understand the blast before which they shiver; and as little can the suffering soul recognize, in the climax24 of its affliction, the dawn of its deliverance. Yet, let whoever grieves still cling fast to love and faith in God. God will never deceive, never finally desert him. "Whom He loveth, He chasteneth." These words are true, and should not be forgotten.
The household was astir at last; the servants were up; the shutters25 were opened below. Caroline, as she quitted the couch, which had been but a thorny26 one to her, felt that revival27 of spirits which the return of day, of action, gives to all but the wholly despairing or actually dying. She dressed herself, as usual, carefully, trying so to arrange her hair and attire28 that nothing of the forlornness she felt at heart should be visible externally. She looked as fresh as Shirley when both were dressed, only that Miss Keeldar's eyes were lively, and Miss Helstone's languid.
"To-day I shall have much to say to Moore," were Shirley's first words; and you could see in her face that life was full of interest, expectation, and occupation for her. "He will have to undergo cross-examination," she added. "I dare say he thinks he has outwitted me cleverly. And this is the way men deal with women—still concealing29 danger from them—thinking, I suppose, to spare them pain.308 They imagined we little knew where they were to-night. We know they little conjectured30 where we were. Men, I believe, fancy women's minds something like those of children. Now, that is a mistake."
This was said as she stood at the glass, training her naturally waved hair into curls, by twining it round her fingers. She took up the theme again five minutes after, as Caroline fastened her dress and clasped her girdle.
"If men could see us as we really are, they would be a little amazed; but the cleverest, the acutest men are often under an illusion about women. They do not read them in a true light; they misapprehend them, both for good and evil. Their good woman is a queer thing, half doll, half angel; their bad woman almost always a fiend. Then to hear them fall into ecstasies32 with each other's creations—worshipping the heroine of such a poem, novel, drama—thinking it fine, divine! Fine and divine it may be, but often quite artificial—false as the rose in my best bonnet33 there. If I spoke34 all I think on this point, if I gave my real opinion of some first-rate female characters in first-rate works, where should I be? Dead under a cairn of avenging35 stones in half an hour."
"Shirley, you chatter36 so, I can't fasten you. Be still. And, after all, authors' heroines are almost as good as authoresses' heroes."
"Not at all. Women read men more truly than men read women. I'll prove that in a magazine paper some day when I've time; only it will never be inserted. It will be 'declined with thanks,' and left for me at the publisher's."
"To be sure. You could not write cleverly enough. You don't know enough. You are not learned, Shirley."
"God knows I can't contradict you, Cary; I'm as ignorant as a stone. There's one comfort, however: you are not much better."
"I wonder how Mrs. Pryor and Hortense Moore have passed the night," said Caroline, as she made the coffee. "Selfish being that I am, I never thought of either of them till just now. They will have heard all the tumult38, Fieldhead and the cottage are so near; and Hortense is timid in such matters—so, no doubt, is Mrs. Pryor."
"Take my word for it, Lina, Moore will have contrived39 to get his sister out of the way. She went home with Miss309 Mann. He will have quartered her there for the night. As to Mrs. Pryor, I own I am uneasy about her; but in another half-hour we will be with her."
By this time the news of what had happened at the Hollow was spread all over the neighbourhood. Fanny, who had been to Fieldhead to fetch the milk, returned in panting haste with tidings that there had been a battle in the night at Mr. Moore's mill, and that some said twenty men were killed. Eliza, during Fanny's absence, had been apprised40 by the butcher's boy that the mill was burnt to the ground. Both women rushed into the parlour to announce these terrible facts to the ladies, terminating their clear and accurate narrative41 by the assertion that they were sure master must have been in it all. He and Thomas, the clerk, they were confident, must have gone last night to join Mr. Moore and the soldiers. Mr. Malone, too, had not been heard of at his lodgings42 since yesterday afternoon; and Joe Scott's wife and family were in the greatest distress43, wondering what had become of their head.
Scarcely was this information imparted when a knock at the kitchen door announced the Fieldhead errand-boy, arrived in hot haste, bearing a billet from Mrs. Pryor. It was hurriedly written, and urged Miss Keeldar to return directly, as the neighbourhood and the house seemed likely to be all in confusion, and orders would have to be given which the mistress of the hall alone could regulate. In a postscript44 it was entreated45 that Miss Helstone might not be left alone at the rectory. She had better, it was suggested, accompany Miss Keeldar.
