He sauntered about, and examined all the shops with lack-luster eye. He looked in at everything, but observed nothing, scarcely saw anything. All his senses were turned inward. It was such a pitiable and galling5 result of a gallant6 fight. Even the insurance office had got the better of him. It had taken one-third of his savings7, and the very next day his trade was gone, and his life in no danger. The “Gosshawk” had plucked him, and the trade had tied his hands. Rack his invention how he would, he could see no way of becoming a master in Hillsborough, except by leaving Hillsborough, and working hard and long in some other town. He felt in his own heart the love and constancy to do this; but his reason told him such constancy would be wasted; for while he was working at a distance, the impression, if any, he had made on her would wear away, and some man born with money, would step in and carry her gayly off. This thought returned to him again and again, and exasperated8 him so at last, that he resolved to go to “Woodbine Villa9,” and tell her his heart before he left the place. Then he should be rejected, no doubt, but perhaps pitied, and not so easily forgotten as if he had melted silently away.
He walked up the hill, first rapidly, then slowly. He called at “Woodbine Villa.”
The answer was “Not at home.”
“Everything is against me,” said he.
He wandered wearily down again, and just at the entrance of the town he met a gentleman with a lady on each arm, and one of those ladies was Miss Carden. The fortunate cavalier was Mr. Coventry, whom Henry would have seen long before this, but he had been in Paris for the last four months. He had come back fuller than ever of agreeable gossip, and Grace was chatting away to him, and beaming with pleasure, as innocent girls do, when out on a walk with a companion they like. She was so absorbed she did not even see Henry Little. He went off the pavement to make room for their tyrannical crinolines, and passed unnoticed.
He had flushed with joy at first sight of her, but now a deadly qualm seized him. The gentleman was handsome and commanding; Miss Carden seemed very happy, hanging on his arm; none the less bright and happy that he, her humble10 worshiper, was downcast and wretched.
It did not positively11 prove much; yet it indicated how little he must be to her: and somehow it made him realize more clearly the great disadvantage at which he lay, compared with an admirer belonging to her own class. Hitherto his senses had always been against his reason: but now for once they co-operated with his judgment12, and made him feel that, were he to toil13 for years in London, or Birmingham, and amass14 a fortune, he should only be where that gentleman was already; and while the workman, far away, was slaving, that gentleman and others would be courting her. She might refuse one or two. But she would not refuse them all.
Then, in his despair, he murmured, “Would to God I had never seen her!”
He made a fierce resolve he would go home, and tell his mother she could pack up.
But, when he had settled on this course, lo! a fountain of universal hatred17 seemed to bubble in his heart. He burned to inflict18 some mortal injury upon Jobson, Parkin, Grotait, Cheetham, and all who had taken a part, either active or passive, in goading19 him to despair. Now Mr. Cheetham's works lay right in his way; and it struck him he could make Cheetham smart a little. Cheetham's god was money. Cheetham had thrown him over for money. He would go to Cheetham, and drive a dagger20 into his pocket.
He walked into the office. Mr. Cheetham was not there: but he found Bayne and Dr. Amboyne.
The tone was so aggressive, Bayne looked alarmed. “Why, Little, poor Mr. Cheetham is gone home with a bad headache, and a sore heart.”
“All the better. I don't want to tell him to his face he is a bragging22 cur; all I want out of him now is my money; and you can pay me that.”
The pacific Bayne cast a piteous glance at Dr. Amboyne. “I have told you the whole business, sir. Oughtn't Mr. Little to wait till to-morrow, and talk it over with Mr. Cheetham? I'm only a servant: and a man of peace.”
“Whether he ought or not, I think I can answer for him that he will.”
“I can't, sir,” said Henry, sturdily. “I leave the town to-morrow.”
“Oh, that alters the case. But must you leave us so soon?”
“Yes, sir.”
Henry replied with less than his usual candor24; “Is it not reason enough for leaving a place, that my life has been attempted in it, and now my livelihood25 is taken?”
“Those are strong reasons. But, on the other hand, your life is no longer in danger; and your livelihood is not gone; for, to speak plainly, I came over here the moment I heard you were discharged, to ask if you would enter my service on the same terms as Mr. Cheetham gave you, only guineas instead of pounds.”
“What, turn doctor?”
“Oh dear, no; the doctors' union would forbid that. No, Mr. Little, I am going to ask you to pay me a compliment; to try my service blindfold26 for one week. You can leave it if you don't like it; but give me one week's trial.”
“How can I refuse you that?” said Henry, hanging his head. “You have been a good friend to me. But, sir, mark my words, this place will be my destruction. Well, when am I to begin work?”
“To-morrow, at ten.”
“So be it,” said Henry, wearily, then left the works and went home; but, as he went, he said to himself. “It is not my doing.” And his double-faced heart glowed and exulted27 secretly.
He told his mother how the Trades had beaten him, and he was out of work.
Mrs. Little consoled him hypocritically. She was delighted. Then he told her his departure had been delayed by Dr. Amboyne: that made her look a little anxious.
“One question, dear: now the union has beaten you, they will not be so spiteful, will they?”
“Oh, no. That is all over. The conquerors28 can afford to be good-natured. Confound them!”
“Then that is all I care about. Then do not leave Hillsborough. Why should you? Wait here patiently. You do not know what may turn up.”
“What, mother, do YOU want to stay here now?” said Henry, opening his eyes with astonishment29.
“Wherever my son is happy and safe from harm, there I wish to stay—of course.”
Next morning Henry called on Dr. Amboyne, and found him in his study, teaching what looked a boy of sixteen, but was twenty-two, to read monosyllables. On Little's entrance the pupil retired30 front his uphill work, and glowered31 with vacillating eyes. The lad had a fair feminine face, with three ill things in it: a want, a wildness, and a weakness. To be sure Henry saw it at a disadvantage: for vivid intelligence would come now and then across this mild, wild, vacant face, like the breeze that sweeps a farm-yard pond.
“Good-morning, Little. This is your fellow-workman.”
“He does not look up to much,” said Henry, with all a workman's bluntness.
“What, you have found him out! Never mind; he can beat the town at one or two things, and it is for these we will use him. Some call him an idiot. The expression is neat and vigorous, but not precise; so I have christened him the Anomaly. Anomaly, this is Mr. Little; go and shake hands with him, and admire him.”
The Anomaly went directly, and gazed into Little's face for some time.
He then made his report. “He is beautiful and black.”
“I've seen him blacker. Now leave off admiring him, and look at these pictures while I prose. Two thousand philosophers are writing us dead with 'Labor32 and Capital.' But I vary the bore. 'Life, Labor, and Capital,' is my chant: and, whereas Life has hitherto been banished33 from the discussion, I put Life in its true place, at the head of the trio. (And Life I divide into long Life, and happy Life.) The subject is too vast to be dealt with all at once; but I'll give you a peep of it. The rustic34 laborer35 in the South sells his labor for too little money to support life comfortably. That is a foul36 wrong. The rustic laborer in the North has small wages, compared with a pitman, or a cutler; but he has enough for health, and he lives longer and more happily than either the pitman or the cutler; so that account is square, in my view of things. But now dive into the Hillsborough trades, and you will find this just balance of Life, Labor, and Capital regarded in some, but defied in others: a forger37 is paid as much or more than a dry-grinder, though forging is a hard but tolerably healthy trade, and dry-grinding means an early death after fifteen years of disease and misery38. The file-cutters are even more killed and less paid. What is to be done then? Raise the wages of the more homicidal trades! But this could only be done by all the unions acting39 in concert. Now the rival philosophers, who direct the unions, are all against Democritus—that's myself; they set no value on life. And indeed the most intelligent one, Grotait, smiles blandly40 on Death, and would grind his scythe41 for him—AT THE STATEMENT PRICE—because that scythe thins the labor market, and so helps keep up prices.”
