His father had no patience with him, called him a shiftless dreamer, and threatened to burn the beloved books. But his mother defended him, for he was her youngest and the pride of her heart; so she let him scribble11 all over her floors before she scrubbed them up, dipped extra thick candles for his use, saved every scrap13 of paper to swell14 his little store, and firmly[49] believed that he would turn out the great man of the family. His brothers joked about his queer ways, but in his sisters he found firm friends and tender comforters for all his woes15. So he struggled along, working on the farm in summer and in a clock shop during the winter, with such brief spells of schooling17 as he could get between whiles, improving even these poor opportunities so well that he was letter-writer for all the young people in the neighborhood.
Now, he was writing in his journal very slowly, but very well, shaping his letters with unusual grace and freedom; for the wide snow-banks were his copy-books in winter, and on their white pages he had learned to sweep splendid capitals or link syllables18 handsomely together. This is what he wrote that night, with a sparkle in the blue eyes and a firm folding of the lips that made the boyish face resolute19 and manly20.
"I am set in my own mind that I get learning. I see not how, but my will is strong, and mother hopes for to make a scholar of me. So, please God, we shall do it."
Then he shut the little book and put it carefully away in the blue chest, with pen and ink, as if they were very precious things; piously22 said his prayers, and was soon asleep under the homespun coverlet, dreaming splendid dreams, while a great bright star looked in at the low window, as if waiting to show him the road to fortune.
And God did please to help the patient lad; only the next evening came an opportunity he had never imagined. As he sat playing "Over the Hills and Far[50] Away" on the fiddle24 that he had himself made out of maple-wood, with a bow strung from the tail of the old farm horse, a neighbor came in to talk over the fall pork and cider, and tell the news.
"Ef you want ter go over the hills and far away, Eli, here's the chance. I see a man down to Woodtick who was askin' ef I knew any likely young chap who'd like to git 'scribers for a pious21 book he wants to sell. He'd pay for the job when the names is got and the books give out. That's ruther in your line, boy, so I calk'lated your daddy would spare you, as you ain't much of a hand at shuckin' corn nor cartin' pummace."
"Haw! haw!" laughed the big brothers, Ambrose Vitruvius and Junius Solomon, as neighbor Terry spoke25 with a sly twinkle in his eye.
But the sisters, Miranda and Pamela, smiled for joy, while the good mother stopped her busy wheel to listen eagerly. Eli laid down his fiddle and came to the hearth26 where the others sat, with such a wide-awake expression on his usually thoughtful face that it was plain that he liked the idea.
"I'll do it, if father'll let me," he said, looking wistfully at the industrious27 man, who was shaving axe-handles for the winter wood-chopping, after his day's work was over.
"Wal, I can spare you for a week, mebby. It's not time for the clock shop yet, and sence you've heerd o' this, you won't do your chores right, so you may as wal see what you can make of peddlin'."
"Thank you, sir; I'll give you all I get, to pay for my time," began Eli, glowing with pleasure at the[51] prospect28 of seeing a little of the world; for one of his most cherished dreams was to cross the blue hills that hemmed29 him in, and find what lay beyond.
"Guess I can afford to give you all you'll make this trip," answered his father, in a tone that made the brothers laugh again.
"Boys, don't pester30 Eli. Every one hasn't a call to farmin', and it's wal to foller the leadin's of Providence31 when they come along," said the mother, stroking the smooth, brown head at her knee; for Eli always went to her footstool with his sorrows and his joys.
So it was settled, and next day the boy, in his home-spun23 and home-made Sunday best, set off to see his employer and secure the job. He got it, and for three days trudged32 up and down the steep roads, calling at every house with a sample of his book, the Rev33. John Flavel's treatise34 on "Keeping the Heart." Eli's winning face, modest manner, and earnest voice served him well, and he got many names; for books were scarce in those days, and a pious work was a treasure to many a good soul who found it difficult to keep the heart strong and cheerful in troublous times.
Then the books were to be delivered, and, anxious to save his small earnings35, Eli hired no horse to transport his load, but borrowed a stout36, green shawl from his mother, and, with his pack on his back, marched bravely away to finish his task. His wages were spent in a new prayer-book for his mother, smart handkerchief-pins for the faithful sisters, and a good store of paper for himself.
This trip was so successful that he was seized with[52] a strong desire to try a more ambitious and extended one; for these glimpses of the world showed him how much he had to learn, and how pleasantly he could pick up knowledge in these flights.
"What be you a-brewdin' over now, boy? Gettin' ready for the clock shop? It's 'most time for winter work, and Terry says you do pretty wal at puttin' together," said the farmer, a day or two after the boy's return, as they sat at dinner, all helping37 themselves from the large pewter platter heaped with pork and vegetables.
