Eight Cousins - Chapter 24
时间：2013-08-09 06:21:23
（单词翻译:单击）
Which?
"Uncle, I have discovered what girls are made for," said Rose, the day after the reconciliation1 of Archie and the Prince.
"Well, my dear, what is it?" asked Dr. Alec, who was "planking the deck," as he called his daily promenade2（散步，舞会） up and down the hall.
"To take care of boys," answered Rose, quite beaming with satisfaction as she spoke3. "Phebe laughed when I told her, and said she thought girls had better learn to take care of themselves first. But that's because she hasn't got seven boy-cousins as I have."
"She is right, nevertheless, Rosy4, and so are you, for the two things go together, and in helping5 seven lads you are unconsciously doing much to improve one lass," said Dr. Alec, stopping to nod and smile at the bright-faced figure resting on the old bamboo chair, after a lively game of battledore and shuttlecock（羽毛球，毽子）, in place of a run which a storm prevented.
"Am I? I'm glad of that; but really, uncle, I do feel as if I must take care of the boys, for they come to me in all sorts of troubles, and ask advice, and I like it so much. Only I don't always know what to do, and I'm going to consult you privately6 and then surprise them with my wisdom."
"All right, my dear; what's the first worry? I see you have something on your little mind, so come and tell uncle."
Rose put her arm in his, and, pacing to and fro, told him all about Charlie, asking what she could do to keep him straight, and be a real sister to him.
"Could you make up your mind to go and stay with Aunt Clara a month?" asked the Doctor, when she ended.
"Yes, sir; but I shouldn't like it. Do you really want me to go?"
"The best cure for Charlie is a daily dose of Rose water, or Rose and water, or Rose and water; will you go and see that he takes it?" laughed Dr. Alec.
"You mean that if I'm there and try to make it pleasant, he will stay at home and keep out of mischief7?"
"Exactly."
"But could I make it pleasant? He would want the boys."
"No danger but he'd have the boys, for they swarm8 after you like bees after their queen. Haven't you found that out?"
"Aunt Plen often says they never used to be here half so much before I came, but I never thought I made the difference, it seemed so natural to have them round."
"Little modesty9 doesn't know what a magnet she is; but she will find it out some day," and the Doctor softly stroked the cheek that had grown rosy with pleasure at the thought of being so much loved. "Now, you see, if I move the magnet to Aunt Clara's, the lads will go there as sure as iron to steel, and Charlie will be so happy at home he won't care for these mischievous10 mates of his I hope," added the Doctor, well knowing how hard it was to wean a seventeen-year-old boy from his first taste of what is called "seeing life," which, alas11! often ends in seeing death.
"I'll go, uncle, right away! Aunt Clara is always asking me, and will be glad to get me. I shall have to dress and dine late, and see lots of company, and be very fashionable, but I'll try not to let it hurt me; and if I get in a puzzle or worried about anything I can run to you," answered Rose, good-will conquering timidity.
So it was decided12, and without saying much about the real reason for this visit, Rose was transplanted to Aunt Clara's, feeling that she had a work to do, and very eager to do it well.
Dr. Alec was right about the bees, for the boys did follow their queen, and astonished Mrs. Clara by their sudden assiduity in making calls, dropping in to dinner, and getting up evening frolics. Charlie was a devoted13 host, and tried to show his gratitude14 by being very kind to his "little sister," for he guessed why she came, and his heart was touched by her artless endeavours to "help him be good."
Rose often longed to be back in the old house with the simpler pleasures and more useful duties of the life there; but, having made up her mind, in spite of Phebe, that "girls were made to take care of boys," here motherly little soul found much to enjoy in the new task she had undertaken.
It was a pretty sight to see the one earnest, sweet-faced girl among the flock of tall lads, trying to understand, to help and please them with a patient affection that worked many a small miracle unperceived. Slang, rough manners, and careless habits were banished15 or bettered by the presence of a little gentlewoman; and all the manly16 virtues17 cropping up were encouraged by the hearty18 admiration19 bestowed20 upon them by one whose good opinion all valued more than they confessed; while Rose tried to imitate the good qualities she praised in them, to put away her girlish vanities and fears, to be strong and just, and frank and brave, as well as modest, kind, and beautiful.
