The time for the annual Firemen's Ball was now at hand. At this period the Firemen's Ball was an institution of the first social importance. As has been shown, the various organizations were voluntary associations, and in their ranks birds of a feather flocked together. On the common meeting ground of the big annual function all elements met, even--if they did not mingle2 as freely as they might.
In any case, the affair was very elaborate and very gorgeous. Preparations were in the hands of special committees months in advance. One company had charge of the refreshments3, another of the music, a third of the floor arrangements, and so on. There was much jealous anxiety that each should do its part thoroughly4 and lavishly5, for the honour of its organization. The members of each committee were distinguished6 by coloured ribbons, which they wore importantly everywhere. An air of preoccupied7 business was the proper thing for days before the event.
It was held this year in one of the armouries. The decoration committee had done its most desperate. Flags of all nations and strips of coloured bunting draped the rafters; greens from the Sausalito Hills framed the windows and doors; huge oiled Chinese lanterns swayed from the roofs. The floor shone like glass. At either end bowers8 of green half concealed9 the orchestras--two of them, that the music might never cease. The side rooms were set for refreshments. Many chairs lined the walls. Hundreds of lamps and reflectors had been nailed up in every conceivable place. It took a negro over an hour to light them all. Near the door stood a wide, flat table piled high with programs for the dancers. These were elaborate affairs, and had cost a mint of money--vellum folders10, emblazoned in colour outside, with a sort of fireman heraldry and the motto: "We strive to save." Gilded12 pencils on short silken tasselled cords dangled13 from their corners.
At eight o'clock the lights were all blazing, the orchestras were tuning14, and the floor fluttered with anxious labelled committeemen dashing to and fro. There was nothing for them to do, but they were nervous. By half-past eight the first arrivals could be seen hesitating at the outer door, as though reluctant to make a plunge15; herded16 finally to the right and left of men's and women's dressing-rooms. After a long, chattering17 interval18, encouraged by the slow accumulation of numbers, a little group debouched on the main, floor. Its members all talked and laughed feverishly20, and tried with varying success to assume an accustomed ease they did not feel. Most of the women, somehow, seemed all white gloves and dancing slippers21, and bore themselves rather like affable, slightly scared rabbits. The men suddenly became very facetious22, swapping23 jokes in loud tones.
The orchestra at the far end immediately struck up, but nobody ventured on the huge and empty floor. Masters of ceremonies, much bebadged, rather conscious of white gloves, strove earnestly with hurried, ingratiating smiles to induce the younger members to break the ice. Ben Sansome, remarkable24 among them for his social ease and the unobtrusive correctness of his appointments, responsible head of the reception committee, masterfully seized a blushing, protesting damsel and whirled her away. This, however, was merely an informal sort of opening. The real bail27 could start only with the grand march; and the grand march was a pompous28 and intricate affair, possible only after the arrival of the city's elite29. Partners for the grand march had been bespoken30 months before.
The Keiths arrived about half-past nine. Nan was looking particularly well in her girlish fashion. Her usual delicate colour was heightened by anticipation32, for she intended ardently33 to "have a good time." For this occasion, too, she had put on the best of her new Eastern clothes, and was confident of the sensation they would create in the feminine breast. The gown was of silk the colour of pomegranate blossoms, light and filmy, with the wide skirts of the day, the short sleeves, the low neck. Over bodice and skirt had been gracefully35 trailed long sprays of blossoms. Similar flowers wreathed her head, on which the hair was done low and smooth, with a golden arrow securing it. A fine golden chain spanned her waist. From it dangled smaller chains at the ends of which depended little golden hands. These held up the front of the skirt artistically37, at just the right height for dancing and to show flounces and ravishing petticoats beneath. It was an innovation of the sort the feminine heart delights in, a brand-new thing straight from Paris. Nan's gloves were of half length, the backs of the hands embroidered39 and displaying each several small sparkling jewels. The broad golden bracelets40 had been clasped outside the gloves. Around her little finger was a ring from which depended, on the end of a chain, a larger ring, and through this larger ring hung her dainty lace handkerchief. This was innovation number two. The men all stared at her proud, delicate, flowerlike effect of fresh beauty; but every woman present, and Nan knew it, noted41 first, the cut of her gown, second, the dangling42 little golden hands, and third, the handkerchief ring. She knew that not later than to-morrow at least a half-dozen urgent orders would be booked at Palmerston's; but she knew, also, that at least six months must elapse before those orders could be filled. As for the rest, her stockings were white, her slippers ribboned with cross-ties up the ankles, she carried a stiff and formal bouquet44, as big around as a plate, composed of wired flowers ornamented45 with a "cape46" of lace paper; but those things were common.
