Jo's Boys - Charter 14
时间：2020-09-16 07:40:18
（单词翻译:单击）
As it is as impossible for the humble1 historian of the March family to write a story without theatricals2 in it as for our dear Miss Yonge to get on with less than twelve or fourteen children in her interesting tales, we will accept the fact, and at once cheer ourselves after the last afflicting3 events, by proceeding4 to the Christmas plays at Plumfield; for they influence the fate of several of our characters, and cannot well be skipped.
When the college was built Mr Laurie added a charming little theatre which not only served for plays, but declamations, lectures, and concerts. The drop-curtain displayed Apollo with the Muses5 grouped about him; and as a compliment to the donor6 of the hall the artist had given the god a decided7 resemblance to our friend, which was considered a superb joke by everyone else. Home talent furnished stars, stock company, orchestra, and scene painter; and astonishing performances were given on this pretty little stage.
Mrs Jo had been trying for some time to produce a play which should be an improvement upon the adaptations from the French then in vogue8, curious mixtures of fine toilettes, false sentiment, and feeble wit, with no touch of nature to redeem9 them. It was easy to plan plays full of noble speeches and thrilling situations, but very hard to write them; so she contented10 herself with a few scenes of humble life in which the comic and pathetic were mingled12; and as she fitted her characters to her actors, she hoped the little venture would prove that truth and simplicity13 had not entirely14 lost their power to charm. Mr Laurie helped her, and they called themselves Beaumont and Fletcher, enjoying their joint15 labour very much; for Beaumont's knowledge of dramatic art was of great use in curbing17 Fletcher's too-aspiring pen, and they flattered themselves that they had produced a neat and effective bit of work as an experiment.
All was ready now; and Christmas Day was much enlivened by last rehearsals18, the panics of timid actors, the scramble19 for forgotten properties, and the decoration of the theatre. Evergreen20 and holly21 from the woods, blooming plants from the hothouse on Parnassus, and flags of all nations made it very gay that night in honour of the guests who were coming, chief among them, Miss Cameron, who kept her promise faithfully. The orchestra tuned22 their instruments with unusual care, the scene-shifters set their stage with lavish23 elegance24, the prompter heroically took his seat in the stifling25 nook provided for him, and the actors dressed with trembling hands that dropped the pins, and perspiring26 brows whereon the powder wouldn't stick. Beaumont and Fletcher were everywhere, feeling that their literary reputation was at stake; for sundry27 friendly critics were invited, and reporters, like mosquitoes, cannot be excluded from any earthly scene, be it a great man's death-bed or a dime28 museum.
'Has she come?' was the question asked by every tongue behind the curtain; and when Tom, who played an old man, endangered his respectable legs among the footlights to peep, announced that he saw Miss Cameron's handsome head in the place of honour, a thrill pervaded29 the entire company, and Josie declared with an excited gasp30 that she was going to have stage fright for the first time in her life.
'I'll shake you if you do,' said Mrs Jo, who was in such a wild state of dishevelment with her varied31 labours that she might have gone on as Madge Wildlife, without an additional rag or crazy elf-lock.
'You'll have time to get your wits together while we do our piece. We are old stagers and calm as clocks,' answered Demi, with a nod towards Alice, ready in her pretty dress and all her properties at hand.
But both clocks were going rather faster than usual, as heightened colour, brilliant eyes, and a certain flutter under the laces and velvet33 coat betrayed. They were to open the entertainment with a gay little piece which they had played before and did remarkably34 well. Alice was a tall girl, with dark hair and eyes, and a face which intelligence, health, and a happy heart made beautiful. She was looking her best now, for the brocades, plumes35, and powder of the Marquise became her stately figure; and Demi in his court suit, with sword, three-cornered hat, and white wig37, made as gallant38 a Baron39 as one would wish to see. Josie was the maid, and looked her part to the life, being as pretty, pert, and inquisitive40 as any French soubrette. These three were all the characters; and the success of the piece depended on the spirit and skill with which the quickly changing moods of the quarrelsome lovers were given, their witty41 speeches made to tell, and by-play suited to the courtly period in which the scene was laid.
