And so the interesting dinner, with Clyde attending, came to pass. And it was partaken of at Frissell's, as Rattererhad said. And by now Clyde, having come to be on genial1 terms with all of these youths, was in the gayest ofmoods about it all. Think of his new state in life, anyhow. Only a few weeks ago he was all alone, not a boyfriend, scarcely a boy acquaintance in the world! And here he was, so soon after, going to this fine dinner withthis interesting group.
And true to the illusions of youth, the place appeared far more interesting than it really was. It was little morethan an excellent chop-house of the older American order. Its walls were hung thick with signed pictures ofactors and actresses, together with playbills of various periods. And because of the general excellence2 of thefood, to say nothing of the geniality3 of its present manager, it had become the hangout of passing actors,politicians, local business men, and after them, the generality of followers4 who are always drawn5 by that whichpresents something a little different to that with which they are familiar.
And these boys, having heard at one time and another from cab and taxi drivers that this was one of the bestplaces in town, fixed6 upon it for their monthly dinners. Single plates of anything cost from sixty cents to a dollar.
Coffee and tea were served in pots only. You could get anything you wanted to drink. To the left of the mainroom as you went in was a darker and low-ceilinged room with a fireplace, to which only men resorted and satand smoked, and read papers after dinner, and it was for this room that these youths reserved their greatestadmiration. Eating here, they somehow felt older, wiser, more important--real men of the world. And Rattererand Hegglund, to whom by now Clyde had become very much attached, as well as most of the others, weresatisfied that there was not another place in all Kansas City that was really as good.
And so this day, having drawn their pay at noon, and being off at six for the night, they gathered outside the hotelat the corner nearest the drug store at which Clyde had originally applied8 for work, and were off in a happy,noisy frame of mind--Hegglund, Ratterer, Paul Shiel, Davis Higby, another youth, Arthur Kinsella and Clyde.
"Didja hear de trick de guy from St. Louis pulled on the main office yesterday?" Hegglund inquired of the crowdgenerally, as they started walking. "Wires last Saturday from St. Louis for a parlor9, bedroom and bat for himselfand wife, an' orders flowers put in de room. Jimmy, the key clerk, was just tellin' me. Den10 he comes on here andregisters himself an' his girl, see, as man and wife, an', gee11, a peach of a lookin' girl, too--I saw 'em. Listen, youfellows, cantcha? Den, on Wednesday, after he's been here tree days and dey're beginnin' to wonder about him alittle--meals sent to de room and all dat--he comes down and says dat his wife's gotta go back to St. Louis, anddat he won't need no suite12, just one room, and dat they can transfer his trunk and her bags to de new room untiltrain time for her. But de trunk ain't his at all, see, but hers. And she ain't goin', don't know nuttin about it. But heis. Den he beats it, see, and leaves her and de trunk in de room. And widout a bean, see? Now, dey're holdin' herand her trunk, an' she's cryin' and wirin' friends, and dere's hell to pay all around. Can ya beat dat? An' deflowers, too. Roses. An' six different meals in de room and drinks for him, too.""Sure, I know the one you mean," exclaimed Paul Shiel. "I took up some drinks myself. I felt there wassomething phony about that guy. He was too smooth and loud-talking. An' he only comes across with a dime13 atthat.""I remember him, too," exclaimed Ratterer. "He sent me down for all the Chicago papers Monday an' only giveme a dime. He looked like a bluff14 to me.""Well, dey fell for him up in front, all right." It was Hegglund talking. "An' now dey're tryin' to gouge15 it outa her.
Can you beat it?""She didn't look to me to be more than eighteen or twenty, if she's that old," put in Arthur Kinsella, who up tonow had said nothing.
"Did you see either of 'em, Clyde?" inquired Ratterer, who was inclined to favor and foster Clyde and includehim in everything.
"No" replied Clyde. "I must have missed those two. I don't remember seeing either of 'em.""Well, you missed seein' a bird when you missed that one. Tall, long black cut-a-way coat, wide, black derbypulled low over his eyes, pearl-gray spats16, too. I thought he was an English duke or something at first, the way hewalked, and with a cane17, too. All they gotta do is pull that English stuff, an' talk loud an' order everybody aboutan' they get by with it every time.""That's right," commented Davis Higby. "That's good stuff, that English line. I wouldn't mind pulling some of itmyself sometime."They had now turned two corners, crossed two different streets and, in group formation, were making their way through the main door of Frissell's, which gave in on the reflection of lights upon china and silverware and faces,and the buzz and clatter18 of a dinner crowd. Clyde was enormously impressed. Never before, apart from theGreen-Davidson, had he been in such a place. And with such wise, experienced youths.
They made their way to a group of tables which faced a leather wall-seat. The head-waiter, recognizing Rattererand Hegglund and Kinsella as old patrons, had two tables put together and butter and bread and glasses brought.
About these they arranged themselves, Clyde with Ratterer and Higby occupying the wall seat; Hegglund,Kinsella and Shiel sitting opposite.
"Now, me for a good old Manhattan, to begin wit'," exclaimed Hegglund avidly19, looking about on the crowd inthe room and feeling that now indeed he was a person. Of a reddish-tan hue20, his eyes keen and blue, his reddish-brown hair brushed straight up from his forehead, he seemed not unlike a large and overzealous rooster.
And similarly, Arthur Kinsella, once he was in here, seemed to perk21 up and take heart of his present glory. In asort of ostentatious way, he drew back his coat sleeves, seized a bill of fare, and scanning the drink-list on theback, exclaimed: "Well, a dry Martini is good enough for a start.""Well, I'm going to begin with a Scotch22 and soda23," observed Paul Shiel, solemnly, examining at the same timethe meat orders.
"None of your cocktails24 for me to-night," insisted Ratterer, genially25, but with a note of reserve in his voice. "Isaid I wasn t going to drink much to-night, and I'm not. I think a glass of Rhine wine and seltzer will be about myspeed.""For de love o' Mike, will you listen to dat, now," exclaimed Hegglund, deprecatingly. "He's goin' to begin onRhine wine. And him dat likes Manhattans always. What's gettin' into you all of a sudden, Tommy? I t'ought yousaid you wanted a good time to- night.""So I do," replied Ratterer, "but can't I have a good time without lappin' up everything in the place? I want to staysober to-night. No more call-downs for me in the morning, if I know what I'm about. I came pretty near notshowing up last time.""That's true, too," exclaimed Arthur Kinsella. "I don't want to drink so much I don't know where I'm at, but I'mnot going to begin worrying about it now.""How about you, Higby?" Hegglund now called to the round-eyed youth.
