Work: A Story of Experience - Chapter 20
时间：2021-01-24 02:40:11
（单词翻译:单击）
"NEARLY twenty years since I set out to seek my fortune. It has been a long search, but I think I have found it at last. I only asked to be a useful, happy woman, and my wish is granted: for, I believe I am useful; I know I am happy."
Christie looked so as she sat alone in the flowery parlor1 one September afternoon, thinking over her life with a grateful, cheerful spirit. Forty to-day, and pausing at that half-way house between youth and age, she looked back into the past without bitter regret or unsubmissive grief, and forward into the future with courageous2 patience; for three good angels attended her, and with faith, hope, and charity to brighten life, no woman need lament3 lost youth or fear approaching age. Christie did not, and though her eyes filled with quiet tears as they were raised to the faded cap and sheathed4 sword hanging on the wall, none fell; and in a moment tender sorrow changed to still tenderer joy as her glance wandered to rosy6 little Ruth playing hospital with her dollies in the porch. Then they shone with genuine satisfaction as they went from the letters and papers on her table to the garden, where several young women were at work with a healthful color in the cheeks that had been very pale and thin in the spring.
"I think David is satisfied with me; for I have given all my heart and strength to his work, and it prospers7 well," she said to herself, and then her face grew thoughtful, as she recalled a late event which seemed to have opened a new field of labor8 for her if she chose to enter it.
A few evenings before she had gone to one of the many meetings of working-women, which had made some stir of late. Not a first visit, for she was much interested in the subject and full of sympathy for this class of workers.
There were speeches of course, and of the most unparliamentary sort, for the meeting was composed almost entirely9 of women, each eager to tell her special grievance10 or theory. Any one who chose got up and spoke11; and whether wisely or foolishly each proved how great was the ferment12 now going on, and how difficult it was for the two classes to meet and help one another in spite of the utmost need on one side and the sincerest good-will on the other. The workers poured out their wrongs and hardships passionately13 or plaintively14, demanding or imploring15 justice, sympathy, and help; displaying the ignorance, incapacity, and prejudice, which make their need all the more pitiful, their relief all the more imperative16.
The ladies did their part with kindliness17, patience, and often unconscious condescension18, showing in their turn how little they knew of the real trials of the women whom they longed to serve, how very narrow a sphere of usefulness they were fitted for in spite of culture and intelligence, and how rich they were in generous theories, how poor in practical methods of relief.
One accomplished19 creature with learning radiating from every pore, delivered a charming little essay on the strong-minded women of antiquity20; then, taking labor into the region of art, painted delightful21 pictures of the time when all would work harmoniously22 together in an Ideal Republic, where each did the task she liked, and was paid for it in liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Unfortunately she talked over the heads of her audience, and it was like telling fairy tales to hungry children to describe Aspasia discussing Greek politics with Pericles and Plato reposing23 upon ivory couches, or Hypatia modestly delivering philosophical24 lectures to young men behind a Tyrian purple curtain; and the Ideal Republic met with little favor from anxious seamstresses, type-setters, and shop-girls, who said ungratefully among themselves, "That's all very pretty, but I don't see how it's going to better wages among us now"
Another eloquent25 sister gave them a political oration26 which fired the revolutionary blood in their veins27, and made them eager to rush to the State-house en masse, and demand the ballot28 before one-half of them were quite clear what it meant, and the other half were as unfit for it as any ignorant Patrick bribed29 with a dollar and a sup of whiskey.
A third well-wisher quenched30 their ardor31 like a wet blanket, by reading reports of sundry32 labor reforms in foreign parts; most interesting, but made entirely futile34 by differences of climate, needs, and customs. She closed with a cheerful budget of statistics, giving the exact number of needle-women who had starved, gone mad, or committed suicide during the past year; the enormous profits wrung35 by capitalists from the blood and muscles of their employes; and the alarming increase in the cost of living, which was about to plunge36 the nation into debt and famine, if not destruction generally.
When she sat down despair was visible on many countenances38, and immediate39 starvation seemed to be waiting at the door to clutch them as they went out; for the impressible creatures believed every word and saw no salvation40 anywhere.