Altogether, Nan looked extraordinarily47 well, made a sensation. Keith was pleased and proud of her. He picked one of the blazoned11 vellum cards from the table and scrawled48 his initials opposite half a dozen dances.
"I'm going to hold you to those, you know," he said.
They proceeded, leisurely49 across the floor, and Keith established her in one of the chairs.
"I'll go get some of the men I want you to meet," said he. When he returned with Bernard Black he found Nan already surrounded, Ben Sansome was there, and Calhoun Bennett, and a half-dozen others, either acquaintances made on some of the Sundays, or young men brought up by Sansome in his capacity of Master of Ceremonies. She was having a good time laughing, her colour high, Keith looked about him with the intention of filling his own card.
Mrs, Morrell, surrounded by a hilarious50 group of the younger fry, was just entering the room. She was dressed in flame colour, and her gown was cut very low, plainly to reveal the swell51 of her ample bosom52. Her evening gloves and slippers were golden, as was a broad metallic53 woven band around her waist. Altogether, striking, rather a conspicuous54 effort than an artistic38 success, any woman would have said; but there could be no doubt that she had provided a glittering bait for the attentions of the men.
Keith immediately made his way across to her.
"You are ravishing this evening," he said, reaching for her card. It was full. Keith was chopfallen.
"Take me to Mrs. Keith," asked Mrs. Morrell, taking the card again, "She looks charming to-night; that simple style just suits her wide-eyed innocence55."
She placed her fingers lightly on Keith's arm and moved away, nodding over her shoulder at the rather nonplussed56 young men who had come in with her. Thus rid of them, she turned again to Keith.
"You didn't think I'd forget you!" she said, as though, reproachfully. "See, I kept you four dances. I put down those initials myself. Now don't you think I'm a pretty good sort?"
"Indeed I do! Which ones are they?" asked Keith, opening his own card.
"The third, seventh, ninth, and eleventh."
Keith hesitated for an appreciable57 instant. The seventh and eleventh he had put down for Nan. But somehow in the face of this smiling, cynical-looking, vivid creature, he rather shrank from saying that he had them with his wife. He swiftly reflected that, after all, he had four others with Nan, that she was so surrounded with admirers that she could not go partnerless, and that he would explain.
"Delightful58!" he cried, pencilling his program.
Mrs. Morrell fluttered down alongside Mrs. Keith with much small talk. After a moment the music started for the grand march. Everybody took the floor.
"Where can Charley be!" cried Mrs. Morrell in apparent distress59. "Don't wait here with me. I assure you I do not in the least mind sitting alone."
But she said it in a fashion that made it impossible, and in this manner Nan lost her first engagement with her husband. Not that it mattered particularly, she told herself, grand marches were rather silly things, and yet she could not avoid a feeling of thwarted60 pique61 at being so tied to the wall.
At the close of the march, and after the couples had pretty well resumed their seats, Mrs. Sherwood entered, unattended and very leisurely. She made, in her quieter manner, a greater sensation than had Mrs. Morrell. Quite self-possessed62, carrying herself with her customary poise63, dressed unobtrusively in black and gold, but with the distinction of an indubitable Parisian model, moving without self-consciousness in contrast to many of the other women, her small head high, her direct gaze a-smoulder with lazy amusement, she glided64 across the middle of the floor. The eyes of every woman in the ballroom65 were upon her. The "respectable" element stared shamelessly, making comments aside. Those a little _declasse_, on the fringe of society, or the "faster" women like Mrs. Morrell--who might in a way be considered her rivals--were apparently66 quite unaware67 of her. She made her unhasting way to a vacant chair, sat down, and looked calmly about her.
Immediately she was surrounded by a swarm68 of the unattached men. The attached men became very attentive69 to their partners.
"Hullo," remarked Keith cheerfully. "There's Mrs. Sherwood. I must go over and say good-evening to her."
On sudden impulse Nan rose with him. She instinctively70 disliked her present company and the situation; and a sudden pang71 of conscience had told her that not once since she had left the Bella Union had she laid eyes on the woman who had received her with so much kindness.
"Take me with you," she said to Keith.
"My dear!" cried Mrs. Morrell. "You wouldn't! Take my advice--you're young and innocent!"
She sought one of those exclusive, private-joke glances at Keith, but failed to catch his eye.
"She was very kind to me when I arrived," said Nan serenely73. Keith, hesitated; then his impulsive74, warm-hearted loyalty75 spoke31.
"Good for you, Nan!" he cried.
They moved away, leaving Mrs. Morrell alone, biting her lip and planning revenges.
The group around Mrs. Sherwood fell away at their approach. Nan sat down next her, leaning forward with a pretty and girlish, impulsiveness76.
"It's ages since I have seen you, and I have no excuse to offer," she said. "The days slip by."