"I'm having a Manhattan, too," he replied, and then, looking up at the waiter who was beside him, added, "How'stricks, Dennis?""Oh, I can't complain," replied the waiter. "They're breakin' all right for me these days. How's everything over tothe hotel?""Fine, fine," replied Higby, cheerfully, studying the bill-of-fare.
"An' you, Griffiths? What are you goin' to have?" called Hegglund, for, as master-of-ceremonies, delegated bythe others to look after the orders and pay the bill and tip the waiter, he was now fulfilling the role.
"Who, me? Oh, me," exclaimed Clyde, not a little disturbed by this inquiry26, for up to now--this very hour, infact--he had never touched anything stronger than coffee or ice-cream soda. He had been not a little taken backby the brisk and sophisticated way in which these youths ordered cocktails and whisky. Surely he could not go sofar as that, and yet, so well had he known long before this, from the conversation of these youths, that on suchoccasions as this they did drink, that he did not see how he could very well hold back. What would they think ofhim if he didn't drink something? For ever since he had been among them, he had been trying to appear as muchof a man of the world as they were. And yet back of him, as he could plainly feel, lay all of the years in which hehad been drilled in the "horrors" of drink and evil companionship. And even though in his heart this long whilehe had secretly rebelled against nearly all the texts and maxims27 to which his parents were always alluding,deeply resenting really as worthless and pointless the ragamuffin crew of wasters and failures whom they werealways seeking to save, still, now he was inclined to think and hesitate. Should he or should he not drink?
For the fraction of an instant only, while all these things in him now spoke28, he hesitated, then added: "Why, I,oh--I think I'll take Rhine wine and seltzer, too." It was the easiest and safest thing to say, as he saw it. Alreadythe rather temperate29 and even innocuous character of Rhine wine and seltzer had been emphasized by Hegglundand all the others. And yet Ratterer was taking it--a thing which made his choice less conspicuous30 and, as he felt,less ridiculous.
"Will you listen to dis now?" exclaimed Hegglund, dramatically. "He says he'll have Rhine wine and seltzer, too.
I see where dis party breaks up at half-past eight, all right, unless some of de rest of us do someting."And Davis Higby, who was far more trenchant31 and roistering than his pleasant exterior32 gave any indication of,turned to Ratterer and said: "Whatja want to start this Rhine wine and seltzer stuff for, so soon, Tom? Dontchawant us to have any fun at all to-night?""Well, I told you why," said Ratterer. "Besides, the last time I went down to that joint33 I had forty bucks34 when Iwent in and not a cent when I came out. I want to know what's goin' on this time.""That joint," thought Clyde on hearing it. Then, after this supper, when they had all drunk and eaten enough, theywere going down to one of those places called a "joint"--a bad-house, really. There was no doubt of it--he knewwhat the word meant. There would be women there--bad women--evil women. And he would be expected-couldhe--would he?
For the first time in his life now, he found himself confronted by a choice as to his desire for the more accurateknowledge of the one great fascinating mystery that had for so long confronted and fascinated and baffled andyet frightened him a little. For, despite all his many thoughts in regard to all this and women in general, he hadnever been in contact with any one of them in this way. And now--now-All of a sudden he felt faint thrills of hot and cold racing35 up and down his back and all over him. His hands andface grew hot and then became moist--then his cheeks and forehead flamed. He could feel them. Strange, swift, enticing36 and yet disturbing thoughts raced in and out of his consciousness. His hair tingled37 and he saw pictures-bacchanalianscenes--which swiftly, and yet in vain, he sought to put out of his mind. They would keep comingback. And he wanted them to come back. Yet he did not. And through it all he was now a little afraid. Pshaw!
Had he no courage at all? These other fellows were not disturbed by the prospects38 of what was before them.
They were very gay. They were already beginning to laugh and kid one another in regard to certain funny thingsthat had happened the last time they were all out together. But what would his mother think if she knew? Hismother! He dared not think of his mother or his father either at this time, and put them both resolutely39 out of hismind.
"Oh, say, Kinsella," called Higby. "Do you remember that little red head in that Pacific Street joint that wantedyou to run away to Chicago with her?""Do I?" replied the amused Kinsella, taking up the Martini that was just then served him. "She even wanted meto quit the hotel game and let her start me in a business of some kind. 'I wouldn't need to work at all if I stuck byher,' she told me.""Oh, no, you wouldn't need to work at all, except one way," called Ratterer.
The waiter put down Clyde's glass of Rhine wine and seltzer beside him and, interested and intense and troubledand fascinated by all that he heard, he picked it up, tasted it and, finding it mild and rather pleasing, drank it alldown at once. And yet so wrought40 up were his thoughts that he scarcely realized then that he had drunk it.
"Good for you," observed Kinsella, in a most cordial tone. "You must like that stuff.""Oh, it's not so bad," said Clyde.
And Hegglund, seeing how swiftly it had gone, and feeling that Clyde, new to this world and green, needed to becheered and strengthened, called to the waiter: "Here Jerry! One more of these, and make it a big one," hewhispered behind his hand.
And so the dinner proceeded. And it was nearly eleven before they had exhausted41 the various matters of interestto them--stories of past affairs, past jobs, past feats42 of daring. And by then Clyde had had considerable time tomeditate on all of these youths--and he was inclined to think that he was not nearly as green as they thought, or ifso, at least shrewder than most of them--of a better mentality43, really. For who were they and what were theirambitions? Hegglund, as he could see, was vain and noisy and foolish--a person who could be taken in andconciliated by a little flattery. And Higby and Kinsella, interesting and attractive boys both, were still vain ofthings he could not be proud of--Higby of knowing a little something about automobiles--he had an uncle in thebusiness--Kinsella of gambling44, rolling dice45 even. And as for Ratterer and Shiel, he could see and had noticed forsome time, that they were content with the bell-hop business--just continuing in that and nothing more--a thingwhich he could not believe, even now, would interest him forever.
