The Road to Understanding
 小说分类
选择字号：【大】【中】【小】
关灯
护眼
CHAPTER XXV ENIGMAS

关注小说网官方公众号（noveltingroom），原版名著免费领。



Not until Burke Denby became convinced that Miss Elizabeth Darling was not his daughter did he realize how deeply the thought that she might be had taken hold of his very life—how closely entwined in his affections she had become. From the first minute the electrifying1 idea of her possible relationship had come to him, he had (in spite of his determination to the contrary) reveled in pictures of what his home would be with a daughter like that to love—and to love him. Helen, too, was in the pictures—true, a vague, shadowy Helen, yet a Helen idealized and glorified2 by the remorseful3 repentance4 born of a bunch of worn little diaries. Then to have the beautiful vision shattered by one word from the girl's own lips—and just when he had attained5 the pinnacle6 of joyous7 conviction that she was, indeed, his little girl of the long ago—it seemed as though he could not bear it.
 
And, most anguishing8 of all, there was no chance that there was a mistake. Even if the incongruity9 of her description of her father as applied10 to himself could be explained away, there was yet the insurmountable left. With his own ears he had heard her say that her father was dead—had been dead for many years. That settled it, of course. There could be no mistake about—death.[Pg 349]
 
After the first stunning11 force of the disappointment, there came to Burke Denby the reaction—in the case of Burke Denby a characteristic reaction. It became evident, to some extent, the very next day. For the first time in weeks he did not work with his secretary over the cataloguing at all during the day. He