"I know," said Mrs. Sherwood. "New house, new Chinaman, even new dog-- enough to drive the most important thoughts out of one's head. But you've come out to-night like a flower, my dear. Your gown is charming, and it suits you so well!"
She chatted on, speaking of the floor, the music, the decorations, the crowd.
"I love this sort of thing," she remarked. "People in the mass amuse me. Jack77 couldn't get away until midnight, but I wouldn't wait for him. I told him it didn't worry me a bit to come without an escort," smoothing away what little embarrassment78 might linger. The music started up again. The Keiths arose and made their adieux. Mrs, Sherwood looked after them, her bright eyes tender. Mrs. Keith was the only woman who had yet spoken to her.
"Isn't she simply stunning79?" cried Keith. "She has something about her that makes most of these others look cheap."
"She's really wonderfully attractive and distinguished looking," agreed Nan.
"If she were only a little less practical--a little softer; more feminine-- she'd be a sure-enough man killer80. As it is, she needs a little more--you know what I mean--"
"More after Mrs. Morrell's fashion," suggested Nan a trifle wickedly. It popped out on the impulse, and the next instant Nan would have given anything if the words had not been said. Keith was arrested in mid- enthusiasm as though by cold water. He checked himself, looked at her sharply, then accepted the pseudo-challenge.
"Well, Mrs. Morrell, for all her little vulgarities, impresses you as being a very human sort of person."
He felt a sudden and unreasoning anger, possibly because the shot had hit a tender place.
"Shall we dance?" he suggested formally.
"I'm sorry," replied Nan, "I have this with Mr. Sansome; there he comes."
For the first time Keith felt a little irritated at the ubiquitous Sansome; but his sense of justice, while it could not smooth his ruffled81 feelings, nevertheless made itself heard.
"What I need is a drink," he told himself.
At the buffet82 he found a crowd of the non-dancing men, or those who had failed to get the early numbers. Here were many of his acquaintances; among them, to his surprise, he recognized the grim features of Malcolm Neil. All were drinking champagne83. Keith joined them. They chaffed him unmercifully about his purchases of clouded titles in water lots, and he answered them in kind, aware of Neil's sardonically84 humorous eye fixed85 on him. But at the first bars of the next dance he bolted in search of Mrs. Morrell, with whom, he remembered, he had this number.
Mrs. Morrell danced smoothly86 and lightly for a woman of her size, but was inclined to snuggle up too close, to permit undistracted guidance to her partner. It was almost impossible to avoid collisions with other couples, unless one possessed a Spartan87 mind and an iron will. In spite of himself, Keith became increasingly aware of her breast pressing against his chest; her smooth arm against his shoulder; the occasional passing contact of her, scarcely veiled from the sense of touch by the thin flame-coloured silk; the perfume she affected88; the faint odour of her bright blond hair. In an attempt to break the spell he made some banal89 remark, but she shook her head impatiently. She danced with her eyes half closed. When the music stopped she drew a deep sighing breath.
"You dance--oh, divinely!" she cried. "I might have known it."
She moved away, and Keith followed her, a trifle intoxicated90.
"Let me see your card," she demanded abruptly91. "Why, you haven't done your duty; this is hardly a third filled!"
"I hadn't started to fill it--and then you came in," breathed Keith.
They were opposite the door leading into one of the numerous small rooms off the main floor of the armoury.
"Let's sit here--and you can get me a punch," she suggested.
He brought the punch, and she drank it slowly, leaning back in an easy chair. The place was dimly lighted, and her blond, full beauty was more effective than in the more brilliantly lighted ballroom. Mrs. Morrell exerted all her fascination92. The next dance was half over before either Keith or--apparently--Mrs. Morrell became aware of the fact.
"Oh, you must run!" she cried, apparently greatly exercised. "Don't mind me; go and find your partner."
Keith replied, that he had this dance free, a fact of which her inspection93 of his card had perfectly94 informed her. In answer to his return solicitation95 as to her own partner, she shrugged96 her shoulders.
"Oh, he'll find me," she said indifferently. "This is very cozy97 here."
They resumed what had become an ardent34 flirtation98. Toward the end of the dance Mrs. Morrell's partner came in, looking very flurried. Before he could say a word, Mrs. Morrell began reproachfully to chide99 him with lack of diligence.
"I've been waiting just _rooted_ to this spot!" she said truthfully.
"Shall we dance?" suggested the unfortunate young man.
"It's nearly over," replied Mrs. Morrell carelessly. "Do sit down with us. Get yourself something to drink. _Don't go!_" she commanded Keith fiercely under her breath.
At the beginning of the fourth dance, however, her next partner found her and led her away. She "made a face" over her shoulder at Keith.