“Then what can we do? I'm a proof one can't fight the unions.”
“Do? Why, lay hold of the stick at the other end. Let Pseudo-Philosophy set the means above the end, and fix its shortsighted eyes on Labor and Capital, omitting Life. (What does it profit a file-cutter if he gains his master's whole capital and loses his own life?) But you and I, Mr. Little, are true philosophers and the work we are about to enter on is—saving cutlers' lives.”
“I'd rather help take them.”
“Of course; and that is why I made the pounds guineas.”
“All right, sir,” said Henry, coloring. “I don't expect to get six guineas a week for whistling my own tune15. How are we to do the job?”
“By putting our heads together. You have, on the side of your temple, a protuberance, which I have noticed in the crania of inventors. So I want you to go round the works, and observe for yourself how Life is thrown gayly away, in a moment, by needless accident, and painfully gnawed43 away by steel-dust, stone grit44, sulphuret of lead, etc.; and then cudgel your brain for remedies.”
“Sir,” said Henry, “I am afraid I shall not earn my money. My heart is not in the job.”
“Revenge is what you would like to be at, not Philanthropy—eh?”
“Ay, doctor.” And his black eye flashed fire.
“Well, well, that is natural. Humor my crotchet just now, and perhaps I may humor yours a month or two hence. I think I could lay my hand on the fellow who blew you up.”
“What, sir! Ah! tell me that, and I'll do as much philanthropy as you like—after—”
“After you have punched your fellow-creature's head.”
“But it is impossible, sir. How can you know? These acts are kept as secret as the grave.”
“And how often has the grave revealed its secrets to observant men? Dr. Donne sauntered about among graves, and saw a sexton turn up a skull45. He examined it, found a nail in it, identified the skull, and had the murderess hung. She was safe from the sexton and the rest of the parish, but not from a stray observer. Well, the day you were blown up, I observed something, and arrived at a conclusion, by my art.”
“What, physic?”
“Oh, dear, no; my other art, my art of arts, that I don't get paid for; the art of putting myself in other people's places. I'll tell you. While you lay on the ground, in Mr. Cheetham's yard, I scanned the workmen's faces. They were full of pity and regret, and were much alike in expression—all but one. That one looked a man awakened46 from a dream. His face was wild, stupid, confused, astonished. 'Hallo!' said I, 'why are your looks so unlike the looks of your fellows?' Instantly I put myself in his place. I ceased to be the Democritus, or laughing philosopher of Hillsborough, and became a low uneducated brute47 of a workman. Then I asked this brute, viz, myself, why I was staring and glaring in that way, stupidly astonished, at the injured man? 'Were you concerned in the criminal act, ye blackguard?' said I to myself. The next step was to put myself in the place of the criminal. I did so; and I realized that I, the criminal, had done the act to please the unions, and expecting the sympathy of all union workmen to be with me. Also that I, being an ignorant brute, had never pictured to myself what suffering I should inflict. But what was the result? I now saw the sufferer, and did not like my own act; and I found all the sympathy of my fellows went with him, and that I was loathed48 and execrated49, and should be lynched on the spot were I to own my act. I now whipped back to Dr. Amboyne with the theory thus obtained, and compared it with that face; the two fitted each other, and I saw the criminal before me.”
“Good heavens! This is very deep.”
“No slop-basin was ever deeper. So leave it for the present, and go to work. Here are cards admitting you, as my commissioner50, to all the principal works. Begin with—Stop a moment, while I put myself in your place. Let me see, 'Cheetham's grinders think they have turned me out of Hillsborough. That mortifies51 a young man of merit like me. Confound 'em! I should like to show them they have not the power to drive me out. Combine how they will, I rise superior. I forge as they could not forge: that was my real crime. Well, I'll be their superior still. I'm their inspector52, and their benefactor53, at higher wages than they, poor devils, will ever earn at inspecting and benefiting, or any thing else.' Ah! your color rises. I've hit the right nail, isn't it an excellent and most transmigratory art? Then begin with Cheetham. By-the-bye, the Anomaly has spotted54 a defective55 grindstone there. Scrutinize56 all his departments severely57; for no man values his people's lives less than my good friend John Cheetham. Away with you both; and God speed you.”
“What's your real name, my man?”
“Silly Billy.”
“Oh, then I'm afraid you can't do much to help me.”
“Oh yes, I can, because—”
“Because what?”
“Because I like you.”
“Well, that's lucky, any way.”
“Billy can catch trout59 when nobody else can,” said the youngster, turning his eyes proudly up to Henry's.
“Oh, indeed! But you see that is not exactly what the doctor wants us for.”
Henry turned a look of silent pity on the boy, and left him in his pleasing illusion. He wondered that Dr. Amboyne should have tacked61 this biped on to him.
They entered Cheetham's works, and Henry marched grimly into the office, and showed Mr. Bayne his credentials62.
“Why, Little, you had no need of that.”
“Oh, it is as well to have no misunderstanding with your employer's masters. I visit these works for my present employer, Dr. Amboyne, with the consent of Mr. Cheetham, here written.”
“Very well, sir,” said Bayne, obsequiously64; “and I respectfully solicit65 the honor of conducting our esteemed66 visitor.”
A young man's ill-humor could not stand against this. “Come along, old fellow,” said Henry. “I'm a bear, with a sore heart; but who could be such a brute as quarrel with you? Let us begin with the chaps who drove me out—the grinders. I'm hired to philanthropize 'em—d—n 'em.”
They went among the dry-grinders first; and Henry made the following observations. The workman's hair and clothes were powdered with grit and dust from the grindstones. The very air was impregnated with it, and soon irritated his own lungs perceptibly. Here was early death, by bronchitis and lung diseases, reduced to a certainty. But he also learned from the men that the quantity of metal ground off was prodigious67, and entered their bodies they scarce knew how. A razor-grinder showed him his shirt: it was a deep buff-color. “There, sir,” said he, “that was clean on yesterday. All the washerwomen in Hillsbro' can't make a shirt of mine any other color but that.” The effect on life, health, and happiness was visible; a single glance revealed rounded shoulders and narrow chests, caused partly by the grinder's position on his horsing, a position very injurious to the organs of breathing, and partly by the two devil's dusts that filled the air; cadaverous faces, the muscles of which betrayed habitual68 suffering, coughs short and dry, or with a frothy expectoration peculiar69 to the trade. In answer to questions, many complained of a fearful tightness across the chest, of inability to eat or to digest. One said it took him five minutes to get up the factory stairs, and he had to lean against the wall several times.
A razor-grinder of twenty-two, with death in his face, told Henry he had come into that room when he was eleven. “It soon takes hold of boys,” said he. “I've got what I shall never get shut on.”
Another, who looked ill, but not dying, received Henry's sympathy with a terrible apathy70. “I'm twenty-eight,” said he; “and a fork-grinder is an old cock at thirty. I must look to drop off my perch71 in a year or two, like the rest.”
Only one, of all these victims, seemed to trouble his head about whether death and disease could be averted72. This one complained that some employers provided fans to drive the dust from the grinder, but Cheetham would not go to the expense.
The rest that Henry spoke73 to accepted their fate doggedly74. They were ready to complain, but not to move a finger in self-defense. Their fathers had been ground out young, and why not they?