Christie had listened intently to all this; had admired, regretted, or condemned42 as each spoke; and felt a steadily43 increasing sympathy for all, and a strong desire to bring the helpers and the helped into truer relations with each other.
The dear ladies were so earnest, so hopeful, and so unpractically benevolent44, that it grieved her to see so much breath wasted, so much good-will astray; while the expectant, despondent45, or excited faces of the work-women touched her heart; for well she knew how much they needed help, how eager they were for light, how ready to be led if some one would only show a possible way.
As the statistical46 extinguisher retired47, beaming with satisfaction at having added her mite48 to the good cause, a sudden and uncontrollable impulse moved Christie to rise in her place and ask leave to speak. It was readily granted, and a little stir of interest greeted her; for she was known to many as Mr. Power's friend, David Sterling49's wife, or an army nurse who had done well. Whispers circulated quickly, and faces brightened as they turned toward her; for she had a helpful look, and her first words pleased them. When the president invited her to the platform she paused on the lowest step, saying with an expressive50 look and gesture:
"I am better here, thank you; for I have been and mean to be a working-woman all my life."
"Hear! hear!" cried a stout51 matron in a gay bonnet52, and the rest indorsed the sentiment with a hearty53 round. Then they were very still, and then in a clear, steady voice, with the sympathetic undertone to it that is so magical in its effect, Christie made her first speech in public since she left the stage.
That early training stood her in good stead now, giving her self-possession, power of voice, and ease of gesture; while the purpose at her heart lent her the sort of simple eloquence54 that touches, persuades, and convinces better than logic55, flattery, or oratory56.
What she said she hardly knew: words came faster than she could utter them, thoughts pressed upon her, and all the lessons of her life rose vividly57 before her to give weight to her arguments, value to her counsel, and the force of truth to every sentence she uttered. She had known so many of the same trials, troubles, and temptations that she could speak understandingly of them; and, better still, she had conquered or outlived so many of them, that she could not only pity but help others to do as she had done. Having found in labor her best teacher, comforter, and friend, she could tell those who listened that, no matter how hard or humble59 the task at the beginning, if faithfully and bravely performed, it would surely prove a stepping-stone to something better, and with each honest effort they were fitting themselves for the nobler labor, and larger liberty God meant them to enjoy.
The women felt that this speaker was one of them; for the same lines were on her face that they saw on their own, her hands were no fine lady's hands, her dress plainer than some of theirs, her speech simple enough for all to understand; cheerful, comforting, and full of practical suggestion, illustrations out of their own experience, and a spirit of companionship that uplifted their despondent hearts.
Yet more impressive than any thing she said was the subtle magnetism60 of character, for that has a universal language which all can understand. They saw and felt that a genuine woman stood down there among them like a sister, ready with head, heart, and hand to help them help themselves; not offering pity as an alms, but justice as a right. Hardship and sorrow, long effort and late-won reward had been hers they knew; wifehood, motherhood, and widowhood brought her very near to them; and behind her was the background of an earnest life, against which this figure with health on the cheeks, hope in the eyes, courage on the lips, and the ardor of a wide benevolence61 warming the whole countenance37 stood out full of unconscious dignity and beauty; an example to comfort, touch, and inspire them.
It was not a long speech, and in it there was no learning, no statistics, and no politics; yet it was the speech of the evening, and when it was over no one else seemed to have any thing to say. As the meeting broke up Christie's hand was shaken by many roughened by the needle, stained with printer's ink, or hard with humbler toil62; many faces smiled gratefully at her, and many voices thanked her heartily63. But sweeter than any applause were the words of one woman who grasped her hand, and whispered with wet eyes:
"I knew your blessed husband; he was very good to me, and I've been thanking the Lord he had such a wife for his reward!"
Christie was thinking of all this as she sat alone that day, and asking herself if she should go on; for the ladies had been as grateful as the women; had begged her to come and speak again, saying they needed just such a mediator64 to bridge across the space that now divided them from those they wished to serve. She certainly seemed fitted to act as interpreter between the two classes; for, from the gentleman her father she had inherited the fine instincts, gracious manners, and unblemished name of an old and honorable race; from the farmer's daughter, her mother, came the equally valuable dower of practical virtues65, a sturdy love of independence, and great respect for the skill and courage that can win it.
Such women were much needed and are not always easy to find; for even in democratic America the hand that earns its daily bread must wear some talent, name, or honor as an ornament66, before it is very cordially shaken by those that wear white gloves.
"Perhaps this is the task my life has been fitting me for," she said. "A great and noble one which I should be proud to accept and help accomplish if I can. Others have finished the emancipation67 work and done it splendidly, even at the cost of all this blood and sorrow. I came too late to do any thing but give my husband and behold68 the glorious end. This new task seems to offer me the chance of being among the pioneers, to do the hard work, share the persecution69, and help lay the foundation of a new emancipation whose happy success I may never see. Yet I had rather be remembered as those brave beginners are, though many of them missed the triumph, than as the late comers will be, who only beat the drums and wave the banners when the victory is won."
Just then the gate creaked on its hinges, a step sounded in the porch, and little Ruth ran in to say in an audible whisper:
"It's a lady, mamma, a very pretty lady: can you see her?"
"Yes, dear, ask her in."
There was a rustle70 of sweeping71 silks through the narrow hall, a vision of a very lovely woman in the door-way, and two daintily gloved hands were extended as an eager voice asked: "Dearest Christie, don't you remember Bella Carrol?"
Christie did remember, and had her in her arms directly, utterly72 regardless of the imminent73 destruction of a marvellous hat, or the bad effect of tears on violet ribbons. Presently they were sitting close together, talking with April faces, and telling their stories as women must when they meet after the lapse74 of years. A few letters had passed between them, but Bella had been abroad, and Christie too busy living her life to have much time to write about it.
"Your mother, Bella? how is she, and where?"
"Still with Augustine, and he you know is melancholy75 mad: very quiet, very patient, and very kind to every one but himself. His penances77 for the sins of his race would soon kill him if mother was not there to watch over him. And her penance76 is never to leave him."
"Dear child, don't tell me any more; it is too sad. Talk of yourself and Harry78. Now you smile, so I'm sure all is well with him."
"Yes, thank heaven! Christie, I do believe fate means to spare us as dear old Dr. Shirley said. I never can be gay again, but I keep as cheerful and busy as I can, for Harry's sake, and he does the same for mine. We shall always be together, and all in all to one another, for we can never marry and have homes apart you know. We have wandered over the face of the earth for several years, and now we mean to settle down and be as happy and as useful as we can."
"That's brave! I am so glad to hear it, and so truly thankful it is possible. But tell me, Bella, what Harry means to do? You spoke in one of your first letters of his being hard at work studying medicine. Is that to be his profession?"
"Yes; I don't know what made him choose it, unless it was the hope that he might spare other families from a curse like ours, or lighten it if it came. After Helen's death he was a changed creature; no longer a wild boy, but a man. I told him what you said to me, and it gave him hope. Dr. Shirley confirmed it as far as he dared; and Hal resolved to make the most of his one chance by interesting himself in some absorbing study, and leaving no room for fear, no time for dangerous recollections. I was so glad, and mother so comforted, for we both feared that sad trouble would destroy him. He studied hard, got on splendidly, and then went abroad to finish off. I went with him; for poor August was past hope, and mamma would not let me help her. The doctor said it was best for me to be away, and excellent for Hal to have me with him, to cheer him up, and keep him steady with a little responsibility. We have been happy together in spite of our trouble, he in his profession, and I in him; now he is ready, so we have come home, and now the hardest part begins for me."
"How, Bella?"
"He has his work and loves it: I have nothing after my duty to him is done. I find I've lost my taste for the old pleasures and pursuits, and though I have tried more sober, solid ones, there still remains80 much time to hang heavy on my hands, and such an empty place in my heart, that even Harry's love cannot fill it. I'm afraid I shall get melancholy, - that is the beginning of the end for us, you know."
As Bella spoke the light died out of her eyes, and they grew despairing with the gloom of a tragic81 memory. Christie drew the beautiful, pathetic face clown upon her bosom82, longing83 to comfort, yet feeling very powerless to lighten Bella's burden.
But Christie's little daughter did it for her. Ruth had been standing58 near regarding the "pretty lady," with as much wonder and admiration84 as if she thought her a fairy princess, who might vanish before she got a good look at her. Divining with a child's quick instinct that the princess was in trouble, Ruth flew into the porch, caught up her latest and dearest treasure, and presented it as a sure consolation85, with such sweet good-will, that Bella could not refuse, although it was only a fuzzy caterpillar86 in a little box.
"I give it to you because it is my nicest one and just ready to spin up. Do you like pussy-pillars, and know how they do it?" asked Ruth, emboldened87 by the kiss she got in return for her offering.
"Tell me all about it, darling," and Bella could not help smiling, as the child fixed88 her great eyes upon her, and told her little story with such earnestness, that she was breathless by the time she ended.
"At first they are only grubs you know, and stay down in the earth; then they are like this, nice and downy and humpy, when they walk; and when it's time they spin up and go to sleep. It's all dark in their little beds, and they don't know what may happen to 'em; but they are not afraid 'cause God takes care of 'em. So they wait and don't fret89, and when it's right for 'em they come out splendid butterflies, all beautiful and shining like your gown. They are happy then, and fly away to eat honey, and live in the air, and never be creeping worms any more."
"That's a pretty lesson for rne," said Bella softly, "I accept and thank you for it, little teacher; I'll try to be a patient 'pussy-pillar' though it is dark, and I don't know what may happen to me; and I'll wait hopefully till it's time to float away a happy butterfly."
"Go and get the friend some flowers, the gayest and sweetest you can find, Pansy," said Christie, and, as the child ran off, she added to her friend:
"Now we must think of something pleasant for you to do. It may take a little time, but I know we shall find your niche90 if we give our minds to it."
"That's one reason why I came. I heard some friends of mine talking about you yesterday, and they seemed to think you were equal to any thing in the way of good works. Charity is the usual refuge for people like me, so I wish to try it. I don't mind doing or seeing sad or disagreeable things, if it only fills up my life and helps me to forget."
"You will help more by giving of your abundance to those who know how to dispense91 it wisely, than by trying to do it yourself, my dear. I never advise pretty creatures like you to tuck up their silk gowns and go down into the sloughs92 with alms for the poor, who don't like it any better than you do, and so much pity and money are wasted in sentimental93 charity."
"Then what shall I do?"
"If you choose you can find plenty of work in your own class; for, if you will allow me to say it, they need help quite as much as the paupers94, though in a very different way."
"Oh, you mean I'm to be strong-minded, to cry aloud and spare not, to denounce their iniquities95, and demand their money or their lives?"
"Now, Bella, that's personal; for I made my first speech a night or two ago."
"I know you did, and I wish I'd heard it. I'd make mine to-night if I could do it half as well as I'm told you did," interrupted Bella, clapping her hands with a face full of approval.
But Christie was in earnest, and produced her new project with all speed.
"I want you to try a little experiment for me, and if it succeeds you shall have all the glory; I've been waiting for some one to undertake it, and I fancy you are the woman. Not every one could attempt it; for it needs wealth and position, beauty and accomplishments96, much tact97, and more than all a heart that has not been spoilt by the world, but taught through sorrow how to value and use life well."
"Christie, what is it? this experiment that needs so much, and yet which you think me capable of trying?" asked Bella, interested and flattered by this opening.
"I want you to set a new fashion: you know you can set almost any you choose in your own circle; for people are very like sheep, and will follow their leader if it happens to be one they fancy. I don't ask you to be a De Staël, and have a brilliant salon98: I only want you to provide employment and pleasure for others like yourself, who now are dying of frivolity99 or ennui100."
"I should love to do that if I could. Tell me how."
"Well, dear, I want you to make Harry's home as beautiful and attractive as you can; to keep all the elegance101 and refinement102 of former times, and to add to it a new charm by setting the fashion of common sense. Invite all the old friends, and as many new ones as you choose; but have it understood that they are to come as intelligent men and women, not as pleasure-hunting beaux and belles103; give them conversation instead of gossip; less food for the body and more for the mind; the healthy stimulus104 of the nobler pleasures they can command, instead of the harmful excitements of present dissipation. In short, show them the sort of society we need more of, and might so easily have if those who possess the means of culture cared for the best sort, and took pride in acquiring it. Do you understand, Bella?"