When a woman makes up her mind to monopolize100 a man who has not acquired the fine arts of rudeness and escape she generally succeeds. Keith's cordial nature was incapable101 of rudeness. Besides, being a perfectly normal man, and Mrs. Morrell experienced and attractive, he liked being monopolized102. It crossed his mind once or twice that he might be in for a scolding when he got home. Nan might be absurd. But he was so secure in his essential loyalty to Nan that his present conduct was more in the nature of a delightfully103 naughty escapade than anything else. He stole the apples now, and later would go dutifully for his licking. Men of Keith's nature are easily held and managed by a wise woman, but the woman must be very wise. Keith loved celebrations. On the wings of an occasion he rose joyfully104 and readily to incredible altitudes of high-spirited but harmless recklessness. Birthdays, anniversaries, New Years, Christmas, arrivals, departures, he seized upon with rapture106. Each had its appropriate ceremonial, its traditional drink, the painstaking107 brewing108 of which was a sacred rite105. On such occasions he tossed aside the cloak of the everyday. A "celebration" meant that you were different. Humdrum109 life and habits must be relegated110 to the background. It was permitted that, unabashed, you be as silly, as frivolous111, as inconsequential, as boisterous112, as lighthearted, as delightfully irresponsible as your ordinary concealed boyishness pleased. Customary repressions113 had nothing to do here. This was a celebration! And in the aforementioned our very wise woman would have seen--a safety valve.
Keith was off on a celebration to-night: an unpremeditated, freakish, impish, essentially114 harmless celebration, with a faint flavour of mischief115 in it because he had Nan in the back of his head all the time. He played up to Mrs. Morrell with exuberance116, with honestly no thought except that he was having a whacking117 good time, and that old Nan was being teased. It was characteristic that for the time being he fell completely under Mrs. Morrell's fascination. They were together fully25 half the time, appearing on the floor only occasionally, then disappearing in one or the other of the many nooks. Mrs. Morrell "bolted" her dances shamelessly. Keith thought her awfully118 amusing and ingenious in the way she managed this. Sometimes they hid in out-of-the-way places. Sometimes she pretended to have mistaken the dance. "The sixth, are you very _sure_? I'm convinced it is only the fifth." Keith's conscience troubled him a little concerning the few names on his own card.
"I have this with Mrs. Wilkins," said he. "I really ought to go and look her up."
She took his card from him and deliberately119 tore it to small bits which she blew from the palm of her gloved hand. He protested in real dismay, but she looked him challengingly, recklessly, in the eye, until he laughed, too.
All this was, of course, well noticed. Keith, again characteristically, had not taken into consideration the great public. Nan might have remained comparatively indifferent to Keith's philandering120 about for an evening with the Morrell creature--she had by now a dim but growing understanding of "celebrations"--but that he should deliberately neglect and insult her in the face of all San Francisco was too much. Her high, young enjoyment121 of the evening fell to ashes. She was furiously angry, but she was a thoroughbred. Only a heightened colour and a sparkling eye might have betrayed her to an astute122 woman. Observing her, Ben Sansome took heart. It was evident to him that the Keiths had long since reached an absolute indifference123 in their relations, that they lived the conventional, tolerant, separate lives of the majority of married couples in Ben Sansome's smart acquaintance. He ventured to apply himself more assiduously, and was by no means badly received.
Keith remembered the next dance with his wife. He could not find her, although, a trifle conscience stricken, he searched everywhere. After the music had finished, she emerged from the dressing-room; the next time she could not be found at all. Evidently she was avoiding him with intention.
Mrs. Sherwood, after each dance, returned invariably to the same chair near the middle of one wall. There, owing to the fact that the "respectables" withdrew from the chairs on either side, withdrew gradually and without open rudeness, she held centre of a little court of her own. This made of it a sort of post of observation from which she could review all that was going on. She had no lack of partners, for she danced wonderfully, and in looks was quite the most distinguished woman there. Keith's dance with her came and went, but no Keith appeared to claim it. Mrs. Sherwood smiled a little grimly, and her glance strayed down the wall opposite until it rested on Nan. She examined the girl speculatively124. Nan was apparently completely absorbed in Ben Sansome; but there was in her manner something feverish19, hectic125, a mere26 nothing, which did not escape Mrs. Sherwood's keen eye.
About midnight Sherwood appeared, and at once made his way to his wife's side. He was punctiliously126 dressed in the mode: a "swallowtail," bright, soft silk tie of ample proportions, frilled linen127, and sparkling studs. He bent128 with an old-world formality over his wife's hand. She swept away her skirts from the chair at her side, her eyes sparkling softly with pleasure.
"You won't mind," she said carelessly to the young men surrounding her, "I want to talk to Jack for a minute."
They arose, laughing a little.