This trial worked so well that when the month was over, Mac and Steve demanded a visit in their turn, and Rose went, feeling that she would like to hear grim Aunt Jane say, as Aunt Clara did at parting, "I wish I could keep you all my life, dear."
After Mac and Steve had had their turn, Archie and Company bore her away for some weeks; and with them she was so happy, she felt as if she would like to stay for ever, if she could have Uncle Alec also.
Of course, Aunt Myra could not be neglected, and, with secret despair, Rose went to the "Mausoleum," as the boys called her gloomy abode21. Fortunately, she was very near home, and Dr. Alec dropped in so often that her visit was far less dismal22 than she expected. Between them, they actually made Aunt Myra laugh heartily23 more than once; and Rose did her so much good by letting in the sunshine, singing about the silent house, cooking wholesome24 messes, and amusing the old lady with funny little lectures on physiology25, that she forgot to take her pills and gave up "Mum's Elixir," because she slept so well, after the long walks and drives she was beguiled26 into taking, that she needed no narcotic27.
So the winter flew rapidly away, and it was May before Rose was fairly settled again at home. They called her the "Monthly Rose," because she had spent a month with each of the aunts, and left such pleasant memories of bloom and fragrance28（香味） behind her, that all wanted the family flower back again.
Dr. Alec rejoiced greatly over his recovered treasure; but as the time drew near when his year of experiment ended, he had many a secret fear that Rose might like to make her home for the next twelve month with Aunt Jessie, or even Aunt Clara, for Charlie's sake. He said nothing, but waited with much anxiety for the day when the matter should be decided; and while he waited he did his best to finish as far as possible the task he had begun so well.
Rose was very happy now, being out nearly all day enjoying the beautiful awakening29 of the world, for spring came bright and early, as if anxious to do its part. The old horse-chestnuts budded round her windows, green things sprung up like magic in the garden under her hands, hardy30 flowers bloomed as fast as they could, the birds sang blithely31 overhead, and every day a chorus of pleasant voices cried, "Good morning, cousin, isn't it jolly（愉快的） weather?"
No one remembered the date of the eventful conversation which resulted in the Doctor's experiment (no one but himself at least); so when the aunts were invited to tea one Saturday they came quite unsuspiciously, and were all sitting together having a social chat, when Brother Alec entered with two photographs in his hand.
"Do you remember that?" he said, showing one to Aunt Clara, who happened to be nearest.
"Yes, indeed; it is very like her when she came. Quite her sad, unchildlike expression, and thin little face, with the big dark eyes."
The picture was passed round, and all agreed that "it was very like Rose a year ago." This point being settled, the Doctor showed the second picture, which was received with great approbation32, and pronounced a "charming likeness33."
It certainly was, and a striking contrast to the first one, for it was a blooming, smiling face, full of girlish spirit and health, with no sign of melancholy34, though the soft eyes were thoughtful, and the lines about the lips betrayed a sensitive nature.
Dr. Alec set both photographs on the chimneypiece, and, falling back a step or two, surveyed them with infinite satisfaction for several minutes, then wheeled round, saying briefly35, as he pointed36 to the two faces
"Time is up; how do you think my experiment has succeeded, ladies?"
"Bless me, so it is!" cried Aunt Plenty, dropping a stitch in her surprise.
"Beautifully, dear," answered Aunt Peace, smiling entire approval.
"She certainly has improved, but appearances are deceitful, and she had no constitution to build upon," croaked37 Aunt Myra.
"I am willing to allow that, as far as mere38 health goes, the experiment is a success," graciously observed Aunt Jane, unable to forget Rose's kindness to her Mac.
"So am I; and I'll go farther, for I really do believe Alec has done wonders for the child; she will be a beauty in two or three years," added Aunt Clara, feeling that she could say nothing better than that.
"I always knew he would succeed, and I'm so glad you all allow it, for he deserves more credit than you know, and more praise than he will ever get," cried Aunt Jessie, clapping her hands with an enthusiasm that caused Jamie's little red stocking to wave like a triumphal banner in the air.