Few would have recognized sober John and studious Alice in the dashing gentleman and coquettish lady, who kept the audience laughing at their caprices; while they enjoyed the brilliant costumes, and admired the ease and grace of the young actors. Josie was a prominent figure in the plot, as she listened at keyholes, peeped into notes, and popped in and out at all the most inopportune moments, with her nose in the air, her hands in her apron43-pockets, and curiosity pervading44 her little figure from the topmost bow of her jaunty45 cap to the red heels of her slippers46. All went smoothly47; and the capricious Marquise, after tormenting48 the devoted49 Baron to her heart's content, owned herself conquered in the war of wits, and was just offering the hand he had fairly won, when a crash startled them, and a heavily decorated side-scene swayed forward, ready to fall upon Alice. Demi saw it and sprung before her to catch and hold it up, standing50 like a modern Samson with the wall of a house on his back. The danger was over in a moment, and he was about to utter his last speech, when the excited young scene-shifter, who had flown up a ladder to repair the damage, leaned over to whisper 'All right', and release Demi from his spread-eagle attitude: as he did so, a hammer slipped out of his pocket, to fall upon the upturned face below, inflicting51 a smart blow and literally52 knocking the Baron's part out of his head.
'A quick curtain,' robbed the audience of a pretty little scene not down on the bill; for the Marquise flew to staunch the blood with a cry of alarm: 'Oh! John, you are hurt! Lean on me' - which John gladly did for a moment, being a trifle dazed yet quite able to enjoy the tender touch of the hands busied about him and the anxiety of the face so near his own; for both told him something which he would have considered cheaply won by a rain of hammers and the fall of the whole college on his head.
Nan was on the spot in a moment with the case that never left her pocket; and the wound was neatly53 plastered up by the time Mrs Jo arrived, demanding tragically55:
'Is he too much hurt to go on again? If he is, my play is lost!'
'I'm all the fitter for it, Aunty; for here's a real instead of a painted wound. I'll be ready; don't worry about me.' And catching56 up his wig, Demi was off, with only a very eloquent57 look of thanks to the Marquise, who had spoilt her gloves for his sake, but did not seem to mind it at all, though they reached above her elbows, and were most expensive.
'How are your nerves, Fletcher?' asked Mr Laurie as they stood together during the breathless minute before the last bell rings.
'About as calm as yours, Beaumont,' answered Mrs Jo, gesticulating wildly to Mrs Meg to set her cap straight.
'Bear up, partner! I'll stand by you whatever comes!'
'I feel that it ought to go; for, though it's a mere58 trifle, a good deal of honest work and truth have gone into it. Doesn't Meg look the picture of a dear old country woman?'
She certainly did, as she sat in the farmhouse59 kitchen by a cheery fire, rocking a cradle and darning stockings, as if she had done nothing else all her life. Grey hair, skilfully60 drawn61 lines on the forehead, and a plain gown, with cap, little shawl, and check apron, changed her into a comfortable, motherly creature who found favour the moment the curtain went up and discovered her rocking, darning, and crooning an old song. In a short soliloquy about Sam, her boy, who wanted to enlist62; Dolly, her discontented little daughter, who longed for city ease and pleasures; and poor 'Elizy', who had married badly, and came home to die, bequeathing her baby to her mother, lest its bad father should claim it, the little story was very simply opened, and made effective by the real boiling of the kettle on the crane, the ticking of a tall clock, and the appearance of a pair of blue worsted shoes which waved fitfully in the air to the soft babble63 of a baby's voice. Those shapeless little shoes won the first applause; and Mr Laurie, forgetting elegance in satisfaction, whispered to his coadjutor:
'I thought the baby would fetch them!'
'If the dear thing won't squall in the wrong place, we are saved. But it is risky64. Be ready to catch it if all Meg's cuddlings prove in vain,' answered Mrs Jo, adding, with a clutch at Mr Laurie's arm as a haggard face appeared at the window:
'Here's Demi! I hope no one will recognize him when he comes on as the son. I'll never forgive you for not doing the villain65 yourself.'
'This scene ought to have come later; but I wanted to show that the mother was the heroine as soon as possible. I'm tired of love-sick girls and runaway67 wives. We'll prove that there's romance in old women also. Now he's coming!'
And in slouched a degraded-looking man, shabby, unshaven, and evil-eyed, trying to assume a masterful air as he dismayed the tranquil68 old woman by demanding his child. A powerful scene followed; and Mrs Meg surprised even those who knew her best by the homely69 dignity with which she at first met the man she dreaded71; then, as he brutally72 pressed his claim, she pleaded with trembling voice and hands to keep the little creature she had promised the dying mother to protect; and when he turned to take it by force, quite a thrill went through the house as the old woman sprung to snatch it from the cradle, and holding it close, defied him in God's name to tear it from that sacred refuge. It was really well done; and the round of applause that greeted the fine tableau73 of the indignant old woman, the rosy74, blinking baby clinging to her neck, and the daunted75 man who dared not execute his evil purpose with such a defender76 for helpless innocence77, told the excited authors that their first scene was a hit.