"That is your one fault, Mrs. Sherwood," said one, "you are altogether too fond of your husband."
"Well, how are things going?" asked Sherwood, as they moved away.
"I'm having a good time. But you're very late, Jack,"
"I know--I wanted to come earlier. Everything all right?"
At the question a little frown sketched129 itself on her clear brow.
"In general, yes," she said. "But they've got that Lewis boy out in the bar filling him up on champagne."
"That's a pity."
"It's a burning shame!" said she, "And I'd like to shake young Keith. He's dangled after the Morrell woman from start to finish in a manner scandalous to behold130."
Sherwood laughed.
"The 'Morrell woman' will do his education good," he remarked.
"Well, she isn't doing that poor little Mrs. Keith's education any good," returned Mrs. Sherwood rather tartly131.
Sherwood surveyed Nan and Ben Sansome leisurely.
"I must say she doesn't look crushed," he said, after a moment.
"Do you expect her to weep violently?" asked Mrs. Sherwood.
He accepted good naturedly the customary feminine scorn for the customary masculine obtuseness132.
"Well, I don't know that we can help it," said he, philosophically133.
Mrs. Sherwood appeared to come to a sudden resolution. She arose.
"You go get that Lewis boy away from the bar," she commanded.
Deliberately she shook and arranged her full skirts. The man with whom she had this dance, and who had been waiting dutifully for the conference to close, darted134 forward. She shook her head at him smilingly.
"I'm going to let you off," she told him. "You won't mind. I have something extra special to do."
She swept quite alone across the middle of the ballroom, serene72, self- possessed; and walked directly toward Keith and Mrs.
Morrell, who were seated together at the other end. A perceptible pause seemed to descend135. The music kept on playing, couples kept on dancing, but, nevertheless, suddenly the air was charged with attention. Sherwood looked after her with mingled136 astonishment137 and fond pride.
"A frontal attack, egad!" said he to himself.
Keith and Mrs. Morrell pretended, as long as they decently could, not to see her. She swam leisurely toward them. Finally Keith arose hastily; Mrs. Morrell stared straight ahead.
"Young man," accused Mrs. Sherwood, with a faint amusement in her rich, low voice, "do you know that this is our dance?"
Keith excused his apparent lapse43 volubly, telling several times over that his program had been destroyed, that he was abject138 when he thought of the light this put him in.
"It is only when angels like yourself condescend139 to reach me a helping140 hand that I have even a chance to right myself," he added. He thought this rather a good touch.
Mrs. Sherwood stood before him easily, in perfect repose141 of manner, the half smile still sketching142 her lips. She said just nothing at all in response to his glib143 excuses; but when he had quite finished she laid her hand in his arm. Mrs. Morrell, her colour high, continued to stare straight ahead, immobile except for the tapping of one foot. To Keith's request to be excused she vouchsafed144 a stiff half nod, partly in his direction.
They danced. Mrs. Sherwood, like most people who have command enough of their muscles to be able to keep them in graceful36 repose, danced marvellously well. When she stopped after a single turn of the room, Keith expostulated vigorously.
"You are a perfect partner," he told her.
"Take me in here and get me a sherbet," she commanded, without replying to his protests. "That's good," she said, when she had tasted it. "Now sit down and listen to me. You are making a perfect spectacle of yourself. Don't you know it?"
Keith stiffened145 to an extreme formality.
"I beg your pardon!" said he freezingly.
"That may be your personal individual right"--went on Mrs. Sherwood's low, rich voice evenly. She was not even looking at him, but rather idly toward the open door into the ballroom. Her fan swung from one finger; every line of her body was relaxed. She might have been tossing him ordinary commonplaces from the surface of a detached mind--"making a spectacle of yourself," she explained; "but you're making a perfect spectacle of your wife as well--and in public. That is not your right at all."
Keith sprang to his feet, furious.
"You are meddling146 with what is really my own business, madam," said he.
For the first time she looked up at him, dearly and steadily147. In the eyes.
"Very well. That is true. Stop a moment and think. Are you attending to your business yourself, even decently? Yes, I understand; you are angry with me. If I were a man, you would challenge me to a duel148 and all that sort of thing." She smiled indifferently. "Let's take that for granted and get on. Sweep it aside. You are man enough to do it, or I mistake you greatly. Look down into yourself for even one second. Are you playing fair all around? _Aren't you a little ashamed?_"
She held him with, her clear, level gaze. His own did not fall before it, and his head went back, but slowly his face and neck turned red. Thus they stared at each other for a full half minute, she smiling slightly, perfectly cool; he seething149 with a suppressed emotion of some sort. Then she turned indolently away.
"You're too fine to do things like that," she said, with a new softness in her voice; "we all have too much faith in you. The common tricks would not appeal to you, except in idleness; is it not so?"
