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Chapter 25
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The intercourse1 of the two families was at this period more nearly restored to what it had been in the autumn, than any member of the old intimacy2 had thought ever likely to be again. The return of Henry Crawford, and the arrival of William Price, had much to do with it, but much was still owing to Sir Thomas's more than toleration of the neighbourly attempts at the Parsonage. His mind, now disengaged from the cares which had pressed on him at first, was at leisure to find the Grants and their young inmates3 really worth visiting; and though infinitely4 above scheming or contriving5 for any the most advantageous6 matrimonial establishment that could be among the apparent possibilities of any one most dear to him, and disdaining7 even as a littleness the being quick-sighted on such points, he could not avoid perceiving, in a grand and careless way, that Mr. Crawford was somewhat distinguishing his niece-- nor perhaps refrain (though unconsciously) from giving a more willing assent8 to invitations on that account.

His readiness, however, in agreeing to dine at the Parsonage, when the general invitation was at last hazarded, after many debates and many doubts as to whether it were worth while, "because Sir Thomas seemed so ill inclined, and Lady Bertram was so indolent!" proceeded from good-breeding and goodwill9 alone, and had nothing to do with Mr. Crawford, but as being one in an agreeable group: for it was in the course of that very visit that he first began to think that any one in the habit of such idle observations _would_ _have_ _thought_ that Mr. Crawford was the admirer of Fanny Price.

The meeting was generally felt to be a pleasant one, being composed in a good proportion of those who would talk and those who would listen; and the dinner itself was elegant and plentiful10, according to the usual style of the Grants, and too much according to the usual habits of all to raise any emotion except in Mrs. Norris, who could never behold11 either the wide table or the number of dishes on it with patience, and who did always contrive12 to experience some evil from the passing of the servants behind her chair, and to bring away some fresh conviction of its being impossible among so many dishes but that some must be cold.

In the evening it was found, according to the predetermination of Mrs. Grant and her sister, that after making up the whist-table there would remain sufficient for a round game, and everybody being as perfectly13 complying and without a choice as on such occasions they always are, speculation14 was decided15 on almost as soon as whist; and Lady Bertram soon found herself in the critical situation of being applied16 to for her own choice between the games, and being required either to draw a card for whist or not. She hesitated. Luckily Sir Thomas was at hand.

"What shall I do, Sir Thomas? Whist and speculation; which will amuse me most?"

Sir Thomas, after a moment's thought, recommended speculation. He was a whist player himself, and perhaps might feel that it would not much amuse him to have her for a partner.

"Very well," was her ladyship's contented17 answer; "then speculation, if you please, Mrs. Grant. I know nothing about it, but Fanny must teach me."

Here Fanny interposed, however, with anxious protestations of her own equal ignorance; she had never played the game nor seen it played in her life; and Lady Bertram felt a moment's indecision again; but upon everybody's assuring her that nothing could be so easy, that it was the easiest game on the cards, and Henry Crawford's stepping forward with a most earnest request to be allowed to sit between her ladyship and Miss Price, and teach them both, it was so settled; and Sir Thomas, Mrs. Norris, and Dr. and Mrs. Grant being seated at the table of prime intellectual state and dignity, the remaining six, under Miss Crawford's direction, were arranged round the other. It was a fine arrangement for Henry Crawford, who was close to Fanny, and with his hands full of business, having two persons' cards to manage as well as his own; for though it was impossible for Fanny not to feel herself mistress of the rules of the game in three minutes, he had yet to inspirit her play, sharpen her avarice18, and harden her heart, which, especially in any competition with William, was a work of some difficulty; and as for Lady Bertram, he must continue in charge of all her fame and fortune through the whole evening; and if quick enough to keep her from looking at her cards when the deal began, must direct her in whatever was to be done with them to the end of it.

He was in high spirits, doing everything with happy ease, and preeminent19 in all the lively turns, quick resources, and playful impudence20 that could do honour to the game; and the round table was altogether a very comfortable contrast to the steady sobriety and orderly silence of the other.

Twice had Sir Thomas inquired into the enjoyment21 and success of his lady, but in vain; no pause was long enough for the time his measured manner needed; and very little of her state could be known till Mrs. Grant was able, at the end of the first rubber, to go to her and pay her compliments.

"I hope your ladyship is pleased with the game."

"Oh dear, yes! very entertaining indeed. A very odd game. I do not know what it is all about. I am never to see my cards; and Mr. Crawford does all the rest."

"Bertram," said Crawford, some time afterwards, taking the opportunity of a little languor22 in the game, "I have never told you what happened to me yesterday in my ride home." They had been hunting together, and were in the midst of a good run, and at some distance from Mansfield, when his horse being found to have flung a shoe, Henry Crawford had been obliged to give up, and make the best of his way back. "I told you I lost my way after passing that old farmhouse23 with the yew-trees, because I can never bear to ask; but I have not told you that, with my usual luck--for I never do wrong without gaining by it--I found myself in due time in the very place which I had a curiosity to see. I was suddenly, upon turning the corner of a steepish downy field, in the midst of a retired24 little village between gently rising hills; a small stream before me to be forded, a church standing25 on a sort of knoll26 to my right-- which church was strikingly large and handsome for the place, and not a gentleman or half a gentleman's house to be seen excepting one--to be presumed the Parsonage-- within a stone's throw of the said knoll and church. I found myself, in short, in Thornton Lacey."

"It sounds like it," said Edmund; "but which way did you turn after passing Sewell's farm?"

"I answer no such irrelevant27 and insidious28 questions; though were I to answer all that you could put in the course of an hour, you would never be able to prove that it was _not_ Thornton Lacey--for such it certainly was."

"You inquired, then?"

"No, I never inquire. But I _told_ a man mending a hedge that it was Thornton Lacey, and he agreed to it."

"You have a good memory. I had forgotten having ever told you half so much of the place."

Thornton Lacey was the name of his impending29 living, as Miss Crawford well knew; and her interest in a negotiation30 for William Price's knave31 increased.

"Well," continued Edmund, "and how did you like what you saw?"

"Very much indeed. You are a lucky fellow. There will be work for five summers at least before the place is liveable."

"No, no, not so bad as that. The farmyard must be moved, I grant you; but I am not aware of anything else. The house is by no means bad, and when the yard is removed, there may be a very tolerable approach to it."

"The farmyard must be cleared away entirely32, and planted up to shut out the blacksmith's shop. The house must be turned to front the east instead of the north-- the entrance and principal rooms, I mean, must be on that side, where the view is really very pretty; I am sure it may be done. And _there_ must be your approach, through what is at present the garden. You must make a new garden at what is now the back of the house; which will be giving it the best aspect in the world, sloping to the south-east. The ground seems precisely33 formed for it. I rode fifty yards up the lane, between the church and the house, in order to look about me; and saw how it might all be. Nothing can be easier. The meadows beyond what _will_ _be_ the garden, as well as what now _is_, sweeping34 round from the lane I stood in to the north-east, that is, to the principal road through the village, must be all laid together, of course; very pretty meadows they are, finely sprinkled with timber. They belong to the living, I suppose; if not, you must purchase them. Then the stream--something must be done with the stream; but I could not quite determine what. I had two or three ideas."

"And I have two or three ideas also," said Edmund, "and one of them is, that very little of your plan for Thornton Lacey will ever be put in practice. I must be satisfied with rather less ornament35 and beauty. I think the house and premises36 may be made comfortable, and given the air of a gentleman's residence, without any very heavy expense, and that must suffice me; and, I hope, may suffice all who care about me."

Miss Crawford, a little suspicious and resentful of a certain tone of voice, and a certain half-look attending the last expression of his hope, made a hasty finish of her dealings with William Price; and securing his knave at an exorbitant37 rate, exclaimed, "There, I will stake my last like a woman of spirit. No cold prudence38 for me. I am not born to sit still and do nothing. If I lose the game, it shall not be from not striving for it."

The game was hers, and only did not pay her for what she had given to secure it. Another deal proceeded, and Crawford began again about Thornton Lacey.