Indifferent to life, health, and happiness, they could nevertheless be inflamed75 about sixpence a week. In other words, the money-price of their labor was every thing to them, the blood-price nothing.
Henry found this out, and it gave him a glimpse into the mind of Amboyne.
He felt quite confused, and began to waver between hate, contempt, and pity. Was it really these poor doomed76 wretches77 who had robbed him of his livelihood? Could men so miscalculate the size of things, as to strike because an inoffensive individual was making complete caring-tools all by himself, and yet not strike, nor even stipulate78 for fans, to carry disease and death away from their own vitals? Why it seemed wasting hate, to bestow79 it on these blind idiots.
He went on to the wet-grinders, and he found their trade much healthier than dry-grinding: yet there were drawbacks. They suffered from the grit whenever a new stone was hung and raced. They were also subject to a canker of the hands, and to colds, coughs, and inflammations, from perspiration80 checked by cold draughts81 and drenched82 floors. These floors were often of mud, and so the wet stagnated83 and chilled their feet, while their bodies were very hot. Excellent recipe for filling graves.
Here Bayne retired to his books, and Henry proceeded to the saw-grinders, and entered their rooms with no little interest, for they were an envied trade. They had been for many years governed by Grotait, than whom no man in England saw clearer; though such men as Amboyne saw further. Grotait, by a system of Machiavellian84 policy, ingeniously devised and carried out, nobly, basely, craftily85, forcibly, benevolently86, ruthlessly, whichever way best suited the particular occasion, had built a model union; and still, with unremitting zeal87 and vigilance, contrived88 to keep numbers down and prices up—which is the great union problem.
The work was hard, but it was done in a position favorable to the lungs, and the men were healthy, brawny89 fellows; one or two were of remarkable90 stature91.
Up to this moment Silly Billy had fully42 justified92 that title. He had stuck to Henry's side like a dog, but with no more interest in the inquiry93 than a calf94, indeed, his wandering eye and vacant face had indicated that his scanty95 wits were wool-gathering miles from the place that contained his body.
But, as soon as he entered the saw-grinders' room, his features lighted up, and his eye kindled96. He now took up a commanding position in the center, and appeared to be listening keenly. And he had not listened many seconds before he cried out, “There's the bad music! there! there!” And he pointed97 to a grindstone that was turning and doing its work exactly like the others. “Oh, the bad music!” cried Billy. “It is out of tune. It says, 'Murder! murder! Out of tune!'”
Henry thought it his duty to inspect the grindstone so vigorously denounced, and, naturally enough, went in front of the grinder. But Billy pulled him violently to the side. “You musn't stand there,” said he. “That is the way they fly when they break, and kill the poor father, and then the mother lets down her hair, and the boy goes crazed.”
By this time the men were attracted by the Anomaly's gestures and exclamations98, and several left their work, and came round him. “What is amiss, Billy? a flawed stone, eh? which is it?”
“Here! here!” said the boy. “This is the wheel of death. Kill it, break it, smash it, before it kills another father.”
Henry spoke to the grinder, and asked him if there was anything amiss with the stone.
The man seemed singularly uneasy at being spoken to: however he made answer sullenly99 that he had seen better ones, and worse ones, and all.
Henry was, however, aware, that the breaking of a large grindstone, while revolving100 by steam power, was a serious, and often a fatal thing; he therefore made a private mark upon the wall opposite the grindstone, and took his excited companion to Bayne. “This poor lad says he has found a defective grindstone. It is impossible for me to test it while it is running. Will you let us into the works when the saw-grinders have left?”
Bayne hem'd and haw'd a little, but consented. He would remain behind half an-hour to oblige Little.
Henry gave the Anomaly his dinner, and then inspected the file-cutters in two great works. Here he found suicide reduced to a system. Whereof anon.
Returning, to keep his appointment with Bayne he met a well-dressed man, who stopped Billy, and accosted101 him kindly102.
Henry strolled on.
He heard their voices behind him all the way, and the man stopped at Cheetham's gate, which rather surprised him. “Has Billy told you what we are at?” said he.
“Yes. But the very look of him was enough. I know Billy and his ways, better than you do.”
“Very likely. What, are you coming in with us?”
“If you have no objection.”
The door was opened by Bayne in person. He started at the sight of the companion his friend had picked up, and asked him, with marked civility, if there was anything amiss. “Not that I know of,” was the reply. “I merely thought that my experience might be of some little service to you in an inquiry of this kind.”
“Not a doubt of it, sir,” said Bayne, and led the way with his lantern, for it was past sunset. On the road, the visitor asked if anybody had marked the accused stone. Henry said he should know it again. “That is right,” said the other.
On entering the room, this personage took Billy by the arm, and held him. “Let us have no false alarms,” he said, and blindfolded103 the boy with his handkerchief in a moment.
And now an examination commenced, which the time and the place rendered curious and striking.
It was a long, lofty room; the back part mainly occupied by the drums that were turned by the driving-power. The power was on the floor above, and acted by means of huge bands that came down through holes in the ceiling and turned the drums. From each of these drums came two leather bands, each of which turned a pulley-wheel, and each pulley-wheel a grindstone, to whose axle it was attached; but now the grindstones rested in the troughs, and the great wheel-bands hung limp, and the other bands lay along loose and serpentine104. In the dim light of a single lamp, it all looked like a gigantic polypus with its limbs extended lazily, and its fingers holding semi-circular claws: for of the grindstones less than half is visible.
Billy was a timid creature, and this blindfolding105 business rather scared him: he had almost to be dragged within reach of these gaunt antennae106. But each time they got him to touch a grindstone, his body changed its character from shrinking and doubtful, to erect107 and energetic, and he applied108 his test. This boy carried with him, night and day, a little wooden hammer, like an auctioneer's, and with this he now tapped each stone several times, searching for the one he had denounced: and, at each experiment, he begged the others to keep away from him and leave him alone with the subject of his experiment; which they did, and held up the lamp and threw the light on him.
Six heavy grindstones he tapped, and approved, three he even praised and called “good music.”
The seventh he struck twice, first gently, then hard and drew back from it, screaming “Oh, the bad music! Oh, the wheel of death!” and tried to tear the handkerchief from his eyes.
“Be quiet, Billy,” said the visitor, calmly; and, putting his arm round the boy's neck, drew him to his side, and detached the handkerchief, all in a certain paternal109 way that seemed to betoken110 a kindly disposition111. But, whilst he was doing this, he said to Henry, “Now—you marked a stone in daylight; which was it?”
“No, no, I didn't mark the stone, but I wrote on the wall just opposite. Lend us the light, Bayne. By George! here is my mark right opposite this stone.”
“Then Billy's right. Well done, Billy.” He put his hand in his pocket and gave him a new shilling. He then inquired of Bayne, with the air of a pupil seeking advice from a master, whether this discovery ought not to be acted upon.
“Oh, if I was sure I should not be considered presumptuous113 in offering my advice, I would say, Turn the stone into the yard, and bang a new one. You have got three excellent ones outside; from Buckhurst quarry114, by the look of them.”
“It shall be done, sir.”
This effective co-operation, on the part of a stranger, was naturally gratifying to Henry, and he said to him: “I should be glad to ask you a question. You seem to know a good deal about this trade—”
“Are serious accidents really common with these grindstones?”
“No, no,” said Bayne, “not common. Heaven forbid.”
“They are not common—in the newspapers,” replied the other. “But” (to Bayne), “will you permit me to light these two gaslights for a moment?”