She smiled up at him, a little sidewise. Keith caught his breath. For a fleeting150 instant this extraordinary woman deigned151 to exert her feminine charms for the first time the coquette looked from her eyes; for the first time he saw mysteriously deep in her veiled nature a depth of possibility, of rich possibility--he could not grasp it--it was gone. But in spite of himself his pulses leaped like a flame. But now she was gazing again at the ballroom door, cool, indolent, aloof152, unapproachable. Yet just at that instant, somehow, the other woman looked shallow, superficial, cold. His glance fell on Mrs. Morrell still sitting where he had left her. Something was wrong with her effect----
Analysis was submerged in a blaze of anger. This anger was not now against the woman before him; his instinct prevented that. Nor against Mrs. Morrell nor his wife; reluctant justice prevented that. Nor against himself--where it really belonged. Things were out of joint153; he felt cross-grained and ugly. Mrs. Sherwood rose.
"You may take me back now," said she.
As they glided across the floor together, her small sleek154 head came just above his shoulder. No embarrassment disturbed her manner. Keith could not find in him a spark of resentment155 against her. She moved by his side with an air of poise and detachment as a woman whose mind had long since weighed and settled the affairs of her own cosmos156 so that trifles could not disturb her.
Leaving her in her accustomed chair, where Sherwood waited, Keith loyally returned to Mrs. Morrell, who still sat alone. Subconsciously157 he noticed something wrong with Mrs. Morrell. Her gowning was indeed rather a conspicuous effort than an artistic success. She had badly torn her dress-- perhaps that was it.
Mrs. Morrell received him with every appearance of sympathy.
"You poor thing!" she cried. "What a fearful situation! Of course I know you couldn't help it."
But Keith was grumpy and monosyllabic. He refused to discuss the situation or Mrs. Sherwood, returning with an obvious effort to commonplaces. Mrs. Morrell exerted all her fascination to get him back to the former level. A little cold imp1 sat in the back of Keith's brain and criticised sardonically; Why will big women persist in being kittenish? Why doesn't she mend that awful rent, it's fairly sloppy158! Suppose she thinks that kind of talk is funny! I _do_ wish she wouldn't laugh in that shrill159, cackling fashion! In short, the very tricks that an hour ago were jolly and amusing were now tiresome160. Having been distrait161, ungallant, masculinely put out for another fifteen minutes, he abruptly excused himself, sought out Nan, and went home.
From her point of observation, Mrs. Sherwood watched them go. Nan looked very tired, and every line of Keith's figure expressed a grumpy moroseness162.
"Congratulations," said Sherwood.
"He certainly is a child of nature," returned his wife. "Look at him! He is cross, so he _looks_ cross. That this is a ballroom and that all San Francisco is present is a mere detail."
"How did you break it up?" asked Sherwood curiously163.
"Men are so utterly164 ridiculous! He had built up a lot of illusions for himself, but his instincts are true and good. It needed only a touch. It was absurdly simple."
"He'll go back to the Morrell to-morrow," asserted Sherwood confidently.
She shook her head.
"Not to her. He _sees_ her now. And not to-morrow. But eventually to somebody, perhaps. He has curly hair."
Sherwood laughed.
"Shear165 him, like Sampson," he suggested. "But it strikes me he has about the most attractive woman--bar one--in town right at home."
"She'd have no trouble in holding him if she were only _awake_. But she's only a dear little child--and about as helpless. She has very little subtlety166. I'm afraid she'll follow the instincts of her training. She'll be too proud to do anything herself to attract her husband, once his attentions to her seem to drop off. She'll just become cold and proud--and perhaps eventually turn elsewhere."
"I don't believe she's a bit that kind," asserted Sherwood positively167.
"Nor do I. But, Jack, a woman lonely enough has fancies, that in the long run may become convictions."