"I was wishin' I could go South with Gad38 Upson. He's been twice with clocks and notions, and wants a mate. Hoadley fits him out and pays him a good share if he does well. Couldn't I go along? I hate that old shop, and I know I can do something better than put together the insides of cheap clocks."
Eli spoke eagerly, and gave his mother an imploring39 look which brought her to second the motion at once, her consent having been already won.
The brothers stared as if Eli had proposed to go up in a balloon, for to them the South seemed farther off than Africa does nowadays. The father had evidently been secretly prepared, for he showed no surprise, and merely paused a moment to look at his ambitious son with a glance in which amusement and reproach were mingled40.
"When a hen finds she's hatched a duck's egg, it's no use for her to cackle; that ducklin' will take to the water in spite on her, and paddle off, nobody knows where. Go ahead, boy, and when you get enough of[53] junketin' 'round the world, come home and fall to work."
"Then I may go?" cried Eli, upsetting his mug of cider in his excitement.
His father nodded, being too busy eating cabbage with a wide-bladed green-handled knife to speak just then. Eli, red and speechless with delight and gratitude41, could only sit and beam at his family till a sob42 drew his attention to sister Pamela, whose pet he was.
"Don't, Pam, don't! I'll come back all right, and bring you news and all the pretty things I can. I must go; I feel as if I couldn't breathe, shut up here winters. I s'pose it's wicked, but I can't help it," whispered Eli, with his arm around his buxom43 eighteen-year old sister, who laid her head on his shoulder and held him tight.
"Daughter, it's sinful to repine at the ways of Providence. I see a leadin' plain in this, and ef I can be chirk when my dear boy is goin', 'pears to me you ought to keep a taut44 rein45 on your feelin's, and not spile his pleasure."
The good mother's eyes were full of tears as she spoke, but she caught up the end of her short gown and wiped them quickly away to smile on Eli, who thanked her with a loving look.
"It's so lonesome when he's not here. What will we do evenings without the fiddle, or Eli to read a piece in some of his books while we spin?" said poor Pam, ashamed of her grief, yet glad to hide her tears by affecting to settle the long wooden bodkin that held up her coils of brown hair.
"Obed Finch46 will be comin' along, I guess likely,[54] and he'll read to you out uv Eli's book about keepin' the heart, and you'll find your'n gone 'fore12 you know it," said Junius Solomon, in a tone that made pretty Pam blush and run away, while the rest laughed at her confusion.
So it was settled, and when all was ready, the boy came home to show his equipment before he started. A very modest outfit47,—only two tin trunks slung48 across the shoulders, filled with jewelry49, combs, lace, essences, and small wares50.
"I hate to have ye go, son, but it's better than to be mopin' to hum, gettin' desperut for books and rilin' father. We'll all be workin' for ye, so be chipper and do wal. Keep steddy, and don't disgrace your folks. The Lord bless ye, my dear boy, and hold ye in the holler of his hand!"
Her own rough hand was on his head as his mother spoke, with wet eyes, and the tall lad kissed her tenderly, whispering, with a choke in his throat:—
"Good-by, mammy dear; I'll remember."
Then he tramped away to join his mate, turning now and then to nod and smile and show a ruddy face full of happiness, while the family watched him out of sight with mingled hopes and doubts and fears.
Mails were slow in those days, but at length a letter came; and here it is,—a true copy of one written by a boy in 1820:—
Norfolk, Va., December 4th.
"Honored Parents: I write to inform you I am safe here and to work. Our business is profitable, and I am fast learning the Quirks51 and Turns of trade. We are going to the eastern shore of Va., calculating to be gone six weeks. The inhabitants are sociable52 and hospitable53, and you need not fear I shall suffer, for I find many almost fathers and mothers among these good folks.
"Taking our trunks, we travel through the country, entering the houses of the rich and poor, offering our goods, and earning our wages by the sweat of our brows. How do you think we look? Like two Awkward, Homespun, Tugging54 Yankee peddlers? No, that is not the case. By people of breeding we are treated with politeness and gentility, and the low and vulgar we do not seek. For my part, I enjoy travelling more than I expected. Conversation with new folks, observing manners and customs, and seeing the world, does me great good.
"I never met a real gentleman till I came here. Their hospitality allows me to see and copy their fine ways of acting55 and speaking, and they put the most Bashful at ease. Gad likes the maids and stays in the kitchen most times. I get into the libraries and read when we put up nights, and the ladies are most kind to me everywhere.
"I'm so tall they can't believe I'm only sixteen. They aren't as pretty as our rosy-faced girls, but their ways are elegant, and so are their clothes, tell Pam.
"When I think how kind you were to let me come, I am full of gratitude. I made some verses, one day, as I waited in a hovel for the rain to hold up.