"There are not two opinions on that head," said Shirley, as she tied on her own bonnet, and then ran to fetch Caroline's.
"But what will Fanny and Eliza do? And if my uncle returns?"
"Your uncle will not return yet; he has other fish to fry. He will be galloping46 backwards47 and forwards from Briarfield to Stilbro' all day, rousing the magistrates48 in the court-house and the officers at the barracks; and Fanny and Eliza can have in Joe Scott's and the clerk's wives to bear them company. Besides, of course, there is no real danger to be apprehended49 now. Weeks will elapse before the rioters can again rally, or plan any other attempt; and I am much mistaken if Moore and Mr. Helstone will not take advantage of last night's outbreak to quell50 them altogether. They will frighten the authorities of Stilbro'310 into energetic measures. I only hope they will not be too severe—not pursue the discomfited51 too relentlessly52."
"Robert will not be cruel. We saw that last night," said Caroline.
"But he will be hard," retorted Shirley; "and so will your uncle."
As they hurried along the meadow and plantation53 path to Fieldhead, they saw the distant highway already alive with an unwonted flow of equestrians54 and pedestrians55, tending in the direction of the usually solitary56 Hollow. On reaching the hall, they found the backyard gates open, and the court and kitchen seemed crowded with excited milk-fetchers—men, women, and children—whom Mrs. Gill, the housekeeper57, appeared vainly persuading to take their milk-cans and depart. (It is, or was, by-the-bye, the custom in the north of England for the cottagers on a country squire's estate to receive their supplies of milk and butter from the dairy of the manor58 house, on whose pastures a herd59 of milch kine was usually fed for the convenience of the neighbourhood. Miss Keeldar owned such a herd—all deep-dewlapped, Craven cows, reared on the sweet herbage and clear waters of bonny Airedale; and very proud she was of their sleek60 aspect and high condition.) Seeing now the state of matters, and that it was desirable to effect a clearance61 of the premises62, Shirley stepped in amongst the gossiping groups. She bade them good-morning with a certain frank, tranquil63 ease—the natural characteristic of her manner when she addressed numbers, especially if those numbers belonged to the working-class; she was cooler amongst her equals, and rather proud to those above her. She then asked them if they had all got their milk measured out; and understanding that they had, she further observed that she "wondered what they were waiting for, then."
"We're just talking a bit over this battle there has been at your mill, mistress," replied a man.
"Talking a bit! Just like you!" said Shirley. "It is a queer thing all the world is so fond of talking over events. You talk if anybody dies suddenly; you talk if a fire breaks out; you talk if a mill-owner fails; you talk if he's murdered. What good does your talking do?"
There is nothing the lower orders like better than a little downright good-humoured rating. Flattery they scorn very much; honest abuse they enjoy. They call it speaking plainly, and take a sincere delight in being the objects311 thereof. The homely64 harshness of Miss Keeldar's salutation won her the ear of the whole throng65 in a second.
"We're no war nor some 'at is aboon us, are we?" asked a man, smiling.
"Nor a whit66 better. You that should be models of industry are just as gossip-loving as the idle. Fine, rich people that have nothing to do may be partly excused for trifling67 their time away; you who have to earn your bread with the sweat of your brow are quite inexcusable."
"That's queer, mistress. Suld we never have a holiday because we work hard?"
"Never," was the prompt answer; "unless," added the "mistress," with a smile that half belied68 the severity of her speech—"unless you knew how to make a better use of it than to get together over rum and tea if you are women, or over beer and pipes if you are men, and talk scandal at your neighbours' expense. Come, friends," she added, changing at once from bluntness to courtesy, "oblige me by taking your cans and going home. I expect several persons to call to-day, and it will be inconvenient69 to have the avenues to the house crowded."
Yorkshire people are as yielding to persuasion70 as they are stubborn against compulsion. The yard was clear in five minutes.
"Thank you, and good-bye to you, friends," said Shirley, as she closed the gates on a quiet court.
Now, let me hear the most refined of cockneys presume to find fault with Yorkshire manners. Taken as they ought to be, the majority of the lads and lasses of the West Riding are gentlemen and ladies, every inch of them. It is only against the weak affectation and futile71 pomposity72 of a would-be aristocrat73 they turn mutinous74.