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imp
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mingle
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| vt.使混合，使相混；vi.混合起来；相交往 | |
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refreshments
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| n.点心,便餐;(会议后的)简单茶点招 待 | |
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thoroughly
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lavishly
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distinguished
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preoccupied
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| adj.全神贯注的，入神的；被抢先占有的；心事重重的v.占据（某人）思想，使对…全神贯注，使专心于( preoccupy的过去式) | |
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bowers
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| n.（女子的）卧室( bower的名词复数 )；船首锚；阴凉处；鞠躬的人 | |
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concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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10
folders
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| n.文件夹( folder的名词复数 )；纸夹；（某些计算机系统中的）文件夹；页面叠 | |
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11
blazoned
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| v.广布( blazon的过去式和过去分词 )；宣布；夸示；装饰 | |
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12
gilded
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| a.镀金的，富有的 | |
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13
dangled
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| 悬吊着( dangle的过去式和过去分词 )； 摆动不定； 用某事物诱惑…； 吊胃口 | |
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14
tuning
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| n.调谐，调整，调音v.调音( tune的现在分词 )；调整；（给收音机、电视等）调谐；使协调 | |
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15
plunge
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| v.跳入，(使)投入，(使)陷入；猛冲 | |
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herded
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| 群集，纠结( herd的过去式和过去分词 )； 放牧； （使）向…移动 | |
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17
chattering
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| n. （机器振动发出的）咔嗒声，(鸟等)鸣，啁啾 adj. 喋喋不休的，啾啾声的 动词chatter的现在分词形式 | |
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18
interval
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| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
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19
feverish
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| adj.发烧的，狂热的，兴奋的 | |
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20
feverishly
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| adv. 兴奋地 | |
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21
slippers
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| n. 拖鞋 | |
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22
facetious
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| adj.轻浮的，好开玩笑的 | |
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23
swapping
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| 交换，交换技术 | |
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24
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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25
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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26
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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27
bail
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| v.舀（水），保释；n.保证金，保释，保释人 | |
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28
pompous
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| adj.傲慢的，自大的；夸大的；豪华的 | |
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29
elite
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| n.精英阶层；实力集团；adj.杰出的，卓越的 | |
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30
bespoken
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| v.预定( bespeak的过去分词 )；订（货）；证明；预先请求 | |
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31
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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32
anticipation
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| n.预期，预料，期望 | |
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33
ardently
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| adv.热心地，热烈地 | |
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34
ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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35
gracefully
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| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
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36
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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37
artistically
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| adv.艺术性地 | |
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38
artistic
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| adj.艺术(家)的，美术(家)的；善于艺术创作的 | |
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39
embroidered
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| adj．绣花的 | |
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40
bracelets
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| n.手镯，臂镯( bracelet的名词复数 ) | |
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41
noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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42
dangling
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| 悬吊着( dangle的现在分词 )； 摆动不定； 用某事物诱惑…； 吊胃口 | |
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43
lapse
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| n.过失，流逝，失效，抛弃信仰，间隔；vi.堕落，停止，失效，流逝；vt.使失效 | |
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44
bouquet
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| n.花束，酒香 | |
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45
ornamented
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| adj.花式字体的v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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46
cape
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| n.海角，岬；披肩，短披风 | |
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47
extraordinarily
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| adv.格外地；极端地 | |
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48
scrawled
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| 乱涂，潦草地写( scrawl的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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49
leisurely
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| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
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50
hilarious
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| adj.充满笑声的，欢闹的；[反]depressed | |
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51
swell
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| vi.膨胀，肿胀；增长，增强 | |
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52
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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53
metallic
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| adj.金属的；金属制的；含金属的；产金属的；像金属的 | |
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54
conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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55
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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56
nonplussed
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| adj.不知所措的，陷于窘境的v.使迷惑( nonplus的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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57
appreciable
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| adj.明显的，可见的，可估量的，可觉察的 | |
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58
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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59
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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60
thwarted
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| 阻挠( thwart的过去式和过去分词 )； 使受挫折； 挫败； 横过 | |
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61
pique
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| v.伤害…的自尊心，使生气 n.不满，生气 | |
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62
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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63
poise
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| vt./vi. 平衡，保持平衡；n.泰然自若，自信 | |
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64
glided
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| v.滑动( glide的过去式和过去分词 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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65
ballroom
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| n.舞厅 | |
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66
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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67
unaware
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| a.不知道的，未意识到的 | |
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68
swarm
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| n.(昆虫)等一大群；vi.成群飞舞；蜂拥而入 | |
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69
attentive
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| adj.注意的，专心的；关心(别人)的，殷勤的 | |
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70
instinctively
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| adv.本能地 | |
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71
pang
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| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
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72
serene
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| adj. 安详的，宁静的，平静的 | |
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73
serenely
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| adv.安详地，宁静地，平静地 | |
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74
impulsive
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| adj.冲动的，刺激的；有推动力的 | |
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75
loyalty
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| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
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76
impulsiveness
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| n.冲动 | |
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77
jack
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| n.插座，千斤顶，男人；v.抬起，提醒，扛举；n.（Jake）杰克 | |
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78
embarrassment
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| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
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79
stunning
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| adj.极好的；使人晕倒的 | |
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80
killer
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| n.杀人者，杀人犯，杀手，屠杀者 | |
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81
ruffled
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| adj. 有褶饰边的, 起皱的 动词ruffle的过去式和过去分词 | |
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82