"To conduce to my own and parents' good,
Was why I left my home;
To make their cares and burdens less,
And try to help them some.
'Twas my own choice to earn them cash,
And get them free from debt;
Before that I am twenty-one
It shall be done, I bet.
My parents they have done for me
What I for them can never do,
So if I serve them all I may,
Sure God will help me through.
My chief delight, therefore, shall be
To earn them all I can,
Not only now, but when that I
At last am my own man.
"These are the genuine Sentiments of your son, who returns thanks for the many favors you have heaped upon him, and hopes to repay you by his best Endeavors. Accept this letter and the inclosed small sum as a token of his love and respect.
"Your dutiful son,
"Tell the girls to write.
Eli."
In reply to this, came a letter from the anxious mother, which shows not only the tender, pious nature of the good woman, but also how much need of education the boy had, and how well he was doing for himself:—
"Affectionate Son: We was very glad to receave your letter. I feal very anctious about you this winter, and how you are a doing. You cannot know a mother's concern for her boy wen he is fur away. Do not git into bad habbits. Take the Bible for your rule and guide to vartue. I pray for your prosperity in all spiritall and temporrall things, and leave you in the care of Him who gave you breath and will keep you safe.
"We are all well, and your father enjoys his helth better than last year. I visited Uncle Medad a spell last week. I am provided with a horse and shay to ride to meatin. Mr. Eben Welton took our cow and give us his old horse. Captain Stephen Harrington was excommunicated last Sabbath. Pamely goes away to learn dressmakin soon. I mistrust Mirandy will take up with Pennel Haskell; he is likely, and comes frequent. I wish you had been here a Christmas. We had a large company to dinner, and I got some wheat flower and made a fine chicken pye. Eli, I hope you attend meatin when you can. Do not trifle away the holy day in vane pleasures, but live to the glory of God, and in the fear of your parents. Father sold the white colt. He was too spirity, and upsat Ambrose and nigh broke his head. His nose is still black. Dear son: I miss you every time I set a platter in your place. Is your close warm and suffitient? Put your stockin round your throat if sore. Do you git good cyder to drink? Take the Pennyryal if you feal wimbly after a long spell of travil. The girls send love. No more now. Wright soon.
Your mother, Hannah Gardener."
"P. S.—Liddy Finch is married. Our pigs give us nine hunderd pound of prime pork."
Many such letters went to and fro that winter, and Eli faithfully reported all his adventures. For he had many, and once or twice was in danger of losing his life.
On one occasion, having parted from his mate for a day or two, wishing to try his luck alone, our young peddler found himself, late in the afternoon, approaching the Dismal57 Swamp. A tempest arose, adding to the loneliness and terror of the hour. The cypresses58 uprooted59 by the blast fell now and then across the road, endangering the poor boy's head. A sluggish60 stream rolled through tangled61 junipers and beds of reeds, and the fen10 on either side was full of ugly creatures, lizards62, snakes, and toads63; while owls64, scared by the storm, flew wildly about and hooted65 dismally66. Just at the height of the tumult67, Eli saw three men coming toward him, and gladly hastened to meet them, hoping to have their company or learn of them where he could find a shelter. But their bad faces daunted68 him, and he would have hurried by without speaking if they had not stopped him, roughly demanding his name and business.
The tall stripling was brave, but his youthful face showed him to be but a boy, and the consciousness of a well-filled purse in his pocket made him anxious to escape. So he answered briefly69, and tried to go on. But two men held him, in spite of his struggles, while the third rifled his pockets, broke open his trunks, and took all that was of any value in the way of watches and jewelry. Then they left him, with a cruel joke about a good journey, and made off with their booty. It was the first time poor Eli had met with such a mishap70, and as he stood in the rain looking at his wares scattered71 about the road, he felt inclined to throw himself into the creek72, and forget his woes there among the frogs and snakes. But he had a stout heart, and soon decided73 to make the best of it, since nothing could be done to mend the matter. Gathering74 up his bedraggled laces, scattered scent-bottles, and dirty buttons, pins, and needles, he trudged sadly on, feeling that for him this was indeed a Dismal Swamp.
"I told you we'd better stick together, but you wanted to be so dre'dful smart, and go travellin' off alone in them out'n the way places. Might 'a' known you'd get overhauled76 somers. I always did think you was a gump, Eli, and now I'm sure on't," was all the comfort Gad gave him when they met, and the direful tale was told.
"What shall I do now?" asked the poor lad. "My notions aren't worth selling, and my money's gone. I'll have to pay Hoadley somehow."
"You'd better foot it home and go to choppin' punkins for the cows, or help your marm spin. I vow77 I never did see such a chap for gettin' into a mess," scolded Gad, who was a true Yankee, and made a successful trader, even in a small way.
