"Dear Heaven!" I said to Rosalie when this appalling1 drama came to its end, "how is one able to surrender oneself to such excesses? How can one find pleasure in the torments2 one inflicts3 ?"
"Ah," replied Rosalie, "you do not know everything. Listen," she said, leading me back into her room, "what you have seen has perhaps enabled you to understand that when my father discovers some aptitudes4 in his young pupils, he carries his horrors much further, he abuses the girls in the same manner he deals with the boys." Rosalie spoke5 of that criminal manner of conjugation whereof I myself had believed I might be the victim with the brigands6' captain into whose hands I had fallen after my escape from the Conciergerie, and by which I had been soiled by the merchant from Lyon. "By this means," Rosalie continued, "the girls are not in the least dishonored, there are no pregnancies7 to fear, and nothing prevents them from finding a husband; not a year goes by without his corrupting8 nearly all the boys in this way, and at least half the other children. Of the fourteen girls you have seen, eight have already been spoiled by these methods, and he has taken his pleasure with nine of the boys; the two women who serve him are submitted to the same horrors.... O Therese! " Rosalie added, casting herself into my arms, "O dear girl, and I too, yes I, he seduced9 me in my earliest years; I was barely eleven when I became his victim... when, alas10! I was unable to defend myself against him."
"But Mademoiselle," I interrupted, horrified11, "at least Religion remained to you... were you unable to consult a confessor and avow12 everything?"
"Oh, you do not know that as he proceeds to pervert13 us he stifles14 in each of us the very seeds of belief, he forbids us all religious devotions, and, furthermore, could I have done so ? he had instructed me scarcely at all. The little he had said pertaining15 to these matters had been motivated by the fear that my ignorance might betray his impiety16. But I had never been to confession17, I had not made my First Communion; so deftly18 did he cover all these things with ridicule19 and insinuate20 his poisonous self into even our smallest ideas, that he banished21 forever all their duties out of them whom he suborned; or if they are compelled by their families to fulfill22 their religious duties, they do so with such tepidness23, with such complete indifference24, that he has nothing to fear from their indiscretion; but convince yourself, Therese, let your own eyes persuade you," she continued, very quickly drawing me back into the closet whence we had emerged; "come hither: that room where he chastises26 his students is the same wherein he enjoys us; the lessons are over now, it is the hour when, warmed by the preliminaries, he is going to compensate27 himself for the restraint his prudence28 sometimes imposes upon him; go back to where you were, dear girl, and with your own eyes behold29 it all."
However slight my curiosity concerning these new abominations, it was by far the better course to leap back into the closet rather than have myself surprised with Rosalie during the classes; Rodin would without question have become suspicious. And so I took my place; scarcely was I at it when Rodin enters his daughter's room, he leads her into the other, the two women of the house arrive; and thereupon the impudicious Rodin, all restraints upon his behavior removed, free to indulge his fancies to the full, gives himself over in a leisurely30 fashion and undisguisedly to committing all the irregularities of debauchery. The two peasants, completely nude31, are flogged with exceeding violence; while he plies32 his whip upon the one the other pays him back in kind, and during the intervals33 when he pauses for rest, he smothers34 with the most uninhibited, the most disgusting caresses35, the same altar in Rosalie who, elevated upon an armchair, slightly bent36 over, presents it to him; at last, there comes this poor creature's turn: Rodin ties her to the stake as he tied his scholars, and while one after another and sometimes both at once his domestics flay37 him, he beats his daughter, lashes38 her from her ribs39 to her knees, utterly40 transported by pleasure. His agitation41 is extreme: he shouts, he blasphemes, he flagellates: his thongs42 bite deep everywhere, and wherever they fall, there immediately he presses his lips. Both the interior of the altar and his victim's mouth... everything, the before-end excepted, everything is devoured43 by his suckings; without changing the disposition44 of the others, contenting himself with rendering45 it more propitious46, Rodin by and by penetrates47 into pleasure's narrow asylum48; meanwhile, the same throne is offered by the governess to his kisses, the other girl beats him with all her remaining strength, Rodin is in seventh heaven, he thrusts, he splits, he tears, a thousand kisses, one more passionate49 than the other, express his ardor50, he kisses whatever is presented to his lust51: the bomb bursts and the libertine52 besotted dares taste the sweetest of delights in the sink of incest and infamy53...
Rodin sat down to dine; after such exploits he was in need of restoratives. That afternoon there were more lessons and further corrections, I could have observed new scenes had I desired, but I had seen enough to convince myself and to settle upon a reply to make to this villain's offers. The time for giving it approached. Two days after the events I have described, he himself came to my room to ask for it. He surprised me in bed. By employing the excuse of looking to see whether any traces of my wounds remained, he obtained the right, which I was unable to dispute, of performing an examination upon me, naked, and as he had done the same thing twice a day for a month and had never given any offense54 to my modesty55 I did not think myself able to resist. But this time Rodin had other plans; when he reaches the object of his worship, he locks his thighs56 about my waist and squeezes with such force that I find myself, so to speak, quite defenseless.