The second was quieter, and introduced Josie as a bonny country lass setting the supper-table in a bad humour. The pettish78 way in which she slapped down the plates, hustled79 the cups, and cut the big brown loaf, as she related her girlish trials and ambitions, was capital. Mrs Jo kept her eye on Miss Cameron, and saw her nod approval several times at some natural tone or gesture, some good bit of by-play or a quick change of expression in the young face, which was as variable as an April day. Her struggle with the toasting-fork made much merriment; so did her contempt for the brown sugar, and the relish80 with which she sweetened her irksome duties by eating it; and when she sat, like Cinderella, on the hearth81, tearfully watching the flames dance on the homely room, a girlish voice was heard to exclaim impulsively82:
'Poor little thing! she ought to have some fun!'
The old woman enters; and mother and daughter have a pretty scene, in which the latter coaxes83 and threatens, kisses and cries, till she wins the reluctant consent of the former to visit a rich relation in the city; and from being a little thunder-cloud Dolly becomes bewitchingly gay and good, as soon as her wilful84 wish is granted. The poor old soul has hardly recovered from this trial when the son enters, in army blue, tells he has enlisted85 and must go. That is a hard blow; but the patriotic86 mother bears it well, and not till the thoughtless young folks have hastened away to tell their good news elsewhere does she break down. Then the country kitchen becomes pathetic as the old mother sits alone mourning over her children, till the grey head is hidden in the hands as she kneels down by the cradle to weep and pray, with only Baby to comfort her fond and faithful heart.
Sniffs87 were audible all through the latter part of this scene; and when the curtain fell, people were so busy wiping their eyes that for a moment they forgot to applaud. That silent moment was more flattering than noise; and as Mrs Jo wiped the real tears off her sister's face, she said as solemnly as an unconscious dab88 of rouge89 on her nose permitted:
'Meg, you have saved my play! Oh, why aren't you a real actress, and I a real playwright90?'
'Don't gush91 now, dear, but help me dress Josie; she's in such a quiver of excitement, I can't manage her, and this is her best scene, you know.'
So it was; for her aunt had written it especially for her, and little Jo was happy in a gorgeous dress, with a train long enough to satisfy her wildest dreams. The rich relation's parlour was in festival array, and the country cousin sails in, looking back at her sweeping92 flounces with such artless rapture93 that no one had the heart to laugh at the pretty jay in borrowed plumes. She has confidences with herself in the mirror, from which it is made evident that she had discovered all is not gold that glitters, and has found greater temptations than those a girlish love of pleasure, luxury, and flattery bring her. She is sought by a rich lover; but her honest heart resists the allurements94 he offers, and in its innocent perplexity wishes 'mother' was there to comfort and counsel.
A gay little dance, in which Dora, Nan, Bess, and several of the boys took part, made a good background for the humble figure of the old woman in her widow's bonnet95, rusty96 shawl, big umbrella, and basket. Her naive97 astonishment98, as she surveys the spectacle, feels the curtains, and smooths her old gloves during the moment she remains99 unseen, was very good; but Josie's unaffected start when she sees her, and the cry: 'Why, there's mother!' was such a hearty100 little bit of nature, it hardly needed the impatient tripping over her train as she ran into the arms that seemed now to be her nearest refuge.
The lover plays his part; and ripples101 of merriment greeted the old woman's searching questions and blunt answers during the interview which shows the girl how shallow his love is, and how near she had been to ruining her life as bitterly as poor 'Elizy' did. She gives her answer frankly102, and when they are alone, looks from her own bedizened self to the shabby dress, work-worn hands, and tender face, crying with a repentant103 sob42 and kiss: 'Take me home, mother, and keep me safe. I've had enough of this!'
'That will do you good, Maria; don't forget it,' said one lady to her daughter as the curtain went down; and the girl answered: 'Well, I'm sure I don't see why it's touching104; but it is,' as she spread her lace handkerchief to dry.
Tom and Nan came out strong in the next scene; for it was a ward32 in an army hospital, and surgeon and nurse went from bed to bed, feeling pulses, administering doses, and hearing complaints with an energy and gravity which convulsed the audience. The tragic54 element, never far from the comic at such times and places, came in when, while they bandaged an arm, the doctor told the nurse about an old woman who was searching through the hospital for her son, after days and nights on battlefields, through ambulances, and among scenes which would have killed most women.
'She will be here directly, and I dread70 her coming, for I'm afraid the poor lad who has just gone is her boy. I'd rather face a cannon106 than these brave women, with their hope and courage and great sorrow,' says the surgeon.
'Ah, these poor mothers break my heart!' adds the nurse, wiping her eyes on her big apron; and with the words Mrs Meg came in.
There was the same dress, the basket and umbrella, the rustic107 speech, the simple manners; but all were made pathetic by the terrible experience which had changed the tranquil old woman to that haggard figure with wild eyes, dusty feet, trembling hands, and an expression of mingled anguish108, resolution, and despair which gave the homely figure a tragic dignity and power that touched all hearts. A few broken words told the story of her vain search, and then the sad quest began again. People held their breath as, led by the nurse, she went from bed to bed, showing in her face the alternations of hope, dread, and bitter disappointment as each was passed. On a narrow cot was a long figure covered with a sheet, and here she paused to lay one hand on her heart and one on her eyes, as if to gather courage to look at the nameless dead. Then she drew down the sheet, gave a long shivering sigh of relief, saying softly:
'Not my son, thank God! but some mother's boy.' And stooping down, she kissed the cold forehead tenderly.
Somebody sobbed109 there, and Miss Cameron shook two tears out of her eyes, anxious to lose no look or gesture as the poor soul, nearly spent with the long strain, struggled on down the long line. But her search was happily ended for, as if her voice had roused him from his feverish110 sleep, a gaunt, wild-eyed man sat up in his bed, and stretching his arms to her, cried in a voice that echoed through the room:
'Mother, mother! I knew you'd come to me!'
She did go to him, with a cry of love and joy that thrilled every listener, as she gathered him in her arms with the tears and prayers and blessing111 such as only a fond and faithful old mother could give.
The last scene was a cheerful contrast to this; for the country kitchen was bright with Christmas cheer, the wounded hero, with black patch and crutches112 well displayed, sat by the fire in the old chair whose familiar creak was soothing113 to his ear; pretty Dolly was stirring about, gaily114 trimming dresser, settle, high chimney-piece, and old-fashioned cradle with mistletoe and holly; while the mother rested beside her son, with that blessed baby on her knee. Refreshed by a nap and nourishment115, this young actor now covered himself with glory by his ecstatic prancings, incoherent remarks to the audience, and vain attempts to get to the footlights, as he blinked approvingly at these brilliant toys. It was good to see Mrs Meg pat him on the back, cuddle the fat legs out of sight, and appease116 his vain longings117 with a lump of sugar, till Baby embraced her with a grateful ardour that brought him a round of applause all for his little self.
A sound of singing outside disturbs the happy family, and, after a carol in the snowy moonlight, a flock of neighbours troop in with Christmas gifts and greetings. Much by-play made this a lively picture; for Sam's sweetheart hovered118 round him with a tenderness the Marquise did not show the Baron; and Dolly had a pretty bit under the mistletoe with her rustic adorer, who looked so like Ham Peggotty in his cowhide boots, rough jacket, and dark beard and wig, that no one would have recognized Ted11 but for the long legs, which no extent of leather could disguise. It ended with a homely feast, brought by the guests; and as they sat round the table covered with doughnuts and cheese, pumpkin-pie, and other delicacies119, Sam rises on his crutches to propose the first toast, and holding up his mug of cider, says, with a salute120, and a choke in his voice: 'Mother, God bless her!' All drink it standing, Dolly with her arm round the old woman's neck, as she hides her happy tears on her daughter's breast; while the irrepressible baby beat rapturously on the table with a spoon, and crowed audibly as the curtain went down.
They had it up again in a jiffy to get a last look at the group about that central figure, which was showered with bouquets121, to the great delight of the infant Roscius; till a fat rosebud122 hit him on the nose, and produced the much-dreaded squall, which, fortunately, only added to the fun at that moment.
'Well, that will do for a beginning,' said Beaumont, with a sigh of relief, as the curtain descended123 for the last time, and the actors scattered124 to dress for the closing piece.
'As an experiment, it is a success. Now we can venture to begin our great American drama,' answered Mrs Jo, full of satisfaction and grand ideas for the famous play - which, we may add, she did not write that year, owing to various dramatic events in her own family.
The Owlsdark Marbles closed the entertainment, and, being something new, proved amusing to this very indulgent audience. The gods and goddesses on Parnassus were displayed in full conclave125; and, thanks to Mrs Amy's skill in draping and posing, the white wigs126 and cotton-flannel robes were classically correct and graceful127, though sundry modern additions somewhat marred128 the effect, while adding point to the showman's learned remarks. Mr Laurie was Professor Owlsdark in cap and gown; and, after a high-flown introduction, he proceeded to exhibit and explain his marbles. The first figure was a stately Minerva; but a second glance produced a laugh, for the words 'Women's Rights' adorned129 her shield, a scroll130 bearing the motto 'Vote early and often' hung from the beak131 of the owl16 perched on her lance, and a tiny pestle132 and mortar133 ornamented134 her helmet. Attention was drawn to the firm mouth, the piercing eye, the awe-inspiring brow, of the strong-minded woman of antiquity135, and some scathing136 remarks made upon the degeneracy of her modern sisters who failed to do their duty. Mercury came next, and was very fine in his airy attitude, though the winged legs quivered as if it was difficult to keep the lively god in his place. His restless nature was dilated137 upon, his mischievous138 freaks alluded139 to, and a very bad character given to the immortal140 messenger-boy; which delighted his friends and caused the marble nose of the victim to curl visibly with scorn when derisive141 applause greeted a particularly hard hit. A charming little Hebe stood next, pouring nectar from a silver teapot into a blue china tea-cup. She also pointed142 a moral; for the Professor explained that the nectar of old was the beverage143 which cheers but does not inebriate144, and regretted that the excessive devotion of American women to this classic brew145 proved so harmful, owing to the great development of brain their culture produced. A touch at modern servants, in contrast to this accomplished146 table-girl, made the statue's cheeks glow under the chalk, and brought her a hearty round as the audience recognized Dolly and the smart soubrette.
Jove in all his majesty147 followed, as he and his wife occupied the central pedestals in the half-circle of immortals148. A splendid Jupiter, with hair well set up off the fine brow, ambrosial149 beard, silver thunderbolts in one hand, and a well-worn ferule in the other. A large stuffed eagle from the museum stood at his feet; and the benign150 expression of his august countenance151 showed that he was in a good humour - as well he might be, for he was paid some handsome compliments upon his wise rule, the peaceful state of his kingdom, and the brood of all-accomplished Pallases that yearly issued from his mighty152 brain. Cheers greeted this and other pleasant words, and caused the thunderer to bow his thanks; for 'Jove nods', as everyone knows, and flattery wins the heart of gods and men.
Mrs Juno, with her peacocks, darning-needle, pen, and cooking-spoon, did not get off so easily; for the Professor was down on her with all manner of mirth-provoking accusations153, criticisms, and insults even. He alluded to her domestic infelicity, her meddlesome154 disposition155, sharp tongue, bad temper, and jealousy156, closing, however, with a tribute to her skill in caring for the wounds and settling the quarrels of belligerent157 heroes, as well as her love for youths in Olympus and on earth. Gales158 of laughter greeted these hits, varied by hisses159 from some indignant boys, who would not bear, even in joke, any disrespect to dear Mother Bhaer, who, however, enjoyed it all immensely, as the twinkle in her eye and the irrepressible pucker160 of her lips betrayed.
A jolly Bacchus astride of his cask took Vulcan's place, and appeared to be very comfortable with a beer-mug in one hand, a champagne161 bottle in the other, and a garland of grapes on his curly head. He was the text of a short temperance lecture, aimed directly at a row of smart young gentlemen who lined the walls of the auditorium162. George Cole was seen to dodge163 behind a pillar at one point, Dolly nudged his neighbour at another, and there was laughter all along the line as the Professor glared at them through his big glasses, and dragged their bacchanalian164 orgies to the light and held them up to scorn.
Seeing the execution he had done, the learned man turned to the lovely Diana, who stood as white and still as the plaster stag beside her, with sandals, bow, and crescent; quite perfect, and altogether the best piece of statuary in the show. She was very tenderly treated by the paternal165 critic who, merely alluding166 to her confirmed spinsterhood, fondness for athletic167 sports, and oracular powers, gave a graceful little exposition of true art and passed on to the last figure.
This was Apollo in full fig36, his curls skilfully arranged to hide a well-whitened patch over the eye, his handsome legs correctly poised168, and his gifted fingers about to draw divine music from the silvered gridiron which was his lyre. His divine attributes were described, as well as his little follies169 and failings, among which were his weakness for photography and flute-playing, his attempts to run a newspaper, and his fondness for the society of the Muses; which latter slap produced giggles170 and blushes among the girl-graduates, and much mirth among the stricken youths; for misery171 loves company, and after this they began to rally.
Then, with a ridiculous conclusion, the Professor bowed his thanks; and after several recalls the curtain fell, but not quickly enough to conceal172 Mercury, wildly waving his liberated173 legs, Hebe dropping her teapot, Bacchus taking a lovely roll on his barrel, and Mrs Juno rapping the impertinent Owlsdark on the head with Jove's ruler.
While the audience filed out to supper in the hall, the stage was a scene of dire105 confusion as gods and goddesses, farmers and barons174, maids and carpenters, congratulated one another on the success of their labours. Assuming various costumes, actors and actresses soon joined their guests, to sip175 bounteous176 draughts177 of praise with their coffee, and cool their modest blushes with ice-cream. Mrs Meg was a proud and happy woman when Miss Cameron came to her as she sat by Josie, with Demi serving both, and said, so cordially that it was impossible to doubt the sincerity178 of her welcome words:
'Mrs Brooke, I no longer wonder where your children get their talent. I make my compliments to the Baron and next summer you must let me have little "Dolly" as a pupil when we are at the beach.'