At the same time, being confronted by this problem of how soon they would be wanting to go to a place intowhich he had never ventured before, and to be doing things which he had never let himself think he would do injust this way, he was just a little disturbed. Had he not better excuse himself after they got outside, or perhaps, after starting along with them in whatsoever46 direction they chose to go, quietly slip away at some corner andreturn to his own home? For had he not already heard that the most dreadful of diseases were occasionallycontracted in just such places--and that men died miserable47 deaths later because of low vices48 begun in thisfashion? He could hear his mother lecturing concerning all this--yet with scarcely any direct knowledge of anykind. And yet, as an argument per contra, here were all of these boys in nowise disturbed by what was in theirminds or moods to do. On the contrary, they were very gay over it all and amused--nothing more.
In fact, Ratterer, who was really very fond of Clyde by now, more because of the way he looked and inquiredand listened than because of anything Clyde did or said, kept nudging him with his elbow now and then, askinglaughingly, "How about it, Clyde? Going to be initiated49 to-night?" and then smiling broadly. Or finding Clydequite still and thinking at times, "They won't do more than bite you, Clyde."And Hegglund, taking his cue from Ratterer and occasionally desisting from his own self-glorifying diatribes,would add: "You won't ever be de same, Clyde. Dey never are. But we'll all be wid you in case of trouble."And Clyde, nervous and irritated, would retort: "Ah, cut it out, you two. Quit kidding. What's the use of trying tomake out that you know so much more than I do?"And Ratterer would signal Hegglund with his eyes to let up and would occasionally whisper to Clyde: "That's allright, old man, don't get sore. You know we were just fooling, that's all." And Clyde, very much drawn toRatterer, would relent and wish he were not so foolish as to show what he actually was thinking about.
At last, however, by eleven o'clock, they had had their fill of conversation and food and drink and were ready todepart, Hegglund leading the way. And instead of the vulgar and secretive mission producing a kind of solemnityand mental or moral self-examination and self-flagellation, they laughed and talked as though there was nothingbut a delicious form of amusement before them. Indeed, much to Clyde's disgust and amazement50, they nowbegan to reminisce concerning other ventures into this world--of one particular one which seemed to amuse themall greatly, and which seemed to concern some "joint," as they called it, which they had once visited--a placecalled "Bettina's." They had been led there originally by a certain wild youth by the name of "Pinky" Jones of thestaff of another local hotel. And this boy and one other by the name of Birmingham, together with Hegglund,who had become wildly intoxicated51, had there indulged in wild pranks52 which all but led to their arrest--prankswhich to Clyde, as he listened to them, seemed scarcely possible to boys of this caliber53 and cleanly appearance-pranksso crude and disgusting as to sicken him a little.
"Oh, ho, and de pitcher54 of water de girl on de second floor doused55 on me as I went out," called Hegglund,laughing heartily56.
"And the big fat guy on the second floor that came to the door to see. Remember?" laughed Kinsella. "Hethought there was a fire or a riot, I bet.""And you and that little fat girl, Piggy. 'Member, Ratterer?" squealed57 Shiel, laughing and choking as he tried totell of it.
"And Ratterer's legs all bent58 under his load. Yoo-hoo!" yelled Hegglund. "And de way de two of 'em finally slid down de steps.""That was all your fault, Hegglund," called Higby from Kinsella's side. "If you hadn't tried that switching stuffwe never woulda got put out.""I tell you I was drunk," protested Ratterer. "It was the red-eye they sold in there.""And that long, thin guy from Texas with the big mustache, will you ever forget him, an' the way he laughed?"added Kinsella. "He wouldn't help nobody 'gainst us. 'Member?""It's a wonder we weren't all thrown in the street or locked up. Oh, gee, what a night!" reminisced Ratterer.
By now Clyde was faintly dizzy with the nature of these revelations. "Switchin'." That could mean but one thing.
And they expected him to share in revels59 such as these, maybe. It could not be. He was not that sort of person.
What would his mother and father think if they were to hear of such dreadful things? And yet-Even as they talked, they had reached a certain house in a dark and rather wide street, the curbs60 of which for ablock or more on either side were sprinkled with cabs and cars. And at the corner, only a little distance away,were some young men standing61 and talking. And over the way, more men. And not a half a block farther on, theypassed two policemen, idling and conversing62. And although there was no light visible in any window, nor overany transom, still, curiously63, there was a sense of vivid, radiant life. One could feel it in this dark street. Taxisspun and honked64 and two old-time closed carriages still in use rolled here and there, their curtains drawn. Anddoors slammed or opened and closed. And now and then a segment of bright inward light pierced the outwardgloom and then disappeared again. Overhead on this night were many stars.
Finally, without any comment from any one, Hegglund, accompanied by Higby and Shiel, marched up the stepsof this house and rang the bell. Almost instantly the door was opened by a black girl in a red dress. "Goodevening. Walk right in, won't you?" was the affable greeting, and the six, having pushed past her and through thecurtains of heavy velvet66, which separated this small area from the main chambers67, Clyde found himself in abright and rather gaudy68 general parlor or reception room, the walls of which were ornamented69 with gilt70-framedpictures of nude71 or semi-nude girls and some very high pier65 mirrors. And the floor was covered by a bright redthick carpet, over which were strewn many gilt chairs. At the back, before some very bright red hangings, was agilded upright piano. But of guests or inmates72 there seemed to be none, other than the black girl.
"Jest be seated, won't you? Make yourselves at home. I'll call the madam." And, running upstairs to the left, shebegan calling: "Oh, Marie! Sadie! Caroline! They is some young gentlemen in the parlor."And at that moment, from a door in the rear, there emerged a tall, slim and rather pale-faced woman of aboutthirty-eight or forty--very erect73, very executive, very intelligent and graceful-looking--diaphanously and yetmodestly garbed74, who said, with a rather wan7 and yet encouraging smile: "Oh, hello, Oscar, it's you, is it? Andyou too, Paul. Hello! Hello, Davis! Just make yourselves at home anywhere, all of you. Fannie will be in in aminute. She'll bring you something to drink. I've just hired a new pianist from St. Joe--a Negro. Wait'll you hearhim. He's awfully75 clever."She returned to the rear and called, "Oh, Sam!"As she did so, nine girls of varying ages and looks, but none apparently76 over twenty-four or five--came troopingdown the stairs at one side in the rear, and garbed as Clyde had never seen any women dressed anywhere. Andthey were all laughing and talking as they came--evidently very well pleased with themselves and in nowiseashamed of their appearance, which in some instances was quite extraordinary, as Clyde saw it, their costumesranging from the gayest and flimsiest of boudoir negligees to the somewhat more sober, if no less revealing,dancing and ballroom77 gowns. And they were of such varied78 types and sizes and complexions--slim and stout79 andmedium--tall or short--and dark or light or betwixt. And, whatever their ages, all seemed young. And they smiledso warmly and enthusiastically.