"Therese," says he, the while moving his hands about in such a manner as to erase57 all doubt of his intents, "you are fully58 recovered, my dear, and now you can give me evidence of the gratitude59 with which I have beheld60 your heart overflowing61; nothing simpler than the form your thanks would take; I need nothing beyond this," the traitor62 continued, binding63 me with all the strength at his command. "...Yes, this will do, merely this, here is my recompense, I never demand anything else from women... but," he continued, " 'tis one of the most splendid I have seen in all my life... What roundness, fullness!... unusual elasticity64!... what exquisite65 quality in the skin!... Oh my! I absolutely must put this to use...."
Whereupon Rodin, apparently66 already prepared to put his projects into execution, is obliged, in order to proceed to the next stage, to relax his grip for a moment; I seize my opportunity and extricating67 myself from his clutches,
"Monsieur," I say, "I beg you to be well persuaded that there is nothing in the entire world which could engage me to consent to the horrors you seem to wish to commit. My gratitude is due to you, indeed it is, but I will not pay my debt in a criminal coin. Needless to say, I am poor and most unfortunate; but no matter; here is the small sum of money I possess," I continue, producing my meager68 purse, "take what you esteem69 just and allow me to leave this house, I beg of you, as soon as I am in a fitting state to go."
Rodin, confounded by the opposition70 he little expected from a girl devoid71 of means and whom, according to an injustice72 very ordinary amongst men, he supposed dishonest by the simple fact she was sunk in poverty; Rodin, I say, gazed at me attentively73.
"Therese," he resumed after a minute's silence, "Therese, it is hardly appropriate for you to play the virgin74 with me; I have, so it would seem to me, some right to your complaisance75; but, however, it makes little difference: keep your silver but don't leave me. I am highly pleased to have a well-behaved girl in my house, the conduct of these others I have about me being far from impeccable... Since you show yourself so virtuous76 in this instance, you will be equally so, I trust, in every other. My interests would benefit therefrom; my daughter is fond of you, just a short while ago she came and begged me to persuade you not to go; and so rest with us, if you will, I invite you to remain."
"Monsieur," I replied, "I should not be happy here; the two women who serve you aspire77 to all the affection you are able to give them; they will not behold me without jealousy78, and sooner or later I will be forced to leave you."
"Be not apprehensive," Rodin answered, "fear none of the effects of these women's envy, I shall be quite capable of keeping them in their place by maintaining you in yours, and you alone will possess my confidence without any resultant danger to yourself. But in order to continue to deserve it, I believe it would be well for you to know that the first quality, the foremost, I require in you, Therese, is an unassailable discretion25. Many things take place here, many which do not sort with your virtuous principles; you must be able to witness everything, hear all and never speak a syllable79 of it.... Ah, Therese, remain with me, stay here, Therese, my child, it will be a joy to have you; in the midst of the many vices80 to which I am driven by a fiery81 temper, an unrestrainable imagination and a much rotted heart, at least I will have the comfort of a virtuous being dwelling82 close by, and upon whose breast I shall be able to cast myself as at the feet of a God when, glutted83 by my debauches, I..." "Oh Heaven!" I did think at this moment, "then Virtue84 is necessary, it is then indispensable to man, since even the vicious one is obliged to find reassurance85 in it and make use of it as of a shelter." And then, recollecting86 Rosalie's requests that I not leave her, and thinking to discern some good principles in Rodin, I resolved to stay with him.