“Well, sir, it is contrary to our rules,—but—”
“All the more obliging of you,” said the visitor, coolly, and lighted them, with his own match, in a twinkling. He then drew out of his waistcoat pocket a double eyeglass, gold-mounted, and examining the ceiling with it, soon directed Henry's attention to two deep dents116 and a brown splash. “Every one of those marks,” said he, “is a history, and was written by a flying grindstone. Where you see the dents the stone struck the ceiling;” he added very gravely, “and, when it came down again, ask yourself, did it ALWAYS fall right? These histories are written only on the ceiling and the walls. The floor could tell its tales too; but a crushed workman is soon swept off it, and the wheels go on again.”
“That is too true,” said Henry. “And it does a chap's heart good to hear a gentleman like you—”
“I'm not a gentleman. I'm an old Saw.”
“Excuse me, sir, you look like a gentleman, and talk like one.”
“And I try to conduct myself like one: but I AM an old Saw.”
“What! and carry a gold eyeglass?”
“The Trade gave it me. I'm an old Saw.”
“Well, then, all the better, for you can tell me, and please do: have you ever actually known fatal accidents from this cause?”
“I have known the light grinders very much shaken by a breaking stone, and away from work a month after it. And, working among saw-grinders, who use heavy stones, and stand over them in working, I've seen—Billy, go and look at thy shilling, in the yard, and see which is brightest, it or the moon. Is he gone? I've seen three men die within a few yards of me. One, the stone flew in two pieces; a fragment, weighing about four hundredweight I should say, struck him on the breast, and killed him on place; he never spoke. I've forgotten his very name. Another; the stone went clean out of window, but it kicked the grinder backward among the machinery117, and his head was crushed like an eggshell. But the worst of all was poor Billy's father. He had been warned against his stone; but he said he would run it out. Well, his little boy, that is Billy, had just brought him in his tea, and was standing63 beside him, when the stone went like a pistol-shot, and snapped the horsing chains like a thread; a piece struck the wall, and did no harm, only made a hole; but the bigger half went clean up to the ceiling, and then fell plump down again; the grinder he was knocked stupid like, and had fallen forward on his broken horsing; the grindstone fell right on him, and, ah—I saw the son covered with the father's blood.”
He shuddered118 visibly, at the recollection. “Ay,” said he, “the man a corpse119, and the lad an idiot. One faulty stone did that, within four yards of me, in a moment of time.”
“Good heavens!”
“I was grinding at the next stone but one. He was taken, and I was left. It might just as well have been the other way. No saw-grinder can make sure, when he gets on his horsing, that he will come off it alive.”
The visitor left Henry to think of this while he drew Bayne aside, and spoke on another matter.
Afterward120, all three left the works together; and Henry was so pleased with his new ally, that he told him, at the gate, he should be glad if he might be allowed to make his acquaintance.
“By all means,” said the other. “I am quite at your service. You will find me at the 'Cutlers' Arms.'”
“Who shall I ask for?”
“George Grotait.”
“Grotait. The devil!”
“No, no. Not quite so bad as that.”
“What,” said Henry, roughly, “do you mean to say you are old Smitem?”
“That is a name FOOLS give me.”
Henry had no reply ready, and so the sturdy old secretary got the better of him again, and went his way unruffled.
Henry scolded Bayne for not telling him. Bayne excused himself on the ground that he thought everybody knew Grotait. He added, “He knew you, and told me if he could serve you, without being unjust to the Trades, I was to tell him.”
The next day and the next were spent in other works, and then Henry, having no more facts to learn, fell into deep dejection again. He saw he must either cheat Dr. Amboyne, by shamming122 work, or else must leave Hillsborough.
He had the honesty to go to the doctor and say that he had mastered the whole matter, and didn't see his way to take any more wages from a friend.
“You mean you have mastered the broad facts.”
“I have, sir, and they are beyond belief; especially the file-cutters. They are the most numerous of all the Trades, and die like sheep. If your notion about Life, Labor, and Capital is right, the Trades are upside down; for the deadliest are the worst paid.”
“And are you prepared with the remedies?”
“Not I.”
“Yet you fancy you are at the end of your work. Why, you are only beginning. Now comes the real brain work; invention. Now are craniology and you upon your trial. But you are quite right about weekly salary. Invention must not be so degraded, but paid by the piece. Life, Labor, and Capital are upside down in this place, are they? Then you shall be the man to set them on their legs.”
“Well, and why not? To invention all things are possible. You carry a note-book?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Got it in your pocket?”
“No; on my shoulders.”
“Haw! haw! haw! Then write this down in it—'THERE'S A KEY TO EVERY LOCK'”
“It's down, sir.”
“Now you must go out trout-fishing with Billy. He will take you on the hills, where the air is pure, and favorable to invention. You will divert your mind from all external subjects, especially Billy, who is a fool, and his trout-killing inhumane, and I a merciless glutton124 for eating them; and you will think, and think, and think, and forge the required key to this lock with three wards—Life, Labor, Capital. And, when forged, the Philanthropic Society shall pay you a good price for it. Meantime, don't dream of leaving Hillsborough, or I shall give you a stirrup-cup that will waft125 you much further than London; for it shall be 'of prussic acid all composed,' or 'juice of cursed Hebenon in a vial.' Come, away with you.”
“Good-by, doctor. God bless you. You have found 'the key to my heart' somehow. I come to you a miserable broken-hearted dog, and you put life and hope into me directly. I declare talking with you it's like drinking sunshine. I'll try all I know to please you.”
He went down the street with his old elastic126 tread, and muttered to himself, “There's no lock without a key.”
Next day he went out on the hills with Billy, and saw him tickle127 trout, and catch them under stones, and do many strange things, and all the time he thought of Grace Carden, and bemoaned128 his sad fate. He could not command his mind, and direct it to philanthropy. His heart would not let him, and his personal wrongs were too recent. After a short struggle, these got so thoroughly129 the better, that he found himself stealing the doctor's words for his own purposes. “No lock without a key.” Then there must be some way of outwitting these cursed Trades, and so making money enough to set up as a master, and then court her, and woo her, and marry her. Heaven seemed to open on him at this prospect130, and he fell into a deep reverie. By-and-by, as he pondered, it seemed to him as if the shadow of a coming idea was projected in advance of the idea itself. He knew somehow there was a way to baffle his enemies, and resume his business, and yet he could not see the way; but still he was absolutely conscious it existed.
This conviction took such hold of him, that he became restless, and asked Billy to leave off and come away. The youth consented, and they returned to the town with a basket of trout. Henry sent Billy on to the doctor with half of them, and took the other half to his friend Bayne.
On what a trifle things turn. Bayne was very much pleased with his little attention, and asked him to take them to his lodging131, and beg the landlady132 to cook them for dinner. “Tell her you dine with me, old fellow.”
“Oh, hang it, I wasn't fishing for a dinner.”
“As if I didn't know that. But you must. Then I shall enjoy your company in peace. I shall be there in an hour.”
And so he was: but in that one hour events had occurred that I shall leave Mr. Bayne to relate.
During dinner neither of the friends wasted much time in talk; but after dinner, Bayne produced a bottle of port, notwithstanding Henry's remonstrances133 at being treated like a stranger, and it soon became apparent that the host himself was not in the habit of drinking that generous mixture every day. At the second glass he so far forgot himself as to utter the phrase “Eternal friendship,” and, soon after, he began to writhe134 in his chair, and, at last, could no longer refrain himself, but told Henry that Miss Carden had been canvassing135 customers. She had just sent in six orders for sets of carving-tools, all for friends of her own.
Henry colored to the temples at this unexpected proof that she he loved thought of him too.