"Oh, hello, sweetheart! How are you? Don't you want to dance with me?" or "Wouldn't you like something todrink?"
于是，有克莱德参加的那个有趣的宴会，正如拉特勒所说的，就假座弗里塞尔酒家举行了。克莱德跟这些年轻人早就谈得很合辙儿，所以，他心里简直高兴到了极点。反正他的新生活已经来到了。仅仅一两个星期以前，他还是孤零零的，没有一个朋友，在年轻人中几乎连一个熟人也都没有!
想不到没有多久，此刻他却跟这有趣的一伙人共进晚餐了。
这个酒家由于反映了年轻人的幻想，看起来要比它的实际情况耐人寻味得多。其实，它只不过是一个地地道道的老式美国小酒店罢了。四壁挂满了男女演员的签名照片，以及各个时期的戏剧海报。由于这里菜肴烹调特别味美可口……更不用说那位笑容可掬的现任经理……这家小酒店便成了过往的演员。
政客，以及当地商贾云集之地。此外，还有尾随他们之后的普通顾客，这些人只要一发现哪儿有新玩意儿，即使跟他们一向熟悉的稍微有点儿不一样，也常常被吸引过来了。
这些侍应生不止一次地听马车夫和出租司机说过，弗里塞尔酒家……是本城最好的馆子之一，因此，他们每月一次的聚餐会也就安排在这里了。每盘菜品价格从六十美分到一块美元。咖啡和茶都是整壶端上来。你乐意喝什么就有什么。一进门，就在大餐厅左侧，有一个光线较暗。天花板较低。带有壁炉的房间，通常只有男客人饭后来到这儿歇一歇，坐一坐，抽抽烟，看看报。而使这些来自格林－戴维逊大酒店的年轻人最艳羡不已的正是这个房间。他们在这里欢宴，不知怎的觉得自己老成持重，见多识广，格外神气，从而成为……真正见过世面的人了。拉特勒和赫格伦(现在克莱德非常爱慕他们)和其他大多数人都很满意，认为整个堪萨斯城再也没有比它更好的馆子了。
这一天，他们中午领了薪水，下午六点下了班，就在酒店外拐角处，紧挨着克莱德当初上门求职的杂货店的地方集合，然后欢欢喜喜。热热闹闹地一块儿出发了……有赫格伦。拉特勒。保罗。希尔。戴维斯。希格比(此人也是本店年轻的侍应生)。阿瑟。金塞拉以及克莱德。
"圣路易来的拿〔那〕个家伙，昨儿个跟总帐房开了个大玩笑，也〔你〕们听说过没有?
"他们才上路，赫格伦就马上冲大伙儿问道。"上星期六，他从圣路易打来了电报，是给大〔他〕们夫妇俩预订一整套房间，包括一个客厅。一间卧室。一个学〔浴〕室，而且关照房间里还要摆上鲜花。是管钥匙的师傅吉米刚才告诉我的。而〔后〕来，他果然来了，登记的时候，他说他本人和他的年轻小姑娘是夫妻两口子，嘿，拿〔那〕个小妞儿，也真的够好看哩……我亲眼看到大〔他〕们的。喂，伙计们，也〔你〕们也听着，好不好?
而〔后〕来，到了星期三，也就是说，他在这儿已住了三天了，大〔他〕们开始对他有一点儿怀疑……要知道他的一日几餐都要送到房间里，还有这样拿〔那〕样的事……而〔后〕来，他下楼到了帐房间，说他太太药〔要〕去圣路易，所以，他用不着拿〔那〕一整套房间，次药〔只要〕一个单间就得了。还说在她上火车以前，要把他的箱子和她的手提包通通搬进新开的单间去。可是拿〔那〕只箱子压根儿不是他的，也〔你〕们明白吗，偏巧就是她的。她呢压根儿就没有九〔走〕，她对这希〔事〕一点儿都不知道。反正药九〔要走〕的……是他。而〔后〕来，他急匆匆溜九〔走〕了，明白吗，却把她和她的箱子全甩在房间里，而且连一个子儿也美〔没〕留下，也〔你〕们明白吗?
于是，大〔他〕们把她和她的箱子全个〔扣〕下来，她呀又是哭，又是久〔叫〕，给朋友们打电报，还得把钱付清才行。也〔你〕们见过这样的事吗?
还有那些鲜花，都是玫瑰花啊。再说房间里开过六顿饭，他还喝过酒，通通都得付钱。""是呀，你说的那个人，我也知道，"保罗。希尔大声嚷了起来。"我就上楼给他送过酒呢。我觉得这家伙身上有点儿假。他这个人太圆滑，说话嗓门又太大。而且他给的小费只有十个美分。""我也想起他来了，"拉特勒大声喊道。"那天，他叫我下去，把所有星期一的芝加哥报纸都买来，才给了我十个美分，我一下子看出他好象是个骗子手。
""可不是，大〔他〕们真的上他老当啦。"这是赫格伦在说话。"现在大〔他〕们一个劲儿想从她身上把钱抠捉〔出〕来。也〔你〕们见过这种希〔事〕没有?
""我看她才十八岁……最多也不过二十，"直到此刻，一气不吭的阿瑟。金塞拉插进来说了一句。
"喂，克莱德，他们这两个人，你见过没有?