"Yes, but it's a great undertaking105, and you could do it better than I."
"Bless you, no! I haven't a single qualification for it but the will to have it done. I'm 'strong-minded,' a radical106, and a reformer. I've done all sorts of dreadful things to get my living, and I have neither youth, beauty, talent, or position to back me up; so I should only be politely ignored if I tried the experiment myself. I don't want you to break out and announce your purpose with a flourish; or try to reform society at large, but I do want you to devote yourself and your advantages to quietly insinuating107 a better state of things into one little circle. The very fact of your own want, your own weariness, proves how much such a reform is needed. There are so many fine young women longing for something to fill up the empty places that come when the first flush of youth is over, and the serious side of life appears; so many promising108 young men learning to conceal109 or condemn41 the high ideals and the noble purposes they started with, because they find no welcome for them. You might help both by simply creating a purer atmosphere for them to breathe, sunshine to foster instead of frost to nip their good aspirations110, and so, even if you planted no seed, you might encourage a timid sprout111 or two that would one day be a lovely flower or a grand tree all would admire and enjoy."
As Christie ended with the figure suggested by her favorite work, Bella said after a thoughtful pause:
"But few of the women I know can talk about any thing but servants, dress, and gossip. Here and there one knows something of music, art, or literature; but the superior ones are not favorites with the larger class of gentlemen."
"Then let the superior women cultivate the smaller class of men who do admire intelligence as well as beauty. There are plenty of them, and you had better introduce a few as samples, though their coats may not be of the finest broadcloth, nor their fathers 'solid men.' Women lead in society, and when men find that they can not only dress with taste, but talk with sense, the lords of creation will be glad to drop mere112 twaddle and converse113 as with their equals. Bless my heart!" cried Christie, walking about the room as if she had mounted her hobby, and was off for a canter, "how people can go on in such an idiotic114 fashion passes my understanding. Why keep up an endless clatter115 about gowns and dinners, your neighbors' affairs, and your own aches, when there is a world full of grand questions to settle, lovely things to see, wise things to study, and noble things to imitate. Bella, you must try the experiment, and be the queen of a better society than any you can reign33 over now."
"It looks inviting116, and I will try it with you to help me. I know Harry would like it, and I'll get him to recommend it to his patients. If he is as successful here as elsewhere they will swallow any dose he orders; for he knows how to manage people wonderfully well. He prescribed a silk dress to a despondent, dowdy117 patient once, telling her the electricity of silk was good for her nerves: she obeyed, and when well dressed felt so much better that she bestirred herself generally and recovered; but to this day she sings the praises of Dr. Carrol's electric cure."
"That's just what I want you to do with your patients. Dress up their minds in their best; get them out into the air; and cure their ills by the magnetism of more active, earnest lives."
They talked over the new plan with increasing interest; for Christie did not mean that Bella should be one of the brilliant women who shine for a little while, and then go out like a firework. And Bella felt as if she had found something to do in her own sphere, a sort of charity she was fitted for, and with it a pleasant sense of power to give it zest119.
When Letty and her mother came in, they found a much happier looking guest than the one Christie had welcomed an hour before. Scarcely had she introduced them when voices in the lane made all look up to see old Hepsey and Mrs. Wilkins approaching.
"Two more of my dear friends, Bella: a fugitive120 slave and a laundress. One has saved scores of her own people, and is my pet heroine. The other has the bravest, cheeriest soul I know, and is my private oracle121."
The words were hardly out of Christie's mouth when in they came; Hepsey's black face shining with affection, and Mrs. Wilkins as usual running over with kind words.
"My dear creeter, the best of wishes and no end of happy birthdays. There 's a triflin' keepsake; tuck it away, and look at it byme by. Mis' Sterlin', I'm proper glad to see you lookin' so well. Aunt Letty, how's that darlin' child? I ain't the pleasure of your acquaintance, Miss, but I'm pleased to see you. The children all sent love, likewise Lisha, whose bones is better sense I tried the camfire and red flannel123."
Then they settled down like a flock of birds of various plumage and power of song, but all amicably124 disposed, and ready to peck socially at any topic which might turn up.
Mrs. Wilkins started one by exclaiming as she "laid off" her bonnet:
"Sakes alive, there's a new picter! Ain't it beautiful?"
"Colonel Fletcher brought it this morning. A great artist painted it for him, and he gave it to me in a way that added much to its value," answered Christie, with both gratitude125 and affection in her face; for she was a woman who could change a lover to a friend, and keep him all her life.
It was a quaint122 and lovely picture of Mr. Greatheart, leading the fugitives126 from the City of Destruction. A dark wood lay behind; a wide river rolled before; Mercy and Christiana pressed close to their faithful guide, who went down the rough and narrow path bearing a cross-hilted sword in his right hand, and holding a sleeping baby with the left. The sun was just rising, and a long ray made a bright path athwart the river, turned Greatheart's dinted armor to gold, and shone into the brave and tender face that seemed to look beyond the sunrise.
"There's just a hint of Davy in it that is very comforting to me," said Mrs. Sterling, as she laid her old hands softly together, and looked up with her devout127 eyes full of love.
"Dem women oughter bin79 black," murmured Hepsey, tearfully; for she considered David worthy128 of a place with old John Brown and Colonel Shaw.
"The child looks like Pansy, we all think," added Letty, as the little girl brought her nosegay for Aunty to tie up prettily129.
Christie said nothing, because she felt too much; and Bella was also silent because she knew too little. But Mrs. Wilkins with her kindly130 tact changed the subject before it grew painful, and asked with sudden interest:
"When be you a goin' to hold forth131 agin, Christie? Jest let me know beforehand, and I'll wear my old gloves: I tore my best ones all to rags clappin' of you; it was so extra good."
"I don't deserve any credit for the speech, because it spoke itself, and I couldn't help it. I had no thought of such a thing till it came over me all at once, and I was up before I knew it. I'm truly glad you liked it, but I shall never make another, unless you think I'd better. You know I always ask your advice, and what is more remarkable132 usually take it," said Christie, glad to consult her oracle.
"Hadn't you better rest a little before you begin any new task, my daughter? You have done so much these last years you must be tired," interrupted Mrs. Sterling, with a look of tender anxiety.
"You know I work for two, mother," answered Christie, with the clear, sweet expression her face always wore when she spoke of David. "I am not tired yet: I hope I never shall be, for without my work I should fall into despair or ennui. There is so much to be done, and it is so delightful to help do it, that I never mean to fold my hands till they are useless. I owe all I can do, for in labor, and the efforts and experiences that grew out of it, I have found independence, education, happiness, and religion."
"Then, my dear, you are ready to help other folks into the same blessed state, and it's your duty to do it!" cried Mrs. Wilkins, her keen eyes full of sympathy and commendation as they rested on Christie's cheerful, earnest face. "Ef the sperrit moves you to speak, up and do it without no misgivin's. I think it was a special leadin' that night, and I hope you'll foller, for it ain't every one that can make folks laugh and cry with a few plain words that go right to a body's heart and stop there real comfortable and fillin'. I guess this is your next job, my dear, and you'd better ketch hold and give it the right turn; for it's goin' to take time, and women ain't stood alone for so long they'll need a sight of boostin'."
There was a general laugh at the close of Mrs. Wilkins's remarks; but Christie answered seriously: "I accept the task, and will do my share faithfully with words or work, as shall seem best. We all need much preparation for the good time that is coming to us, and can get it best by trying to know and help, love and educate one another, - as we do here."
With an impulsive133 gesture Christie stretched her hands to the friends about her, and with one accord they laid theirs on hers, a loving league of sisters, old and young, black and white, rich and poor, each ready to do her part to hasten the coming of the happy end.
"Me too!" cried little Ruth, and spread her chubby134 hand above the rest: a hopeful omen5, seeming to promise that the coming generation of women will not only receive but deserve their liberty, by learning that the greatest of God's gifts to us is the privilege of sharing His great work.
"Each ready to do her part to hasten the coming of the happy end."
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parlor
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| n.店铺，营业室；会客室，客厅 | |
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courageous
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| adj.勇敢的，有胆量的 | |
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lament
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| n.悲叹，悔恨，恸哭；v.哀悼，悔恨，悲叹 | |
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sheathed
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| adj.雕塑像下半身包在鞘中的；覆盖的；铠装的；装鞘了的v.将（刀、剑等）插入鞘( sheathe的过去式和过去分词 )；包，覆盖 | |
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omen
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| n.征兆，预兆；vt.预示 | |
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rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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prospers
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| v.成功，兴旺( prosper的第三人称单数 ) | |
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labor
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| n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦 | |
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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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grievance
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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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ferment
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| vt.使发酵；n./vt.（使）激动，（使）动乱 | |
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passionately
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| ad.热烈地，激烈地 | |
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14
plaintively
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| adv.悲哀地，哀怨地 | |
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15
imploring
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| 恳求的，哀求的 | |
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16
imperative
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| n.命令，需要；规则；祈使语气；adj.强制的；紧急的 | |
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17
kindliness
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| n.厚道，亲切，友好的行为 | |
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18
condescension
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| n.自以为高人一等，贬低(别人) | |
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19
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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20
antiquity
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| n.古老；高龄；古物，古迹 | |
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21
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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22
harmoniously
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| 和谐地，调和地 | |
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23
reposing
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| v.将（手臂等）靠在某人（某物）上( repose的现在分词 ) | |
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24
philosophical
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| adj.哲学家的，哲学上的，达观的 | |
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25
eloquent
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| adj.雄辩的，口才流利的；明白显示出的 | |
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26
oration
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| n.演说，致辞，叙述法 | |
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27
veins
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| n.纹理；矿脉( vein的名词复数 )；静脉；叶脉；纹理 | |
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28
ballot
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| n.（不记名）投票，投票总数，投票权；vi.投票 | |
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29
bribed
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| v.贿赂( bribe的过去式和过去分词 )；向（某人）行贿，贿赂 | |
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30
quenched
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| 解（渴）( quench的过去式和过去分词 )； 终止（某事物）； （用水）扑灭（火焰等）； 将（热物体）放入水中急速冷却 | |
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31
ardor
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| n.热情，狂热 | |
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32
sundry
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| adj.各式各样的，种种的 | |
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33
reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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34
futile
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| adj.无效的，无用的，无希望的 | |
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35
wrung
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| 绞( wring的过去式和过去分词 )； 握紧（尤指别人的手）； 把（湿衣服）拧干； 绞掉（水） | |
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36
plunge
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| v.跳入，(使)投入，(使)陷入；猛冲 | |
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37
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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38
countenances
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| n.面容( countenance的名词复数 )；表情；镇静；道义支持 | |
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39
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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40
salvation
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| n.（尤指基督）救世，超度，拯救，解困 | |
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41
condemn
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| vt.谴责，指责；宣判(罪犯)，判刑 | |
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42
condemned
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| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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43
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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44
benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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45
despondent
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| adj.失望的，沮丧的，泄气的 | |
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46
statistical
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| adj.统计的，统计学的 | |
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47
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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48
mite
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| n.极小的东西；小铜币 | |
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49
sterling
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| adj.英币的(纯粹的，货真价实的)；n.英国货币(英镑) | |
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50
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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51
stout
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| adj.强壮的，粗大的，结实的，勇猛的，矮胖的 | |
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52
bonnet
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| n.无边女帽；童帽 | |
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53
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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54
eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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55
logic
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| n.逻辑(学)；逻辑性 | |
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56
oratory
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| n.演讲术；词藻华丽的言辞 | |
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57
vividly
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| adv.清楚地，鲜明地，生动地 | |
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58
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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59
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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60
magnetism
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| n.磁性，吸引力，磁学 | |
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61
benevolence
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| n.慈悲，捐助 | |
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62
toil
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| vi.辛劳工作，艰难地行动；n.苦工，难事 | |
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63
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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64
mediator
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| n.调解人，中介人 | |
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65
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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66
ornament
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| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
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67
emancipation
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| n.（从束缚、支配下）解放 | |
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68
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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69
persecution
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| n. 迫害,烦扰 | |
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70
rustle
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| v.沙沙作响；偷盗(牛、马等)；n.沙沙声声 | |
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71
sweeping
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| adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的 | |
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72
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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73
imminent
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| adj.即将发生的，临近的，逼近的 | |
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74
lapse
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| n.过失，流逝，失效，抛弃信仰，间隔；vi.堕落，停止，失效，流逝；vt.使失效 | |
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75
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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76
penance
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| n.（赎罪的）惩罪 | |
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77
penances
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| n.（赎罪的）苦行，苦修( penance的名词复数 ) | |
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78
harry
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| vt.掠夺，蹂躏，使苦恼 | |
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79
bin
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| n.箱柜；vt.放入箱内；[计算机] DOS文件名:二进制目标文件 | |
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80
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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81
tragic
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| adj.悲剧的，悲剧性的，悲惨的 | |
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82
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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83
longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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84
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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85
consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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86
caterpillar
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| n.毛虫，蝴蝶的幼虫 | |
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87
emboldened
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| v.鼓励，使有胆量( embolden的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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88
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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89
fret
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| v.(使)烦恼；(使)焦急；(使)腐蚀，(使)磨损 | |
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90
niche
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| n.壁龛；合适的职务(环境、位置等) | |
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91
dispense
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| vt.分配，分发；配(药)，发(药)；实施 | |
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92
sloughs
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| n.沼泽( slough的名词复数 )；苦难的深渊；难以改变的不良心情；斯劳(Slough)v.使蜕下或脱落( slough的第三人称单数 )；舍弃；除掉；摒弃 | |
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93
sentimental
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| adj.多愁善感的，感伤的 | |
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94
paupers
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| n.穷人( pauper的名词复数 )；贫民；贫穷 | |
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95
iniquities
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| n.邪恶( iniquity的名词复数 )；极不公正 | |
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96
accomplishments
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| n.造诣；完成( accomplishment的名词复数 )；技能；成绩；成就 | |
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97
tact
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| n.机敏，圆滑，得体 | |
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98
salon
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| n.[法]沙龙；客厅；营业性的高级服务室 | |
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99
frivolity
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| n.轻松的乐事，兴高采烈；轻浮的举止 | |
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100
ennui
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| n.怠倦，无聊 | |
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101
elegance
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| n.优雅；优美，雅致；精致，巧妙 | |
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102
refinement
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| n.文雅；高尚；精美；精制；精炼 | |
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103
belles
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| n.美女( belle的名词复数 )；最美的美女 | |
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104
stimulus
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| n.刺激，刺激物，促进因素，引起兴奋的事物 | |
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105
undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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106
radical
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| n.激进份子，原子团，根号；adj.根本的，激进的，彻底的 | |
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107
insinuating
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| adj.曲意巴结的，暗示的v.暗示( insinuate的现在分词 )；巧妙或迂回地潜入；（使）缓慢进入；慢慢伸入 | |
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108
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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109
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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110
aspirations
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| 强烈的愿望( aspiration的名词复数 )； 志向； 发送气音； 发 h 音 | |
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111
sprout
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| n.芽，萌芽；vt.使发芽，摘去芽；vi.长芽，抽条 | |
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112
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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113
converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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114
idiotic
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| adj.白痴的 | |
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115
clatter
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| v./n.(使)发出连续而清脆的撞击声 | |
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116
inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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117
dowdy
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| adj.不整洁的；过旧的 | |
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118
gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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119
zest
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| n.乐趣；滋味，风味；兴趣 | |
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120
fugitive
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| adj.逃亡的，易逝的；n.逃犯，逃亡者 | |
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121
oracle
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| n.神谕，神谕处，预言 | |
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122
quaint
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| adj.古雅的，离奇有趣的，奇怪的 | |
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123
flannel
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| n.法兰绒；法兰绒衣服 | |
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124
amicably
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| adv.友善地 | |
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125
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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126
fugitives
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| n.亡命者，逃命者( fugitive的名词复数 ) | |
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127
devout
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| adj.虔诚的，虔敬的，衷心的 (n.devoutness) | |
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128
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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129
prettily
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| adv.优美地；可爱地 | |
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130
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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131
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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132
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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133
impulsive
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| adj.冲动的，刺激的；有推动力的 | |
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134
chubby
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| adj.丰满的，圆胖的 | |
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