“Oh, Bayne,” cried the poor young man, almost choking, “I little thought—God bless her!”
“Let us drink her health,” said Bayne, excitedly.
“Ah, that I will!” and this was the first glass Henry drank honestly.
“Now, Little, I'm not doing quite right, you know; but I MUST tell you. When we lost you—you know that set of tools the union dropped in our yard—well, he sent them to London for yours.”
“That is just like him,” said Henry, bitterly.
“And I'll tell you a good joke; they were in the place when you called, only not unpacked136 till just before I came away. Returned, sir! with a severe reprimand. 'Wonder you should send us such things as these for carving-tools by Little. If the error is not repaired shall consider ourselves at liberty to communicate direct with that workman.' A regular sugar-plum.”
“Oh, thank you, my kind friend, for telling me. The world isn't all bitterness, after all: a poor fellow gets a sweet drop of friendship now and then.”
“Yes, and a good drop of port now and then, though I say it that shouldn't. Fill up. Well, my boy, Cheetham is in a fine way. I left him walking about the office like a hyena137. So now is your time. You can't fight the Trades; but, if Cheetham will go in with you, and I know he will, for he is sorer than you are, you can trick the Trades yet.”
“Ah! tell me how, that is all.”
“Oh, I can't tell you exactly. I'll try, though. I say, what a glorious thing the Ruby138 is: it inspires us, and fires us, et cetera, and gives us ideas beyond our sphere. Did you ever see one of these new portable forges?”
“No; never heard of them.”
“No wonder; they are just out. Well, buy one of them—they were invented here—and carry it to some dismal139 cavern140, where the foot of man never treads: make Cheetham grind your blades in another county: and who will ever know? Go to him, and don't say a word, but just ask him for your month's salary. Then he will open the door of business himself—safe. I'll drink his health. He's not a bad sort, Cheetham: only he'd sell his soul for money. I hate such rubbish. Here's 'Perdition to the lot; and no heel-taps.'”
These words of fire set Henry pondering deeply; and, as he pondered, Bayne stuck to the port, and so effectually, that, at last, after an interval141 of silence, he came out in a new character. He disturbed his companion's reverie by informing him, in a loud, aggressive tone, that it had long been his secret wish to encounter the Hillsborough Trades, in the persons of their secretaries, under the following conditions: a twenty-four feet ring, an experienced referee142, and a kingdom looking on. As to the order of the pugilistic events, he was not unreasonably143 fastidious; must stipulate to begin with old Smitem; but, after that, they might encounter their fate in any order they chose, one down t'other come on. He let him know that this ardent144 desire for single combats, in an interminable series, arose from their treatment of his friend—“the best friend—the best heart—oh!—the best company—oh! oh!—the best—oh! oh! oh!” Whereupon he wept, the bellicose145 Bayne. And, after weeping the usual quantity, he twaddled, and, after twaddling, he became as pacific as ever, for he went to sleep in his chair.
And, while he snoozed, the words he had uttered set his friend's brain boiling and bubbling.
When the time came at which Bayne ought to return to the works, Henry called the landlady, and said, “Mr. Bayne is not very well. I am going to make his excuses. I wouldn't disturb him till five, if I was you, and then I'd give him a strong cup of tea.”
Henry then went direct to the office, and found Mr. Cheetham there.
“Well?” said Mr. Cheetham, rather surlily.
“I am come to ask for my month, sir.”
“So I guessed. Do you really mean to exact that?”
“Why not, sir?”
“Haven't you heard how they ground me down?”
“Yes, sir. But why did you give in? I was true to you, but you failed me. I'd have shut up the works for three months, rather than be made a slave of, and go from my word.”
“Ay, ay; that's bachelor's talk. I've got a wife and children, and they make a man a mouse.”
“Well, sir, I forgive you: but as to my month's wages—now all I say is—PUT YOURSELF IN MY PLACE!”
“Well?”
“You are me. You are brought from London, under an agreement, a month's notice on either side. You work, and give satisfaction. You are threatened, but you don't run from your employer. You are blown up, and nearly killed. You lose a fortnight, but you don't charge for it; 'twasn't your employer's fault. You come back to him, and face the music again. You work with the sword hanging over you. But your employer gives in, and sacks you in a minute. Oughtn't you to have your month? Come now, man to man, oughtn't you?”
“I ought, and that's the truth. I didn't look at it that way. I saw my own side. There—no more about it—I'll draw the check—with a good heart.”
He drew his check-book to him, with a face as if vultures were tearing his vitals.
When Henry found him Amboynable, and saw his piteous look, he felt a little softened146 toward him, and he said, very impressively, “Wait one moment, sir, I've got an idea. I'm not the sort that likes to be beat. Are YOU?” The men looked steadily147 at each other.
Cheetham lowered his voice. “I've had hell inside me ever since. I thought I was a man, but they made a mouse of me. If you know any way to beat them, I'll go in with you.”
“Well, sir, there is a key to every lock.”
“That is well said, and I believe it; but one can't always find the key.”
“I almost think I have, sir.”
“See nobody is listening. Where is Bayne? He is due.”
“Oh, he is not very well, sir; and I was to ask you for an hour's absence.”
“Let him have the whole afternoon. I'll not have a soul in this but us two. Now come close, and tell me.”
They sat opposite each other, and put their heads together over the table, and the following dialogue passed almost in a whisper. To see them, you would have thought they were conspiring148 against the law, instead of combining to hide a lawful149 act from the violaters of the law.
“I can forge the blades a dozen miles from Hillsborough.”
“Not you; you will be told of. That won't do.”
“I shall not be told of; for nobody will know but you. I shall only forge at night; and the building is out of the world, and wedged in, out of sight, between two bleak150 hills. Sir, it is a deserted151 church.”
“What, forge blades in a church?”
“A deserted church; why not?”
“Little, you are A 1. Go on.”
“I can get the blades ground by a friend at Birmingham; and my mother and I can put them together at home. The complete articles will come to you in parcels of a certain colored paper, invoiced152 in cipher154 outside, so that they need not be opened; you can trust the invoice153, and dispatch them to your London agent.”
“All right.”
“The steel you must supply me at the current price, and charge it against me.”
“Certainly. But your price per gross? For this work can't be done by time.”
“Of course not.” And Henry named a price per gross at which Cheetham lifted up his hands. “Why, you'll take nine pounds a week at that!”
“Ay, and more,” said Henry, coolly. “But I sha'n't make it. Why, this scheme entails155 no end of expenses. A house, and stables with back entrance. A swift horse, to gallop156 to the forge at sunset, and back by noon. A cart to take the things to the railway and back, and to the parcel delivery for you. And, besides that, I must risk my neck, riding over broken ground at night: and working night and day shortens life. You can't reduce these things to Labor and Capital. It's Life, Labor, and Capital.”
“Hallo! There's a new cry. I tell ye what; you know too much for me. You read the Beehive. I take you at your price.”
Then he had a misgiving157. “That old Smitem's as crafty158 as a fox. If he finds you stay here, with no visible employment, he will soon be down on us.”
“Ay; but in the day-time I shall appear as a carver of wood, and also an inspector of factories for Dr. Amboyne. Who will suspect me of a night trade, as well as two day trades?”
Cheetham slapped the table triumphantly159: but, recovering his caution, he whispered, “It's planned first-rate.”
“And now, sir, there is one difficulty you must help me in, if you please. It is to set up the forge unobserved.”
“What, am I to find the forge?”
“There's a question, sir! Of course you are. One of these new portable forges.”
Cheetham reflected for some little time. He then said it was a ticklish160 thing, and he saw but one way. “The forge must come here, after closing hours, and you and I must fetch it away in the dead of night, and take it down to the old church, and set it up.”