"拉特勒问道。对于克莱德，他一向热心照顾，此刻竭力鼓励克莱德说说话。
"没有呐，"克莱德回答说。"这两位我准是错过了。我已想不起见过哪一位了。""噢哟哟，你错过了这一个，就等于是……错过了一个头等人物:
高高的个儿，身穿黑色常礼服，头戴圆顶宽边黑礼帽，低低地拉到眼边，脚上还套着淡灰色鞋罩。开头，我还以为他是一个英国公爵什么的，瞧他走路的神气，手里还拄着拐杖，真帅。这种人只要一摆出英国佬这套派头，说话时嗓门儿又大，净向周围每一个人发号施令，包管每回都能蒙混过去。""说得对，"戴维斯。希格比发表了自己意见。"那种英国派头……这玩意儿可真不赖。有的时候，我觉得也不妨拿过来，给自己装装场面。"他们一行人已经拐了两个弯，走过两条街，排成一字形，迈进了弗里塞尔酒家的大门，见到灯光下闪闪发亮的细瓷杯碟，银质餐具和各种面孔，还听见席间一片嘈杂的谈笑声。杯盘碰击声。这使克莱德大为感动。除了格林－戴维逊大酒店以外，他从来没有到过这么闹哄哄的地方。而且又是跟这些见多识广。
经验丰富的年轻人一块儿来的。
他们径直走到沿墙根配备皮椅的一排桌子跟前。侍者领班一见拉特勒。赫格伦。金塞拉几位老主顾，索性把两张桌子拼在一块，黄油。面包和玻璃杯一一端上来。他们就围着桌子依次入座，克莱德和拉特勒。希格比靠墙坐，赫格伦。金塞拉和希尔则坐在对面。
"得了吧，我希〔先〕来一杯高级的曼哈顿鸡尾酒，"赫格伦好象有点儿馋涎似地大声嚷嚷说，同时又举目四顾，觉得这会儿他真的成了一个了不起的人物。
他的肌肤是淡红略带褐色;一双碧蓝眼睛很机灵;他那淡红略带棕色的头发竖立在前额，一眼望去，有点儿象一头昂首高吭的大公鸡。
阿瑟。金塞拉一到这里，如同克莱德一样，仿佛一下子快活起来，并且由于眼前这一盛举，好象心情格外舒畅。他煞有介事地把衣袖往上捋一捋，抓起一份菜单，了一下后面开列的各种酒名，大声嚷道:
"好吧，先来味儿淡一些的马丁尼鸡尾酒，倒是更配我的胃口。""得了，给我先来一点儿兑汽水的威士忌，"保罗。希尔一本正经地说，同时仔细看着肉类的菜单。
"今儿晚上，我才不喝你们的鸡尾酒，"拉特勒乐乐呵呵，而又很坚决地说着，不过听得出多少带一点儿矜持的语调。"我说过今儿晚上不想多喝，那就不多喝呗。我只想来一杯莱茵酒，兑上一些塞尔查矿泉水就够了。""我的老天哪，也〔你〕们听他胡诌拿〔那〕一套吗?
"赫格伦深为不满地嚷了起来。"他要先喝莱茵酒。可他一向喜欢喝曼哈顿鸡尾酒。你怎么突然出了什么毛病，汤米?
我希〔记〕得你说过今儿晚上要玩个痛快呢。""现在我还是这么说，"拉特勒回答说，"可是不把这儿的酒通通喝完，难道就不能玩个痛快吗?
今儿晚上我要节制些，不打算喝醉。只要我脑子清醒，明儿早上就不会挨骂了。上一回，我差点儿上不了班。""这倒是实话，"阿瑟。金塞拉大声嚷道。"我也不想喝得太多了，弄得自己昏头昏脑的，不过这会儿就让我为这担心，不免为时太早。""你怎么样，希格比?
"这时赫格伦又问那个眼睛滴溜滚圆的年轻人。
"我也要曼哈顿鸡尾酒，"他回答说，随后就昂起头来，瞅了一眼站在他身旁的侍者说，"运气怎么样，丹尼斯?
""哦，没得话说的，"侍者回答说。"这几天运气都不坏。酒店里怎么样?
""很好，很好，"希格比乐呵呵地说，一面在仔细看菜单。
"你呢，格里菲思?
你要喝什么?
"赫格伦开口问，因为他是大伙儿推选出来的司仪，点菜。付帐。给小费，全归他负责，这会儿他是在履行自己职责。
"是谁，是我吗?
哦，哦……"克莱德大声嚷道;这一问让他感到有点儿不安，因为到现在为止……事实上就是说到此刻为止……比咖啡。冰淇淋汽水刺激性更强的东西，他从来还没有沾过唇边。这些年轻人点鸡尾酒和威士忌时那种活泼老练劲儿，不免使他大吃一惊。当然罗，他是决不会走得那么远的，不过，从这些年轻人的言谈之中，他早就知道:
他们在眼前这种场合确实喝酒的，因此，他很难想象自己怎能退缩不前。要是他什么也不喝，他们会对他有怎么个想法呢?
自从跟他们厮混在一起以后，他一直在试着要表现得象一个见过世面的人。
跟他们完全一个样。可是，他也清清楚楚地感觉到，这么多年以来自己总是不断地受到开导，说喝酒和跟坏人交朋友，该有多么"可怕"。虽然许久以来，他一直都在暗中反抗父母经常循循善诱的所有基督教《圣经》经文和箴言，对于他们始终在想尽办法去拯救的那些乌合之众……窝囊废和落伍者，也是历来嫉恶如仇，认为他们全是不值一提的垃圾。尽管如此，现在他还得要三思而行。他到底应不应该喝酒?
所有这些念头只是一瞬间在他心底汹涌而起，他稍微迟疑了一下，就接下去说:
"怎么啦，我……哦……我说我也来一点莱茵酒，兑些塞尔查矿泉水吧。"依他看，这是最不费劲而又最稳妥的说法。赫格伦和所有其他的人都一个劲儿说过，兑上塞尔查矿泉水的莱茵酒，酒性温和，甚至没有任何害处。况且拉特勒也要喝这个呀……这样，他选定的这种酒就不算太显眼，而且在他看来，也不算太可笑了。
"你们听听他此〔这〕个吧?
"赫格伦惹人注目地嚷了起来。"他说他也要兑矿泉水的莱茵酒。得了吧，我看还是请别位想想办法，要不然此〔这〕个晚宴到八点半可就散伙。"戴维斯。希格比，此人外表好似和善，实际上却十分尖酸刻薄，而又喜爱喧闹，这时侧过身来，向拉特勒示意说:
"泥〔你〕一开头马上就要莱茵酒兑塞尔查矿泉水，到底嘛意思，汤姆?
泥〔你〕不让我们今儿晚上玩个痛快吗?