"We'll sleep on it," said Eli, gently, and went to bed very low in his mind.
Perhaps a few tears wet his pillow as he lay awake, and the prayers his mother taught him were whispered in the silence of the night; for hope revived, comfort came, and in the morning his serene78 face and sensible plan proved to his irate79 friend that the "gump" had a wise head and a manly heart, after all.
"Gad, it is just the time for the new almanacs, and Allen wants men to sell 'em. I thought it was small business before, but beggars mustn't be choosers, so I'm going right off to offer for the job 'round here. It will do for a start, and if I'm smart, Allen will give me a better chance maybe."
"That's a fust-rate plan. Go ahead, and I'll say a good word for you. Allen knows me, and books is in your line, so I guess you'll do wal if you keep out'n the mashes," answered Gad, with great good will, having slept off his vexation.
The plan did go well, and for weeks the rosy-faced, gentle-voiced youth might have been seen mildly offering the new almanacs at doors and shops, and at street corners, with a wistful look in his blue eyes, and a courtesy of manner that attracted many customers and earned many a dollar. Several mates, envying his fine handwriting and pitying his hard luck, took lessons in penmanship of him and paid him fairly, whereat he rejoiced over the hours spent at home, flat on the kitchen floor, or flourishing splendid capitals on the snow-banks, when his nose was blue with cold and his hands half-frozen.
When the season for the yellow-covered almanacs was over, Eli, having won the confidence of his employer, was fitted out with more notions, and again set forth80 on his travels, armed, this time, and in company with his townsman. He prospered81 well, and all winter trudged to and fro, seemingly a common peddler, but really a student, making the world his book, and bent82 on learning all he could. Travel taught him geography and history, for he soon knew every corner of Virginia; looked longingly84 at the ancient walls of William and Mary College, where Jefferson and Monroe studied; where young George Washington received his surveyor's commission, and in his later years served as Chancellor85. In Yorktown, he heard all about the siege of 1781; saw Lord Cornwallis's lodgings86 and the cave named for him; met pleasant people, whose fine speech and manners he carefully copied; read excellent books wherever he could find them, and observed, remembered, and stored away all that he saw, heard, and learned, to help and adorn87 his later life.
By spring he set out for home, having slowly saved enough to repay Hoadley for the lost goods. But as if Providence meant to teach him another lesson, and make him still more prudent88, humble89, and manly, a sad adventure befell him on his way.
While waiting for the coaster that was to take them home, he one day went in swimming with Gad; for this was one of the favorite pastimes of the Connecticut boys, who on Saturday nights congregated90 by the score at a pond called Benson's Pot, and leaped from the spring-board like circus tumblers, turning somersaults into the deep water below.
It was too early for such sport now; the water was very cold, and poor Gad, taken with cramp91, nearly drowned Eli by clinging to his legs as he went down. Freeing himself with difficulty, Eli tried to save his friend; but the current swept the helpless man away, and he was lost. Hurriedly dressing92, Eli ran for aid, but found himself regarded with suspicion by those to whom he told his story; for he was a stranger in the place and certain peddlers who had gone before had left a bad name behind them.
To his horror, he was arrested, accused of murder, and would have been tried for his life, if Mr. Allen of Norfolk had not come to testify to his good character, and set him free. Poor Gad's body was found and buried, and after a month's delay, Eli set out again, alone, heavy-hearted, and very poor, for all his own little savings93 had been consumed by various expenses. Mr. Hoadley's money was untouched, but not increased, as he hoped to have it; and rather than borrow a penny of it, Eli landed barefooted. His boots were so old he threw them overboard, and spent his last dollar for a cheap pair of shoes to wear when he appeared at home, for they were not stout enough to stand travel. So, like Franklin with his rolls, the lad ate crackers94 and cheese as he trudged through the city, and set out for the far-away farm-house among the hills.
A long journey, but a pleasant one, in spite of his troubles; for spring made the world lovely, habit made walking no hardship, and all he had seen in his wanderings passed before him at will, like a panorama95 full of color and variety.
Letters had gone before, but it was a sad homecoming, and when all was told, Eli said:—
"Now, father, I'll go to work. I've had my wish and enjoyed it a sight; and would go again, but I feel as if I ought to work, as long as I can't pay for my time."
"That's hearty96, son, and I'm obleeged to ye. Hear what mother's got to say, and then do whichever you prefer," answered the farmer, with a nod toward his wife, who, with the girls, seemed full of some pleasant news which they longed to tell.
"I've sold all the cloth we made last winter for a good sum, and father says you may hev the spendin' on't. It will be enough to pay your board down to Uncle Tillotson's while you study with him, so 's 't you kin16 be gettin' ready for college next year. I've sot my heart on't, and you musn't disapp'int me and the girls," said the good woman, with a face full of faith and pride in her boy, in spite of all mishaps97.