"My plan may not be the best possible: I had not many minutes to form it in; but you must do a good deal. The place deserves it, and you will find yourself not satisfied with much less than it is capable of. (Excuse me, your ladyship must not see your cards. There, let them lie just before you.) The place deserves it, Bertram. You talk of giving it the air of a gentleman's residence. _That_ will be done by the removal of the farmyard; for, independent of that terrible nuisance, I never saw a house of the kind which had in itself so much the air of a gentleman's residence, so much the look of a something above a mere39 parsonage-house--above the expenditure40 of a few hundreds a year. It is not a scrambling41 collection of low single rooms, with as many roofs as windows; it is not cramped42 into the vulgar compactness of a square farmhouse: it is a solid, roomy, mansion-like looking house, such as one might suppose a respectable old country family had lived in from generation to generation, through two centuries at least, and were now spending from two to three thousand a year in." Miss Crawford listened, and Edmund agreed to this. "The air of a gentleman's residence, therefore, you cannot but give it, if you do anything. But it is capable of much more. (Let me see, Mary; Lady Bertram bids a dozen for that queen; no, no, a dozen is more than it is worth. Lady Bertram does not bid a dozen. She will have nothing to say to it. Go on, go on.) By some such improvements as I have suggested (I do not really require you to proceed upon my plan, though, by the bye, I doubt anybody's striking out a better) you may give it a higher character. You may raise it into a _place_. From being the mere gentleman's residence, it becomes, by judicious43 improvement, the residence of a man of education, taste, modern manners, good connexions. All this may be stamped on it; and that house receive such an air as to make its owner be set down as the great landholder of the parish by every creature travelling the road; especially as there is no real squire's house to dispute the point--a circumstance, between ourselves, to enhance the value of such a situation in point of privilege and independence beyond all calculation. _You_ think with me, I hope" (turning with a softened44 voice to Fanny). "Have you ever seen the place?"

Fanny gave a quick negative, and tried to hide her interest in the subject by an eager attention to her brother, who was driving as hard a bargain, and imposing45 on her as much as he could; but Crawford pursued with "No, no, you must not part with the queen. You have bought her too dearly, and your brother does not offer half her value. No, no, sir, hands off, hands off. Your sister does not part with the queen. She is quite determined46. The game will be yours," turning to her again; "it will certainly be yours."

"And Fanny had much rather it were William's," said Edmund, smiling at her. "Poor Fanny! not allowed to cheat herself as she wishes!"

"Mr. Bertram," said Miss Crawford, a few minutes afterwards, "you know Henry to be such a capital improver, that you cannot possibly engage in anything of the sort at Thornton Lacey without accepting his help. Only think how useful he was at Sotherton! Only think what grand things were produced there by our all going with him one hot day in August to drive about the grounds, and see his genius take fire. There we went, and there we came home again; and what was done there is not to be told!"

Fanny's eyes were turned on Crawford for a moment with an expression more than grave--even reproachful; but on catching47 his, were instantly withdrawn48. With something of consciousness he shook his head at his sister, and laughingly replied, "I cannot say there was much done at Sotherton; but it was a hot day, and we were all walking after each other, and bewildered." As soon as a general buzz gave him shelter, he added, in a low voice, directed solely49 at Fanny, "I should be sorry to have my powers of _planning_ judged of by the day at Sotherton. I see things very differently now. Do not think of me as I appeared then."

Sotherton was a word to catch Mrs. Norris, and being just then in the happy leisure which followed securing the odd trick by Sir Thomas's capital play and her own against Dr. and Mrs. Grant's great hands, she called out, in high good-humour, "Sotherton! Yes, that is a place, indeed, and we had a charming day there. William, you are quite out of luck; but the next time you come, I hope dear Mr. and Mrs. Rushworth will be at home, and I am sure I can answer for your being kindly50 received by both. Your cousins are not of a sort to forget their relations, and Mr. Rushworth is a most amiable51 man. They are at Brighton now, you know; in one of the best houses there, as Mr. Rushworth's fine fortune gives them a right to be. I do not exactly know the distance, but when you get back to Portsmouth, if it is not very far off, you ought to go over and pay your respects to them; and I could send a little parcel by you that I want to get conveyed to your cousins."

"I should be very happy, aunt; but Brighton is almost by Beachey Head; and if I could get so far, I could not expect to be welcome in such a smart place as that-- poor scrubby midshipman as I am."

Mrs. Norris was beginning an eager assurance of the affability he might depend on, when she was stopped by Sir Thomas's saying with authority, "I do not advise your going to Brighton, William, as I trust you may soon have more convenient opportunities of meeting; but my daughters would be happy to see their cousins anywhere; and you will find Mr. Rushworth most sincerely disposed to regard all the connexions of our family as his own."

"I would rather find him private secretary to the First Lord than anything else," was William's only answer, in an undervoice, not meant to reach far, and the subject dropped.

As yet Sir Thomas had seen nothing to remark in Mr. Crawford's behaviour; but when the whist-table broke up at the end of the second rubber, and leaving Dr. Grant and Mrs. Norris to dispute over their last play, he became a looker-on at the other, he found his niece the object of attentions, or rather of professions, of a somewhat pointed52 character.

Henry Crawford was in the first glow of another scheme about Thornton Lacey; and not being able to catch Edmund's ear, was detailing it to his fair neighbour with a look of considerable earnestness. His scheme was to rent the house himself the following winter, that he might have a home of his own in that neighbourhood; and it was not merely for the use of it in the hunting-season (as he was then telling her), though _that_ consideration had certainly some weight, feeling as he did that, in spite of all Dr. Grant's very great kindness, it was impossible for him and his horses to be accommodated where they now were without material inconvenience; but his attachment53 to that neighbourhood did not depend upon one amusement or one season of the year: he had set his heart upon having a something there that he could come to at any time, a little homestall at his command, where all the holidays of his year might be spent, and he might find himself continuing, improving, and _perfecting_ that friendship and intimacy with the Mansfield Park family which was increasing in value to him every day. Sir Thomas heard and was not offended. There was no want of respect in the young man's address; and Fanny's reception of it was so proper and modest, so calm and uninviting, that he had nothing to censure54 in her. She said little, assented55 only here and there, and betrayed no inclination56 either of appropriating any part of the compliment to herself, or of strengthening his views in favour of Northamptonshire. Finding by whom he was observed, Henry Crawford addressed himself on the same subject to Sir Thomas, in a more everyday tone, but still with feeling.

"I want to be your neighbour, Sir Thomas, as you have, perhaps, heard me telling Miss Price. May I hope for your acquiescence57, and for your not influencing your son against such a tenant58?"

Sir Thomas, politely bowing, replied, "It is the only way, sir, in which I could _not_ wish you established as a permanent neighbour; but I hope, and believe, that Edmund will occupy his own house at Thornton Lacey. Edmund, am I saying too much?"

Edmund, on this appeal, had first to hear what was going on; but, on understanding the question, was at no loss for an answer.

"Certainly, sir, I have no idea but of residence. But, Crawford, though I refuse you as a tenant, come to me as a friend. Consider the house as half your own every winter, and we will add to the stables on your own improved plan, and with all the improvements of your improved plan that may occur to you this spring."

"We shall be the losers," continued Sir Thomas. "His going, though only eight miles, will be an unwelcome contraction59 of our family circle; but I should have been deeply mortified60 if any son of mine could reconcile himself to doing less. It is perfectly natural that you should not have thought much on the subject, Mr. Crawford. But a parish has wants and claims which can be known only by a clergyman constantly resident, and which no proxy61 can be capable of satisfying to the same extent. Edmund might, in the common phrase, do the duty of Thornton, that is, he might read prayers and preach, without giving up Mansfield Park: he might ride over every Sunday, to a house nominally62 inhabited, and go through divine service; he might be the clergyman of Thornton Lacey every seventh day, for three or four hours, if that would content him. But it will not. He knows that human nature needs more lessons than a weekly sermon can convey; and that if he does not live among his parishioners, and prove himself, by constant attention, their well-wisher and friend, he does very little either for their good or his own."

Mr. Crawford bowed his acquiescence.

"I repeat again," added Sir Thomas, "that Thornton Lacey is the only house in the neighbourhood in which I should _not_ be happy to wait on Mr. Crawford as occupier."

Mr. Crawford bowed his thanks.

"Sir Thomas," said Edmund, "undoubtedly63 understands the duty of a parish priest. We must hope his son may prove that _he_ knows it too."