""哦，我不是已经向你们解释过了，"拉特勒说。"再说，上一回我上那个窝儿去，才进去的时候，身边还有四十块钱，等我出来的时候，连一个子儿也都没了。这一回，我自个儿可要留点神。""那个窝儿，"克莱德一听到这个扯儿，心中不由得暗自思忖起来。这么说来，晚宴以后，他们个个吃饱喝足了，就要去一个所谓"窝儿"的地方……准是一个下流场所。这是毫无疑问的……他知道"窝儿"这两个字包含什么意思。那里准定有女人……坏女人……邪恶的女人。那时要是他们指望他……能不能……难道说他也会……吗?
现在是他生平头一遭必须对自己以下这么一个渴望作出抉择的时候了。许久以来一直有一个令人心醉神迷的大秘密摆在他面前，使他神魂颠倒，而又困惑骇怕;而他总是如饥似渴地想要对它有一个更为确切的了解。尽管他对以上种种问题，以及普通妇女问题已经思考得很多，可是，他从来没有以现在这种方式跟哪一个女人接触过。而现在……现在……突然间，他觉得自己后背，乃至于全身上下，仿佛隐隐约约地一阵冷。一阵热。他的手和脚骤然发烧，随后分泌出湿粘粘的东西……于是，他的腮帮子和额角一下子都涨得火红一般。这些连他自己也都能感觉得到了。种种稀奇古怪。瞬息即逝。令人陶醉，而又困惑不安的思绪在他心中来回激荡。他浑身上下肌肤毛发末梢都在微微颤栗，他眼前浮现出一幅幅画面……都是些酗酒后纵欲胡闹的情景。尽管他马上就使劲想把它们从自己脑际驱赶出去，可是枉然徒劳:
这些情景还是不断地返回来。再说，他心里也巴不得它们返回来。可他又并不是巴不得那样。所有这一切……他经过反复思考，不免感到有点儿害怕。呸!
难道说他连一点儿胆量也都没有吗?
瞧别的小伙子，他们可都没有临阵感到困惑不安呀。他们心里正乐开了花呢。他们正说着他们上次一块去时闹过的一些洋相，大伙儿还逗着玩笑呢。可是万一他母亲知道了，又会怎么个想法?
他的母亲啊!
这会儿他既不敢想他的母亲，也不敢想他的父亲，于是就毅然决然地把他们从自己脑际撵了出去。
"喂，金塞拉，"希格比喊道。"太平洋街那个窝儿里……那个红头发小妞儿……要你跟她一块儿私奔到芝加哥，你总还记得吧?
""当然罗，我记得!
"乐得笑哈哈的金塞拉回答说，一面喝着刚端来的马丁尼鸡尾酒。"她甚至还撺掇我离开酒店，干脆改行，而且，她还答应帮我做什么买卖来着。她还对我说，'
''''只要我厮守着她，什么事都不用我干。，""是啊，赶明儿你什么事都不用干，只干一件事就得了，"拉特勒大声说道。
这时，侍者已把克莱德要的一杯兑塞尔查矿泉水的莱茵酒端到他面前。所有这些话他听了很有劲儿，同时却感到紧张。困惑，而又着了迷，于是端起酒杯，呷了一口，觉得味儿还算温和，合口味，就一仰脖把它喝干了。只是由于他这时忧心忡忡，所以没有意识到自己酒已经喝干了。
"真是好样的，"金塞拉用最最热和的口吻说。"可见你喜欢这玩意儿。""是啊，还不坏，"克莱德回答说。
赫格伦看见他一仰脖把酒喝干，觉得对克莱德这种初出茅庐的黄口小儿，就得多鼓鼓气，于是招呼侍者:
"喂，杰利!
"他用手一遮低声轻语说，"这个再来一杯，要大杯的!
"晚宴就这样继续进行。他们把各种各样有趣的话题……比方说，过去的男女私情。过去的行当，以及过去斗胆包天的种种勾当……都给讲完了。这时候，克莱德经过相当充分时间仔细琢磨过所有这些年轻人之后……他认为自己并不象他们所想象的那么幼稚;或者说即使幼稚的话，至少比他们里头绝大多数人要乖觉些……智力上也要聪明些。他们这拨人算什么?
他们有什么抱负?
依他看，赫格伦爱虚荣，吵吵闹闹，傻头傻脑……稍微恭维几句，一下子就能把他收买过来。至于希格比和金塞拉，这两个人都是有趣的漂亮小伙子，他们常常奚落克莱德外行而沾沾自喜……希格比稍微懂一点汽车，因为他有个叔叔做汽车生意……金塞拉是个赌徒，甚至因为会掷骰子而显得神气活现。再说拉特勒和希尔，克莱德老早就看清楚了，他们干上侍应生这一行，已是心满意足……只想一直干下去，别无他求……可是他呢，即使在眼前，也不相信侍应生这一行会让他永远感到兴趣。
同时，他心中又有一点儿忐忑不安地琢磨着一个问题:
他们多咱出发，到他从来没去过的地方，去干他过去连想都不让自己想的那些玩意儿。他想，是不是最好一出大门，自己先找个借口溜之大吉;还是开头跟着他们随大溜走一程，随后到某个拐角处偷偷回家转呢?
因为他早就听说过，有时候就是在这些地方得了一些最可怕的病……因为就是这样干过那些下流邪恶的勾当，人们最后不是都惨遭死亡吗?
所有这些问题母亲在传道时都讲到过，他虽然也听见了……但是，对此他并没有什么直接体会。不过，再看看这里的小伙子们，主意既定，谁都没有感到惴惴不安，这就足以驳倒上述说法了。而且相反，他们对这种事还那么兴高采烈。津津乐道……说穿了无非如此罢了。
说实在的，拉特勒现在很喜欢克莱德，更多的是因为克莱德观看。询问。
倾听时流露的那种神态，而不是因为他所做过哪些事，或是说过哪些话。拉特勒不时用胳膊肘轻轻地推推他，笑着问:
"怎么样，克莱德?
今儿晚上该正式入门了吧?
"说完脸上堆满笑容。有时，他看见克莱德闷声不响，心事重重，就说:
"克莱德，别害怕，不会把你全吃掉的……最多不过咬你一口罢了。"本来赫格伦一直在自吹自擂，殊不知他一听到拉特勒这句暗示话，马上接过茬说:
"你不会一辈子都是这样的，克莱德。拿〔哪〕一个都得变嘛。不过，万一碰上麻烦，我们全同你在一块儿，就得了。"克莱德这时心里既紧张。又有点恼火，于是顶嘴说:
"喂，你们二位别胡扯了。
捉弄得也够了吧。你们拚命夸口你们懂的比我多得多，这有什么用处?