Dr. Alec made them a splendid bow, looking much gratified, and then said soberly
"Thank you; now the question is, shall I go on? for this is only the beginning. None of you know the hindrances39 I've had, the mistakes I've made, the study I've given the case, and the anxiety I've often felt. Sister Myra is right is one thing Rose is a delicate creature, quick to flourish in the sunshine, and as quick to droop40 without it. She has no special weakness, but inherits her mother's sensitive nature, and needs the wisest, tenderest care, to keep a very ardent41（热情的） little soul from wearing out a finely organised little body. I think I have found the right treatment, and; with you to help me, I believe we may build up a lovely and a noble woman, who will be a pride and comfort to us all."
There Dr. Alec stopped to get his breath, for he had spoken very earnestly, and his voice got a little husky over the last words. A gentle murmur42 from the aunts seemed to encourage him, and he went on with an engaging smile, for the good man was slyly trying to win all the ladies to vote for him when the time came.
"Now, I don't wish to be selfish or arbitrary, because I am her guardian43, and I shall leave Rose free to choose for herself. We all want her, and if she likes to make her home with any of you rather than with me, she shall do so. In fact, I encouraged her visits last winter, that she might see what we can all offer her, and judge where she will be happiest. Is not that the fairest way? Will you agree to abide44 by her choice, as I do?"
"Yes, we will," said all the aunts, in quite a flutter of excitement at the prospect45 of having Rose for a whole year.
"Good! she will be here directly, and then we will settle the question for another year. A most important year, mind you, for she has got a good start, and will blossom rapidly now if all goes well with her. So I beg of you don't undo46 my work, but deal very wisely and gently with my little girl, for if any harm come to her, I think it would break my heart."
As he spoke, Dr. Alec turned his back abruptly47 and affected48 to be examining the pictures again; but the aunts understood how dear the child was to the solitary49 man who had loved her mother years ago, and who now found his happiness in cherishing the little Rose who was so like her. The good ladies nodded and sighed, and telegraphed to one another that none of them would complain if not chosen, or ever try to rob Brother Alec of his "Heart's Delight," as the boys called Rose.
Just then a pleasant sound of happy voices came up from the garden, and smiles broke out on all serious faces. Dr. Alec turned at once, saying, as he threw back his head, "There she is; now for it!"
"Here is our bonny Scotch51 rose with all her thorns about her," said Dr. Alec, surveying her with unusual pride and tenderness, as she went to show Aunt Peace her basket full of early flowers, fresh leaves, and curious lichens52.
"Leave your clutter53 in the hall, boys, and sit quietly down if you choose to stop here, for we are busy," said Aunt Plenty, shaking her finger at the turbulent Clan54, who were bubbling over with the jollity born of spring sunshine and healthy exercise.
"Of course, we choose to stay! Wouldn't miss our Saturday high tea for anything," said the Chief, as he restored order among his men with a nod, a word, and an occasional shake.
"What is up? a court-martial?" asked Charlie, looking at the assembled ladies with affected awe55 and real curiosity, for these faces betrayed that some interesting business was afloat.
Dr. Alec explained in a few words, which he made as brief and calm as he could; but the effect was exciting, nevertheless, for each of the lads began at once to bribe56, entice57, and wheedle58 "our cousin" to choose his home.
"You really ought to come to us for mother's sake, as a relish59, you know, for she must be perfectly60 satiated with boys," began Archie, using the strongest argument he could think of at the moment.
"Ah! yes," she thought, "he wants me most! I've often longed to give him something that he wished for very much, and now I can."
So, when, at a sudden gesture from Aunt Peace, silence fell, Rose said slowly, with a pretty colour in her cheeks, and a beseeching61 look about the room, as if asking pardon of the boys
"It's very hard to choose when everybody is so fond of me; therefore I think I'd better go to the one who seems to need me most."
"No, dear, the one you love the best and will be happiest with," said Dr. Alec quickly, as a doleful sniff62 from Aunt Myra, and a murmur of "My sainted Caroline," made Rose pause and look that way.
"Take time, cousin; don't be in a hurry to make up your mind, and remember, 'Codlin's your friend,' " added Charlie, hopeful still.
"I don't want any time! I know who I love best, who I'm happiest with, and I choose uncle. Will he have me?" cried Rose, in a tone that produced a sympathetic thrill among the hearers, it was so full of tender confidence and love.
If she really had any doubt, the look in Dr. Alec's face banished it without a word, as he opened wide his arms, and she ran into them, feeling that home was there.