"Oh, mammy, how good you be! It don't seem as if I ought to take it. But I do want to go!" cried Eli, catching98 her round the neck in an ecstasy99 of boyish delight and gratitude.
Here Miranda and Pamela appeared, bringing their homely100 gifts of warm hose, and new shirts made from wool and flax grown by the father, and spun and woven by the accomplished101 housewife.
A very happy youth was Eli when he again set off to the city, with his humble outfit and slender purse, though father still looked doubtful, and the brothers were more sure than ever that Eli was a fool to prefer dry books to country work and fun.
A busy year followed, Eli studying, as never boy studied before, with the excellent minister, who soon grew proud of his best pupil. Less preparation was needed in those days, and perhaps more love and industry went to the work; for necessity is a stern master, and poor boys often work wonders if the spark of greatness is there.
Eli had his wish in time, and went to college, mother and sisters making it possible by the sale of their handiwork; for the girls were famous spinners, and the mother the best weaver102 in the country around. How willingly they toiled103 for Eli!—rising early and sitting late, cheering their labor104 with loving talk of the dear lad's progress, and an unfailing faith in his future success. Many a long ride did that good mother take to the city, miles away, with a great roll of cloth on the pillion behind her to sell, that she might pay her son's college bills. Many a coveted105 pleasure did the faithful sisters give up that they might keep Eli well clothed, or send him some country dainty to cheer the studies which seemed to them painfully hard and mysteriously precious. Father began to take pride in the ugly duckling now, and brothers to brag106 of his great learning. Neighbors came in to hear his letters, and when vacation brought him home, the lads and lasses regarded him with a certain awe107; for his manners were better, his language purer, than theirs, and the new life he led refined the country boy till he seemed a gentleman.
The second year he yielded to temptation, and got into debt. Being anxious to do credit to his family, of whom he was secretly a little ashamed about this time, he spent money on his clothes, conscious that he was a comely108 youth with a great love of beauty, and a longing83 for all that cultivates and embellishes109 character and life. An elegant gentleman astonished the hill folk that season, by appearing at the little church in a suit such as the greatest rustic110 dandy never imagined in his wildest dreams,—the tall white hat with rolling brim, Marseilles vest with watch-chain and seals festooned across it, the fine blue coat with its brass111 buttons, and the nankeen trousers strapped112 over boots so tight that it was torture to walk in them. Armed with a cane113 in the well-gloved hand, an imposing114 brooch in the frills of the linen115 shirt, Eli sauntered across the green, the observed of all observers, proudly hoping that the blue eyes of a certain sweet Lucinda were fixed116 admiringly upon him.
The boys were the first to recover from the shock, and promptly117 resented the transformation118 of their former butt75 into a city beau, by jeering119 openly and affecting great scorn of the envied splendor120. The poor jackdaw, somewhat abashed121 at the effect of his plumes122, tried to prove that he felt no superiority, by being very affable, which won the lasses, but failed to soften123 the hearts of the boys; and when he secured the belle124 of the village for the Thanksgiving drive and dance, the young men resolved that pride should have a fall.
Arrayed in all his finery, Eli drove pretty Lucinda in a smart borrowed wagon125 to the tavern126 where the dance was held. Full of the airs and graces he had learned at college, the once bashful, awkward Eli was the admired of all eyes, as he pranced127 down the long contra-dance in the agonizing128 boots, or played "threading the needle" without the least reluctance129 on the part of the blushing girls to pay the fine of a kiss when the players sung the old rhyme:—
"The needle's eye no one can pass;
The thread that runs so true—
It has caught many a pretty lass,
And now it has caught you."
But his glory was short-lived; for some enemy maliciously130 drew out the linchpin from the smart wagon, and as they were gayly driving homeward over the hills, the downfall came, and out they both went, to the great damage of Eli's city suit, and poor Lucinda's simple finery.
Fortunately, no bones were broken, and picking themselves up, they sadly footed it home, hoping the mishap would remain unknown. But the rogues131 took care that Eli should not escape, and the whole neighborhood laughed over the joke; for the fine hat was ruined, and the costly132 coat split down the back, in the ignominious133 tumble.
Great was the humiliation134 of the poor student; for not only was he ridiculed135, but Lucinda would not forgive him, and the blue eyes smiled upon another; worst of all, he had to confess his debts and borrow money of his father to pay them. He meekly136 bore the stern rebuke137 that came with the hard-earned dollars, but the sight of the tears his mother shed, even while she comforted him, filled him with remorse138. He went back to his books, in a homespun suit, a sadder and a wiser boy, and fell to work as if resolved to wash out past errors and regain139 the confidence he had lost.
All that winter the wheels turned and the loom140 jangled, that the rolls of cloth might be increased; and never was the day too cold, the way too long, for the good mother's pious pilgrimage.
That summer, a man came home to them, shabby enough as to his clothes, but so wonderfully improved in other ways, that not only did the women folk glow with tender pride, but father and brothers looked at him with respect, and owned at last there was something in Eli. "No vacation for me," he said; "I must work to pay my debts; and as I am not of much use here, I'll try my old plan, and peddle7 some money into my empty pockets."
It was both comic and pathetic to see the shoulders that had worn the fine broadcloth burdened with a yoke141, the hands that had worn kid gloves grasping the tin trunks, and the dapper feet trudging142 through dust and dew in cow-hide boots. But the face under the old straw hat was a manlier143 one than that which the tall beaver144 crowned, and the heart under the rough vest was far happier than when the gold chain glittered above it. He did so well that when he returned to college his debts were paid, and the family faith in Eli restored.
That was an eventful year; for one brother married, and one went off to seek his fortune, the father mortgaging his farm to give these sons a fair start in life. Eli was to be a minister, and the farmer left his fortunes in the hands of his wife, who, like many another good mother, was the making of the great man of the family, and was content with that knowledge, leaving him the glory.
The next year, Eli graduated with honor, and went home, to be received with great rejoicing, just twenty-one, and a free man. He had longed for this time, and planned a happy, studious life, preparing to preach the gospel in a little parsonage of his own. But suddenly all was changed; joy turned to sorrow, hope to doubt, and Eli was called to relinquish145 liberty for duty,—to give up his own dreams of a home, to keep a roof over the heads of the dear mother and the faithful sisters. His father died suddenly, leaving very little for the women folk besides the independence that lay in the skill of their own thrifty146 hands. The elder brothers could not offer much help, and Eli was the one to whom the poor souls turned in their hour of sorrow and anxiety.
"Go on, dear, and don't pester yourself about us. We can find food and firin' here as long as the old farm is ours. I guess we can manage to pay off the mortgage by-and-by. It don't seem as if I could turn out, after livin' here ever sense I was married, and poor father so fond on't."
The widow covered her face with her apron147, and Eli put his arms about her, saying manfully, as he gave up all his fondest hopes for her dearer sake—
"Cheer up, mother, and trust to me. I should be a poor fellow if I allowed you and the girls to want, after all you've done for me. I can get a school, and earn instead of spend. Teaching and studying can go on together. I'm sure I shouldn't prosper56 if I shirked my duty, and I won't." The three sad women clung to him, and the brothers, looking at his brave, bright face, felt that Eli was indeed a man to lean on and to love in times like this.
"Well," thought the young philosopher, "the Lord knows what is best for me, and perhaps this is a part of my education. I'll try to think so, and hope to get some good out of a hard job."
In this spirit he set about teaching, and prospered wonderfully, for his own great love of learning made it an easy and delightful148 task to help others as he had longed to be helped. His innocent and tender nature made all children love him, and gave him a remarkable149 power over them; so when the first hard months were past, and his efforts began to bear fruit, he found that what had seemed an affliction was a blessing150, and that teaching was his special gift. Filial duty sweetened the task, a submissive heart found happiness in self-sacrifice, and a wise soul showed him what a noble and lovely work it was to minister to little children,—for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
For years Eli taught, and his school grew famous; for he copied the fashions of other countries, invented new methods, and gave himself so entirely151 to his profession that he could not fail of success. The mortgage was paid off, and Eli made frequent pilgrimages to the dear old mother, whose staff and comfort he still was. The sisters married well, the brothers prospered, and at thirty, the schoolmaster found a nobler mate than pretty Lucinda, and soon had some little pupils of his very own to love and teach.
There his youth ends; but after the years of teaching he began to preach at last, not in one pulpit, but in many all over the land, diffusing152 good thoughts now as he had peddled153 small wares when a boy; still learning as he went, still loving books and studying mankind, still patient, pious, dutiful, and tender, a wise and beautiful old man, till, at eighty, Eli's education ended.