收听单词发音 |
1
appalling
|
|
| adj.骇人听闻的，令人震惊的，可怕的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
torments
|
|
| （肉体或精神上的）折磨，痛苦( torment的名词复数 )； 造成痛苦的事物[人] | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
inflicts
|
|
| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
aptitudes
|
|
| （学习方面的）才能，资质，天资( aptitude的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
spoke
|
|
| 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 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
brigands
|
|
| n.土匪，强盗( brigand的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
pregnancies
|
|
| 怀孕，妊娠( pregnancy的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
corrupting
|
|
| （使）败坏( corrupt的现在分词 )； （使）腐化； 引起（计算机文件等的）错误； 破坏 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
seduced
|
|
| 诱奸( seduce的过去式和过去分词 )； 勾引； 诱使堕落； 使入迷 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
alas
|
|
| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
horrified
|
|
| a.(表现出)恐惧的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
avow
|
|
| v.承认，公开宣称 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
pervert
|
|
| n.堕落者，反常者；vt.误用，滥用；使人堕落，使入邪路 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
stifles
|
|
| （使）窒息， （使）窒闷( stifle的第三人称单数 )； 镇压，遏制 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
pertaining
|
|
| 与…有关系的，附属…的，为…固有的(to) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
impiety
|
|
| n.不敬；不孝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
confession
|
|
| n.自白，供认，承认 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
deftly
|
|
| adv.灵巧地，熟练地，敏捷地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
ridicule
|
|
| v.讥讽，挖苦；n.嘲弄 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
insinuate
|
|
| vt.含沙射影地说，暗示 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
banished
|
|
| v.放逐，驱逐( banish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
fulfill
|
|
| vt.履行，实现，完成；满足，使满意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
tepidness
|
|
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
|
24
indifference
|
|
| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
discretion
|
|
| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
chastises
|
|
| v.严惩（某人）（尤指责打）( chastise的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
compensate
|
|
| vt.补偿，赔偿；酬报 vi.弥补；补偿；抵消 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
prudence
|
|
| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
behold
|
|
| v.看，注视，看到 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
leisurely
|
|
| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
nude
|
|
| adj.裸体的；n.裸体者，裸体艺术品 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
plies
|
|
| v.使用（工具）( ply的第三人称单数 )；经常供应（食物、饮料）；固定往来；经营生意 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
intervals
|
|
| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
smothers
|
|
| （使）窒息， （使）透不过气( smother的第三人称单数 )； 覆盖； 忍住； 抑制 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
caresses
|
|
| 爱抚，抚摸( caress的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
bent
|
|
| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
flay
|
|
| vt.剥皮；痛骂 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
lashes
|
|
| n.鞭挞( lash的名词复数 )；鞭子；突然猛烈的一击；急速挥动v.鞭打( lash的第三人称单数 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
ribs
|
|
| n.肋骨( rib的名词复数 )；（船或屋顶等的）肋拱；肋骨状的东西；（织物的）凸条花纹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
utterly
|
|
| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
agitation
|
|
| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
thongs
|
|
| 的东西 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
devoured
|
|
| 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 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
disposition
|
|
| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
rendering
|
|
| n.表现，描写 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
propitious
|
|
| adj.吉利的；顺利的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
penetrates
|
|
| v.穿过( penetrate的第三人称单数 )；刺入；了解；渗透 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
asylum
|
|
| n.避难所，庇护所，避难 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
passionate
|
|
| adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
ardor
|
|
| n.热情，狂热 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
lust
|
|
| n.性(淫)欲；渴(欲)望；vi.对…有强烈的欲望 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
libertine
|
|
| n.淫荡者；adj.放荡的，自由思想的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
infamy
|
|
| n.声名狼藉，出丑，恶行 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
offense
|
|
| n.犯规，违法行为；冒犯，得罪 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
modesty
|
|
| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
thighs
|
|
| n.股，大腿( thigh的名词复数 )；食用的鸡（等的）腿 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
erase
|
|
| v.擦掉；消除某事物的痕迹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
fully
|
|
| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
gratitude
|
|
| adj.感激，感谢 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
beheld
|
|
| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
overflowing
|
|
| n. 溢出物,溢流 adj. 充沛的，充满的 动词overflow的现在分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
traitor
|
|
| n.叛徒，卖国贼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
binding
|
|
| 有约束力的，有效的，应遵守的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
elasticity
|
|
| n.弹性，伸缩力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
exquisite
|
|
| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
apparently
|
|
| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
extricating
|
|
| v.使摆脱困难，脱身( extricate的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
meager
|
|
| adj.缺乏的，不足的，瘦的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
esteem
|
|
| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
opposition
|
|
| n.反对，敌对 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
devoid
|
|
| adj.全无的，缺乏的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
injustice
|
|
| n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
attentively
|
|
| adv.聚精会神地；周到地；谛；凝神 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
virgin
|
|
| n.处女，未婚女子；adj.未经使用的；未经开发的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
complaisance
|
|
| n.彬彬有礼，殷勤，柔顺 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
virtuous
|
|
| adj.有品德的，善良的，贞洁的，有效力的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
aspire
|
|
| vi.(to，after)渴望，追求，有志于 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
jealousy
|
|
| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
syllable
|
|
| n.音节；vt.分音节 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
vices
|
|
| 缺陷( vice的名词复数 )； 恶习； 不道德行为； 台钳 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
fiery
|
|
| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
dwelling
|
|
| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
glutted
|
|
| v.吃得过多( glut的过去式和过去分词 )；（对胃口、欲望等）纵情满足；使厌腻；塞满 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
virtue
|
|
| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
reassurance
|
|
| n.使放心，使消除疑虑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
recollecting
|
|
| v.记起，想起( recollect的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |