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Chapter 12 Camp Laurence
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  Beth was postmistress, for, being most at home, she could attend to it regularly, and dearly liked the daily task of unlocking the little door and distributing the mail. One July day she came in with her hands full, and went about the house leaving letters and parcels like the penny post.

  `Here's your posy, Mother! Laurie never forgets that,' she said, putting the fresh nosegay in the vase which stood in `Marmee's corner', and was kept supplied by the affectionate boy.

  `Miss Meg March, one letter and a glove,' continued Beth, delivering the article to her sister, who sat near her mother, stitching wristbands.

  `Why, I left a pair over there, and here is only one,' said Meg looking at the grey cotton glove. `Didn't you drop the other in the garden?'

  `No, I'm sure I didn't; for there was only one in the office.'

  `I hate to have odd gloves! Never mind, the other may be found. My letter is only a translation of the German song I wanted; I think Mr. Brooke did it, for this isn't Laurie's writing.'

  Mrs. March glanced at Meg, who was looking very pretty in her gingham morning gown, with the little curls blowing about her forehead, and very womanly, as she sat sewing at her little work-table, full of tiny white rolls; so unconscious of the thought in her mother's mind as she sewed and sung, while her fingers flew, and her thoughts were busied with girlish fancies as innocent and fresh as the pansies in her belt, that Mrs. March smiled, and was satisfied.

  `Two letters for Doctor Jo, a book, and a funny old hat, which covered the whole post-office, stuck outside,' said Beth, laughing, as she went into the study, where Jo sat writing.

  `What a sly fellow Laurie is! I said I wished bigger hats were the fashion, because I burn my face every hot day. He said, `Why mind the fashion? Wear a big hat and be comfortable!' I said I would if I had one, and he has sent me this to try me. I'll wear it, for fun, and show him I don't care for the fashion'; and hanging the antique broad-brim on a bust1 of Plato, Jo read her letters.

  One from her mother made her cheeks glow and her eyes fill, for it said to her:

  My Dear - I write a little word to tell you with how much satisfaction I watch your efforts to control your temper. You say nothing about your trials, failures, or successes, and think, perhaps, that no one sees them but the friend whose help you daily ask, if I may trust the well-worn cover of your guide book. I, too, have seen them all, and heartily2 believe in the sincerity3 of your resolution, since it begins to bear fruit. Go on, dear, patiently and bravely, and always believe that no one sympathises more tenderly with you than your loving

  MOTHER

  `That does me good! that's worth millions of money and pecks of praise. Oh, Marmee, I do try! I will keep on trying, and not get tired, since I have you to help me.'

  Laying her head on her arm, Jo wet her little romance with a few happy tears, for she had thought no one saw and appreciated her efforts to do good; and this assurance was doubly precious, doubly encouraging, because unexpected, and from the person whose commendation she most valued. Feeling stronger than ever to meet and subdue4 her Apollyon, she pinned the note inside her frock, as a shield and a reminder5, lest she be taken unawares, and proceeded to open her other letter, quite ready for either good or bad news. In a big, dashing hand, Laurie wrote:

  Dear Jo,

  What ho!

  Some English girls and boys are coming to see me tomorrow, and I want to have a jolly time. If it's fine, I'm going to pitch my tent in Longmeadow, and row up the whole crew to lunch and croquet - have a fire, make messes, gipsy fashion, and all sorts of larks6. They are nice people, and like such things. Brooke will go, to keep us boys steady, and Kate Vaughn will play propriety7 for the girls. I want you all to come; can't let Beth off at any price, and nobody shall worry her. Don't bother about rations8 - I'll see to that, and everything else - only do come, there's a good fellow!

  In a tearing hurry,

  Yours ever, LAURIE

  `Here's richness!' cried Jo, flying in to tell the news to Meg. `Of course we can go, Mother? it will be such a help to Laurie, for I can row, and Meg see to the lunch, and the children be useful in some way.'

  `I hope the Vaughns are not fine, grown-up people. Do you know anything about them, Jo?' asked Meg.

  `Only that there are four of them. Kate is older than you, Fred and Frank (twins) about my age, and a little girl (Grace), who is nine or ten. Laurie knew them abroad, and liked the boys; I fancied, from the way he primmed9 up his mouth in speaking of her, that he didn't admire Kate much.'

  `I'm so glad my French print is clean; it's just the thing, and so becoming!' observed Meg complacently10. `Have you anything decent, Jo?'

  `Scarlet and grey boating suit, good enough for me. I shall row and tramp about, so I don't want any starch11 to think of. You'll come, Betty?'

  `If you won't let any of the boys talk to me.'

  `Not a boy!'

  `I like to please Laurie; and I'm not afraid of Mr. Brooke, he is so kind; but I don't want to play, or sing, or say anything. I'll work hard and not trouble anyone; and you'll take care of me, Jo, so I'll go.'

  `That's my good girl; you do try to fight off your shyness, and I love you for it. Fighting faults isn't easy, as I know; and a cheery word kind of gives a lift. Thank you, Mother,' and Jo gave the thin cheek a grateful kiss, more precious to Mrs. March than if it had given back the rosy12 roundness of her youth.

  `I had a box of chocolate drops, and the picture I wanted to copy,' said Amy, showing her mail.

  `And I got a note from Mr. Laurence asking me to come over and play to him tonight before the lamps are lighted, and I shall go,' added Beth, whose friendship with the old gentleman prospered13 finely.

  `Now let's fly round and do double duty today, so that we can play tomorrow with free minds,' said Jo, preparing to replace her pen with a broom.

  When the sun peeped into the girls' room early the next morning, to promise them a fine day, he saw a comical sight. Each had made such preparation for the f阾e as seemed necessary and proper. Meg had an extra row of little curl papers across her forehead, Jo had copiously14 anointed her afflicted15 face with cold cream, Beth had taken Joanna to bed with her to atone16 for the approaching separation, and Amy had capped the climax17 by putting a clothes-pin on her nose, to uplift the offending feature. It was one of the kind artists used to hold the paper on their drawing-boards, therefore quite appropriate and effective for the purpose to which it was now put. This funny spectacle appeared to amuse the sun, for he burst out with such radiance that Jo woke up, and roused all her sisters by a hearty19 laugh at Amy's ornament20.

  Sunshine and laughter were good omens21 for a pleasure party, and soon a lively bustle22 began in both houses. Beth, who was ready first, kept reporting what went on next door, and enlivened her sisters' toilets by frequent telegrams from the window.

  `There goes the man with the tent! I see Mrs. Barker doing up the lunch in a hamper23 and a great basket. Now Mr. Laurence is looking up at the sky and the weathercock; I wish he would go too. There's Laurie, looking like a sailor - nice boy! Oh, mercy me! here's a carriage full of people - a tall lady, a little girl, and two dreadful boys. One is lame24; poor thing, he's got a crutch25. Laurie didn't tell us that. Be quick, girls! it's getting late. Why, there is Ned Moffat, I do declare. Look, Meg, isn't that the man who bowed to you one day when we were shopping?'

  `So it is. How queer that he should come. I thought he was at the Mountains. There is Sallie; I'm glad she's got back in time. Am I all right, Jo?' cried Meg, in a flutter.

  `A regular daisy. Hold up your dress and put your hat straight; it looks sentimental26 tipped that way, and will fly off at the first puff27. Now then, come on!'

  `Oh, Jo, you are not going to wear that awful hat? It's too absurd! You shall not make a guy of yourself,' remonstrated28 Meg, as Jo tied down, with a red ribbon, the broad-brimmed old-fashioned Leghorn Laurie had sent for a joke.

  `I just will, though, for it's capital - so shady, light, and big. It will make fun; and I don't mind being a guy if I'm comfortable.' With that Jo marched straight away, and the rest followed - a bright little band of sisters, all looking their best, in summer suits, with happy faces under the jaunty29 hat-brims.

  Laurie ran to meet and present them to his friends in the most cordial manner. The lawn was the reception room, and for several minutes a lively scene was enacted30 there. Meg was grateful to see that Miss Kate, though twenty, was dressed with a simplicity31 that American girls would do well to imitate; and she was much flattered by Mr. Ned's assurances that he came especially to see her. Jo understood why Laurie `primmed up his mouth' when speaking of Kate, for that young lady had a stand-off-don't-touch-me air, which contrasted strongly with the free and easy demeanour of the other girls. Beth took an observation of the new boys, and decided32 that the lame one was not `dreadful', but gentle and feeble, and she would be kind to him on that account. Amy found Grace a well-mannered, merry little person; and after staring dumbly at one another for a few minutes, they suddenly became very good friends.

  Tents, lunch, and croquet utensils33 had been sent on beforehand, the party was soon embarked34, and the two boats pushed off together, leaving Mr. Laurence waving his hat on the shore. Laurie and Jo rowed one boat; Mr. Brooke and Ned the other; while Fred Vaughn, the riotous35 twin, did his best to upset both by paddling about in a wherry like a disturbed water-bug. Jo's funny hat deserved a word of thanks, for it was of general utility; it broke the ice in the beginning, by producing a laugh; it created quite a refreshing36 breeze, flapping to and fro as she rowed, and would make an excellent umbrella for the whole party if a shower came up, she said. Kate looked rather amazed at Jo's proceedings37, especially as she exclaimed `Christopher Columbus!' when she lost her oar18; and Laurie said, `My dear fellow, did I hurt you?' when he tripped over her feet in taking his place. But after putting up her glass to examine the queer girl several times, Miss Kate decided that she was `odd, but rather clever', and smiled upon her from afar.

  Meg, in the other boat, was delightfully38 situated39, face to face with the rowers, who both admired the prospect40, and feathered their oars41 with uncommon42 `skill and dexterity43'. Mr. Brooke was a grave, silent young man, with handsome brown eyes and a pleasant voice. Meg liked his quiet manners, and considered him a walking encyclopedia44 of useful knowledge. He never talked to her much, but he looked at her a good deal, and she felt sure that he did not regard her with aversion. Ned, being in college, of course put on all the airs which freshmen45 think it their bounden duty to assume; he was not very wise, but very good-natured, and altogether an excellent person to carry on a picnic. Sallie Gardiner was absorbed in keeping her white piqu* dress clean, and chattering46 with the ubiquitous Fred, who kept Beth in constant terror by his pranks47.

  It was not far to Longmeadow; but the tent was pitched and the wickets down by the time they arrived. A pleasant green field, with three wide-spreading oaks in the middle, and a smooth strip of turf for the croquet.

  `Welcome to Camp Laurence!' said the young host, as they landed, with exclamations48 of delight.

  `Brooke is commander-in-chief; I am commissary-general; the other fellows are staff-officers; and you, ladies, are company. The tent is for your especial benefit, and that oak is your drawing room; this is the messroom, and the third is the camp-kitchen. Now, let's have a game before it gets hot, and then we'll see about dinner.'

  Frank, Beth, Amy, and Grace sat down to watch the game played by the other eight. Mr. Brooke chose Meg, Kate, and Fred; Laurie took Sallie, Jo, and Ned. The Englishers played well; but the Americans played better, and contested every inch of the ground as strongly as if the spirit of '76 inspired them. Jo and Fred had several skirmishes, and once narrowly escaped high words. Jo was through the last wicket, and had missed the stroke, which failure ruffled49 her a good deal. Fred was close behind her, and his turn came before hers; he gave a stroke, his ball hit the wicket, and stopped an inch on the wrong side. No one was very near; and running up to examine, he gave it a sly nudge with his toe, which put it just an inch on the right side.

  `I'm through! Now, Miss Jo, I'll settle you, and get in first,' cried the young gentleman, swinging his mallet50 for another blow.

  `You pushed it! I saw you; it's my turn now,' said Jo, sharply.

  `Upon my word, I didn't move it; it rolled a bit, perhaps, but that is allowed; so stand off, please, and let me have a go at the stake.'

  `We don't cheat in America, but you can, if you choose, said Jo, angrily.

  `Yankees are a deal the most tricky51, everybody knows. There you go!' returned Fred, croqueting her ball far away.

  Jo opened her lips to say something rude, but checked herself in time, coloured up to her forehead, and stood a minute hammering down a wicket with all her might, while Fred hit the stake, and declared himself out with much exultation53. She went off to get her ball, and was a long time finding it among the bushes; but she came back, looking cool and quiet, and waited her turn patiently. It took several strokes to regain54 the place she had lost; and, when she got there, the other side had nearly won, for Kate's ball was the last but one, and lay near the stake.

  `By George, it's all up with us! Good-bye, Kate. Miss Jo owes me one, so you are finished,' cried Fred, excitedly, as they all drew near to see the finish.

  `Yankees have a trick of being generous to their enemies,' said Jo, with a look that made the lad redden, `especially when they beat them,' she added, as, leaving Kate's ball untouched, she won the game by a clever stroke.

  Laurie threw up his hat; then remembering that it wouldn't do to exult52 over the defeat of his guests, he stopped in the middle of a cheer to whisper to his friend: `Good for you, Jo! He did cheat, I saw him; we can't tell him so, but he won't do it again, take my word for it.'

  Meg drew her aside, under pretence55 of pinning up a loose braid, and said approvingly: `It was dreadfully provoking; but you kept your temper, and I'm so glad, Jo.'

  `Don't praise me, Meg, for I could box his ears this minute. I should certainly have boiled over if I hadn't stayed among the nettles56 till I got my rage under enough to hold my tongue. It's simmering now, so I hope he'll keep out of my way,' returned Jo, biting her lips, as she glowered57 at Fred from under her big hat.

  `Time for lunch,' said Mr. Brooke, looking at his watch. `Commissary-general, will you make the fire and get water, while Miss March, Miss Sallie and I spread the table? Who can make good coffee? `

  `Jo can!' said Meg, glad to recommend her sister. So Jo, feeling that her late lessons in cookery were to do her honour, went to preside over the coffee-pot, while the children collected dry sticks, and the boys made a fire, and got water from a spring near by. Miss Kate sketched58, and Frank talked to Beth, who was making little mats of braided rushes to serve as plates. The commander-in-chief and his aides soon spread the tablecloth60 with an inviting61 array of eatables and drinkables, prettily62 decorated with green leaves. Jo announced that the coffee was ready, and everyone settled themselves to a hearty meal; for youth is seldom dyspeptic, and exercise develops wholesome63 appetites. A very merry lunch it was; for everything seemed fresh and funny, and frequent peals64 of laughter startled a venerable horse who fed near by. There was a pleasing inequality in the table, which produced many mishaps65 to cups and plates; acorns66 dropped into the milk, little black ants partook of the refreshments67 without being invited, and fuzzy caterpillars68 swung down from the tree to see what was going on. Three white-headed children peeped over the fence, and an objectionable dog barked at them from the other side of the river with all his might and main.

  `There's salt here, if you prefer it,' said Laurie, as he handed Jo a saucer of berries.

  `Thank you, I prefer spiders,' she replied, fishing up two unwary little ones who had gone to a creamy death. `How dare you remind me of that horrid69 dinner-party, when yours is so nice in every way?' added Jo, as they both laughed, and ate out of one plate, the china having run short.

  `I had an uncommonly70 good time that day, and haven't got over it yet. This is no credit to me, you know; I don't do anything; it's you and Meg and Brooke who make it go, and I'm no end obliged to you. What shall we do when we can't eat any more?' asked Laurie, feeling that his trump71 card had been played when lunch was over.

  `Have games till it's cooler. I brought "Authors", and I dare say Miss Kate knows something new and nice. Go and ask her; she's company, and you ought to stay with her more.

  `Aren't you company, too? I thought she'd suit Brooke; but he keeps talking to Meg, and Kate just stares at them through that ridiculous glass of hers. I'm going, so you needn't try to preach propriety, for you can't do it, Jo.'

  Miss Kate did know several new games; and as the girls would not, and the boys could not, eat any more, they all adjourned72 to the drawing room to play `Rigmarole'.

  `One person begins a story, any nonsense you like, and tells as long as he pleases, only taking care to stop short at some exciting point, when the next takes it up and does the same. It's very funny when well done, and makes a perfect jumble73 of tragical74 comical stuff to laugh over. Please start it, Mr. Brooke,' said Kate with a commanding air, which surprised Meg, who treated the tutor with as much respect as any other gentleman.

  Lying on the grass at the feet of the two young ladies, Mr. Brooke obediently began the story, with the handsome brown eyes steadily75 fixed76 upon the sunshiny river.

  `Once upon a time a knight77 went out into the world to seek his fortune, for he had nothing but his sword and his shield. He travelled a long while, nearly eight-and-twenty years, and had a hard time of it, till he came to the palace of a good old king, who had offered a reward to any who would tame and train a fine but unbroken colt of which he was very fond. The knight agreed to try, and got on slowly but surely; for the colt was a gallant78 fellow, and soon learned to love his new master, though he was freakish and wild. Everyday, when he gave his lessons to this pet of the king's, the knight rode him through the city; and, as he rode, he looked everywhere for a certain beautiful face, which he had seen many times in his dreams, but never found. One day, as he went prancing79 down a quiet street, he saw at the window of a ruinous castle the lovely face. He was delighted, inquired who lived in this old castle, and was told that several captive princesses were kept there by a spell, and spun80 all day to lay up money to buy their liberty. The knight wished intensely that he could free them; but he was poor, and could only go by each day, watching for the sweet face, and longing81 to see it out in the sunshine. At last he resolved to get into the castle and ask how he could help them. He went and knocked; the great door flew open, and he beheld——'

  `A ravishingly lovely lady, who exclaimed, with a cry of rapture82, "At last! at last"', continued Kate, who had read French novels, and admired the style. `"'Tis she!" cried Count Gustave, and fell at her feet in an ecstasy83 of joy. "Oh, rise!" she said, extending a hand of marble fairness. "Never! till you tell me how I may rescue you," swore the knight, still kneeling. "Alas84, my cruel fate condemns85 me to remain here till my tyrant86 is destroyed." "Where is the villain87!" "In the mauve salon88. Go, brave heart, and save me from despair." `I obey, and return victorious89 or dead!" With these thrilling words he rushed away, and flinging open the door of the mauve salon, was about to enter, when he received——'

  `A stunning90 blow from the big Greek lexicon91, which an old fellow in a black gown fired at him,' said Ned. `Instantly Sir What's his-name recovered himself, pitched the tyrant out of the window, and turned to join the lady victorious, but with a bump on his brow; found the door locked, tore up the curtains, made a rope ladder, got half way down when the ladder broke, and he went head first into the moat, sixty feet below. Could swim like a duck, paddled round the castle till he came to a little door guarded by two stout92 fellows; knocked their heads together till they cracked like a couple of nuts, then, by a trilling exertion93 of his prodigious94 strength, he smashed in the door, went up a pair of stone steps covered with dust a foot thick, toads95 as big as your fist, and spiders that would frighten you into hysterics, Miss March. At the top of these steps he came plump upon a sight that took his breath away and chilled his blood——'

  `A tall figure, all in white, with a veil over its face, and a lamp in its wasted hand,' went on Meg. `It beckoned96, gliding97 noiselessly before him down a corridor as dark and cold as any tomb. Shadowy effigies98 in armour99 stood on either side, a dead silence reigned100, the lamp burned blue, and the ghostly figure ever and anon turned its face towards him showing the glitter of awful eyes through its white veil. They reached a curtained door, behind which sounded lovely music; he sprang forward to enter, but the spectre plucked him back, and waved threateningly before him a——'

  `Snuff-box,' said Jo, in a sepulchral101 tone, which convulsed the audience. `"Thankee," said the knight, politely, as he took a pinch, and sneezed seven times so violently that his head fell off. "Ha! ha!" laughed the ghost; and having peeped through the keyhole at the princesses spinning away for dear life, the evil spirit picked up her victim and put him in a large tin box, where there were eleven other knights102 packed together without their heads, like sardines103, who all rose and began to——'

  `Dance a hornpipe,' cut in Fred, as Jo paused for breath; `and, as they danced, the rubbishy old castle turned to a man-of-war in full sail. "Up with the jib, reef the tops'l halliards, helm hard a-lee, and man the guns!" roared the captain, as a Portuguese104 pirate hove in sight, with a flag black as ink flying from her foremast. "Go in and win my hearties105!" says the captain; and a tremendous fight began. Of course the British beat; they always do.'

  `No, they don't,' cried Jo, aside.

  `Having taken the pirate captain prisoner, sailed slap over the schooner106, whose decks were piled with dead, and whose leescuppers ran blood, for the order had been "Cutlasses, and die hard!" "Bosun's mate, take a bright of the flying jib sheet, and start this villain if he don't confess his sins double quick," said the British captain. The Portuguese held his tongue like a brick, and walked the plank107, while the jolly tars108 cheered like mad. But the sly dog dived, came up under the man-of-war, scuttled109 her, and down she went, with all sail set, "To the bottom of the sea, sea, sea," where——'

  `Oh, gracious! what shall I say?' cried Sallie, as Fred ended his rigmarole, in which he had jumbled110 together, pell-mell, nautical111 phrases and facts out of one of his favourite books. `Well, they went to the bottom, and a nice mermaid112 welcomed them, but was much grieved on finding the box of headless knights, and kindly113 pickled them in brine, hoping to discover the mystery about them, for, being a woman, she was curious. By and by, a diver came down, and the mermaid said, "I'll give you this box of pearls if you can take it up"; for she wanted to restore the poor things to life, and couldn't raise the heavy load herself. So the diver hoisted114 it up, and was much disappointed to find no pearls. He left it in a great lonely field, where it was found by a——'

  `Little goosegirl, who kept a hundred fat geese in the field,' said Amy, when Sallies invention gave out. `The little girl was sorry for them, and asked an old woman what she should do to help them. "Your geese will tell you, they know everything," said the old woman. So she asked what she should use for new heads, since the old ones were lost, and all the geese opened their hundred mouths and screamed——'

  `"Cabbages!"' continued Laurie, promptly115. `"Just the thing," said the girl, and ran to get twelve fine ones from her garden. She put them on, the knights revived at once, thanked her, and went on their way rejoicing, never knowing the difference, for there were so many other heads like them in the world that no one thought anything of it. The knight in whom I'm interested went back to find the pretty face, and learned that the princesses had spun themselves free, and all gone to be married but one. He was in a great state of mind at that; and mounting the colt, who stood by him through thick and thin, rushed to the castle to see which was left. Peeping over the hedge, he saw the queen of his affections picking flowers in her garden. "Will you give me a rose?" said he. "You must come and get it. I can't come to you; it isn't proper," said she, as sweet as honey. He tried to climb over the hedge, but it seemed to grow higher and higher; then he tried to push through, but it grew thicker and thicker and he was in despair. So he patiently broke twig116 after twig till he had made a little hole, through which he peeped, saying imploringly117, "Let me in! let me in." But the pretty princess did not seem to understand, for she picked her roses quietly, and left him to fight his way in. Whether he did or not, Frank will tell you.'

  `I can't; I'm not playing, I never do,' said Frank, dismayed at the sentimental predicament out of which he was to rescue the absurd couple. Beth had disappeared behind Jo, and Grace was asleep.

  `So the poor knight is to be left sticking in the hedge, is he?' asked Mr. Brooke, still watching the river and playing with the wild rose in his buttonhole.

  `I guess the princess gave him a posy, and opened the gate after a while,' said Laurie, smiling to himself, as he threw acorns at his tutor.

  `What a piece of nonsense we have made! With practice we might do something quite clever. Do you know "Truth"?' asked Sallie, after they had laughed over their story.

  `I hope so,' said Meg, soberly.

  `The game, I mean?'

  `What is it?' said Fred.

  `Why, you pile up your hands, choose a number, and draw out in turn, and the person who draws at the number has to answer truly any questions put by the rest. It's great fun.'

  `Let's try it,' said Jo, who liked new experiments.

  Miss Kate and Mr. Brooke, Meg, and Ned declined, but Fred, Sallie, Jo, and Laurie piled and drew; and the lot fell to Laurie.

  `Who are your heroes?' asked Jo.

  `Grandfather and Napoleon.'

  `Which lady here do you think prettiest?' said Sallie.

  `Margaret.'

  `Which do you like best?' from Fred.

  `Jo, of course.'

  `What silly questions you ask!' and Jo gave a disdainful shrug118, as the rest laughed at Laurie's matter-of-fact tone.

  `Try again; Truth isn't a bad game,' said Fred.

  `It's, a very good one for you,' retorted Jo, in a low voice.

  Her turn came next.

  `What is your greatest fault?' asked Fred, by way of testing in her the virtue119 he lacked himself.

  `A quick temper.'

  `What do you most wish for?' said Laurie.

  `A pair of boot-lacings,' returned Jo, guessing and defeating his purpose.

  `Not a true answer; you must say what you really do want most.'

  `Genius; don't you wish you could give it to me, Laurie?' and she slyly smiled in his disappointed face.

  `What virtues120 do you most admire in a man?' asked Sallie.

  `Courage and honesty.'

  `Now my turn,' said Fred, as his hand came last.

  `Let's give it to him,' whispered Laurie to Jo, who nodded, and asked at once: `Didn't you cheat at croquet?'

  `Well, yes, a little bit.'

  `Good! Didn't you take your story out of The Sea-Lion?' said Laurie.

  `Rather.'

  `Don't you think the English nation perfect in every respect?' asked Sallie.

  `I should be ashamed of myself if I didn't.'

  `He's a true John Bull. Now, Miss Sallie, You shall have a chance without waiting to draw. I'll harrow up your feelings first by asking if you don't think you are something of a flirt121,' said Laurie, as Jo nodded to Fred, as a sign that peace was declared.

  `You impertinent boy! of course I'm not,' exclaimed Sallie, with an air that proved the contrary.

  `What do you hate most?' asked Fred.

  `Spiders and rice-pudding.'

  `What do you like best?' asked Jo.

  `Dancing and French gloves.'

  `Well, I think Truth is a very silly play; let's have a sensible game of Authors, to refresh our minds,' proposed Jo.

  Ned, Frank, and the little girls joined in this, and while it went on the three elder sat apart talking. Miss Kate took out her sketch59 again, and Margaret watched her, while Mr. Brooke lay on the grass, with a book which he did not read.

  `How beautifully you do it! I wish I could draw,' said Meg, with mingled122 admiration123 and regret in her voice.

  `Why don't you learn? I should think you had taste and talent for it,' replied Miss Kate, graciously.

  `I haven't time.'

  `Your mamma prefers other accomplishments124, I fancy. So did mine; but I proved to her that I had talent by taking a few lessons privately126, and then she was quite willing I should go on. Can't you do the same with your governess?'

  `I have none.'

  `I forgot; young ladies in America go to school more than with us. Very fine schools they are, too, papa says. You go to a private one, I suppose?'

  `I don't go at all; I am a governess myself.'

  `Oh, indeed!' said Miss Kate; but she might as well have said, `Dear me, how dreadful!' for her tone implied it, and something in her face made Meg colour, and wish she had not been so frank.

  Mr. Brooke looked up, and said quickly, `Young ladies in America love independence as much as their ancestors did, and are admired and respected for supporting themselves.'

  `Oh, yes; of course it's very nice and proper in them to do so. We have many most respectable and worthy127 young women who do the same, and are employed by the nobility, because, being the daughters of gentlemen, they are both well-bred and accomplished128, you know,' said Miss Kate in a patronising tone, that hurt Meg's pride, and made her work seem not only more distasteful, but degrading.

  `Did the German song suit, Miss March?' inquired Mr. Brooke, breaking an awkward pause.

  `Oh yes; it was very sweet, and I'm much obliged to whoever translated it for me'; and Meg's downcast face brightened as she spoke129.

  `Don't you read German?' asked Miss Kate, with a look of surprise.

  `Not very well. My father, who taught me, is away, and I don't get on very fast alone, for I've no one to correct my pronunciation.'

  `Try a little now; here is Schiller's Mary Stuart, an a tutor who loves to teach,' and Mr. Brooke laid his book on her lap, with an inviting smile.

  `It's so hard, I'm afraid to try,' said Meg, grateful, but bashful in the presence of the accomplished young lady beside her.

  `I'll read a bit to encourage you'; and Miss Kate read one of the most beautiful passages in a perfectly130 correct but perfectly expressionless manner.

  Mr. Brooke made no comment as she returned the book to Meg, who said innocently:

  `I thought it was poetry.'

  `Some of it is. Try this passage.'

  There was a queer smile about Mr. Brooke's mouth as he opened at poor Mary's lament131.

  Meg, obediently following the long grass blade which her new tutor used to point with, read slowly and timidly, unconsciously making poetry of the hard words by the soft intonation132 of her musical voice. Down the page went the green guide, and presently forgetting her listener in the beauty of the sad scene Meg read as if alone, giving a little touch of tragedy to the words of the unhappy queen. If she had seen the brown eyes then, she would have stopped short; but she never looked up, and the lesson was not spoiled for her.

  `Very well indeed!' said Mr. Brooke, as she paused, quite ignoring her many mistakes, and looking as if he did, indeed, `love to teach'.

  Miss Kate put up her glass, and having taken a survey of the little tableau133 before her, shut her sketch-book, saying, with condescension134:

  `You've a nice accent, and in time will be a clever reader. I advise you to learn, for German is a valuable accomplishment125 to teachers. I must look after Grace, she is romping'; and Miss Kate strolled away adding to herself, with a shrug, `I didn't come to chaperone a governess, though she is young and pretty. What odd people these Yankees are; I'm afraid Laurie will be quite spoilt among them.'

  `I forgot that English people rather turn up their noses at governesses, and don't treat them as we do,' said Meg, looking after the retreating figure with an annoyed expression.

  `Tutors, also, have rather a hard time of it there, as I know to my sorrow. There's no place like America for us workers, Miss Margaret', and Mr. Brooke looked so contented135 and cheerful, that Meg was ashamed to lament her hard lot. `I'm glad I live in it, then. I don't like my work, but I get a good deal of satisfaction out of it after all, so I won't complain; I only wish I liked teaching as you do.'

  `I think you would if you had Laurie for a pupil. I shall be very sorry to lose him next year,' said Mr. Brooke, busily punching holes in the turf.

  `Going to college, I suppose?' Meg's lips asked that question, but her eyes added, `And what becomes of you?'

  `Yes; it's high time he went, for he is ready; and as soon as he is off I shall turn soldier. I am needed.'

  `I am glad of that!' exclaimed Meg. `I should think every young man would want to go; though it is hard for the mothers and sisters who stay at home,' she added, sorrowfully.

  `I have neither, and very few friends, to care whether I live or die,' said Mr. Brooke, rather bitterly, as he absently put the dead rose in the hole he had made and covered it up, like a little grave.

  `Laurie and his grandfather would care a great deal, and we should all be very sorry to have any harm happen to you,' said Meg, heartily.

  `Thank you; that sounds pleasant,' began Mr. Brooke, looking cheerful again; but before he could finish his speech, Ned, mounted on the old horse, came lumbering136 up to display his equestrian137 skill before the young ladies, and there was no more quiet that day.

  `Don't you love to ride?' asked Grace of Amy, as they stood resting, after a race round the field with the others, led by Ned.

  `I dote upon it; my sister Meg used to ride when papa was rich but we don't keep any horses now, except Ellen Tree,' added Amy, laughing.

  `Tell me about Ellen Tree; is it a donkey?' asked Grace, curiously138.

  `Why, you see, Jo is crazy about horses, and so am I, but we've only got an old side-saddle, and no horse. But in our garden is an apple-tree, that has a nice low branch; so Jo put the saddle on it, fixed some reins139 on the part that turns up, and we bounce away on Ellen Tree whenever we like.'

  `How funny!' laughed Grace. `I have a pony140 at home, and ride nearly every day in the park, with Fred and Kate; it's very nice, for my friends go too, and the Row is full of ladies and gentlemen.'

  `Dear, how charming! I hope I shall go abroad some day; but I'd rather go to Rome than the Row,' said Amy, who had not the remotest idea what the Row was, and wouldn't have asked for the world.

  Frank, sitting just behind the little girls, heard what they were saying, and pushed his crutch away from him with an impatient gesture, as he watched the active lads going through all sorts of comical gymnastics. Beth, who was collecting the scattered141 Author-cards, looked up, and said, in her shy yet friendly way:

  `I'm afraid you are tired; can I do anything for you?'

  `Talk to me, please; it's dull, sitting by myself,' answered Frank, who had evidently been used to being made much of at home.

  If he had asked her to deliver a Latin oration142, it would not have seemed a more impossible task to bashful Beth; but there was no place to run to, no Jo to hide behind now, and the poor boy looked so wistfully at her, that she bravely resolved to try.

  `What do you like to talk about?' she asked, fumbling143 over the cards, and dropping half as she tried to tie them up.

  `Well, I like to hear about cricket and boating and hunting,' said Frank, who had not yet learnt to suit his amusements to his strength.

  `My heart! what shall I do? I don't know anything about them,' thought Beth; and, forgetting the boy's misfortune in her flurry, she said, hoping to make him talk, `I never saw any hunting, but I suppose you know all about it.'

  `I did once; but I can never hunt again, for I got hurt leaping a confounded five-barred gate; so there are no more horses and hounds for me,' said Frank, with a sigh that made Beth hate herself for her innocent blunder.

  `Your deer are much prettier than our ugly buffaloes,' she said, turning to the prairies for help, and feeling glad that she had read one of the boy's books in which Jo delighted.

  Buffaloes proved soothing144 and satisfactory; and, in her eagerness to amuse another, Beth forgot herself, and was quite unconscious of her sisters' surprise and delight at the unusual spectacle of Beth talking away to one of the dreadful boys, against whom she had begged protection.

  `Bless her heart! She pities him, so she is good to him,' said Jo, beaming at her from the croquet ground.

  `I always said she was a little saint,' added Meg, as if there could be no further doubt about it.

  `I haven't heard Frank laugh so much for ever so long,' said Grace to Amy, as they sat discussing dolls, and making tea-sets out of the acorn-cups.

  `My sister Beth is a very fastidious girl when she likes to be,' said Amy, well pleased at Beth's success. She meant `fascinating', but as Grace didn't know the exact meaning of either word `fastidious' sounded well, and made a good impression. An impromptu145 circus, fox and geese, and an amicable146 game of croquet finished the afternoon. At sunset the tent was struck, hampers147 packed, wickets pulled up, boats loaded, and the whole party floated down the river, singing at the tops of their voices. Ned, getting sentimental, warbled a serenade with the pensive148 refrain:

  `Alone, alone, ah! woe149, alone,'

  and at the lines:

  `We each are young, we each have a heart, Oh, why should we thus stand coldly apart,'

  he looked at Meg with such a lackadaisical150 expression that she laughed outright151 and spoilt his song.

  `How can you be so cruel to me?' he whispered, under cover of a lively chorus. `You've kept close to that starched-up English woman all day, and now you snub me.'

  `I didn't mean to; but you looked so funny I really couldn't help it,' replied Meg, passing over the first part of his reproach; for it was quite true that she had shunned152 him, remembering the Moffat party and the talk after it.

  Ned was off ended, and turned to Sallie for consolation153, saying to her, rather pettishly154, `There isn't a bit of flirt in that girl, is there?'

  `Not a particle; but she's a dear,' returned Sallie, def ending her friend, even while confessing her shortcomings.

  `She's not a stricken deer, anyway,' said Ned, trying to be witty155, and succeeding as well as very young gentlemen usually do. On the lawn, where it had gathered, the little party separated, with cordial good nights and good-byes, for the Vaughns were going to Canada. As the four sisters went home through the garden, Miss Kate looked after them, saying, without the patronising tone in her voice, `In spite of their demonstrative manners, American girls are very nice when one knows them.'

  `I quite agree with you,' said Mr. Brooke.

 

贝思是个女邮政局长,因为她在家的时间最多,可以定时收寄邮件,而且她也十分喜欢每天打开那扇小门,分派信件。七月的一天,她双手捧得满满地走进来,像邮递员一样,满屋子派发信件包裹。

“这是您的花,妈妈!劳里总是把这事记在心上,”她边说边把鲜花插进摆在“妈咪角"的花瓶里。那位感情细腻的男孩子每天都要送上一束鲜花供她们插瓶。

“梅格·马奇小姐,一封信和一只手套。”贝思继续把邮件递给坐在妈妈身边缝衣袖口的姐姐。

“咦,我在那边丢了一双,怎么现在只有一只?”梅格望望灰色的棉手套。”你是不是把另一只丢在园子里头了?”“没有,我保证没有,因为邮箱里就只有一只。 “我讨厌单只手套!不过不要紧,另一只会找到的,我的信只是我要的一首德语歌的译文。我想是布鲁克写的,因为不是劳里的字迹。”马奇太太瞅一眼梅格,只见她穿着一袭方格花布晨衣,额前的小鬈发随风轻轻飘动,显得美丽动人,娇柔可爱。她坐在堆满整整齐齐的白布匹的小工作台边哼着歌儿飞针走线,脑子里只顾做着五彩斑斓、天真无邪的少女美梦、一点也没有觉察到妈妈的心事。马奇太太笑了,感到十分满意。

“乔博士有两封信,一本书,还有一顶趣怪的旧帽子,把整个邮箱都盖住了,还伸出外面,”贝里边说边笑着走进书房,乔正坐在书房里写作。

“劳里真是个狡猾的家伙。我说如果流行大帽子就好了,因为我每到天热就会把脸晒焦。他说:'何必管它流行不流行?

就戴一顶大帽,别难为了自己!'我说如果我有就会戴,他就送了这顶来试我。我偏要戴上它,跟他闹着玩,让他知道我不在乎流行不流行的。”乔把这顶旧式阔边帽子挂到柏拉图的半身像上,开始读信。

一封是妈妈写的,她读着便飞红了双颊,眼睛也潮湿了,因为信上说 -亲爱的:我写几句话告诉你,看到你为控制自己的脾气作出了巨大的努力,我感到多么高兴。你对自己的痛苦、失败、或成功只字不提,可能以为除了那位每天给你帮助的"朋友”外(我敢相信是你那本封面卷了角的指导书),没有人注意到这一切。不过,我也一一看在眼里,而且完全相信你的诚意和决心,因为你的决心已经开始结果了。继续努力吧,亲爱的,耐着性子,鼓足勇气,记住有一个人比任何人都更关心你,更爱护你,他就是你亲爱的妈妈“这些话对我很有好处,这封信抵得上万千金钱和无数溢美之辞。噢,妈咪,我确实是在努力!在您的帮助下,我一定不屈不挠地坚持下去。”乔把头埋在双臂上,为这小小的罗曼史洒下几滴热泪。她原以为没有人看到和欣赏她的努力,现在却意外地受到了母亲的赞扬,她一向最敬重母亲的话,因此这封信显得更加珍贵、更加鼓舞人心。她把纸条当作护身符别在上衣里面,以便时刻提醒自己,更增加了征服困难的信心。她接着打开另一封信,准备接受这个不知是好是坏的消息,展现在眼前的是劳里龙飞凤舞的大字--亲爱的乔,嗬!

几个英国女孩和男孩明天来看望我,我想好好玩玩。如果天气好,我准备在长草坪上搭帐篷,全班人马划船过去吃午饭,玩槌球游戏 点篝火,野餐,自由戏耍,享受天然野趣。布鲁克也一起去,看管我们这班男孩子,凯特·沃恩则看管女孩子。恳请你们各位光临,无论如何不能漏了贝思,没有人会烦扰她的。不用担心野餐食物--一切由我来负责--千万出席这才是好朋友呢!

请恕行笔匆匆。

你永远的劳里

“好消息!”乔叫道,冲进去向梅格报讯。

“我们当然可以去,妈妈,对吧?这样还可以帮劳里的大忙呢,因为我会划船,梅格可以做午饭,两个妹妹也多少可以帮点忙。”“我希望沃恩姐弟不是拘泥古板、成熟老到这一类人。你了解他们吗,乔?”梅格问。

“只知道他们是四姐弟。凯特年纪比你大,弗雷德和弗兰克(双胞胎)年纪跟我差不多,还有个小姑娘(格莱丝)约莫十岁。劳里是在国外认识他们的,他喜欢那两个男孩子;我想,他不怎么赞赏凯特,因为他谈起她便一本正经地抿起嘴巴。”“我真高兴我的法式印花布服装还干干净净,这种场合穿正合适,又好看!“梅格喜滋滋地说,”你有什么出得场面的吗,乔?”“红、灰两色的划艇衣就够好了。我要划船,到处跑动,只想穿随便一点。你也来吧,贝蒂?”“那你得别让那些男孩子跟我说话。”“一个也不让!”“我想让劳里高兴,我也不怕布鲁克先生,他是个大好人;但是我不想玩,不想唱,也不想说话。我会埋头干活,不打扰别人。你来照看我,乔,那我就去。”“这才是我的好妹妹,你在努力克服自己的害羞心理呢,我真高兴。改正缺点并不容易,这我知道,而一句鼓励的话儿就能使人精神一振。谢谢您,妈妈,”乔说着感激地吻了一下母亲瘦削的脸庞,这一吻对于马奇太太来说比任何东西都要宝贵。

“我收到一盒巧克力糖和我想要的图画,”艾美说着把邮件打开给大家看。

“我收到劳伦斯先生一张字条,叫我今晚点灯前过去弹琴给他听,我会去的,“贝思接着说,她跟老人的友谊进展得非常快。

“我们马上行动起来吧,今天干双倍活,明天就可以玩得无忧无虑了,”乔说道,准备放下笔杆,拿起扫帚。

第二天一早,当太阳把头探进姑娘们的闺房向她们预告好天气时,他看到了一幅妙趣横生的景象:姐妹们个个下足功夫,为野营盛会做好充分准备。梅格的前额排列着一排小卷发纸;乔在晒焦了的脸上厚厚地涂了一层冷霜;贝思因为即将和乔安娜分离,把她带到床上共寝以弥补损失;艾美更是令人叫绝,她用衣夹夹住鼻子,试图把令人烦恼的扁鼻梁托高。这种夹子正是艺术家们用来在画板上夹画纸的那种,因此用在这里尤其合适。这幅滑稽图显然把太阳公公逗乐了,他笑得喷出万道金光,把乔照醒。看到艾美这付尊容,她禁不住大笑出声,遂把众姐妹闹醒了。

阳光和笑声是野营盛会的吉兆。两家屋子的人开始活跃忙碌起来。贝思第一个准备停当,她靠在窗前不断报告邻居的新动态,把正在梳妆打扮的三姐妹弄得越发紧张忙碌。

“一个人带着帐篷出来了!我看到巴克太太把午饭放到一个盖箱和大篓里。现在劳伦斯先生仰头望望天空和风标;但愿他也一起去。那是劳里,打扮得像个水手-- 帅小伙子!噢,啊呀!一整车的人--一个高个女士,一个小姑娘,还有两个可怕的男孩子。一个跛了腿:可怜的人!他拄着支拐杖。劳里没跟我们说过。快点,姑娘们!时间不早了。呀,那是内德·莫法特,没错。瞧,梅格,这不是那天我们上街时向你行礼的那个人吗?”“果然不错。他怎么也来了?我还以为他在山里头呢。那是莎莉;太好了,她回来得正是时候。你看我这样行吗,乔?”梅格焦急地问道。

“漂亮极了。提起裙子,把帽子戴正,这样斜翘着看上去有种感伤情调,而且风一吹便要飞走了。好了,我们出发吧!”“噢,乔,你不是要戴这顶糟帽子去吧?这太荒唐了,你不该把自己弄得像个男人,”梅格规劝道。此时乔正把劳里开玩笑送来的旧式阔边意大利草帽用一根红丝带围系起来。

“我正是要戴着去,它棒极了--又挡荫,又轻,又大。

戴上它更添情趣,再说,只要舒服,我不在乎做个男人,”乔说罢迈步就走,姐妹们紧跟其后--每人穿一身夏装,戴一顶逍遥自在的帽子,春风满脸,十分好看,俨然一支活泼快乐的小队伍。

劳里跑上前来迎接她们,十分热情地把她们介绍给各位朋友。草坪成了会客厅,大家在那里逗留了几分钟,气氛十分活跃。梅格看到凯特小姐虽然年方二十,穿着打扮却相当简扑,心里松了一口气,因为这种风格美国姑娘不费吹灰之力就能学会。她听内德先生一再声明自己特为见她一面而来,心里更加受用。乔终于明白劳里为什么一提到凯特就"一本正经地抿起嘴巴",因为这位女士神态孤高冷傲,不像其他姑娘那样无拘无束、轻松随和。贝思观察了一下新来的男孩子,认为跛足这位并不"可怕",反倒温顺柔弱,她因此想善待他。

艾美觉得格莱丝是个举止优雅、活泼快乐的小人儿,她俩默默对视了几分钟后,马上成了十分要好的朋友。

帐篷、午饭、槌球游戏用具等先行送走后,大家随即登上小艇。两叶轻舟并驾齐驱,岸上只剩下挥着帽子的劳伦斯先生一人。劳里和乔共划一艘艇,布鲁克先生和内德先生划另一艘,而淘气反叛的双胞胎兄弟弗雷德·沃恩则使劲划着一只单人赛艇,像只受了惊的水蝽一样在两叶小舟之间乱冲乱撞。乔那顶风趣的帽子用途十分广泛,值得击掌鸣谢:它一开始便打破隔膜,逗得众人笑一来,她划船时帽子上下摆动,扇出阵阵清风,如果下起雨来它还可以给全班人马当作一把大伞使用,她说。凯特对乔的一举一动都觉得十分新奇,她丢了桨时大叫一声" 我的妈哟!”;而劳里就坐时不小心在她脚上绊了一下,他说:“我的好伙伴,弄痛了你没有?”这些更叫她纳罕不已。戴上眼镜把这位奇怪的姑娘审视几遍后,凯特小姐认定乔"古怪,但挺聪明",于是远远对着她微笑起来。

另一只艇上的梅格舒舒服服地坐在两个荡桨手的对面,两个小伙子喜之不尽,各自使出不一般的"技巧和机敏",把艇划得十分稳当。布鲁克先生是个严肃、沉默寡言的年青人,声音悦耳动听,一对棕色的眼睛明亮有神。梅格喜欢他性格沉静,把他看作是一部活百科全书,里头装满了各种有用的知识。他跟她不大说话,但眼光却常常落在她身上,梅格肯定他对自己并不反感。内德是大学新生,当然摆足派头。他并不特别聪明,但性情随和,不失为野营活动的好伙伴。莎莉·加德纳一面打足精神护着自己的白裙子,以免被水平脏,一面和到处乱冲乱撞的弗雷德交谈。弗雷德不断做出各式各样的恶作剧,把贝思吓得心惊胆战。

长草坪相隔并不远,他们到达时帐篷已搭好了,三柱门也支了起来。这是一片令人心旷神怡的绿地,中间挺立着三棵枝繁叶茂的橡树,还有一块玩槌球用的平滑狭长的草坪。

“欢迎光临劳伦斯营地!”大家登上绿地,高兴得发出阵阵赞叹的时候,年轻主人说道。

“布鲁克任总指挥,我任军需官,其他各位男士任参谋官,而你们,女士们,则是陪同。这个帐篷专为你们而搭,那棵橡树是你们的客厅,第二棵是餐室,第三棵是营地厨房。好了,天未热我们先玩个游戏,然后再来做饭。”弗兰克、贝思、艾美和格莱丝坐下观看其他八人玩游戏。

布鲁克选了梅格、凯特和弗雷德;劳里则选了莎莉、乔和内德。英国孩子打得不错,但美国孩子打得更好,而且冲劲十足。乔和弗雷德发生了几次小冲突,一次还几乎吵了起来。乔过最后一道三柱门时失了一球,很是光火。弗雷德紧跟其后,这回先轮到他发球,接着才轮到乔。他把球一击,球打在三柱门上,然后停了下来,离球门仅有一英寸之距。大家离得较远,于是跑上来看个究竟。他狡猾地用脚指头把球轻轻一碰,球便刚好滑进了球门。

“我进了!哈,乔小姐,我要把你击败,第一个进球,”年轻人挥舞着球棍叫道,准备再击一球。

“你推了球,我亲眼看见的;这回轮到我,”乔厉声说。

“我发誓,我没动它;球也许是滚了一点,但这并不犯规;还是请站开一点,让我好好击球吧。”“我们美国人不作弊,但你们可以,如果你们喜欢。”乔十分生气。

“美国佬最有手段,这谁不知道。去你的球吧!”弗雷德回击道,把她的球打出老远。

乔张口要骂,却又忍住了,只觉得热血直冲脑门,她怔了一会,用尽全力把一个三柱门捶倒,而弗雷德则击中目标,狂喜地宣布自己胜出。乔走开去拾球,好一会功夫才在矮树丛里把球找到。但她走回来,神态冷静,一言不发,耐心地等着发球。她打了好几球才追回到原来的位置;当她追上时,对方差不多就要赢了,因为凯特的球是倒数第二个,正停在目标旁边。

大家围上前来观看最后一战,弗雷德紧张地叫道:“啊呀,我们完蛋了!不用打了,凯特。乔小姐欠我一球,因此你完了。”“美国佬的手段是对敌人宽宏大量,“乔说着看了他一眼,小伙子脸上腾地红了起来。”尤其是当他们打败敌人的时候,“她接着说,并不去动凯特的球,而是把自己的球漂亮一击,赢了比赛。

劳里把自己的帽子向空中一扔,却突然想起败方是自己的客人,不可太露轻狂,于是赶紧收住喊出嘴边的喝彩声,悄悄跟自己的朋友说:“做得对,乔!他确实是作弊,我也看到了;但我们不能跟他直说,不过他下回不敢再犯了,相信我吧。”梅格把她拉过一边,假装帮她夹起一绺松脱下来的辫子,赞赏地说:“这事叫人怒不可遏,但你竟忍住了,没有发脾气,我真高兴,乔。”“别夸我,梅格,我这会还想赏他一个耳光呢。我刚才在蓖麻树丛里呆了许久,压下一腔怒火才没有出声,要不,早就火冒三丈了。我的火这会还热着呢,所以他最好离我远点,“乔答道,紧咬双唇,从那顶大帽子下面悻悻地瞪了弗雷德一眼。

“该吃午饭了,”布鲁克先生看看手表说,”军需官,你去生火、打水,我跟马奇小姐、莎莉小姐一起布置饭桌,怎么样?哪位擅长煮咖啡?”“乔会。”梅格高兴地推荐妹妹。乔知道自己新近学会的烹饪技术不会给自己丢脸,便走过去摆弄咖啡壶,两个小姑娘捡来干树枝,男孩子生气火,从附近一个水泉打来清水。凯特小姐写生,贝思编结灯心草小垫子来做盘子,弗兰克在一旁跟她拉话儿。

总指挥和他的助手们很快便在桌布上摆满了各式诱人的食物和饮料,并用绿叶点缀得十分雅致。乔宣布咖啡已经煮好,众人各就各位,坐下饱吃一顿。年青人消化能力强,加上做了运动,所以胃口特别好。这顿午餐吃得十分愉快,一切都似乎新鲜有趣,大家谈笑风生,惊动了在近处吃草的一匹老马。饭桌凹凸不平,常常弄得杯碟东倒西歪,十分逗趣,橡树子掉进牛奶里头,小黑蚂蚁不请自来,一起分享美点,爱管闲事的毛虫从树上晃荡下来,想看看发生了什么事。三个白发小童隔着篱笆探头探脑,一只讨厌的狗在河对面向他们汪汪狂吠。

“这里有盐,要不要来一点?”劳里给乔递上一碟草莓,说。

“多谢了,我倒宁可要蜘蛛,”她答着,挑起两只不小心被奶油淹死了的小蜘蛛。”你还敢提那次糟糕透顶的宴会?你自己的办得有声有色,倒来取笑我?”乔又说,于是两人都笑起来,由于瓷碟不够,便凑着一个碟子一起吃。

“我那天玩得特别开心,至今仍意犹未荆这顿午饭我可不敢贪功,你知道,我什么也没做,都是你和梅格、布鲁克他们做的,我对你们真感激不尽呢。我们吃饱后该干什么?”劳里问。吃罢午饭,他觉得下面没棋了。

“玩游戏,直到天凉下来,我带来了'作者'游戏卡。凯特小姐也一定有些好玩的新花样。去问问她吧;她是客人,你该多陪陪她。”“你就不是客人了?我原以为她和布鲁克合得来,但他却老跟梅格说话,凯特只是透过她那副怪眼镜一个劲地瞪着他们。我去了,你也不用跟我谈什么礼节规矩,因为你自己就做不来,乔。“凯特确实知道几种新游戏,因姑娘们不愿再吃,男孩们又不能再吃,大家便移到“客厅"玩"废话连篇"的游戏。

“一人起个头,给大家讲故事,内容不拘、长短不限,但要注意一到紧要关头便得停下,第二个人立即接上,如法炮制。如果玩得好,这个游戏十分有趣,里头故事杂乱无章,或悲或喜,令人捧腹。请起个头,布鲁克先生,”凯特用一种命令式的语气说。梅格对这位私人教师十分敬重,把他跟其他几位男士一样看待,见状不禁大为惊讶。

草地上,布鲁克先生躺在两位年青小姐的脚边遵命起头,漂亮的棕色眼睛凝视着披满阳光的小河。

“从前,一个武士穷得只剩下一把剑和一张盾,于是出去闯世界。他历尽艰辛,周游了差不多二十八年,最后来到一个好心的老国王的宫殿。老国王有一匹心爱的小马,漂亮无比,但尚未驯服,他颁令如有人把这骑马驯好,将获得一笔丰厚的酬金。武士同意试一试,这匹雄壮骁勇的马儿很快就和新主人建立了感情,虽然它性子暴烈,狂野不羁,但还是慢慢被驯服了。每天训练时武士都骑着国王的宝马穿过闹市,边走边四面寻找一张在他梦中出现过无数次的漂亮脸孔,但一直没有找到。一天,当他策马走过一条寂静无人的街道时,他在一座废弃的城堡的窗口里看到了那张动人的脸孔。他惊喜万分,便询问是谁住在这座旧城堡里头,原来是几个被掳来的公主,她们被施了魔咒,关在里头,夜以继日地纺纱织布,以蓄钱赎取自由。武士非常希望能把她们解救出来,但他一贫如洗,只能每天走到那里,盼望着那张美丽的脸孔能再次出现,期望公主能够出来走到阳光下面。最后他决定闯进城堡,看看怎样才能帮助她们。他走过去敲门,大门马上拉开,他看到了- ”“一位绝色佳人,她狂喜地大叫一声,高呼:'盼到啦!盼到啦!'”凯特接上故事,她读过法国小说,喜欢那种风格。

“'是她!潘顾虿艚械溃老踩艨竦毓蛟谒慕畔隆*

'啊,起来!'她伸出纤纤玉手说道。'不!除非你告诉我怎样才能把你救出樊牢,”武士跪在那里发誓。'呵,残酷的命运把我囚在这里,暴君不死,我就没有出头之日。''恶棍在哪里?''在紫红色的大厅里。去吧,勇敢的爱人,快把我救出绝境。''遵命,我一定与他决一死战!'说完这几句豪言壮语后,他冲出去,砰的一声打开紫红色大厅的大门,正要走进去,却遭到 ”“一下痛击,一个披黑衣的老家伙向他下了手,”内德说,”某某爵士马上回过神来,把暴君丢出窗外,转身去与佳人相会,顶着眉头上的大包,凯旋而归;但却发现门被锁上了,只好撕破窗帘做成一张绳梯,下到半途绳梯突然断裂,他一头栽进六十英尺下面的护城河。他熟谙水性,涉水绕城堡而行,最后来到一扇有两壮汉守着的小门,把两个脑袋互相对碰,直碰得格格作响,接着,大力士毫不费劲便破门而入,走上一段石阶,上面积满了一英尺厚的灰尘,癞蛤蟆跟你的拳头一样大,蜘蛛准把你吓得歇斯底里尖叫,马奇小姐。在石阶上头,他蓦地看到了一东西,令他大惊失色,毛骨悚然,他看到 ”“一个高高的身影,穿着一身白衣服,脸上蒙了0一条脸纱


点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 bust WszzB     
vt.打破;vi.爆裂;n.半身像;胸部
参考例句:
  • I dropped my camera on the pavement and bust it. 我把照相机掉在人行道上摔坏了。
  • She has worked up a lump of clay into a bust.她把一块黏土精心制作成一个半身像。
2 heartily Ld3xp     
adv.衷心地,诚恳地,十分,很
参考例句:
  • He ate heartily and went out to look for his horse.他痛快地吃了一顿,就出去找他的马。
  • The host seized my hand and shook it heartily.主人抓住我的手,热情地和我握手。
3 sincerity zyZwY     
n.真诚,诚意;真实
参考例句:
  • His sincerity added much more authority to the story.他的真诚更增加了故事的说服力。
  • He tried hard to satisfy me of his sincerity.他竭力让我了解他的诚意。
4 subdue ltTwO     
vt.制服,使顺从,征服;抑制,克制
参考例句:
  • She tried to subdue her anger.她尽力压制自己的怒火。
  • He forced himself to subdue and overcome his fears.他强迫自己克制并战胜恐惧心理。
5 reminder WkzzTb     
n.提醒物,纪念品;暗示,提示
参考例句:
  • I have had another reminder from the library.我又收到图书馆的催还单。
  • It always took a final reminder to get her to pay her share of the rent.总是得发给她一份最后催缴通知,她才付应该交的房租。
6 larks 05e5fd42fbbb0fa8ae0d9a20b6f3efe1     
n.百灵科鸟(尤指云雀)( lark的名词复数 );一大早就起床;鸡鸣即起;(因太费力而不想干时说)算了v.百灵科鸟(尤指云雀)( lark的第三人称单数 );一大早就起床;鸡鸣即起;(因太费力而不想干时说)算了
参考例句:
  • Maybe if she heard the larks sing she'd write. 玛丽听到云雀的歌声也许会写信的。 来自名作英译部分
  • But sure there are no larks in big cities. 可大城市里哪有云雀呢。” 来自名作英译部分
7 propriety oRjx4     
n.正当行为;正当;适当
参考例句:
  • We hesitated at the propriety of the method.我们对这种办法是否适用拿不定主意。
  • The sensitive matter was handled with great propriety.这件机密的事处理得极为适当。
8 rations c925feb39d4cfbdc2c877c3b6085488e     
定量( ration的名词复数 ); 配给量; 正常量; 合理的量
参考例句:
  • They are provisioned with seven days' rations. 他们得到了7天的给养。
  • The soldiers complained that they were getting short rations. 士兵们抱怨他们得到的配给不够数。
9 primmed 89c4c1a94a8b570ff7c16bc7cbb514fb     
v.循规蹈矩的( prim的过去式和过去分词 );整洁的;(人)一本正经;循规蹈矩地,整洁地
参考例句:
  • She primmed her lips after every bite of food. 她每吃一些东西就撅起她的小嘴。 来自互联网
10 complacently complacently     
adv. 满足地, 自满地, 沾沾自喜地
参考例句:
  • He complacently lived out his life as a village school teacher. 他满足于一个乡村教师的生活。
  • "That was just something for evening wear," returned his wife complacently. “那套衣服是晚装,"他妻子心安理得地说道。 来自英汉文学 - 嘉莉妹妹
11 starch YrAyK     
n.淀粉;vt.给...上浆
参考例句:
  • Corn starch is used as a thickener in stews.玉米淀粉在炖煮菜肴中被用作增稠剂。
  • I think there's too much starch in their diet.我看是他们的饮食里淀粉太多了。
12 rosy kDAy9     
adj.美好的,乐观的,玫瑰色的
参考例句:
  • She got a new job and her life looks rosy.她找到一份新工作,生活看上去很美好。
  • She always takes a rosy view of life.她总是对生活持乐观态度。
13 prospered ce2c414688e59180b21f9ecc7d882425     
成功,兴旺( prosper的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • The organization certainly prospered under his stewardship. 不可否认,这个组织在他的管理下兴旺了起来。
  • Mr. Black prospered from his wise investments. 布莱克先生由于巧妙的投资赚了不少钱。
14 copiously a83463ec1381cb4f29886a1393e10c9c     
adv.丰富地,充裕地
参考例句:
  • She leant forward and vomited copiously on the floor. 她向前一俯,哇的一声吐了一地。 来自英汉文学
  • This well-organized, unified course copiously illustrated, amply cross-referenced, and fully indexed. 这条组织完善,统一的课程丰富地被说明,丰富地被相互参照和充分地被标注。 来自互联网
15 afflicted aaf4adfe86f9ab55b4275dae2a2e305a     
使受痛苦,折磨( afflict的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • About 40% of the country's population is afflicted with the disease. 全国40%左右的人口患有这种疾病。
  • A terrible restlessness that was like to hunger afflicted Martin Eden. 一阵可怕的、跟饥饿差不多的不安情绪折磨着马丁·伊登。
16 atone EeKyT     
v.赎罪,补偿
参考例句:
  • He promised to atone for his crime.他承诺要赎自己的罪。
  • Blood must atone for blood.血债要用血来还。
17 climax yqyzc     
n.顶点;高潮;v.(使)达到顶点
参考例句:
  • The fifth scene was the climax of the play.第五场是全剧的高潮。
  • His quarrel with his father brought matters to a climax.他与他父亲的争吵使得事态发展到了顶点。
18 oar EH0xQ     
n.桨,橹,划手;v.划行
参考例句:
  • The sailors oar slowly across the river.水手们慢慢地划过河去。
  • The blade of the oar was bitten off by a shark.浆叶被一条鲨鱼咬掉了。
19 hearty Od1zn     
adj.热情友好的;衷心的;尽情的,纵情的
参考例句:
  • After work they made a hearty meal in the worker's canteen.工作完了,他们在工人食堂饱餐了一顿。
  • We accorded him a hearty welcome.我们给他热忱的欢迎。
20 ornament u4czn     
v.装饰,美化;n.装饰,装饰物
参考例句:
  • The flowers were put on the table for ornament.花放在桌子上做装饰用。
  • She wears a crystal ornament on her chest.她的前胸戴了一个水晶饰品。
21 omens 4fe4cb32de8b61bd4b8036d574e4f48a     
n.前兆,预兆( omen的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • The omens for the game are still not propitious. 这场比赛仍不被看好。 来自辞典例句
  • Such omens betide no good. 这种征兆预示情况不妙。 来自辞典例句
22 bustle esazC     
v.喧扰地忙乱,匆忙,奔忙;n.忙碌;喧闹
参考例句:
  • The bustle and din gradually faded to silence as night advanced.随着夜越来越深,喧闹声逐渐沉寂。
  • There is a lot of hustle and bustle in the railway station.火车站里非常拥挤。
23 hamper oyGyk     
vt.妨碍,束缚,限制;n.(有盖的)大篮子
参考例句:
  • There are some apples in a picnic hamper.在野餐用的大篮子里有许多苹果。
  • The emergence of such problems seriously hamper the development of enterprises.这些问题的出现严重阻碍了企业的发展。
24 lame r9gzj     
adj.跛的,(辩解、论据等)无说服力的
参考例句:
  • The lame man needs a stick when he walks.那跛脚男子走路时需借助拐棍。
  • I don't believe his story.It'sounds a bit lame.我不信他讲的那一套。他的话听起来有些靠不住。
25 crutch Lnvzt     
n.T字形拐杖;支持,依靠,精神支柱
参考例句:
  • Her religion was a crutch to her when John died.约翰死后,她在精神上依靠宗教信仰支撑住自己。
  • He uses his wife as a kind of crutch because of his lack of confidence.他缺乏自信心,总把妻子当作主心骨。
26 sentimental dDuzS     
adj.多愁善感的,感伤的
参考例句:
  • She's a sentimental woman who believes marriage comes by destiny.她是多愁善感的人,她相信姻缘命中注定。
  • We were deeply touched by the sentimental movie.我们深深被那感伤的电影所感动。
27 puff y0cz8     
n.一口(气);一阵(风);v.喷气,喘气
参考例句:
  • He took a puff at his cigarette.他吸了一口香烟。
  • They tried their best to puff the book they published.他们尽力吹捧他们出版的书。
28 remonstrated a6eda3fe26f748a6164faa22a84ba112     
v.抗议( remonstrate的过去式和过去分词 );告诫
参考例句:
  • They remonstrated with the official about the decision. 他们就这一决定向这位官员提出了抗议。
  • We remonstrated against the ill-treatment of prisoners of war. 我们对虐待战俘之事提出抗议。 来自辞典例句
29 jaunty x3kyn     
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
参考例句:
  • She cocked her hat at a jaunty angle.她把帽子歪戴成俏皮的样子。
  • The happy boy walked with jaunty steps.这个快乐的孩子以轻快活泼的步子走着。
30 enacted b0a10ad8fca50ba4217bccb35bc0f2a1     
制定(法律),通过(法案)( enact的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • legislation enacted by parliament 由议会通过的法律
  • Outside in the little lobby another scene was begin enacted. 外面的小休息室里又是另一番景象。 来自英汉文学 - 嘉莉妹妹
31 simplicity Vryyv     
n.简单,简易;朴素;直率,单纯
参考例句:
  • She dressed with elegant simplicity.她穿着朴素高雅。
  • The beauty of this plan is its simplicity.简明扼要是这个计划的一大特点。
32 decided lvqzZd     
adj.决定了的,坚决的;明显的,明确的
参考例句:
  • This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
  • There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。
33 utensils 69f125dfb1fef9b418c96d1986e7b484     
器具,用具,器皿( utensil的名词复数 ); 器物
参考例句:
  • Formerly most of our household utensils were made of brass. 以前我们家庭用的器皿多数是用黄铜做的。
  • Some utensils were in a state of decay when they were unearthed. 有些器皿在出土时已经残破。
34 embarked e63154942be4f2a5c3c51f6b865db3de     
乘船( embark的过去式和过去分词 ); 装载; 从事
参考例句:
  • We stood on the pier and watched as they embarked. 我们站在突码头上目送他们登船。
  • She embarked on a discourse about the town's origins. 她开始讲本市的起源。
35 riotous ChGyr     
adj.骚乱的;狂欢的
参考例句:
  • Summer is in riotous profusion.盛夏的大地热闹纷繁。
  • We spent a riotous night at Christmas.我们度过了一个狂欢之夜。
36 refreshing HkozPQ     
adj.使精神振作的,使人清爽的,使人喜欢的
参考例句:
  • I find it'so refreshing to work with young people in this department.我发现和这一部门的青年一起工作令人精神振奋。
  • The water was cold and wonderfully refreshing.水很涼,特别解乏提神。
37 proceedings Wk2zvX     
n.进程,过程,议程;诉讼(程序);公报
参考例句:
  • He was released on bail pending committal proceedings. 他交保获释正在候审。
  • to initiate legal proceedings against sb 对某人提起诉讼
38 delightfully f0fe7d605b75a4c00aae2f25714e3131     
大喜,欣然
参考例句:
  • The room is delightfully appointed. 这房子的设备令人舒适愉快。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
  • The evening is delightfully cool. 晚间凉爽宜人。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
39 situated JiYzBH     
adj.坐落在...的,处于某种境地的
参考例句:
  • The village is situated at the margin of a forest.村子位于森林的边缘。
  • She is awkwardly situated.她的处境困难。
40 prospect P01zn     
n.前景,前途;景色,视野
参考例句:
  • This state of things holds out a cheerful prospect.事态呈现出可喜的前景。
  • The prospect became more evident.前景变得更加明朗了。
41 oars c589a112a1b341db7277ea65b5ec7bf7     
n.桨,橹( oar的名词复数 );划手v.划(行)( oar的第三人称单数 )
参考例句:
  • He pulled as hard as he could on the oars. 他拼命地划桨。
  • The sailors are bending to the oars. 水手们在拼命地划桨。 来自《简明英汉词典》
42 uncommon AlPwO     
adj.罕见的,非凡的,不平常的
参考例句:
  • Such attitudes were not at all uncommon thirty years ago.这些看法在30年前很常见。
  • Phil has uncommon intelligence.菲尔智力超群。
43 dexterity hlXzs     
n.(手的)灵巧,灵活
参考例句:
  • You need manual dexterity to be good at video games.玩好电子游戏手要灵巧。
  • I'm your inferior in manual dexterity.论手巧,我不如你。
44 encyclopedia ZpgxD     
n.百科全书
参考例句:
  • The encyclopedia fell to the floor with a thud.那本百科全书砰的一声掉到地上。
  • Geoff is a walking encyclopedia.He knows about everything.杰夫是个活百科全书,他什么都懂。
45 freshmen bcdb5f5d859647798b83af425baa69ee     
n.(中学或大学的)一年级学生( freshman的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • We are freshmen and they are sophomores. 我们是一年级学生,他们是二年级学生。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • University freshmen get lots of razzing, but they like the initiation. 大一新生受各种嘲弄,但是他们对这种入门经验甘之如饴。 来自辞典例句
46 chattering chattering     
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
参考例句:
  • The teacher told the children to stop chattering in class. 老师叫孩子们在课堂上不要叽叽喳喳讲话。
  • I was so cold that my teeth were chattering. 我冷得牙齿直打战。
47 pranks cba7670310bdd53033e32d6c01506817     
n.玩笑,恶作剧( prank的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • Frank's errancy consisted mostly of pranks. 法兰克错在老喜欢恶作剧。 来自辞典例句
  • He always leads in pranks and capers. 他老是带头胡闹和开玩笑。 来自辞典例句
48 exclamations aea591b1607dd0b11f1dd659bad7d827     
n.呼喊( exclamation的名词复数 );感叹;感叹语;感叹词
参考例句:
  • The visitors broke into exclamations of wonder when they saw the magnificent Great Wall. 看到雄伟的长城,游客们惊叹不已。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • After the will has been read out, angry exclamations aroused. 遗嘱宣读完之后,激起一片愤怒的喊声。 来自辞典例句
49 ruffled e4a3deb720feef0786be7d86b0004e86     
adj. 有褶饰边的, 起皱的 动词ruffle的过去式和过去分词
参考例句:
  • She ruffled his hair affectionately. 她情意绵绵地拨弄着他的头发。
  • All this talk of a strike has clearly ruffled the management's feathers. 所有这些关于罢工的闲言碎语显然让管理层很不高兴。
50 mallet t7Mzz     
n.槌棒
参考例句:
  • He hit the peg mightily on the top with a mallet.他用木槌猛敲木栓顶。
  • The chairman rapped on the table twice with his mallet.主席用他的小木槌在桌上重敲了两下。
51 tricky 9fCzyd     
adj.狡猾的,奸诈的;(工作等)棘手的,微妙的
参考例句:
  • I'm in a rather tricky position.Can you help me out?我的处境很棘手,你能帮我吗?
  • He avoided this tricky question and talked in generalities.他回避了这个非常微妙的问题,只做了个笼统的表述。
52 exult lhBzC     
v.狂喜,欢腾;欢欣鼓舞
参考例句:
  • Few people would not exult at the abolition of slavery.奴隶制被废除了,人们无不为之欢乐鼓舞。
  • Let's exult with the children at the drawing near of Children's Day.六一儿童节到了,让我们陪着小朋友们一起欢腾。
53 exultation wzeyn     
n.狂喜,得意
参考例句:
  • It made him catch his breath, it lit his face with exultation. 听了这个名字,他屏住呼吸,乐得脸上放光。
  • He could get up no exultation that was really worthy the name. 他一点都激动不起来。
54 regain YkYzPd     
vt.重新获得,收复,恢复
参考例句:
  • He is making a bid to regain his World No.1 ranking.他正为重登世界排名第一位而努力。
  • The government is desperate to regain credibility with the public.政府急于重新获取公众的信任。
55 pretence pretence     
n.假装,作假;借口,口实;虚伪;虚饰
参考例句:
  • The government abandoned any pretence of reform. 政府不再装模作样地进行改革。
  • He made a pretence of being happy at the party.晚会上他假装很高兴。
56 nettles 820f41b2406934cd03676362b597a2fe     
n.荨麻( nettle的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • I tingle where I sat in the nettles. 我坐过在荨麻上的那个部位觉得刺痛。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • This bleak place overgrown with nettles was the churchyard. 那蔓草丛生的凄凉地方是教堂公墓。 来自辞典例句
57 glowered a6eb2c77ae3214b63cde004e1d79bc7f     
v.怒视( glower的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • He just glowered without speaking. 他一言不发地皱眉怒视我。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • He glowered at me but said nothing. 他怒视着我,却一言不发。 来自辞典例句
58 sketched 7209bf19355618c1eb5ca3c0fdf27631     
v.草拟(sketch的过去式与过去分词形式)
参考例句:
  • The historical article sketched the major events of the decade. 这篇有关历史的文章概述了这十年中的重大事件。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • He sketched the situation in a few vivid words. 他用几句生动的语言简述了局势。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
59 sketch UEyyG     
n.草图;梗概;素描;v.素描;概述
参考例句:
  • My sister often goes into the country to sketch. 我姐姐常到乡间去写生。
  • I will send you a slight sketch of the house.我将给你寄去房屋的草图。
60 tablecloth lqSwh     
n.桌布,台布
参考例句:
  • He sat there ruminating and picking at the tablecloth.他坐在那儿沉思,轻轻地抚弄着桌布。
  • She smoothed down a wrinkled tablecloth.她把起皱的桌布熨平了。
61 inviting CqIzNp     
adj.诱人的,引人注目的
参考例句:
  • An inviting smell of coffee wafted into the room.一股诱人的咖啡香味飘进了房间。
  • The kitchen smelled warm and inviting and blessedly familiar.这间厨房的味道温暖诱人,使人感到亲切温馨。
62 prettily xQAxh     
adv.优美地;可爱地
参考例句:
  • It was prettily engraved with flowers on the back.此件雕刻精美,背面有花饰图案。
  • She pouted prettily at him.她冲他撅着嘴,样子很可爱。
63 wholesome Uowyz     
adj.适合;卫生的;有益健康的;显示身心健康的
参考例句:
  • In actual fact the things I like doing are mostly wholesome.实际上我喜欢做的事大都是有助于增进身体健康的。
  • It is not wholesome to eat without washing your hands.不洗手吃饭是不卫生的。
64 peals 9acce61cb0d806ac4745738cf225f13b     
n.(声音大而持续或重复的)洪亮的响声( peal的名词复数 );隆隆声;洪亮的钟声;钟乐v.(使)(钟等)鸣响,(雷等)发出隆隆声( peal的第三人称单数 )
参考例句:
  • She burst into peals of laughter. 她忽然哈哈大笑起来。
  • She went into fits/peals of laughter. 她发出阵阵笑声。 来自辞典例句
65 mishaps 4cecebd66139cdbc2f0e50a83b5d60c5     
n.轻微的事故,小的意外( mishap的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • a series of mishaps 一连串的倒霉事
  • In spite of one or two minor mishaps everything was going swimmingly. 尽管遇到了一两件小小的不幸,一切都进行得很顺利。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
66 acorns acorns     
n.橡子,栎实( acorn的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • Great oaks from little acorns grow. 万丈高楼平地起。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • Welcome to my new website!It may not look much at the moment, but great oaks from little acorns grow! 欢迎来到我的新网站。它现在可能微不足道,不过万丈高楼平地起嘛。 来自《简明英汉词典》
67 refreshments KkqzPc     
n.点心,便餐;(会议后的)简单茶点招 待
参考例句:
  • We have to make a small charge for refreshments. 我们得收取少量茶点费。
  • Light refreshments will be served during the break. 中间休息时有点心供应。
68 caterpillars 7673bc2d84c4c7cba4a0eaec866310f4     
n.毛虫( caterpillar的名词复数 );履带
参考例句:
  • Caterpillars eat the young leaves of this plant. 毛毛虫吃这种植物的嫩叶。
  • Caterpillars change into butterflies or moths. 毛虫能变成蝴蝶或蛾子。 来自辞典例句
69 horrid arozZj     
adj.可怕的;令人惊恐的;恐怖的;极讨厌的
参考例句:
  • I'm not going to the horrid dinner party.我不打算去参加这次讨厌的宴会。
  • The medicine is horrid and she couldn't get it down.这种药很难吃,她咽不下去。
70 uncommonly 9ca651a5ba9c3bff93403147b14d37e2     
adv. 稀罕(极,非常)
参考例句:
  • an uncommonly gifted child 一个天赋异禀的儿童
  • My little Mary was feeling uncommonly empty. 我肚子当时正饿得厉害。
71 trump LU1zK     
n.王牌,法宝;v.打出王牌,吹喇叭
参考例句:
  • He was never able to trump up the courage to have a showdown.他始终鼓不起勇气摊牌。
  • The coach saved his star player for a trump card.教练保留他的明星选手,作为他的王牌。
72 adjourned 1e5a5e61da11d317191a820abad1664d     
(使)休会, (使)休庭( adjourn的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • The court adjourned for lunch. 午餐时间法庭休庭。
  • The trial was adjourned following the presentation of new evidence to the court. 新证据呈到庭上后,审讯就宣告暂停。
73 jumble I3lyi     
vt.使混乱,混杂;n.混乱;杂乱的一堆
参考例句:
  • Even the furniture remained the same jumble that it had always been.甚至家具还是象过去一样杂乱无章。
  • The things in the drawer were all in a jumble.抽屉里的东西很杂乱。
74 tragical 661d0a4e0a69ba99a09486c46f0e4d24     
adj. 悲剧的, 悲剧性的
参考例句:
  • One day she was pink and flawless; another pale and tragical. 有的时候,她就娇妍、完美;另有的时候,她就灰白戚楚。
  • Even Mr. Clare began to feel tragical at the dairyman's desperation. 连克莱先生看到牛奶商这样无计奈何的样子,都觉得凄惨起来。
75 steadily Qukw6     
adv.稳定地;不变地;持续地
参考例句:
  • The scope of man's use of natural resources will steadily grow.人类利用自然资源的广度将日益扩大。
  • Our educational reform was steadily led onto the correct path.我们的教学改革慢慢上轨道了。
76 fixed JsKzzj     
adj.固定的,不变的,准备好的;(计算机)固定的
参考例句:
  • Have you two fixed on a date for the wedding yet?你们俩选定婚期了吗?
  • Once the aim is fixed,we should not change it arbitrarily.目标一旦确定,我们就不应该随意改变。
77 knight W2Hxk     
n.骑士,武士;爵士
参考例句:
  • He was made an honourary knight.他被授予荣誉爵士称号。
  • A knight rode on his richly caparisoned steed.一个骑士骑在装饰华丽的马上。
78 gallant 66Myb     
adj.英勇的,豪侠的;(向女人)献殷勤的
参考例句:
  • Huang Jiguang's gallant deed is known by all men. 黄继光的英勇事迹尽人皆知。
  • These gallant soldiers will protect our country.这些勇敢的士兵会保卫我们的国家的。
79 prancing 9906a4f0d8b1d61913c1d44e88e901b8     
v.(马)腾跃( prance的现在分词 )
参考例句:
  • The lead singer was prancing around with the microphone. 首席歌手手执麦克风,神气地走来走去。
  • The King lifted Gretel on to his prancing horse and they rode to his palace. 国王把格雷特尔扶上腾跃着的马,他们骑马向天宫走去。 来自辞典例句
80 spun kvjwT     
v.纺,杜撰,急转身
参考例句:
  • His grandmother spun him a yarn at the fire.他奶奶在火炉边给他讲故事。
  • Her skilful fingers spun the wool out to a fine thread.她那灵巧的手指把羊毛纺成了细毛线。
81 longing 98bzd     
n.(for)渴望
参考例句:
  • Hearing the tune again sent waves of longing through her.再次听到那首曲子使她胸中充满了渴望。
  • His heart burned with longing for revenge.他心中燃烧着急欲复仇的怒火。
82 rapture 9STzG     
n.狂喜;全神贯注;着迷;v.使狂喜
参考例句:
  • His speech was received with rapture by his supporters.他的演说受到支持者们的热烈欢迎。
  • In the midst of his rapture,he was interrupted by his father.他正欢天喜地,被他父亲打断了。
83 ecstasy 9kJzY     
n.狂喜,心醉神怡,入迷
参考例句:
  • He listened to the music with ecstasy.他听音乐听得入了神。
  • Speechless with ecstasy,the little boys gazed at the toys.小孩注视着那些玩具,高兴得说不出话来。
84 alas Rx8z1     
int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等)
参考例句:
  • Alas!The window is broken!哎呀!窗子破了!
  • Alas,the truth is less romantic.然而,真理很少带有浪漫色彩。
85 condemns c3a2b03fc35077b00cf57010edb796f4     
v.(通常因道义上的原因而)谴责( condemn的第三人称单数 );宣判;宣布…不能使用;迫使…陷于不幸的境地
参考例句:
  • Her widowhood condemns her to a lonely old age. 守寡使她不得不过着孤独的晚年生活。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • The public opinion condemns prostitution. 公众舆论遣责卖淫。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
86 tyrant vK9z9     
n.暴君,专制的君主,残暴的人
参考例句:
  • The country was ruled by a despotic tyrant.该国处在一个专制暴君的统治之下。
  • The tyrant was deaf to the entreaties of the slaves.暴君听不到奴隶们的哀鸣。
87 villain ZL1zA     
n.反派演员,反面人物;恶棍;问题的起因
参考例句:
  • He was cast as the villain in the play.他在戏里扮演反面角色。
  • The man who played the villain acted very well.扮演恶棍的那个男演员演得很好。
88 salon VjTz2Z     
n.[法]沙龙;客厅;营业性的高级服务室
参考例句:
  • Do you go to the hairdresser or beauty salon more than twice a week?你每周去美容院或美容沙龙多过两次吗?
  • You can hear a lot of dirt at a salon.你在沙龙上会听到很多流言蜚语。
89 victorious hhjwv     
adj.胜利的,得胜的
参考例句:
  • We are certain to be victorious.我们定会胜利。
  • The victorious army returned in triumph.获胜的部队凯旋而归。
90 stunning NhGzDh     
adj.极好的;使人晕倒的
参考例句:
  • His plays are distinguished only by their stunning mediocrity.他的戏剧与众不同之处就是平凡得出奇。
  • The finished effect was absolutely stunning.完工后的效果非常美。
91 lexicon a1rxD     
n.字典,专门词汇
参考例句:
  • Chocolate equals sin in most people's lexicon.巧克力在大多数人的字典里等同于罪恶。
  • Silent earthquakes are only just beginning to enter the public lexicon.无声地震才刚开始要成为众所周知的语汇。
93 exertion F7Fyi     
n.尽力,努力
参考例句:
  • We were sweating profusely from the exertion of moving the furniture.我们搬动家具大费气力,累得大汗淋漓。
  • She was hot and breathless from the exertion of cycling uphill.由于用力骑车爬坡,她浑身发热。
94 prodigious C1ZzO     
adj.惊人的,奇妙的;异常的;巨大的;庞大的
参考例句:
  • This business generates cash in prodigious amounts.这种业务收益丰厚。
  • He impressed all who met him with his prodigious memory.他惊人的记忆力让所有见过他的人都印象深刻。
95 toads 848d4ebf1875eac88fe0765c59ce57d1     
n.蟾蜍,癞蛤蟆( toad的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • All toads blink when they swallow. 所有的癞蛤蟆吞食东西时都会眨眼皮。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • Toads have shorter legs and are generally more clumsy than frogs. 蟾蜍比青蛙脚短,一般说来没有青蛙灵活。 来自辞典例句
96 beckoned b70f83e57673dfe30be1c577dd8520bc     
v.(用头或手的动作)示意,召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • He beckoned to the waiter to bring the bill. 他招手示意服务生把账单送过来。
  • The seated figure in the corner beckoned me over. 那个坐在角落里的人向我招手让我过去。 来自《简明英汉词典》
97 gliding gliding     
v. 滑翔 adj. 滑动的
参考例句:
  • Swans went gliding past. 天鹅滑行而过。
  • The weather forecast has put a question mark against the chance of doing any gliding tomorrow. 天气预报对明天是否能举行滑翔表示怀疑。
98 effigies ddd261d21f6b4463201553fb9d7d3ad3     
n.(人的)雕像,模拟像,肖像( effigy的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • stone effigies in the church 教堂里的石雕像
  • On 5 November British children burn effigies of Guy Fawkes. 每逢11月5日英国儿童都焚烧盖伊.福克斯的模拟像。 来自辞典例句
99 armour gySzuh     
(=armor)n.盔甲;装甲部队
参考例句:
  • His body was encased in shining armour.他全身披着明晃晃的甲胄。
  • Bulletproof cars sheathed in armour.防弹车护有装甲。
100 reigned d99f19ecce82a94e1b24a320d3629de5     
vi.当政,统治(reign的过去式形式)
参考例句:
  • Silence reigned in the hall. 全场肃静。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
  • Night was deep and dead silence reigned everywhere. 夜深人静,一片死寂。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
101 sepulchral 9zWw7     
adj.坟墓的,阴深的
参考例句:
  • He made his way along the sepulchral corridors.他沿着阴森森的走廊走着。
  • There was a rather sepulchral atmosphere in the room.房间里有一种颇为阴沉的气氛。
102 knights 2061bac208c7bdd2665fbf4b7067e468     
骑士; (中古时代的)武士( knight的名词复数 ); 骑士; 爵士; (国际象棋中)马
参考例句:
  • stories of knights and fair maidens 关于骑士和美女的故事
  • He wove a fascinating tale of knights in shining armour. 他编了一个穿着明亮盔甲的骑士的迷人故事。
103 sardines sardines     
n. 沙丁鱼
参考例句:
  • The young of some kinds of herring are canned as sardines. 有些种类的鲱鱼幼鱼可制成罐头。
  • Sardines can be eaten fresh but are often preserved in tins. 沙丁鱼可以吃新鲜的,但常常是装听的。
104 Portuguese alRzLs     
n.葡萄牙人;葡萄牙语
参考例句:
  • They styled their house in the Portuguese manner.他们仿照葡萄牙的风格设计自己的房子。
  • Her family is Portuguese in origin.她的家族是葡萄牙血统。
105 hearties 97ae1ba792822bd6278bd46b0310503f     
亲切的( hearty的名词复数 ); 热诚的; 健壮的; 精神饱满的
参考例句:
  • Heave ho, my hearties! 伙伴们,用力呀!
  • Pull away, my hearties! 使劲划,伙计们!
106 schooner mDoyU     
n.纵帆船
参考例句:
  • The schooner was driven ashore.那条帆船被冲上了岸。
  • The current was bearing coracle and schooner southward at an equal rate.急流正以同样的速度将小筏子和帆船一起冲向南方。
107 plank p2CzA     
n.板条,木板,政策要点,政纲条目
参考例句:
  • The plank was set against the wall.木板靠着墙壁。
  • They intend to win the next election on the plank of developing trade.他们想以发展贸易的纲领来赢得下次选举。
108 tars 493c51eac801368a6bd65f974b313859     
焦油,沥青,柏油( tar的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • Around 280 degrees C, Volatile gases and flammable tars are released. 在大约摄氏280度,挥发性的气体和可燃焦被放出。
  • Tars could be seen walking towards the harbor. 可以看到水手正在走向港口。
109 scuttled f5d33c8cedd0ebe9ef7a35f17a1cff7e     
v.使船沉没( scuttle的过去式和过去分词 );快跑,急走
参考例句:
  • She scuttled off when she heard the sound of his voice. 听到他的说话声,她赶紧跑开了。
  • The thief scuttled off when he saw the policeman. 小偷看见警察来了便急忙跑掉。 来自《简明英汉词典》
110 jumbled rpSzs2     
adj.混乱的;杂乱的
参考例句:
  • Books, shoes and clothes were jumbled together on the floor. 书、鞋子和衣服胡乱堆放在地板上。
  • The details of the accident were all jumbled together in his mind. 他把事故细节记得颠三倒四。
111 nautical q5azx     
adj.海上的,航海的,船员的
参考例句:
  • A nautical mile is 1,852 meters.一海里等于1852米。
  • It is 206 nautical miles from our present location.距离我们现在的位置有206海里。
112 mermaid pCbxH     
n.美人鱼
参考例句:
  • How popular would that girl be with the only mermaid mom!和人鱼妈妈在一起,那个女孩会有多受欢迎!
  • The little mermaid wasn't happy because she didn't want to wait.小美人鱼不太高兴,因为她等不及了。
113 kindly tpUzhQ     
adj.和蔼的,温和的,爽快的;adv.温和地,亲切地
参考例句:
  • Her neighbours spoke of her as kindly and hospitable.她的邻居都说她和蔼可亲、热情好客。
  • A shadow passed over the kindly face of the old woman.一道阴影掠过老太太慈祥的面孔。
114 hoisted d1dcc88c76ae7d9811db29181a2303df     
把…吊起,升起( hoist的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • He hoisted himself onto a high stool. 他抬身坐上了一张高凳子。
  • The sailors hoisted the cargo onto the deck. 水手们把货物吊到甲板上。
115 promptly LRMxm     
adv.及时地,敏捷地
参考例句:
  • He paid the money back promptly.他立即还了钱。
  • She promptly seized the opportunity his absence gave her.她立即抓住了因他不在场给她创造的机会。
116 twig VK1zg     
n.小树枝,嫩枝;v.理解
参考例句:
  • He heard the sharp crack of a twig.他听到树枝清脆的断裂声。
  • The sharp sound of a twig snapping scared the badger away.细枝突然折断的刺耳声把獾惊跑了。
117 imploringly imploringly     
adv. 恳求地, 哀求地
参考例句:
  • He moved his lips and looked at her imploringly. 他嘴唇动着,哀求地看着她。
  • He broke in imploringly. 他用恳求的口吻插了话。
118 shrug Ry3w5     
v.耸肩(表示怀疑、冷漠、不知等)
参考例句:
  • With a shrug,he went out of the room.他耸一下肩,走出了房间。
  • I admire the way she is able to shrug off unfair criticism.我很佩服她能对错误的批评意见不予理会。
119 virtue BpqyH     
n.德行,美德;贞操;优点;功效,效力
参考例句:
  • He was considered to be a paragon of virtue.他被认为是品德尽善尽美的典范。
  • You need to decorate your mind with virtue.你应该用德行美化心灵。
120 virtues cd5228c842b227ac02d36dd986c5cd53     
美德( virtue的名词复数 ); 德行; 优点; 长处
参考例句:
  • Doctors often extol the virtues of eating less fat. 医生常常宣扬少吃脂肪的好处。
  • She delivered a homily on the virtues of family life. 她进行了一场家庭生活美德方面的说教。
121 flirt zgwzA     
v.调情,挑逗,调戏;n.调情者,卖俏者
参考例句:
  • He used to flirt with every girl he met.过去他总是看到一个姑娘便跟她调情。
  • He watched the stranger flirt with his girlfriend and got fighting mad.看着那个陌生人和他女朋友调情,他都要抓狂了。
122 mingled fdf34efd22095ed7e00f43ccc823abdf     
混合,混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 ); 混进,与…交往[联系]
参考例句:
  • The sounds of laughter and singing mingled in the evening air. 笑声和歌声交织在夜空中。
  • The man and the woman mingled as everyone started to relax. 当大家开始放松的时候,这一男一女就开始交往了。
123 admiration afpyA     
n.钦佩,赞美,羡慕
参考例句:
  • He was lost in admiration of the beauty of the scene.他对风景之美赞不绝口。
  • We have a great admiration for the gold medalists.我们对金牌获得者极为敬佩。
124 accomplishments 1c15077db46e4d6425b6f78720939d54     
n.造诣;完成( accomplishment的名词复数 );技能;成绩;成就
参考例句:
  • It was one of the President's greatest accomplishments. 那是总统最伟大的成就之一。
  • Among her accomplishments were sewing,cooking,playing the piano and dancing. 她的才能包括缝纫、烹调、弹钢琴和跳舞。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
125 accomplishment 2Jkyo     
n.完成,成就,(pl.)造诣,技能
参考例句:
  • The series of paintings is quite an accomplishment.这一系列的绘画真是了不起的成就。
  • Money will be crucial to the accomplishment of our objectives.要实现我们的目标,钱是至关重要的。
126 privately IkpzwT     
adv.以私人的身份,悄悄地,私下地
参考例句:
  • Some ministers admit privately that unemployment could continue to rise.一些部长私下承认失业率可能继续升高。
  • The man privately admits that his motive is profits.那人私下承认他的动机是为了牟利。
127 worthy vftwB     
adj.(of)值得的,配得上的;有价值的
参考例句:
  • I did not esteem him to be worthy of trust.我认为他不值得信赖。
  • There occurred nothing that was worthy to be mentioned.没有值得一提的事发生。
128 accomplished UzwztZ     
adj.有才艺的;有造诣的;达到了的
参考例句:
  • Thanks to your help,we accomplished the task ahead of schedule.亏得你们帮忙,我们才提前完成了任务。
  • Removal of excess heat is accomplished by means of a radiator.通过散热器完成多余热量的排出。
129 spoke XryyC     
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:
  • They sourced the spoke nuts from our company.他们的轮辐螺帽是从我们公司获得的。
  • The spokes of a wheel are the bars that connect the outer ring to the centre.辐条是轮子上连接外圈与中心的条棒。
130 perfectly 8Mzxb     
adv.完美地,无可非议地,彻底地
参考例句:
  • The witnesses were each perfectly certain of what they said.证人们个个对自己所说的话十分肯定。
  • Everything that we're doing is all perfectly above board.我们做的每件事情都是光明正大的。
131 lament u91zi     
n.悲叹,悔恨,恸哭;v.哀悼,悔恨,悲叹
参考例句:
  • Her face showed lament.她的脸上露出悲伤的样子。
  • We lament the dead.我们哀悼死者。
132 intonation ubazZ     
n.语调,声调;发声
参考例句:
  • The teacher checks for pronunciation and intonation.老师在检查发音和语调。
  • Questions are spoken with a rising intonation.疑问句是以升调说出来的。
133 tableau nq0wi     
n.画面,活人画(舞台上活人扮的静态画面)
参考例句:
  • The movie was a tableau of a soldier's life.这部电影的画面生动地描绘了军人的生活。
  • History is nothing more than a tableau of crimes and misfortunes.历史不过是由罪恶和灾难构成的静止舞台造型罢了。
134 condescension JYMzw     
n.自以为高人一等,贬低(别人)
参考例句:
  • His politeness smacks of condescension. 他的客气带有屈尊俯就的意味。
  • Despite its condescension toward the Bennet family, the letter begins to allay Elizabeth's prejudice against Darcy. 尽管这封信对班纳特家的态度很高傲,但它开始消除伊丽莎白对达西的偏见。
135 contented Gvxzof     
adj.满意的,安心的,知足的
参考例句:
  • He won't be contented until he's upset everyone in the office.不把办公室里的每个人弄得心烦意乱他就不会满足。
  • The people are making a good living and are contented,each in his station.人民安居乐业。
136 lumbering FA7xm     
n.采伐林木
参考例句:
  • Lumbering and, later, paper-making were carried out in smaller cities. 木材业和后来的造纸都由较小的城市经营。
  • Lumbering is very important in some underdeveloped countries. 在一些不发达的国家,伐木业十分重要。
137 equestrian 3PlzG     
adj.骑马的;n.马术
参考例句:
  • They all showed extraordinary equestrian skills.他们的骑术都很高超。
  • I want to book two equestrian tickets.我想订两张马术比赛的票。
138 curiously 3v0zIc     
adv.有求知欲地;好问地;奇特地
参考例句:
  • He looked curiously at the people.他好奇地看着那些人。
  • He took long stealthy strides. His hands were curiously cold.他迈着悄没声息的大步。他的双手出奇地冷。
139 reins 370afc7786679703b82ccfca58610c98     
感情,激情; 缰( rein的名词复数 ); 控制手段; 掌管; (成人带着幼儿走路以防其走失时用的)保护带
参考例句:
  • She pulled gently on the reins. 她轻轻地拉着缰绳。
  • The government has imposed strict reins on the import of luxury goods. 政府对奢侈品的进口有严格的控制手段。
140 pony Au5yJ     
adj.小型的;n.小马
参考例句:
  • His father gave him a pony as a Christmas present.他父亲给了他一匹小马驹作为圣诞礼物。
  • They made him pony up the money he owed.他们逼他还债。
141 scattered 7jgzKF     
adj.分散的,稀疏的;散步的;疏疏落落的
参考例句:
  • Gathering up his scattered papers,he pushed them into his case.他把散乱的文件收拾起来,塞进文件夹里。
142 oration PJixw     
n.演说,致辞,叙述法
参考例句:
  • He delivered an oration on the decline of family values.他发表了有关家庭价值观的衰退的演说。
  • He was asked to deliver an oration at the meeting.他被邀请在会议上发表演说。
143 fumbling fumbling     
n. 摸索,漏接 v. 摸索,摸弄,笨拙的处理
参考例句:
  • If he actually managed to the ball instead of fumbling it with an off-balance shot. 如果他实际上设法拿好球而不是fumbling它。50-balance射击笨拙地和迅速地会开始他的岗位移动,经常这样结束。
  • If he actually managed to secure the ball instead of fumbling it awkwardly an off-balance shot. 如果他实际上设法拿好球而不是fumbling它。50-50提议有时。他从off-balance射击笨拙地和迅速地会开始他的岗位移动,经常这样结束。
144 soothing soothing     
adj.慰藉的;使人宽心的;镇静的
参考例句:
  • Put on some nice soothing music.播放一些柔和舒缓的音乐。
  • His casual, relaxed manner was very soothing.他随意而放松的举动让人很快便平静下来。
145 impromptu j4Myg     
adj.即席的,即兴的;adv.即兴的(地),无准备的(地)
参考例句:
  • The announcement was made in an impromptu press conference at the airport.这一宣布是在机场举行的临时新闻发布会上作出的。
  • The children put on an impromptu concert for the visitors.孩子们为来访者即兴献上了一场音乐会。
146 amicable Qexyu     
adj.和平的,友好的;友善的
参考例句:
  • The two nations reached an amicable agreement.两国达成了一项友好协议。
  • The two nations settled their quarrel in an amicable way.两国以和睦友好的方式解决了他们的争端。
147 hampers aedee0b9211933f51c82c37a6b8cd413     
妨碍,束缚,限制( hamper的第三人称单数 )
参考例句:
  • Prejudice sometimes hampers a person from doing the right thing. 有时候,偏见会妨碍人正确行事。
  • This behavior is the opposite of modeless feedback, and it hampers flow. 这个行为有悖于非模态的反馈,它阻碍了流。 来自About Face 3交互设计精髓
148 pensive 2uTys     
a.沉思的,哀思的,忧沉的
参考例句:
  • He looked suddenly sombre,pensive.他突然看起来很阴郁,一副忧虑的样子。
  • He became so pensive that she didn't like to break into his thought.他陷入沉思之中,她不想打断他的思路。
149 woe OfGyu     
n.悲哀,苦痛,不幸,困难;int.用来表达悲伤或惊慌
参考例句:
  • Our two peoples are brothers sharing weal and woe.我们两国人民是患难与共的兄弟。
  • A man is well or woe as he thinks himself so.自认祸是祸,自认福是福。
150 lackadaisical k9Uzq     
adj.无精打采的,无兴趣的;adv.无精打采地,不决断地
参考例句:
  • His will was sapped and his whole attitude was lackadaisical.心里松懈,身态与神气便吊儿啷当。
  • Lao Wang is very serious with work,so do not be lackadaisical.老王干活可较真儿啦,你可别马马虎虎的。
151 outright Qj7yY     
adv.坦率地;彻底地;立即;adj.无疑的;彻底的
参考例句:
  • If you have a complaint you should tell me outright.如果你有不满意的事,你应该直率地对我说。
  • You should persuade her to marry you outright.你应该彻底劝服她嫁给你。
152 shunned bcd48f012d0befb1223f8e35a7516d0e     
v.避开,回避,避免( shun的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • She was shunned by her family when she remarried. 她再婚后家里人都躲着她。
  • He was a shy man who shunned all publicity. 他是个怕羞的人,总是避开一切引人注目的活动。 来自《简明英汉词典》
153 consolation WpbzC     
n.安慰,慰问
参考例句:
  • The children were a great consolation to me at that time.那时孩子们成了我的莫大安慰。
  • This news was of little consolation to us.这个消息对我们来说没有什么安慰。
154 pettishly 7ab4060fbb40eff9237e3fd1df204fb1     
参考例句:
  • \"Oh, no,'she said, almost pettishly, \"I just don't feel very good.\" “哦,不是,\"她说,几乎想发火了,\"我只是觉得不大好受。” 来自英汉文学 - 嘉莉妹妹
  • Then he tossed the marble away pettishly, and stood cogitating. 于是他一气之下扔掉那个弹子,站在那儿沉思。 来自英汉文学 - 汤姆历险
155 witty GMmz0     
adj.机智的,风趣的
参考例句:
  • Her witty remarks added a little salt to the conversation.她的妙语使谈话增添了一些风趣。
  • He scored a bull's-eye in their argument with that witty retort.在他们的辩论中他那一句机智的反驳击中了要害。


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