No one spoke for a minute, but there were signs of emotion among the aunts, which warned the boys to bestir themselves before the water-works began to play. So they took hands and began to prance63 about uncle and niece, singing, with sudden inspiration, the nursery rhyme
"Ring around a Rosy!"
Of course that put an end to all sentiment, and Rose emerged laughing from Dr. Alec's bosom64, with the mark of a waistcoat button nicely imprinted65 on her left cheek. He saw it, and said with a merry kiss that half effaced66 it, "This is my ewe lamb, and I have set my mark on her, so no one can steal her away."
But Rose hushed the noise by slipping into the circle, and making them dance prettily68 like lads and lasses round a May-pole; while Phebe, coming in with fresh water for the flowers, began to twitter, chirp69, and coo, as if all the birds of the air had come to join in the spring revel70 of the eight cousins.
For the sequel, see "The Rose in Bloom."
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1
reconciliation
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| n.和解，和谐，一致 | |
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promenade
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| n./v.散步 | |
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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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rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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helping
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| n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的 | |
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privately
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| adv.以私人的身份，悄悄地，私下地 | |
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mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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8
swarm
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| n.(昆虫)等一大群；vi.成群飞舞；蜂拥而入 | |
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modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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mischievous
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| adj.调皮的，恶作剧的，有害的，伤人的 | |
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alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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12
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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13
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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14
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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banished
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| v.放逐，驱逐( banish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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18
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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20
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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wholesome
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| adj.适合；卫生的；有益健康的；显示身心健康的 | |
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physiology
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| n.生理学，生理机能 | |
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beguiled
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| v.欺骗( beguile的过去式和过去分词 )；使陶醉；使高兴；消磨（时间等） | |
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27
narcotic
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| n.麻醉药，镇静剂；adj.麻醉的，催眠的 | |
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28
fragrance
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| n.芬芳，香味，香气 | |
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29
awakening
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| n.觉醒，醒悟 adj.觉醒中的；唤醒的 | |
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30
hardy
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| adj.勇敢的，果断的，吃苦的；耐寒的 | |
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blithely
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| adv.欢乐地，快活地，无挂虑地 | |
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32
approbation
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| n.称赞；认可 | |
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33
likeness
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| n.相像，相似（之处） | |
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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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briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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croaked
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| v.呱呱地叫( croak的过去式和过去分词 )；用粗的声音说 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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hindrances
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| 阻碍者( hindrance的名词复数 )； 障碍物； 受到妨碍的状态 | |
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droop
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| v.低垂，下垂；凋萎，萎靡 | |
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41
ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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42
murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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43
guardian
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| n.监护人；守卫者，保护者 | |
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44
abide
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| vi.遵守；坚持；vt.忍受 | |
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45
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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46
undo
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| vt.解开，松开；取消，撤销 | |
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47
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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48
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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49
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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50
laden
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| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
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51
scotch
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| n.伤口，刻痕；苏格兰威士忌酒；v.粉碎，消灭，阻止；adj.苏格兰(人)的 | |
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52
lichens
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| n.地衣( lichen的名词复数 ) | |
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53
clutter
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| n.零乱，杂乱；vt.弄乱，把…弄得杂乱 | |
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clan
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| n.氏族，部落，宗族，家族，宗派 | |
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awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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56
bribe
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| n.贿赂；v.向…行贿，买通 | |
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entice
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| v.诱骗，引诱，怂恿 | |
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wheedle
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| v.劝诱，哄骗 | |
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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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60
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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61
beseeching
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| adj.恳求似的v.恳求，乞求（某事物）( beseech的现在分词 ) | |
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62
sniff
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| vi.嗅…味道；抽鼻涕；对嗤之以鼻，蔑视 | |
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63
prance
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| v.（马）腾跃，(人)神气活现地走 | |
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64
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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imprinted
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| v.盖印（imprint的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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effaced
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| v.擦掉( efface的过去式和过去分词 )；抹去；超越；使黯然失色 | |
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67
tickled
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| （使）发痒( tickle的过去式和过去分词 )； （使）愉快，逗乐 | |
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68
prettily
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| adv.优美地；可爱地 | |
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69
chirp
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| v.(尤指鸟)唧唧喳喳的叫 | |
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70
revel
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| vi.狂欢作乐，陶醉；n.作乐，狂欢 | |
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