Entering by the back way, the young ladies passed through the kitchen (or house, as the inner kitchen is called) to the hall. Mrs. Pryor came running down the oak staircase to meet them. She was all unnerved; her naturally sanguine75 complexion76 was pale; her usually placid77, though timid, blue eye was wandering, unsettled, alarmed. She did not, however, break out into any exclamations78, or hurried narrative of what had happened. Her predominant feeling had been in the course of the night, and was now this morning, a sense of dissatisfaction with herself that she could not feel firmer, cooler, more equal to the demands of the occasion.
"You are aware," she began with a trembling voice,312 and yet the most conscientious79 anxiety to avoid exaggeration in what she was about to say, "that a body of rioters has attacked Mr. Moore's mill to-night. We heard the firing and confusion very plainly here; we none of us slept. It was a sad night. The house has been in great bustle80 all the morning with people coming and going. The servants have applied81 to me for orders and directions, which I really did not feel warranted in giving. Mr. Moore has, I believe, sent up for refreshments82 for the soldiers and others engaged in the defence, for some conveniences also for the wounded. I could not undertake the responsibility of giving orders or taking measures. I fear delay may have been injurious in some instances; but this is not my house. You were absent, my dear Miss Keeldar. What could I do?"
"Were no refreshments sent?" asked Shirley, while her countenance, hitherto so clear, propitious83, and quiet, even while she was rating the milk-fetchers, suddenly turned dark and warm.
"I think not, my dear."
"I think not. I cannot tell what Mrs. Gill did; but it seemed impossible to me, at the moment, to venture to dispose of your property by sending supplies to soldiers. Provisions for a company of soldiers sounds formidable. How many there are I did not ask; but I could not think of allowing them to pillage85 the house, as it were. I intended to do what was right, yet I did not see the case quite clearly, I own."
"It lies in a nutshell, notwithstanding. These soldiers have risked their lives in defence of my property: I suppose they have a right to my gratitude86. The wounded are our fellow-creatures: I suppose we should aid them.—Mrs. Gill!"
She turned, and called in a voice more clear than soft. It rang through the thick oak of the hall and kitchen doors more effectually than a bell's summons. Mrs. Gill, who was deep in bread-making, came with hands and apron87 in culinary case, not having dared to stop to rub the dough88 from the one or to shake the flour from the other. Her mistress had never called a servant in that voice save once before, and that was when she had seen from the window Tartar in full tug89 with two carriers' dogs, each of them a match for him in size, if not in courage, and their masters standing313 by, encouraging their animals, while hers was unbefriended. Then indeed she had summoned John as if the Day of Judgment90 were at hand. Nor had she waited for the said John's coming, but had walked out into the lane bonnetless, and after informing the carriers that she held them far less of men than the three brutes91 whirling and worrying in the dust before them, had put her hands round the thick neck of the largest of the curs, and given her whole strength to the essay of choking it from Tartar's torn and bleeding eye, just above and below which organ the vengeful fangs92 were inserted. Five or six men were presently on the spot to help her, but she never thanked one of them. "They might have come before if their will had been good," she said. She had not a word for anybody during the rest of the day, but sat near the hall fire till evening watching and tending Tartar, who lay all gory93, stiff, and swelled94 on a mat at her feet. She wept furtively95 over him sometimes, and murmured the softest words of pity and endearment96, in tones whose music the old, scarred, canine97 warrior98 acknowledged by licking her hand or her sandal alternately with his own red wounds. As to John, his lady turned a cold shoulder on him for a week afterwards.
Mrs. Gill, remembering this little episode, came "all of a tremble," as she said herself. In a firm, brief voice Miss Keeldar proceeded to put questions and give orders. That at such a time Fieldhead should have evinced the inhospitality of a miser's hovel stung her haughty99 spirit to the quick; and the revolt of its pride was seen in the heaving of her heart, stirred stormily under the lace and silk which veiled it.
"How long is it since that message came from the mill?"
"Not an hour yet, ma'am," answered the housekeeper soothingly100.
"Not an hour! You might almost as well have said not a day. They will have applied elsewhere by this time. Send a man instantly down to tell them that everything this house contains is at Mr. Moore's, Mr. Helstone's, and the soldiers' service. Do that first."
While the order was being executed, Shirley moved away from her friends, and stood at the hall-window, silent, unapproachable. When Mrs. Gill came back, she turned. The purple flush which painful excitement kindles101 on a pale cheek glowed on hers; the spark which displeasure lights in a dark eye fired her glance.