Whatever effect Sir Thomas's little harangue64 might really produce on Mr. Crawford, it raised some awkward sensations in two of the others, two of his most attentive65 listeners-- Miss Crawford and Fanny. One of whom, having never before understood that Thornton was so soon and so completely to be his home, was pondering with downcast eyes on what it would be _not_ to see Edmund every day; and the other, startled from the agreeable fancies she had been previously66 indulging on the strength of her brother's description, no longer able, in the picture she had been forming of a future Thornton, to shut out the church, sink the clergyman, and see only the respectable, elegant, modernised, and occasional residence of a man of independent fortune, was considering Sir Thomas, with decided ill-will, as the destroyer of all this, and suffering the more from that involuntary forbearance which his character and manner commanded, and from not daring to relieve herself by a single attempt at throwing ridicule67 on his cause.

All the agreeable of _her_ speculation was over for that hour. It was time to have done with cards, if sermons prevailed; and she was glad to find it necessary to come to a conclusion, and be able to refresh her spirits by a change of place and neighbour.

The chief of the party were now collected irregularly round the fire, and waiting the final break-up. William and Fanny were the most detached. They remained together at the otherwise deserted68 card-table, talking very comfortably, and not thinking of the rest, till some of the rest began to think of them. Henry Crawford's chair was the first to be given a direction towards them, and he sat silently observing them for a few minutes; himself, in the meanwhile, observed by Sir Thomas, who was standing in chat with Dr. Grant.

"This is the assembly night," said William. "If I were at Portsmouth I should be at it, perhaps."

"But you do not wish yourself at Portsmouth, William?"

"No, Fanny, that I do not. I shall have enough of Portsmouth and of dancing too, when I cannot have you. And I do not know that there would be any good in going to the assembly, for I might not get a partner. The Portsmouth girls turn up their noses at anybody who has not a commission. One might as well be nothing as a midshipman. One _is_ nothing, indeed. You remember the Gregorys; they are grown up amazing fine girls, but they will hardly speak to _me_, because Lucy is courted by a lieutenant69."

"Oh! shame, shame! But never mind it, William" (her own cheeks in a glow of indignation as she spoke). "It is not worth minding. It is no reflection on _you_; it is no more than what the greatest admirals have all experienced, more or less, in their time. You must think of that, you must try to make up your mind to it as one of the hardships which fall to every sailor's share, like bad weather and hard living, only with this advantage, that there will be an end to it, that there will come a time when you will have nothing of that sort to endure. When you are a lieutenant! only think, William, when you are a lieutenant, how little you will care for any nonsense of this kind."

"I begin to think I shall never be a lieutenant, Fanny. Everybody gets made but me."

"Oh! my dear William, do not talk so; do not be so desponding. My uncle says nothing, but I am sure he will do everything in his power to get you made. He knows, as well as you do, of what consequence it is."

She was checked by the sight of her uncle much nearer to them than she had any suspicion of, and each found it necessary to talk of something else.

"Are you fond of dancing, Fanny?"

"Yes, very; only I am soon tired."

"I should like to go to a ball with you and see you dance. Have you never any balls at Northampton? I should like to see you dance, and I'd dance with you if you _would_, for nobody would know who I was here, and I should like to be your partner once more. We used to jump about together many a time, did not we? when the hand-organ was in the street? I am a pretty good dancer in my way, but I dare say you are a better." And turning to his uncle, who was now close to them, "Is not Fanny a very good dancer, sir?"

Fanny, in dismay at such an unprecedented70 question, did not know which way to look, or how to be prepared for the answer. Some very grave reproof71, or at least the coldest expression of indifference72, must be coming to distress73 her brother, and sink her to the ground. But, on the contrary, it was no worse than, "I am sorry to say that I am unable to answer your question. I have never seen Fanny dance since she was a little girl; but I trust we shall both think she acquits74 herself like a gentlewoman when we do see her, which, perhaps, we may have an opportunity of doing ere long."

"I have had the pleasure of seeing your sister dance, Mr. Price," said Henry Crawford, leaning forward, "and will engage to answer every inquiry75 which you can make on the subject, to your entire satisfaction. But I believe" (seeing Fanny looked distressed) "it must be at some other time. There is _one_ person in company who does not like to have Miss Price spoken of."

True enough, he had once seen Fanny dance; and it was equally true that he would now have answered for her gliding76 about with quiet, light elegance77, and in admirable time; but, in fact, he could not for the life of him recall what her dancing had been, and rather took it for granted that she had been present than remembered anything about her.

He passed, however, for an admirer of her dancing; and Sir Thomas, by no means displeased78, prolonged the conversation on dancing in general, and was so well engaged in describing the balls of Antigua, and listening to what his nephew could relate of the different modes of dancing which had fallen within his observation, that he had not heard his carriage announced, and was first called to the knowledge of it by the bustle79 of Mrs. Norris.

"Come, Fanny, Fanny, what are you about? We are going. Do not you see your aunt is going? Quick, quick! I cannot bear to keep good old Wilcox waiting. You should always remember the coachman and horses. My dear Sir Thomas, we have settled it that the carriage should come back for you, and Edmund and William."

Sir Thomas could not dissent80, as it had been his own arrangement, previously communicated to his wife and sister; but _that_ seemed forgotten by Mrs. Norris, who must fancy that she settled it all herself.

Fanny's last feeling in the visit was disappointment: for the shawl which Edmund was quietly taking from the servant to bring and put round her shoulders was seized by Mr. Crawford's quicker hand, and she was obliged to be indebted to his more prominent attention.

这阵子,两家人的交往差不多又像秋季那样频繁,这是这些老相识中谁也不曾料到的事情。亨利·克劳福德的返回和威廉·普莱斯的到来对此起了很大的作用,不过,这跟托马斯爵士对于与牧师府的友好交往采取了宽容有加的态度,也有很大关系。他现在已经解脱了当初的烦恼,心里有了闲情逸致,发现格兰特夫妇和那两个年轻伙伴的确值得交往。他虽说全然没有考虑自己的儿女与这家的少爷小姐结亲,尽管这对他们家极为有利,而且明显地存在这种可能,但谁要是在这件事上过于敏感,他都不以为然。不过,他不用留意就能看出克劳福德先生对他外甥女的态度有些与众不同——也许就是由于这个原因,每逢那边邀请,他无意之中更会欣然同意。

牧师府上经过反复讨论,终于决定把这家人都请去吃饭。他们起初犹豫来犹豫去,拿不准这样做好不好,“因为托马斯爵士好像不怎么愿意!伯特伦夫人又懒得出门!”不过托马斯爵士欣然接受了邀请,他这样做完全是出于礼貌和友好,想和大家一起快活快活,而与克劳福德先生毫无关系。正是在这次做客中,他才第一次意识到:任何人只要随意观察,都会认为克劳福德先生看上了范妮·普莱斯。

大家聚在一起,爱讲话的人和爱听讲的人比例适中,因而个个都感到挺快活。按照格兰特家平时的待客之道,饭菜既讲究又丰盛,大家都觉得实在太多,无暇他顾,只有诺里斯太太例外。她时而嫌饭桌太宽,时而怨菜做得太多,每逢仆人从她椅子后面经过,她总要挑一点毛病,离席后越发觉得,上了这么多菜,有一些必然是凉的。

到了晚上,大家发现,根据格兰特太太和她妹妹的预先安排,组成玩惠斯特的一桌人之后,剩下的人可以玩一种轮回牌戏①(译注:①指由四人或四人以上参加,但互不结为同伴的牌戏。)。在这种情况下,自然是人人都愿意参加,没有选择的余地。于是,几乎是一定下打惠斯特,就决定再摆一桌玩投机②(译注:②一种轮回牌戏,参加者各打各的,相互买牌卖牌,最后拥有点数最多者胜。)。过了不久,伯特伦夫人觉得自己很为难,大家让她来选择,是打惠斯特,还是玩投机。她犹豫不决。幸好托马斯爵士就在身旁。

“我玩什么呢,托马斯爵士?惠斯特和投机,哪一种更好玩?”

托马斯爵士想了想,建议她玩投机。他自己爱打惠斯特,也许怕跟她做搭档没意思。

“好吧,”夫人满意地答道。“那我就玩投机吧,格兰特太太。我一点也不会打,范妮得教我。”

范妮一听也急忙说她也丝毫不懂,她长这么大还从没玩过这种牌戏,也从没见别人玩过。伯特伦夫人又犹豫了一番——但人人都跟她说这比什么都容易,是牌戏中最容易打的一种。恰在这时,亨利·克劳福德走上前来,极其恳切地要求坐在夫人和普莱斯小姐中间,同时教她们两人,于是问题解决了。托马斯爵士、诺里斯太太和格兰特博士夫妇几位既老练又尊贵的人围成一桌,余下的六人听从克劳福德小姐的安排,围着另一张桌子坐下。这种安排正合亨利·克劳福德的心意,他挨着范妮,忙得不可开交,既要照看自己的牌,又要关注另两个人的牌——尽管范妮不到三分钟就掌握了牌的打法,但他还得鼓励她要有勇气,要贪得无厌,要心狠手辣,不过这还有一定的难度,特别是与威廉竞争时尤其如此。至于伯特伦夫人,整个晚上他都得对她的胜负输赢负责。从发牌开始,不等她看就替她起到手上,然后从头到尾指导她出每一张牌。

他兴致勃勃,如鱼得水,牌翻得潇洒,出得敏捷,风趣赖皮,真是样样出色,给整个牌戏增添不少光彩。这张牌桌又轻松又活跃,与另一张牌桌的秩序井然、沉闷不语形成了鲜明的对照。

托马斯爵士两次询问夫人玩得是否开心,输赢如何,但却没有问出个结果。牌隙间的停顿都太短,容不得他从容不迫地打听。直至打完了第一局,格兰特太太跑到夫人跟前恭维她时,大家才知道她的情况。

“我想夫人您很喜欢这种牌戏吧。”

“噢!是的。确实很有意思。一种很奇怪的玩法。我不懂到底是怎么打的。我根本就看不到我的牌,全是克劳福德先生替我打的。”

“伯特伦,”过了一阵,克劳福德趁打牌打得有些倦怠的时候说,“我还没告诉你昨天我骑马回来的路上出了什么事。”原来他们在一起打猎,正在纵马驰骋,到了离曼斯菲尔德很远的一个地方时,发现亨利·克劳福德的马掉了一个马掌,他只得半途而废,抄近路回家。“我对你说过,由于我不爱问路,过了周围种着紫杉树的那座旧农舍就迷了路。可是我没有告诉你,我一向运气不错——出了差错总会有所补偿——我正好走到了原先很想游览的一个地方。我转过一块陡坡地,一下子来到了坐落在平缓山坡上的一个幽静的小村庄,前面是一条必须涉水而过的小溪,右边的山岗上有一座教堂,这座教堂在那里显得又大又漂亮,非常醒目。除了离山岗和教堂一箭之地有一幢上等人家的房子外,周围再也看不到一处甚至半处上等人家的房子,而那座房子想必是牧师住宅。总之一句话,我发现自己来到了桑顿莱西。”

“听起来像是那地方,”埃德蒙说。“不过,你过了休厄尔农场之后是往哪条路上拐的?”

“我不回答这种毫不相干、耍小心眼的问题。即使你问我一个钟头,我把你的问题都回答完,你也无法证明那不是桑顿莱西——因为那地方肯定是桑顿莱西。”

“那你向人打听过了?”

“没有,我从不向人打听。不过,我对一个正在修篱笆的人说那是桑顿莱西,他表示同意。”

“你的记性真好。我都不记得给你说过这个地方。”

桑顿莱西是埃德蒙即将就任的教区,克劳福德小姐对此十分清楚。这时,她对争夺威廉·普莱斯手里的J来了兴趣。

“那么,”埃德蒙接着说,“你喜欢那个地方吗?”

“的确很喜欢。你这家伙很走运。至少要干五个夏天,那地方才能住人。”

“不,不,没有那么糟。跟你说吧,那个农家院肯定要迁移,别的我都不在意。那座房子决不算糟,等把农家院迁走以后,就会修一条像样的路。”

“场院必须彻底迁走,还要多种些树把铁匠铺子遮开。房子要由向北改为向东——我的意思是说,房子的正门和主要房间必须处在风景优美的一面,我想这是可以做得到的。你那条路应该修在那里——让它穿过花园现在坐落的地方。在现在的房子背后修一个新花园,向东南方向倾斜——这就构成了世界上最美妙的景观。那地形似乎十分适宜这样安排。我骑马顺着教堂和农舍间的那条小路走了五十码,向四下嘹望一番,看出了怎么改造为好。事情容易极了。现在这座花园以及将来新修花园外边的那些草地,从我站的地方向东北面延伸,也就是通向穿村而过的那条主要道路,当然要统统连成一片。这些草地在树木的点缀下,显得十分漂亮。我想,这些草地属于牧师的产业,不然的话,你应该把它们买下来。还有那条小溪——也要采取点措施,不过我还拿不准怎么办。我有两三个想法。”

“我也有两三个想法,”埃德蒙说,“一个想法是,你关于桑顿莱西的计划是不会付诸实施的。我喜欢朴实无华。我想不要花很多的钱,就能把房子庭园搞得舒舒适适的,一看就知道是个上等人住的地方,我觉得这就足够了。我希望所有关心我的人也会感到满足。”

埃德蒙最后说到他的希望的时候,他的口气,有意无意的目光,引起了克劳福德小姐的猜疑和气恼,她匆匆结束了和威廉·普莱斯的斗牌,一把抓过他的J,叫道:“瞧吧,我要做个有勇气的人,把最后的老本都拼上。我不会谨小慎微的。我天生就不会坐在那里无所作为。即使输了,也不是因为没有为之一拼。”

这一局她赢了,只不过赢来的还抵不上她付出的老本。又打起了另一局,克劳福德又谈起了桑顿菜西。

“我的计划也许不是最好的,当时我也没有多少时间去考虑。不过,你还得多下工夫。那地方值得多下工夫,要是不下足工夫,你自己也不会满意的。(对不起,夫人,您不要看您的牌。对,就让它们在您面前扣着。)那地方值得下工夫,伯特伦。你谈到要让它像个上等人家的住宅。要做到这一点,就得去掉那个农家院。抛开那个糟糕透顶的农家院,我还从没见到有哪座房子比它更像一幢上等人家的住宅,不像是一幢不起眼的牧师住宅,家里一年只有几百英镑的收入。这房子不是把一些矮小的单间屋子拼凑在一起,弄得屋顶和窗子一样多——也不是搞得局局促促、土里土气,像座四四方方的农舍——而是一座墙壁坚固、居室宽敞的房子,看上去像座大宅,让人觉得里面住着一户德高望重的古老世家,代代相传,至少有二百年的历史,现在每年的开支有两三千英镑。”对于这番话,克劳福德小姐仔细听着,埃德蒙表示赞同。“因此,你只要下点工夫,就能使它看起来像是上等人的宅第。不过,你还能改造得比上等人的住宅好得多。(让我想一想,玛丽。伯特伦夫人出一打要这张Q。不行,不行,这张Q值不了一打。伯特伦夫人不出一打。她不会出的。过,过。)如果按照我的建议加以改造(我并非真的要求你按照我的计划去做,不过我想未必有人能想出更好的计划),那就会提高这幢房子的档次。你可以把它改造成一幢宅第。如果改造得好,那就不仅仅是一座上等人的住宅,而且是一座有学识、有情趣、举止高雅、结交不凡的人家的住宅。这一切都要在宅第上展示出来。这座房子就是要有这样的气派,每一个路过的人都会认为房主人是本教区的大地主,特别要看到,附近没有真正的地主宅第与它相比,也就不会引起疑义。我跟你私下说一句,这个情况对于保持特权和独立自主大有好处。我希望你同意我的想法——(以柔和的声音转向范妮)——你去过那地方吗?”

范妮连忙给了个否定的回答,极力想掩饰她对这个话题的兴趣,急忙把注意力转向她哥哥。她哥哥正在讨价还价,一个劲地劝她达成交易,可克劳福德却紧跟着说:“不行,不行,你不能出Q。你得来的代价太高,你哥哥的出价还不到它价值的一半。不行,不行,先生,不许动——不许动。你妹妹不出Q。她决不会出。这一盘是你的。”说着又转向范妮:“肯定是你赢。”

“范妮情愿让威廉赢,”埃德蒙笑着对范妮说。“可怜的范妮!想故意打输都不成啊!”

“伯特伦先生,”过了一会,克劳福德小姐说,“你知道,亨利是个了不起的环境改造专家,你要在桑顿莱西进行这样的改造,不请他帮忙是不行的。你只要想一想:他在索瑟顿起了多大的作用啊!只要想一想:我们在8月的一个大热天一起坐车在庭园里转悠,看着他施展才能,在那里取得了多么了不起的成绩。我们跑到那里,又从那里回来,到底干了些什么,简直没法说呀!”

范妮瞅了瞅克劳福德,神情比较严厉,甚至有点责怪的意味。但是一触到他的目光,两眼马上就退缩了。克劳福德似乎意识到妹妹话中的意思,便向她摇了摇头,笑呵呵地答道:“我不敢说我在索瑟顿干了多少事情。不过,那天天气太热,我们都是步行着你找我我找你,弄得晕头转向的。”这时,大家唧唧喳喳地议论起来,他在这嘈杂声的掩护下,趁机悄悄对范妮说:“我感到遗憾,大家拿我在索瑟顿那天的表现来判断我的设计才能。我现在的见解与那时大不一样了。不要以我当时的表现来看待我。”

索瑟顿这几个字对诺里斯太太最有吸引力。这时,她和托马斯爵士刚刚靠巧计赢了格兰特博士夫妇的一手好牌,情绪正高,一听到这几个字,诺里斯太太兴冲冲地叫道:“索瑟顿!是呀,那真是个好地方,我们在那儿度过好痛快的一天。威廉,你来得真不巧。不过你下次来的时候,但愿亲爱的拉什沃思夫妇不要再外出了,我敢担保他们两人都会盛情接待你。你的表姐们都不是会忘掉亲戚的那种人,而拉什沃思先生又是个顶顶和蔼的人。你知道吧,他们现在在布赖顿——住的是最上等的房子,因为拉什沃思先生有的是钱,完全住得起。我说不出确切的距离,不过你回到朴次茅斯的时候,如果不太远的话,你应该去看看他们。我有一个小包要给你的两个表姐,你顺便给我带去。”

“大姨妈,我倒是很愿意去。不过布赖顿几乎紧挨着比奇角,我即使能跑那么远,我这么一个小小的海军候补少尉,到了那样一个时髦的阔地方恐怕是不会受欢迎的。”

诺里斯太太急切地刚开口向他保证说,他尽管放心,肯定会受到热情的接待,托马斯爵士便打断了她的话,以权威的口吻说道:“威廉,我倒不劝你去布赖顿。我相信你们不久就会有更方便的见面机会。不过,我的女儿们在任何地方见到她们的表弟、表妹都会很高兴。你还会发现,拉什沃思先生真心诚意地把我们家的亲戚当做他自己的亲戚。”

“我倒宁愿他当上海军大臣的私人秘书,”威廉小声说了一句,不想让别人听见,这个话题也就撂下不谈了。

到现在为止,托马斯爵士还没看出克劳福德先生的举止中有什么值得注意的地方。但是,等打完第二局惠斯特牌桌已经解散,只剩下格兰特博士和诺里斯太太在为上一盘争论的时候,托马斯爵士在旁边观看另一张牌桌,发现他外甥女成了献殷勤的对象,或者说得确切点,对外甥女说的话带有一定的针对性。

亨利·克劳福德又满腔热情地提出了一个改造桑顿莱西的方案,因为没能引起埃德蒙的兴趣,便一本正经地向他漂亮的邻座细说起来。他打算来年冬天由他自己把那房子租下来,这样他就可以在附近有一个自己的家。他租房子并不像他刚才说的那样,仅仅是为了打猎季节用一下,尽管这也是个重要因素,因为他觉得虽说格兰特博士为人极其厚道,但他连人带马住在别人家里总会给人家带来很大不便。他之所以喜欢这一带,并不仅仅是基于一个季节打猎的考虑,他一心想在这里有一个安身之处,想什么时候来就什么时候来,有一个自己的小院,一年的假日都可以在这里度过,跟曼斯菲尔德庄园的一家人继续保持、不断增进他越来越珍惜的情谊,使这情谊日臻完美。托马斯爵士听到了他这话,并不觉得刺耳。这年轻人的话里并没有轻薄之词,范妮的反应适度得体,冷静淡漠,他没有什么好指摘的。范妮话很少,只是偶尔对这句话那句话表示同意,听到恭维丝毫没有流露出感激之情,听他夸奖北安普敦郡也不去随声附和。亨利·克劳福德发现托马斯爵士在注意自己,便转过身跟他扯起了这个话题,语气比较平淡,但言词依然热烈。

“我想做您的邻居,托马斯爵士,我刚才告诉了普莱斯小姐,您可能已经听见了。我是否可望得到您的同意,您是否能允许您的儿子不要拒绝我这个房客?”

托马斯爵士客气地点了点头,答道:“先生,你要在附近定居,跟我们家长久为邻,这我欢迎,但却不能以做房客的方式。不过我想,而且也相信,埃德蒙要住进他桑顿莱西的那座房子。埃德蒙,我这样说过不过分?”

埃德蒙听父亲这样问他,先得听听他们刚才在谈什么,等一打听清楚,就觉得没什么不好回答的。

“当然啦,爸爸,我已打定主意住到那儿。不过,克劳福德,虽然我拒不接受你做房客,但是欢迎你以朋友的身份到我那儿去住。每年冬天都把我的房子当做一半属于你,我们将根据你修改后的计划增加马厩,并根据你今年春天可能想出的修正方案,再进行一些改建。”

“受损失的是我们,”托马斯爵士接着说。“他要走了,虽然离我们只有八英里,我们还是不愿意家里又少了一个人。不过,我的哪个儿子要是做不到这一点,我会感到莫大的耻辱。当然,克劳福德先生,你在这个问题上不会想这么多。一个牧师如果不经常住在教区,他就不知道教区需要什么,有什么要求,靠代理人是了解不到那么多的。埃德蒙可以像人们常说的那样,既履行他在桑顿莱西的职责,也就是做祈祷、讲道,同时又不放弃曼斯菲尔德庄园。他可以每星期天骑马到他名义上的住宅去一次,领着大家做一次礼拜。他可以每七天去桑顿莱西当上三四个小时的牧师,如果他感到心安理得的话。但他是不会心安理得的。他知道,人性需要的教导不是每星期一次讲道就能解决的。他还知道,如果他不生活在他的教民中间,不通过经常的关心表明他是他们的祝愿者和朋友,那他给他们和他自己都带来不了多少好处。”

克劳福德先生点头表示同意。

“我再说一遍,”托马斯爵士补充说道,“在那一带,桑顿莱西是我不想让克劳福德先生租用的唯一的一幢房子。”

克劳福德先生点头表示谢意。

“毫无疑问,”埃德蒙说,“托马斯爵士了解教区牧师的职责。我们应该希望,他的儿子能表明自己也懂得这种职责。”

托马斯爵士的简短训导不管能对克劳福德先生起多大作用,却使两个在座的人,两个最专心听他讲话的人——克劳福德小姐和范妮,感到局促不安。其中一个从没想到埃德蒙这么快就要完全以桑顿为家,于是耷拉着眼皮思索不能天天见到他该是个什么滋味。那另一个听了哥哥的描述之后,原来还抱着惬意的幻想,在她对桑顿的未来憧憬中,教堂给排除在外,牧师也被置诸脑后,桑顿成了一位富贵人士的高雅考究、现代化的、偶尔来住几天的宅第。现在,她被托马斯爵士的话从梦幻中惊醒,心中的那幅图画也随之破灭。她认为这一切都是托马斯爵士破坏的,因而对他满怀敌意。他的那个德性和那副面孔令她生畏,她不碍不强忍着,就连想要泄愤对他来个反唇相讥都不敢。这使她越发感到痛苦。

眼下她打的如意算盘全都完了。由于不断有人说话,牌也无法再打下去。她很高兴能结束这一局面,趁机换个地方,换个人坐在一起,振作一下精神。

多数人都围着火炉散乱地坐着,等待最后散场。威廉和范妮却没有跟着过来,依然坐在散掉了的牌桌边,愉快地聊着天,忘掉了其余的人,直至其余的人想到了他们。亨利·克劳福德第一个把椅子转向他们,默默不语地坐在那里观察了他们好一阵。与此同时,托马斯爵士一边站在那里和格兰特博士闲聊,一边在观察他。

“今晚该有舞会,”威廉说。“我要是在朴次茅斯的话,也许会去参加的。”

“可你不会希望你现在是在朴次茅斯吧,威廉?”

“是的,范妮,我不希望。你不在我身边时,朴次茅斯够我玩的了,舞也够我跳的了。我觉得去参加舞会也没有什么意思,我可能连个舞伴都找不到。朴次茅斯的姑娘只瞧得起当官的。当个海军候补少尉还不如什么都不是,真不如什么都不是。你记得格雷戈里家的姑娘吧,她们已经出落成光彩夺目的漂亮小姐,但是简直都不爱答理我,因为有一位海军上尉在追露西。”

“噢!真不像话,真不像话!不过,你不要放在心上,威廉。(说话间她自己的脸气得通红。)不值得放在心上。这完全无损于你。那些最伟大的海军将领们年轻时或多或少都经历过这类事情。你要这样想,你要把它看成每个水手都会遇到的不如意的事情,就像恶劣的天气和艰苦的生活一样,但是这种不如意的事也有它的好处,那就是它总有结束的时候,总有一天你用不着再去忍受这种不如意的事了。等你当上海军上尉再看吧!你想想看,威廉,等你当上了海军上尉,你就不用计较这类无聊的事了。”

“范妮,我觉得我永远也当不上海军上尉。人家个个都升官了,就是我没有。”

“噢!亲爱的威廉,别这样说,别这样灰心丧气。姨父虽然没有说出来,但我相信他会竭尽全力使你得到提拔。他和你一样清楚这是多么重要的一件事情。”

范妮发现姨父距离他们比她原以为的要近得多,便连忙住口。两人只得谈起别的事情。

“你喜欢跳舞吗,范妮?”

“喜欢,非常喜欢。只是跳一会儿就会累的。”

“我倒想和你一起去参加舞会,看看你跳得怎么样。你们北安普敦从不举行舞会吗?我想看你跳舞,你要是愿意,还想陪你一起跳,反正这里没有人认识我,我想再做你的舞伴。我们以前曾多次在一起跳来跳去,对吧?当时街上还响起手摇风琴吧?我跳得相当好,独具一格,不过你比我跳得还要好。”这时,他们的姨父来到他们跟前,他转向姨父说:“范妮跳舞跳得很好吧,姨父?”

范妮听到这个突如其来的问题颇为惊愕,她不知道眼睛往哪里看是好,也不知道姨父会说出什么话。姨父肯定会严厉地训斥几句,至少会冷若冰霜地不屑一顾,让哥哥感到难堪,她自己无地自容。然而,与之相反,姨父只不过说:“很抱歉,我无法回答你的问题。范妮从小到现在,我还从没看见她跳过舞。不过我相信,她要是跳起舞来,我们都会觉得她像个大家闺秀,也许我们不久就会有这样的机会。”

“普莱斯先生,我有幸见到过你妹妹跳舞,”亨利·克劳福德倾身向前说道,“你有什么问题尽管问我好了,我负责回答,保证让你百分之百满意。不过我想(看到范妮神情尴尬),必须以后找个时候再说。茌场的人里,有一个人不喜欢普莱斯小姐给说来说去。”

一点不错,他曾经看到过范妮跳舞。同样一点不错,他现在可以回答说范妮悠然迈着轻盈优美的步履在场子里跳来跳去,实际上根本记不起她跳舞跳得怎么样。可以说,他觉得她理所当然到过舞场,而不是他记起了什么。

不过,大家也只是以为他夸范妮舞跳得好而已。托马斯爵士没有因此而感到丝毫不悦,反倒继续谈论跳舞,兴致勃勃地描绘安提瓜的舞会,听外甥讲述他所见过的各种舞蹈,仆人通报马车到了他都没听见,后来看见诺里斯太太张罗起来他才知道。

“喂,范妮,你在干什么呀?我们走了。你没看见二姨妈已经起身了吗?快,快。我不忍心让威尔科克斯老汉在外面等着。你得时刻替车夫和马着想。亲爱的托马斯爵士,我们就这么定了,让马车回来接你和埃德蒙、威廉。”

托马斯爵士不能不表示同意,因为这原是他安排的,事前就告诉了他妻子和大姨子。不过诺里斯太太似乎忘了这一点,自以为是由她决定的。

范妮这次做客临走时感到有些失意:埃德蒙正不声不响地从仆人手里接过披巾,要给她披上,不想克劳福德先生动作更快,一把抢了过去。尽管这是更加露骨的献殷勤,她还不得不表示感激。


点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 intercourse NbMzU     
n.性交;交流,交往,交际
参考例句:
  • The magazine becomes a cultural medium of intercourse between the two peoples.该杂志成为两民族间文化交流的媒介。
  • There was close intercourse between them.他们过往很密。
2 intimacy z4Vxx     
n.熟悉,亲密,密切关系,亲昵的言行
参考例句:
  • His claims to an intimacy with the President are somewhat exaggerated.他声称自己与总统关系密切,这有点言过其实。
  • I wish there were a rule book for intimacy.我希望能有个关于亲密的规则。
3 inmates 9f4380ba14152f3e12fbdf1595415606     
n.囚犯( inmate的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • One of the inmates has escaped. 被收容的人中有一个逃跑了。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • The inmates were moved to an undisclosed location. 监狱里的囚犯被转移到一个秘密处所。 来自《简明英汉词典》
4 infinitely 0qhz2I     
adv.无限地,无穷地
参考例句:
  • There is an infinitely bright future ahead of us.我们有无限光明的前途。
  • The universe is infinitely large.宇宙是无限大的。
5 contriving 104341ff394294c813643a9fe96a99cb     
(不顾困难地)促成某事( contrive的现在分词 ); 巧妙地策划,精巧地制造(如机器); 设法做到
参考例句:
  • Why may not several Deities combine in contriving and framing a world? 为什么不可能是数个神联合起来,设计和构造世界呢? 来自哲学部分
  • The notorious drug-pusher has been contriving an escape from the prison. 臭名昭著的大毒枭一直都在图谋越狱。
6 advantageous BK5yp     
adj.有利的;有帮助的
参考例句:
  • Injections of vitamin C are obviously advantageous.注射维生素C显然是有利的。
  • You're in a very advantageous position.你处于非常有利的地位。
7 disdaining 6cad752817013a6cc1ba1ac416b9f91b     
鄙视( disdain的现在分词 ); 不屑于做,不愿意做
参考例句:
8 assent Hv6zL     
v.批准,认可;n.批准,认可
参考例句:
  • I cannot assent to what you ask.我不能应允你的要求。
  • The new bill passed by Parliament has received Royal Assent.议会所通过的新方案已获国王批准。
9 goodwill 4fuxm     
n.善意,亲善,信誉,声誉
参考例句:
  • His heart is full of goodwill to all men.他心里对所有人都充满着爱心。
  • We paid £10,000 for the shop,and £2000 for its goodwill.我们用一万英镑买下了这家商店,两千英镑买下了它的信誉。
10 plentiful r2izH     
adj.富裕的,丰富的
参考例句:
  • Their family has a plentiful harvest this year.他们家今年又丰收了。
  • Rainfall is plentiful in the area.这个地区雨量充足。
11 behold jQKy9     
v.看,注视,看到
参考例句:
  • The industry of these little ants is wonderful to behold.这些小蚂蚁辛勤劳动的样子看上去真令人惊叹。
  • The sunrise at the seaside was quite a sight to behold.海滨日出真是个奇景。
12 contrive GpqzY     
vt.谋划,策划;设法做到;设计,想出
参考例句:
  • Can you contrive to be here a little earlier?你能不能早一点来?
  • How could you contrive to make such a mess of things?你怎么把事情弄得一团糟呢?
13 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。
14 speculation 9vGwe     
n.思索,沉思;猜测;投机
参考例句:
  • Her mind is occupied with speculation.她的头脑忙于思考。
  • There is widespread speculation that he is going to resign.人们普遍推测他要辞职。
15 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。
16 applied Tz2zXA     
adj.应用的;v.应用,适用
参考例句:
  • She plans to take a course in applied linguistics.她打算学习应用语言学课程。
  • This cream is best applied to the face at night.这种乳霜最好晚上擦脸用。
17 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。
18 avarice KeHyX     
n.贪婪;贪心
参考例句:
  • Avarice is the bane to happiness.贪婪是损毁幸福的祸根。
  • Their avarice knows no bounds and you can never satisfy them.他们贪得无厌,你永远无法满足他们。
19 preeminent VPFxG     
adj.卓越的,杰出的
参考例句:
  • Washington was recognized as the preeminent spokesman of American Negroes by 1895. 到1895年,华盛顿被公认为美国黑人的卓越代言人。
  • He is preeminent because his articles are well written. 他的文章写得很漂亮,卓尔不群。
20 impudence K9Mxe     
n.厚颜无耻;冒失;无礼
参考例句:
  • His impudence provoked her into slapping his face.他的粗暴让她气愤地给了他一耳光。
  • What knocks me is his impudence.他的厚颜无耻使我感到吃惊。
21 enjoyment opaxV     
n.乐趣;享有;享用
参考例句:
  • Your company adds to the enjoyment of our visit. 有您的陪同,我们这次访问更加愉快了。
  • After each joke the old man cackled his enjoyment.每逢讲完一个笑话,这老人就呵呵笑着表示他的高兴。
22 languor V3wyb     
n.无精力,倦怠
参考例句:
  • It was hot,yet with a sweet languor about it.天气是炎热的,然而却有一种惬意的懒洋洋的感觉。
  • She,in her languor,had not troubled to eat much.她懒懒的,没吃多少东西。
23 farmhouse kt1zIk     
n.农场住宅(尤指主要住房)
参考例句:
  • We fell for the farmhouse as soon as we saw it.我们对那所农舍一见倾心。
  • We put up for the night at a farmhouse.我们在一间农舍投宿了一夜。
24 retired Njhzyv     
adj.隐退的,退休的,退役的
参考例句:
  • The old man retired to the country for rest.这位老人下乡休息去了。
  • Many retired people take up gardening as a hobby.许多退休的人都以从事园艺为嗜好。
25 standing 2hCzgo     
n.持续,地位;adj.永久的,不动的,直立的,不流动的
参考例句:
  • After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.地震过后只有几幢房屋还立着。
  • They're standing out against any change in the law.他们坚决反对对法律做任何修改。
26 knoll X3nyd     
n.小山,小丘
参考例句:
  • Silver had terrible hard work getting up the knoll.对于希尔弗来说,爬上那小山丘真不是件容易事。
  • He crawled up a small knoll and surveyed the prospect.他慢腾腾地登上一个小丘,看了看周围的地形。
27 irrelevant ZkGy6     
adj.不恰当的,无关系的,不相干的
参考例句:
  • That is completely irrelevant to the subject under discussion.这跟讨论的主题完全不相关。
  • A question about arithmetic is irrelevant in a music lesson.在音乐课上,一个数学的问题是风马牛不相及的。
28 insidious fx6yh     
adj.阴险的,隐匿的,暗中为害的,(疾病)不知不觉之间加剧
参考例句:
  • That insidious man bad-mouthed me to almost everyone else.那个阴险的家伙几乎见人便说我的坏话。
  • Organized crime has an insidious influence on all who come into contact with it.所有和集团犯罪有关的人都会不知不觉地受坏影响。
29 impending 3qHzdb     
a.imminent, about to come or happen
参考例句:
  • Against a background of impending famine, heavy fighting took place. 即将发生饥荒之时,严重的战乱爆发了。
  • The king convoke parliament to cope with the impending danger. 国王召开国会以应付迫近眉睫的危险。
30 negotiation FGWxc     
n.谈判,协商
参考例句:
  • They closed the deal in sugar after a week of negotiation.经过一星期的谈判,他们的食糖生意成交了。
  • The negotiation dragged on until July.谈判一直拖到7月份。
31 knave oxsy2     
n.流氓;(纸牌中的)杰克
参考例句:
  • Better be a fool than a knave.宁做傻瓜,不做无赖。
  • Once a knave,ever a knave.一次成无赖,永远是无赖。
32 entirely entirely     
ad.全部地,完整地;完全地,彻底地
参考例句:
  • The fire was entirely caused by their neglect of duty. 那场火灾完全是由于他们失职而引起的。
  • His life was entirely given up to the educational work. 他的一生统统献给了教育工作。
33 precisely zlWzUb     
adv.恰好,正好,精确地,细致地
参考例句:
  • It's precisely that sort of slick sales-talk that I mistrust.我不相信的正是那种油腔滑调的推销宣传。
  • The man adjusted very precisely.那个人调得很准。
34 sweeping ihCzZ4     
adj.范围广大的,一扫无遗的
参考例句:
  • The citizens voted for sweeping reforms.公民投票支持全面的改革。
  • Can you hear the wind sweeping through the branches?你能听到风掠过树枝的声音吗?
35 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。
36 premises 6l1zWN     
n.建筑物,房屋
参考例句:
  • According to the rules,no alcohol can be consumed on the premises.按照规定,场内不准饮酒。
  • All repairs are done on the premises and not put out.全部修缮都在家里进行,不用送到外面去做。
37 exorbitant G7iyh     
adj.过分的;过度的
参考例句:
  • More competition should help to drive down exorbitant phone charges.更多的竞争有助于降低目前畸高的电话收费。
  • The price of food here is exorbitant. 这儿的食物价格太高。
38 prudence 9isyI     
n.谨慎,精明,节俭
参考例句:
  • A lack of prudence may lead to financial problems.不够谨慎可能会导致财政上出现问题。
  • The happy impute all their success to prudence or merit.幸运者都把他们的成功归因于谨慎或功德。
39 mere rC1xE     
adj.纯粹的;仅仅,只不过
参考例句:
  • That is a mere repetition of what you said before.那不过是重复了你以前讲的话。
  • It's a mere waste of time waiting any longer.再等下去纯粹是浪费时间。
40 expenditure XPbzM     
n.(时间、劳力、金钱等)支出;使用,消耗
参考例句:
  • The entry of all expenditure is necessary.有必要把一切开支入账。
  • The monthly expenditure of our family is four hundred dollars altogether.我们一家的开销每月共计四百元。
41 scrambling cfea7454c3a8813b07de2178a1025138     
v.快速爬行( scramble的现在分词 );攀登;争夺;(军事飞机)紧急起飞
参考例句:
  • Scrambling up her hair, she darted out of the house. 她匆忙扎起头发,冲出房去。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