"拉特勒就给赫格伦眨眨眼，暗示他不要再说了，随后对克莱德低声耳语说:
"得了，伙计，别生气嘛。你也知道，我们只不过是开开玩笑罢了。"克莱德因为很喜欢拉特勒，心一下子就软下来，后悔太傻，泄露了自己的真实看法。
可是，最后到了十一点钟，他们早已吃饱。喝足。谈够了，就拔脚要走，由赫格伦领头，这一帮子出了大门。他们那种下流的诡秘行径，并没有促使他们严肃地思考一番，或是在心灵上。道德上引起自我反省，乃至于自我鞭笞，而是恰好相反，他们竟然有说有笑，仿佛等待他们的，只是一场美妙无穷的娱乐消遣似的。这时，他们还喜欢旧事重提，使克莱德听了既反感，而又惊讶……特别是扯到某一次寻花问柳的经历，似乎逗得他们个个心花怒放。说的是:
他们从前逛过一回他们叫做"窝儿"……名为"贝蒂娜公馆"的地方。原是在当地另一家旅馆里任职的。有个名叫"平基"(此处系英文译音，意谓"粉红色"。)。琼斯的浪荡子带领他们去的。此人和另一个名叫伯明翰的，还有这个发酒疯的赫格伦，在那儿恣意纵欲，大闹恶作剧，差点给抓了起来，克莱德听他们讲到这些恶作剧时，觉得从这些小伙子的素质和整洁的外表来看，似乎极不可能干出这等事来……可是，他们的恶作剧毕竟太粗野。太卑劣了，使他禁不住感到一阵恶心。
"你们记不记得，我跑出来的时候，二楼那个姑娘把一罐子水直往我身上泼呀，"赫格伦放声大笑，嚷了起来。
"还有二楼那个大胖子，赶到大门口来看热闹呢。你们还记得吧?
"金塞拉笑眯眯地说。"我敢打赌，他心里想也许失火了，或是发生骚乱了。""还有你跟那个名叫'
''''皮吉，(此处系英文译音，意谓"小猪仔"。)的小胖姑娘儿。记得吧，拉特勒?
"希尔一面尖叫着，拚命想要说下去，一面又哈哈大笑，连气都喘不过来。
"拉特勒喝得醉醺醺，两只脚都站不稳。哦……嗬!
"赫格伦大吼一声。"后来他们两个一块儿从台阶上滚下来啊。""那全得怪你，赫格伦，"在金塞拉旁边的希格比说道。"要是你不耍'
''''软鞭子，那玩意儿，我们怎么也不会给人撵了出来。""老实说，我真的喝醉了，"拉特勒抗议说。"那全得怪他们那儿卖的蹩脚烈性威士忌。""那个身材瘦长。蓄着络腮胡子的得克萨斯人，你一辈子也忘不了吧?
瞧他格格大笑那副德行呀!
"金塞拉又找补着说。"别的家伙反对我们，可他没有一块儿帮着出力，还记得吧?
""我们没有全给人撵到大街上，也没有给警察逮住，真是了不起。嘿，嘿，那天晚上多美!
"拉特勒回忆说。
可是他们泄露的这些秘闻，使克莱德听后有点儿头昏目眩了。"软鞭子"!
那只不过是指其中一件事罢了。
他们也许指望他也会跟着他们一块儿胡闹取乐的。那可办不到。他可不是那种人。他的父母要是听说这些骇人听闻的事，又会作何感想呢?
可是……他们边说边走，不觉来到了一条幽暗而又相当宽敞的大街某一所房子跟前，有不少马车和汽车。三三两两地停放在沿着一个或一个以上街区马路两旁。离这儿不远的一个大街拐角处，有几个年轻人正伫立在那里谈天。对面还有更多的人。再过不到半个街区，他们看见两个警察在闲扯淡。虽然哪个窗子里或是气窗里都没有透出灯光来，可是说来也真怪，依然让人感到一种栩栩如生。光彩夺目的生活气息。这一点就是在这条幽暗的大街上，也还是可以感觉到。出租汽车一个劲儿摁着喇叭，飞驰而过;两辆老式带篷马车不停地来来去去，车窗帘子拉得严严实实的。不时听到砰砰地大门响，一会儿关上，一会儿撞开，一会儿又关上了。屋子里一道亮光，有时穿透户外一片黑暗，可又倏忽不见了。
这天晚上，满天星星当空照。
后来，谁都是一言不语，赫格伦在希格比和希尔陪同下，走到了这所房子跟前，然后拾阶而上，按了一下门铃。眨眼间就有一个全身穿红的黑人小姑娘来开门，并且殷勤地招呼他们说:
"晚上好。请，请，里进?
，于是，他们六个汉子一下子从她身边簇拥过去，穿过一道道隔开这一个小小的前厅和各个主要房间的天鹅绒厚帷帘。克莱德发现自己置身在一个灯火辉煌，但又相当俗气的大客厅(亦即会客室)里，墙壁上挂着不少镶着金边镜框的裸体和半裸体女人画像，还有好几面高高的窗间壁穿衣镜。客厅里铺上了鲜红的厚地毯，并且随便摆上许多镀金椅子。客厅后部，挂着一些令人炫目的红色帐幔，前面置放一架镀金竖式钢琴。不过，这里仿佛见不到什么客人或是住在同院的人……只有那个黑人小姑娘。
"各位请坐。别客气。我这就去叫太太。"说完，她就一溜小跑，往左直奔楼上，一个劲儿喊道:
"哦，玛丽!
萨迪!
卡罗琳!
客厅里到了好几位年轻的先生。"这时候，客厅后部一扇门里，走出来一个脸色苍白。细高挑儿的女人，年纪在三十八到四十岁之间……身姿挺秀，举止文雅，聪明伶俐，但又好象喜欢发号施令，她穿着透明。素朴的衣服，露出淡淡的倦容，强作欢颜，说道:
"哦，你好，奥斯卡，是你呀，是不是?
还有……你，保罗。你好!
你好!
戴维斯!
各位千万别客气。范妮一会儿就到。她会给各位端上一些喝的。我刚从圣乔请到一位新钢琴师……是个黑人。你们想听他弹吗?
他可弹得棒极了。"她一转身回到客厅后部，大声喊道:
"喂，萨姆!