314"Let the contents of the larder102 and the wine-cellar be brought up, put into the hay-carts, and driven down to the Hollow. If there does not happen to be much bread or much meat in the house, go to the butcher and baker103, and desire them to send what they have. But I will see for myself."
She moved off.
"All will be right soon; she will get over it in an hour," whispered Caroline to Mrs. Pryor. "Go upstairs, dear madam," she added affectionately, "and try to be as calm and easy as you can. The truth is, Shirley will blame herself more than you before the day is over."
By dint104 of a few more gentle assurances and persuasions105, Miss Helstone contrived to soothe106 the agitated107 lady. Having accompanied her to her apartment, and promised to rejoin her there when things were settled, Caroline left her to see, as she said, "if she could be useful." She presently found that she could be very useful; for the retinue108 of servants at Fieldhead was by no means numerous, and just now their mistress found plenty of occupation for all the hands at her command, and for her own also. The delicate good-nature and dexterous109 activity which Caroline brought to the aid of the housekeeper and maids—all somewhat scared by their lady's unwonted mood—did a world of good at once; it helped the assistants and appeased110 the directress. A chance glance and smile from Caroline moved Shirley to an answering smile directly. The former was carrying a heavy basket up the cellar stairs.
"This is a shame!" cried Shirley, running to her. "It will strain your arm."
She took it from her, and herself bore it out into the yard. The cloud of temper was dispelled111 when she came back; the flash in her eye was melted; the shade on her forehead vanished. She resumed her usual cheerful and cordial manner to those about her, tempering her revived spirits with a little of the softness of shame at her previous unjust anger.
She was still superintending the lading of the cart, when a gentleman entered the yard and approached her ere she was aware of his presence.
"I hope I see Miss Keeldar well this morning?" he said, examining with rather significant scrutiny112 her still flushed face.
She gave him a look, and then again bent3 to her employment315 without reply. A pleasant enough smile played on her lips, but she hid it. The gentleman repeated his salutation, stooping, that it might reach her ear with more facility.
"Well enough, if she be good enough," was the answer; "and so is Mr. Moore too, I dare say. To speak truth, I am not anxious about him; some slight mischance would be only his just due. His conduct has been—we will say strange just now, till we have time to characterize it by a more exact epithet113. Meantime, may I ask what brings him here?"
"Mr. Helstone and I have just received your message that everything at Fieldhead was at our service. We judged, by the unlimited114 wording of the gracious intimation, that you would be giving yourself too much trouble. I perceive our conjecture31 was correct. We are not a regiment115, remember—only about half a dozen soldiers and as many civilians116. Allow me to retrench117 something from these too abundant supplies."
Miss Keeldar blushed, while she laughed at her own over-eager generosity118 and most disproportionate calculations. Moore laughed too, very quietly though; and as quietly he ordered basket after basket to be taken from the cart, and remanded vessel119 after vessel to the cellar.
"The rector must hear of this," he said; "he will make a good story of it. What an excellent army contractor120 Miss Keeldar would have been!" Again he laughed, adding, "It is precisely121 as I conjectured."
"You ought to be thankful," said Shirley, "and not mock me. What could I do? How could I gauge122 your appetites or number your band? For aught I knew, there might have been fifty of you at least to victual. You told me nothing; and then an application to provision soldiers naturally suggests large ideas."
"It appears so," remarked Moore, levelling another of his keen, quiet glances at the discomfited Shirley.—"Now," he continued, addressing the carter, "I think you may take what remains123 to the Hollow. Your load will be somewhat lighter124 than the one Miss Keeldar destined125 you to carry."
As the vehicle rumbled126 out of the yard, Shirley, rallying her spirits, demanded what had become of the wounded.
"There was not a single man hurt on our side," was the answer.
316"You were hurt yourself, on the temples," interposed a quick, low voice—that of Caroline, who, having withdrawn127 within the shade of the door, and behind the large person of Mrs. Gill, had till now escaped Moore's notice. When she spoke, his eye searched the obscurity of her retreat.
"Are you much hurt?" she inquired.
"As you might scratch your finger with a needle in sewing."
"Lift your hair and let us see."
He took his hat off, and did as he was bid, disclosing only a narrow slip of court-plaster. Caroline indicated, by a slight movement of the head, that she was satisfied, and disappeared within the clear obscure of the interior.
"How did she know I was hurt?" asked Moore.