点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 electrifying f2081dbc620a5b326b713cef8349d30e     
v.使电气化( electrify的现在分词 )；使兴奋
参考例句：
  • The dancers gave an electrifying performance. 舞蹈演员们的表演激动人心。
  • The national orchestra gave an electrifying performance of classic music. 国家交响乐团举行了一次古典音乐的震撼性演出。 来自辞典例句
2 glorified 74d607c2a7eb7a7ef55bda91627eda5a     
美其名的，变荣耀的
参考例句：
  • The restaurant was no more than a glorified fast-food cafe. 这地方美其名曰餐馆，其实只不过是个快餐店而已。
  • The author glorified the life of the peasants. 那个作者赞美了农民的生活。
3 remorseful IBBzo     
adj.悔恨的
参考例句：
  • He represented to the court that the accused was very remorseful.他代被告向法庭陈情说被告十分懊悔。
  • The minister well knew--subtle,but remorseful hypocrite that he was!牧师深知这一切——他是一个多么难以捉摸又懊悔不迭的伪君子啊！
4 repentance ZCnyS     
n.懊悔
参考例句：
  • He shows no repentance for what he has done.他对他的所作所为一点也不懊悔。
  • Christ is inviting sinners to repentance.基督正在敦请有罪的人悔悟。
5 attained 1f2c1bee274e81555decf78fe9b16b2f     
（通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况）
参考例句：
  • She has attained the degree of Master of Arts. 她已获得文学硕士学位。
  • Lu Hsun attained a high position in the republic of letters. 鲁迅在文坛上获得崇高的地位。
6 pinnacle A2Mzb     
n.尖塔，尖顶，山峰；(喻)顶峰
参考例句：
  • Now he is at the very pinnacle of his career.现在他正值事业中的顶峰时期。
  • It represents the pinnacle of intellectual capability.它代表了智能的顶峰。
7 joyous d3sxB     
adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的
参考例句：
  • The lively dance heightened the joyous atmosphere of the scene.轻快的舞蹈给这场戏渲染了欢乐气氛。
  • They conveyed the joyous news to us soon.他们把这一佳音很快地传递给我们。
8 anguishing 2ef2616560bc4b4d2e556c76dd62dfcd     
v.（尤指心理上的）极度的痛苦( anguish的现在分词 )
参考例句：
  • They are anguishing to observe. 观察它们是令人痛苦的事。 来自互联网
9 incongruity R8Bxo     
n.不协调，不一致
参考例句：
  • She smiled at the incongruity of the question.面对这样突兀的问题，她笑了。
  • When the particular outstrips the general,we are faced with an incongruity.当特别是超过了总的来讲，我们正面临着一个不协调。
10 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。
11 stunning NhGzDh     
adj.极好的；使人晕倒的
参考例句：
  • His plays are distinguished only by their stunning mediocrity.他的戏剧与众不同之处就是平凡得出奇。
  • The finished effect was absolutely stunning.完工后的效果非常美。
12 dictated aa4dc65f69c81352fa034c36d66908ec     
v.大声讲或读( dictate的过去式和过去分词 )；口授；支配；摆布
参考例句：
  • He dictated a letter to his secretary. 他向秘书口授信稿。
  • No person of a strong character likes to be dictated to. 没有一个个性强的人愿受人使唤。 来自《简明英汉词典》
13 luncheon V8az4     
n.午宴，午餐，便宴
参考例句：
  • We have luncheon at twelve o'clock.我们十二点钟用午餐。
  • I have a luncheon engagement.我午饭有约。
14 bent QQ8yD     
n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的
参考例句：
  • He was fully bent upon the project.他一心扑在这项计划上。
  • We bent over backward to help them.我们尽了最大努力帮助他们。
15 pang OKixL     
n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷
参考例句：
  • She experienced a sharp pang of disappointment.她经历了失望的巨大痛苦。
  • She was beginning to know the pang of disappointed love.她开始尝到了失恋的痛苦。
16 dreaded XuNzI3     
adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词)
参考例句：
  • The dreaded moment had finally arrived. 可怕的时刻终于来到了。
  • He dreaded having to spend Christmas in hospital. 他害怕非得在医院过圣诞节不可。 来自《用法词典》
17 lured 77df5632bf83c9c64fb09403ae21e649     
吸引，引诱（lure的过去式与过去分词形式）
参考例句：
  • The child was lured into a car but managed to escape. 那小孩被诱骗上了车，但又设法逃掉了。
  • Lured by the lust of gold,the pioneers pushed onward. 开拓者在黄金的诱惑下，继续奋力向前。
18 acting czRzoc     
n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的
参考例句：
  • Ignore her,she's just acting.别理她，她只是假装的。
  • During the seventies,her acting career was in eclipse.在七十年代，她的表演生涯黯然失色。
19 naught wGLxx     
n.无，零 [=nought]
参考例句：
  • He sets at naught every convention of society.他轻视所有的社会习俗。
  • I hope that all your efforts won't go for naught.我希望你的努力不会毫无结果。
20 deluded 7cff2ff368bbd8757f3c8daaf8eafd7f     
v.欺骗，哄骗( delude的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句：
  • Don't be deluded into thinking that we are out of danger yet. 不要误以为我们已脱离危险。
  • She deluded everyone into following her. 她骗得每个人都听信她的。 来自《简明英汉词典》