“Well, but, sir, we shall want assistance.”
“Nay, nay. I've got the last suit of moleskin I ever worked in laid away. I'll air 'em, and put 'em on again; and, when I've got em on once more, I shall feel a man again. I'll have neither fool nor spy in it: the thing is too serious. I might bring some country fellow, that can't read or write; but no, these portables are small things, and I'm one of the strongest men in Hillsborough. Best keep it to ourselves. When is it to be?”
“Say next Wednesday, two hours after midnight.”
“Then that is settled. And now I'll square the old account agreed.” He drew his check-book toward him again.
But Henry slopped him. “Fair play's a jewel,” said he smiling. “The moment you sacked me—”
“Say the Trades, not me.”
“Dr. Amboyne hired me, at six guineas a week, to inspect the works. So you owe me nothing; but to be true to me.”
This trait, though it was one of simple probity161, astonished and gratified Mr. Cheetham. He looked on the young man with marked respect. “You are hard; but you are very square. I'll be true as steel to you, and we'll outwit our tyrants162 together, till I get a chance to put my foot on them. Yes, I'll be open with you; there are plenty of orders from London and the Continent, and one for six sets from swells163 in Hillsborough.”
“Might I see that order?”
“Why not? There, run your eye over it. I want to go into the packing-room for a minute.”
He then tossed Henry the order, as if it was nothing more than an order.
But it was a great deal more than that to Henry. It was Grace Carden's handwriting, the first specimen164 he had ever seen.
He took the paper in his hand, and a slight perfume came from it that went to his heart. He devoured165 the delicately formed letters, and they went to his heart too: he thrilled all over. And the words were as like her as the perfume. She gave the order, and the addresses of her friends, with a pretty little attempt at the businesslike; but, this done, she burst out, “and we all entreat166 you to be good to poor Mr. Little, and protect him against the wicked, cruel, abominable167 unions.”
These sweet words made his heart beat violently, and brought the tears of tenderness into his eyes. He kissed the words again and again. He put them into his bosom168, and took them out again, and gloated over them till they danced before his manly169 eyes. Then his love took another turn: he started up, and marched and strutted170, like a young stag, about the room, with one hand pressing the paper to his bosom. Why had he said Wednesday? It could all have been got ready on Tuesday. No matter, he would make up for that lost day. He was on the road, once more, the road to fortune, and to her.
Cheetham came in, and found him walking excitedly, with the paper in his hand, and of course took the vulgar view of his emotion.
“Ay, lad,” said he, “and they are all swells, I promise you. There's Miss Laura Craske. That's the mayor's daughter. Lady Betty Tyrone. She's a visitor. Miss Castleton! Her father is the county member.”
“And who is this Mr. Coventry?” asked Henry.
“Oh, he is a landed gentleman, but spends his tin in Hillsborough; and you can't blame him. Mr. Coventry? Why, that is Miss Carden's intended.”
“I mean her beau. The gentleman she is going to marry, they say.”
Henry Little turned cold, and a tremor172 ran through him; but he did not speak a word; and, with Spartan173 fortitude174, suppressed all outward sign of emotion. He laid the paper down patiently, and went slowly away.
Loyal to his friend even in this bitter moment, he called at Bayne's place and left word with the landlady that Mr. Bayne was not wanted at the works any more that day.
But he could not bear to talk to Bayne about his plans. They had lost their relish175. He walked listlessly away, and thought it all over.
For the first time he saw his infatuation clearly. Was ever folly176 like his? If she had been a girl in humble life, would he not have asked whether she had a sweetheart? Yet he must go and give his heart to a lady without inquiry. There, where wisdom and prudence177 were most needed, he had speculated like an idiot. He saw it, and said to himself, “I have acted like a boy playing at pitch-farthing, not like a man who knew the value of his heart.”
And so he passed a miserable time, bemoaning178 the treasure that was now quite inaccessible179 instead of nearly, and the treasure of his own heart he had thrown away.
He awoke with a sense of misery and deep depression, and could not eat; and that was a novelty in his young and healthy life. He drank a cup of tea, however, and then went out, to avoid his mother's tender looks of anxious inquiry. He meant to tell her all one day; but to-day he was not strong enough. He must wait till he was cured; for cured he must be, cured he would be.
He now tried to give his mind to the task Amboyne had set him; but it was too hard: he gave it up, with rage and despair.
Then he made a desperate resolve, which will not surprise those who know the human heart. He would harden himself. He would see more of Miss Carden than ever; only it should be in quite a new light. He would look at her, and keep saying to himself all the time, “You are another man's wife.”
With this determination, he called at “Woodbine Villa.”
Miss Carden was not at home.
“Are you sure she is not at home?”
“Not at home,” replied the man stiffly.
“No, miss,” said the man, with a sudden change of manner, for he was a desperate and forlorn admirer of the last speaker. “Come in, sir.” And he ushered181 him in to Jael Dence. She was in her bonnet182, and just going out. They shook hands, and she told him Miss Carden was out walking.
“That's more than I can say,” replied Jael.
“You know nothing about it, of course,” said Henry, roughly.
Jael looked surprised at the uncalled-for tone, and turned a mild glance of inquiry and reproach upon him.
The young man was ashamed of himself, and at that moment, too, he remembered he had already been rather ungrateful to her. So, to make amends184, he said, “Didn't I promise to take you to Cairnhope?”
“Ay,” said Jael; and she beamed and blushed in a moment.
“Well, I must go there, Sunday at the latest. So I will come for you, if you like. Will you be ready at ten o'clock?”
“Yes.”
“I'll bring a gig, and take you like a lady.”
“Anyway you please. I'd as lieve walk as ride.”
“I prefer riding. Ten o'clock, the day after to-morrow. Good-by.”
And he hurried away, provoked, not pleased, at the manifest pleasure he had given. The woman he loved—inaccessible! The woman he only liked—he could spend the whole day with her. So the reasonable youth was cross with her for that, and for being so pleased, when he was wretched.
That feeling soon wore off, however, and, being a man of business, he wrote a line to Martha Dence, and told her he should visit her on Sunday. He added, with a gleam of good-humor, “and look out, for I shall bring my lass,” intending to give them all an agreeable surprise; for Jael, he knew, was an immense favorite.
Next day he went on the hills with Billy, and, instead of thinking for the benefit of his enemies, as agreed with Amboyne, he set himself to hate every body, especially Miss Carden's lover, and the Hillsborough unions. The grinders and file-cutters might die like sheep. What did he care? As much as they cared for him. Dr. Amboyne was too good for this world, and should keep his money to himself. He (Henry Little) would earn none of it, would take none of it. What invention he had should all go to outwit the Trades, and turn that old ruffian's church into his own smithy. This double master-stroke, by which he was to defeat one enemy, and secretly affront185 another, did make him chuckle one or twice, not with joy, but with bitterness.
He awoke in a similar mood next morning: but there was eight o'clock service near, and the silver-toned bell awakened better thoughts. He dressed hurriedly, and went to church.
He came back sadder, but rather less hot, less bitter: he had his breakfast, improved his toilet, went to the livery stable, and drove to “Woodbine Villa.”
Mr. and Miss Carden had just finished breakfast, when he drove up to the door.
“Who is this?” said Mr. Carden.
“What, have you forgotten Mr. Little?”
“Indeed! Why, how he is dressed. I took him for a gentleman.”
“You were not very far wrong, papa. He is a gentleman at heart.”
Jael came in equipped for the ride. She was neatly186 dressed, and had a plain shepherd's-plaid shawl, that suited her noble bust187. She looked a picture of health and happiness.
“If you please, miss, he is come to take me to Cairnhope.”
“Oh! is it for that? And I declare you expected him, too.”
“Yes,” said Jael, and blushed.
“I didn't feel very sure he would keep his word.”
“Then you don't know him as well as I do.”
“I haven't the chance. He speaks a deal more to you than he do to me.”
“Well, Jael, you needn't snub me, because you are going with Mr. Little.”
As a bone, put between two friendly dogs, causes a growl189, so when a handsome young man enters on the scene, I have seen young women lose a little of that unmitigated sweetness which marked them a moment before.
With Grace, however, to snap and to repent190 generally followed in a breath. “I hope you will have a happy day, dear, as happy as you deserve.” She then went to kiss her, but gave her cheek, instead of her lips. “There,” said she, in rather a flurried way, “don't keep Mr. Little waiting.”
Just as they drove off, Grace came to the window, after a slight irresolution191, and kissed her hand to them enchantingly; at which a sudden flood of rapture192 rushed through Little's heart, and flushed his cheek, and fired his dark eye; Grace caught its flash full in hers, and instinctively193 retired a step. They were off.
“How bright and happy they look,” said she to her father. And no wonder.
She sat down, and, somehow, she felt singularly dull and lonely.
Then she dressed for church, languidly. Then she went to church. By-and-by she came back from church.
Then she sat down, in her bonnet, and felt alone in the world, and sad; and at last she found herself quietly crying, as young ladies will sometimes, without any visible cause.
Then she asked herself what on earth she was crying about, and herself told her she was a little hysterical194 fool, and wanted a good beating.
Then she plucked up spirit, and dried her eyes. Then she took to yawning, and said Sunday was a dull day, and life itself rather a wearisome thing.
Then a servant came to inquire if she was at home.
“What, on Sunday? Of course not. Who is it?”
“Mr. Coventry, miss.”
“I am at home.”
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收听单词发音
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revolved
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| v.（使）旋转( revolve的过去式和过去分词 )；细想 | |
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sipped
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| v.小口喝，呷，抿( sip的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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wholesome
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| adj.适合；卫生的；有益健康的；显示身心健康的 | |
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galling
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| adj.难堪的,使烦恼的,使焦躁的 | |
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gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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savings
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| n.存款，储蓄 | |
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exasperated
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| adj.恼怒的 | |
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villa
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| n.别墅，城郊小屋 | |
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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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positively
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| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
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judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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toil
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| vi.辛劳工作，艰难地行动；n.苦工，难事 | |
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amass
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| vt.积累，积聚 | |
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tune
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| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
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falter
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| vi.(嗓音)颤抖，结巴地说；犹豫；蹒跚 | |
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hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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inflict
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| vt.(on)把…强加给，使遭受，使承担 | |
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goading
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| v.刺激( goad的现在分词 )；激励；（用尖棒）驱赶；驱使（或怂恿、刺激）某人 | |
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dagger
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| n.匕首，短剑，剑号 | |
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abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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bragging
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| v.自夸，吹嘘( brag的现在分词 )；大话 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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candor
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| n.坦白，率真 | |
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livelihood
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| n.生计，谋生之道 | |
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blindfold
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| vt.蒙住…的眼睛；adj.盲目的；adv.盲目地；n.蒙眼的绷带[布等]； 障眼物，蒙蔽人的事物 | |
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exulted
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| 狂喜，欢跃( exult的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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conquerors
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| 征服者，占领者( conqueror的名词复数 ) | |
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astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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glowered
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| v.怒视( glower的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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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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33
banished
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| v.放逐，驱逐( banish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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34
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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35
laborer
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| n.劳动者，劳工 | |
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36
foul
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| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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37
forger
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| v.伪造；n.（钱、文件等的）伪造者 | |
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38
misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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39
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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40
blandly
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| adv.温和地，殷勤地 | |
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41
scythe
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| n. 长柄的大镰刀，战车镰； v. 以大镰刀割 | |
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42
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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43
gnawed
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| 咬( gnaw的过去式和过去分词 )； （长时间） 折磨某人； （使）苦恼； （长时间）危害某事物 | |
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44
grit
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| n.沙粒，决心，勇气；v.下定决心，咬紧牙关 | |
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45
skull
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| n.头骨；颅骨 | |
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46
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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47
brute
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| n.野兽，兽性 | |
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48
loathed
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| v.憎恨，厌恶( loathe的过去式和过去分词 )；极不喜欢 | |
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49
execrated
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| v.憎恶( execrate的过去式和过去分词 )；厌恶；诅咒；咒骂 | |
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50
commissioner
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| n.（政府厅、局、处等部门）专员，长官，委员 | |
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51
mortifies
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| v.使受辱( mortify的第三人称单数 )；伤害（人的感情）；克制；抑制（肉体、情感等） | |
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52
inspector
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| n.检查员，监察员，视察员 | |
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53
benefactor
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| n. 恩人，行善的人，捐助人 | |
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54
spotted
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| adj.有斑点的，斑纹的，弄污了的 | |
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55
defective
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| adj.有毛病的，有问题的，有瑕疵的 | |
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56
scrutinize
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| n.详细检查，细读 | |
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57
severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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58
gauge
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| v.精确计量；估计；n.标准度量；计量器 | |
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59
trout
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| n.鳟鱼；鲑鱼(属) | |
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60
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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61
tacked
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| 用平头钉钉( tack的过去式和过去分词 )； 附加，增补； 帆船抢风行驶，用粗线脚缝 | |
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62
credentials
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| n.证明，资格，证明书，证件 | |
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63
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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64
obsequiously
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65
solicit
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| vi.勾引；乞求；vt.请求，乞求；招揽(生意) | |
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66
esteemed
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| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
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67
prodigious
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| adj.惊人的，奇妙的；异常的；巨大的；庞大的 | |
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68
habitual
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| adj.习惯性的；通常的，惯常的 | |
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69
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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70
apathy
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| n.漠不关心，无动于衷；冷淡 | |
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71
perch
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| n.栖木，高位，杆；v.栖息，就位，位于 | |
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72
averted
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| 防止，避免( avert的过去式和过去分词 )； 转移 | |
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73
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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74
doggedly
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| adv.顽强地，固执地 | |
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75
inflamed
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| adj.发炎的，红肿的v.（使）变红，发怒，过热( inflame的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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76
doomed
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| 命定的 | |
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77
wretches
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| n.不幸的人( wretch的名词复数 )；可怜的人；恶棍；坏蛋 | |
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78
stipulate
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| vt.规定，（作为条件）讲定，保证 | |
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79
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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80
perspiration
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| n.汗水；出汗 | |
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81
draughts
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| n. <英>国际跳棋 | |
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82
drenched
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| adj.湿透的；充满的v.使湿透( drench的过去式和过去分词 )；在某人（某物）上大量使用（某液体） | |
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83
stagnated
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| v.停滞，不流动，不发展( stagnate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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84
machiavellian
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| adj.权谋的，狡诈的 | |
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85
craftily
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| 狡猾地，狡诈地 | |
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86
benevolently
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| adv.仁慈地，行善地 | |
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87
zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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88
contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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89
brawny
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| adj.强壮的 | |
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90
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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91
stature
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| n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材 | |
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92
justified
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| a.正当的，有理的 | |