"By rumour128, no doubt. But it is too good in her to trouble herself about you. For my part, it was of your victims I was thinking when I inquired after the wounded. What damage have your opponents sustained?"
"One of the rioters, or victims as you call them, was killed, and six were hurt."
"What have you done with them?"
"What you will perfectly129 approve. Medical aid was procured130 immediately; and as soon as we can get a couple of covered wagons131 and some clean straw, they will be removed to Stilbro'."
"Straw! You must have beds and bedding. I will send my wagon132 directly, properly furnished; and Mr. Yorke, I am sure, will send his."
"You guess correctly; he has volunteered already. And Mrs. Yorke—who, like you, seems disposed to regard the rioters as martyrs133, and me, and especially Mr. Helstone, as murderers—is at this moment, I believe, most assiduously engaged in fitting it up with feather-beds, pillows, bolsters134, blankets, etc. The victims lack no attentions, I promise you. Mr. Hall, your favourite parson, has been with them ever since six o'clock, exhorting135 them, praying with them, and even waiting on them like any nurse; and Caroline's good friend, Miss Ainley, that very plain old maid, sent in a stock of lint136 and linen, something in the proportion of another lady's allowance of beef and wine."
"That will do. Where is your sister?"
"Well cared for. I had her securely domiciled with Miss Mann. This very morning the two set out for Wormwood317 Wells [a noted137 watering-place], and will stay there some weeks."
"So Mr. Helstone domiciled me at the rectory! Mighty138 clever you gentlemen think you are! I make you heartily139 welcome to the idea, and hope its savour, as you chew the cud of reflection upon it, gives you pleasure. Acute and astute140, why are you not also omniscient141? How is it that events transpire142, under your very noses, of which you have no suspicion? It should be so, otherwise the exquisite143 gratification of outmanœuvring you would be unknown. Ah, friend, you may search my countenance, but you cannot read it."
Moore, indeed, looked as if he could not.
"But Caroline—is she peculiar?"
"In her way—yes."
"Her way! What is her way?"
"You know her as well as I do."
"And knowing her, I assert that she is neither eccentric nor difficult of control. Is she?"
"That depends——"
"However, there is nothing masculine about her?"
"Why lay such emphasis on her? Do you consider her a contrast, in that respect, to yourself?"
"You do, no doubt; but that does not signify. Caroline is neither masculine, nor of what they call the spirited order of women."
"I have seen her flash out."
"So have I, but not with manly146 fire. It was a short, vivid, trembling glow, that shot up, shone, vanished——"
"And left her scared at her own daring. You describe others besides Caroline."
"The point I wish to establish is, that Miss Helstone, though gentle, tractable147, and candid148 enough, is still perfectly capable of defying even Mr. Moore's penetration149."
"What have you and she been doing?" asked Moore suddenly.
"Have you had any breakfast?"
"If you are hungry, Mrs. Gill will give you something to eat here. Step into the oak parlour, and ring the bell.318 You will be served as if at an inn; or, if you like better, go back to the Hollow."
"The alternative is not open to me; I must go back. Good-morning. The first leisure I have I will see you again."
该作者的其它作品
《Jane Eyre简爱》
该作者的其它作品
《Jane Eyre简爱》
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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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elasticity
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| n.弹性，伸缩力 | |
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bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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stimulating
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| adj.有启发性的，能激发人思考的 | |
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serenity
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| n.宁静，沉着，晴朗 | |
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countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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temperament
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| n.气质，性格，性情 | |
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enacted
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| 制定（法律），通过（法案）( enact的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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posture
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| n.姿势，姿态，心态，态度；v.作出某种姿势 | |
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joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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derive
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| v.取得；导出；引申；来自；源自；出自 | |
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craving
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| n.渴望,热望 | |
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languishes
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| 长期受苦( languish的第三人称单数 )； 受折磨； 变得（越来越）衰弱； 因渴望而变得憔悴或闷闷不乐 | |
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Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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creed
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| n.信条；信念，纲领 | |
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probation
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| n.缓刑(期)，(以观后效的)察看；试用(期) | |
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favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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gulf
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| n.海湾；深渊，鸿沟；分歧，隔阂 | |
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doom
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| n.厄运，劫数；v.注定，命定 | |
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reprobation
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| n.斥责 | |
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deferred
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| adj.延期的，缓召的v.拖延，延缓，推迟( defer的过去式和过去分词 )；服从某人的意愿，遵从 | |
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dirge
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| n.哀乐，挽歌，庄重悲哀的乐曲 | |
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climax
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| n.顶点；高潮；v.(使)达到顶点 | |
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shutters
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| 百叶窗( shutter的名词复数 )； （照相机的）快门 | |
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thorny
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| adj.多刺的，棘手的 | |
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27
revival
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| n.复兴，复苏，（精力、活力等的）重振 | |
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attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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concealing
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的现在分词 ) | |
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30
conjectured
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| 推测，猜测，猜想( conjecture的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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31
conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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32
ecstasies
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| 狂喜( ecstasy的名词复数 )； 出神； 入迷； 迷幻药 | |
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33
bonnet
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| n.无边女帽；童帽 | |
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34
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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35
avenging
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| adj.报仇的，复仇的v.为…复仇，报…之仇( avenge的现在分词 )；为…报复 | |
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36