21 preposterous e1Tz2     
adj.荒谬的，可笑的
参考例句：
  • The whole idea was preposterous.整个想法都荒唐透顶。
  • It would be preposterous to shovel coal with a teaspoon.用茶匙铲煤是荒谬的。
22 chagrin 1cyyX     
n.懊恼；气愤；委屈
参考例句：
  • His increasingly visible chagrin sets up a vicious circle.他的明显的不满引起了一种恶性循环。
  • Much to his chagrin,he did not win the race.使他大为懊恼的是他赛跑没获胜。
23 wrath nVNzv     
n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒
参考例句：
  • His silence marked his wrath. 他的沉默表明了他的愤怒。
  • The wrath of the people is now aroused. 人们被激怒了。
24 systematically 7qhwn     
adv.有系统地
参考例句：
  • This government has systematically run down public services since it took office.这一屆政府自上台以来系统地削减了公共服务。
  • The rainforest is being systematically destroyed.雨林正被系统地毀灭。
25 accomplished UzwztZ     
adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的
参考例句：
  • Thanks to your help,we accomplished the task ahead of schedule.亏得你们帮忙,我们才提前完成了任务。
  • Removal of excess heat is accomplished by means of a radiator.通过散热器完成多余热量的排出。
26 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。
27 tabulating ed759cf435b380e0e10c8c3658f2a56d     
把（数字、事实）列成表( tabulate的现在分词 )； 制表
参考例句：
  • The Census Office did not finish tabulating the results until 1888. 直到1888年，人口普查办公室才完成统计数字表格。
  • By 1890 a revolutionary electrical tabulating system was available. 到了1890年，一种具有革命意义的电动制表装置投入使用。
28 poignantly ca9ab097e4c5dac69066957c74ed5da6     
参考例句：
  • His story is told poignantly in the film, A Beautiful Mind, now showing here. 以他的故事拍成的电影《美丽境界》，正在本地上映。
29 longing 98bzd     
n.（for）渴望
参考例句：
  • Hearing the tune again sent waves of longing through her.再次听到那首曲子使她胸中充满了渴望。
  • His heart burned with longing for revenge.他心中燃烧着急欲复仇的怒火。
30 adoption UK7yu     
n.采用，采纳，通过；收养
参考例句：
  • An adoption agency had sent the boys to two different families.一个收养机构把他们送给两个不同的家庭。
  • The adoption of this policy would relieve them of a tremendous burden.采取这一政策会给他们解除一个巨大的负担。
31 morose qjByA     
adj.脾气坏的，不高兴的
参考例句：
  • He was silent and morose.他沉默寡言、郁郁寡欢。
  • The publicity didn't make him morose or unhappy?公开以后，没有让他郁闷或者不开心吗？
32 delightful 6xzxT     
adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的
参考例句：
  • We had a delightful time by the seashore last Sunday.上星期天我们在海滨玩得真痛快。
  • Peter played a delightful melody on his flute.彼得用笛子吹奏了一支欢快的曲子。
33 enigma 68HyU     
n.谜，谜一样的人或事
参考例句：
  • I've known him for many years,but he remains something of an enigma to me.我与他相识多年，他仍然难以捉摸。
  • Even after all the testimonies,the murder remained a enigma.即使听完了所有的证词，这件谋杀案仍然是一个谜。
34 whim 2gywE     
n.一时的兴致，突然的念头；奇想，幻想
参考例句：
  • I bought the encyclopedia on a whim.我凭一时的兴致买了这本百科全书。
  • He had a sudden whim to go sailing today.今天他突然想要去航海。
35 elasticity 8jlzp     
n.弹性，伸缩力
参考例句：
  • The skin eventually loses its elasticity.皮肤最终会失去弹性。
  • Every sort of spring has a definite elasticity.每一种弹簧都有一定的弹性。
36 stimulus 3huyO     
n.刺激，刺激物，促进因素，引起兴奋的事物
参考例句：
  • Regard each failure as a stimulus to further efforts.把每次失利看成对进一步努力的激励。
  • Light is a stimulus to growth in plants.光是促进植物生长的一个因素。
37 aloofness 25ca9c51f6709fb14da321a67a42da8a     
超然态度
参考例句：
  • Why should I have treated him with such sharp aloofness? 但我为什么要给人一些严厉，一些端庄呢？ 来自汉英文学 - 中国现代小说
  • He had an air of haughty aloofness. 他有一种高傲的神情。 来自辞典例句
38 vexed fd1a5654154eed3c0a0820ab54fb90a7     
adj.争论不休的；（指问题等）棘手的；争论不休的问题；烦恼的v.使烦恼( vex的过去式和过去分词 )；使苦恼；使生气；详细讨论
参考例句：
  • The conference spent days discussing the vexed question of border controls. 会议花了几天的时间讨论边境关卡这个难题。
  • He was vexed at his failure. 他因失败而懊恼。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
39 habitually 4rKzgk     
ad.习惯地，通常地
参考例句：
  • The pain of the disease caused him habitually to furrow his brow. 病痛使他习惯性地紧皱眉头。
  • Habitually obedient to John, I came up to his chair. 我已经习惯于服从约翰，我来到他的椅子跟前。
40 undesirable zp0yb     
adj.不受欢迎的，不良的，不合意的，讨厌的；n.不受欢迎的人，不良分子
参考例句：
  • They are the undesirable elements among the employees.他们是雇员中的不良分子。
  • Certain chemicals can induce undesirable changes in the nervous system.有些化学物质能在神经系统中引起不良变化。