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| n.煤烟，烟尘；vt.熏以煤烟 | |
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2
quill
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| n.羽毛管；v.给（织物或衣服）作皱褶 | |
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3
testament
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| n.遗嘱；证明 | |
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4
passionately
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| ad.热烈地，激烈地 | |
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5
scoured
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| 走遍（某地）搜寻（人或物）( scour的过去式和过去分词 )； （用力）刷； 擦净； 擦亮 | |
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6
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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7
peddle
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| vt.(沿街)叫卖，兜售；宣传，散播 | |
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8
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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9
slate
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| n.板岩，石板，石片，石板色，候选人名单；adj.暗蓝灰色的，含板岩的；vt.用石板覆盖，痛打，提名，预订 | |
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fen
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| n.沼泽，沼池 | |
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11
scribble
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| v.潦草地书写，乱写，滥写；n.潦草的写法，潦草写成的东西，杂文 | |
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12
fore
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| adv.在前面；adj.先前的；在前部的；n.前部 | |
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13
scrap
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| n.碎片；废料；v.废弃，报废 | |
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14
swell
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| vi.膨胀，肿胀；增长，增强 | |
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15
woes
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| 困境( woe的名词复数 )； 悲伤； 我好苦哇； 某人就要倒霉 | |
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16
kin
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| n.家族，亲属，血缘关系；adj.亲属关系的，同类的 | |
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17
schooling
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| n.教育；正规学校教育 | |
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18
syllables
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| n.音节( syllable的名词复数 ) | |
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19
resolute
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| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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20
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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21
pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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22
piously
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| adv.虔诚地 | |
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23
spun
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| v.纺，杜撰，急转身 | |
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24
fiddle
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| n.小提琴；vi.拉提琴；不停拨弄，乱动 | |
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25
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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26
hearth
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| n.壁炉炉床，壁炉地面 | |
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27
industrious
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| adj.勤劳的，刻苦的，奋发的 | |
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28
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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29
hemmed
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| 缝…的褶边( hem的过去式和过去分词 )； 包围 | |
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30
pester
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| v.纠缠，强求 | |
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31
providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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32
trudged
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| vt.& vi.跋涉，吃力地走（trudge的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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33
rev
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| v.发动机旋转，加快速度 | |
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34
treatise
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| n.专著；(专题)论文 | |
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35
earnings
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| n.工资收人；利润，利益，所得 | |
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37
helping
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| n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的 | |
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38
gad
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| n.闲逛；v.闲逛 | |
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39
imploring
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| 恳求的，哀求的 | |
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40
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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41
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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42
sob
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| n.空间轨道的轰炸机；呜咽，哭泣 | |
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43
buxom
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| adj.（妇女）丰满的，有健康美的 | |
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44
taut
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| adj.拉紧的，绷紧的，紧张的 | |
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45
rein
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| n.疆绳，统治，支配；vt.以僵绳控制，统治 | |
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46
finch
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| n.雀科鸣禽(如燕雀，金丝雀等) | |
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47
outfit
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| n.（为特殊用途的）全套装备，全套服装 | |
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48
slung
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| 抛( sling的过去式和过去分词 )； 吊挂； 遣送； 押往 | |
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49
jewelry
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| n.（jewllery）（总称）珠宝 | |
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50
wares
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| n. 货物, 商品 | |
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51
quirks
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| n.奇事，巧合( quirk的名词复数 )；怪癖 | |
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52
sociable
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| adj.好交际的，友好的，合群的 | |
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53
hospitable
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| adj.好客的；宽容的；有利的，适宜的 | |
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54
tugging
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| n.牵引感v.用力拉，使劲拉，猛扯( tug的现在分词 ) | |
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55
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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56
prosper
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| v.成功，兴隆，昌盛；使成功，使昌隆，繁荣 | |
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57
dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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58
cypresses
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| n.柏属植物，柏树( cypress的名词复数 ) | |
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59
uprooted
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| v.把（某物）连根拔起( uproot的过去式和过去分词 )；根除；赶走；把…赶出家园 | |
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60
sluggish
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| adj.懒惰的，迟钝的，无精打采的 | |
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61
tangled
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| adj. 纠缠的，紊乱的 动词tangle的过去式和过去分词 | |
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62
lizards
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| n.蜥蜴( lizard的名词复数 ) | |
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63
toads
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| n.蟾蜍，癞蛤蟆( toad的名词复数 ) | |
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64
owls
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| n.猫头鹰( owl的名词复数 ) | |
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65
hooted
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| （使）作汽笛声响，作汽车喇叭声( hoot的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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66
dismally
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| adv.阴暗地，沉闷地 | |
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67
tumult
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| n.喧哗；激动，混乱；吵闹 | |
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68
daunted
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| 使（某人）气馁，威吓( daunt的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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69
briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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70
mishap
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| n.不幸的事，不幸；灾祸 | |
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71
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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72
creek
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| n.小溪，小河，小湾 | |
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73
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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74
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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75
butt
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| n.笑柄；烟蒂；枪托；臀部；v.用头撞或顶 | |
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76
overhauled
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| v.彻底检查( overhaul的过去式和过去分词 )；大修；赶上；超越 | |
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77
vow
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| n.誓(言)，誓约；v.起誓，立誓 | |