  • She is scrambling eggs. 她正在炒蛋。 来自《简明英汉词典》
42 cramped 287c2bb79385d19c466ec2df5b5ce970     
a.狭窄的
参考例句:
  • The house was terribly small and cramped, but the agent described it as a bijou residence. 房子十分狭小拥挤,但经纪人却把它说成是小巧别致的住宅。
  • working in cramped conditions 在拥挤的环境里工作
43 judicious V3LxE     
adj.明智的,明断的,能作出明智决定的
参考例句:
  • We should listen to the judicious opinion of that old man.我们应该听取那位老人明智的意见。
  • A judicious parent encourages his children to make their own decisions.贤明的父亲鼓励儿女自作抉择。
44 softened 19151c4e3297eb1618bed6a05d92b4fe     
(使)变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 ); 缓解打击; 缓和; 安慰
参考例句:
  • His smile softened slightly. 他的微笑稍柔和了些。
  • The ice cream softened and began to melt. 冰淇淋开始变软并开始融化。
45 imposing 8q9zcB     
adj.使人难忘的,壮丽的,堂皇的,雄伟的
参考例句:
  • The fortress is an imposing building.这座城堡是一座宏伟的建筑。
  • He has lost his imposing appearance.他已失去堂堂仪表。
46 determined duszmP     
adj.坚定的;有决心的
参考例句:
  • I have determined on going to Tibet after graduation.我已决定毕业后去西藏。
  • He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。
47 catching cwVztY     
adj.易传染的,有魅力的,迷人的,接住
参考例句:
  • There are those who think eczema is catching.有人就是认为湿疹会传染。
  • Enthusiasm is very catching.热情非常富有感染力。
48 withdrawn eeczDJ     
vt.收回;使退出;vi.撤退,退出
参考例句:
  • Our force has been withdrawn from the danger area.我们的军队已从危险地区撤出。
  • All foreign troops should be withdrawn to their own countries.一切外国军队都应撤回本国去。
49 solely FwGwe     
adv.仅仅,唯一地
参考例句:
  • Success should not be measured solely by educational achievement.成功与否不应只用学业成绩来衡量。
  • The town depends almost solely on the tourist trade.这座城市几乎完全靠旅游业维持。
50 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。
51 amiable hxAzZ     
adj.和蔼可亲的,友善的,亲切的
参考例句:
  • She was a very kind and amiable old woman.她是个善良和气的老太太。
  • We have a very amiable companionship.我们之间存在一种友好的关系。
52 pointed Il8zB4     
adj.尖的,直截了当的
参考例句:
  • He gave me a very sharp pointed pencil.他给我一支削得非常尖的铅笔。
  • She wished to show Mrs.John Dashwood by this pointed invitation to her brother.她想通过对达茨伍德夫人提出直截了当的邀请向她的哥哥表示出来。
53 attachment POpy1     
n.附属物,附件;依恋;依附
参考例句:
  • She has a great attachment to her sister.她十分依恋她的姐姐。
  • She's on attachment to the Ministry of Defense.她现在隶属于国防部。
54 censure FUWym     
v./n.责备;非难;责难
参考例句:
  • You must not censure him until you know the whole story.在弄清全部事实真相前不要谴责他。
  • His dishonest behaviour came under severe censure.他的不诚实行为受到了严厉指责。
55 assented 4cee1313bb256a1f69bcc83867e78727     
同意,赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句:
  • The judge assented to allow the prisoner to speak. 法官同意允许犯人申辩。
  • "No," assented Tom, "they don't kill the women -- they're too noble. “对,”汤姆表示赞同地说,“他们不杀女人——真伟大!
56 inclination Gkwyj     
n.倾斜;点头;弯腰;斜坡;倾度;倾向;爱好
参考例句:
  • She greeted us with a slight inclination of the head.她微微点头向我们致意。
  • I did not feel the slightest inclination to hurry.我没有丝毫着急的意思。
57 acquiescence PJFy5     
n.默许;顺从
参考例句:
  • The chief inclined his head in sign of acquiescence.首领点点头表示允许。
  • This is due to his acquiescence.这是因为他的默许。
58 tenant 0pbwd     
n.承租人;房客;佃户;v.租借,租用
参考例句:
  • The tenant was dispossessed for not paying his rent.那名房客因未付房租而被赶走。
  • The tenant is responsible for all repairs to the building.租户负责对房屋的所有修理。
59 contraction sn6yO     
n.缩略词,缩写式,害病
参考例句:
  • The contraction of this muscle raises the lower arm.肌肉的收缩使前臂抬起。
  • The forces of expansion are balanced by forces of contraction.扩张力和收缩力相互平衡。
60 mortified 0270b705ee76206d7730e7559f53ea31     
v.使受辱( mortify的过去式和过去分词 );伤害(人的感情);克制;抑制(肉体、情感等)
参考例句:
  • She was mortified to realize he had heard every word she said. 她意识到自己的每句话都被他听到了,直羞得无地自容。
  • The knowledge of future evils mortified the present felicities. 对未来苦难的了解压抑了目前的喜悦。 来自《简明英汉词典》
61 proxy yRXxN     
n.代理权,代表权;(对代理人的)委托书;代理人
参考例句:
  • You may appoint a proxy to vote for you.你可以委托他人代你投票。
  • We enclose a form of proxy for use at the Annual General Meeting.我们附上委任年度大会代表的表格。
62 nominally a449bd0900819694017a87f9891f2cff     
在名义上,表面地; 应名儿
参考例句:
  • Dad, nominally a Methodist, entered Churches only for weddings and funerals. 爸名义上是卫理公会教徒,可只去教堂参加婚礼和葬礼。
  • The company could not indicate a person even nominally responsible for staff training. 该公司甚至不能指出一个名义上负责职员培训的人。
63 undoubtedly Mfjz6l     
adv.确实地,无疑地
参考例句:
  • It is undoubtedly she who has said that.这话明明是她说的。
  • He is undoubtedly the pride of China.毫无疑问他是中国的骄傲。
64 harangue BeyxH     
n.慷慨冗长的训话,言辞激烈的讲话
参考例句:
  • We had to listen to a long harangue about our own shortcomings.我们必须去听一有关我们缺点的长篇大论。
  • The minister of propaganda delivered his usual harangue.宣传部长一如既往发表了他的长篇大论。
65 attentive pOKyB     
adj.注意的,专心的;关心(别人)的,殷勤的
参考例句:
  • She was very attentive to her guests.她对客人招待得十分周到。
  • The speaker likes to have an attentive audience.演讲者喜欢注意力集中的听众。
66 previously bkzzzC     
adv.以前,先前(地)
参考例句:
  • The bicycle tyre blew out at a previously damaged point.自行车胎在以前损坏过的地方又爆开了。
  • Let me digress for a moment and explain what had happened previously.让我岔开一会儿,解释原先发生了什么。
67 ridicule fCwzv     
v.讥讽,挖苦;n.嘲弄
参考例句:
  • You mustn't ridicule unfortunate people.你不该嘲笑不幸的人。
  • Silly mistakes and queer clothes often arouse ridicule.荒谬的错误和古怪的服装常会引起人们的讪笑。
68 deserted GukzoL     
adj.荒芜的,荒废的,无人的,被遗弃的
参考例句:
  • The deserted village was filled with a deathly silence.这个荒废的村庄死一般的寂静。
  • The enemy chieftain was opposed and deserted by his followers.敌人头目众叛亲离。
69 lieutenant X3GyG     
n.陆军中尉,海军上尉;代理官员,副职官员
参考例句:
  • He was promoted to be a lieutenant in the army.他被提升为陆军中尉。
  • He prevailed on the lieutenant to send in a short note.他说动那个副官,递上了一张简短的便条进去。
70 unprecedented 7gSyJ     
adj.无前例的,新奇的
参考例句:
  • The air crash caused an unprecedented number of deaths.这次空难的死亡人数是空前的。
  • A flood of this sort is really unprecedented.这样大的洪水真是十年九不遇。
71 reproof YBhz9     
n.斥责,责备
参考例句:
  • A smart reproof is better than smooth deceit.严厉的责难胜过温和的欺骗。
  • He is impatient of reproof.他不能忍受指责。
72 indifference k8DxO     
n.不感兴趣,不关心,冷淡,不在乎
参考例句:
  • I was disappointed by his indifference more than somewhat.他的漠不关心使我很失望。
  • He feigned indifference to criticism of his work.他假装毫不在意别人批评他的作品。
73 distress 3llzX     
n.苦恼,痛苦,不舒适;不幸;vt.使悲痛
参考例句:
  • Nothing could alleviate his distress.什么都不能减轻他的痛苦。
  • Please don't distress yourself.请你不要忧愁了。
74 acquits e19fbc85424d45f9c8d5d5b382ae15f1     
宣判…无罪( acquit的第三人称单数 ); 使(自己)作出某种表现
参考例句:
  • Well, let's wait and, see how he acquits himself today! 且看他今天办的怎样! 来自子夜部分
  • Athena, as president, gives her vote for Orestes and acquits him. 这时,阿西娜以审判长的资格,给奥列斯特投了一票,宣告他无罪。
75 inquiry nbgzF     
n.打听,询问,调查,查问
参考例句:
  • Many parents have been pressing for an inquiry into the problem.许多家长迫切要求调查这个问题。
  • The field of inquiry has narrowed down to five persons.调查的范围已经缩小到只剩5个人了。
76 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。
77 elegance QjPzj     
n.优雅;优美,雅致;精致,巧妙
参考例句:
  • The furnishings in the room imparted an air of elegance.这个房间的家具带给这房间一种优雅的气氛。
  • John has been known for his sartorial elegance.约翰因为衣着讲究而出名。
78 displeased 1uFz5L     
a.不快的
参考例句:
  • The old man was displeased and darted an angry look at me. 老人不高兴了,瞪了我一眼。
  • He was displeased about the whole affair. 他对整个事情感到很不高兴。
79 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。
80 dissent ytaxU     
n./v.不同意,持异议
参考例句:
  • It is too late now to make any dissent.现在提出异议太晚了。
  • He felt her shoulders gave a wriggle of dissent.他感到她的肩膀因为不同意而动了一下。


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