One can easily imagine how this offer was received, as well as the friendly commendation bestowed179 by the same kind critic on the work of Beaumont and Fletcher, who hastened to explain that this trifle was only an attempt to make nature and art go hand in hand, with little help from fine writing or imposing180 scenery. Everybody was in the happiest mood, especially 'little Dolly', who danced like a will-o'-the-wisp with light-footed Mercury and Apollo as he promenaded181 with the Marquise on his arm, who seemed to have left her coquetry in the green room with her rouge.
When all was over, Mrs Juno said to Jove, to whose arm she clung as they trudged182 home along the snowy paths: 'Fritz dear, Christmas is a good time for new resolutions, and I've made one never to be impatient or fretful with my beloved husband again. I know I am, though you won't own it; but Laurie's fun had some truth in it, and I felt hit in a tender spot. Henceforth I am a model wife, else I don't deserve the dearest, best man ever born'; and being in a dramatic mood, Mrs Juno tenderly embraced her excellent Jove in the moonlight, to the great amusement of sundry lingerers behind them.
So all three plays might be considered successes, and that merry Christmas night a memorable183 one in the March family; for Demi got an unspoken question answered, Josie's fondest wish was granted, and, thanks to Professor Owlsdark's jest, Mrs Jo made Professor Bhaer's busy life quite a bed of roses by the keeping of her resolution. A few days later she had her reward for this burst of virtue184 in Dan's letter, which set her fears at rest and made her very happy, though she was unable to tell him so, because he sent her no address.
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humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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theatricals
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| n.（业余性的）戏剧演出，舞台表演艺术；职业演员；戏剧的( theatrical的名词复数 )；剧场的；炫耀的；戏剧性的 | |
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afflicting
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| 痛苦的 | |
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proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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muses
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| v.沉思，冥想( muse的第三人称单数 )；沉思自语说（某事） | |
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donor
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| n.捐献者；赠送人；(组织、器官等的)供体 | |
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decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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Vogue
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| n.时髦，时尚；adj.流行的 | |
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redeem
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| v.买回，赎回，挽回，恢复，履行（诺言等） | |
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contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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ted
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| vt.翻晒，撒，撒开 | |
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mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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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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owl
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| n.猫头鹰，枭 | |
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curbing
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| n.边石，边石的材料v.限制，克制，抑制( curb的现在分词 ) | |
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rehearsals
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| n.练习( rehearsal的名词复数 )；排练；复述；重复 | |
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scramble
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| v.爬行，攀爬，杂乱蔓延，碎片，片段，废料 | |
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20
evergreen
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| n.常青树；adj.四季常青的 | |
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21
holly
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| n.[植]冬青属灌木 | |
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22
tuned
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| adj.调谐的，已调谐的v.调音( tune的过去式和过去分词 )；调整；（给收音机、电视等）调谐；使协调 | |
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23
lavish
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| adj.无节制的；浪费的；vt.慷慨地给予，挥霍 | |
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24
elegance
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| n.优雅；优美，雅致；精致，巧妙 | |
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25
stifling
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| a.令人窒息的 | |
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26
perspiring
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| v.出汗，流汗( perspire的现在分词 ) | |
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27
sundry
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| adj.各式各样的，种种的 | |
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28
dime
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| n.（指美国、加拿大的钱币）一角 | |
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29
pervaded
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| v.遍及，弥漫( pervade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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30
gasp
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| n.喘息，气喘；v.喘息；气吁吁他说 | |
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31
varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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32
ward
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| n.守卫，监护，病房，行政区，由监护人或法院保护的人（尤指儿童）；vt.守护，躲开 | |
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33
velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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34
remarkably
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| ad.不同寻常地，相当地 | |
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35
plumes
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| 羽毛( plume的名词复数 )； 羽毛饰； 羽毛状物； 升上空中的羽状物 | |
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36
fig
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| n.无花果(树) | |
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37
wig
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| n.假发 | |
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38
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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39
baron
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| n.男爵；(商业界等)巨头，大王 | |
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40
inquisitive
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| adj.求知欲强的，好奇的，好寻根究底的 | |
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41
witty
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| adj.机智的，风趣的 | |
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42
sob
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| n.空间轨道的轰炸机；呜咽，哭泣 | |
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43
apron
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| n.围裙；工作裙 | |
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44
pervading
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| v.遍及，弥漫( pervade的现在分词 ) | |
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45
jaunty
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|
| adj．愉快的，满足的；adv.心满意足地，洋洋得意地；n.心满意足；洋洋得意 | |
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46
slippers
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| n. 拖鞋 | |
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47
smoothly
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| adv.平滑地，顺利地，流利地，流畅地 | |
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48
tormenting
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| 使痛苦的，使苦恼的 | |
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49
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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50
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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51
inflicting
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| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的现在分词 ) | |
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52
literally
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| adv.照字面意义，逐字地；确实 | |
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53
neatly
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| adv.整洁地，干净地，灵巧地，熟练地 | |
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54
tragic
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| adj.悲剧的，悲剧性的，悲惨的 | |
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55
tragically
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| adv. 悲剧地，悲惨地 | |