chatter
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| vi.／n.喋喋不休；短促尖叫；(牙齿)打战 | |
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37
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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38
tumult
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| n.喧哗；激动，混乱；吵闹 | |
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39
contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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40
apprised
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| v.告知，通知( apprise的过去式和过去分词 )；评价 | |
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41
narrative
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| n.叙述，故事；adj.叙事的，故事体的 | |
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42
lodgings
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| n. 出租的房舍, 寄宿舍 | |
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43
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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44
postscript
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| n.附言，又及；(正文后的)补充说明 | |
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45
entreated
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| 恳求，乞求( entreat的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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46
galloping
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| adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式 | |
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47
backwards
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| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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48
magistrates
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| 地方法官，治安官( magistrate的名词复数 ) | |
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49
apprehended
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| 逮捕，拘押( apprehend的过去式和过去分词 )； 理解 | |
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50
quell
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| v.压制，平息，减轻 | |
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51
discomfited
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| v.使为难( discomfit的过去式和过去分词)；使狼狈；使挫折；挫败 | |
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52
relentlessly
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| adv.不屈不挠地；残酷地；不间断 | |
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53
plantation
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| n.种植园，大农场 | |
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54
equestrians
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| n.骑手（equestrian的复数形式） | |
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55
pedestrians
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| n.步行者( pedestrian的名词复数 ) | |
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56
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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57
housekeeper
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| n.管理家务的主妇，女管家 | |
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58
manor
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| n.庄园，领地 | |
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59
herd
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| n.兽群，牧群；vt.使集中，把…赶在一起 | |
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60
sleek
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| adj.光滑的，井然有序的；v.使光滑，梳拢 | |
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61
clearance
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| n.净空；许可(证)；清算；清除，清理 | |
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62
premises
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| n.建筑物，房屋 | |
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63
tranquil
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| adj. 安静的, 宁静的, 稳定的, 不变的 | |
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64
homely
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| adj.家常的，简朴的；不漂亮的 | |
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65
throng
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| n.人群，群众；v.拥挤，群集 | |
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66
whit
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| n.一点，丝毫 | |
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67
trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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68
belied
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| v.掩饰( belie的过去式和过去分词 )；证明（或显示）…为虚假；辜负；就…扯谎 | |
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69
inconvenient
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| adj.不方便的，令人感到麻烦的 | |
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70
persuasion
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| n.劝说；说服；持有某种信仰的宗派 | |
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71
futile
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| adj.无效的，无用的，无希望的 | |
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72
pomposity
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| n.浮华；虚夸；炫耀；自负 | |
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73
aristocrat
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| n.贵族，有贵族气派的人，上层人物 | |
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74
mutinous
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| adj.叛变的，反抗的；adv.反抗地，叛变地；n.反抗，叛变 | |
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75
sanguine
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| adj.充满希望的，乐观的，血红色的 | |
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76
complexion
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| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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77
placid
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| adj.安静的，平和的 | |
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78
exclamations
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| n.呼喊( exclamation的名词复数 )；感叹；感叹语；感叹词 | |
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79
conscientious
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| adj.审慎正直的，认真的，本着良心的 | |
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80
bustle
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| v.喧扰地忙乱，匆忙，奔忙；n.忙碌；喧闹 | |
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81
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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82
refreshments
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| n.点心,便餐;(会议后的)简单茶点招 待 | |
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83
propitious
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| adj.吉利的；顺利的 | |
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84
linen
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| n.亚麻布，亚麻线，亚麻制品；adj.亚麻布制的，亚麻的 | |
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85
pillage
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| v.抢劫；掠夺；n.抢劫，掠夺；掠夺物 | |
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86
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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87
apron
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| n.围裙；工作裙 | |
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88
dough
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| n.生面团；钱，现款 | |
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89
tug
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| v.用力拖(或拉)；苦干；n.拖；苦干；拖船 | |
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90
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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91
brutes
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| 兽( brute的名词复数 )； 畜生； 残酷无情的人； 兽性 | |
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92
fangs
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| n.（尤指狗和狼的）长而尖的牙( fang的名词复数 )；（蛇的）毒牙；罐座 | |
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93
gory