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93
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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94
calf
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| n.小牛，犊，幼仔，小牛皮 | |
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95
scanty
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| adj.缺乏的，仅有的，节省的，狭小的，不够的 | |
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96
kindled
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| （使某物）燃烧，着火( kindle的过去式和过去分词 )； 激起（感情等）； 发亮，放光 | |
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97
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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98
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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99
sullenly
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| 不高兴地，绷着脸，忧郁地 | |
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100
revolving
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| adj.旋转的，轮转式的；循环的v.（使）旋转( revolve的现在分词 )；细想 | |
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101
accosted
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| v.走过去跟…讲话( accost的过去式和过去分词 )；跟…搭讪；（乞丐等）上前向…乞讨；（妓女等）勾搭 | |
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102
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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103
blindfolded
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| v.（尤指用布）挡住（某人）的视线( blindfold的过去式 )；蒙住（某人）的眼睛；使不理解；蒙骗 | |
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104
serpentine
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| adj.蜿蜒的，弯曲的 | |
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105
blindfolding
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| v.（尤指用布）挡住（某人）的视线( blindfold的现在分词 )；蒙住（某人）的眼睛；使不理解；蒙骗 | |
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106
antennae
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| n.天线；触角 | |
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107
erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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108
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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109
paternal
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| adj.父亲的，像父亲的，父系的，父方的 | |
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110
betoken
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| v.预示 | |
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111
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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112
deference
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| n.尊重，顺从；敬意 | |
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113
presumptuous
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| adj.胆大妄为的，放肆的，冒昧的，冒失的 | |
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114
quarry
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| n.采石场；v.采石；费力地找 | |
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115
chuckle
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| vi.／n.轻声笑，咯咯笑 | |
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116
dents
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| n.花边边饰；凹痕( dent的名词复数 )；凹部；减少；削弱v.使产生凹痕( dent的第三人称单数 )；损害；伤害；挫伤（信心、名誉等） | |
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117
machinery
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| n.(总称)机械，机器；机构 | |
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118
shuddered
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| v.战栗( shudder的过去式和过去分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
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119
corpse
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| n.尸体，死尸 | |
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120
afterward
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| adv.后来；以后 | |
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121
defiance
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| n.挑战，挑衅，蔑视，违抗 | |
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122
shamming
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| 假装，冒充( sham的现在分词 ) | |
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123
bowels
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| n.肠，内脏，内部；肠( bowel的名词复数 )；内部，最深处 | |
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124
glutton
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| n.贪食者，好食者 | |
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125
waft
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| v.飘浮，飘荡；n.一股；一阵微风；飘荡 | |
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126
elastic
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| n.橡皮圈，松紧带；adj.有弹性的；灵活的 | |
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127
tickle
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| v.搔痒，胳肢；使高兴；发痒；n.搔痒，发痒 | |
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128
bemoaned
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| v.为（某人或某事）抱怨( bemoan的过去式和过去分词 )；悲悼；为…恸哭；哀叹 | |
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129
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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130
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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131
lodging
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| n.寄宿，住所；(大学生的)校外宿舍 | |
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132
landlady
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| n.女房东，女地主 | |
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133
remonstrances
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| n.抱怨，抗议( remonstrance的名词复数 ) | |
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134
writhe
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| vt.挣扎，痛苦地扭曲；vi.扭曲，翻腾，受苦；n.翻腾，苦恼 | |
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135
canvassing
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| v.（在政治方面）游说( canvass的现在分词 )；调查（如选举前选民的）意见；为讨论而提出（意见等）；详细检查 | |
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136
unpacked
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| v.从（包裹等）中取出（所装的东西），打开行李取出( unpack的过去式和过去分词 )；拆包；解除…的负担；吐露（心事等） | |
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137
hyena
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| n.土狼，鬣狗 | |
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138
ruby
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| n.红宝石，红宝石色 | |
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139
dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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140
cavern
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| n.洞穴，大山洞 | |
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141
interval
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| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
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142
referee
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| n.裁判员．仲裁人，代表人，鉴定人 | |
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143
unreasonably
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| adv. 不合理地 | |
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144
ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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145
bellicose
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| adj.好战的；好争吵的 | |
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146
softened
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| （使）变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
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147
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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148
conspiring
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| 密谋( conspire的现在分词 )； 搞阴谋； （事件等）巧合； 共同导致 | |
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149
lawful
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| adj.法律许可的，守法的，合法的 | |
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150
bleak
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| adj.(天气)阴冷的；凄凉的；暗淡的 | |
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151
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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152
invoiced
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| 开发票（invoice的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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153
invoice
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| vt.开发票；n.发票，装货清单 | |
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154
cipher
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| n.零；无影响力的人；密码 | |
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155
entails
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| 使…成为必要( entail的第三人称单数 )； 需要； 限定继承； 使必需 | |
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156
gallop
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| v./n.(马或骑马等)飞奔；飞速发展 | |
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157
misgiving
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| n.疑虑，担忧，害怕 | |
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158
crafty
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| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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159
triumphantly
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| ad.得意洋洋地；得胜地；成功地 | |
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160
ticklish
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| adj.怕痒的；问题棘手的；adv.怕痒地；n.怕痒，小心处理 | |
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161
probity
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| n.刚直；廉洁，正直 | |
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162
tyrants
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| 专制统治者( tyrant的名词复数 )； 暴君似的人； （古希腊的）僭主； 严酷的事物 | |
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163
swells
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| 增强( swell的第三人称单数 )； 肿胀； （使）凸出； 充满（激情） | |
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164
specimen
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| n.样本，标本 | |
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165
devoured
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| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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166
entreat
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| v.恳求，恳请 | |
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167
abominable
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| adj.可厌的，令人憎恶的 | |
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168
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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169
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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170
strutted
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| 趾高气扬地走，高视阔步( strut的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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171
gasped
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| v.喘气( gasp的过去式和过去分词 )；喘息；倒抽气；很想要 | |
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172
tremor
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| n.震动，颤动，战栗，兴奋，地震 | |
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173
spartan
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| adj.简朴的，刻苦的；n.斯巴达；斯巴达式的人 | |
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174
fortitude
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| n.坚忍不拔；刚毅 | |
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175
relish
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| n.滋味，享受，爱好，调味品；vt.加调味料，享受，品味；vi.有滋味 | |
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176
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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177
prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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178
bemoaning
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| v.为（某人或某事）抱怨( bemoan的现在分词 )；悲悼；为…恸哭；哀叹 | |
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179
inaccessible
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| adj.达不到的，难接近的 | |
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180
mellow
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| adj.柔和的；熟透的；v.变柔和；(使)成熟 | |
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181
ushered
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| v.引，领，陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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182
bonnet
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| n.无边女帽；童帽 | |
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183
jaunty
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| adj．愉快的，满足的；adv.心满意足地，洋洋得意地；n.心满意足；洋洋得意 | |
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184
amends
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| n. 赔偿 | |
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185
affront
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| n./v.侮辱，触怒 | |
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186
neatly
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| adv.整洁地，干净地，灵巧地，熟练地 | |
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187
bust
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| vt.打破；vi.爆裂；n.半身像；胸部 | |
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188
asperity
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| n.粗鲁，艰苦 | |
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189
growl
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| v.（狗等）嗥叫，（炮等）轰鸣；n.嗥叫，轰鸣 | |
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190
repent
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| v.悔悟，悔改，忏悔，后悔 | |
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191
irresolution
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| n.不决断，优柔寡断，犹豫不定 | |
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192
rapture
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| n.狂喜；全神贯注；着迷；v.使狂喜 | |
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193
instinctively
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| adv.本能地 | |
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194
hysterical
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| adj.情绪异常激动的，歇斯底里般的 | |
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