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56
catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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57
eloquent
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| adj.雄辩的，口才流利的；明白显示出的 | |
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58
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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59
farmhouse
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| n.农场住宅（尤指主要住房） | |
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60
skilfully
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| adv. (美skillfully)熟练地 | |
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61
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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62
enlist
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| vt.谋取(支持等)，赢得；征募；vi.入伍 | |
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63
babble
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| v.含糊不清地说，胡言乱语地说，儿语 | |
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64
risky
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| adj.有风险的，冒险的 | |
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65
villain
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| n.反派演员，反面人物；恶棍；问题的起因 | |
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66
melodrama
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| n.音乐剧；情节剧 | |
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67
runaway
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| n.逃走的人，逃亡，亡命者；adj.逃亡的，逃走的 | |
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68
tranquil
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| adj. 安静的, 宁静的, 稳定的, 不变的 | |
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69
homely
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| adj.家常的，简朴的；不漂亮的 | |
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70
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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71
dreaded
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| 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) | |
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72
brutally
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| adv.残忍地，野蛮地，冷酷无情地 | |
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73
tableau
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| n.画面，活人画（舞台上活人扮的静态画面） | |
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74
rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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75
daunted
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| 使（某人）气馁，威吓( daunt的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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76
defender
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| n.保卫者，拥护者，辩护人 | |
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77
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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78
pettish
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| adj.易怒的，使性子的 | |
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79
hustled
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| 催促（hustle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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80
relish
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|
| n.滋味，享受，爱好，调味品；vt.加调味料，享受，品味；vi.有滋味 | |
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81
hearth
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| n.壁炉炉床，壁炉地面 | |
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82
impulsively
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| adv.冲动地 | |
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83
coaxes
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| v.哄，用好话劝说( coax的第三人称单数 )；巧言骗取；哄劝，劝诱 | |
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84
wilful
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| adj.任性的，故意的 | |
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85
enlisted
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| adj.应募入伍的v.（使）入伍， （使）参军( enlist的过去式和过去分词 )；获得（帮助或支持） | |
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86
patriotic
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| adj.爱国的，有爱国心的 | |
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87
sniffs
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| v.以鼻吸气，嗅，闻( sniff的第三人称单数 )；抽鼻子（尤指哭泣、患感冒等时出声地用鼻子吸气）；抱怨，不以为然地说 | |
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88
dab
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| v.轻触，轻拍，轻涂；n.(颜料等的)轻涂 | |
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89
rouge
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| n.胭脂，口红唇膏；v.(在…上)擦口红 | |
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90
playwright
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| n.剧作家，编写剧本的人 | |
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91
gush
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| v.喷，涌；滔滔不绝(说话)；n.喷，涌流；迸发 | |
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92
sweeping
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| adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的 | |
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93
rapture
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| n.狂喜；全神贯注；着迷；v.使狂喜 | |
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94
allurements
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| n.诱惑( allurement的名词复数 )；吸引；诱惑物；有诱惑力的事物 | |
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95
bonnet
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| n.无边女帽；童帽 | |
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96
rusty
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| adj.生锈的；锈色的；荒废了的 | |
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97
naive
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| adj.幼稚的，轻信的；天真的 | |
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98
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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99
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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100
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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101
ripples
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| 逐渐扩散的感觉( ripple的名词复数 ) | |
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102
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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103
repentant
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| adj.对…感到悔恨的 | |
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104
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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105
dire
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| adj.可怕的，悲惨的，阴惨的，极端的 | |
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106
cannon
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| n.大炮，火炮；飞机上的机关炮 | |
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107
rustic
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| adj.乡村的，有乡村特色的；n.乡下人，乡巴佬 | |
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108
anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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109
sobbed
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| 哭泣，啜泣( sob的过去式和过去分词 )； 哭诉，呜咽地说 | |
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110
feverish
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| adj.发烧的，狂热的，兴奋的 | |
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111
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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112
crutches
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| n.拐杖, 支柱 v.支撑 | |
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113
soothing
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| adj.慰藉的；使人宽心的；镇静的 | |
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114
gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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115
nourishment
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| n.食物，营养品；营养情况 | |
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116
appease
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| v.安抚，缓和，平息，满足 | |
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117
longings
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| 渴望，盼望( longing的名词复数 ) | |
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118
hovered
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| 鸟( hover的过去式和过去分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫 | |
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119
delicacies
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| n.棘手( delicacy的名词复数 )；精致；精美的食物；周到 | |
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120
salute
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| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
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121
bouquets
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| n.花束( bouquet的名词复数 )；（酒的）芳香 | |
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122
rosebud
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| n.蔷薇花蕾，妙龄少女 | |
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123
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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124
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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125
conclave
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| n.秘密会议，红衣主教团 | |
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126
wigs
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| n.假发，法官帽( wig的名词复数 ) | |
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127
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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128
marred
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| adj. 被损毁, 污损的 | |
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129
adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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130
scroll
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| n.卷轴，纸卷；(石刻上的)漩涡 | |
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131
beak
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| n.鸟嘴，茶壶嘴，钩形鼻 | |
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132
pestle
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| n.杵 | |
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133
mortar
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| n.灰浆，灰泥；迫击炮；v.把…用灰浆涂接合 | |
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134
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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135
antiquity
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| n.古老；高龄；古物，古迹 | |
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136
scathing
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| adj.（言词、文章）严厉的，尖刻的；不留情的adv.严厉地，尖刻地v.伤害，损害（尤指使之枯萎）( scathe的现在分词) | |
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137
dilated
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| adj.加宽的，扩大的v.（使某物）扩大，膨胀，张大( dilate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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138
mischievous
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| adj.调皮的，恶作剧的，有害的，伤人的 | |
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139
alluded
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| 提及，暗指( allude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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140
immortal
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| adj.不朽的；永生的，不死的；神的 | |
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141
derisive
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| adj.嘲弄的 | |
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142
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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143
beverage
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| n.(水，酒等之外的)饮料 | |
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144
inebriate
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| v.使醉 | |
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145
brew
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| v.酿造，调制 | |
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146
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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147
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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148
immortals
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| 不朽的人物( immortal的名词复数 )； 永生不朽者 | |
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149
ambrosial
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| adj.美味的 | |
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150
benign
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| adj.善良的，慈祥的；良性的，无危险的 | |
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151
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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152
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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153
accusations
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| n.指责( accusation的名词复数 )；指控；控告；（被告发、控告的）罪名 | |
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154
meddlesome
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| adj.爱管闲事的 | |
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155
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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156
jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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157
belligerent
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| adj.好战的，挑起战争的；n.交战国，交战者 | |
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158
gales
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| 龙猫 | |
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159
hisses
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| 嘶嘶声( hiss的名词复数 ) | |
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160
pucker
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| v.撅起，使起皱；n.（衣服上的）皱纹，褶子 | |
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161
champagne
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| n.香槟酒；微黄色 | |
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162
auditorium
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| n.观众席，听众席；会堂，礼堂 | |
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163
dodge
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| v.闪开，躲开，避开；n.妙计，诡计 | |
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164
bacchanalian
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| adj.闹酒狂饮的；n.发酒疯的人 | |
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165
paternal
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| adj.父亲的，像父亲的，父系的，父方的 | |
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166
alluding
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| 提及，暗指( allude的现在分词 ) | |
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167
athletic
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| adj.擅长运动的，强健的；活跃的，体格健壮的 | |
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168
poised
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| a.摆好姿势不动的 | |
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169
follies
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| 罪恶，时事讽刺剧； 愚蠢，蠢笨，愚蠢的行为、思想或做法( folly的名词复数 ) | |
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170
giggles
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| n.咯咯的笑( giggle的名词复数 )；傻笑；玩笑；the giggles 止不住的格格笑v.咯咯地笑( giggle的第三人称单数 ) | |
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171
misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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172
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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173
liberated
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| a.无拘束的，放纵的 | |
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174
barons
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| 男爵( baron的名词复数 )； 巨头； 大王； 大亨 | |
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175
sip
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| v.小口地喝，抿，呷；n.一小口的量 | |
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176
bounteous
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| adj.丰富的 | |
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177
draughts
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| n. <英>国际跳棋 | |
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178
sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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179
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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180
imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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181
promenaded
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| v.兜风( promenade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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182
trudged
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| vt.& vi.跋涉，吃力地走（trudge的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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183
memorable
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| adj.值得回忆的，难忘的，特别的，显著的 | |
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184
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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