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| adj.流血的；残酷的 | |
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94
swelled
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| 增强( swell的过去式和过去分词 )； 肿胀； （使）凸出； 充满（激情） | |
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95
furtively
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| adv. 偷偷地, 暗中地 | |
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96
endearment
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| n.表示亲爱的行为 | |
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97
canine
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| adj.犬的，犬科的 | |
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98
warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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99
haughty
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| adj.傲慢的，高傲的 | |
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100
soothingly
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| adv.抚慰地，安慰地；镇痛地 | |
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101
kindles
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| （使某物）燃烧，着火( kindle的第三人称单数 )； 激起（感情等）； 发亮，放光 | |
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102
larder
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| n.食物贮藏室，食品橱 | |
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103
baker
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| n.面包师 | |
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104
dint
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| n.由于，靠；凹坑 | |
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105
persuasions
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| n.劝说，说服（力）( persuasion的名词复数 )；信仰 | |
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106
soothe
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| v.安慰；使平静；使减轻；缓和；奉承 | |
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107
agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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108
retinue
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| n.侍从；随员 | |
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109
dexterous
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| adj.灵敏的；灵巧的 | |
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110
appeased
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| 安抚，抚慰( appease的过去式和过去分词 )； 绥靖（满足另一国的要求以避免战争） | |
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111
dispelled
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| v.驱散，赶跑( dispel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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112
scrutiny
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| n.详细检查，仔细观察 | |
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113
epithet
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| n.（用于褒贬人物等的）表述形容词，修饰语 | |
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114
unlimited
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| adj.无限的，不受控制的，无条件的 | |
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115
regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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116
civilians
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| 平民，百姓( civilian的名词复数 )； 老百姓 | |
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117
retrench
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| v.节省，削减 | |
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118
generosity
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| n.大度，慷慨，慷慨的行为 | |
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119
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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120
contractor
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| n.订约人，承包人，收缩肌 | |
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121
precisely
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| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
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122
gauge
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| v.精确计量；估计；n.标准度量；计量器 | |
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123
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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124
lighter
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| n.打火机，点火器；驳船；v.用驳船运送；light的比较级 | |
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125
destined
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| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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126
rumbled
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| 发出隆隆声，发出辘辘声( rumble的过去式和过去分词 )； 轰鸣着缓慢行进； 发现…的真相； 看穿（阴谋） | |
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127
withdrawn
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| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
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128
rumour
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| n.谣言，谣传，传闻 | |
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129
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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130
procured
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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131
wagons
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| n.四轮的运货马车( wagon的名词复数 )；铁路货车；小手推车 | |
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132
wagon
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| n.四轮马车，手推车，面包车；无盖运货列车 | |
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133
martyrs
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| n.martyr的复数形式；烈士( martyr的名词复数 )；殉道者；殉教者；乞怜者（向人诉苦以博取同情） | |
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134
bolsters
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| n.长枕( bolster的名词复数 )；垫子；衬垫；支持物v.支持( bolster的第三人称单数 )；支撑；给予必要的支持；援助 | |
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135
exhorting
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| v.劝告，劝说( exhort的现在分词 ) | |
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136
lint
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| n.线头；绷带用麻布，皮棉 | |
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137
noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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138
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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139
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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140
astute
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| adj.机敏的，精明的 | |
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141
omniscient
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| adj.无所不知的；博识的 | |
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142
transpire
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| v.(使)蒸发，(使)排出 ；泄露，公开 | |
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143
exquisite
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| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
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144
specimen
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| n.样本，标本 | |
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145
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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146
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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147
tractable
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| adj.易驾驭的；温顺的 | |
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148
candid
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| adj.公正的，正直的；坦率的 | |
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149
penetration
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| n.穿透，穿人，渗透 | |
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150
mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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