41 exasperating 06604aa7af9dfc9c7046206f7e102cf0     
adj. 激怒的 动词exasperate的现在分词形式
参考例句：
  • Our team's failure is very exasperating. 我们队失败了，真是气死人。
  • It is really exasperating that he has not turned up when the train is about to leave. 火车快开了， 他还不来，实在急人。
42 suave 3FXyH     
adj.温和的；柔和的；文雅的
参考例句：
  • He is a suave,cool and cultured man.他是个世故、冷静、有教养的人。
  • I had difficulty answering his suave questions.我难以回答他的一些彬彬有礼的提问。
43 remarkable 8Vbx6     
adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的
参考例句：
  • She has made remarkable headway in her writing skills.她在写作技巧方面有了长足进步。
  • These cars are remarkable for the quietness of their engines.这些汽车因发动机没有噪音而不同凡响。
44 evaded 4b636015da21a66943b43217559e0131     
逃避( evade的过去式和过去分词 )； 避开； 回避； 想不出
参考例句：
  • For two weeks they evaded the press. 他们有两周一直避而不见记者。
  • The lion evaded the hunter. 那狮子躲开了猎人。
45 peculiar cinyo     
adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的
参考例句：
  • He walks in a peculiar fashion.他走路的样子很奇特。
  • He looked at me with a very peculiar expression.他用一种很奇怪的表情看着我。
46 wart fMkzk     
n.疣，肉赘；瑕疵
参考例句：
  • What does the medicaments with remedial acuteness wet best wart have?治疗尖锐湿疣最好的药物有什么？
  • Flat wart is generally superficial,or sometimes a slight itching.扁平疣一般是不痛不痒的，或偶有轻微痒感。
47 alacrity MfFyL     
n.敏捷，轻快，乐意
参考例句：
  • Although the man was very old,he still moved with alacrity.他虽然很老，动作仍很敏捷。
  • He accepted my invitation with alacrity.他欣然接受我的邀请。
48 musingly ddec53b7ea68b079ee6cb62ac6c95bf9     
adv.沉思地，冥想地
参考例句：
49 insistent s6ZxC     
adj.迫切的，坚持的
参考例句：
  • There was an insistent knock on my door.我听到一阵急促的敲门声。
  • He is most insistent on this point.他在这点上很坚持。
50 chuckled 8ce1383c838073977a08258a1f3e30f8     
轻声地笑( chuckle的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句：
  • She chuckled at the memory. 想起这件事她就暗自发笑。
  • She chuckled softly to herself as she remembered his astonished look. 想起他那惊讶的表情，她就轻轻地暗自发笑。
51 bug 5skzf     
n.虫子；故障；窃听器；vt.纠缠；装窃听器
参考例句：
  • There is a bug in the system.系统出了故障。
  • The bird caught a bug on the fly.那鸟在飞行中捉住了一只昆虫。
52 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。
53 averse 6u0zk     
adj.厌恶的；反对的，不乐意的
参考例句：
  • I don't smoke cigarettes,but I'm not averse to the occasional cigar.我不吸烟，但我不反对偶尔抽一支雪茄。
  • We are averse to such noisy surroundings.我们不喜欢这么吵闹的环境。
54 instinctively 2qezD2     
adv.本能地
参考例句：
  • As he leaned towards her she instinctively recoiled. 他向她靠近，她本能地往后缩。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • He knew instinctively where he would find her. 他本能地知道在哪儿能找到她。 来自《简明英汉词典》
55 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。
56 frantic Jfyzr     
adj.狂乱的，错乱的，激昂的
参考例句：
  • I've had a frantic rush to get my work done.我急急忙忙地赶完工作。
  • He made frantic dash for the departing train.他发疯似地冲向正开出的火车。
57 impelled 8b9a928e37b947d87712c1a46c607ee7     
v.推动、推进或敦促某人做某事( impel的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句：
  • He felt impelled to investigate further. 他觉得有必要作进一步调查。
  • I feel impelled to express grave doubts about the project. 我觉得不得不对这项计划深表怀疑。 来自《简明英汉词典》
58 dodging dodging     
n.避开，闪过，音调改变v.闪躲( dodge的现在分词 )；回避
参考例句：
  • He ran across the road, dodging the traffic. 他躲开来往的车辆跑过马路。
  • I crossed the highway, dodging the traffic. 我避开车流穿过了公路。 来自辞典例句
59 throngs 5e6c4de77c525e61a9aea0c24215278d     
n.人群( throng的名词复数 )v.成群，挤满( throng的第三人称单数 )
参考例句：
  • She muscled through the throngs of people, frantically searching for David. 她使劲挤过人群，拼命寻找戴维。 来自辞典例句
  • Our friends threaded their way slowly through the throngs upon the Bridge. 我们这两位朋友在桥上从人群中穿过，慢慢地往前走。 来自辞典例句
60 hysterically 5q7zmQ     
ad. 歇斯底里地
参考例句：
  • The children giggled hysterically. 孩子们歇斯底里地傻笑。
  • She sobbed hysterically, and her thin body was shaken. 她歇斯底里地抽泣着，她瘦弱的身体哭得直颤抖。
61 spoke XryyC     
n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说
参考例句：
  • They sourced the spoke nuts from our company.他们的轮辐螺帽是从我们公司获得的。
  • The spokes of a wheel are the bars that connect the outer ring to the centre.辐条是轮子上连接外圈与中心的条棒。

分享到：


返回目录

英语听力 |  手机版  |  网页版
©英文小说网 2005-2010