buffet
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| n.自助餐；饮食柜台；餐台 | |
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83
champagne
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| n.香槟酒；微黄色 | |
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84
sardonically
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| adv.讽刺地，冷嘲地 | |
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85
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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86
smoothly
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| adv.平滑地，顺利地，流利地，流畅地 | |
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87
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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88
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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89
banal
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| adj.陈腐的，平庸的 | |
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90
intoxicated
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| 喝醉的，极其兴奋的 | |
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91
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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92
fascination
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| n.令人着迷的事物，魅力，迷恋 | |
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93
inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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94
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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95
solicitation
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| n.诱惑；揽货；恳切地要求；游说 | |
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96
shrugged
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| vt.耸肩（shrug的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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97
cozy
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| adj.亲如手足的，密切的，暖和舒服的 | |
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98
flirtation
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| n.调情，调戏，挑逗 | |
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99
chide
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| v.叱责；谴责 | |
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100
monopolize
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| v.垄断，独占，专营 | |
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101
incapable
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| adj.无能力的，不能做某事的 | |
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102
monopolized
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| v.垄断( monopolize的过去式和过去分词 )；独占；专卖；专营 | |
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103
delightfully
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| 大喜，欣然 | |
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104
joyfully
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| adv. 喜悦地, 高兴地 | |
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105
rite
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| n.典礼，惯例，习俗 | |
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106
rapture
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| n.狂喜；全神贯注；着迷；v.使狂喜 | |
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107
painstaking
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| adj.苦干的；艰苦的，费力的，刻苦的 | |
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108
brewing
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| n. 酿造, 一次酿造的量 动词brew的现在分词形式 | |
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109
humdrum
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| adj.单调的，乏味的 | |
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110
relegated
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| v.使降级( relegate的过去式和过去分词 )；使降职；转移；把…归类 | |
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111
frivolous
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| adj.轻薄的；轻率的 | |
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112
boisterous
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| adj.喧闹的，欢闹的 | |
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113
repressions
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| n.压抑( repression的名词复数 )；约束；抑制；镇压 | |
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114
essentially
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| adv.本质上，实质上，基本上 | |
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115
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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116
exuberance
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| n.丰富；繁荣 | |
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117
whacking
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| adj.（用于强调）巨大的v.重击，使劲打( whack的现在分词 ) | |
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118
awfully
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| adv.可怕地，非常地，极端地 | |
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119
deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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120
philandering
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| v.调戏，玩弄女性( philander的现在分词 ) | |
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121
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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122
astute
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| adj.机敏的，精明的 | |
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123
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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124
speculatively
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| adv.思考地，思索地；投机地 | |
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125
hectic
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| adj.肺病的；消耗热的；发热的；闹哄哄的 | |
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126
punctiliously
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127
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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128
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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129
sketched
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| v.草拟（sketch的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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130
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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131
tartly
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| adv.辛辣地，刻薄地 | |
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132
obtuseness
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| 感觉迟钝 | |
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133
philosophically
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| adv.哲学上；富有哲理性地；贤明地；冷静地 | |
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134
darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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135
descend
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| vt./vi.传下来，下来，下降 | |
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136
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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137
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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138
abject
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| adj.极可怜的，卑屈的 | |
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139
condescend
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| v.俯就，屈尊；堕落，丢丑 | |
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140
helping
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| n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的 | |
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repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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142
sketching
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| n.草图 | |
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glib
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| adj.圆滑的，油嘴滑舌的 | |
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vouchsafed
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| v.给予，赐予( vouchsafe的过去式和过去分词 )；允诺 | |
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145
stiffened
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| 加强的 | |
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meddling
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| v.干涉，干预（他人事务）( meddle的现在分词 ) | |
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steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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duel
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| n./v.决斗；(双方的)斗争 | |
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149
seething
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| 沸腾的，火热的 | |
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fleeting
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| adj.短暂的，飞逝的 | |
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151
deigned
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| v.屈尊，俯就( deign的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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aloof
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| adj.远离的；冷淡的，漠不关心的 | |
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153
joint
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| adj.联合的，共同的；n.关节，接合处；v.连接，贴合 | |
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sleek
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| adj.光滑的，井然有序的；v.使光滑，梳拢 | |
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resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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cosmos
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| n.宇宙；秩序，和谐 | |
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subconsciously
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| ad.下意识地，潜意识地 | |
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sloppy
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| adj.邋遢的，不整洁的 | |
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shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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tiresome
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| adj.令人疲劳的，令人厌倦的 | |
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distrait
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| adj.心不在焉的 | |
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moroseness
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curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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shear
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| n.修剪，剪下的东西，羊的一岁；vt.剪掉，割，剥夺；vi.修剪，切割，剥夺，穿越 | |
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subtlety
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| n.微妙，敏锐，精巧；微妙之处，细微的区别 | |
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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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