"这时，有九个年龄和容貌各不相同的姑娘，从后部另一侧楼梯首尾相接，拾级而下……一望可知，她们中间没有一个年龄超过二十四。五岁以上的，她们身上的衣着打扮，克莱德从来没有看见别处的女人穿过。她们下楼的时候，个个都是有说有笑的……显然觉得自己非常得意洋洋，而且，对自己的模样儿一点也都不害羞。不过，在克莱德看来，她们有些人打扮得相当别致;她们的服装，从绣阁里最艳丽。薄如蝉翼的透明长睡衣，一直到虽然比较素淡。却也同样袒胸裸肩的舞会晚礼服，应有尽有。她们的体态。身段。容貌，各不相同……比方说，苗条的。丰腴的，或适可而止的……体型有高个儿，也有矮个儿……有浅黑的。白嫩的，或则介于二者之间适中的肤色。不论岁数大小，看起来她们都很年轻。而且，她们一笑起来，又是那么亲昵。那么迷人。
"哦，你好，我的心肝宝贝呀!
你好?
要跟我跳舞吗?
"或是说，"你要喝点什么吗?"
收听单词发音 |
1
genial
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| adj.亲切的，和蔼的，愉快的，脾气好的 | |
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excellence
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| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
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geniality
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| n.和蔼，诚恳；愉快 | |
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followers
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| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
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drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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wan
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| (wide area network)广域网 | |
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applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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parlor
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| n.店铺，营业室；会客室，客厅 | |
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den
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| n.兽穴；秘密地方；安静的小房间，私室 | |
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gee
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| n.马；int.向右！前进！，惊讶时所发声音；v.向右转 | |
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suite
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| n.一套(家具)；套房；随从人员 | |
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dime
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| n.（指美国、加拿大的钱币）一角 | |
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bluff
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| v.虚张声势，用假象骗人；n.虚张声势，欺骗 | |
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gouge
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| v.凿；挖出；n.半圆凿；凿孔；欺诈 | |
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spats
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| n.口角( spat的名词复数 )；小争吵；鞋罩；鞋套v.spit的过去式和过去分词( spat的第三人称单数 )；口角；小争吵；鞋罩 | |
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cane
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| n.手杖，细长的茎，藤条；v.以杖击，以藤编制的 | |
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clatter
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| v./n.(使)发出连续而清脆的撞击声 | |
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avidly
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| adv.渴望地，热心地 | |
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hue
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| n.色度；色调；样子 | |
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perk
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| n.额外津贴；赏钱；小费； | |
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scotch
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| n.伤口，刻痕；苏格兰威士忌酒；v.粉碎，消灭，阻止；adj.苏格兰(人)的 | |
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soda
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| n.苏打水；汽水 | |
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24
cocktails
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| n.鸡尾酒( cocktail的名词复数 )；餐前开胃菜；混合物 | |
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25
genially
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| adv.亲切地，和蔼地；快活地 | |
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26
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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27
maxims
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| n.格言，座右铭( maxim的名词复数 ) | |
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28
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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29
temperate
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| adj.温和的，温带的，自我克制的，不过分的 | |
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conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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trenchant
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| adj.尖刻的，清晰的 | |
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exterior
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| adj.外部的，外在的；表面的 | |
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joint
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| adj.联合的，共同的；n.关节，接合处；v.连接，贴合 | |
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34
bucks
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| n.雄鹿( buck的名词复数 )；钱；（英国十九世纪初的）花花公子；（用于某些表达方式）责任v.（马等）猛然弓背跃起( buck的第三人称单数 )；抵制；猛然震荡；马等尥起后蹄跳跃 | |
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35
racing
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| n.竞赛，赛马；adj.竞赛用的，赛马用的 | |
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36
enticing
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| adj.迷人的；诱人的 | |
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tingled
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| v.有刺痛感( tingle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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prospects
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| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
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resolutely
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| adj.坚决地，果断地 | |
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40
wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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42
feats
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| 功绩，伟业，技艺( feat的名词复数 ) | |
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43
mentality
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| n.心理，思想，脑力 | |
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44
gambling
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| n.赌博；投机 | |
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45
dice
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| n.骰子；vt.把（食物）切成小方块，冒险 | |
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46
whatsoever
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| adv.（用于否定句中以加强语气）任何；pron.无论什么 | |
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47
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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48
vices
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| 缺陷( vice的名词复数 )； 恶习； 不道德行为； 台钳 | |
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49
initiated
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| n. 创始人 adj. 新加入的 vt. 开始，创始，启蒙，介绍加入 | |
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50
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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51
intoxicated
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| 喝醉的，极其兴奋的 | |
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52
pranks
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| n.玩笑，恶作剧( prank的名词复数 ) | |
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53
caliber
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| n.能力；水准 | |
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54
pitcher
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| n.(有嘴和柄的)大水罐；(棒球)投手 | |
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55
doused
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| v.浇水在…上( douse的过去式和过去分词 )；熄灯[火] | |
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56
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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57
squealed
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| v.长声尖叫，用长而尖锐的声音说( squeal的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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58
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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59
revels
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| n.作乐( revel的名词复数 )；狂欢；着迷；陶醉v.作乐( revel的第三人称单数 )；狂欢；着迷；陶醉 | |
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60
curbs
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| v.限制，克制，抑制( curb的第三人称单数 ) | |
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61
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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62
conversing
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的现在分词 ) | |
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63
curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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64
honked
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| v.（使）发出雁叫似的声音，鸣（喇叭），按（喇叭）( honk的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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65
pier
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| n.码头；桥墩，桥柱；[建]窗间壁，支柱 | |
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66
velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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67
chambers
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| n.房间( chamber的名词复数 )；（议会的）议院；卧室；会议厅 | |
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68
gaudy
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| adj.华而不实的；俗丽的 | |
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69
ornamented
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| adj.花式字体的v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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70
gilt
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| adj.镀金的；n.金边证券 | |
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71
nude
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| adj.裸体的；n.裸体者，裸体艺术品 | |
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72
inmates
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| n.囚犯( inmate的名词复数 ) | |
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73
erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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74
garbed
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| v.（尤指某类人穿的特定）服装，衣服，制服( garb的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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75
awfully
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| adv.可怕地，非常地，极端地 | |
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76
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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77
ballroom
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| n.舞厅 | |
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varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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