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78
serene
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| adj. 安详的，宁静的，平静的 | |
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79
irate
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| adj.发怒的，生气 | |
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80
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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81
prospered
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| 成功，兴旺( prosper的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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82
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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83
longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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84
longingly
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| adv. 渴望地 热望地 | |
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85
chancellor
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| n.(英)大臣；法官；(德、奥)总理；大学校长 | |
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86
lodgings
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| n. 出租的房舍, 寄宿舍 | |
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87
adorn
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| vt.使美化，装饰 | |
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88
prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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89
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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90
congregated
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| （使）集合，聚集( congregate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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91
cramp
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| n.痉挛；[pl.](腹)绞痛；vt.限制，束缚 | |
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92
dressing
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| n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料 | |
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93
savings
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| n.存款，储蓄 | |
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94
crackers
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| adj.精神错乱的，癫狂的n.爆竹( cracker的名词复数 )；薄脆饼干；（认为）十分愉快的事；迷人的姑娘 | |
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95
panorama
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| n.全景，全景画，全景摄影，全景照片[装置] | |
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96
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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97
mishaps
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| n.轻微的事故，小的意外( mishap的名词复数 ) | |
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98
catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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99
ecstasy
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| n.狂喜，心醉神怡，入迷 | |
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100
homely
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| adj.家常的，简朴的；不漂亮的 | |
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101
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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102
weaver
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| n.织布工；编织者 | |
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103
toiled
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| 长时间或辛苦地工作( toil的过去式和过去分词 )； 艰难缓慢地移动，跋涉 | |
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104
labor
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| n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦 | |
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105
coveted
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| adj.令人垂涎的；垂涎的，梦寐以求的v.贪求，觊觎(covet的过去分词)；垂涎；贪图 | |
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106
brag
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| v./n.吹牛，自夸；adj.第一流的 | |
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107
awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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108
comely
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| adj.漂亮的，合宜的 | |
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109
embellishes
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| v.美化( embellish的第三人称单数 )；装饰；修饰；润色 | |
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110
rustic
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| adj.乡村的，有乡村特色的；n.乡下人，乡巴佬 | |
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111
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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112
strapped
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| adj.用皮带捆住的，用皮带装饰的；身无分文的；缺钱；手头紧v.用皮带捆扎(strap的过去式和过去分词)；用皮带抽打；包扎；给…打绷带 | |
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113
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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114
imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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115
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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116
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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117
promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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118
transformation
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| n.变化；改造；转变 | |
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119
jeering
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| adj.嘲弄的，揶揄的v.嘲笑( jeer的现在分词 ) | |
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120
splendor
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| n.光彩；壮丽，华丽；显赫，辉煌 | |
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121
abashed
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| adj.窘迫的，尴尬的v.使羞愧，使局促，使窘迫( abash的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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122
plumes
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| 羽毛( plume的名词复数 )； 羽毛饰； 羽毛状物； 升上空中的羽状物 | |
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123
soften
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| v.(使)变柔软；(使)变柔和 | |
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124
belle
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| n.靓女 | |
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125
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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126
tavern
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| n.小旅馆，客栈；小酒店 | |
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pranced
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| v.（马）腾跃( prance的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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agonizing
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| adj.痛苦难忍的；使人苦恼的v.使极度痛苦；折磨(agonize的ing形式) | |
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reluctance
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| n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿 | |
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maliciously
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| adv.有敌意地 | |
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rogues
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| n.流氓( rogue的名词复数 )；无赖；调皮捣蛋的人；离群的野兽 | |
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costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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ignominious
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| adj.可鄙的，不光彩的，耻辱的 | |
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humiliation
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| n.羞辱 | |
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ridiculed
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| v.嘲笑，嘲弄，奚落( ridicule的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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meekly
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| adv.温顺地，逆来顺受地 | |
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137
rebuke
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| v.指责，非难，斥责 [反]praise | |
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remorse
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| n.痛恨，悔恨，自责 | |
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139
regain
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| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
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140
loom
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| n.织布机，织机；v.隐现，(危险、忧虑等)迫近 | |
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yoke
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| n.轭；支配；v.给...上轭，连接，使成配偶 | |
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trudging
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| vt.& vi.跋涉，吃力地走（trudge的现在分词形式） | |
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143
manlier
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| manly（有男子气概的）的比较级形式 | |
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144
beaver
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| n.海狸，河狸 | |
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relinquish
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| v.放弃，撤回，让与，放手 | |
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thrifty
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| adj.节俭的；兴旺的；健壮的 | |
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apron
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| n.围裙；工作裙 | |
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148
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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150
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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diffusing
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| （使光）模糊，漫射，漫散( diffuse的现在分词 )； （使）扩散； （使）弥漫； （使）传播 | |
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peddled
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| （沿街）叫卖( peddle的过去式和过去分词 )； 兜售； 宣传； 散播 | |
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